Chapter 42: Beast Taming in Progress
The residents of Fishman Street made an unexpected discovery.
The previously tumultuous neighborhood had noticeably become quieter of late.
Before long, the reason for this shift became apparent.
"The most troublesome delinquents have all been taken into training by Brother Brett! "
Fishman Street has a population of several hundred thousand, but not every Fishman is involved with gangs. Naturally, the majority are ordinary people leading typical lives.
It is to be expected that a change would arise after the removal of fewer than 10,000 disruptive individuals.
However, the inhabitants of Fishman Street soon observed even more intriguing transformations.
"Hyouzou? "
Inside a particular eatery, a familiar fish-man asked in astonishment, "It's hard to believe that you are merely consuming alcohol today? "
Hyouzou reclined drunkenly on the table, emitting belches while his eyes appeared hazy.
While this behavior seemed typical, something felt amiss.
Anyone acquainted with Hyouzou is aware that he tends to get excessively intoxicated and cause mayhem when inebriated. It is not unusual for him to create disturbances or even stab someone during such episodes.
Yet today, he was merely drinking quietly?
"Hiccup~"
Hyouzou, struggling, replied with a grin, "Well, what he was discussing—Huu—actually stirred my blood. . . "
The troublemakers of Fishman Street are undergoing a transformation, and the residents are astonished by the developments.
The disturbances in this area are diminishing swiftly, and this highly disorderly region of Fish-Man Island is gradually transitioning to a state of tranquility.
The local population began to unanimously commend Brett for his accomplishments.
This is a feat that even Tiger, the previous Big Brother of Fishman Street, could not achieve.
However, Brett understood that much work remains.
Addressing a cadre of unruly gangsters is still insufficient to genuinely rectify the issues plaguing Fishman Street.
The principal challenge in this community is poverty.
Due to financial hardship and powerlessness, residents are often compelled to take desperate actions.
The resolution of this situation will only come with the official commencement of operations by the mining company.
Currently, the limited number of mineral experts within the Dragon Kingdom are leading expeditions daily to identify mineral resources surrounding Fish-Man Island.
It should not be long before the company officially begins its functions.
One day thereafter, during a training interval, a fishman approached with excitement.
"Brother Brett! We found it! A large sea beast! "
Brett suddenly perked up.
"Hahahaha, have you truly located it? "
Arlong, who had been lazily sunbathing, immediately rose and exclaimed, "Brett, it's time for action! "
Once the decision was made to train sea beasts as combat assets, Brett took prompt measures and assigned Arlong to mobilize idle gangsters from Fishman Street to assist in locating appropriate sea creatures.
As these beasts are meant for combat, they must, of course, be powerful.
While sea beasts are relatively common in the open ocean, finding one that meets these requirements is not something that can be accomplished easily.
Two days were required to await updates regarding the initial one.
"Um."
Brett gave a subtle nod.
They promptly navigated through the underwater forest, guided by the individual who had come to provide the report. They traversed the wall of seawater and massive bubbles, ultimately entering the depths of the ocean.
"Here! "
The fishman who was leading began swimming in a specific direction.
Brett followed closely behind.
Arlong, observing from the rear, looking at Brett with astonishment.
'He is a devil fruit user, but he can swim?' Arlong's laughter ensued.
After progressing forward for approximately thirty minutes, the fishman brought Brett and Arlong to the entrance of an underwater cave.
The cave was expansive, and through the illumination streaming from Eve above, a colossal creature could be discerned peacefully slumbering within the cave.
Not far from the cave, another fishman was concealed behind a submerged rock. Upon noticing the arrival of Brett and the others, he rushed forward with enthusiasm.
"Brother Brett! Brother Arlong! An adult sea lion is inside. We discovered it here while it was resting! "
"Good. "
Brett acknowledged with a satisfied nod. "I appreciate your efforts. I'll arrange for Brother Arlong to disburse the reward later. "
Although the Exit-Entry Administration has yet to be formally established, funds have already been allocated.
Brett, lacking available personnel, had no choice but to permit Arlong to handle the financial matters temporarily.
Once operations officially commence, Brett intends to request Neptune to send some civil servants.
"It's nothing. "
The two fishmen, feeling bashful, responded, "Isn't it only natural to assist our eldest brother? All we did was locate a sea beast, there's no need for a reward? "
"My position as eldest brother does not mean you should be at a loss."
