Chapter 72: Peak
A few days later, in the training room.
This was the highest-standard training facility in the headquarters castle, constructed entirely of special materials only slightly weaker than Seastone. It measured several dozen square meters.
The equipment here was state-of-the-art, capable of measuring the strength and speed of ordinary officers in great detail, and providing rough estimates for senior officers' abilities. Anything beyond that would damage the equipment and render measurements impossible.
Koala had always trained here.
Rhodes stood before the punching force tester, contemplating for a moment before holding back slightly, then suddenly unleashing a powerful strike.
Bang!
The tester vibrated violently, dazzling red warning lights flickering continuously, as if it had been damaged.
Where his fist had connected, a mark several inches deep remained, its impression clearly visible.
"Hmm, I really can't use my full strength here," Rhodes rubbed his chin, silently assessing his current power.
Strengthening his internal organs didn't directly increase raw strength and speed, but it served a function similar to integration and coordination.
Previously, due to the fragility of his internal organs, Rhodes hadn't been able to utilize his full potential.
Unleashing everything would have damaged his internal organs.
But now, as his organs strengthened, this limitation gradually disappeared. His overall power became unified, and Rhodes' ability to exert force increased by a full twenty percent!
What a terrifying improvement!
With Rhodes' current strength, even just that twenty percent increase would be enough to crush typical pirate crews with bounties exceeding 100 million berries. Even ordinary Revolutionary Army officers might not be able to withstand it.
"This level of power should already surpass Lao G's. I wonder how much of a gap remains between me and a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral."
A thoughtful look flashed in Rhodes' eyes.
"Even if there's still a strength gap, combined with my lightning powers and swordsmanship, my destructive capability is more than enough to rival, or even surpass, that of an ordinary Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral."
There was a huge disparity between different Vice Admirals at Marine Headquarters.
An ordinary one would likely be easily defeated by someone of Doflamingo's caliber, but a top-tier Vice Admiral could withstand a brief challenge and hold their ground.
Of course, Garp-san was in a league of his own.
In summary, after undergoing internal tempering, Rhodes' physical constitution improved significantly. His breathing became deeper and more sustained, his fundamental qualities like strength were enhanced, raising his overall combat ability by a considerable margin.
If he were to face the combined might of Lao G and Gladius again, he should be able to finish the battle even faster.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside, and Koala entered.
Her gaze fixed on the punching strength tester in front of Rhodes. Seeing the clear fist impression on it, she asked with surprise, "Have you been practicing taijutsu?"
If this were damage from a sword strike, such destructive power wouldn't be unusual, but from a bare fist—that was quite astonishing.
"No, I've just gotten a bit stronger through recent training," Rhodes replied.
"..."
Several lines of confusion crossed Koala's smooth forehead. What did he mean by "gotten stronger through training"?
And just "a bit"?!
For a taijutsu specialist like herself, the power behind that single punch was far beyond her reach.
Koala said somewhat coolly, "Let's not discuss strength levels."
"Dragon-san asked me to fetch you. It seems there's an important mission. Let's go quickly."
"Alright, let me shower first. I'm all sweaty," Rhodes said.
"Go, go!"
Koala said impatiently, her tone sharp.
While waiting, Koala, expressionless, approached the punching machine and delivered her most powerful strike.
Unsurprisingly, Koala discovered that her punch couldn't even leave a mark on the device.
"..."
Koala's delicate eyebrows twitched slightly. She took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to dissect this monster Rhodes.
Of course, attempting to do so would likely result in Rhodes fighting back.
Rhodes showered quickly, dressed in no time, and emerged from the bathroom, calling to Koala, "Let's go."
"..."
Koala said nothing, leading the way with a sullen expression. The words "very displeased" were clearly written across her pretty face.
Rhodes ignored her mood. How could he be blamed for his rapid increase in strength?
In silence, the two continued forward.
Rhodes was surprised to find that Koala was actually leading him outside the headquarters castle.
"Could it be that she's angry and looking for a place to fight me?"
"Then should I hold back or go all out..."
Feeling the increasingly strange gaze behind her, Koala finally lost her patience and snorted coldly: "It's a combat assessment."
"Your strength has grown too much. To prevent the castle from being destroyed, the battle is set outside."
Just as she finished speaking, Rhodes spotted many figures standing in the distance: Monkey D. Dragon, the fishman Hack, and many other high-ranking Revolutionary Army members, as well as newer members like Kuro.
Further away, Sabo faced off against Ryuji in an open field.
"This mission seems quite challenging. Ryuji is actually handling their strength assessment."
Rhodes pondered, but his steps didn't falter. He approached Dragon and bowed respectfully.
His expression remained calm, his eyes meeting Dragon's with steady composure.
Perhaps a normal Revolutionary Army member, even someone like Sabo or Koala, would feel nervous and overwhelmed in Dragon's presence.
But not Rhodes.
In the eyes of a transmigrator, whether it was the Four Emperors' commanders, Dragon, or the Five Elders, they were merely towering mountains waiting to be conquered.
He respected them, but he wouldn't be intimidated.
Dragon stared at Rhodes intently, gazing into those dark eyes, calm as still water. Suddenly, the corners of his mouth curled upward, and he spoke in a low, measured voice, "You truly are the strongest reserve in the past twenty years."
"You flatter me." Rhodes remained calm and composed.
"Very good."
Dragon smiled, turning toward Sabo and Ryuji in the arena.
"You two may begin. Don't hesitate to attack with full power. I'll ensure your safety."
With Dragon's strength, he was more than capable of controlling the situation and preventing any accidents.
Both men nodded in acknowledgment.
"Please guide me."
As the junior, Sabo naturally bowed before assuming his fighting stance.
"You may attack first," Ryuji said softly, gripping his sword hilt, his expression showing subtle condescension.
Seeing this, Sabo's expression remained unchanged. He formed his hands into claws, circling Ryuji while moving constantly, like a panther preparing to strike, searching for an opening.
Ryuji's expression remained serene.
Even with his back turned to Sabo, he showed no sign of concern. He simply stood there quietly, one hand resting lightly on his katana's hilt.
Rhodes narrowed his eyes slightly, observing for a moment before muttering, "Sabo can't win."
Koala turned in surprise, somewhat defiantly saying, "Sabo is very strong. He'll definitely become a senior officer this year, and Ryuji is injured."
"In my opinion, the outcome is unpredictable," she snorted, perhaps still holding a grudge.
End of Chapter 72
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