Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 26 Storytelling, Arlong, Hody

Miss Miriam's craftsmanship is exceptional, as evidenced by the esteemed reputation of the Mermaid Cafe on Fish-Man Island.

After all, it is unlikely that everyone visits solely for the appeal of the young and beautiful mermaid ladies.

Brett was quite hungry and devoured his meal with enthusiasm.

Joining him in her enjoyment was a little girl named Nana.

"Mom's cooking is delicious!!" The little girl beamed with joy.

"Honestly, haven't you already eaten? Thank you, Brett."

Nana's mother responded, appearing somewhat exasperated.

"Hee-hee." Nana giggled, "I want to eat more and grow up quickly so I can assist my mother! "

'What a good kid.'

Brett thought to himself.

Are children from single-parent households truly more likely to mature faster?

"Absolutely not! "

However, Miss Miriam countered without delay, "Mom does not wish for her precious daughter to grow up so fast. For now, Nana simply needs to enjoy the life that a child deserves. "

"Eh--"

The little girl looked quite disheartened.

"Nana, your mother has a point,"

Shyarly interjected, "Children should experience life without worries. Do not wait until adulthood to regret losing precious moments. "

The little girl tilted her head, not fully comprehending the message.

Moreover, only children seem eager to grow up, while adults often long to return to their youth.

Brett smiled gently.

Fulfill your responsibilities at any age.

This sentiment resonates with many people.

"I am satisfied. "

Brett cleared his plate, settled into a chair contentedly, and let out a satisfied burp.

The weariness of the day appeared to have vanished.

"I am satisfied as well. "

The little girl patted her plump belly and seated herself on the opposite chair with a contented grin.

"Now that you've had enough to eat, do you wish to join us? "

A rather alluring voice emerged from behind.

Brett grimaced slightly.

Several mermaid ladies once again crowded behind him.

"If you have time for such frivolities, perhaps you should clean up the establishment. "

Shyarly struck the counter, her tone icy.

It was quite late, and with no customers present, it was time to tidy up and prepare for closing.

"Ah, we have angered Shyarly once more. "

"Shyarly is quite concerned for her young friend. "

The mermaid ladies smiled amiably.

"However, I am genuinely curious. "

One mermaid lady peeked out from behind Brett and gazed down at him, "Didn't Shyarly mention in the past that her young friend ventured to the sea? "

"Yes, she did."

The other mermaid lady nodded enthusiastically, "What is the sea like? Please share your experiences. "

'So that was the situation.'

Brett realized he had nearly fancied himself as charming person, possessing the allure to captivate everything around him.

Mermaids dwelling beneath the waves, who have never experienced the azure sky and white clouds firsthand, long for the cerulean sea that lies above them.

"Very well. "

Brett responded with a cheerful nod.

Consider it merely a distraction while eating.

While Brett engaged in storytelling with the mermaid ladies, on the opposite side, Jinbei returned to Fishman Street, and as he prepared to head home for some rest, a particular figure approached him.

"Arlong? " Jinbei frowned and asked. "What brings you to me? "

Their separation had occurred long ago, back when he liberated Arlong from Impel Down.

Arlong had advocated the notion of utilizing fear to render humans defenseless, leading to a confrontation where Jinbei had struck him decisively.

However, out of lingering sentiments, he refrained from taking further action against Arlong.

"If you've come to plead for your release, you might as well abandon that thought. "

Jinbei assumed Arlong's purpose was this, stating, "I completely support Brett's decision. Allowing you to act recklessly will eventually lead to trouble for Fish-Man Island. "

Arlong's glared intensely at Jinbei, exclaiming, "Quit spouting nonsense, Jinbei! I would rather die than come to you for help! "

Their relationship had long been contentious. Even though they were both adherents of Tiger, prior to Tiger's return, Arlong was a pirate while Jinbei served as a soldier at Ryugu Palace.

Arlong paused briefly before saying, "I only came here to ask a question."

"What is your question?"

"That arrogant Brett declared he would grow to be as strong as legends like Whitebeard, ensuring that no one would look down upon Fish-Man Island. "

Arlong was filled with excitement, admitting, "Though it pains me to acknowledge it, you are indeed the strongest on Fish-Man Island. Allow me to ask you, can Brett truly achieve such feats? "

That was the essence of his question.

Jinbei felt elated.

Brett's words had a substantial impact.

While it may not have transformed Arlong's outlook on life, it undoubtedly introduced new concepts, as Brett had suggested.

Jinbei replied with great seriousness, "If it is Brett, I can affirmatively tell you, Arlong, that he possesses enormous potential. "

"At present, I am guiding him in his training, so nobody understands him better than I do. It will not be long before he fully surpasses me! It is merely a matter of time before he evolves into a powerful being capable of standing alongside legends. "

"If you doubt this, just wait and observe. It shouldn't take many years. "

Arlong was somewhat perplexed.

Does he genuinely hold such faith in Brett? But what if it is indeed accurate?

If Fish-Man Island, situated in the depths of the ocean, truly has powerful people; who among those on the surface would dare to oppose them?

A substantial portion of this world is comprised of the sea.

If Brett truly attains that level of strength, an extraordinary super Fishman kingdom will emerge.

"So Arlong, simply observe. " Jinbei stated resolutely, "Brett, won't disappoint you! "

Arlong remained silent.

The following day, training resumed.

During the lunch interval, Jinbei and Brett concluded their discussion about Arlong.

"Even though he did not ultimately respond, I believe that he was slightly affected," Jinbei said with a smile.

Brett expressed his happiness, "Great, this is a positive development. "

"So, Brett, do not fail to live up to our hopes; strive hard to become stronger!"

Thus, time passed from day to day.

Brett's days were enriched with happiness.

The training took place throughout the day, assisting at Shyarly's shop in the morning and evening, sharing tales of the sea with the mermaid girls, resting in the shop at night, continuing the cycle.

The training outcomes were moderate, with no signs of awakening the dual-color haki at all. However, his body was advancing quickly due to the rigorous training.

Strength, defense, and stamina improved daily, prompting Jinbei to express his admiration.

Simultaneously, the acquired capabilities were evolving; particularly following numerous beatings, the defensive qualities bestowed upon him by the original diamond fish were rapidly enhancing.

This primitive fish possesses no scales on its body, yet it features a remarkably sturdy exoskeleton beneath its skin, surpassing the strength of diamond.

Jinbei expressed astonishment that Brett became increasingly resilient with each passing day.

Naturally, alongside defense, the recovery ability was also on the rise. After all, the injuries sustained daily were quite significant.

Consequently, Jinbei intensified his efforts.

Over a week elapsed in this manner.

Then came this day.

A man hurriedly burst through the door of Arlong's house.

"Brother Arlong, I understand everything now. That despicable Brett must die! "

The man's face was filled with fierce anger, "Let us take action! We must eliminate that half-breed, and afterward, we will address that scoundrel Jinbei! "

"No, we could rally the entire forces of Fishman Street, dethrone Neptune, and establish a new Fishman Kingdom! Anyone who betrays our kind deserves to be punished! "

Arlong observed Hody's frenzied expression and felt an inexplicable chill. He shook his head and replied, "No, Hody, I have chosen to wait. "

"What for? "

Hody responded with skepticism, "What exactly are you waiting for? "

"Let us see if Brett can command the respect of the world as he claims!" Arlong asserted.

"What! ! "

Hody's shark-like pupils narrowed into slits.

'Brother Arlong, have you forsaken our vision?'

***

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