Chapter 35: Hyouzou, Troublesome Matter
Brett pressed his lips together.
The feelings that had been simmering were abruptly interrupted, and his coherent thoughts could not be expressed.
You ought to learn to gauge the atmosphere, my friend.
Brett slightly furrowed his brow as he observed the approaching figure, Hyouzou.
A Fishman resembling a red-skinned octopus, with tentacles extending from his waist down, held a wine gourd in one hand and a knife in the other.
They were also long-time acquaintances.
Recognized as the preeminent swordsman on Fish-Man Island, the Eight-Sword Hyozo.
Of course, the significance of the title of the No. 1 Swordsman is universally understood, particularly in a place where all engage in fish body techniques.
"I heard from Arlong that you killed that fellow Hody? " Hyouzou said drunkenly while stumbling.
News of Hody's actions had circulated throughout Fishman Street via Arlong's accounts.
This revelation had undoubtedly astonished all the fishmen.
To confront Brett and Jinbei, they had indeed turned against their own kind. The Fishman abhor such conduct.
In a way, Brett's standing in Fishman Street had significantly enhanced due to this occurrence.
Although it was minor compared to the accolades given by Arlong.
Yet, Brett was aware that Hyouzou was not present to seek retribution for Hody, despite the fact that this character was Hody's subordinate in the original story.
Hyouzou was a mercenary figure, associating himself with whoever offered more money.
Hody likely did not have the opportunity to enlist his services prior.
"But ultimately, that guy Hody is not that impressive."
Hyouzou, while belching wine and appearing dazed, spoke slowly, "If you wish to advance Fishman Street in this manner, hiccup~ I, I shall not concede. . . "
"Hey, Hyouzou, you! "
Arlong leaped down from the table, expressing frustration, "What are you intending to do. . . "
"Leave it to Brett, Arlong. "
Jinbei extended his hand to restrain the agitated Arlong, speaking with composure, "If he cannot even resolve this issue, how can he hope to transform Fish-Man Island? "
"Have you forgotten? What Brother Tiger accomplished back then? "
Arlong pondered for a moment, then nodded.
This could represent an opportunity.
Even with his support and Jinbei's, numerous people within Fishman Street still harbored discontent towards Brett.
However, that was of little consequence; Fishman Street operates on the principle of the strong prevailing over the weak.
Provided that Brett can demonstrate overwhelming strength, similar to Tiger in the past, he will be able to garner the support of all.
Now is the moment.
Brett understood this as well, "In other words, as long as I possess the strength to defeat you, then you are willing to acknowledge my superiority. "
Hyouzou's hazy eyes turned fervent. Though still belching wine, the grip on his knife became remarkably steady.
"That has always been the precedent, hasn't it? "
Brett smiled and gestured towards the bar door, "Let's step outside. "
He pivoted and exited.
"Let's see how strong you are!"
Hyouzou grinned and trailed behind.
"Oh! ! ! "
The intoxicated patrons in the bar erupted with enthusiasm.
"It's a brawl! ! ! "
In the neglected Fishman Street, there are truly scarce options for recreation. The fishmen consistently take pleasure in engaging in or observing fights.
Outside the bar, Brett and Hyouzou stood off against each other from a distance. Nearly all the Fishmen present in the bar emerged, linking arms and cheering.
Some even called other fishmen too watch the spectacle. Newcomers quickly gathered insight into the events of the night from earlier arrivals.
"Hey! Is this a contest for the Boss of Fishman Street? "
"Doesn't this suggest that Fishman Street will soon become lively? "
"Hahahaha, I never anticipated that I would one day witness a repeat of what transpired with Brother Tiger back then! "
The fishmen engaged in discussions and reflection.
It was a tumultuous yet thrilling time.Tiger stood up and used his strength to restore order in Fishman Street!
"Don't you need a weapon? "
Hyouzou gazed at Brett and gradually unsheathed his sword.
Not one, not two, but eight.
He is an octopus Fishman possessing tentacles alongside his arms.
"My fist is enough. "
Brett did not even bother activating his abilities. He lifted his hands and assumed a fighting stance. A faint electric glow was already flickering over his body.
"Hahahaha, this battle will be over in a heartbeat! !"
Arlong, observing the duel from the sidelines, chuckled and remarked, "Although Brett hasn't exerted his full strength thus far, how could this guy, Hyouzou, stand as his rival? "
"Is that so? "
Hachi expressed concern, "But Hyouzou is powerful."
He had faced defeat by Hyouzou numerous times.
"There's no need to worry."
Jinbei crossed his arms over his chest and stated calmly, "This isn't a fair matchup at all. They are not equals."
He possessed the clearest understanding of Brett's strength. Hyouzou may be strong, but he would never be capable of overcoming Brett.
"Haha, don't blame me if you end up being cut down." Hyouzou grinned.
