Chapter 248: Aurora Island
No one aboard voiced objections to Rhodes' ruthlessness or questioned his lethal methods.
In circumstances like these, showing mercy simply wasn't a viable option.
The reasoning was straightforward enough.
If Rhodes and his crew hadn't possessed overwhelming strength, the atrocities Hurley and his pirates would have inflicted upon them would have been far more brutal than a quick death.
"Pirates, in the end, represent chaos and disorder," Robin observed, shaking her head.
"That's only because Blackbeard hasn't officially become a Yonko yet," Rhodes replied with a knowing smile.
"Once Blackbeard claims his position among the Four Emperors, he'll naturally establish rules and order throughout his territories. He'll maintain stability across his seas, cease random plundering, and instead collect tribute from the islands under his protection.
At that stage, his pirate forces will develop their own order and regulations—essentially becoming a miniature version of the World Government itself.
If his power ever surpasses the World Government, he would effectively become the World Government.
After all, the World Government is fundamentally just a larger, more organized pirate organization. Their strength allows them to legally plunder under the pretense of 'Heavenly Tribute.'"
After stating this, Rhodes shook his head thoughtfully.
At the highest echelons of power, the distinction between a Yonko's empire and the World Government became remarkably blurred.
Both ran industries, maintained order, developed technologies, and commanded vast military forces...
Hearing Rhodes' analysis, Jinbe, Robin, and Law all displayed visible surprise, not expecting their captain to possess such profound insight into the world's fundamental power structures.
"I'd always assumed you were purely a combat specialist, but it seems I misjudged you," Robin admitted with an amused smile.
Rhodes gazed ahead calmly, responding without hesitation:
"I excel in every aspect. You're welcome to investigate further if you doubt me."
While everyone conversed, the ship had already approached Aurora Island and pulled into the port.
The group disembarked onto the dock, where the local population scattered like startled birds, as though fleeing from plague itself.
"Run!"
"Those arrogant fools killed Hurley—they'll definitely get blown to pieces by Lord Ziggs!"
"Not necessarily! They defeated the Hurley Pirates so quickly, they must be incredibly strong!"
Within moments, the previously bustling port fell eerily silent.
However, human curiosity proved irrepressible. After fleeing the immediate area, these onlookers concealed themselves at a safe distance, watching intently to see what would unfold.
And as expected, it didn't take long before a group approached rapidly from the street's far end.
They were all imposing, muscular men with fierce expressions—except for their leader, who appeared to be a refined, scholarly middle-aged man.
He seemed utterly out of place as the lord of a New World island; he resembled a scientist dedicated to technological research far more than a pirate captain.
"Lord Ziggs has arrived! That crew is finished! I witnessed Lord Ziggs annihilate an entire warship commanded by a Vice Admiral!"
"Without that level of strength, how could Blackbeard have recruited him? He's aiming to become a Yonko!"
The spectators wore expressions of eager anticipation.
However, some couldn't help but display confusion, realizing that Rhodes' crew seemed strangely familiar...
Amid gazes filled with surprise, sneers, and anticipation, Ziggs and his entourage quickly approached Rhodes' position.
Then, to everyone's absolute shock, they bowed deeply in unison.
"Mr. Rhodes," Ziggs spoke respectfully.
"We have prepared a banquet in your honor. Please, come with us."
The dozen burly men behind him bowed simultaneously, their expressions extraordinarily deferential.
Complete silence descended across the entire port, broken only by the sound of waves and sea breeze.
"Oh?"
Rhodes chuckled with genuine amusement.
"Aren't you concerned that Blackbeard will hold a grudge?"
"The animosity between us runs extraordinarily deep, after all."
He had practically single-handedly derailed Blackbeard's path to becoming a Yonko, thoroughly disrupting his carefully laid plans. The hatred between them was deeper than the ocean and higher than the heavens themselves.
Ziggs offered a wry, somewhat helpless smile.
"Perhaps so... but I dare not offend you either, Mr. Rhodes."
His tone carried profound resignation. This small Aurora Island simply couldn't withstand the consequences of antagonizing the Thunder God Swordsman.
His own strength fell woefully short compared to the Dragon Slayer himself.
