306. Beginning

Bonus 16

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Within Ryugu Palace.

The four individuals, having completed their morning meal, rose leisurely. Encircled by a troop of soldiers, they proceeded side by side toward the palace gate.

"Your Excellency Hakuryu, now that the specifics of the Marine division have been settled, let's share the joyful tidings with the inhabitants of Fish-Man Island."

Princess Otohime's face blushed, and she seemed somewhat thrilled, even though the entirety of the Marine division, covering expenses and personnel, is entirely supported by Fish-Man Island itself.

It may seem like just a Marine title, but it signifies a deeper connection between Fish-Man Island and humans, bringing the island one step closer to venturing onto the land.

Even though Fish-Man Island has aligned itself with the World Government, it has successfully avoided being categorized solely as a fish.

However, up to this point, no fishmen has officially become a part of the Marine organization!

This undeniably marks a significant milestone in the history of Fish-Man Island's emancipation!

"Otohime, let's not get too ahead of ourselves, okay? Now, let's guide Mr. Hakuryu on a tour of our Fish-Man Island," Neptune interjected, attempting to calm down the enthusiastic Otohime.

He worried that her actions might bore the young Marine, although, after their conversations over the past two days, he had formed a positive opinion of the Marine standing before him.

However, in this world, there are only mistaken names, not wrong nicknames.

The intensity of the killing intent emanating from him was so palpable that even someone less experienced than Otohime could sense it clearly.

"Ah? Yes! I was abrupt. I'm truly sorry, Mr. Hakuryu."

Otohime was momentarily taken aback, then a flicker of surprise crossed her face as she belatedly apologized to Atlas.

"It's okay. I'll be staying on Fish-Man Island for a while, so delaying the visit is not an issue."

Atlas casually waved his hand, his demeanor unaffected.

Yet, the three failed to notice that, at the moment Atlas turned his head, a glint of scarlet flickered in his eyes, as if myriad scenes of blood and flames were reflected in his clear pupils.

"Ha~ interesting," Atlas murmured softly, barely audible like a mosquito's buzz. Only the smile at the corner of his mouth sent shivers down one's spine.

.....

Somewhere in a shadowy corner of Fish-Man District.

Hody Jones, clad in standard military armor, perched on a decrepit trash can. He looked down sternly at a group of fishmen boys below, akin to a general inspecting troops before a campaign, his expression grave.

"I assume you're all aware of my plan, correct?"

"I know, Brother Hody. Just leave it to us. We'll make sure to buy you the maximum time," Ikaros affirmed solemnly, tightening his grip on the red tassel gun.

"Very well, I've got the intel. As expected, that woman Otohime is eager to bring over the entire Fish-Man Island to please that human Marine!"

Hody Jones stomped forcefully on the iron trash can, and the already dilapidated container emitted strained groans.

"I've located the human. Assign a few individuals to keep a close watch on him. The moment he targets Otohime, swiftly subdue and eliminate him. Then, loudly proclaim that the murderer is a human!"

"I'm confident that when the moment arrives, the reactions from Neptune and those Marines will be priceless, won't they?!"

"Jahahaha!!!"

"But what if that human scoundrel doesn't follow your instructions, Brother Hody?"

Zeo couldn't resist questioning.

"Moreover, wouldn't it be more prudent to capture a Marine for this?"

Upon hearing this, Hody Jones slowly discarded his triumphant expression, gazing at Zeo with a sinister look. He replied, "Resist? Do you think that guy Noyce possesses such courage?"

Zeo was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter.

"It turns out to be that guy Noyce, so I'm relieved."

Noyce was merely a tool they had used to channel their thirst for revenge some time ago, but they hadn't anticipated his lingering presence.

The fish-man pirate group led by Hody Jones harbors an unimaginable hatred and paranoia towards humans. Consequently, periodically, they select a "lucky person" from the tourists or pirates visiting Fish-Man Island to unleash their frenzied revenge on humans.

Regarding Noyce, they had abducted him half a month ago, subjecting him to continuous severe beatings. They assumed he had succumbed to his injuries, but to their surprise, he was still breathing.

"Jahahahaha!! That guy knows he's as good as dead, and with the torment he's endured, he must harbor intense resentment towards the fish-men clan, right? He could be the one to pull the princess of Fish-Man Island into the water before meeting his end. Something I'd love to see."

Boom--! ! !

Hody Jones leaped off the tin bucket, then pivoted to deliver a forceful kick to the trash can with his toes. The tremendous impact caused the tin bucket to dent and twist instantly.

"Also, initially, I aimed to capture a Marine as the executioner, but getting close to that warship was impossible. It had a complete vacuum around it. Any approach would likely trigger an onslaught from heavily armed Marine soldiers and turn me into a sieve."

"However, once I obtain the steroid, I won't have to worry about the Marines or anything else. Under the absolute crushing power, no matter how bizarre a Devil Fruit's ability might be, it's just a paper tiger!"

"So, Brother Hody, should we make a move now?"

Daruma, cloaked in red, couldn't resist standing on tiptoes. His intertwined fangs produced a sharp friction sound. Numerous bloodshot eyes emerged in his wide-open gaze, and veins bulged on his neck.

"I can't wait to sink my teeth into that human flesh, tearing it into pieces and savoring it!"

"Jahahahaha!! Take immediate action; it's been a long time since I felt this excited!!"

Hody Jones laughed maniacally, kicking the thoroughly deformed trash can at his feet into the distance, continually issuing orders.

"Ikaros!"

"Here! Brother Hody!"

"You and Daruma will keep an eye on that guy Noyce. Once the job is done, if he shows any signs of speaking out, shoot him on the spot!"

Immediately afterward, Hody Jones refocused on a bearded shark man adorned with black and white stripes on his body, flashing a smile.

"Your stealth abilities are impressive. When the time comes, blend into the crowd and continue inciting the residents' anger. Preferably target the group of Marines. I trust you know what needs to be done, right?"

"Geo!"

"No problem, I'll execute this task flawlessly."

"The rest of the brothers are dispersed within the crowd. Once a conflict arises, escalate it and target the surrounding humans, preferably Marines."

"When the moment arrives... JAHAHAHA!!!"

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