Chapter 20

◇3rd person POV◇

At the docks of Coral hill, Lots of ships were docked and were busy taking in their supplies.

One particular ship with the Hunters insignia is being coated. It seems that this ship would soon be on its trip to the surface. The question is, What side of the world is it?

And the owner of this ship resides in a vacation house in the wealthiest district of the Island. Meaning that its owner is highly influential.

*Rumble*

Currently, That house is shaking. Due to the shockwaves coming from the courtyard.

*Clank* *Rumble* *Clank*

Sounds of blades meeting with each other and followed by shockwaves are being created in the fight of two individuals!

Lightning-like shockwaves will come out every time the knife and dagger would clash.

Parry after a parry, The exchange of blows would somehow be blocked or parried by the other party. Two young men are moving athletically while using their weapons.

The fight was a pure physical knife fight. There weren't many kinds of abilities or powers used. Only their expertise in their weapons and the very important Will or Haki matters in the fight.

If someone would be able to see their fight, They would've been asking how their weapons are in color black/purple and dark red.

Their eyes are also different. Sometimes their eyes would change. Like the one who has blue eyes would change into glowing blue eyes while the other one who has black eyes would change into red eyes.

Lots of unexplained scenes are happening right now. Due to this, These two young men are the only ones in this place.

Every people in the neighborhood have already deserted the place around the house, The royal family had forbidden anyone to come closer since they would have to deal with the unconscious citizens.

Another problem for the royal family is that the house is crumbling apart. They don't know how it happens but the place would be leveled by their Haki alone.

Since the royal family was having trouble, King Neptune pleaded for the former Shichibukai Jinbei to stop the fight between the two young men.

And so, He went to the place of the Shichibukai. Jinbei arrived there, He couldn't help but be in awe with the damages and slash marks in the walls and the floors.

He heard some heavy breathing in the courtyard and saw the source of the trouble in the Ryugu Kingdom.

"Isn't this the time for you two to stop?"

One young man, who was standing but was having trouble staying on his feet, heard the voice of the Fishman. He has black hair and has a lot of tattoos.

Another young man heard him but this one is lying on the floor, gasping for air. He also has black hair and blue eyes.

"*Panting*... Jinbei... Hah... That's right... We still need... to expand on the surface."

He was having trouble finishing his sentence because of his heavy breathing. He sheathed his knife to his hips and looks at the young man on the floor.

"I didn't think... I would be staying here for a week... *sigh* Why did it turn into this? Anyway, I won this time, okay? Shika!"

The young man who has a lot of tattoos started to walk towards the Fishman.

Meanwhile, The young man on the floor was still gasping, but he still had the energy to shout.

"*Panting* Damn it... I won't let you get ahead of me, Portgaz!"

Yes, This is our protagonist. He's still crawling towards Ace, the Fifth emperor!

Jinbei looks at the young man on the floor and thought about the time where he was threatened by him for a woman.

The man back then and the man in front of him looks so different but he knew that this man called Shikage, is not to be looked down on.

But for now, He needed to be strict with this selfish young men.

◇Shikage POV◇

"How long will the two of you keep on doing this? You two are being troublesome for the neighborhood and to the Ryugu Kingdom." (Jinbei)

*Slap*

"Ow ow ow!" (Shikage)

Jinbei slapped a band-aid to my back. It's like I'm being disciplined by an adult.

He's currently applying first aid to the two of us. There were so many injuries I received when I was fighting Ace.

Oh, it's only a friendly fight. We're just testing our new strength and such.

It's more like we are experimenting.

"Tch. I can't let it end while he's ahead of me by 1 win, Jinbei-senpai. " (Shikage)

Jinbei raised an eyebrow, He seems to be surprised to know that I can keep up with Ace.

"Huh?! Don't get cocky! I'm 10 wins ahead of you! Idiot~..." (Ace)

"Grr.. Argh! It's because you're older than me! I would've been an actual challenge to you if we have the same age. Hmmph..." (Shikage)

Ace continued to tease me and will sometimes pause like he's recalling something.

I guess that he's thinking about his rival and brother. The S in his tattoo, It's Sabo. Should I tell him? Well, It's not my problem.

The very reason as to why we are fighting was to test my Haki and his newly acquired technique. I've always wanted to know my strength without the DF ability. and I'm pleased to know that I am already an expert with Haki.

I can use both observation and armament proficiently. And I'm getting used to the Conquerer's Haki. Portgaz showed me how to use this one. Well played Emperor!