This wasn't cowardice or weakness—it was a clear-eyed assessment of reality and his own limitations.
To successfully occupy and maintain control of an island in the New World, teeming as it was with monstrous powers, required not only extraordinary strength but exceptional judgment.
"You're quite sensible," Rhodes acknowledged with a hint of appreciation.
"Don't worry. I wouldn't hold a grudge against you and your people simply because of Blackbeard."
Although Ziggs claimed submission to Blackbeard, his allegiance was essentially provisional at best.
If Blackbeard successfully became a Yonko, Ziggs would naturally have no choice but to genuinely submit.
But if Blackbeard failed? He wasn't qualified to command an island lord like Ziggs.
For Rhodes, every island throughout the New World would eventually become his territory, his source of influence and power. Unnecessary bloodshed served no strategic purpose.
Under the astonished gazes of countless onlookers, Ziggs—half-escorting, half-guiding—led Rhodes and his crew toward the imposing castle dominating the island's center.
After Rhodes' group departed, the dock remained eerily silent for several long moments.
No one dared speak.
"Wait—I remember now! That was the Thunder God Swordsman! He cut through Blackbeard with a single strike during the Paramount War at Marineford!" someone finally shouted.
Instantly, the entire area erupted in chaotic uproar.
Unexpectedly, Aurora Island had now witnessed two terrifying figures with genuine potential to become Yonko arrive within just a few months.
Aurora Island earned its name from the celestial aurora phenomenon for good reason.
The island possessed a unique magnetic field, causing aurora displays to frequently illuminate the night sky in brilliant, colorful cascades of breathtaking beauty.
Due to this intense magnetic field, the island's geology contained abundant magnetite deposits and various rare magnetic metals.
These resources formed Aurora Island's primary industry and economic foundation.
"Welcome to my home."
Ziggs pushed open the ornate doors and gestured for everyone to enter.
It was a surprisingly simple yet immaculately clean banquet hall.
The table had already been set with an impressive spread of food, aromatic scents filling the air and making mouths water involuntarily.
However, Rhodes paid the culinary display no attention whatsoever. His eyes immediately fixated on a ceramic jug of sake prominently displayed on the table, drawn by its exceptional fragrance.
Without any pretense or ceremony, he walked directly to the table, lifted the jug, and took a substantial drink straight from the container.
"Not bad at all."
The moment the sake touched his throat, Rhodes recognized it as a top-quality spirit with considerable potency and complexity.
It seemed Ziggs had invested significant effort into preparing this reception.
Observing this favorable reaction, Ziggs released a subtle breath of relief and quickly arranged for everyone to be seated comfortably.
For a time, the atmosphere remained cordial, with host and guests sharing pleasant conversation.
After the banquet concluded, Ziggs offered to guide Rhodes on a tour of the castle grounds.
The castle architecture itself wasn't particularly impressive to Rhodes—after all, he'd witnessed the magnificent Ryugu Palace on Fish-Man Island firsthand. While Ziggs' castle was certainly elegant and well-constructed, it held no particular surprises.
However, Ziggs' research—or rather, his true value that had even attracted Blackbeard's recruitment efforts—genuinely impressed Rhodes.
"Mr. Rhodes, this is a specialized magnetic explosive I've developed. Its destructive power exceeds normal explosives by three to five times!"
Ziggs gestured toward what appeared to be a compact black metal block, his tone carrying unmistakable pride.
"Don't let its modest size deceive you—its explosive yield is sufficient to obliterate a small mountain entirely."
"Three to five times the standard yield?"
Rhodes raised an eyebrow with genuine interest. That represented no trivial improvement.
Indeed, while the commonly employed technological weapons throughout the pirate world were relatively weak—easily negated by anyone possessing moderate strength—these advanced technologies represented nearly a full generation's leap forward, possessing truly formidable destructive potential.
Similar to the Tamatebako treasure box that had escaped from Ryugu Palace in the original timeline, which had caused even Big Mom's crew considerable trouble during the wedding incident.
This guy's genuinely talented, Rhodes assessed, observing Ziggs with renewed interest, his eyes gleaming thoughtfully.
Regardless, he was technically Blackbeard's subordinate.
Might as well recruit him properly.
(End of Chapter)
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