Although he lacks legs, he is equipped with eight tentacles. The adaptable tentacles apply force simultaneously, enabling him to launch his body forward like a projectile.
As he moved, eight sharp blades began to swing from various angles, like a storm of blades.
"Oh my god! ! He's going to slice him into pieces!"
Some of the fish-men spectators gasped.
In their view, Brett was on the verge of being engulfed by the blade storm at that moment.
'Too slow.' The corners of Brett's mouth lifted.
His form transformed into blue lightning.
The lightning zipped sideways, then refracted forward at a steep angle.
In a mere flash, Brett appeared diagonally behind Hyouzou.
Despite the formidable physique inherited from Kaido's lineage and the protective subcutaneous exoskeleton gained from the original diamond fish, Brett had not thought of using his body as a shield against blades prior to mastering Haki.
By harnessing electric energy and employing techniques with water stomp, Brett perceived that his ultimate acceleration rivaled that of one of the six styles, shaving.
At the very least, Hyouzou showed no response whatsoever at first.
"What? "
In a startled reaction, as he turned, Brett had already extended his large hand and grasped one of his tentacles.
"That's it; it's over. "
Hyouzou's form was hurled into the air before crashing down to the ground.
Subsequently, he soared upward again only to collide with the ground once more.
After several repetitions, Brett had created multiple deep depressions in the ground.
By the time Brett released his grip, Hyouzou could only remain in the pit, gasping for breath.
"Is this the end? "
A fish-man spectator exclaimed in astonishment, "Hyouzou couldn't even retaliate! "
"Impressive! Brett so powerful!"
"Do you still call Brett? Call me brother Brett!"
A fish-man exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Brother Brett is now the leader of our Fishman Street! "
"Long live Brother Brett! "
The Fishmen cheered and shouted in unison.
"Is this strength the reason, Arlong, why you chose to place your trust in him? " Kuroobi also expressed in amazement.
During Brett's previous fighiwith Hody, he had lost consciousness, preventing him from witnessing Brett's actual strength.
"This is far from Brett's full strength. "
Arlong smiled, "Once you witness his true power, you will realize he embodies the hope of Fish-Man Island! "
"In that case," Kuroobi nodded thoughtfully, "Perhaps you are right, Arlong. . . "
The fish people present were fervently celebrating.
Even Hyouzou, in his weakened state, managed to utter slowly and with great effort, "You are strong, I admit my defeat. . . "
Brett gradually exhaled in relief and cast a glance toward Jinbei and Arlong.
Jinbei offered an encouraging glance, and Arlong gestured a thumbs-up.
"From this day forward, I shall lead Fishman Street into the future! "
Brett proclaimed emphatically, "Those who are dissatisfied may come forth and challenge me! "
"Oh! ! Brother Brett! ! "
Cheers echoed through the night.
…
"So, just like that, you become the leader of Fishman Street? "
Shyarly glanced up from the ledger and stared at Brett in astonishment.
"Did you not encourage me to pursue my own desires? " Brett grinned.
"Yes, and you did. "
"It's ecause you are always right, Shyarly. "
"Hmm." Shyarly's demeanor remained largely unchanged, "What are we going to do next? "
"It would be premature to declare that Fishman Street has been unified. "
Brett stated, "While Brother Jinbei and Brother Arlog are supportive of my efforts, you know that there exists a multitude of small gangs within Fishman Street, and our next steps may prove to be quite complex. "
"Is it similar to what Brother Tiger accomplished previously? " Shyarly acknowledged with a slight nod.
Brett said gravely, "There is a considerable number of people on Fishman Street who have remained idle, impoverished, and uneducated. This demographic represents the most volatile segment of Fishman Island as a whole. "
"If we aim to transform Fish-Man Island, we should start from here. "
"Have you figured out, what you want to do?"
"Currently, I possess only a general outline. We will discuss the specifics later. For now, we must prepare for the impending challenges. "
"That is quite regrettable" Shyarly remarked with a shake of her head, "It appears you will not have the opportunity to work in my establishment. "
"I'm sorry, Shyarly; I won't be able to indulge in leisure as I initially anticipated," Brett replied seriously.
"Didn't I mention? Simply pursue your own aspirations. "
Shyarly offered a gentle smile, "Then gradually progress toward the future I envision. "
"What precisely did you envision? "
"If I tell you, wouldn't such knowledge diminish any anticipation? Just be aware, Brett, that if you continue to forge ahead, we will ultimately arrive at a remarkably promising future; therefore, do not halt. "
"I'm just curious, but please avoid making such ominous statements. "
"Huh? What do you mean? "
To summarize, forthcoming during the practice breaks, there will be challenging matters to address.
In the time ahead, Brett will consistently encounter such situations.
"Brett, right? You aspire to be the leader of Fishman Street, have you consulted us on this matter? "
***
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