"So, Did anyone of you learn something about this fight?" (Jinbei)

"It's not bad. Although he will grow stronger with this by copying me, But I'll be more experienced in using the technique that the Red Hair taught me... I'm still like a rookie for the other Emperors, but I will surely surpass them!" (Ace)

It felt good being acknowledge by Ace. Yes, I would surely use this fight to boost my experience in using Haki.

I am already way behind him. I need to focus more on the two Haki that can be trained to an advanced level before moving to the Innate Haki.

"I'll soon catch up to you, Portgaz!" (Shikage)

"Hahaha! Say that when you won at least five times." (Ace)

That's right, I was totally trashed by Ace. Even when there's no DF ability in the fight, I was still beaten by his knife skills and his advanced use of Haki's.

It just means that i need to absorb and retain more skills using [Spectral Thief].

Well, Ace is also not an ordinary man, I've saw how Roger wanted his son to be important. Who knows, Maybe this guy is also like his little brother. A large destiny in his fate.

"Since everything is done, It is time to leave. Ace-san. The affiliates are waiting for you in the New World. We all need to talk about the matter regarding the son of Pop's." (Jinbei)

I can see the two of them brooding. Looks like they would soon leave this Island.

Too bad, I wanted to have more experience in fighting people with the Conqueror's Haki.

"Since this is the last day, Why don't we end this trip by visiting the Mermaid's Cafe" (Ace)

"Ooh, Nice~ Of course, I'm going!" (Shikage)

Jinbei was making a face that was tired of hearing the word Mermaid Cafe.

The three of us enjoyed the service of the mermaids. They were curious as to why am I covered with bandages.

We partied hard since this would be the last day of our vacation.

(If only Kalifa didn't nag that much, I would've enjoyed my trip here.) (Shikage)

◇The next day◇

The docks are filled with people. The crowd is saying their farewells to the departing ship and a small boat.

Even the royal family came, the most eye-catching one is the mermaid princess. She was thanking the man who freed her from the stalker.

She only knew it recently when her brothers told the truth about that shadow who devoured the stalker.

They saw the ships exiting the bubble of the Island. Some of the Fishmen looked at the flag that is hanging on the docks. The flag of the Fifth Emperor!

The Fish-man Island had really changed. With the protection of the ACE pirate group, They are safe physically.

But for emotionally? It's too soon to call it safe, the pent-up emotions and grudges of the Fishmen would surely blow up.

Maybe a pirate with a Straw hat can fix this.

Who knows?

◇Shikage POV◇

"We'll see each other someday If you still plan on being an Important person... I'll be aiming for the top, Shikage! I hope you'll reach it too." (Ace)

"I agree, Just you wait... I'll be making waves on the New World soon." (Shikage)

I looked at Ace below since he's at his one-man boat. Jinbei and Ace didn't have anyone joining them. Ace's boat was coated with bubbles and he would be pulled by Jinbei. How nice~

Well, I also have a guide.

"To think you would join Kage-kun in his voyage. Is that what you want, Hyouzou?" (Jinbei)

"Hic... I've just realized that I was a frog in a well... Hic... Ever since I sensed the battle of Guildmaster and the Fire Fist, I understood how weak I am... I plan to explore the world and I'll start with the HQ of the Guild." (Hyouzou)

The octopus Fishman had joined the crew. I am also quite shocked to see him begging for a place for my Black Pearl.

"Very well, Take care everyone." (Jinbei)

After the last exchange of farewells, We split up and started our voyage back to the Grand Line.

Ace and Jinbei are headed to the New World.

While we are going to go back to Paradise.

It was a fun time, Fish-man Island.

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The voyage to the surface was successful as expected because of the guide we had.

There weren't any mishaps in the undersea adventure.

I'm really glad to have a Fishman to guide us. Although I'm annoyed at his drinking, I noticed that it is his quirk.

Hyouzou smoothly guided us and was a major contributor to the safe voyage we had.

Once the Black Pearl sailed to the nearest Island, We received the news about the Shichibukai replacement. A pirate had replaced Crocodile's previous position.

"Oooh~ I have another Kohai. To think that it's Law. Hah... The story is really progressing." (Shikage)

I am resting at the Captain's quarter. My men are still longing for the mermaids but I ignored them. Soon, I would say goodbye to this crew.

Then I turn to the next page of the news, I saw the Guild members spreading their own achievements.

Team Pasta Lovers was still the ace of the Guild. They just succeeded in hunting a pirate group that has a bounty of 100 million ฿. Kaku would surely rank up soon.

