Chapter 127: Hack
The bustling streets of Fish-Man Street witnessed an unusual sight as a certain man walked slowly through the transformed district, accompanied by several companions whose faces bore expressions of profound amazement.
"What a tremendous change this place has undergone!"
The group's leader wore a pristine white karate uniform that contrasted sharply with his distinctive appearance. His wavy white hair caught the filtered sunlight streaming through Fish-Man Island's protective coating, while his yellow-tinted skin and unmistakably piscine features marked him clearly as a fish-man. Not only was he obviously one of the ocean's children, but his companions shared the same aquatic heritage.
Under normal circumstances, encountering fish-men in Fish-Man Street would be entirely unremarkable, yet the reactions of these particular visitors struck anyone observing as genuinely peculiar.
They gazed upon the familiar yet transformed landscape with expressions mixing nostalgia, wonder, and deep contemplation.
"Indeed, when Brother Tiger still walked these streets, this entire area remained shrouded in darkness and decay," one of the accompanying fish-men observed with a heavy sigh, his voice carrying the weight of bittersweet memories. "It's absolutely amazing what that young man Brett has accomplished. Who could have possibly predicted that the quiet kid who once followed Brother Tiger and Brother Jinbei around like a loyal shadow could achieve such remarkable transformation?"
The current state of Fish-Man Street presented a stark contrast to their collective memories. Clean, well-maintained pathways replaced the previous maze of broken cobblestones and debris-filled alleys. Most of the previously dilapidated housing had undergone complete renovation, and even the structures that remained modest in appearance had received proper repairs and maintenance. Various shops and businesses lined the streets in organized rows, their colorful signs and bustling activity creating an atmosphere of prosperity and hope.
The entire district practically vibrated with positive energy and commercial vitality.
This thriving community bore absolutely no resemblance to the Fish-Man Street that existed in their nostalgic recollections.
"Mr. Hack, do you truly believe we can successfully recruit sufficient manpower for our cause?" another fish-man asked with obvious hesitation, his tone reflecting growing uncertainty about their mission's feasibility. "The residents of Fish-Man Street have clearly achieved unprecedented prosperity under the combined leadership of Brett and King Neptune. I'm genuinely concerned that no one will be willing to abandon this comfortable life to join our dangerous struggle."
"You're absolutely correct in that assessment," the yellow-skinned fish-man called Hack replied with a resigned sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of disappointing realization. "I made confident promises to Dragon with complete certainty, but now it appears I'll be forced to return empty-handed and report our mission's failure."
"However, perhaps this outcome isn't entirely negative," he continued, and a genuine smile began forming across his weathered features. "Our fellow fish-men have finally achieved the prosperous, dignified existence they could never have imagined in previous generations. The safety and security of Fish-Man Island appears firmly guaranteed, so there's no longer any justification for involving them in the dangerous conflicts that define our revolutionary struggle."
"That's a remarkably mature perspective," his companions agreed with understanding nods.
"Hack!"
At that precise moment, a joyful shout suddenly rang out from behind their group.
Hack spun around in genuine surprise, and his eyes immediately locked onto the familiar figure of Jinbei striding toward them with obvious happiness radiating from his expression.
Following closely behind the legendary fish-man came Brett and Arlong, both wearing expressions of interest and cautious evaluation.
"You stubborn fool," Jinbei declared warmly as he enveloped Hack in a powerful, affectionate embrace. "It's been far too many years since you've returned to visit us!"
Facing this cherished old friend after such an extended separation, Hack felt his own emotions rising to match Jinbei's enthusiasm. He returned the embrace with equal fervor, his voice thick with genuine nostalgia. "Not long after Brother Tiger departed on his sea travels, I followed his inspiring example and ventured out into the world with my own companions. That was seven or eight years ago now, wasn't it?"
"I feel tremendously relieved to see that you've remained safe and healthy throughout all your adventures!" Jinbei expressed with heartfelt satisfaction. This man had once been a familiar presence throughout Fish-Man Street, maintaining close friendships with both himself and the legendary Fisher Tiger.
"And the same goes for all of you!" Jinbei added, turning his attention to the other fish-men accompanying Hack.
"Brother Jinbei!" the group responded with obvious joy, their voices carrying the warmth of genuine reunion.
"But I must express some disappointment that none of you bothered to notify me of your return!" Jinbei declared with exaggerated anger, though his underlying affection remained unmistakable. "Were you planning to slip back into town quietly and then disappear just as mysteriously?"
"Well, the truth is that certain aspects of our current situation require absolute secrecy," Hack replied with obvious embarrassment, unable to explain that their true purpose involved recruiting soldiers for revolutionary activities.
"That's understandable, but I'm curious - how exactly did you discover our presence here, Jinbei?" Hack asked, genuinely puzzled by the timing of their interception.
"For that answer, you'll need to ask Brett directly," Jinbei responded, stepping aside to allow Brett to move forward and address Hack's group personally. "Even though you've been traveling overseas, you must have heard stories about Brett's growing reputation, right?"
"Certainly," Hack confirmed with a respectful nod, directing his attention toward Brett with newfound appreciation. "The man known as the Deep Sea Disaster of Fish-Man Island, whose mere reputation now prevents pirates from daring to threaten our homeland. I must admit, I never anticipated that little Brett could achieve such remarkable influence and power."
"I couldn't have accomplished any of this through individual effort alone," Brett replied with characteristic modesty, his smile reflecting genuine humility. "Everything we've achieved represents the coordinated efforts of every citizen throughout Fish-Man Island working together toward common goals."
