Chapter 170: Panic
The Blue Sea dwellers Enel mentioned were naturally the Straw Hat Pirates who had just arrived at Skypiea.
They'd originally been enjoying themselves on Angel Island, but were suddenly attracted by the commotion coming from the forbidden territory. Coupled with words like "god" and "forbidden area" mentioned by Conis, Luffy—who lived for adventure—naturally charged in first.
Zoro and the others had no choice but to follow.
After considerable effort, Luffy and company arrived at the battlefield, where they found a striking, no—a domesticated tall beauty who'd seemingly lost her way.
Sanji's eyes immediately transformed into hearts.
Robin couldn't help but show a trace of surprise. Obviously, she hadn't expected to encounter the Straw Hat Pirates here.
She knew her boss seemed quite optimistic about this pirate crew.
"Who are you?"
Nami asked curiously, punching the lovestruck Sanji away.
Wasn't this a forbidden territory? How could there be another Blue Sea dweller here?
Could this woman have been the one fighting just now?
"I am the secretary of the Dragon Slayer. Miss Nami, pleased to meet you."
Looking at the young, attractive girl before her, Robin smiled gently, a hint of interest in her beautiful eyes.
"Rhodes's secretary?!!!"
Nami's voice nearly cracked.
The rest of Zoro and company also looked shocked.
Wasn't Rhodes in Alabasta? How could he have reached Skypiea earlier than them?!
Only Luffy instantly grasped the heart of the matter, saying with visible disappointment:
"Did Rhodes already beat up the god?"
Robin smiled softly, clearly confirming it.
Zoro and the others felt deflated, as if all their fighting spirit had hit cotton.
Nami stared at Robin intently, a hint of hostility in her jewel-like eyes.
Secretary? And so beautiful!
Wait... Nami felt as if she'd discovered something and couldn't help but pout.
Meanwhile, Rhodes had crossed considerable distance and reached the vine's summit.
He remained calm and unhurried.
While the thunder strike Enel could unleash with Ark Maxim was incredibly powerful, it was a supercharged technique requiring time to prepare. Rhodes had no concerns about Enel executing it so quickly.
Rumble.
The vines beneath his feet suddenly vibrated, shaking even the nearby clouds.
"It's activating?"
Rhodes blinked, somewhat intrigued by this so-called Ark Maxim. He tapped the vines with his foot, then suddenly soared through the air, passing through the clouds and arriving before the palace.
Upon arrival, Rhodes spotted several pale, emaciated figures running out of the palace, each wearing expressions of panic, fear, and despair.
Seeing Rhodes apparently just standing there, a kind-hearted individual advised:
"Young man, run! Kami-sama is about to destroy the world!"
Rhodes smiled and shook his head slightly before continuing toward the palace.
Rhodes, walking against the fleeing crowd, attracted considerable attention, but people focused on escaping simply glanced at him and moved on. Even the kind-hearted person from earlier merely offered that single warning before continuing their flight.
By the time Rhodes leisurely made his way inside the palace, Ark Maxim had fully activated.
Atop the Ark, a chimney continuously belched black smoke into the sky, gathering a massive thundercloud.
Rhodes could sense power within that thundercloud that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
Familiar, naturally, because it was lightning.
Unfamiliar, because this lightning was far more powerful than Rhodes's own.
"Power similar to divine judgment? Perhaps this is the opportunity for my lightning to transform."
Rhodes's eyes flickered with interest.
At that moment, a sudden flash appeared from the Ark's vast hull, and half of Enel's body suddenly emerged from the ship's figurehead.
Ark Maxim was constructed of gold—an excellent conductor—allowing Enel to merge with the vessel by transforming into lightning, manifesting before Rhodes in this form.
"You've come, but it's too late! Once the Ark is fully activated, nothing can prevent Skypiea from being reduced to ash by thunder!"
Enel roared viciously.
"I know you're powerful. Lightning is ineffective against you, and you can even fly. But when this sky island is destroyed, what about your female companion? She'll die along with everyone else!"
"No one can defeat me! Gods are invincible!"
Enel laughed maniacally, his expression filled with vengeful satisfaction.
He'd been nearly driven insane by Rhodes earlier. Now, using his trump card, he had no intention of defeating Rhodes—only of causing him trouble, forcing this demonic Blue Sea dweller to show even a hint of panic.
But to his disappointment, Rhodes remained remarkably calm, as if he'd anticipated everything. He didn't even glance at Enel, merely gazing upward at the thunderclouds hovering above the Ark.
This blatant disregard temporarily dispelled even Enel's fear of Rhodes. He suddenly roared:
"You... Blue Sea man, what are you looking at?!"
Rhodes seemed to finally notice him, clenching his fists with an audible crack.
Enel's words abruptly ceased. He instantly shrank back, leaving only his head exposed, staring silently back.
The beating had truly traumatized him.
He wasn't afraid of Rhodes's sword—but those fists filled him with deep terror.
Seeing Rhodes merely glance at him before returning his attention skyward, Enel was furious but could only curse internally:
Damn Blue Sea bastard...
BOOM!
The rumble of thunder gradually grew louder and more continuous. The thunderclouds gradually spread until even Angel Island in the distance became faintly visible beneath their shadow.
The workers still clinging to floating clouds mid-descent couldn't help but feel overwhelming despair.
Everyone in the Straw Hat Pirates felt an oppressive sense of doom approaching.
"If this thundercloud continues spreading..."
Nami, the genius navigator, swallowed hard and said grimly: "Once it erupts, I'm afraid the entire Upper Yard will be annihilated."
"What?!"
Usopp and Chopper were running in circles, like ants on a hot griddle.
"Robin-san, the Dragon Slayer should be up there right now, shouldn't he?"
Zoro couldn't help asking, sensing a life-or-death crisis approaching.
"I... I assume so..."
Robin was also beginning to lose her composure, a bead of cold sweat on her forehead.
This expanding thundercloud—seemingly unfathomable in its magnitude—was truly terrifying.
Boss, what the hell are you doing?!
Inside the palace, Enel watched the gradually forming, massive thundercloud. Sensing he had leverage over Rhodes, his spirits lifted. He slowly emerged further from the Ark, looking proudly at Rhodes.
But almost the next moment, his expression suddenly froze.
Rhodes slowly stretched out one hand, spread his five fingers toward the sky, and then called out softly:
"Raigo."
(End of Chapter)
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Review!
P*atreon/Soulforger (40+ advanced chapters)
Buy me coffee - ko-fi*com/soulforger01