Chapter 56 Welcome
Fishman Island, Mermaid Cafe.
"I have heard that Brother Brett has already departed with his men. "
A mermaid expressed her concern while cleaning a table, "Just as Queen Otohime mentioned, we are preparing to Fight the pirates targeting Fish-Man Island. "
"Do you think Brother Brett will be alright? "
Another mermaid inquired anxiously, "I read in the newspaper that the number of pirates exceeds ten thousand. Just contemplating such a figure is frightening. "
"Isn't it? " Miss Miriam, who had been in the kitchen, joined them with a troubled expression, "I cannot fathom what would occur if that many pirates were to invade Fish-Man Island. "
"Brother Brett will be alright! "
Little Nana, who came by to play as usual, raised her hands energetically and declared, "Brother Brett is the best! "
Children often lack awareness of true strength or vulnerability. Nana merely believes that Brett, who can eat significantly more than she can, must possess great power.
"Nana has unwavering faith in Brother Brett,"
A mermaid patted little Nana's head, "Indeed, we share that sentiment, but there is still a sliver of concern. "
She glanced sideways as she continued, "Of course, it would be wonderful if we could all feel as comforted as some. "
Shyarly set down her pen and said with poise, "If you have time, perhaps you should grind more coffee beans. "
"So, Shyarly, what is the final outcome? "
The mermaid ladies quickly gathered around, "What does the prophecy reveal? "
"It is due to the prophecy that I suggested you grind coffee beans. "
…
Brett was positioned atop a sea beast. The surrounding ocean was rapidly receding, leaving Fish-Man Island entirely behind.
"Are you prepared, Brett? " Jinbei, standing next to Brett, smiled.
"It feels reminiscent of the days when we sailed the seas together and faced enemy pirates. "
Brett's lips turned upward slightly, "It evokes a sense of anticipation. "
"Hahaha! I get it, Brett! This kind of anticipation——"
Arlong beside him chuckled in an unusual manner, "It's merely the desire to obliterate all the fools who dared challenge us fishmen in the ocean, isn't it? "
"Regardless,"Brett rotated his neck, "There is no need for mercy or compassion, simply annihilate all enemies. "
"That's exactly what I desire! "
Arlong's grin was so wide that it seemed to strain his entire face, and the handle of the serrated sword he was gripping was slightly bent.
"What we wish to witness is a river of blood! "
Generally, blood does not flow like a river on the ocean floor.
"Director! "
At that moment, a fishman approached swiftly from the front. He exclaimed, "The pirates are still diving and are almost at the entrance to the large cave. "
Brett nodded slightly.
"However, there is an additional matter. "
The scouts dispatched to monitor the pirates appeared somewhat perplexed. "After the pirates departed, a second fleet trailed behind them and submerged. "
"What? " Brett was momentarily taken aback.
And there was a second fleet?
'What is happening? The newspaper did not report this?
Morgans, I did not anticipate that you would disseminate misleading information.'
Fortunately, scouts had been sent out previously; otherwise, they could have faced a surprise attack.
"Allow me to proceed. "
Jinbei stated, "Take the Sun Pirates over there. As the leader, Brett, your role will be to stay back and lead everyone in defense against the approaching pirate forces. "
Brett pondered briefly before responding, "Alright, I will entrust this to you, Brother Jinbei. "
"Hahaha, you can rely on me."
Jinbei chuckled and remarked, "However, Brett, you must exercise caution. I would rather not return to hear you calling out, 'Brother Jinbei, save me' in the midst of the conflict. "
"Who would do that? "Brett laughed.
Thus, the troops were separated into two divisions.
The arrogant merchants aboard the merchant fleet journeying down the Red line were unaware that a subtle misunderstanding had occurred due to their arrival.
On one of the vessels.
"Lord Tesoro, are there truly no issues? "
The man with the large head surveyed the dark waters anxiously, apprehensive that a sea king might suddenly emerge and engulf their ship.
"Even though our original plan was to return to the New World, is it truly wise to recklessly engage in this war? "
Tesoro, who stood composed at the ship's bow, replied steadily, "I have always desired to make contact with the Sun Pirates of Fish-Man Island, though I have hesitated. "
'I wish to extend my gratitude, but I fear invoking painful memories.'
The man with the large head appeared confused.
"Do not be concerned; Fish-Man Island won't lose. "
Tesoro calmly asserted, "This business can be successfully conducted. "
Hmm?
Suddenly, Tesoro furrowed his brows and looked downwards.
"What is the matter, Lord Tesoro? " The big-headed man inquired, perplexed.
"Something is approaching! "
Tesoro's expression turned serious, "A very powerful presence! "
Brett halted the troops near the fissure in the Red line and the entrance to the massive hollow. Advancing further revealed a pitch-black abyss. Human vision failed to discern anything, and aquatic life as well as mermaids could not see clearly either.
