Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Chapter 14 Departure, Killing intent, test
Accompanied by Vegapunk and the marines assigned to ensure his safety, Brett once more traversed the route leading to the port.
He had previously taken this path a few months prior, but at that time, he was compelled to flee desperately to avoid the interception of the Marines.
In contrast, this time, he was being escorted by the navy in a straightforward manner.
Nevertheless, the demeanor of these marines was far from cordial.
Many of them regarded him with disdain.
Brett remained unfazed by their glares.
'Heh, what harm could a look inflict.'
He was on the verge of reclaiming his freedom; their contempt meant little to him.
As he proceeded alongside the doctor toward the port, he noticed a warship had already arrived.
The port was situated within a structure and offered shelter from the sunlight.
"Jinbei has traveled to Impel Down to collect the other captured fishmen," Vegapunk said nonchalantly, "However, it is evidently impossible for them to come here to retrieve you. This warship will transport you far from here to the sea, after which you can make your way back to Fish-Man Island yourself. "
"I understand. "
Brett acknowledged with a nod.
The mere act of leaving this place was enough.
"And for the sake of confidentiality, you must remain in the prison located at the bottom of the ship during the entirety of the voyage. You will not be released until you reach your destination," Vegapunk added.
Maintain secrecy?
Brett inwardly chuckled. What was the point of such secrecy?
However, it didn't concern him; as he had mentioned previously, as long as he could depart, that was all that mattered.
"I have no issue. "
Brett nodded in agreement.
"Very well, get ready to board the ship, young man," Vegapunk stretched, "Perhaps we will never encounter each other again. "
Brett nodded, then said earnestly, "Regardless, I wish to express my gratitude, Doctor. "
Although their interaction was transactional, he had not only avoided a loss but had also gained remarkable advantages.
Moreover, Vegapunk had honored his commitment and facilitated his freedom.
"You want to express gratitude, huh?. "
A cold voice emerged from behind. Brett turned to find Haggar striding toward him, his justice coat billowing.
It was a peculiar.
Brett lowered his gaze, uncertain of Hager's intentions.
"Hager? "
Vegapunk raised an eyebrow, "What brings you here? "
Rear Admiral Hager responded calmly, "Doctor, this fish man poses a significant danger. You are aware that even Captain Ronald is no match for him. I am concerned that he may incite trouble on the ship, so I intend to personally escort him."
'This guy is becoming a nuisance!'
Brett felt a surge of unexplained anger rising within.
"Oh? "
Vegapunk looked at Hager with a meaningful expression.
'Say no, Say No! Doctor.'
He genuinely feared losing control at this moment.
Brett fixed his gaze on Vegapunk.
"It appears that this is indeed the case. "
Vegapunk suddenly smiled, saying, "In that case, Rear Admiral Hager, I will rely on you for this task. "
Hager appeared pleased and gave a slight nod, stating, "Please leave it in my hands. "
Brett's expression was already tightly furrowed.
'What is Vegapunk up to? Clearly this marine wants trouble.'
"Regardless, let us proceed quickly. "
Vegapunk waved his hand dismissively, remarking, "I am returning to catch up on my sleep. "
"Yes, I understand. "
Hager struggled to suppress the smile forming on his lips. He looked towards Brett, saying, "Let us go, fishman; why are you standing there? It is time to go."
Brett cast one final glance at Vegapunk, who still wore a knowing smile.
He then turned and made his way towards the warship.
"Very well, doctor, let us move on."
After Hager and Vegapunk exchanged goodbyes, he followed Brett.
Vegapunk remained there, smiling and waving at Brett's retreating figure, "Farewell, kid."
Brett boarded the warship via the lowered plank.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from behind. Hager quickly caught up to Brett in just a few strides. Lowering his voice, he remarked, "It appears Vegapunk is not willing to offer you protection. Has your usefulness been depleted? Of course, If you weren't valuable, who would want to associate with a fish-man like you. "
Brett glanced back at Hager who had a gleeful expression on his face and said. " And so? "
A sneer emerged on Hager's face, "Therefore, it is now time for you to return to your cage! Fish! "
Brett inhaled deeply, then entered the cabin and descended the stairs to the lower prison level.
Hager smirked and commanded, "Pull up the anchor and set sail. "
The large ship began to tremble slowly, then proceeded to navigate.
In the distance, the previously shut passage door swung open, allowing the ship to sail.
At the port, Vegapunk had departed well before the ship began its journey.
On his path back to the laboratory, he stowed his hands in his pockets while wearing an enigmatic smile.
"Desiring a peaceful life? Ah, men should refrain from voicing such wishes. "
"You are my finest creation; go forth and allow the world to admire you and demonstrate your utmost strength! "
Brett remained in the ship's bottom prison, seated cross-legged on the floor, sensing the vibrations of the vessel.
The large ship had already set forth and was soon to exit the vicinity of Punk Hazard.
'Finally, I will see the sky and the sea.'
Brett pondered.
Inadvertently, he tugged at the chains binding his wrists, they were quite robust.
He leaned languidly against the wall, silently closing his eyes to rest.
As time wore on, the prison door remained closed, and no one came to visit him at all.
His stomach has begun to rumble incessantly. Considering his level of hunger, it appears that he have not eaten for a day.
Brett had even stirred from his slumber.
Eventually, the door creaked open, and a group of marines entered.
"Fish, Rear Admiral Hager has requested your presence. "
The head of the marines opened the prison door with a stern expression.
Brett yawned and followed the marines onto the warship's deck.
The warship was already situated in a particular maritime region, and the sun was shining brilliantly in the sky. The intense sunlight streaming down made Brett feel uncomfortable.
Hager stood at the side of the vessel, gazing at the vast ocean.
Brett approached him from behind and asked calmly, "Have we arrived? "
"Yes, we've reached our destination. "
Hager turned around to face Brett and remarked with a smile, "This journey ends here. "
Brett shook his chained hands, producing a jingling noise, "In that case, come and remove them. "
Hager remained silent for a brief moment before a broad smile spread across his face, "Is the intellect of a fish truly that limited? How can the offenses you have committed be dismissed so easily? "
"Freedom? The only freedom you will experience is that of death! "
This was not surprising.
Brett surveyed his surroundings.
The marines had surrounded him completely.
Now was the moment for retribution.
"Do not fret, fishman,"
Hager slowly unsheathed the long sword from his waist, "Everyone aboard can attest that I have cast you into the ocean. As for why you failed to return to Fish-Man Island, who knows? Maybe a sea king ate you."
Brett lowered his hands and replied in a composed tone, "You're making a mistake. "
"I am not interested in your trivialities, fishman,"
Hager gripped the sword tightly, "You will atone for the lives of the marines you have slain! "
'You must also repent for the humiliation you brought upon me before my superiors.'
"Proceed marines, kill him."
The marines charged towards Brett.
'It appears my only option is to test the abilities of the Devil Fruit that I got.'