Chapter 61: Farewell and Instructions
The pinnacle warriors of the pirate world possessed immense physiques, even stronger than monsters.
The duration of any ultimate showdown was measured in days—exceedingly protracted affairs.
In Rhodes' opinion, age likely wouldn't significantly impact the combat effectiveness of these monsters, but it could make a peak warrior vulnerable, much like how an elderly person becomes susceptible to illness. Once it takes hold, the effects are overwhelming and devastating.
Pains, injuries, and side effects that one completely ignored in youth become excruciatingly severe in old age.
This phenomenon was most vividly embodied in Whitebeard. The Gura Gura no Mi, possessing the world's greatest destructive power, had pervasive side effects—each use creating tremendous strain on the user's body.
But in his youth, Whitebeard paid no attention to it, completely ignoring the consequences, thus cementing his title as the "World's Strongest Man."
However, in old age—or rather, since the dawn of the Great Pirate Era—he gradually aged yet continued to face endless challengers, the most ferocious of whom was Kaido of the Beasts.
The accumulated side effects then erupted completely, affecting the world's strongest man in every conceivable way, causing him to steadily weaken until he eventually required IV drips just to sustain his life.
In stark contrast, Garp—a contemporary of Whitebeard—had fought virtually no grueling battles due to the World Government's conservative policies regarding the New World. He spent his days at Marine Headquarters, eating rice crackers in his office, occasionally venturing to East Blue to train his grandson and lob a few cannonballs at rookie pirates for exercise.
This allowed him to maintain near-peak combat prowess. During the Battle of Marineford, he even felt confident he could crush Akainu if push came to shove.
According to Rhodes' theory, maintaining near-peak combat prowess in old age depended on avoiding injuries—especially severe ones like broken limbs—and avoiding the devastating side effects of abilities like the Gura Gura no Mi.
"But I'm only seventeen. I don't need to worry about that for now," Rhodes shook his head, dismissing these chaotic thoughts and focusing on the battle.
Meanwhile, the situation on the battlefield had also changed.
As if sensing Rhodes' arrival, each of Momousagi's sword techniques slowed down slightly, as if she were deliberately demonstrating for an audience.
Zephyr, with his vast experience, instantly sensed Momousagi's intentions and cooperated by restraining Spark more thoroughly.
A smile crossed his previously stern face, and for the first time, he felt a hint of sympathy for Spark.
Poor bastard.
The mighty pirate who had terrorized the New World—the man known as "The Demon"—had become Momousagi's unwilling partner for a swordsmanship demonstration to train her student.
"Damn, sensei is incredible!" Rhodes, ever perceptive, quickly realized what was happening. He whispered his observation to Ain, then focused intently on watching Momousagi's swordsmanship demonstration.
Two supremely powerful fighters, coordinating with each other—or rather, being coordinated by Momousagi for this impromptu lesson.
Such an opportunity was truly rare!
Rhodes' eyes widened, absorbing every detail.
It might not be immediately useful, but it was ultimately a form of accumulation—invaluable experience. Only through sustained growth and development could one become a supreme swordsman.
Several hours later, as Spark collapsed to the ground and reverted to his human form, this extraordinary swordsmanship lesson concluded.
"Your future will be spent in Impel Down."
Zephyr produced Seastone handcuffs and shackled them onto Spark. The unique properties contained within the Seastone instantly drained Spark's strength, leaving him feeling utterly powerless.
He glanced at Zephyr's mechanical arm, forced a bitter smile, and sneered in a mocking tone:
"Black Arm Zephyr, kehehehe... Is your so-called justice nothing more than serving as a lapdog for the World Government and the Celestial Dragons?"
"What pathetic justice."
Destined to rot in the dark depths of Impel Down, Spark wasn't afraid of provoking Zephyr's wrath.
Upon hearing this, Momousagi's face flared with rage. Without hesitation, she struck Spark with the hilt of her sword, knocking him unconscious and leaving him bleeding from his mouth and nose.
"Sensei..."
"Don't worry about it. I understand."
Zephyr waved his hand dismissively, seemingly unconcerned.
"The Marines prioritize the welfare of the people and must maintain their own sense of justice. I won't be swayed by the words of scum like him."
Nearby, Rhodes listened to this exchange, his expression shifting slightly as he shook his head inwardly.
Zephyr was a true hero, without question. He had dedicated his entire life to the Marines, enduring countless hardships while steadfastly believing in justice. Yet in the end, he would be betrayed by the very World Government he served, driven to extremes, and left to face a tragic end in his old age.
As an outsider from another world, Rhodes hadn't given this much thought before, but now that he had arrived in this reality, he was forced to consider the implications.
Zephyr had trained countless outstanding students. The current three Admirals and most of the Marine officers were his disciples.
Logically, someone with Zephyr's exceptional teaching abilities would be treasured wherever he went.
Unfortunately, Zephyr's ideologies clashed fundamentally with those of the World Government—the Marines' direct superiors.
Perhaps Zephyr would never do something as drastic as leading a naval mutiny, but the World Government couldn't ignore the potential threat. They had to take precautions and eventually force him out.
...
The island-wide cleanup that followed lasted a full three days.
After ten years of operations, the great pirate Spark had naturally amassed considerable wealth—truly a mountain of treasure.
After all, they weren't running legitimate businesses; they regularly extorted tribute and engaged in various criminal enterprises, generating enormous profits.
Furthermore, thanks to their timing in intercepting the deal with the Donquixote Family, the Marines had seized a large quantity of high-grade weapons and ammunition, adding to their arsenal in the name of justice.
As for the enslaved captives, they were handled according to standard protocols.
It's worth noting that the Marines weren't required to turn in any personal property seized on the island—it was considered a job perk.
On the warship, Rhodes sighed softly as he observed the former slaves at the harbor. Their expressions remained numb and lifeless; even those who had been rescued still looked hollow and broken.
He had recently visited the island's underground chambers—the conditions were so dark and horrific they defied description.
As someone from another world with relatively normal moral values, Rhodes naturally couldn't stomach the slave system or the arrogant Celestial Dragons. This was part of why he had been so receptive to the Revolutionary Army's ideals.
"Darkness and oppression exist everywhere. We can only do our best to fight it."
Momousagi's cool, composed voice carried a rare hint of barely perceptible exhaustion.
While the Marines served as the World Government's military force, they were also the sole organization maintaining any semblance of order across these vast seas. It was no exaggeration to say they represented the hope of common people everywhere.
"To truly eradicate these evils, the Marines alone aren't enough."
Rhodes knew Momousagi was trying to persuade him to join the Marines and carry on this righteous cause, but he had his own ideas and his own path to follow.
"Ah."
Listening to Rhodes' somewhat rebellious remarks, Momousagi sighed softly, a distant look appearing in her eyes.
Every pirate had their dreams, and so did every Marine.
To uphold justice, punish evil, become a hero, protect the innocent...
If Zephyr—a former Admiral—felt so powerless, what could she accomplish as merely an Admiral candidate with even less authority and influence?
Finally, she spoke in a voice that was both gentle and resolute:
"No matter where you go, no matter what your status becomes, remember to uphold the fundamental boundaries of human decency."
"Otherwise, I'll be the first one to hunt you down."
(End of Chapter)
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