Chapter 423: Luxurious Lineup
"That guy actually appeared!"
Mariejois. After receiving intelligence from G-1 Base, the Five Elders were equally shocked.
Though they'd said they'd gamble, they truly hadn't expected to win.
That Brett guy had actually appeared for Fire Fist Ace's group—people he'd known just a few days.
"Gion's group has already begun operations. Without Brett, Fish-Man Island's defenses are extremely vulnerable."
Saint Mars excitedly clenched his fist—as if grasping victory itself. "Even at sea, that Jinbei guy absolutely can't defeat the current Gion!"
"We're just one step from victory!"
The Elders' faces all bore joyful expressions. As if they'd already secured victory.
Besides Brett, Fish-Man Island's strongest was only Jinbei. But how could he possibly defeat Gion—an Admiral candidate?
After gaining Fish-Man powers too, even in the deep sea, Gion absolutely couldn't lose to him.
This truly was the moment closest to victory!
"Perfect timing—Brett's appeared too. Let's try keeping him there!"
Saint Ju Peter said excitedly. "After all, we've amassed such power at G-1 Base! Wouldn't it be a waste not to try resolving that Brett bastard?!"
"Indeed."
Saint Warcury nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Right now is the best opportunity!!"
Two-pronged assault—G-1 Base and Fish-Man Island!
Best result: destroy the Pluton under construction, seize the Dyna Stones, and eliminate Brett all at once!
That would truly let them rest easy.
Fish-Man Island's outer perimeter—a section of deep sea where light and darkness met.
The Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral who'd almost completely transformed into a Fish-Man—the woman called Admiral candidate Momousagi Gion—was issuing orders.
"Vice Admiral Stainless—take a squad to retrieve Kaido. Higher-ups say though he's an enemy, he might prove useful someday."
"Understood."
A Fish-Man with brilliant yellow skin nodded gravely.
"Of the remainder, half will join me in raiding the Sea Forest's depths while drawing attention."
The Admiral candidate said. "The other half—led by Vice Admiral Doberman—will directly raid Ryugu Palace once Fish-Man Island's forces are engaged by us."
"The targets are extracting the Dyna Stones' location and capturing the mermaid princess, right?"
A red-skinned octopus Fish-Man with six arms looked cold. "If necessary, can capture that Brett bastard's girlfriend. Leave it to me."
"Then—move out!"
The group split into three forces, simultaneously approaching Fish-Man Island.
Earlier, G-1 Base.
Ace stared bewildered at that crimson dragon circling the distant sky.
This guy actually came to rescue them!
"Brett!"
Then Ace shouted hoarsely. "What are you doing here?!"
"Didn't you say we were even? You don't owe me anything! Why do something so foolish?!"
"I have my own adventure! Even dying on my journey has nothing to do with you!"
Kizaru couldn't help glancing back at him. "Ohh~ Quite ungrateful, aren't we? This is a hard-won lifeline, you know~"
Brett's vision was excellent. He saw Ace's roaring appearance quite clearly.
Probably didn't want to implicate him.
"Don't misunderstand, Ace."
Thus Brett smiled. "I'm not here for you."
"Eh?"
Ace—who'd been racking his brain organizing words to make Brett leave—froze instead.
But Brett simply continued. "Just have some questions I want to ask."
"Eh? Is that really it?"
Kizaru looked surprised—grinning in a very punchable way. "Just don't know what Brett-san wants to ask~"
"That's not urgent."
The red dragon shook its head. "How about letting the others come out first?"
Kizaru's raised eyebrows gradually lowered. "Really—can't hide anything from you."
"Their presences are as obvious as the moon in the night sky. How could I possibly ignore them?!"
Brett took a deep breath. Then opened his mouth and exhaled.
Heat Breath!
A scorching fire pillar instantly spanned the heavens. Sweeping past the execution platform's top, it blasted directly toward G-1 Base's main building.
As flames swept overhead, Skull cried out in disbelief. "So hot!! Feel like I'm melting!! How does this seem even more powerful than Ace's flames?!"
"Seems—indeed so." Deuce nodded in deep agreement.
Ace's expression stiffened.
Just as the massive fire pillar was about to strike the building and blow it to smithereens, purple light suddenly bloomed on the building's surface—forming a purple halo.
The fire pillar halted instantly. Then was actually bounced directly back.
Brett casually swatted the returning fire pillar with his tail, shattering it. He looked with interest at three shadows leaping from the building—landing perfectly on the execution platform.
"This—this—"
The instant he saw the three arrivals clearly, cold sweat already streamed down Deuce's forehead. Then he couldn't help smiling bitterly. "Just like a joke!"
"Brett-san, maybe we should retreat."
"Brett!!"
Ace was shouting hoarsely again.
Brett didn't respond to Ace. He just quietly observed the three newcomers.
A blind man in purple kimono. A shirtless punk. An old man with an afro.
Brett couldn't help laughing aloud. "Admiral Kizaru! Admiral Fujitora! Admiral Ryokugyu! And—Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
"What a luxurious lineup! Are so many waiting just for me alone?"
"So feel honored, Brett!"
The supreme commander of all Navy—the legend who'd led the Navy since the previous era—Fleet Admiral Sengoku stepped forward. He rolled up his Fleet Admiral coat's sleeves. "No one has ever enjoyed treatment like yours!"
"Really?"
Brett advanced on flame clouds, already above the plaza. Below him—unconscious Navy soldiers.
"However—"
Sengoku took a deep breath. "Your criminal life ends here! Single-handedly pushed the entire world onto a powder keg. Now—time to pay for your actions!"
"If you can do it, feel free to try."
Brett smiled, floating in the sky. The behemoth exceeding a hundred meters in length—merely floating here—radiated incomparably powerful presence. "But didn't I just say? I have some questions for you."
He asked. "Recently discovered some strange Fish-Men at Fish-Man Island. Are they connected to you?"
Sengoku's expression sharpened.
Brett's thoughts moved.
Oh, so that's how it is.
***
60+advance chapters at patreon.com/Eatinpieces