Chapter 55 The incoming pirates
Fishman Island, Dragon Palace.
Neptune held an urgent meeting with Brett and Jinbei.
"Decapitator Radley and Black Flag Aurel are both powerful people, recognized for their unique abilities and notorious for their ruthless and tyrannical natures. Their actions have truly astonished us, which is quite unexpected. "
King Neptune, filled with anxiety, inadvertently pulled out a handful of his beard while stroking it.
"Radley and Aurel? "
Jinbei affirmed, "I have also heard that these two new pirates who have recently entered the Grand Line this year are the most notable. "
"Radley's bounty is 205 million, while Aurel's bounty stands at 198 million. Such figures are exceptional among the pirates operating in this region. They cannot be taken lightly. "
"Moreover, it is crucial to note that they are not working alone. They continue to recruit Pirates in Sabaody Archipelago. "
King Neptune interjected, "Many pirates have chosen to ally themselves with them, aiming to breach Fish-Man Island and plunder it recklessly. "
"Consequently, a large pirate fleet is likely to be the next force to assault Fish-Man Island. "
"Is that so? "
Brett inclined his head, expressing confusion.
"You fail to grasp the gravity of the situation, Brett! "
Neptune responded with agitation, "An unprecedented storm approaches! The entirety of Fish-Man Island is in disarray! "
"I understand, but," Brett calmly remarked, "what then? "
"Therefore—"
For reasons unknown, Neptune, who felt some impatience, found his anxiety lessen upon witnessing Brett's composed demeanor.
"The situation has not deteriorated to such an extent as to alarm you. "
Jinbe added with a sense of reassurance, "Indeed, I also believe that the objective of the enemy merits our attention; however, they have chosen us as their adversaries. "
"After all, I am a Warlord. I am not just any novice pirate! "
It was uncommon for Jinbei to display a hint of pride characteristic of a powerful individual.
Neptune was momentarily taken aback.
Indeed, he had nearly overlooked the fact that aside from the formidable forces in the New World and the Navy, Jinbei was truly among the top-tier warriors at sea.
"Not to mention Brett," Jinbei remarked with a smile.
"I understand. "
Neptune smiled. With the presence of these two people, it would be quite challenging for anything adverse to occur on Fish-Man Island.
"This presents an opportunity. "
Brett yawned and stated with a relaxed smile, "No matter how much we discuss, it is inconsequential. It is time for the world to witness our commitment to transformation. "
"I agree. "
Jinbei crossed his arms and nodded earnestly, "While eliminating humans is generally unfavorable, circumstances change when they are our adversaries. "
"In any case," Brett stood up, "You can entrust this matter to us."
"We shall demonstrate to the world that the sharp edge of Fish-Man Island is unrivaled in these deep waters. "
"Very well, Brett and Jinbei, proceed and secure victory for Fish-Man Island! "
Neptune smiled as he added, "Even in defeat, the entire Fish-Man Island will always stand by you."
"I told you, there's no possibility of losing. "
Nonetheless, despite such reassurances, preparations must still be undertaken.
Brett contacted Arlong and requested that he send several Fishmen to monitor the Sabaody islands. There was no need to venture on land; remaining in the shallow waters sufficed.
Accessing Fishman Island requires diving, and a substantial number of individuals is unnecessary. It is highly improbable for a large pirate fleet to depart without being noticed.
Following that, there were no further preparations needed. At most, I could inform my subordinates and allow them to rest adequately over the next two days while ensuring all sea creatures were well-fed.
Despite facing two supernovas, Brett was confident of his success in the deep sea.
In other words, he remained unperturbed even if the formidable pirates of the New World confronted him directly.
Nevertheless, the personnel from the Exit-Entry Administration gradually increased their vigilance and heightened patrol efforts.
With everyone exhibiting seriousness, Brett felt compelled to adopt a more earnest demeanor.
"No pirates are permitted to enter Fish-Man Island during this period," Brett commanded.
While they typically dismissed the alleged pirate fleet, it would nonetheless be troublesome if those Pirates devised plans to infiltrate Fish-Man Island and create disturbances.
Regarding the potential backlash from other pirates who were not initially antagonistic towards Fish-Man Island, Brett remained unconcerned.
The number of enemies was already considerable, and additional foes did not present a significant issue.
In addition to addressing the pirates, all vessels designated as merchant ships must undergo thorough inspections, ensuring that no one has the opportunity to instigate problems.
All that remained was to await the decisive Battle.
Thus, the day arrived following the publication of news regarding the assembly of pirates in the newspaper.
Brett refrained from visiting Alexander over the last two days and instead remained in the office. With preparations for war in full swing, he lacked the time for other activities.
He did not even seek out Shyarly, knowing she would remain untroubled.
She is a woman who possesses foresight.
Once the battle concludes, he would enjoy the coffee prepared by Shyarly and recount his valorous feats on the battlefield.
Brett reclined comfortably on the office floor, indulging in his thoughts.
