Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 18 Jinbei, Hody

Brett awakened due to hunger.

His stomach rumbled.

He yawned and sat up, noticing that the light in the room had already dimmed.

"Let's go eat first—"

Brett hesitated.

'First, let us visit Brother Jinbei to borrow some money.'

He rose and took a slow stroll towards the door. As he was about to shut the door, he recalled that the door was positioned in the corridor and leaned against the wall.

"We will need to replace the door again tomorrow. "

Brett abandoned the notion of reassembling the door and headed back downstairs.

Upon stepping out of the apartment and onto the run-down street, a voice called out from behind.

"Brett! ! "

The familiar voice stirred Brett's emotions.

He turned around.

A blue figure had already darted towards him.

Brett was immediately embraced tightly by the figure.

"Wonderful, Brett, I'm so relieved you are safe! ! "

The whaleman, shorter than Brett but significantly broader, exhibited great enthusiasm.

Brett also felt a surge of excitement. He lifted his arms and warmly embraced the individual, "It's been a long time, Brother Jinbei! "

The visitor was none other than Jinbei, the current captain of the Sun Pirates and the new Warlord of the sea.

Jinbe released Brett and surveyed him attentively, "You appear taller and stronger. It seems your year has not been as challenging as I anticipated. "

"A multitude of unforeseen events occurred. "

Brett smiled as he replied, "In short, it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I must express my gratitude to you, Brother Jinbei; otherwise, regaining my freedom would not have been easy. "

"Hahaha, it's nothing. "

Jinbei raised his hand and gave a pat on Brett's shoulder.

Since his youth, Brett has been in Jinbei's company. To Jinbei, Brett resembles a younger brother.

"By the way, Brother Jinbei,"

Brett stated earnestly, "May I ask you a favor? "

"Oh? Feel free to share," Jinbei responded boldly, "Your troubles are mine as well. "

Brett rubbed his stomach, "Could you treat me to a meal? I am quite hungry. "

Jinbei paused for a moment and then laughed heartily, "Well then, what are you waiting for? Let us go; I will treat you."

Thus, Brett accompanied Jinbei to the finest restaurant located on Fishman Street.

Although recognized as the finest eatery. Similar to most structures on Fishman Street, this restaurant appeared rather aged and worn; yet, its business was thriving, nearly packed during meal hours.

"Oh! Boss Jinbei! "

"Brother Jinbei is here? "

Jinbei holds significant respect on Fishman Street. Upon entering the restaurant, numerous fishmen greeted him.

There were also acquaintances of Brett who acknowledged him.

While responding to their greetings, Brett and Jinbei located a table in a corner and settled down.

"Oh! The mischievous boy Brett has returned! "

The proprietor of the restaurant approached with a smile and inquired, "Is it still the same? "

"Absolutely! I have longed for your cooking for quite some time, boss," Brett replied, grinning.

The owner smirked and commented, "Who are you joking? Haven't you consistently claimed that my food tastes awful? "

"That's why I mentioned that I miss you," Brett replied with a wink.

"You little rascal! Still as bothersome as you were in your youth! "

The owner turned away, leaving in irritation.

"Boss, I would like two servings," Brett called out, observing his retreating figure.

'The portions I received as a child no longer satisfy my hunger.'

"Honestly, Brett." Jinbei remarked, beaming, "You criticize the food here and yet you keep returning? "

"When I was younger, I used to come here to request leftovers from the owner," Brett reminisced. "Even if it was not particularly delicious, it is hard to dislike the flavor. "

Jinbei concurred, stating, "indeed. "

Before long, the food was served.

Mermaids and the majority of fishmen do not consume fish. Instead, the diet on Fishman Island consists mainly of various shellfish.

In the depths of the sea, beyond human reach, abundant giant shellfish exist, providing a reliable food source for fish and mermaids.

However, many mermaids are unable to tolerate shellfish meat at all, relying instead on various types of edible seaweeds.

Naturally, Brett favors meat.

Eagerly, he commenced his feast.

The familiar aroma overwhelmed him.

It was incredibly nostalgic.

Brett savored every bite.

Jinbei observed him with a smile and remarked, "The Navy mentioned that you were dispatched to a secret base? "

"Yes," Brett nodded, speaking ambiguously. "It's a concealed research facility. I encountered Vegapunk there. "

"Vegapunk? " Jinbei gasped in surprise, "The leading scientist in the world? "

Brett affirmed, "I got a Devil Fruit there, as well as some unusual abilities with Vegapunk's assistance. "

Jinbei was taken aback, saying, "You mean you ate a devil fruit? How did you manage to return? "

"That accounts for the peculiar abilities I now possess," Brett casually stated with his mouth full.