"That's precisely what makes your success so impressive!" Hack declared with obvious admiration. "The power of united people represents the greatest force imaginable, but the truly difficult challenge lies in successfully gathering and directing that collective energy toward productive purposes."
He studied Brett with newly evaluating eyes, his expression reflecting growing understanding. "Now I'm beginning to comprehend exactly how our arrival was detected so quickly."
Brett's knowing smile confirmed Haku's deduction without requiring verbal explanation.
The power of unified people had indeed become Brett's greatest asset. Fish-Man Street served as his primary base of operations, where his reputation had reached such extraordinary heights that even a direct declaration of intent to overthrow King Neptune would likely receive massive popular support. Any news concerning outsiders entering Fish-Man Street would immediately reach his attention through countless loyal informants.
"Enough serious discussion for now. Since you've finally returned home, come with me, Hack - I insist on treating you to a proper meal!" Jinbei declared with characteristic generosity, his enthusiasm infectious.
"In that case, I won't pretend to be polite about accepting your hospitality!" Hack laughed heartily, readily agreeing to the invitation.
Having already mentally abandoned his original recruitment mission, he decided to treat this unexpected return as nothing more than a pleasant family visit, an opportunity to reconnect with cherished friends after years of separation.
"Speaking of unexpected developments, Jinbei," Hack observed as their group made their way through the bustling streets toward a nearby restaurant, eventually settling into a private dining room. "I never would have imagined that you and Arlong would ever manage to coexist peacefully, let alone work together toward common goals."
Arlong's expression immediately soured at the comment. "Don't misunderstand the situation," he replied with characteristic bluntness. "I simply believe that Brett possesses the capability to transform Fish-Man Island for the better. My cooperation has absolutely nothing to do with any personal feelings toward Jinbei."
"Hahaha, I completely understand your position," Jinbei responded with genuine amusement, showing no offense at Arlong's sharp words. "Whether we're talking about Arlong, myself, or even King Neptune, we all share the same fundamental consensus - Brett represents Fish-Man Island's greatest hope for positive change! He possesses the vision and capability to revolutionize our entire nation!"
Hack felt a moment of genuine surprise at this revelation.
From external observations, Brett's status within Fish-Man Island already appeared impressively elevated, but apparently the reality exceeded even those generous estimations. This young man - the same quiet Brett who had never raised his voice in little Shyarly's presence - had somehow become the acknowledged leader of their entire society?
"So please consider this seriously, Hack," Jinbei continued with earnest sincerity. "Stay with us. Fish-Man Island stands at the most critical juncture in its long history of transformation, and we desperately need additional capable allies! Remain here and lend us your strength!"
Hack remained silent for several moments, carefully weighing his response before shaking his head with firm determination. "Even if I remained, my individual strength couldn't contribute significantly to your impressive achievements. Beyond that consideration, I've already committed myself to pursuing my own lifelong goals and the revolutionary cause that defines my existence!"
"I see," Jinbei replied, unable to completely hide his disappointment, though he quickly recovered his characteristic good humor. "There's really nothing anyone can do when a man chooses to pursue his dreams with such dedication."
Hack smiled warmly at his old friend's understanding response.
Jinbei remained exactly the same person he'd always been - admirable, inspiring, and worthy of deep respect.
"Then don't come crying with regret later, you fool!" Arlong interjected with considerably less diplomatic phrasing than Jinbei had employed. "Especially when we've successfully established our kingdom on the surface and created an unprecedented fish-man nation!"
"Moving to the surface world?" Hack responded with obvious excitement rather than anger. "That represents the dream Fish-Man Island has cherished for countless generations! If such an incredible achievement could be realized during our own lifetimes, it would be absolutely wonderful!"
Arlong found himself momentarily speechless at Hack's enthusiastic reaction, eventually snorting with frustration and falling silent.
"But such an ambitious goal faces tremendous obstacles," Brett interjected with a thoughtful expression. "The World Government represents our greatest impediment to progress. Although they currently extend invitations encouraging us to migrate to the surface, everyone understands this is merely an elaborate trap designed to enhance their control over our people."
"Absolutely correct," Jinbei agreed with obvious worry. "As long as the Celestial Dragons maintain their stranglehold over the government's policies, we'll never achieve the freedom to live openly under the sun."
Hack felt a sudden jolt of realization.
Wait - were they actually viewing the World Government as their primary enemy?
"Jinbei, Brett," Hack said with barely contained excitement, "are you telling me that you've adopted a hostile stance toward the World Government?"
"Isn't that position completely natural and logical?" Brett responded matter-of-factly. "The Celestial Dragons serve as the ultimate source driving the slave trade, and the government actively supports their heinous activities. The systematic discrimination against fish-men and merfolk that has persisted for centuries exists because of their policies."
"Furthermore, the World Government and the so-called world nobles continue exploiting the entire planet through their oppressive Heavenly Tribute taxation system."
"We desire nothing more than to live freely beneath the open sky, and they represent the single greatest obstacle preventing that dream's realization."
Hack sat in stunned silence, his mind racing with implications.
This conversation had taken an absolutely unexpected turn.
He had already mentally abandoned his recruitment mission as a complete failure.
Yet suddenly, circumstances had shifted dramatically in their favor.
"Since you've expressed such sentiments, then I believe, Jinbei and Brett," Hack declared with newfound solemnity, "that we should engage in a much more detailed discussion about our mutual interests!"
Brett's lips curved into a satisfied smile.
This was precisely the reaction he had hoped to provoke.
Hack was a dedicated Revolutionary Army soldier.
***
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