Chapter 135 Deep Sea Fleet
After saying goodbye to Rayleigh, Brett and Alexander began their return journey across the calm seas. Brett sat cross-legged on Alexander's broad back, letting the gentle rocking of the waves soothe his restless mind as he focused on his training.
He cautiously wrapped his Armament Haki around his arms, but the flow was stiff, lacking the fluid grace that Rayleigh moved with so effortlessly. His Haki just clung to his arms, motionless and rigid, unlike Rayleigh's who could launch it like powerful cannonballs and shape it with precise control. Each attempt felt clumsy and frustrating.
Why was it so difficult?
Rayleigh had said it was simple. In the original timeline, Luffy had started using advanced Haki subconsciously within days and had fully mastered it in less than a month. Once the foundation was laid, it shouldn't be this hard.
Was it a matter of his own talents? Brett shook his head. He refused to believe that.
Continuing his exercises, he hardened his arms with Haki, wrapped the coating tightly, and tried to make the flow of Haki surge and ripple under his control.
Suddenly, Alexander's deep voice rumbled. "Partner, what are you doing? Why didn't you speak at all during the journey? You've been so quiet."
"I'm practicing," Brett answered, not hesitating. "Advanced Armament Haki."
Alexander's interest was immediate. "The stronger skills you mentioned before? Beyond hardening?"
"That's right," Brett smiled. "Want to learn?"
"Of course!" Alexander bellowed with pride.
A year of steady training had given Alexander mastery over basic Armament Haki. Though not as refined as Brett's control, the sheer power he possessed as a Sea King was impressive.
Being a Sea King, Alexander's massive size naturally amplified his Haki. The greater the amount of Armament infused, the greater the strength it produced. This force could easily overwhelm Vice Admirals—or perhaps even greater foes.
Warlord? Or stronger?
Alexander's laughter echoed beneath the waves. "I can get stronger again! Partners, let's compete to see who masters these skills first!"
"Alright!" Brett grinned. Friendly competitions were the way warriors grew stronger.
Not only Alexander, but Brett also planned to teach Jinbei and Tesoro what he had learned from Rayleigh. Both men already had tremendous strength, and mastering advanced Haki would take them to new heights.
The following morning, back on Fish-Man Island, Brett found Jinbei and shared everything Rayleigh had taught him.
Jinbei nodded with understanding. "Without realizing this, one only increases the quantity and density of their Armament Haki, never its true flow."
Rayleigh's lesson was clear: once you realize the natural flow of Haki and build a solid foundation, mastery becomes possible.
"Come on, Brother Jinbei," Brett teased, "Don't fall too far behind."
Jinbei laughed deeply. "You're too confident, kid."
"But it's true, isn't it?" Brett said with pride.
"It is," Jinbei sighed. "You have completely surpassed me."
Though Jinbei had known it was only a matter of time, hearing it still felt strange. Last year Brett's true strength had quietly overtaken his own, and now even his physical Haki might not be enough to best him.
'What is his true strength?' Jinbei wondered silently.
But this was good news for Fish-Man Island. Soon, an unprecedented powerhouse would rise, and the island would no longer have to bow to anyone.
"By the way, Tesoro wants you to go to the New World with him later, right?"
"That's right," Brett nodded firmly. "There's something I have to handle personally."
If everything went smoothly, this journey would trigger a leap in his strength.
"Leave Fish-Man Island in my hands," Jinbei vowed.
Brett knew Jinbei would always be reliable.
In the days that followed, Tesoro's film crew moved relentlessly through Fish-Man Island, determined to showcase its wonders. Tesoro led the team with his usual flair, balancing business with his newfound fame.
Brett made several guest appearances and shared Rayleigh's advanced Haki techniques with Tesoro.
"Advanced Armament Haki?" Tesoro laughed. "Brett, you've got some incredible stuff!"
Though primarily a businessman, Tesoro understood the harsh reality of the seas—that strength was everything.
"We're not just here to make movies and records," Brett said casually. "Don't let your power fall behind as your fame rises."
Tesoro smiled with ambition. "I've been working on Awakening!"
"Awakening?" Brett's eyes widened. They both gained their Devil Fruit powers around the same time; Tesoro's progress impressed him.
"Wait and see," Tesoro said confidently. "It won't be long now."
Brett thought of Tesoro's original timeline, where his Awakening was key to building his golden city quickly.
"Just wait till I surpass you, Brett!"
"I'll be waiting," Brett replied with a smirk. Young blood, fearless and eager.
Days later, Tesoro came rushing to Brett.
"The war has begun! Several nations have combined fleets and defeated two others. Their royal families fled to Prodence to seek asylum from king Elizabello II himself"
"King Riku's attempt to bring all the kings together for peace failed. He's gone to Prodence to try and stop the war."
Brett's face hardened. "So it's time for us to act?"
"Absolutely!"
Without hesitation, Brett mobilized his army.
Transferring 10,000 soldiers from the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau was a challenge, but the Bureau had grown to 50,000 strong. Along with soldiers came ten sea beasts and five warships, all ready for battle.
At Fish-Man Island's gate, massive port doors swung wide. One by one, black shuttle battleships slid smoothly into the ocean.
After a year of work by Tom, Fish-Man Island now had ten advanced battleships—the pride of the island's naval fleet.
The shipbuilding industry's staggering scale and efficiency never ceased to amaze.
Outside the gate, Tesoro floated inside a protective air bubble, camera poised, laughter bubbling as he filmed everything.
"This has to be in the movie!" he shouted.
Brett, perched atop a sea beast's head, glanced down at Tesoro with a nod.
Now was time—to show the seas the power of Fish-Man Island.
"Deep Sea Fleet, Move out!" Brett's voice rang out like thunder beneath the waves.
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