Chapter 70 Vander Decken and the Bald Sea Monster
The following morning, Brett arose early.
It had been quite some time since he had the opportunity to sleep in. The Immigration and Entry Administration had once again expanded its scale and was required to manage even more affairs. Although the number of civil servants had increased, all significant decisions still mandated Brett's personal approval.
In addition to physical training and various responsibilities, his daily timetable was completely booked.
After a brief breakfast, Bright proceeded to the training ground.
Training had already commenced.
Jinbei was instructing the second group of captains in the Fish Body Technique.
As for the first cohort, they had been taught various physical skills, including advanced training methods. What remained was dependent on their personal dedication.
At the very least, Brett recognized that all captains were diligently practicing on their own time and often approached Brett with inquiries. Although they had yet to unlock their haki, their commitment was commendable.
Arlong was particularly invested in this matter, keenly remembering Brett's words about the necessity of strength to keep pace with Brett's advancements and those of the inhabitants of Fish-Man Island.
Arlong was similarly motivated, and Fukaboshi exhibited an even greater commitment.
Jinbei remarked that among all, Fukaboshi possessed the most talent. His proficiency in the Fish Body Technique had progressed the fastest, and he was likely to master Haki sooner than Hyouzou.
Brett was not taken aback. After all, Fukaboshi was the son of Neptune. While Neptune may have a reputation for being lenient, he is also known as the Great Knight of the Sea. Such titles carry significant weight and are quite esteemed on Fish-Man Island.
"Thank you for your dedicated efforts, Brother Jinbei. "
During a training intermission, Brett greeted Jinbei.
Jinbei, the formidable captain of the Sun Pirates, appeared to have taken on the role of a full-time instructor.
Following the completion of training for the first batch of captains, the foundational training for the second group of newcomers would take place, followed by the training of the second set of captains.
In the future, seasoned veterans would be able to mentor fresh recruits.
"I don't find it particularly burdensome. " Jinbei shook his head. "How is everything proceeding at the steel mill? Is all going well? "
"Yes." Brett confirmed with a nod, "Before my departure yesterday, the initial batch of steel had already been produced. "
"Excellent. "
Jinbei's expression was one of delight. "In that case, we can gradually reduce our reliance on external sources. "
Brett nodded in full agreement.
Establishing a complete industrial system is critically important for a sovereign nation, signifying that when other countries attempt to exert pressure through trade resources, appropriate countermeasures can be enacted.
After conversing with Jinbei, Brett expeditiously returned to the Immigration Bureau.
Once he attended to his backlog of duties, it was midday. Following lunch, it was customary for him to engage in some physical exercise.
Brett departed from Fish-Man Island to reunite with his old acquaintances.
"Hahahaha! Are you present, my friend? "
Before his old friend came into view, the hearty laughter echoed.
In the distance on the seabed, a massive undersea rock tremored, then bulged upward, its slender tail lifted, alongside the swinging of four large pincers.
The proud deep-sea warrior, Alexander, emerges!
"Let's engage in battle! ! "
Although they frequently spar together, he always relishes the experience.
"If you sustain a defeat, do not cry. "Brett twisted his neck.
While preoccupied with work, battling alongside Alexander every couple of days was one of his few leisure activities.
"A warrior never sheds tears! ! "
The warriors surged forward, their colossal tail hammers striking simultaneously.
The enormous tail hammers were enveloped with unseen fluctuations.
It was formidable.
Months passed, allowing Alexander to finally master the power of Armament Haki. Although he was still far from fully realizing its potential, the progress brought him immense joy.
With Haki infused, the potency of this strike was significantly greater than before.
Brett resolved to approach the situation earnestly.
He crossed his arms protectively, and then, the dark hue radiated outward.
It solidified.
Following months of practice, Brett successfully acquired this technique. Although his mastery of Haki was not advanced and the technique was still rudimentary, it was indeed considerably stronger than mere entanglement.
Boom!
A resounding noise reverberated through the sea.
Brett was propelled away, crashing heavily onto the seabed, turning the surrounding water murky.
"Man, that hurt! "
Brett's voice emerged from the swirling sediment, "Alexander, has your strength increased? "
"That is due to my relentless training! Training enhances a warrior's capabilities! " Alexander exclaimed, "Moreover, my physique continues to develop! "
'So, he remains in the developmental phase huh? After all he is a young Sea King.'
Amidst the dust, a faint light flickered, then burst forth. In an instant, it materialized before Alexander, and Brett delivered a kick.
Striking Alexander's pincer.
"Hahahaha! Do not underestimate the reflexes of a warrior, my friend! I have specifically honed them! "
Brett, who was enveloped in lighting , smirked, "Is that so? "
He transformed into a beam of light, weaving through the water.
The warrior shrimp wielded its massive pincers and tail hammer fearlessly.
Brett purposely employed a speed-centric fighting technique, intending to facilitate Alexander's early observation haki.
The duel between the two persisted for an extended period.
After mastering armament, the Warrior Shrimp undeniably became formidable. With unparalleled strength and armament, it proved challenging for Brett to contend with him, especially considering the exaggerated force of the Pincers.
Once the undercurrent finally diminished, Brett lay sprawled atop Alexander's head, gazing up vacantly.
