Chapter 303: Simple
"I remember..."
After a brief silence, Rhodes spoke calmly, "Dressrosa has issued a regulation prohibiting the capture of slaves in the vicinity."
"Are you taking my words as a joke?"
Upon hearing this, Ras and the others' expressions changed slightly, and they quickly said,
"The Kurman family had no intention of provoking you, sir. These giants just happened to escape here. We'll leave immediately after we finish our business."
"You committed a crime on my territory and still want to escape?"
Rhodes found it somewhat amusing.
"So my words carry no weight at all?"
This questioning tone caused the air to freeze, and Ras and the others felt as if they'd fallen into an ice cellar, their backs soaked with cold sweat.
"Does Your Excellency insist on being an enemy of the Kurman family? Luke-sama will not let you off!" Someone couldn't withstand the terrifying pressure and cried out sharply.
Whoosh!
A flash of light appeared in the air.
A loud boom followed.
The man who'd just spoken suddenly exploded. The ordinary men in black didn't even know what had happened. They stared blankly at the limbs, blood, and entrails scattered on the ground, unable to suppress their fear.
Even the most elite troops, as long as they still possess humanity, cannot be completely free of fear—they simply haven't encountered anything truly terrifying yet.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself,"
Rhodes said with a smile.
Ras suppressed the trembling in his heart and said dryly,
"No, it's nothing. Neil was insolent and deserved to be killed by you."
His voice trembled slightly because even with his strength, he could only see a flash of light before his subordinate exploded.
"Too strong!"
"Stronger than my father!"
Ras was shocked and couldn't believe it.
Seeing is believing. No matter how powerful the Thunder God Swordsman was reported to be, many people wouldn't take it too seriously. After all, he was just a newcomer, a young man not even twenty years old. How strong could he be, no matter how monstrous?
"The family's recent actions have been too aggressive. We must exercise caution,"
Ras thought.
With Doflamingo's fall and the Donquixote Family's demise, a huge piece of the underworld pie was vacant, and the Kurman Family was most eager to seize it.
They initially thought the Thunder God Swordsman wouldn't dare, nor would he have the energy, to get involved in the underworld, but now it seemed that assumption was wrong.
This was a monstrous predator, insatiably ambitious, capable of devouring everything!
While he was pondering this, Rhodes seemed to have made a decision as well.
"Killing one of your comrades, you must harbor resentment. In that case, you'll all die here."
With that, his body erupted with silver light, and streaks of lightning, like dragons, swept across the sky.
Nothing could stop them.
The black-clad men were well-equipped and coordinated, but faced with an insurmountable gap in strength, they were utterly unable to withstand the onslaught, suffering heavy casualties in the blink of an eye.
Ras, merely grazed by lightning, turned pale and coughed up blood, arcs of electricity crackling within him.
BOOM!
Thunder shook the heavens, and lightning pierced the void.
A minute later, the black-clad men were severely wounded, with only about ten still able to stand, their faces filled with terror.
They'd tried to escape, but those who attempted were often targeted by lightning and instantly killed.
"You survived not because you're strong enough, nor because you're lucky, but simply because I need a few messengers," Rhodes said.
Killing them all would mean no one could relay the message, failing to make an example.
As for the Kurman family's retaliation, Rhodes wasn't worried at all. He dared to provoke even the World Government—what was a mere underworld family?
"..."
The surviving men in black, seeing Rhodes spare them, fled toward the island without uttering a single harsh word, their faces filled with terror.
Too strong!
He's practically a demon!
The previous events had completely shattered their spirits—in the future, they would likely tremble at the mere mention of "Rhodes."
"So powerful!"
Although the giants were busy untying Gerd, they still kept watch on the battlefield.
Seeing Rhodes effortlessly slaughter the men in black who'd just overwhelmed them in a mere minute, they couldn't help but show deep respect.
Giants are straightforward, honest, and highly value strength.
Moreover, Hajrudin now realized those people were likely a professional slave-hunting team.
He couldn't even imagine the unbearable fate they would suffer if enslaved, and how they would become a disgrace to Elbaf.
In giants' eyes, honor is far more important than life!
Thinking this through, Hajrudin and the others looked at Rhodes with deep gratitude.
Their benefactor!
A lifesaver!
"Thank you for your help,"
Hajrudin said, his voice booming as he watched Rhodes slowly approach.
Giants certainly have loud voices.
Rhodes smiled. He recalled how the Marines had used giants to boost morale during the Paramount War.
Their massive size provided a natural sense of security, a morale boost.
"You're welcome,"
Rhodes smiled slightly, a strange glint in his eyes.
Hajrudin and the other five giants were elite even among giants, a formidable force in every respect.
Moreover,
compared to the unpredictable nature of humans, giants were much simpler and more straightforward. Once they pledged loyalty, there was virtually no possibility of betrayal.
They were undoubtedly the best candidates to serve as subordinates.
Rhodes had long considered recruiting giants, but due to their rarity, he'd never succeeded.
Now, encountering Hajrudin and the others, he couldn't let the opportunity pass.
Seeing Hajrudin and the others' helplessness against Gerd's bindings, Rhodes smiled, forming a sword shape with his fingers and slashing through the air.
Swoosh!
A sharp, piercing aura swept through the air, instantly severing the ropes binding Gerd.
Freed from her restraints, Gerd struggled to her feet, looking at Rhodes gratefully, "Thank you for your help, Rhodes-sama."
"You know me?"
Rhodes looked at the giantess before him, surprised to find that even up close, her skin was still smooth and fair—if one disregarded her size, she was actually quite beautiful.
Moreover, from Rhodes's height and angle, he could see quite a bit.
"Of course we know you. The renowned Thunder God Swordsman—who in the New World doesn't know him?"
Hajrudin revealed a hint of admiration, followed by a contemplative expression.
His dream was to restore the Giant Warrior Pirates' prestige.
Rhodes was not only their savior but also a powerful figure with immense strength and influence, a strong contender to become one of the new Yonko. If they joined Rhodes's ranks, they would likely have a chance to quickly restore their former glory.
As a representative of the giant race, known for his forthrightness, Hajrudin made no attempt to hide his thoughts.
However, before he could speak, Rhodes said,
"What are your plans? If you want to revive the Giant Warrior Pirates' reputation, why not join me?"
Hajrudin's emotions were practically written on his face, and Rhodes's initiative was a way of saving face for the giant leader.
"..."
Gerd and the others looked at Hajrudin—this was undoubtedly a decision for him to make.
Hajrudin paused briefly, then nodded without hesitation.
"We are willing to join. Although there are only five of us, we are elite warriors of Elbaf. Sooner or later, we will be renowned throughout the world and will never disgrace Your Excellency's name."
"I believe that day will come."
Rhodes smiled gently. Giants were that simple—they revered strength and loyalty, and Rhodes possessed both, making them incredibly easy to win over.
The two raised their fists, gently touching them together, making a pact.
A vow of unwavering loyalty.
(End of Chapter)
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