Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 29 Restless Night

The mermaid women informed Brett in detail about the events of the day.

It is fundamentally straightforward.

Mermaid Bay represents the most striking location on Fishman Island, characterized by its azure skies, fluffy clouds, and sandy shores. It is frequented year-round by numerous mermaids, rendering it a true paradise for them.

However, on this particular day, several female mermaids vanished from that location. Their companions reported that despite a brief separation, those mermaids did not return.

News of this occurrence rapidly circulated throughout Fish-Man Island.

Currently, there are five million inhabitants on Fish-Man Island. The reason that word of the disappearance reached the entire population so swiftly is that such incidents greatly disturb the sensibilities of both the fish-men and mermaids.

Slavery, human trafficking.

Such matters are intolerable on Fishman Island.

Over centuries, excessive blood has been spilled.

"The troops will be mobilized without delay. "

Miss Miriam's fish tail transformed into human legs. Nervously holding her daughter, she expressed her apprehension, "We will initiate an immediate search for the human vessels that recently arrived at Fish-Man Island. "

The Mermaid Bay, where the incident occurred, is in proximity to the Mermaid Apartment where they reside, which accounts for their heightened anxiety.

"Did they find anything? "Brett asked.

"Nothing has been discovered. "

Shyarly responded with a shake of her head, "Ultimately, we encountered significant opposition from humans, and nearly engaged in conflict at that moment. While we have largely exercised restraint, the atmosphere remains extremely tense. "

"Mom, will we see Sister Dana again? "

Nana's lips were pursed, and her eyes were still swollen, indicative of recent tears.

With a pained expression, Miss Miriam held her daughter a bit tighter.

Among the mermaids who have gone missing today, one is a friend of hers.

Brett's expression darkened, he turned to Shyarly, "What about the divination? "

If the mermaids cannot be located through conventional search methods, it is imperative to employ metaphysical means to uncover their whereabouts.

At this juncture, Shyarly's divination skill could prove invaluable.

"I have already performed it,"

Shyarly explained, "I can only perceive them confined within a dim room. The details elude me; all I can discern are their cries. "

"That is not enough..."

Brett frowned.

This reflects a limitation Shyarly's divination abilities. Typically, even when it pertains to a specific subject, the results tend to manifest as random fragments regarding the future.

For instance, in previous instances, there was a misconception that the Straw Hat crew would devastate Fish-Man Island.

Furthermore, she requires a catalyst to pinpoint her objectives within the expansive future. She can divine the missing mermaids with which she is familiar, but she cannot directly seek information on the intruders whose identities remain unknown to her.

This presents a complication; a dim room? This yields no actionable information whatsoever.

"I am unable to assist. "

Shyarly expressed her disappointment.

"No, it is at least assured that they will remain unharmed for a set duration in the future. "

Brett stated, "The Fishman Island should be sealed off. The abductors are unable to escape. Our responsibility is merely to rescue them. "

"Brett." Shyarly tightened her lips, "Today, four fishmen went missing, yet the distress calls I heard indicated a higher count. "

". . . "

Brett exhibited a frown.

Thus—

"More mermaids are destined to be abducted! ! "

A mermaid expressed with alarm, "Who could be next! "

"Humans, why do they persist in committing such acts! ! "

The mermaid women exhibited significantly reduced liveliness and joyfulness.

At this moment, they manifested only anxiety.

They were correct, additional mermaids would indeed face abduction.

They will be captured while all of Fishman Island was under martial law.

What us the soldiers of the Dragon Palace doing?

Or is there something concealed within this situation?

Brett intended to discuss this with Jinbei.

He could not remain indifferent to this issue, could he?

He had previously assured Arlong of his commitment to safeguard Fishman Island.

However, the sight of the terrified mermaid ladies left him uneasy. He feared it might be unwise to depart at this juncture. The Mermaid Cafe holds significant renown on Fishman Island.

"Brett."

Shyarly was calling to him. He turned to find her speaking earnestly, "Pursue your intentions. Do you recall the previous divination? "

"I indicated that I foresee a promising future. "

Brett was momentarily taken aback.

He then offered a faint smile and responded, "I understand. "

This suggests that in that splendid future, all patrons in the establishment will still be present, right?

He rose, stating, "Then, I'll go to Fishman Street to locate Brother Jinbei. "

"Eh? Brother, are you planning to leave? "

The mermaid ladies appeared taken aback.

"No, we will become scared if you leave. "

"You make us feel secure. . . "

"Guys, let him go."

At a critical moment, Shyarly spoke with authority, "He has his responsibilities. Everyone will remain here tonight, and the soldiers is on patrol. I believe no one will dare to disturb the peace in Coral Hills. "

Coral Hill is the most prosperous urban area on Fishman Island.Generally, prosperity attracts attention.

"Understood. "

The mermaid ladies nodded in disappointment.

"Then, I shall take my leave. "

Brett glanced at Shyarly.

