Chapter 160: Guidance
Robin and Vivi were exploring creative applications of the Hana Hana no Mi, so Rhodes couldn't interrupt them. After departing, he headed directly to Baroque Works' headquarters.
Alabasta had already begun recovering from its drought and was flourishing once more. Naturally, Baroque Works relocated to the capital, serving as protectors of the royal family and further solidifying its status within Alabasta.
Thanks to Rhodes's presence, trust between both parties remained strong.
It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
One kingdom possessed vast territory and a large population, making it one of the world's oldest nations. The other commanded extensive intelligence networks and numerous elite combat forces, establishing a formidable presence throughout Alabasta's surrounding waters. Baroque Works could easily suppress any pirate crew short of Supernova level.
Headquarters.
As Alabasta's official security force, Baroque Works occupied an expansive headquarters complex, complete with dedicated training grounds.
At that moment, several agents were engaged in sparring.
Though it appeared to be a sparring match, it was actually seven or eight men surrounding a single bald fighter.
Clang! Clang!
Blades and axes rained down in a relentless barrage, yet none touched the bald man. Instead, his attackers' hands went numb from the impact.
"Daz-san, you're too tough! We can't even leave a scratch!"
one agent complained.
Daz Bones, formerly Mr. 1 of Baroque Works, responded coldly:
"If you can't even harm me, how will you face the pirates of the Grand Line and serve the Dragon Slayer in the future?"
Known for his taciturn nature, cold demeanor, and immense strength, Daz commanded tremendous respect among the cadre. A single word from him could shame them into silence.
"Your Armament Haki training is progressing too slowly."
Daz's tone remained measured. "Mastery of both Haki types is the foundation for becoming a true warrior of the seas. Never slack off."
To emphasize his point, he suddenly clenched his fist.
Black Armament Haki swirled around it!
Then, with explosive force, he struck a nearby steel training block.
BANG!
The supposedly indestructible steel dented inward!
Everyone gasped. Though they'd witnessed this before, the sight never failed to amaze them.
"Rhodes-sama has given us the opportunity to grow stronger. We must seize it."
Daz's expression remained grave.
After experiencing Haki firsthand, he realized how limited his previous worldview had been. Naturally, he felt profound gratitude and loyalty toward Rhodes—the man who had bestowed all this upon him.
Such a single-minded martial artist could only be won over through greater power and a path to true strength.
Watching from a distance, Rhodes nodded silently in approval.
Daz Bones was clearly a talent who'd been held back by circumstance.
the Dice-Dice Fruit—granted its user a body with hardness comparable to steel. As the fruit developed further, its defensive capabilities would inevitably increase, creating a true warrior with tremendous offensive potential.
If awakened, it might even rival Byakuya's Senbonzakura from the Bleach series—a power with incredible potential.
Furthermore, Daz's straightforward personality and pure dedication to martial arts made him easy to guide.
Daz, who'd been disciplining his subordinates, suddenly glanced up and spotted Rhodes standing nearby. His expression immediately shifted, and he hurried forward, bowing respectfully.
"Rhodes-sama!"
Seeing this, the others—initially unsure of the white-clad young man's identity—quickly bowed as well.
"Rhodes-sama!"
"Rhodes-sama!"
The shouts startled everyone in the training square.
"Rhodes-sama!"
Then everyone bowed in unison. The scene was spectacular—almost like a yakuza boss's arrival. Rhodes's mouth twitched slightly, though he couldn't deny the secret pleasure he felt.
This feeling of commanding an entire organization was something a lone wolf could never experience.
"Everyone, rise. Daz, follow me."
Rhodes nodded calmly, maintaining his composed expression as he walked toward the headquarters office.
Daz followed closely, his gaze focused and respectful.
The stronger one became, the more they understood the Dragon Slayer's true power.
If Daz's current strength was roughly sufficient to dominate Paradise—the first half of the Grand Line—then Rhodes was a force capable of ruling the New World. The difference between them was like heaven and earth.
After the two departed, the cadres and agents in the square straightened up, each revealing expressions of excitement.
For most present, this was their first time seeing the legendary Dragon Slayer.
"He really is as young as the rumors say."
"Young, yes—but truly terrifying. When Rhodes-sama glanced at me, I felt my soul freeze."
"I know what you mean. I broke out in a cold sweat."
The agents chatted amongst themselves, each showing deep reverence in their eyes.
Beyond anything else, it was his aura—like that of a king—that made people bow their heads unconsciously, not daring to meet his gaze directly.
Inside the office.
"You've done excellent work during this period."
Rhodes smiled at the bald man before him.
Unlike typical leaders, he didn't need to maintain mystique to command respect from his subordinates—he relied solely on his own overwhelming strength, capable of traversing the seas at will.
"Robin-san works much harder. I simply use brute force."
Daz's deep voice carried genuine sincerity.
He was a martial arts devotee, and his words reflected that honesty.
Rhodes nodded. Of course she was exhausted—otherwise she wouldn't be relaxing with Vivi right now.
"Rhodes-sama, could you please offer me guidance on becoming stronger? I feel like my strength has plateaued, and I'm uncertain about my path forward."
Daz spoke with complete sincerity.
Rhodes studied the bald man, particularly sensing the earnestness gleaming in his eyes. He pondered for a moment before speaking:
"You haven't mastered the Breath of All Things yet, have you?"
"I... haven't."
Daz shook his head, somewhat ashamed.
He considered himself a swordsman, yet he'd never been able to master the ability to cut steel—the gateway to becoming a true master swordsman.
"Sometimes you must sacrifice to gain. Perhaps pure swordsmanship isn't your true path. Your Devil Fruit ability is immensely powerful. If you develop it to its full potential and combine it with Armament Haki, you could traverse the seas with impunity."
Hearing Rhodes's words, Daz fell into contemplation. He'd originally practiced swordsmanship to complement his fruit ability—he'd never been as obsessed with the blade as someone like Zoro.
Perhaps by abandoning traditional swordsmanship, he could actually become even stronger?
The light in Daz's eyes flickered with realization.
Rhodes didn't interrupt his contemplation.
Regarding such matters concerning one's future path, others could only offer suggestions. Ultimately, one had to grasp their own truth.
As Daz pondered, Robin and Vivi arrived.
Both women's faces still carried faint blushes, making them particularly captivating.
Seeing Rhodes's teasing gaze, Vivi nearly buried her face in embarrassment, her ears turning scarlet.
Robin—ever the composed queen—maintained a calm expression as she met Rhodes's eyes. However, her slightly disheveled collar betrayed her lingering discomfort.
(End of Chapter)
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