Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 17 Going Home

Following his whale companions, Brett encountered a group of large turtles. From the elder turtle of the group, Brett discerned the route to Fish-Man Island.

The enthusiastic whales expressed their intent to guide him back.

Brett speculated it was due to the numerous whale barnacles that had yet to be harvested.

Nonetheless, he was unbothered; he felt no loneliness during his journey alongside these friends.

Hence, he commenced his return trip on the whale.

At times, he frolicked with whales of various sizes in the water, and at other times, he utilized the water jets released by the whales when surfacing for air to propel himself into the sky.

It was a brief yet joyful expedition.

What could surpass the joy of returning to one's homeland with great hopes and encountering a group of good friends along the way?

However, this journey was indeed short-lived. Punk Hazard was initially situated near the entrance of the New World, not far from the Red line. Hager also guided Brett further along his path.

Before long, the imposing red wall came into view before Brett.

"It is truly awe-inspiring. "

Brett positioned himself on the head of his whale companion, who was floating on the sea, gazing at the steep mountain wall that obscured the sky and sunlight, letting out a sigh.

He recalled the astonishment he experienced during his childhood escapade to the sea with Arlong and others when he first glimpsed the red wall

The thrill of basking in the sunlight for the first time and the wonder of observing the true blue sky remained ingrained in his memory.

"Thank you all."

Turning his gaze from the red wall, Brett crouched down and caressed the skin on the head of the grand whale, saying, "It is time to bid farewell now."

The whale companions emitted echoing calls, resonating one after another.

"Do you don't want me to go?"

Brett smiled and replied, "Parting is commonplace; we should merely anticipate our next encounter. "

"We shall meet again in due time. "

The whales lamentedly cried out once more but ultimately bid farewell to him.

After saying goodbye to the companions he had made along the way, Brett leapt into the water and proceeded toward the depths of the ocean without hesitation.

They were already quite near Fish-Man Island; he only needed to descend along the Red Wall to locate the large opening leading to Fish-Man Island.

With each descent, the illumination dwindled, yet as a fishman, Brett's pupils adeptly adjusted to the aquatic light, thus he did not perceive a lack of brightness.

However, upon reaching the profound depths of the ocean, all light had been obstructed by the water, and even Brett was unable to view anything.

Nevertheless, this is inconsequential. It does not matter if one cannot differentiate between east, west, or north. The only requirement is to continue descending.

Before long, Brett arrived at the ocean's bottom, the deepest part of the world, located at a minimum depth of 10,000 meters from the surface.

This may be the reason behind the physical robustness of the fishmen and mermaids. Residing in such a deep-sea environment necessitates sufficient strength to endure immense pressure.

Though it was entirely dark, Brett's sensory capabilities still had some utility. After locating a few fish and inquiring for directions, he flew in a specific direction.

Shortly, he found himself within the vast cavity beneath the red wall.

Upon arrival, a faint light emerged in the seawater, and the adjacent water felt warmer than the surrounding areas.

He had finally arrived.

Brett expressed joy and accelerated toward the source of the light in the distance.

Soon, the seabed revealed an island enveloped in sunlight before Brett's eyes.

The light descended from above, and Brett realized that it was sunlight provided by the legendary Sunlight tree Eve. It was precisely due to its presence that Fish-Man Island could exist.

As he approached, the characteristics of the island became more apparent.

A massive bubble encased the entirety of Fishman Island, serving as a barrier against the seawater.

At this moment, Brett reached the border of the bubble.

Typically, to enter Fish-Man Island, one must use the main entrance. Attempting to breach Fish-Man Island directly through the bubble can be extremely hazardous.

However, this danger primarily affects outsiders; for indigenous inhabitants like Brett, entering is significantly more convenient.

He traversed directly through the bubble, where a spacious area appeared before him, leading further to another blue wall.

This presented a peril associated with the direct intrusion of outsiders.

The coating would disintegrate upon entering the initial air zone, leading to the destruction of the vessel.

Even if they managed to survive, the colossal wall of water ahead would be enough to evoke despair.