But there was a piece of tragic news for the Guild. Jabra's team was defeated. It was even fortunate for them to escape without dying. It's because they targeted the rising rookie, A supernova. The Cannibal, Bartolomeo!

(Damn... I forgot about him. I hope this failure would help Jabra... Should I try to recruit a powerhouse?) (Shikage)

I think that my hunters need to have another protector aside from me.

Hmm... Who should I consider?

Oh, I got one.

Well, Once I get there, I'll try to recruit him.

For now, I'll go to the HQ first.

"Men! Let's go home! To the Thriller Bark!" (Shikage)

"""Aye, Sir!""""

"Hic... Finally, A brand new start. Guildmaster, Who's your best hunter right now?" (Hyouzou)

"Eh? Uh... It's Kaku, He's a B-rank." (Shikage)

Hyouzou mummers to himself and started to drink again.

Well, He's only a C-rank. I guess Kaku has another rival.

I told my men to unfurl the sail and catch the wind. Then, we set sail.

The Black Pearl's speed was unnatural. In just a week, We arrived at the Island Ship.

The mouth gate was replaced by a normal gate. I chose to dock at the Black port instead.

The townspeople of Shadowfen welcomed us. The Black Pearl is the Flagship of the Guild. Of course, they would recognize it.

As I was enjoying the streetscape of the town, I noticed the supply shops and the weapon shops. This town is armed. As expected of the Bounty's hunters lair.

Speaking of, There's also another town like this. It's an Island close to the entrance of the Grand Line. It's the Whiskey Peak.

We had a large Guild hub there because the Guild hub will welcome the bounty hunters of all the Blue seas who wanted to go to Grand Line.

It's also the perfect place to capture pirates coming from the Blue seas.

And the most prominent hunters there is the C-rank team. The Spiders Cafe, and their sub-teams.

It was the former agents and workers of the Baroque Works. The Island was originally a lawless land and it was illegal. Thanks to the Guild, It became a legal business.

Oh, I know this because I was informed by Blueno who's at my side right now.

"Guildmaster, the Thriller Bark's next course is going to Alabasta, the Guild hub there is scheduled to give the profit to the HQ... I must say that the Guild is doing good financially." (Blueno)

I already left the sailors and was walking with Blueno in the streets beside the river.

This is what the Thriller Bark is doing. The Island Ship is patrolling around Paradise to get the money from the Guild hubs all over the world.

"I see... I think it was a good idea to make our HQ mobile. Oh, By the way, Do you have any news of Jabra?" (Shikage)

Blueno's face darkened, I prepared myself to hear bad news.

"It's bad, Jabra's will is broken. I think he won't be reaching the next rank." (Blueno)

Shit. What did Bartolomeo do? He's pretty brutal if he isn't with the Straw hats.

"Tch. Fine... At least he's strong enough here in Paradise. I'll need you guys to be ready. We're going to the New World soon. It's time to expand there." (Shikage)

"What?! But the situation there isn't stable. Although we had the Fire Fist approval to make a Guild hub in the Fish-man Island, The territories in the New World are ruled by pirates. Should we go to war?" (Blueno)

Blueno gulps hard when he saw my blue eyes. I released a tiny bit of Haki and he felt my determination.

"That's right! Prepare for it... Soon, The world should know the Legion of the Undead!" (Shikage)

Blueno felt a chill in his spine. He clearly knew what I meant.

The Legion of the Undead is also the Army of the dead.

(a/n: What's better from the two)

A large scale of invasion using zombies! That's what I gonna do in the future. Of course, were not planning to plunder. It's to hunt down pirates and other criminals.

I also have a separate Idea of using the zombies. It's to give birth to the new pirate group with the Flying Dutchman as their ship. Oh, Don't worry about their weakness. I gave them a large number of Bubbly Corals to coat their body and the ship with the bubbles.

The seawater wouldn't pass through this bubble. They would be the eyes and ears of the Guild regarding the situation on the pirate side. This group would be led by Dullahan, the Destroyer of the world.

A headless but ruthless pirate!

For now, Let's get stronger first! Battling with Fire Fist is so helpful for me to measure the top-tier fighters of the world.

"Let's go Blueno, By the way... is Kalifa angry?" (Shikage)

"Hahaha, Who knows." (Blueno)

"Hah... Listen Blueno, I'll be doing a closed-door intense training for the next months. I'm counting on you in managing the Guild!" (Shikage)

Master Divine book, Let's improve my techniques!

What did that yakuza boss say to Luffy? I better re-read my Shikadiary again.

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(a/n: I have an important exam tomorrow and the day after, at Saturday and Sunday. Wish me luck readers!!)