". . . "

Jinbei was astonished, to enable an devil fruit user to withstand seawater, is indeed an extraordinary ability.

"It's no wonder you refer to it as a blessing in disguise," Jinbei sighed.

"By the way, Brother Jinbei," Brett wiped his mouth and lowered his voice, "On my way back, I killed the Marines who was escorting me."

"Eh? "

Jinbei's eyes widened in disbelief as he crushed a corner of the table, almost losing control of his composure.

But he quickly forced himself to lower his voice, asking, "What happened?"

Brett recounted the events involving Hager.

Jinbei frowned throughout the narration.

"There are always people like this among humans," he expressed with disgust. "You are correct, Brett. We shouldn't harbor hatred for innocent humans, but we must not show leniency when faced with someone like this! "

"What concerns me at this moment is that if this issue comes to light, it could cause difficulties for both you and Fish-Man Island," stated Brett.

It would not be as significant if he were on his own.

However, he has companions, a residence, and a place he calls home.

That Bitch Hager interfered with his intended life path.

"Given that there are no surviving witnesses, it will be challenging for the Navy to uncover the truth," Jinbe remarked after some contemplation. "In that case, I will reach out to the navy tomorrow to ask about your whereabouts. "

Brett's eyes brightened, "Brother Jinbei, are you implying that if I disappear alongside this situation, it won't be my concern any longer? "

Brother Jinbei appears quite sincere and genuine, yet he is, in fact, rather smart.

"However, Brett, you may need to go under the radar for a while," Jinbei expressed with concern. "Remain discreetly on Fish-Man Island and avoid drawing attention. "

"That is precisely my intention," Brett replied with a smile. "Currently, I simply wish to stay quietly on Fish-Man Island. "

"Really? It's quite difficult to believe that those words coming from you," Jinbei remarked in surprise. "Not long ago, you were adamantly insisting on joining us at sea."

"Because enduring struggles naturally leads to growth," Brett responded as he ate.

"In that case, everything will be fine. "

Jinbei nodded, "At least maintain a low profile for some time to stay out of the spotlight. Rest assured, Brett, I will ensure your safety. "

"Perhaps, during this period, you could take the opportunity to learn some advanced techniques, Brett? "

Brett looked up in astonishment. He was intending to make this request himself.

"To easily defeat a rear admiral, you must have developed incredible skills," Jinbei smiled and remarked. "If it were you, surpassing me should be quite straightforward. "

"Alright. "

Brett nodded with enthusiasm.

He has long understood that only through strength can one endure in this world.

"Excellent! "

Jinbei returned the nod with enthusiasm.

At this moment, Brett could truly possess strength comparable to that of the Pirate King.

If that were to occur—

"Boss, two more! "

Brett exclaimed.

"Eh? Have you finished your meal already? "

Jinbei was taken aback, "You can still eat? "

Brett grinned and replied, "It's because I am growing "

Numerous abilities have led to the development of many organs that are maturing, requiring Brett to consume a substantial amount of nutrients and energy.

In addition, the immense Didom lanternfish has granted Brett the capacity to enhance his strength and stamina.

However, this type of enhancement does not constitute a direct improvement. Throughout history, there should be no creature possessing greater strength and talent than Brett, who currently embodies both the bloodlines of Megalodon and Kaido.

This ancient lanternfish possesses the capability to conserve energy, akin to that of a camel.

Nevertheless, in contrast to camels, Didom lanternfish can rapidly release stored energy, converting it into strength or physical power.

Brett consumes more food to replenish his energy to a certain degree.

"By the way, Brett, I need you to help me with something," Jinbei recalled a matter, and his expression turned slightly serious.

"Oh? "

…

After dining with Jinbei and borrowing 100,000 berries from him for immediate expenses, Brett bid farewell to Jinbei.

However, he did not head back home.

Instead, he proceeded to another location on Fishman Street, which was a three-story edifice. At that moment, light emanated from the windows, and he could distinctly hear the commotion inside.

Brett exhaled deeply.

'Brother Jinbei has placed me in a complicated situation. Yet, I must go.Just think of it as a way to avert a catastrophe.'

Brett extended his hand to open the door.

However, the door was opened beforehand.

A man emerged.

Dressed in the attire of a Ryugu Kingdom guard, he had a prominent belly, sharp teeth, a pointed nose, and curly black hair.

Brett addressed the man with distaste, "Hody. "

The fish-man named Hody also recognized Brett. He appeared momentarily bewildered, then remarked with equal disdain, "You're still alive hybrid?!"