Chapter 159: Pardon the Intrusion
Leaving a note, Rhodes quietly departed Tashigi's room, gently closing the door behind him, and glanced toward the shadows beside him.
Faint smoke drifted through the air.
It was none other than the base's commanding officer, Smoker.
"I never expected the world-renowned Dragon Slayer to be such a gentleman."
Smoker bit down on his two cigars and regarded Rhodes with a slightly complicated expression.
"Oh? What about it?"
Rhodes glanced at him with interest.
"Nothing. Get lost. I'll overlook your trespassing on Marine property this time."
Smoker shook his head and turned to leave.
Rhodes smiled faintly.
The Four Blues Marines—having enjoyed prolonged peace—had grown considerably corrupt. Smoker, a true Marine who still maintained genuine justice, was undoubtedly admirable.
"Unfortunately, justice and evil are never clearly defined."
Rhodes muttered to himself, then in a flash departed the Marine base and headed toward Reverse Mountain.
The East Blue incident was concluded, and next came the paramount War at Marineford.
If he wanted to rise to prominence through this war, some strategic preparation was necessary.
Reverse Mountain.
Gazing at the Red Line soaring into the sky, Rhodes's expression remained calm. After using his Door-Door ability several times, he arrived on the Grand Line side, then approached the Twin Cape lighthouse using Geppo.
Before Rhodes even drew close, a powerful voice echoed from within:
"Dragon Slayer? Truly a rare visitor..."
He looked down to see Crocus sitting at a stone table, leisurely sipping wine.
"Crocus-san."
Rhodes descended from the sky, walking slowly to a stone bench and taking a seat.
Crocus had already poured the wine and smiled at him:
"What brings you here?"
The old man seemed in good spirits—presumably because Luffy had already made a new promise with Laboon.
"I know about the Rumbar Pirates."
Rhodes took a sip. It was strong liquor—very strong—with a blood-red sheen.
He downed it in one gulp. Strong spirits should be consumed heartily.
"Oh?"
Crocus was slightly startled by these words. His expression remained composed, yet wonder and curiosity welled within him.
Who exactly was Rhodes?
Not only did he know about Roger's offspring, but he even seemed to know everything about the Rumbar Pirates from decades ago.
"What's the price, old man?"
"Speaking with someone who understands is refreshing."
Rhodes smiled. "You were Pirate King Roger's ship doctor. You must have some rare medicines and elixirs, correct?"
This world's top doctors existed for more than just treating their companions' injuries.
Whether it was the healing potions Rhodes had seen before, or national treasure-level medicines—they were all created by world-class physicians.
"Indeed, I do."
Crocus responded readily. He retrieved a box from the lighthouse, opened it, and placed it on the table. Inside lay vials of strangely glowing potions and small blue pills.
"Take whatever you need. They're useless to this old man anyway."
He then quietly pointed at the small blue pills and said:
"I was wondering why Roger requested these from me. Turns out he was secretly having a child. Hahahaha..."
"..."
Several black lines appeared on Rhodes's forehead. So Roger had such embarrassing history.
Of course, Rhodes absolutely didn't need such things.
He was young and vigorous. He could perform for an entire day and night—and would only grow stronger in the future. How could he possibly need such aids?
"Healing injuries... explosive potential... gigantification... female hormones? You even have this?"
Rhodes glanced at him in surprise.
Crocus blushed and said awkwardly:
"Ahem, a passing traveler traded this with me twelve years ago. I thought it was unique, so I kept it."
"Tsk."
Rhodes marveled. Ever since Ivankov—user of the Horu Horu no Mi—was imprisoned in Impel Down, even the Revolutionary Army lacked stock of this substance. He hadn't expected Crocus to possess it.
Truly a world-renowned doctor. His ability to preserve the potions' efficacy alone was remarkably impressive.
Rhodes was selective but not excessively picky, choosing two vials. Finally, out of some mischievous impulse, he also pocketed the female hormones.
"Alright, time for you to fulfill your promise."
Crocus said, putting away the box.
Rhodes nodded, then relayed all the information he'd learned about the Rumbar Pirates from the original story.
"Brook's still alive!"
Crocus grew somewhat excited.
But Rhodes shook his head and said: "He'll have his own journey ahead. Meeting him now might not be wise."
"Hmm?"
Crocus calmed slightly and regarded Rhodes with puzzlement.
"In the near future, he'll sail with Straw Hat Luffy, witness the birth of the next Pirate King together, journey around the world, and then reunite with Laboon after fulfilling his promise."
Rhodes spoke in measured, confident tones.
Crocus narrowed his eyes slightly, marveling at this. Could Rhodes possess some special Devil Fruit ability allowing him to see past and future?!
Otherwise, why did he know so much and speak so confidently—as if he'd actually witnessed these events?
Of course, Rhodes had witnessed them—albeit through a screen...
"Well, that's all I came to say. Farewell."
Rhodes collected the medicines and slowly stepped into the air, departing with effortless grace.
"..."
Crocus watched his retreating figure, eyes flickering thoughtfully.
"Old... too old. If that's truly the case, let them forge their own paths."
He shook his head and slowly sipped his wine.
If Rhodes had said this about anyone else, he probably wouldn't have believed it—but Straw Hat Luffy...
Arabasta, the royal capital.
"Less than an hour... from the East Blue to Arabasta."
Rhodes smiled faintly. Perhaps this was the legendary ability from his past life—morning in the North Sea, evening in the distant south.
With Door-Door Mastery, his mobility might not rival legendary deities, but in this pirate world, he could travel almost anywhere!
The world was so vast—where could he not go?
Legend told of the world's greatest assassin once using special abilities to infiltrate the holy land of Mariejois and assassinate important World Government figures. Now, with Door-Door Mastery, Rhodes could traverse space and accomplish the same feat!
If he were a thief, he'd surely be the world's greatest. No matter how strict the defenses or fortified the location, they would mean nothing to him.
"Let's check on Robin and Vivi."
Rhodes stood outside the palace, using his Observation Haki to sense their presences.
"Why are their auras overlapping?"
Rhodes felt slightly puzzled but didn't overthink it. He opened a door and stepped through.
"Ah, pardon the intrusion. Please continue."
The moment he opened the door, Rhodes was stunned by what he witnessed.
So this is how the Hana Hana no Mi can be used!
(End of Chapter)
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