Yet, this would certainly pose no obstacle for Brett.

After effortlessly passing through the layer of seawater, Brett ultimately returned to the interior of Fish-Man Island.

"It has been such a long time! "

Brett couldn't help but stretch and inhale deeply.

He wasn't certain whether it was merely a perception, but he felt the air in Fish-Man Island was sweet.

Contrary to the typical human imagination, due to Eve's blessing, Fish-Man Island exhibited blue skies and white clouds, appearing almost indistinguishable from the sea to the naked eye.

Brett scanned his surroundings and verified his location.

"Are you in the Forest of the Sea? "

Indeed, he was situated right at the periphery of Fishman Street.

After a brief exploration, Brett made his way home at a deliberate pace.

The Forest of the Sea comprises a coral landscape beneath the ocean, predominantly located outside Fish-Man Island.

This forest harbors two significant elements.

It contains the historical record of Joyboy's confession as well as the promise of Noah's Ark.

However, Brett held no interest in these matters. He had encountered them numerous times throughout his childhood.

At that moment, his heart felt like an arrow.

Navigating through layers of coral formations and traversing a hilly region, a cluster of dark, deteriorating buildings came into view.

The upper sections were exposed to the atmosphere while the lower portions were submerged in water.

This was the place where Brett had grown up, Fishman Street.

"Finally back. "

Brett descended the hillside with a lively step as he entered the neighborhood.

Nearly four years had passed since he had departed from here with Brother Tiger.

All the scars on his face had healed. Not to mention, he returned home donned in respectable attire, thus avoiding any embarrassment.

Upon entering Fishman Street, it instantly became vibrant.

Fishman were visible throughout the rundown streets, mingling in pairs and small groups, engaging in idle chatter and boasting.

Fishman Street lacks any industry, and its inhabitants often remain unoccupied.

Scenes that had once seemed tedious now exuded a sense of warmth and familiarity to Brett.

"Who are you—"

At this moment, some finally recognized Brett, prompting a fish-man to call out, "Brett!? "

Brett turned to him and replied with a smile, "It's been a while, Mark. "

"It's really you Brett! "

"The mischievous one has returned! "

"I heard you were taken away alone. What happened afterward? "

The fish folk gathered around him with great enthusiasm.

The fish-man named Mark exclaimed joyfully, "Brett, yesterday Brother Jinbei and Brother Arlong were discussing your return. "

"Have they returned yet? " Brett asked, feeling a sense of joy.

"Well, they came back yesterday, and it seems they have been summoned by King Neptune. "

"Understood. "

Brett smiled and acknowledged, "I'll go home to tidy up first and invite you all to dinner when I can."

"Hahaha, I shall not be courteous then," Mark chuckled.

"Hey, there are still us, Brett! "

"Indeed, do not show preference! " the fish folk teased.

After exchanging a few parting words with his old friends, Brett made his way toward his residence.

Although he was an orphan and unable to inherit any wealth, Brett lived with Tiger and Jinbe, granting him a house of his own in this area.

The building is situated above the water, a unique residence with ample light in the dim Fishman Street. It is a modest apartment comprising one bedroom and one living room.

Upon reaching the door of his home effortlessly, Brett looked for the key only to realize that it had been misplaced.

Brett opened the door and entered his abode.

"Hm? "

To his surprise, the room was spotless, and the furniture was organized. It appeared as though it had not been vacant for several years.

A slight smile played on Brett's lips as he felt a wave of nostalgia, thinking, "That person…"

Entering the bedroom, Brett still in his prison uniform, opened the closet door.

Predictably, the clothes in the closet were also neatly arranged.

However, when Brett attempted to retrieve an article of clothing to change into, he realized that nearly four years had passed, and he had grown significantly; thus, the old clothes no longer fit.

"Should I visit the shopping street later? " Brett pondered.

Then he remembered that his finances were so limited that he could not even afford a single pele.

He would have to ask Brother Jinbei to lend him some money.

Brett slumped onto the living room sofa and closed his eyes in a relaxed manner.

Sure enough, he felt a sense of relief upon returning home.