She gave a slight nod, "Good luck. "

Upon exiting the Mermaid Cafe, Brett chose not to head towards Mermaid Street. Instead, he opted for the water route.

This pathway, developed by the bubble artisans of Fish-Man Island, extends in various directions above the island. Within the conduit flows rapidly moving water, facilitating swift transit across Fish-Man Island.

By utilizing the water route, Brett swiftly arrived at Fishman Street, where he immediately sought out Jinbei.

Upon reaching Jinbei's residence, he noted the bright lights, indicating that the Sun Pirates' members had already convened there.

"Brett! Your arrival is perfectly timed! "

Jinbei was taken aback upon encountering him and exclaimed, "I was just about to look for you! "

"I am already aware of the situation, brother Jinbei. What actions are you considering? " Brett inquired directly.

"Before I provide instructions," Jinbei inhaled deeply, "I have just obtained news that two additional mermaids have gone missing. "

Brett's eyes widened.

The audacity.

"Currently, Fishman Island is engulfed in chaos, and nearly all the mermaids are at risk," Jinbei expressed with concern. "It is imperative that we identify the true perpetrator as quickly as possible. "

Brett acknowledged with a nod.

Reflecting on his childhood in his previous life, he recalled hearing about human traffickers in his vicinity. Every person he encountered on the streets seemed like a potential abductor.

Before Brett could inquire about Jinbei's forthcoming strategy, a fishman rushed over in a state of alarm.

"Brother Jinbei, there is a crisis outside! "

. . .

"Humans are causing havoc on Fishman Island! ! "

The blue fishman positioned himself on the roof and proclaimed loudly, "Our fellow countrymen have suffered at their hands once more! "

"There are always individuals among us advocating for peaceful coexistence with humans! "

"However, the reality is that we are merely viewed as slaves and commodities by them! "

He spoke with fervor, exclaiming almost every word, "My dignity has been violated by them, and my family members have been disrespected by them! "

"Yet the soldiers of Dragon Palace are mere ornaments! Just moments ago, two more unfortunate people were abducted by humans! Yet the soldiers turn a blind eye to the actions of humans! "

"Fellow countrymen—"

Brett and Jinbei observed the man's speech from a distance.

Below him, the Fishman gathered were filled with fury, their roars echoing like a mountain's thunderous crash and a tsunami, expressing their outrage.

It is essential to recognize that the Fish-man from Fishmen Street lack formal education and possess very volatile tempers.

Centuries of animosity, compounded by the current wave of abductions, mean that it takes minimal provocation for their anger to erupt.

Many fishmen do not distinguish which mermaid has been taken; they are simply enraged by the despicable actions of humans upon Fishman Island.

"It is Hody's people." Brett said.

The blue fishman was familiar to him, as Brett had encountered him numerous times since childhood.

He is one of Hody's subordinates.

"Is he trying to seize this chance to incite conflict with humans? " Jinbei asked, frowning.

From the standpoint of Fish-Man Island, while this action may be deemed extreme, it is not without justification.

'Is he merely taking advantage of the moment?'

Brett's expression turned serious.

'Hody, could it be that you are orchestrating this?'

"Let humans face the consequences! "

The blue fishman bellowed.

"Let them suffer! "

A member of the crowd was the first to react, and soon a collective roar cascaded forth like a mountain's echo and a tsunami.

Under the influence of certain individuals, a group of several thousand was poised to surge out from Fishman Street and make their way to the port.

"Brother Jinbei, there seems to be impending trouble," Brett said.

Although he was uncertain of Hody's intentions, it was undeniably a negative development.

If Hody appears today, he must be dealt with decisively.

"Reach out to the Dragon Palace! " Jinbei urged with concern, "At this juncture, King Neptune must personally intervene. "

It is challenging to mitigate this situation. Why not step forward and instruct them to leave the matter to the soldiers of Dragon Palace?

The present circumstance is such that even with heightened martial law, mermaids continue to be abducted.

It is imperative to demand that the leaders of this nation come forward and pledge their support.

Positioned above Fish-Man Island in a separate bubble is the royal palace of the Ryugu Kingdom, Ryugu/Dragon Palace.

"What? "

A colossal mermaid with a vibrant orange beard, the sovereign of this realm, Neptune, expressed astonishment, "Is there a disturbance occurring in Fishman Street? Are the fishmen advancing towards the port? "

"Unfortunate events are occurring one after another! "

The monarch proclaimed emphatically, "Gather the troops to restore order. I shall attend to the matter personally! "

His Majesty the King and his soldiers swiftly departed.

Even the entirety of Dragon Palace fell into a hushed silence.

"Jiahahahaha, tranquility has finally been restored. It appears this extent of action suffices. There is no necessity for excess. "

Subsequently, an individual who had been discreetly concealed for an extended period made his way to a clandestine location within the palace without difficulty.

"Succeeded. "