Chapter 80: Sabaody Archipelago
Holy Land Mariejois.
The heart of this city is home of the Celestial Dragons, a towering castle so vast it seems as if it could pluck the stars with bare hands. Shrouded in mist, it feels otherworldly.
On the outskirts lie the headquarters of the World Government, home to the Five Elders and Fleet Admiral Kong.
Further out in the suburbs, high-ranking officials of the World Government, as well as Celestial Dragon servants, reside.
The route Rhodes and his companions took through the Red Line was somewhat more remote than the suburbs, leaving them only able to gaze upon the Holy Land of Mariejois in the distance.
Arriving here, Rhodes felt none of the awe he'd experienced when looking down at the sea and up at the sky. His heart remained calm.
Heaven and earth are worthy of awe, but this corrupt and degenerate aristocratic regime—the self-proclaimed gods known as Celestial Dragons—are nothing more than that.
The journey through the Red Line was uneventful, save for a slightly unsettling moment under the pretentious, condescending gazes of the Celestial Dragon guards.
Soon, Rhodes and his companions arrived at the first half of the Grand Line.
Here, something different awaited them.
This wasn't a technologically advanced elevator, but rather quite magical bubble pods.
These bubbles, a unique product of the Sabaody Archipelago's climate, were both incredibly practical and beautiful.
Another 10,000-meter descent.
Rhodes and his companions landed once again at Red Port, this time located in the first half of the Grand Line.
This port was noticeably busier and more bustling with activity.
As soon as they saw Rhodes and his companions emerge from the bubble pod, some people approached. Just as they were about to speak, they were startled by the sight of Soros, who seemed to be smirking. They retreated in panic.
Working for the World Government, Soros might seem insignificant to the truly powerful, but to these ordinary merchants, he was a formidable figure—someone not to be trifled with.
Seeing this, Soros couldn't help but smirk.
He might be unknown in the New World, but in the first half of the Grand Line, in the Sabaody Archipelago, he was a prominent figure, treated like a distinguished guest by countless people.
However, seeing Rhodes' half-smile, Soros shuddered and quickly led the way.
"This way, this way. I have a special ship heading to Sabaody."
Rhodes nodded calmly and moved forward.
Soros followed, a half-step behind, his demeanor extremely respectful.
The group quickly departed, but left a deep impression on the local merchants.
"Who is that young man? How could Soros be so respectful and deferential?"
"He must be the son of a high-ranking World Government official."
"Ah, being born into a good family really means less struggle in life."
Everyone shook their heads and sighed, envy and jealousy evident.
Meanwhile, Rhodes and his companions arrived at the port and boarded a luxurious, even ostentatious, large sailing vessel.
Seeing Rhodes' surprised look, Soros said awkwardly, "After all, we work for the World Government, so we have to maintain appearances."
"Smart thinking,"
Rhodes nodded casually.
Everyone has their own survival methods. Soros had to go to great lengths to form alliances and curry favor with the higher-ups.
Rhodes, on the other hand, only needed to focus on training and continuously grow stronger. In time, power, status, wealth, and beautiful women would naturally come to him.
A position built on overwhelming strength is the most stable.
...
The Sabaody Archipelago is a hub for the entire Grand Line.
It's not only a staging ground for pirates heading toward the New World, but also extremely close to Marine Headquarters and Red Port.
This naturally advantageous location has attracted countless pirates, Marines, World Government nobles and dignitaries, as well as numerous merchants.
Due to the World Government's tolerance of the Sabaody Archipelago's gray areas, many major dark world forces, such as the Donquixote Family, have established significant operations there.
This archipelago is considered the world's largest commodity distribution center, where all sorts of treasures can be found, including extremely rare items like Devil Fruits, which appear periodically.
Rhodes' trip to the Sabaody Archipelago wasn't just to explore this so-called gray zone, but also to search for renowned blades.
The fine sword forged at Revolutionary Army headquarters was now inadequate, unable to withstand his power even when reinforced with Armament Haki.
However, Rhodes preferred to find a permanent solution rather than frequently changing weapons.
A Supreme Grade sword would be best, but a Great Grade blade would also be acceptable.
So he asked Soros, "Which is the best weapon shop here? Preferably one that carries famous swords and blades?"
"Weapon shop?"
Soros was stunned, then suddenly slapped his forehead and said,
"There's an excellent weapon shop on Grove 14. It's said the owner is a master swordsmith who has forged blades for many renowned swordsmen and is quite famous."
"Oh?" Rhodes' eyes lit up.
Such a person might have a collection of fine swords.
Grove 14 was a lawless zone, with menacing pirates wielding katana and cutlasses everywhere.
However, a basic sense of order still existed.
"These neighboring groves are under the protection of the Donquixote Family. Ordinary pirates can fight, but they can't cause trouble in the shops."
Soros dutifully acted as a tour guide, explaining the customs and practices of the Sabaody Archipelago.
"I heard this year's Supernova, 'White Horse' Cavendish, has arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago."
"He's a real monster! He's already got a bounty of 280 million berries before even entering the New World."
A Supernova is a pirate with a bounty exceeding 100 million berries while still in the first half of the Grand Line. These individuals possess exceptional talent and strength, along with considerable luck.
"Cavendish? Not bad,"
Rhodes said indifferently. Supernova bounties are usually inflated, and Cavendish's true strength at this point was probably around the 240 million berry level.
This caliber of pirate is, at most, equivalent to a Vice Admiral. Perhaps his unique abilities make him somewhat formidable, but if Rhodes wanted to eliminate him, Cavendish couldn't even escape!
As long as he remained within sight.
"Sword Pavilion!"
"Although the Sabaody Archipelago has numerous shops and a vast marketplace, it's ultimately controlled by a few powerful factions. This Sword Pavilion is owned by one of them, with a history spanning hundreds of years," Soros introduced.
As the two entered, a staff member approached to inquire about their needs.
Those who came to the Sword Pavilion were at least skilled swordsmen, and even sword masters were not uncommon, often representing large organizations.
"Call your master swordsmith."
Although Soros was respectful in front of Rhodes, he immediately became authoritative when addressing a simple clerk.
"Sir?"
The clerk was slightly taken aback.
In a shop like the Sword Pavilion, the highest authority wasn't held by the manager, but by the master swordsmith who presided over it. These masters were renowned craftsmen, treasures of the establishment, and held significant influence within the powerful forces behind the scenes—carrying far more weight than any manager.
"Very well, please wait."
The clerk, though puzzled, saw their distinguished bearing and elegant attire and went to the back to fetch the master.
Rhodes and the others sat down, and a staff member immediately served them fragrant tea.
Not long after, a series of measured footsteps could be heard.
A master swordsmith, over fifty years old with an unkempt beard, emerged from the back area.
(End of Chapter)
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