Chapter 104: Everyone Present
The Revolutionary Army in the pirate world is actually quite straightforward—a group of powerful individuals united by a shared dream, fighting to overthrow the World Nobles.
Currently, the Revolutionary Army is in a developmental phase.
Their strategy involves sending individual Revolutionary Army commanders to various regions, traveling around the world, forming cells one by one, waiting for the right opportunity to arise, and then unleashing a revolutionary wave.
Although Rhodes values individual strength, he also doesn't shy away from building influence.
Having subordinates is still very useful.
Just like dealing with the Black Dragon situation—without Gates and the others, it would have been extremely troublesome, and searching for blacksmiths and leatherworkers would have been a complete waste of time.
While Baroque Works may not be as powerful as it appears, it has basic order and structure. With proper organization, it could become an excellent foundation.
Alabasta itself possesses tremendous potential.
This is an ideal combination of forces that's easily conquered, so Rhodes certainly doesn't mind taking advantage of it.
Rainbase.
In a courtyard.
Many figures in bizarre attire had gathered.
Mr. 1 Daz Bonez, user of the Supa Supa no Mi; Miss Doublefinger Paula, user of the Toge Toge no Mi; Mr. 2 Bon Clay Bentham, user of the Mane Mane no Mi; Mr. 3 Galdino, user of the Doru Doru no Mi... Baroque Works' officer agents had assembled.
Receiving the Vice President's orders, they had gathered at maximum speed.
The agents usually worked in pairs and had never collaborated as a group before, and their personalities varied wildly. Naturally, the atmosphere was less than pleasant—actually quite tense.
However, with Mr. 1, the aloof, meticulous, and supremely capable swordsman, keeping watch, no one dared to start anything. They limited themselves to verbal exchanges and cautious observations.
"What kind of mission could require all of us together? I heard the rarely-seen boss will show up too."
"I don't know. It must be something major, otherwise the boss wouldn't appear in person."
The agents muttered among themselves, their curiosity and anticipation running high.
The president, who had been in hiding for over a decade, was finally about to reveal his true identity, and even the most aloof of the officer agents couldn't help but feel curious.
"Don't worry, everyone. With so many Devil Fruit users here, what mission could possibly be impossible?"
"Even that legendary dragon-slaying swordsman wouldn't stand a chance against the president and all of us working together."
The stylishly dressed Miss Valentine laughed dramatically, brimming with confidence.
Just as the officer agents were discussing this, movement finally reached the courtyard.
The door opened, and Robin, wearing a purple hat, appeared.
"Miss All Sunday?"
Miss Doublefinger asked impatiently, "What took you so long? Where's the boss?"
Before Robin could reply, a youthful voice suddenly rang out from behind:
"Right here."
Curious, the agents looked toward the voice. A handsome young man in white clothing appeared.
"That's our boss?"
The agents' eyes nearly popped out of their heads, widening in disbelief.
Baroque Works had been established for over a decade—how could the president still be so young?
Could the old president have died, and his son taken over?
A wave of shock and confusion filled the air.
Some were also skeptical. His youth, white clothing, sword-carrying appearance, and handsome features—they bore a striking resemblance to the legendary Dragon Slayer.
They remained uncertain, but Mr. 1, the swordsman, suddenly rose to his feet and declared with a hint of awe:
"Dragon Slayer!"
"Rhodes!"
His words startled everyone!
This title had recently become legendary throughout the first half of the Grand Line, especially among swordsmen and the underworld.
The former because of his swordsmanship prowess, the latter because of the billion-berry bounty on his head.
These agents had all heard of Rhodes's exploits through various channels.
He had slain Diamante, the underworld overlord and top executive of the Donquixote Family!
He had slain the legendary ultimate creature, the Black Dragon!
He had slain the underworld's ace assassin, Nightwind!
His string of achievements was truly terrifying.
Miss Valentine fell silent. Talking behind someone's back was different from facing them directly.
Just looking at Rhodes's impassive expression and recalling his achievements, she felt a chill run down her spine.
Miss Doublefinger narrowed her eyes and said, "Although we've never met the president face-to-face, we've learned certain information through various conversations, but we've never heard that the president had children."
"Since he's not the president's son, the Dragon Slayer's age makes it impossible for him to be the president of Baroque Works."
"Besides, I saw him at headquarters just a few days ago with that intern Miss Wednesday."
"Miss All Sunday!"
She glared at Robin coldly, her expression sinister. "It seems you've betrayed our organization."
The agents present were filled with surprise and suspicion. After brief analysis, they sensed the inconsistency and looked at Robin, demanding an explanation.
The Dragon Slayer was certainly qualified to be their president in terms of power, but they weren't pushovers who could be easily deceived!
Agents might be decisive and ruthless, but they also held a certain contempt for betrayal.
Robin paused for a moment, unable to answer immediately, and glanced at Rhodes.
She was a meticulous person and naturally knew the flaws in this approach.
Baroque Works was founded by Crocodile, and while Crocodile never showed himself publicly, he couldn't be so easily replaced.
"How will he handle this?" Robin wondered.
But Rhodes stepped forward with an indifferent expression, his hands clasped behind his back, and spoke casually:
"You're absolutely right. I'm not your president, much less some president's son."
"As for your Miss All Sunday, she's working for me now."
"What?!"
The officer agents tensed, their expressions becoming wary, a hint of hostility appearing in their eyes.
Perhaps because so many officer agents were gathered together, these normally rebellious agents weren't overly intimidated.
"It seems you're not convinced."
Rhodes smiled softly, revealing his white teeth. "I love it when people aren't convinced."
"You may be powerful, but that doesn't mean you can be so arrogant."
Miss Valentine sneered.
Officer agents roamed the world, assassinating even kingdom ministers on a regular basis. Naturally, they were extremely confident in their abilities.
"Dealing with amateurs like you, I really can't take this seriously."
Rhodes shook his head calmly.
Robin was secretly shocked, somewhat confused by Rhodes's strategy.
At first, she thought Rhodes was trying to take over Baroque Works by assuming someone else's identity, pretending to be the president.
Unexpectedly, Rhodes directly revealed his true identity, and now it was clearly heading toward a fierce confrontation.
Could it be that he intended to use pure force to subjugate these people?
"You called us amateurs?!"
Miss Valentine's face was full of murderous intent, and her beautiful features became somewhat distorted.
The other agents also frowned, feeling uncomfortable. After all, Miss Valentine was their colleague.
"No, no, no! You misunderstood..."
Unexpectedly, Rhodes shook his head, his eyes sweeping across the room as he spoke in a very calm tone:
"I wasn't targeting just her..."
"I'm saying that everyone here is an amateur."
(End of Chapter)
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Power Stone or Review!
P@atreon/Soulforger (45+ advanced chapters)
Buy me coffee - ko-fi*com/soulforger01