Chapter 57: Devastation
"So are you heading to Fish-Man Island for business purposes? "
Jinbei stood on the deck of a vessel, observing the businessmen before him who were nodding and bowing, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.
'This truly is an unfortunate misunderstanding.'
"I have established a contract with Mr. Director, and I cannot breach it," Donald stated with humility.
Jinbei looked at him in astonishment, "You accompanied the pirates? Aren't you concerned, that Fish-Man Island, might lose?. "
"That is impossible! "
Donald replied with righteousness and conviction, "How could a mere pirate conquer Fish-Man Island in the depths of the ocean? They are no more than a fly attempting to shake a tree. "
"The strongest place in the underwater sea is Fish-Man Island. This is a universally accepted belief, yet those fools are so foolish that they have forgotten this reality! "
"And while I am confident you will emerge victorious in this war, some damage is undoubtedly inevitable during the process. I have brought supplies that can at least offer assistance. "
Jinbei was left speechless. 'This guy is remarkable.'
Desiring to exploit the situation for profit while presenting it in an admirable manner.
However, such a person is indeed essential for Fish-Man Island.
Brett noted that at this juncture, any robust, unbreakable alliance is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.
And this man, who prioritizes profit over death, possesses significant potential.
"But Mr. Jinbei," not all the merchants exhibited the same courage as Donald. One merchant inquired hesitantly, "If you decide to join us, won't it create complications on the front lines? "
"What complications could arise? "
Jinbei replied plainly, "Although it will take some time, if we return now, we should be able to synchronize with the final stages. "
"Let us proceed; I will guide you to Fish-Man Island. "
Tesoro, among the merchants, cast a glance at Jinbei. This man certainly appeared unfazed.
Typically, shouldn't the commander be present on the front lines in such circumstances?
But Jinbei chose to appear here?
Did Jinbei dismiss those pirates entirely, or was there an enigmatic figure who instilled confidence in him?
There was no need for concern; the truth would soon be unveiled.
At the entrance to the vast underwater cave, an intense battle was ongoing.
Brett's sea current struck, swiftly dismantling the pirates' formation. Alongside the ships that were directly damaged, the resulting undercurrent caused the vessels to violently collide with one another. Many unfortunate pirates found their ship's coating compromised, only to be engulfed by the ocean's pressure moments later.
With just a single strike, the once-aggressive pirates were left absolutely bewildered.
"What, what is that? "
Is this the power of fishmen? How could it be so monumental?
There was no opportunity for them to panic, as the fishmen had already launched their assault.
By simply moving their limbs to paddle the water, they achieved remarkable speed, propelling themselves through the water like a torpedo. The fishmen swiftly passed the pirates, advancing without any hesitation.
However, upon making contact, it was unavoidable to take action.
"Hahaha! Go to hell! You wretched humans! ! "
Arlong cackled maniacally. His pace was notably swift among the fishmen. The serrated sword in his grip sliced rapidly, directly injuring numerous pirates as he moved, with blood swiftly spilling.
While Arlong was fast, there were individuals significantly quicker than him.
"Let me display my prowess! "
A brilliant light of sword erupted like a flower in the sea, as Hyouzou of the Eight Sword Style revealed his true capabilities. With the agility of a mermaid and his swordsmanship, he transformed into a relentless killing machine beneath the waves.
Many pirates felt a dark shadow zip past them, resulting in immediate wounds on their bodies.
Moreover, several pirates noticed that the bubbles surrounding them had burst.
The pirates finally recognized the dire predicament they were in.
"Too fast! These fishmen are incredibly fast! "
"The firearms and cannons are completely ineffective. We cannot touch them at all! "
"Fuck! Fall back to defend! Their objective is to annihilate our vessels! "
In mere moments, the pirates descended into disorder.
However, before they could regroup, within a brief time, the fishmen had already bypassed the pirates and approached the pirate fleet directly.
And behind the pirates who were hastily attempting to mount a responseâ€"
"GRAAAAA! ! "
The nine colossal sea beasts bellowed as they surged into the pirate line, brandishing their claws.
They swung their sharp claws, instantly obliterating any pirate caught in their path. Those fortunate enough to evade the attack faced considerable difficulty. The currents created by the sea beasts hampered their ability to swim, let alone retaliate, without colliding with their own forces.
The chaos intensified further.
While the pirates were in turmoil, the fishmen continued their offensive.
"Hahaha! This is the terror of the deep sea! "
A jagged sword sliced through the side of the giant bubble.
With a subtle popping sound, the bubbles that separated the seawater from the vessel burst, and the seawater surged forward.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaah! ! "
The pirates still aboard the ship could only scream in despair.
