Chapter 321: Shocking News
Sakazuki, true to his decisive military nature, acted on his plan immediately. This kind of scheme carried no risk—success would bring significant gains, and failure would cost nothing.
Of course, Marine Headquarters couldn't handle the covert intelligence work themselves; they had to contact the World Government and entrust the operation to the CP organization.
The CP organization, as the world's premier intelligence agency with agents infiltrating every major power, excelled at this type of work.
Before long, rumors began circulating throughout the territories controlled by the Beasts Pirates.
"The Thunder God Swordsman killed Kurman Luke—he'll probably target the Yonko next."
"The Thunder God Swordsman's title references slaying dragons, and our captain ate the Dragon-Dragon Fruit! Is that brat trying to provoke us?!"
"Kill him! That arrogant rookie doesn't know the meaning of respect!"
"Let's go to war! Start the war!"
"Crush Dressrosa and take the Thunder God Swordsman's head!"
Like captain, like crew.
The Beasts Pirates had a reputation throughout the seas as violent, reckless, stubborn troublemakers always spoiling for a fight.
In the pirate world where strength ruled supreme, no crew was more physically imposing than them.
With CP agents deliberately fanning the flames, it wasn't long before the Beasts Pirates' hot-headed members were clamoring to flatten Dressrosa and take Rhodes's head.
"The World Government certainly knows how to play their little games."
Holdem, one of the Beasts Pirates' senior officers, stood with his arms crossed, watching the rowdy crowd in the distance, and smiled helplessly.
As a high-ranking administrator within Kaido's domain, he maintained some control over the territory and had noticed the manipulation early on, but there was nothing he could do about it.
This was simply the nature of the Beasts Pirates—a top-down culture of might makes right. Trying to reason with those muscle-bound brutes was an exercise in futility.
"The Thunder God has been making waves lately, and his title is certainly... provocative."
Nearby, King the Wildfire said calmly, his eyes unreadable behind his mask.
"..."
Holdem shook his head, saying nothing more.
"Thunder God Swordsman" was simply Rhodes's chosen epithet and had absolutely nothing to do with Kaido—it was purely unfortunate coincidence that some interpreted it as dragon-slaying.
Of course, Holdem privately thought Rhodes should consider changing his title.
The simple fact was that Kaido of the Beasts was stronger than him!
"This could get troublesome."
Holdem muttered to himself. He didn't care about his subordinates' blustering, but if it caught Kaido's attention, things would get complicated.
He knew Kaido's battle-hungry nature better than anyone.
Right now, the Beasts Pirates and Dressrosa were still in a productive partnership, with their weapons trade proceeding smoothly.
Speak of the devil.
Just as the thought crossed Holdem's mind, heavy footsteps echoed from nearby, followed by a rough, domineering voice:
"Holdem! Contact the Thunder God Swordsman! I want to fight him!"
Holdem turned to see Kaido approaching, fists clenched, his rugged face blazing with ferocious battle lust.
"..."
Holdem remained silent. He glanced at Kaido's unwavering expression and knew there was no changing the situation. He nodded:
"I'll arrange it."
His eyes flashed with calculation. Since a confrontation was inevitable, he had to secure the greatest possible advantage for the Beasts Pirates.
That was a strategist's duty.
Rhodes remained unaware of the developments in Kaido's territory.
After eliminating Kurman Luke and consolidating the underworld forces, he'd moved to raid the Kurman family's vault.
A family with over a century of history—Rhodes had expected this haul to rival his previous plunder of the Heavenly Tribute, but the final results proved disappointing in certain areas.
Upon reflection, the reason became clear.
Luke had been ambitious, preparing to conquer the New World and even contend for Yonko status. Naturally, he'd invested his accumulated resources into cultivating new subordinates, so a smaller stockpile of developmental materials made sense.
However, the gains in other areas—weapons, treasure, and cold hard Berries—were staggering, even exceeding the Donquixote Family's wealth.
Among the assets was a small research team specializing in firearms development. Their data was comprehensive and might complement Ziggs's work nicely.
"Developing everything from scratch takes too long..."
Rhodes chuckled.
Taking what you need directly from others was indeed the fastest path to power.
After a moment's consideration, Rhodes's gaze fell on the Devil Fruit in his hand, its surface seemingly etched with countless snowflakes, his eyes gleaming.
Before this operation, he'd heard the Kurman family had prepared a Logia-type Devil Fruit for their grand conference, but he hadn't expected it to be the Snow-Snow Fruit—the same ability once possessed by the late Monet.
The Snow-Snow Fruit shared similarities with Kuzan's Ice-Ice Fruit, both being cold-element abilities. With proper development, it could likely freeze entire ocean sections.
In the pirate world where seas dominated the geography, this type of Devil Fruit qualified as a strategic asset.
Luke had probably intended to use this fruit to recruit a powerful subordinate, not merely auction it off.
"For ordinary people, Devil Fruits require extensive time and effort to develop their full potential, but for giants, it's a different story."
Rhodes smirked.
Given a giant's massive size, consuming the Logia-type Snow-Snow Fruit would likely enable them to freeze vast stretches of ocean through sheer scale alone, even without advanced techniques.
A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and Reiju entered.
She wore a sleek black business outfit with semi-sheer stockings that complemented her figure elegantly.
Reiju had been working for Rhodes these past few days, helping catalog and organize the underworld forces.
As the eldest daughter of the Vinsmoke family, she possessed extensive knowledge of the underworld and was well-suited to handling such matters.
"Lord Rhodes, an emissary from the Beasts Pirates wishes to see you," Reiju reported.
She seemed in good spirits. Compared to the cold, emotionless atmosphere of the Vinsmoke family, serving under Rhodes felt like truly living, and she found herself reluctant to leave.
"Send him in."
A moment later, a hulking man who resembled a barbarian warrior followed Reiju inside.
His gaze immediately found Rhodes.
So young!
That was the emissary's first impression.
His eyes flickered as he bowed slightly.
"You must be the Thunder God Swordsman. Kaido-san wishes to speak with you."
He maintained careful politeness—the man before him was one of the New World's supreme powers.
If he showed disrespect, Rhodes could kill him on the spot, and Kaido wouldn't object.
"Kaido wants to speak with me?"
Rhodes raised an eyebrow, then showed a hint of interest and gestured for him to proceed.
Immediately, Kaido's subordinate produced a Den Den Mushi and respectfully placed it on the table.
After a series of characteristic ringing sounds, the call connected quickly.
A rough, domineering voice emerged from the transponder snail.
"So you're the Thunder God Swordsman, brat."
"Kaido of the Beasts?"
Though Rhodes phrased it as a question, his expression showed absolute certainty. Few in the New World would dare address him so casually.
Ignoring the informal address, Rhodes spoke calmly:
"What do you want?"
(End of Chapter)
[Goal Tracker]
PS 500 → 1 Bonus Chapter
Reviews 10 → 1 Bonus Chapter
If you enjoyed it, consider a review.
P1treon Soulforger has 30+advance chapters