Fishman Island

In the depths of the sea, the water was stained a deep red. Morgan, the colossal Dragon King of the Sea, devoured his prey with ferocity.

No part of the sea kings was spared, not even the bones.

The metallic smell of blood permeated the water, so potent that even the smallest fish fled in terror. This scent of death and destruction accompanied Morgan to the vicinity of Fishman Island, like a herald of his arrival.

Although the concentration of Sea Kings in these waters did not reach the levels of the Calm Belt, their number was still considerable. However, after witnessing how Morgan hunted and tore apart half a dozen of their brethren with brutality and ease, the other Sea Kings chose to maintain a safe distance.

As the hours passed, news of Morgan spread among the less intelligent Sea Kings. Without the need for words, they all understood that a new lord had arrived in these waters.

Suddenly, a deafening roar shook the seabed. The sound waves traveled through the water with such intensity that even in the depths of Fishman Island, the echo of the roar could be felt.

....

In the Fishman District, known for its chaos and high crime, the roar sowed panic among its inhabitants.

Amid the chaos, two figures stood firm. Arlong, a sawshark fishman with a long, sharp nose, abruptly raised his head. A flash of concern showed in his gaze.

"What the hell was that?" growled Arlong, with surprise.

Beside him, Jinbe, a whale shark fishman, frowned deeply.

"Sea Kings," Jinbe responded in a grave voice. "But not like the ones we know. This is... different."

Arlong spat on the ground. "Damn it, Jinbe. Ever since Tiger left, everything has gone to hell. The humans are getting more arrogant, and now the Sea Kings are threatening us at our own doorstep?"

Jinbe placed a hand on Arlong's shoulder. "Calm down, Arlong. It's still far away. We gain nothing by rushing."

"Calm?" roared Arlong, brushing off Jinbe's hand. "How much more do we have to endure? First the humans, now this. I'm telling you, Jinbe, the day will come when we'll have to take matters into our own hands."

Jinbe watched his brother with concern. He knew that Arlong's anger was justified, but he also feared where that path might lead him.

Suddenly, the sky darkened.....

In the depths of the ocean, a colossal shadow loomed over the Fishman District.

Everyone present was paralyzed by the sight before them. An eye, as large as an underwater moon, peeked out from above. Its iris, a blue as deep as the sea, shone with intelligence.

This eye belonged to Morgan. The aura emanating from the creature was so intense that even the smallest fish floated inert, stunned by the pure force of will it radiated.

Morgan scrutinized the Fishman District, his gaze scanning every corner and crevice. Disappointment reflected in his huge pupil as he failed to find what he was looking for.

"Is this Fishman Island?" he thought, his inner voice laden with disdain. "I expected something more.... Where are the mermaids I've heard so much about?"

Quickly losing interest, Morgan began to move away.

Meanwhile, two figures rushed out of the island, swimming at a dizzying speed towards the colossal creature.

It was Jinbe and Arlong.

With his eyes wide open, Jinbe couldn't contain his amazement. "Incredible!" he exclaimed. "I've never seen a Sea King like this. It's... it's like a dragon."

Arlong found himself unusually silent. After a moment of observation, he finally spoke with fear, "Even we couldn't face such a beast. If it decides to attack the island..."

"Let's not complete that thought," Jinbe interrupted, his tone grave. "Let's hope it's just passing through."

Arlong, however, couldn't suppress a cruel smile. "You know? I almost wish it would stay," he said, his sharp teeth forming a sinister grin. "Imagine the terror it would sow among the humans. No ship would dare approach Fishman Island ever again."

Jinbe turned to his brother, his gaze full of reprimand. "Enough, Arlong! Can't you see beyond your hatred? If that creature attacked human ships, who do you think would be blamed? We would be accused of inciting the Sea Kings. We would be condemning our people."

Arlong let out a grunt of frustration. "Always so cautious, Jinbe. Instead of worrying about hypothetical disasters, you should focus on making yourself stronger. Go back to your gyojin karate training if you're so concerned about our safety."

Without waiting for a response, Arlong turned around and swam away, leaving Jinbe alone with his thoughts.

Jinbe sighed deeply. "I have to inform Queen Otohime about this," he murmured. "We can't afford to ignore a potential threat."

With one last look towards the depths where Morgan had disappeared, Jinbe turned towards the island.

Back with Morgan, he watched with some disappointment as the two fishmen swam away towards the island. His gaze followed them with frustration.

"Tch," Morgan grumbled, "it seems these little fish have no intention of approaching. And here I thought they might bring something for dinner."

After a moment of consideration, Morgan decided that chasing the fishmen would be too much effort for such a small reward. "Bah, too much work for such a tiny morsel," he thought. "Although they could be interesting as pets... if I had the patience to tame them."

Turning his body, Morgan scanned the surrounding area. His eyes detected an underwater abyss not far away. An ideal refuge.

"Not bad," he murmured to himself. "A quiet place to rest... Maybe I can even call it home... for now."

As he settled on the edge of the abyss, Morgan mentally reviewed the evolution options he had available. Images of Dragon Wings, Enhanced Claws, and the Eye of Death floated in his mind.

"Fifty thousand for the wings, thirty thousand for the claws, sixty thousand for the eye," he calculated. "With my current points, I can barely scratch the surface of one of them."

A thought crossed his mind, causing his eyes to glow with a predatory light. "But if I could catch one of those Celestial Dragons... oh. I could evolve all three in one fell swoop."

What Morgan didn't know was that the world was about to change dramatically. At that very moment, in different parts of the world, crucial events were about to unfold.

In Mariejois, the "Holy Land" of the World Nobles, a fishman named Fisher Tiger was planning a raid that would shake the foundations of the world order. His act of freeing all the slaves would be remembered as a cry for freedom that would resonate across the seas.

Meanwhile, in a small, quiet village in East Blue called Foosha, a group of pirates led by a red-haired man was about to settle. Their presence would forever change the fate of a young boy, who would become the liberator of the world.

And in the Sabaody Archipelago, whispers of a new legend were beginning to circulate. Stories of a "devil of the marine depths" were told, sowing fear and fascination alike.

________

Time: If you're craving more (and I know you are!), I have just what you need. On my Patreon, you'll find exclusive chapters. Join our community and be the first to discover what happens next!

👉 [patreon.com/Athome790]

Your support fuels me. Thank you for the support! 💖