Fisher Tiger?
Hearing the name spoken by the fishman youth, Barrett's expression sharpened with interest.
"That's right. Brother Tiger is the strongest man in the backstreets of Fishman Island!" the boy, Kitt, said with pride.
"Then take us to him." Barrett's battle-hungry grin widened.
Kitt hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "I'll lead you there, but I can't guarantee Brother Tiger will agree to fight you. He doesn't like unnecessary conflict."
As they followed the boy deeper into the damp, shadowed alleys, Fang Yi turned his gaze toward Otohime. "Princess, do you know this Fisher Tiger?"
Otohime shook her head gently. "I've heard of him. A bold fishman who refuses to bow to the darker elements of Fishman Island. But he rarely appears before outsiders. To think you humans would cross paths with him…"
The alleys grew darker, narrower. The air smelled of salt and rust. After several turns, the group finally entered a wide, half-ruined plaza where dozens of rough-looking fishmen were gathered.
The atmosphere shifted immediately as all eyes fell on the newcomers.
"Who are these outsiders?" someone muttered.
Before the tension could rise further, a tall figure stepped out from the shadows. His body was covered with scars, his frame towering, and his eyes radiated both strength and calm. His presence silenced the crowd.
"Brother Tiger!" Kitt called out respectfully.
The man nodded slightly, his voice deep and steady. "Kitt, who are these people?"
"They're pirates," Kitt admitted honestly, then gestured toward Barrett. "This one wanted to fight the strongest in the backstreets… so I brought them to you."
Fisher Tiger's gaze swept over Barrett, Shanks, and finally settled on Fang Yi. "Humans… what business do you have here?"
Fang Yi took a step forward, smiling politely. "We mean no disrespect. We only wished to see the truth of Fishman Island with our own eyes. My companion, however…" he glanced at Barrett, "…is eager to test his strength against the strongest."
Barrett grinned eagerly, stepping closer. "That's right. I've heard your name before, Fisher Tiger. A warrior of the fishmen—I want to see it for myself!"
A murmur ran through the gathered fishmen.
Tiger's expression remained calm, though his eyes narrowed slightly. "I have no interest in fighting for sport. I fight only to protect my people."
Barrett's grin faltered for a moment, but the fire in his eyes didn't dim. "Then prove it. Show me the strength that lets you protect them!"
The silence stretched. Even Otohime watched closely, sensing the weight in Tiger's words.
Finally, Fisher Tiger exhaled slowly. "Very well. If this is the only way to satisfy you, then I'll show you what it means to fight for more than yourself."
The crowd erupted with excitement. A battle between the strongest of the backstreets and the human pirate—it was something none of them could ignore.
Barrett cracked his knuckles, his battle aura surging. "That's more like it. Don't disappoint me, Fisher Tiger!"
The two stepped into the center of the plaza. Fang Yi, Shanks, and the others instinctively retreated to give them space.
Fisher Tiger lowered into a stance, his muscles tensing like coiled steel. Barrett smiled fiercely.
And in that moment, the clash between human and fishman was about to begin.