Tuk-tuk-tuk.
A knock resonated at the door.
"Please enter. "
Brett sat up straight.
The secretary, Miss Kayla, opened the door and stepped inside.
Her expression remained composed. "Director, I have just received word that the pirates have begun diving. "
"That's it," Brett replied.
He rose and stretched. "That was rather fast."
"It would be prudent to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. "
He made his way slowly towards the door, while Miss Kayla stepped back to allow him passage.
Brett exited the building, and Arlong along with Fukaboshi were already present.
"It's finally beginning! " Arlong exclaimed, wielding his serrated sword, his pupils narrowed into mere lines.
Fukaboshi brandished a trident with an expression of excitement, "I will do my utmost, Director Brett! "
"Let's go. " Brett chuckled, turned about, and made his way downstairs.
Upon his emergence from the building, numerous gazes were directed towards him.
The news regarding the imminent attack of the pirate fleet had spread across Fish-Man Island. Amid the residents' panic, Queen Otohime delivered a speech.
She urged all to remain calm. The Immigration and Entry Administration would confront the pirates and safeguard Fishman Island.
The bothersome woman still had some utility, as she provided a semblance of reassurance to the frightened inhabitants.
However, it was clear that this sense of tranquility was merely fleeting, and everyone awaited the response of the Exit-Entry Administration.
Brett discerned numerous voices approaching along with their stares, all essentially voicing the same sentiments.
Ultimately, a voice broke through the crowd.
"Director Brett, will you secure victory? "
What began as a single shout resonated within Brett as though it were the sound of a roaring mountain and a crashing tsunami.
All expectation and trepidation coalesced into noise, causing Brett's ears to hum.
Taking a slow, calming breath, Brett replied.
"We will win, and we will continue to prevail. "
Later, at the entrance of Fishman Island.
"Why such a delay? "
Jinbei, accompanied by the members of the Sun Pirates, was already present. Observing Brett's tardiness, he inquired with a hint of skepticism.
"Sorry, there were some minor issues," Brett responded with an apologetic demeanor.
"What all is that noise from the port? " Jinbei questioned, "It can be heard from this distance. "
"That," Brett smiled and explained, "is the sound of celebration. "
A multitude of individuals were joyfully shouting and cheering, an indeed unprecedented spectacle.
Jinbei paused momentarily before laughing heartily, "In that case, you must demonstrate your true abilities! "
"What, Brother Jinbei, were you initially planning to withhold your abilities? "
They exited the gates of Fishman Island together.
Outside, the five brigades assigned to patrol had assembled. Alongside them were nine sea beasts, with an additional four recently joining the ranks.
Brett stated, "Let us proceed and achieve victory. "
Returning slightly back in time to the Sabaody Islands.
Radley, positioned on the bow of the ship with a large sword affixed to his back, exchanged glances with a man named Aurel from the neighboring vessel, then raised his arms and bellowed.
"Let us embark, my friends! To Fishman Island, to plunder, to destroy, and let that island burn! ! "
"Oooo! ! "
Above the ocean, thunderous cheers erupted from the ominous pirate vessel.
The coatings swelled one after the other, and the pirate ships gradually submerged one by one.
Shortly after the departure of the pirates, several additional coated vessels made their appearance on the water.
On board.
"Donald, are you out of your mind? "
A voice from the shore yelled towards the ship, "With Fish-Man Island facing peril, it might be completely obliterated. Are you truly willing to perish alongside it? "
On one of the vessels, Donald shouted back without glancing back, "Quit speaking nonsense! How could those pirates possibly defeat the fishmen in their deep-sea habitat? "
Standing behind the Immigration Bureau is Warlord Jinbei!
Jinbe didn't even need to intervene; just a few more slashes from the sea beasts' claws were sufficient to conclude the confrontation.
"Hey, considering our friendship that has provided assistance during critical moments, the director will surely not impose overly harsh terms during negotiations with me," he muttered to himself with pride.
The people on the shore remained persistent. They called out to the other ships, "Are you really going to lose your senses along with Donald? "
"I believe Donald is correct. The underwater realm belongs to Fish-Man Island. How can the pirates emerge victorious? "
Someone laughed in response, "Moreover, I wouldn't want to miss such a significantly lucrative opportunity, even if it costs me my life! "
"Exactly! Tremendous business prospects are within our grasp! "
Donald chuckled, "It's you who have chosen to withdraw now; don't lament your decision later! "
"Insane, a group of lunatics! "
The people on the shore shook their heads.
"How can one acquire wealth without first embracing a bit of madness? "
Donald exclaimed enthusiastically, "Come on, everyone, let's go! "
"Oh! ! "
The fleet shared the same level of excitement.
The individual with green hair stood at the forefront of the ship, grinning widely.
Then, the coatings began to swell, and this fleet also descended into the depths of the sea.
The ocean turned tranquil.
However, the excitement beneath the surface was just beginning.