chapter 9

After listening to Bellamy and his gang's story, Rhodes finally pieced together the situation.

All of them were from Notis Town, a relatively wealthy community. Despite their privileged upbringing, they had grown weary of the monotony of their lives and yearned for adventure.

Led by Bellamy, they formed a small group, idolizing the infamous pirate Donquixote Doflamingo, who hailed from the North Sea. Viewing him as their hero, they dreamed of joining his crew and becoming great pirates themselves.

Recently, they caught wind of some intelligence through local gang channels: the Felke family, based on Mignon Island, was preparing to enter the arms trade in the North Sea.

This was no small matter. The arms business in the North Sea had long been under the iron grip of the Donquixote family. Doflamingo had ruthlessly expanded his operations to control the entire region, eliminating all competitors. Even after becoming one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he used his position and the World Government's influence to dominate all underground trade.

Bellamy and his group, eager to prove themselves and curry favor with Doflamingo, decided to attack the Felke family as a show of loyalty. They hoped this bold move would earn them a place in the Donquixote family.

But they hadn't anticipated encountering someone like Rhodes.

"I have no interest in little punks like you. Get out," Rhodes said coldly.

The gang paled under his piercing gaze. Without a word, they turned to leave, moving quickly.

One of them, a blue-haired boy named Sachis, hesitated. Gathering his courage, he stepped forward to pick up the unconscious Bellamy.

"I didn't say you could take him," Rhodes said, his voice calm but firm.

Sachis froze, trembling slightly, but still managed to look up at Rhodes with a determined expression.

"Go, Sachis! Leave him!" one of his companions called out.

Sachis' eyes flickered with uncertainty. After a brief pause, he gently laid Bellamy down and turned to join the others, leaving quickly.

"I thought he'd at least try to argue," Nia remarked, watching the gang retreat. Her voice dripped with disdain. "They abandon their companions so easily. Just a bunch of hooligans."

"What do you plan to do with this 'Spring Man'?" she asked, gesturing to Bellamy.

"There's something I want to test," Rhodes replied, glancing at the unconscious Bellamy. A fleeting thought of one of his own companions crossed his mind.

I wonder how far that guy's abilities could go if trained properly.

---

A Gesture of Gratitude

As Rhodes pondered, Jason approached, carrying a heavy box. He handed it over respectfully.

"This should be more than five million," Jason said, his voice steady despite his injuries.

Rhodes raised an eyebrow, impressed by Jason's resilience. Moments ago, this man had been beaten half to death by Bellamy's gang, yet here he stood, composed and resolute.

Jason continued, "Our lives were spared by your kindness. This money is a small token of gratitude. If it weren't for you, we'd all be dead by now."

His gaze flickered to Bellamy at Rhodes' feet, a mix of fear and awe in his eyes. The man who had defeated their entire gang was taken down by Rhodes in an instant. The difference in strength was staggering.

"If you think about it, we owe you not one but two lives," Jason added.

"Don't say that. I just don't waste my energy on the weak," Rhodes interrupted, waving off the sentiment.

Taking the box, he gave it a light shake. "I'll take this, then. Let's go!"

He kicked Bellamy's limp body toward Nia, called out to Neru, and signaled for him to carry the injured Gray. Together, they headed for the coast.

---

Jason's Resolve

Watching Rhodes and his crew disappear into the distance, Jason's thoughts turned inward.

We've been too short-sighted, content with small-time underworld dealings. Compared to those people… we're nothing.

"Boss Jason, what's our next move?" one of the surviving gang members asked.

Jason glanced around at his men. Many were injured and lying on the ground, groaning in pain. The rest looked lost, unsure of their future without their leader.

"Treat the wounded first," Jason ordered. "Then spread the word to gather the family's remaining strength."

Hearing his command, the men quickly got to work. For now, having direction seemed to ease their confusion.

Still, Jason couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy. Rhodes, Bellamy—both groups were far beyond anything his family could handle.

Perhaps the sea is where true strength and opportunity lie.

---

The Legend of the Sea Monster

At the coast, Nia turned to Rhodes. "Are you sure we shouldn't wait until dawn to set sail?"

Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"I've heard stories about the route between Feiyan Island and Mignon Island," Nia said. "People say strange things happen at night. There's a legend about a sea monster."

She continued, "They say some have seen people rowing desperately, chased by white waves that won't let them reach shore. No matter how close they get, the waves push them back to sea until dawn. Some row until they're nearly dead from exhaustion. People think a sea monster haunts those waters."

Gray, pale and injured, let out a yelp. "A sea monster? Then let's wait until morning!"

"It's just a baseless rumor," Rhodes said dismissively as he prepared the ship.

Looking toward Feiyan Island, he gave the command: "Let's go!"