Brett placed a hand on their shoulders. "What was previously a reward is now recognition for locating something. "
"Brother Brett! ! "
The two fishmen expressed immense excitement. "We will now diligently assist in locating sea beasts! ! "
"Very well. "
Indeed, an increase in sea beasts is necessary.
Brett envisions one hundred squadrons within the Immigration and Entry Administration, with each squadron having one sea beast.
The sea beast that engage directly and the fishmen warriors offering support could be viewed as the collaboration of infantry and armored units at the ocean's floor.
Of course, a plan is merely a plan, and its implementation will likely take considerable time. Moreover, whether they can sustain the expenses of nurturing sea beasts, as well as the challenge of locating so many appropriate sea beasts, presents substantial obstacles.
However, there is no rush.
If one hundred cannot be obtained, then efforts may be made to secure ten brigades incrementally.
"Everyone, keep your distance. "
Brett twisted his neck, indicating a desire to stretch.
"Step back! Brett is about to demonstrate his power!"
Arlong let out a laugh and swiftly swam away into the distance.
The two fishmen followed suit.
They appeared very enthusiastic, exclaiming, "At last, we can witness Brother Brett demonstrate his abilities once more! "
As the three of them advanced a bit further, Brett gradually glided forward and positioned himself outside the cave. Simultaneously, the body of the colossal creature within the cave quivered slightly.
'Do you possess a heightened sense of smell?'
Brett casually expelled a volume of water, and the torrent swiftly penetrated the sea, striking the giant beast with the force of a cannonball.
"ROOARRR! "
With a thunderous roar, the big sea lion's head abruptly emerged from the cave, aiming to bite Brett.
The so-called sea lion is a species that resides on the ocean floor. It possesses the upper body of a lion and two forepaws, yet its lower body culminates in a robust fish tail.
Its total length is approximately exceeding fifty meters, equipped with sharp claws and muscular development. It is unquestionably a formidable predator in the marine environment.
Regrettably, its adversary is Brett.
Currents of electricity began to flicker across Brett's form.
He propelled his limbs through the water, moving at incredible speed. Enhanced by the electric current, he carved a white trajectory through the depths of the sea.
He culminated as he began, striking the sea lion on the head before its jaws had fully closed.
"GAAA!"
The colossal creature howled in pain, its enormous body generating an undercurrent as it propelled backward, crashing against the mountain wall and fracturing the solid seabed rocks.
"Such formidable strength! "
The fishmen observing from afar marveled, "He kicked the sea lion away! "
"He is showing remarkable restraint. "
Arlong remarked contemptuously, "Otherwise that sea beast would've been dead by now "
Amidst the murky sea water stirred by the rising sediment, Brett gradually advanced. At that moment, the water surged forward, an enormous claw sliced through the seawater.
Brett grinned and raised his right hand.
He seized the fur of the gigantic claw, and then.
"Fishman Jiu-Jitsu - Over the Shoulder Throw! "
The creature attempting to exploit the moment for a surprise assault was taken aback. Brett hoisted its massive body, slamming it forcefully against the mountain wall, resulting in a significant gouge in the rock.
Subsequently, Brett propelled himself forward, directly stepping on the nose of the howling sea lion, gazing intently into its eyes.
"You have two options; Either I will feast on sea beast meat today. "
The sea lion's body suddenly shuddered, and its eyes began to whirl in distress.
While the intelligence of sea beasts may not rival that of Sea king, it remains sufficient to comprehend Brett's intentions.
"Or, you may opt for the second choice—"
The sea lion nodded vigorously, before Brett could even finish his sentence.
Later on.
The injured and swollen lion transported the four fishmen back home.
"Is it really that simple? "
The fishman who had previously taken the lead stood atop the sea lion's head, with a twinge of apprehension, "This is a fierce sea creature! "
"Hahaha, in comparison, Brett is undeniably more brutal! " Arlong chuckled.
The sea lion grimaced in indignation.
I had been peacefully slumbering when an intruder stormed to my dwelling and struck me relentlessly.
It is clear who exhibits greater cruelty, correct?
Yet, the prospect of free food appears rather appealing.
"Um? "
Suddenly, Brett seemed to perceive something.
He turned his head to gaze into the distance.
In the opposite direction, the water appeared exceptionally murky.
"What happened there? "
Brett expressed mild astonishment. He placed his foot on the sea lion's head, saying, "Let us go investigate. "
The sea lion rapidly turned and proceeded toward that area.
Before long, Brett and the others approached the murky region.
Then.
"Oh, what a breathtaking battle! "