Chapter 102: Arrival
After several days of rest, Rhodes and his companions sailed away from the Monster and Barbecue Island, departing without fanfare, leaving behind only the legend of dragon slaying.
On the deck of the sailboat,
"Yukiko, you're only eleven and already so impressive! It looks like you'll become a formidable swordswoman in the future," Vivi said with some envy as she watched Yukiko practice.
Although her own skills were limited, as a princess of a powerful nation, she possessed keen insight.
At only eleven, Yukiko's physical capabilities were already comparable to those of an adult. With such a physique, she would rapidly grow stronger in whatever she practiced.
Yukiko was delighted at first, then said glumly, "But Brother Rhodes said I have little talent for swordsmanship and it'll be difficult for me to achieve real mastery..."
The little girl began to doubt herself.
According to Rhodes, he had mastered the basics of swordsmanship in just three months, achieving the legendary feat of a hundred thousand cuts in a single strike.
But after over a month, she hadn't even achieved one percent of that level...
The gap was truly enormous and disheartening.
"Your definition of achievement is probably different from his," Vivi consoled. "In Rhodes's eyes, becoming a great swordsman is probably the only way to achieve true success in swordsmanship."
"It's like making money. Some people think earning 100 million berries is a lifelong goal."
"But for you, that 100 million is probably just pocket money..."
Vivi already knew Gates's identity and was well aware of the wealth of the little girl before her.
Frankly, when Yukiko inherited Gates's fortune, she could easily buy all of Alabasta.
Yukiko nodded, half understanding, then smiled again. "Sister Vivi is so wise. You'll definitely lead Alabasta to prosperity."
"By the way, Yukiko wasn't this powerful before. It's all thanks to the body strengthening that Brother Rhodes gave me."
She swung her fist, creating a faint gust of wind. Her small pink fist could actually crack stone, its strength rivaling that of an adult.
"Body strengthening?"
Vivi asked curiously. Rhodes could actually help others become stronger?
That was incredible.
Seeing Vivi's curiosity, Yukiko recounted her experience.
"It was incredibly painful at first, then there was this strange, tingling sensation, like electricity coursing through me. I was completely overwhelmed and passed out, not really aware of anything..."
"Oh, and it felt warm, and something felt like it was flowing through my entire body."
"..."
Vivi's expression grew increasingly puzzled as she listened, several dark lines appearing on her fair forehead. Finally, she gritted her teeth and exclaimed, "What kind of training method is that?!"
She felt confused about what exactly this process entailed.
"Training method?"
Yukiko asked curiously. "Why do you sound so shocked? It hurt at first, but it felt amazing afterwards."
"I really want to do it again, but Brother Rhodes said the first session provides the best results." The little girl's face lit up with longing.
"It's truly amazing! In just one day, little Yukiko grew two or three centimeters taller and became much stronger too."
"I heard Brother Rhodes trains like this every day. No wonder he's achieved so much at just seventeen."
Hearing this, Vivi gradually understood, her cheeks reddening slightly.
It seemed like some kind of intense physical conditioning using his lightning abilities.
"But it sounds so intense. Do you really think he could help me too?"
Vivi hesitated, but her desire for strength ultimately won out, and she stood up to find Rhodes.
Inside the cabin.
"Do you want something more intense, or more gentle?"
"Does it make a difference?"
"Of course there is. A more intense session will be painful, after all, it's your first time."
"A gentler approach will be much more comfortable, but since it's not as intense, the degree of improvement will be much less..."
"The more intense one, please."
With that, Vivi's face flushed red, steam practically rising from her cheeks. She simply closed her eyes, though she could still feel her heart pounding violently.
The process was similar to when he had trained Yukiko.
However, at Vivi's request, and given her greater endurance, Rhodes increased the electrical current intensity.
In the dim cabin, the sound of crackling electricity filled the air, accompanied by sharp gasps of effort and determination.
Because of Nightwind's death, the assassins of the underworld wisely abandoned their inappropriate schemes.
The subsequent voyage proceeded smoothly, and November quickly arrived.
Rhodes and his companions finally reached Alabasta, landing at the port city of Nanohana.
"For now, you'll wait for me at the port."
"Yes," Gates nodded respectfully.
"Brother Rhodes, please come back soon," Yukiko said cheerfully.
"I will."
Rhodes patted Yukiko's head, then departed with Vivi, heading for Rainbase. He was going straight for the enemy's headquarters!
"Crocodile is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a major power on the Grand Line. Aren't we being too reckless?"
"Dracule Mihawk, the World's Strongest Swordsman, is also a Shichibukai. Even if Crocodile isn't as strong, he can't be much weaker."
Vivi hesitated for a long time during their journey, still worried.
After all, she was only fifteen years old, with limited experience and vision. She didn't fully understand the true divisions of power among the world's elite fighters.
In Vivi's eyes, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were colossal figures. Their reputation on the Grand Line, especially in the first half, was immense—representing absolute power that even the most vicious pirates dared not challenge.
Besides, Rainbase was the headquarters of Baroque Works, home to numerous Devil Fruit users. Just charging in seemed reckless.
Vivi thought it would be better to take a more strategic approach.
Rhodes shook his head, not bothering to explain.
Crocodile and Gecko Moria, the two who had been lurking in the first half of the Grand Line, were simply dragging down the average strength of the Seven Warlords.
Doflamingo, Bartholomew Kuma, or Mihawk could easily defeat these has-beens.
Even the mid-tier Warlords like Boa Hancock or Jinbe could easily handle Crocodile and his ilk.
The pirate world was ultimately a world where strength reigned supreme.
While power was important, an unbreakable spirit was the true core of strength.
After being defeated by the Four Emperors, Crocodile and others had lost their warrior's hearts and placed their hopes on external schemes, ultimately becoming mere stepping stones for the Straw Hat Pirates.
Seeing Rhodes's resolve, Vivi remained silent. These days together had helped her understand his true character.
He was usually gentle, occasionally playful, but once he made a decision, he would never waver.
Despite Vivi's lingering concerns, the two quickly crossed the desert and arrived at Rainbase.
Compared to the desert scenery along the way, this kingdom's newly emerged major city was incredibly prosperous—like a completely different world from the surrounding wasteland.
(End of Chapter)
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