Chapter 309: Germa
This voice is too close!
Reiju could almost feel the hot breath exhaled by the person behind her as they spoke, the subtle sensation of it brushing against her bare skin.
"How is this possible?"
Reiju's pupils shrank to pinpoints.
She was one of the Germa family's modified humans, born with a "superhuman" physique. Not only was her skin tough and her bones strong, but she also possessed extraordinary flexibility, capable of performing various difficult movements, and her five senses were extremely acute.
Yet this time, she was approached so closely without even noticing. If the person behind her had malicious intent, she probably wouldn't even know how she died!
And even her father, the head of the Germa family, couldn't achieve this!
"Who is it?!"
Reiju could feel a tangible gaze scrutinizing her from all sides. She dared not move, her mind in turmoil.
However, Yonji beside her was different.
Among the four modified humans of Germa 66, Reiju's power was poison, Ichiji's was fire, and Niji's was electricity.
Only Yonji possessed the purest strength—his special ability was immense power, brute force that ordinary people couldn't withstand.
Upon discovering Rhodes's sudden approach, he almost instinctively shifted into his combat form, unleashing a punch imbued with intense wind pressure toward Rhodes.
Bang!
A muffled sound.
Rhodes extended two fingers and gently caught Yonji's fist. That brute force, capable of shattering metal, seemed to encounter an immovable mountain, unable to stir even a ripple.
At this moment, even Yonji, whose emotions had been modified away, couldn't help but be slightly stunned, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Reiju didn't dare turn around, only observing through the corner of her eye and her Kenbunshoku Haki. She too was slightly stunned, her heart filled with shock.
"Caught it?"
She knew very well Yonji's brute strength—even enormous beasts couldn't withstand it and would be sent flying.
Yet now, the person behind her had effortlessly caught it with just two fingers!
What kind of terrifying monster was this?!
"Judging from the voice, it should be a man; judging from the aura, he shouldn't be very old. Someone like that..."
Reiju's eyes widened in shock, but her thoughts raced. Suddenly, her gaze sharpened, and she thought of the most likely candidate, cautiously asking,
"The Thunder God Swordsman?"
"This young lady is quite clever."
Rhodes smiled slightly, surprised that Reiju reacted so quickly. She hadn't even seen Rhodes's face—she was only guessing based on some details.
Judging from her tone, she seemed quite confident.
"..."
Reiju breathed a sigh of relief.
The Germa family, when choosing allies, naturally conducted detailed investigations into the world's strongest figures.
The Thunder God Swordsman, as one of the five great powers of the New World, was once the Vinsmoke family's first choice.
This was because Rhodes's power was relatively young, without many complicated relationships, and Rhodes himself possessed high investment value.
However, due to the attitudes of the Marines and the World Government, Vinsmoke Judge had hesitated, unwilling to take the gamble.
Reiju was unaware of these things, but she knew Rhodes's character and personality, and knew that he was perhaps the most approachable of the five great powers.
"Yonji, stop."
Seeing Yonji still stubbornly struggling against Rhodes, Reiju commanded, "Rhodes-sama means no harm."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Yonji snorted and withdrew his fist without much reaction.
He was a thoroughly modified human, unlike Reiju, and had no extra emotions, so he wouldn't feel disappointed—only watching Rhodes warily.
Seeing Yonji stop, Reiju couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, while also inwardly cursing, "He's really too reckless.
Doesn't he know the strength of the Thunder God Swordsman?!"
"What can I do for you, Rhodes-sama?"
Reiju slowly turned around, her head slightly lowered, her tone full of respect.
"Didn't I make myself clear before?"
"Take me inside."
Rhodes smiled—the Kurman family hadn't sent him an invitation.
He'd originally wanted to just sneak in, but suddenly found Reiju and Yonji at the entrance, hence the scene just now.
Hearing this, Reiju finally relaxed, only to realize that Rhodes was looking her up and down. The meaning in his gaze made Reiju nervous, unconsciously clutching the hem of her outfit. She wanted to protest, but dared not speak, like a cornered individual.
"Is this your Germa family's Raid Suit?"
Rhodes clicked his tongue in amazement, quite impressed.
The moment Reiju realized he was close, she'd transformed, now wearing the pink Raid Suit that appeared in the original timeline.
This Raid Suit was a tight-fitting style, outlining her alluring figure without reservation.
The design of this combat suit was also very much in line with the standards of this world, quite similar to Nami's style of minimal coverage.
A deep V-neckline ran from her collarbone all the way to her navel, displaying impressive curves while also revealing a large expanse of pale skin.
The lower half was an extremely short skirt that barely covered anything, minimizing fabric use.
In this state, Rhodes didn't find Reiju to have much visible combat power, only a fatal allure.
"No, she should still have combat capabilities, just needs to demonstrate them differently..."
Rhodes stroked his chin, having heard that Reiju's modified physique was extremely flexible...
Fortunately, Reiju was filled with respect for Rhodes at this moment and didn't notice what this so-called one of the Five Great Powers was thinking.
Feeling Reiju's admiring and respectful gaze, Rhodes coughed, maintaining his dignified demeanor, and said in a low voice, "Let's go, take me inside."
"Yes."
Reiju didn't dare refuse and led the way inside.
The Germa family was once the royal family of North Blue, with unbelievable power. Even in their current decline, they still wield unimaginable influence in the underworld, no weaker than the Donquixote Family of yesteryear.
Bringing someone into the venue was a trivial matter.
"Quite a few people, huh?"
Led by a bunny girl, the three entered an extremely luxurious private room.
The room was made of special glass, allowing a clear view of the outside while preventing outside observation.
After dismissing the attendant, Reiju respectfully invited Rhodes to sit in the main seat.
Yonji had already forgotten about Rhodes, focusing intently on observing the venue—he needed to complete the mission assigned by Judge.
As a modified human, the mission came first; nothing else mattered.
"I'm sorry, Yonji didn't mean to be disrespectful,"
Reiju apologized softly.
She wasn't like Yonji, devoid of emotion and indifferent to life and death—Reiju understood Rhodes's importance.
"It's alright,"
Rhodes smiled, but several thoughts were brewing in his mind.
While the Germa family's modified humans have various flaws, there's no doubt that soldiers devoid of emotion and indifferent to life and death are an extremely useful force.
"Perhaps they could bridge the gap in lower-level combat power... Moreover, the Germa family's science and technology are at the forefront of the world, with various advanced technologies that are quite impressive. If we could recruit them, it would greatly enhance our strength."
Rhodes pondered slightly, knowing it wouldn't be that simple.
(End of Chapter)
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