Chapter 401: Fish-Man Force! Katakuri's Call
Another new year, though Brett's life remained unchanged.
Fish-Man Island remained prosperous. The world's situation remained immersed in eerie silence.
But Brett knew this couldn't last much longer. Why? Because the Pluton replica warship Tom-san was constructing was nearly complete.
The final war wouldn't be far off.
However, even in this boring life, occasionally interesting events occurred as diversions.
Location: Mermaid Cafe. Brett flipped through the newspaper.
"Fire Fist Ace."
Brett looked at the not-too-clear photo in the newspaper—a shirtless man whose body burned with raging flames.
His lips curved slightly. Brett chuckled softly. "Already entered the Grand Line?"
"This kid made quite a stir recently."
Tesoro—sitting opposite, eating in great mouthfuls—didn't look up. "Extraordinary stamina and strength, plus exquisite combat techniques. Finally, the logia Flame-Flame Fruit. No rookie pirate these past two years has been more outstanding."
"Now after entering the Grand Line, still advancing unstoppably."
Brett only smiled.
This kid had already set sail? Truly the new era was arriving.
Though who knew what kind of future this world's Ace would face.
"But this kid's also a D."
Tesoro raised his head, wiping his mouth. "Could he be the person Joy Boy's waiting for?"
"Who knows?"
Brett smiled. "When someone with a Nika Fruit appears at sea, perhaps he'll be the guy Joy Boy's waiting for."
"What foolish talk. Joy Boy's message never said whoever inherited his ability was his will's successor."
Tesoro scoffed. "How could there be such a coincidence?"
Brett could only smile.
Yes—how could there be such a coincidence?
Could only say eight hundred years of waiting wasn't without reason.
"But it doesn't matter anymore."
Tesoro said casually. "The ones who'll overthrow the World Government, who'll change this world—are us!"
"Nothing to do with that Joy Boy guy's will!"
"Right?" he asked.
"Of course."
Brett nodded lightly.
Neither Tesoro nor Brett held ideas about inheriting Joy Boy's will to free the entire world.
Tesoro sought revenge on the Celestial Dragons. Brett only cared for his own people.
"Soon, right?"
Tesoro's eyes inevitably revealed extraordinary anticipation.
"Correct. Won't be much longer. So Tesoro—"
Brett asked. "How's Uta-san doing?"
Naturally wouldn't forget Uta's existence. Her ability was extraordinarily formidable after all.
"She'll definitely satisfy you." (lol)
Tesoro's lips curved in a smile. "Though we can't let her hold concerts to collect positive emotions, broadcasting worldwide via Den Den Mushi achieves similar effects."
Brett nodded lightly.
Her singing could even affect people watching broadcasts through Den Den Mushi. So naturally she could also collect viewers' emotions through phone transmission, thereby promoting Tot Musica's growth.
"Then we just need to wait a bit longer."
Brett put down the newspaper.
Just didn't know if the Government would take any action during this time.
"Almost ready to begin operations!"
The Grand Line's first half, Paradise—a certain deserted island.
This deserted island looked quite ordinary, but beneath it lay a massive base.
At the port directly connected to the outer sea, a group stood in orderly formation.
At the front was a woman—quite stunning. Jet-black long hair. Slender legs. Graceful figure. A long sword at her waist.
But she wasn't an ordinary woman. Her shoulders each bore three slits on either side, slightly undulating like breathing.
Generally, only Fish-Men possessed such gills.
The woman was indeed a Fish-Man. Her slender fingers connected by webbing. White teeth somewhat sharp. Even her skin tended toward brown.
Behind her also stood a group of Fish-Men. Though varied in form, each bore obvious Fish-Man traces.
But strangely, this group of Fish-Men all wore Navy uniforms.
Even the woman at the front wore a Justice coat, shoulder straps bearing Vice Admiral rank.
Currently, the woman held a Den Den Mushi. From the other end came a man's low, grave voice.
"Time to begin operations, Gion. You should have adapted to this new power by now."
"Yes, Sengoku-san."
The woman called Gion nodded lightly. "After half a year's training, underwater combat is completely manageable."
"Good. That's good."
The man on the phone said. "You've worked hard, Gion. Because of the Government's decision, making you all become like this."
"This feeling isn't bad now."
The woman's face showed neither sorrow nor joy—internal emotions unreadable. "At least experiencing a different kind of life."
"Anyway, head to the assembly point. Government personnel will tell you what to do."
"Yes."
Brett still didn't know—the special force the Government had spent considerable time assembling was now quietly beginning operations.
Peaceful life continued until a certain day afterward.
Brett suddenly received a call.
"It's me."
A very low voice, but sounding quite anxious.
"Katakuri?"
Brett felt somewhat surprised. "Suddenly contacting me—something wrong?"
"Lola's in trouble." Katakuri was indeed very anxious. The instant Brett spoke, he couldn't wait to respond.
Brett took several seconds to recall who Lola was. Then quickly remembered—the sister who'd fled her arranged marriage during the Elbaf incident.
Then he asked, "So what exactly happened?"
Katakuri said urgently, "After I became Totto Land's king, Lola still didn't return. She said she wanted to find love at sea. I respected her will, though we've kept in contact."
"But yesterday after entering the Florian Triangle, I lost contact with her."
"Florian Triangle?"
Brett raised an eyebrow.
That place was—
"One of the Warlords, Moria, occupies that area. I fear Lola's been harmed by him."
Katakuri said gravely. "But Totto Land is too far from there. So Brett—"
"Understood."
Brett nodded lightly. "Then I'll personally go there next."