Volume 1 - CH 88

Diamante, is a figure of the utmost prominence and a general of the highest caliber, possessing great strength in this sea.

Though his swordsmanship may not have been as polished as Ryuji’s, and his strength ever-so-slightly inferior to Rhodes’, he possessed the ability of the Hira Hira No Mi Fruit to compensate. His overall combat prowess was not far off from that of the one-armed swordsman Ryuji, and may even have had the edge in certain aspects.

Had it not been for the cloak-wrought steel wire net that just so happened to conduct electricity and was intercepted by Rhodes, resulting in severe injuries, this battle may have had a far different outcome.

In terms of physical endurance, though Rhodes had made significant strides, it was uncertain if he could have kept pace with the experienced and powerful Diamante.

And in these parts, the Sabaody Archipelago, with its years of machinations, it would not have been a surprise if allies of the Donquixote Family had intervened.

Alas, it was not meant to be.

Rhodes’ tireless training and relentless pursuit of self-improvement had reaped bountiful rewards.

Be it his body strength, swordsmanship, or his signature move the Thunder Power, any one of them would have been more than enough to earn him the title of a supernova-level individual.

In combination, they had forged Rhodes into a monstrous talent the likes of which had never been seen before.

At the tender age of seventeen, he had struck down Diamante, the Donquixote Family’s highest-ranking officer, with unshakable confidence.

…….

The scene that now greeted the onlookers was one of complete and utter stillness. The only sound that echoed through the air was the steady tread of Rhodes’ feet as he walked the ground. Not a soul dared to make a sound, not even to take a breath. Whether they be the outlaws of the Sabaody Archipelago, the ruthless pirates, the powerful officials, or even members of the Donquixote Family, not a single one dared to speak.

Donquixote Doflamingo had not been seen much since he become one of the Shichibukai.

Of the four highest-ranking officers, Vergo had infiltrated the Marines as a spy, Trebol acted as a secretary or bodyguard-like presence, staying in the Dressrosa palace to protect Sugar, and Pica controlled Dressrosa.

In recent years, the one who had been out and about handling matters was primarily Diamante, the highest-ranking officer.

Perhaps people did not know how powerful Donquixote Doflamingo was, or how strong the Donquixote Family was, but they all knew how strong Diamante is.

But in this very moment, after a fierce battle, that mighty figure’s life and death were uncertain.

Who would ever dare to face the sharp edge of this young man’s swords after this?

“I submit!”

Diamante barely lifted his head, his eyes filled with endless hatred and shame, but he was no longer the hot-headed youth he once was, he knew when to bend and when to stand firm.

For now, he kept his silence, biding his time to preserve his life, but with the Donquixote Family’s position of power and influence in the underworld, there were countless methods to eliminate Rhodes.

“The underworld is teeming with all kinds of sinisterly skilled assassins and hitmen, and when the time comes, you’ll be begging for death!”

Diamante lowered his eyelids, hiding the malice that simmering within.

In his mind, the submission would still ensure the safety of his life.

After all, he’s from the Donquixote Family and their captain is none other than Doflamingo, one of the Shichibukai. Diamante had tasted defeats before, but those who dared to challenge him would usually falter and back down.

Furthermore, a mere youth like Rhodes would be more than satisfied with just the flattery of defeating someone like himself.

“Diamante-sama!”

Many members of the Donquixote Family exclaimed in shock, but couldn’t help but lower their heads. Even the highest-ranking officer could only lower his head and bow, what more could they do?

“Submit and die.”

To their surprise, Rhodes thrust his sword forward, striking Diamante’s heart directly, the terrifying energy burst forth, instantly crushing it.

“How d-dare you!”

Diamante’s eyes bulged, not yet dead, his mouth continuously bleeding, and his face filled with an incredulous expression.

He was the highest-ranking officer of the Donquixote Family, one of the Shichibukai Doflamingo’s elite, and his position was revered.

Even government officials of the World Government, and even some kings of allied countries, would treat him with respect upon seeing him.

But Rodd was resolute in his determination to kill him; succinct and decisive.

“You!”

The members of the Donquixote Family seethed with rage, as Diamante humbly submitted, yet Rodd still brazenly struck him down in front of everyone.

“What, you don’t agree?”

Rhodes drew his sword, the blue blade still gleaming and spotless, not a drop of blood staining it.

He stood tall with a sword in hand and a smile on his face as he looked upon the Donquixote Family members.

But this smile, to them, was akin to the grin of a demon.

The Donquixote Family members, one by one, had their expressions contorted, taking a step back as a wave of fear and terror swept over them, replacing the brief anger.

How dare they provoke such a madman?

This was a being who would kill even the highest-ranking officer of the Donquixote Family without hesitation.

In the crowd, a man in a white mask who had just arrived saw this scene and couldn’t help but blink, halting his steps and muttering to himself:

“It’s not my fault, it’s Diamante’s fault for being too weak, I just got here and he’s already dead.”

“Hmm, that’s how I’ll report it.”

With that, the CP agent shook his head, slowly withdrawing from the crowd.

As for the remaining small fry of the Donquixote Family, the CP agent was too lazy to bother with them, this level of strength was not worth inciting the wrath of this madman Rhodes.

Mmm, the crux of the matter is that he may not necessarily emerge victorious…

CP’s special agent was quite perceptive, he slipped away like a ghost.

“Dead, he’s dead, Diamante is dead…”

Soros muttered in a trembling voice, his mind reeling in shock. He could never have imagined that Rodd would dare to publicly slay Diamante right before their eyes.

Could it be that he has some sort of powerful backer, one that would allow him to sneer at the Donquixote Family?

Even the West Sea’s wealthiest man, Gates, was left reeling in shock.

“No matter how much wealth one amasses, it will always fall short when held up against true strength.”

He murmured; his expression one of resignation.

The two bodyguards were also left speechless, whispering among themselves: “Boss, you were the catalyst for this outbreak of violence. This young man may have some sort of backing, but you do not.”

“We must flee Sabaody Archipelago with all due haste. The sea is wide and the Donquixote Family will not be able to pursue us easily. As long as we can make it back to the West Sea, we can seek refuge under the royal family.”

Gates was startled upon hearing this, stammering “You’re right, I’ll be leaving to find a ship.”

As Rhodes finished the remaining members of the Donquixote Family with his two strikes, bringing this event to its satisfying conclusion.

Rhodes gave his sword a shake, the sound of it being sheathed echoed through the air, and he paused for a moment in contemplation.

All eyes were on him as he suddenly made his way toward Gates, who was attempting to slip away unnoticed.

Gates was caught off guard, froze in his tracks, his steps hanging suspended in the air for a moment before he retreated silently.

“This is it, this guy is the type who holds a grudge isn’t he?”

Gates was drenched in sweat, wanting to say something, but unable to find the words.

Though this conflict had been ignited by Aranakiri, it had ultimately been sparked by the incident with Loa G.

But at the source, it was because of Gates’ misfortune.

If Rodd truly intends to hold him accountable, Gates would be at a loss for words, and could only accept defeat.