Such scenes were unfolding everywhere. Confronted with the assaults of the Fishmen, the delicate coating bubbles proved utterly unable to withstand the forces, resulting in the destruction of pirate ships one after another.
Wails and cries echoed throughout.
". . . "
Radley's eyes grew wide. Although the temperature in the depths of the sea was clearly frigid, sweat could not be restrained from trickling down his forehead.
The coating cannot produce air; it merely retains it.
'Is this the extent of Fish-Man Island's might?'
"Do not mock me! ! "
Having already been enveloped in the coating, he propelled himself off the deck and plunged directly into the depths of the ocean. He drew the massive sword from his back.
"Die! "
With both hands tightly grasping the sword, he swung with all his might, and a sharp, crescent-shaped slash tore through the water.
The ability to deliver aerial slashes indicates a high level of power.
Brett observed with calmness as the sharp slash approached him.
His bounty could surpass 200 million. Undoubtedly, this guys strength is not weak. He is likely comparable to Zoro from two years prior in the original anime.
Howeverâ€"
Brett raised his right hand.
The crescent-shaped slash twisted and crashed against his hand.
"What! "
Radley's expression turned vacant.
He witnessed firsthand as his slash was cleaved in two and then dissipated helplessly.
Brett's right hand shimmered with unseen waves. Though it had not yet attained the hardened state, its defensive capabilities were significantly enhanced.
He gathered some seawater with his right hand and then flicked it.
"Impact water. "
A sharp jet of water shot forth, passing by Radley just inches away.
He turned in terror, only to see a breach forming in the vast bubble safeguarding his pirate ship, with the ship itself being compromised.
Then.
Crack.
"No! ! ! ! "
Veins throbbed visibly on Radley's forehead.
Nevertheless, it was too late to alter events.
"I will kill you! "
The enraged pirate bellowed, channeling the utmost of his strength, with his speed nearing that of a fishman.
The arc described by the enormous sword lit up the depths of the sea, and the sword descended.
Yet Brett merely shifted to the side nonchalantly, effortlessly evading Radley's frantic assault.
'While I may not possess the foresight of Katakuri, my skills in 'locating by sound' should not be lacking'
Brett casually extended his hand and seized Radley's wrist.
". . . ! ! "
Fear gripped Radley's face.
'What kind of monster is this fishman? I'm like a child in his presence?'
"Radley! Lower your head! "
A sudden voice emerged from behind him.
'Aurel? He and the entire vessel were captured by the current, but he remains alive?'
Without enough time for contemplation, Radley lowered his head.
'Perhaps his techniques will prove effective.'
"Go to hell! Fishman! "
A crimson shadow soared toward them.
Brett casually inclined his head to evade it.
Close behind Radley, a man named Aurel was gasping for breath. Red liquid emanated from his back, encircling Brett from multiple angles.
Brett recognized the nature of the liquid.
Aurel is a devil fruit user with the blood fruit ability. He can generate blood within his body at will and control it.
Through blood manipulation, he can execute strength-enhancing techniques akin to Straw Hat's second gear, while his primary combat strategy involves utilizing released blood to engage his foes.
If his blood infiltrates another's body, he can lethally attack the adversary directly.
However, this pirate posed no significant threat to Brett.
Electric currents abruptly crackled across Brett's body, enabling him to evade the advancing blood with minimal movements. Each blood stream emitted audible sounds, making it remarkably challenging to be struck.
In the ensuing moment, Brett transformed into a blue light that swiftly traversed the seawater, appearing before Aurel in mere moments.
Radley felt a sense of confusion. 'Did he ignore me?'
Then he heard a sharp snap.
Lowering his gaze, his bubble burst, and he muttered, "Oh, damn. "
"How can it be! ! "
'How could he move that quickly? !'
Aurel clenched his teeth, and the blood within him began to surge violently, causing his physique to expand. Blood seeped from his body, forming a vivid red armor.
With a vigorous thrust of his fist, he exclaimed, "Damn it!â€
With a snap,
Brett effortlessly seized his fist, producing a crunching noise. He then elevated his fist and stated, "This is how to strike. "
Aurel laughed blankly at this moment, "Are you joking. . . "
Brett delivered a punch, and the electrical energy erupted with tremendous force. The resulting wave from his arm created a vacuum in the surrounding seawater.
His fist penetrated Aurel's chest.
The blood armor shattered, the rib cage collapsed, and the immense force resulted in a catastrophic explosion at the back, spraying blood and gore everywhere.
BOOMâ€"
Aurel's eyes dulled.
The last image he perceived was the Fishmen charging towards the remaining pirates.