Chapter 6: Development

**

When Rhodes chose to draw a new talent, a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors illuminated his vision, with various understated yet intriguing words floating past.

"Whoa..."

At a mere glance, Rhodes lost his composure and exclaimed in shock.

Initially, he thought the talents up for selection would include mundane ones like *Physical Technique Specialization* or *Firearms Specialization*, akin to his existing *Swordsmanship Specialization.* Yet, to his amazement, the **Book of Knowledge** far exceeded his expectations.

It offered talents such as **[Immovable]**, **[Divine Strength]**, **[Supreme Agility]**, and **[Endurance]**, which could directly and significantly enhance his physical attributes.

In addition, there were abilities like **[Thunder Manipulation]**, **[Frost Manipulation]**, and **[Flame Manipulation]**, each tied to elemental powers.

And that wasn't the end.

Amidst the glimmering words, Rhodes caught sight of skills resembling Devil Fruits in the One Piece world: **[Door-Door Power]**, **[Faith Energy]**, and even **[Fortune's Blessing].**

As the talents scrolled by, Rhodes' heart raced, and his eyes gleamed with desire.

"Divine Strength would be fantastic! With that, my slashes would be several times more powerful!"

"Elemental manipulation would be incredible too. Imagine the style and utility!"

"*Door-Door Power? Are you kidding me? With this, I could go anywhere in the One Piece world!*"

Yet only one talent could be chosen.

"Why must I only get one?!" Rhodes silently cursed the limitation, his heart filled with envy for the many choices slipping through his grasp.

As his frustrations built, the shimmering words gradually slowed, each pausing longer before transitioning to the next.

One by one, extraordinary talents came into view.

Eventually, it seemed destined to stop on **[Medical Expertise]**, leaving Rhodes momentarily stunned.

"Seriously? Am I doomed to a lifetime in medicine, even across two lifetimes?" he muttered. "But... medical skills can't save the world!"

Just as Rhodes was about to resign himself to this fate, the word skipped over at the last moment, landing on the talent just after it.

"Anything but medical specialization..."

In the next instant, the chosen talent transformed into radiant golden light, flowing like a celestial river and merging seamlessly into his status panel.

---

**[Knowledge Book – Tier 2]**

- **Attributes:**

- Intelligence: +2

- Perception: +1

- **Talents:**

1. *Swordsmanship Specialization*: Achieve mastery, with a profound understanding of sword techniques.

2. *Thunder Manipulation*: Harness and control the might of thunder and lightning!

- **Energy:** 0/1000

---

"Control over thunder..."

Staring at the updated panel, Rhodes froze momentarily before realization dawned.

He had initially believed that the **Book of Knowledge's** latest evolution would provide a foundation for his path to strength.

Unexpectedly, it was more than just a foundation—it was a leap toward power itself.

With intelligence twice that of an average person, Rhodes' memory capacity had grown significantly. Upon seeing the talent *Thunder Manipulation*, his mind instantly brimmed with ideas.

Scenes from various sources he had encountered in his past life flooded back to him:

- The nearly omnipotent *Rumble-Rumble Fruit* wielded by Enel on Skypiea.

- The *Raikage's lightning techniques* in the Naruto world, which revitalized cells and enhanced reflexes.

- The *Railgun*, *Iron Sand Sword*, and *True Lightning Bolts* of Misaka Mikoto from *A Certain Scientific Railgun*.

One by one, these techniques surfaced, each more exhilarating than the last. Rhodes couldn't wait to begin developing them all.

"Calm down... I need to calm down..."

Taking a deep breath, Rhodes forced himself to focus.

While his offensive prowess was already formidable with his swordsmanship, what he lacked most was **strength**, **speed**, and **physical endurance**—his foundational weaknesses.

---

Minutes later, Rhodes stood before a mirror, controlling faint currents of electricity across his body. Pale blue light coursed over his skin, leaving his hair unaffected.

Gazing at his reflection, Rhodes silently assessed himself.

By carefully controlling the intensity of the electric currents, he intended to stimulate his cells, enhancing their vitality. If successful, this would form the cornerstone of his growth, reinforcing his essence.

Such a foundation, coupled with his swift-growing swordsmanship, would make him a contender against any force in the world, from Kaido to Whitebeard.

However, this method was risky, potentially life-threatening if mishandled. He needed time to perfect it.

Unlike the Raikage's method in the Naruto world, which had been refined over generations, Rhodes was starting from scratch.

But he had an advantage.

Thanks to his talent *Thunder Manipulation*, he could precisely control the electrical currents. By beginning with a low voltage and incrementally increasing it, he ensured there were no uncontrolled surges to harm his body.

---

That very night, Rhodes sat cross-legged on his bed and began his first attempt.

With the intensity reduced to a negligible level, he directed the electric currents through his body, carefully avoiding his internal organs.

Instead, he focused on his muscles and bones, which were far more resilient.

Here, his enhanced perception proved invaluable.

1.5 times sharper than the average person, it allowed Rhodes to detect the slightest discomfort and make rapid adjustments.

Furthermore, his mastery of the *Swordmaster's Focus* ensured unwavering concentration, preventing external distractions or mental lapses that could lead to errors.

Every step was executed with precision and care.

---

As faint crackling sounds filled the room, Rhodes felt a tingling sensation throughout his body. The current coursed through every muscle fiber and bone, bypassing the fragile internal organs.

Despite the subtle effects, Rhodes could sense an improvement. A gentle itch spread through his limbs, akin to the sensation of growing pains.

"The results aren't drastic yet, but this is only the beginning."

Rhodes' confidence swelled. With further refinement, he was certain the technique would yield astonishing results.

"To think I've endured three months of weakness, barely stronger than a child... No more!"

Gazing into the dimly lit room, Rhodes' resolve solidified.

From this moment on, his rise to power was inevitable.

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