บท 23: chapter 23
"It was just an accident," Rhodes tried to explain, hoping to protect his reputation.
"Then why didn't you throw it away during the fight? Instead, you held it with your other hand! Admit it—you're a pervert!"
"I... I..." Rhodes stammered, completely speechless.
Moments earlier, he had accidentally removed Hina's shoe. To his surprise, his mysterious ability, [Knights Will Not Die with Bare Hands], activated, allowing him to instantly master one of the Six Powers of the Navy: Shaving.
Shaving, as Rhodes knew, was a technique that involved stepping on the ground dozens of times in 0.36 seconds, using the explosive force to move at blinding speed. To an observer, it seemed as though the user simply vanished.
Rhodes had always wanted to learn the move, but despite his physical prowess, he couldn't perfect it without seeing it performed firsthand. His earlier attempts had been riddled with flaws—his movement was either too erratic, uncontrolled in distance, or entirely unsuitable for combat.
He had theorized that once he observed the technique, he could replicate it. However, he hadn't expected his ability to grant mastery simply by touching someone's shoe.
This revelation sparked a thought: could he use the same method to learn other techniques like Moon Walk and Tempest Kick by touching the shoes of their users? If so, what about techniques like Iron Body or Paper Art? Would he need to grab their clothes? And what about Finger Gun? Surely, he wouldn't need to sever someone's finger...
Looking at his hand, Rhodes sighed in exasperation. Why does this ability feel so ridiculous?
"You're still not admitting you're a pervert! You're clearly reminiscing about it!" Colonel Barrow roared furiously, glaring at Rhodes.
In Barrow's eyes, Rhodes' expression seemed suspiciously nostalgic, as though he was savoring the memory. And to Barrow, Hina was untouchable—his personal goddess.
"Hey, hey, is that true, Rhodes?" Luo chimed in, his expression a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Well, he is 18," Nailu teased. "It's normal for boys his age to have... certain urges."
"If you put it that way, it makes sense," Luo agreed with a sly grin.
"But even if we've decided to become pirates, that kind of behavior is still tasteless," Nailu added. "Really, if you're into that, just say so. I'll even give you my shoes if you buy me a new pair!"
"I've had enough!" Rhodes snapped, frustrated.
He was already debating whether he could find a less questionable method to activate [Knights Will Not Die with Bare Hands]. Continuing with this strategy would only cement his reputation as a pervert.
Suddenly, a series of cannon blasts interrupted the banter.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Shells rained down on Rhodes and his crew as Drake, still aboard the navy warship, ordered a full bombardment.
Though Colonel Barrow was on the opposing ship, Drake trusted his superior's strength to survive the attack. Drake's plan was simple: destroy the pirates' ship and trap them. Victory would be inevitable.
"ROOM—The Slaughterhouse!"
A light blue halo enveloped the scene as Luo activated his Devil Fruit ability.
"Slash!"
With a slight wave of his sword, Ghost Cry, Luo effortlessly sliced through the incoming cannonballs, rendering them harmless.
"What kind of ability is this?!" Drake exclaimed in shock. He hadn't seen any visible attack; the shells were simply split in half.
While Drake stood stunned, Nailu raised his black gun and took aim.
"First, sixteen cannons," he muttered.
As the first 7 bullets emptied from his gun, Nailu swiftly reloaded and fired 9 more.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The warship's sixteen cannons exploded in near-unison, scattering the soldiers manning them.
"Next, the commander."
With precision, Nailu fired his last bullet, aiming for the center of Drake's forehead.
Sensing danger, Drake instinctively activated his Devil Fruit power. His body swelled, his head transforming into a ferocious dragon's, and the bullet struck his chest instead, barely breaking the skin.
"An Ancient Zoan user!" Nailu muttered, his expression growing serious.
"Luo, send us to shore. I don't want my precious Polar damaged," Nailu ordered.
"Fine," Luo replied, activating his ability. "Just don't mess up this time."
The light blue halo expanded, enveloping the warships and transporting the crew ashore.
"Leave the marine officer to me," Nia said with a smirk. "The captain might hesitate because he has a soft spot for her."
"He's not that soft," Luo replied flatly, recalling Rhodes' earlier, unflinching kick to Hina.
As Nia prepared to face Hina, she quipped, "If you underestimate me, you'll regret it."
Hina wiped blood from her mouth, her anger simmering. "Hina won't make that mistake again."
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