This location was aptly chosen for their decisive Battle.
They did not have to wait long.
"Here it comes. Here it comes " The deep-sea creatures swirling about began to chant these words.
In the distance, the sounds of ships echoed across the waters; numerous noises emerged from all directions, indicating a multitude of vessels.
"Incoming! " Brett shouted, "Prepare for battle! "
"GROOAAAAAAA! ! "
The sea beasts began to howl, and the soldiers tightened their grips on their weaponry.
"Avoid engaging in futile battles,"
Brett proclaimed, "Given our enhanced maneuverability, our primary objective is to eliminate the coating on the enemy vessel. "
"Yes! ! "
The collective voices reverberated through the tumultuous depths of the ocean.
Shortly thereafter, vessels began to surface one after another in the murky waters ahead. They were enveloped in large bubbles and rapidly approached.
Brett gestured with his hand and commanded, "Begin the attack. "
No further strategies or tactics were necessary; a full-frontal assault by the entire force was enough.
"Hahaha! Let's go! ! "
Arlong swiftly launched himself like a cannonball.
During his time with the Sun Pirates, his preferred tactic was to accelerate through the sea and collide with the enemy's ships.
However, Brett outpaced him.
He streaked through the water like a beam of light, creating the illusion that the water had not yet settled, leaving a tunnel in his wake.
With him at the forefront, the soldiers surged forward under the direction of their respective leaders.
White trails of bubbles emerged from the depths of the ocean.
The sea beasts lag considerably, as their pace does not match that of Fishmen.
Once again, the mermaid retains the title of the swiftest swimmer in the ocean, followed closely by the fishman as the second fastest.
Meanwhile, the approaching fleet of pirates.
"Tsk, has our location been revealed? You even claimed you intended to surprise Fish-Man Island! "
Observing the charging Fishmen army, the pirate known as Radley, in a show of displeasure, reached for the large sword strapped to his back. "Damn Morgans, does he have business on Fishman Island? "
"Nonetheless, the sheer number is quite staggering! Hahahaha," he chuckled, "This is the first time I have encountered so many Fishmen! "
A voice emerged from the adjacent vessel.
"Prepare for battle! "
The pirate dubbed Black Flag due to his pitch-black pirate flag produced a piece of coral, his face contorted with a sinister grin. "As long as we manage to defeat these guys, Fishman Island will be within our grasp! "
"Hahaha, indeed! "
Radley also brandished the coral, saying, "Do they truly believe they are unbeatable in the depths of the ocean? That's absurd. It's time for them to remember the fears instilled by humans! "
"Everyone, equip yourselves! Let's kill these fish! "
Numerous technologies concerning bubbles utilized in Sabaody and Fishman Island share commonalities.
The technology for individual coatings is also present there, proving to be quite straightforward.
The pirates donned a layer of bubble coats as prearranged, then leapt eagerly into the sea.
"Hahahaha! This is our first encounter in the deep sea! "
"Though there are many fishmen, they hold less value than mermaids; however, capturing them all would yield a substantial fortune! "
"And upon closer inspection, aren't they akin to mermaids? Though they may be all males. "
"Hahahaha, male mermaids, their demise is preferable. Their existence is useless "
The pirates found amusement in their banter.
They believed that with the ability to navigate freely in the depths, victory was assured.
The inherent strength of fishmen is purported to be ten times that of humans?
Are you joking? Don't fishmen and merfolk merely constitute a race of subservients?
Before the fleet enveloped in immense bubbles, a multitude of pirates encased in smaller bubbles surged into the fray.
"What an intriguing notion. "
Brett grinned, extending his arms. "Then, let us exchange greetings first. "
The deep-sea water was gathered into his hands.
Then, electricity surged across both arms.
"Electric current - Sea current cascaded over my shoulder! "
The seawater was expelled.
As a result, the rotation increased, drawing in additional water.
The outcome was a massive, white ocean current, hundreds of meters wide, resembling a colossal dragon, which swept many pirates into its grasp with relentless force, subsequently crashing into the pirate fleet.
Just a single touch caused the protective coating of the vessel to disintegrate, and in an instant, the resilient ship was reduced to fragments.
Unyielding and powerful, the vast current surged through the entire pirate fleet.
"This—this is—! ! "
Radley's entire body became immobilized as a wave of coldness surged from his spine, sending tremors through his mind, while every pore on his body contracted, causing the hair to stand on end.
Aurel's craft was also engulfed by the current and vanished without a trace in an instant.
He pivoted abruptly.
In front of the fleet, a figure gradually descended and hovered in the water.
With his arms outstretched, he remarked with a smile,
"Welcome ......to the deep sea."
In the background, the Fishmen were already advancing.