Chapter 48: Hot Springs
The situation in the New World is complex. Four Emperors reign supreme, but there are also many neutral and chaotic areas controlled by major pirates, crime families, and underground organizations.
With the specifications of Momousagi's warship, as long as it stays within reasonable bounds, it is almost completely safe and secure. Ordinary pirate crews would simply flee at the sight of it.
Rhodes' learning progress is rapid. In just a few days, he has refined even the smallest details, demonstrating the composure of a veteran.
Through these few days of observation, Momousagi has gained a deep understanding of Rhodes' abilities.
Meanwhile, the Marine warship has arrived at its destination.
It is an island with a unique topography.
From afar, a volcano can be seen rising like a pillar toward the sky, surrounded by a vast jungle, lush green and filled with the constant sounds of wild animals.
This island is clearly home to a large number of ferocious beasts, far more dangerous than the training islands designated by the Revolutionary Army headquarters for their reserves.
"I wonder if this volcano is active or dormant?" Rhodes paused, his gaze fixed on the peak.
The sight of a volcano reminded him of magma and Akainu. It was said that Fleet Admiral Akainu's ability mimicked volcanic eruptions, producing not only extremely high-temperature magma but also explosive impact.
"We don't know either."
"After discovering this special island a few years ago, Vice Admiral Momousagi would come here to rest periodically."
Eleanor's eyes sparkled with excitement. It wasn't just her; most of the others felt the same way.
The New World was different from Paradise and the Four Blues.
The situation in the Four Blues was almost entirely under the control of the Marines and the World Government. Paradise was less so, but control was still strong. Marine bases and branches were abundant, and some neutral islands even sided with the World Government.
In such an environment, it was easy for the Marines to find places to resupply or rest.
But the situation in the second half of the Grand Line was completely different.
The New World was the domain of the Four Emperors, and there were countless rebellious individuals who dared to defy the Marines, so Marine bases were few and far between.
Under such circumstances, even resupplying Marine vessels was a challenge, let alone recreational activities. They often had to wait until their shore leave to get proper rest.
But as it turned out, as long as one was brave...
oh, no.
As long as one was strong enough, one could do whatever one pleased.
Ever since discovering the hot springs, Momousagi had been a frequent visitor, allowing Eleanor and other subordinates to enjoy the privilege.
Leaving behind the necessary garrison personnel, Momousagi led Rhodes and her crew into the island. The New World Marines consisted of elite officers, capable of serving as captain-level officers in the Four Blues.
Momousagi's personal guard were exceptionally fierce, cutting down any ferocious beasts that dared to challenge them and claiming them as dinner.
The path they followed seemed endless, and Rhodes could even vaguely see other warships in the distance. Soon, the group reached the base of the volcano, where scattered buildings dotted the landscape. Wisps of steam could be seen rising from the gaps between them. These must be hot springs.
The group gradually split up.
Seeing that Momousagi hadn't spoken to him, Rhodes followed silently.
Gradually, Rhodes suddenly realized that only Momousagi and her personal guard remained by his side.
No wonder he could sense countless burning, envious gazes from behind, eager to trade places.
Rhodes smirked. Envy and jealousy were all in vain.
"What? You really plan to join us in the hot springs?"
Nearing the hot spring house, Momousagi turned around and gave him a knowing smile.
Eleanor and the other personal guards giggled and teased.
"You look so innocent and pure, but I didn't expect you to be such a pervert."
"Handsome boy, I don't mind if you join us."
"Come on, come in, don't be shy."
The personal guards stood inside the hot spring house. Some of them had even begun undressing, revealing glimpses of skin.
These hot spring houses were private and informal, so naturally, there were no special towels or anything like that; everyone bathed in the traditional manner.
Rhodes was tempted, but thinking of the disastrous consequences, he silently turned around and left, seeking a hot spring on his own.
This area had the potential to be developed into a volcanic hot spring resort.
It didn't take long for Rhodes to find an open-air natural hot spring. The pool was an irregular circular shape, steaming with perfect heat.
Rhodes undressed and entered the pool. The perfectly warm water soothed his skin, dispelling fatigue and allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.
This was his first time soaking in a hot spring in either of his lives.
The pool he had found was located at a high altitude, offering a panoramic view. The hot spring houses below the mountain were all within sight.
Furthermore, some of the hot spring houses, built to accommodate outdoor bathing, had large sections of their roofs open to the sky. This led to Rhodes witnessing many eye-catching scenes.
"Sure enough, the Marines really know how to unwind..."
Rhodes muttered, quickly looking away and glancing out of the corner of his eye at the largest, most distant hot spring house.
The tempting sight was almost too much.
His enhanced physical abilities were comprehensive, and Rhodes' eyesight was naturally exceptional. Even through the faint steam, he could still see almost everything...
...
For the next two days, Momousagi did not immediately begin teaching, but instead completely relaxed and rested. Once she had refreshed herself, she called Rhodes along and led him to an open training area.
"In swordsmanship, your strength lies in your perfect mastery of focus and intent. Most sword masters can't match you in that regard,"
Momousagi said calmly, gripping her practice sword. "Your weakness is also obvious. Your swordsmanship foundation is too weak. It's like you've only just started learning the basics."
"Sometimes I find it hard to imagine how, with your level of swordsmanship, you could comprehend such powerful Lightning Sword Intent."
At this point, Momousagi couldn't help but reveal a hint of confusion. She was truly baffled, but ultimately, she could only attribute it to Rhodes' natural talent. It was a good thing, anyway, so she didn't bother to dwell on it.
Rhodes nodded slightly in agreement.
This was undeniable. His exceptional talent in swordsmanship had enabled him to reach the realm of a swordsman in just three months, but even with some additional training in the fundamentals, it wouldn't have been surprising.
Furthermore, Rhodes had focused his primary attention on physical conditioning and his Haki development, inevitably neglecting his pure swordsmanship.
That seemingly skilled and precise swordsmanship, in the eyes of a master swordsman like Momousagi, was of course riddled with flaws and gaps. Even the most basic sword forms were slightly off, and his so-called techniques were lackluster, relying solely on the terrifying power of lightning and physical strength.
"The foundation of swordsmanship is crucial. It is the basis of all sword techniques. Without a sufficiently solid foundation, it is nearly impossible to comprehend the profound meaning of 'cutting steel' and enter the realm of a master swordsman."
"Although the realm of a master swordsman is difficult to describe in words, it ultimately comes down to returning to the basics,"
Momousagi said softly, then set a training schedule for Rhodes during this period:
"Well, I'll set a small goal for you first: 100,000 vertical slashes. If you can't manage that, 100,000 straight thrusts. If that still doesn't work, 100,000 horizontal cuts..."
After saying this, she smiled gently, "Students with natural talent are wonderful; they can handle intensive training."
Rhodes' face darkened.
(End of Chapter)
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