"Hahaha, this is incredibly enjoyable! "
Alexander's laughter displayed no signs of fatigue as he reclined on the ocean floor, "This is the life I have long sought, companion. It's good that I met you! "
"But you undoubtedly possess greater strength! " Warrior Shrimp expressed his discontent.
He would always remember the attitude his companion exhibited during their initial battle.
"That is due to your insufficient power. "
Brett remarked nonchalantly, "If I were to utilize my true abilities, I would not experience the thrill of combat. "
"Well - it is unacceptable for you, my friend, to miss out on that exhilaration -"
Warrior Shrimp abruptly became emotional, "I'm so useless! "
Brett felt at a loss; his companion was perpetually dramatic.
"Instead of wallowing in self-pity, perhaps you should strive for greater strength," Brett suggested casually.
"You are right! " Alexander's spirits lifted immediately, "The honor of a warrior lies in the continual pursuit of strength! "
"Let us commence our training right away! "
He sprang to his feet without delay.
There was no need for such enthusiasm.
Brett shook his head.
"Um? "
Suddenly, Alexander halted.
"What is the matter? "Brett sat upright, aware of Alexander's keen perception.
"There appears to be a conflict in the distance! "
Alexander grew animated, "Over there! "
One of his pincers was lifted, indicating toward the horizon.
"Conflict? "
Brett raised an eyebrow and replied, "Let us go investigate. "
"Alright! "
Alexander responded with enthusiasm, already thrilled by the prospect of battle.
The warrior shrimp propelled itself rapidly along the sea floor, advancing swiftly with a low rumble.
Shortly thereafter, something emerged unexpectedly in the water ahead.
Brett narrowed his eyes to observe two vessels in the distance.
A merchant ship had apparently recently departed from Fish-Man Island. Fish-men were even present to guard the vessel. To mitigate risks while at sea, merchants typically employed fish-men for protection as they made their way back to Sabaody or to shallower waters adjacent to islands in the New World.
However, this time, the merchant ship was facing difficulties.
Another vessel was present ahead. This ship remained uncoated and displayed a pirate flag atop its mast.
Brett could not discern the pirate flag distinctly, but he was able to make out an enormous humanoid figure adjacent to the pirate ship.
"Fortune is on our side. "
Brett smirked. "Alexander, you should conceal yourself first; I will approach and handle the situation. "
"Eh? Partner, do you intend to relish a solitary battle? " His close companion expressed discontent.
"Trust me, those guys lack strength, and the battle will not be enjoyable. "
Meanwhile, ahead, the two vessels continued to stare each other down.
"What is that? ! "
On the merchant ship, the captain appeared exceedingly pale, "Is it a sea beast? A human-like sea beast? "
He was referring to the monster gripping the chain attached to the pirate ship alongside the opposing vessel.
It towered at least seventy or eighty meters tall.
Although it seemed rather simple-minded, its mere size was enough to instill fear.
"Vander Decken! Do you wish to become an enemy of Fish-Man Island? "
Before the merchant ship, fishman warriors wielding swords looked equally terrified, yet they gathered the courage to challenge them fiercely.
"Hehehehe,"
A voice resounded from the deck of the pirate ship, as an individual clad in coating floated up, surveying the merchant ship and the Fishmen, "I am a pirate! Humans desire to plunder, and so do Fishmen. This represents the spirit of piracy! Is that not the way it should be? "
"Do not act so arrogantly, Brother Jinbei and Director Brett will ensure your downfall! " The fishman warrior retorted angrily.
"Hehehehe, I am truly frightened; I surely should be."
The fishman with two mustaches placed his hand on his stomach and laughed heartily, "So, humans, are you prepared to be entombed beneath the waves? If you wish to assign blame, blame your misfortune! You have encountered me here, hahahaha; I am a natural catastrophe from the depths of the sea! "
"Ah! "The human captain was so alarmed that he let out a scream.
"Prepare for battle! "The fishman warrior shouted.
Regardless, once a commission is received, it must be carried out to completion.
"Do you still aspire to fight defiantly? "
Vander decken turned his gaze towards the massive creature towing the vessel, "Hey, Wadatsumi. "
"Yes, Captain Vander decken! "
The giant fishman, strikingly large yet whose voice resembled that of a child, adorned with a ring of black hair like a beard encircling his cheeks, responded with vigor.
"Today marks your inaugural mission as a member of the pirate crew, so here's your test."
A wicked grin appeared on Vander Decken's face, "Ruin that ship! "
"Do....I really have to? "
Wadatsumi exhibited slight hesitation.
"Do you wish to defy my orders? "
Vander Decken's tone shifted to one of coldness, "Do it, Wadatsumi ! "
"...yes! "
The bald sea creature clenched his jaw and raised his fist vehemently.
The fishman soldier shut his eyes in hopelessness.
Unless the forces from the Immigration and Entry Administration arrive with the sea beasts s, there will be no means of escape.
"Vander decken, I have been searching for you for quite some time, consider it unfortunate that you encountered me here. "
A voice emerged, accompanied by a figure that moved slightly slower than the words spoken.
"Who are you--" Vander decken's demeanor changed immediately.
After a brief moment of confusion among the fish-men warriors, they grinned with the joy of having been saved.
"Director Brett! ! "
On the deck, the businessman had collapsed and was weeping loudly.
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