Chapter 408 Ace's First Impressions of Fish-Man Island
That ship finally sank completely into the sea, beginning its voyage to Fish-Man Island.
"Farewell finished?"
Such a voice sounded from behind.
Rayleigh didn't turn around. He slowly pulled his flask from his pocket, unscrewed the cap, lightly sipped the alcohol inside. Then a smile bloomed irrepressibly at his lips.
"Just like seeing ourselves from back then."
"Really?"
Shakky's left hand supported her right elbow. A cigarette between her right index and middle fingers. She said lazily.
Rayleigh smiled, looking at the sea surface. Yet seeming to see decades ago—back then, they'd hooked arms around shoulders, singing together as they first sank into the deep sea, embarking on the journey to deep-sea Fish-Man Island.
Thinking about it now—that was already long, long ago. So long he'd almost forgotten everyone's appearances back then.
"However, is little Ace truly Roger's child?"
Shakky blew a smoke ring, saying lightly. "Doesn't look very similar."
"No mistake."
Rayleigh smiled. "That guy said so. He said he wouldn't die. He said—the one who'll inherit our will, bear the history from eight hundred years ago—will be his son."
"I see."
Shakky smoked indifferently. "Speaking of which, how did Brett know about this?"
"Who knows?"
Rayleigh laughed heartily. "That guy always knows many things. Who knows what he knows and doesn't know?"
"By the way, just leaving those Marines in the forest?"
"Let it be. After all, they're executing official duties. Since the ship's fine, no need to harm them."
"Didn't you say you'd gather old friends? How's that progressing?"
"Still quite smoothly. After so many years, truly somewhat anticipating the reunion moment."
Simultaneously, the descending Spade Pirates' side.
"Eh?!! Dark King Rayleigh!!"
Deuce jumped three meters high on deck. His tongue shot from his mouth, fluttering like a ribbon. "That old man was the legendary Pirate King's right hand—that Dark King Rayleigh?!"
"Absolutely no mistake!"
Super pirate enthusiast Skull felt the vice-captain was questioning his professional ability. He said quite displeased. "Staking my reputation—that man was absolutely Dark King Rayleigh. Though much older than his wanted poster, that imposing aura—how could I be mistaken?!"
"Which means—"
Deuce swallowed with difficulty. "Just now—the Pirate King's right hand came to see us off?"
All crew members felt incredibly shocked.
That was a truly legendary figure on the seas!
They actually had such great honor—
No—their captain actually had such great honor!
Immediately, everyone cast reverent gazes toward their captain.
"Ace, you actually have connections with such great figures!" Deuce circled Ace twice, discovering nothing extraordinary about his captain.
Rather, aside from being somewhat stronger, he was completely unremarkable.
However, that usually very active captain was currently silent.
He pressed his lips, furrowed his brow. Even both fists clenched. "I have no relationship whatsoever with that guy."
"Eh?"
Deuce froze.
This attitude seemed somewhat wrong.
"Alright, don't get distracted. Focus on preparing for Fish-Man Island!"
Ace said. "Sailing in the deep sea is very dangerous!"
Something's wrong!
Deuce immediately had such thoughts.
There's definitely a problem. Otherwise, with Ace's personality, how could he be this silent now?
However, he had absolutely no intention of exposing it. Instead nodded. "Indeed. If we encounter danger in the deep sea, what awaits us might immediately be catastrophe! Everyone—no slacking allowed! All of you, focus!"
"Yes!"
Everyone proved very understanding.
"But Fish-Man Island—"
A rippling smile surfaced on Deuce's face. "I heard that's the world's most prosperous nation. Also—the merfolk's homeland!"
"Mermaids—who can say NO to mermaid ladies?"
Immediately someone loudly echoed.
"Speaking of which, Tesoro-san's company is also at Fish-Man Island, right? All Stars is also there! I must get their autographs!" Another person shouted.
"Oh!! Uta-san!! We're coming!!"
In a blink, the deck was already filled with cheers.
"Bunch of worthless guys."
Ace snorted, though his eyes also brightened. "Compared to those meaningless guys, what truly deserves attention—naturally that man!"
"Deep Sea Emperor, Fish-Man Brett!"
"Hey, Ace—are you serious?"
Deuce quickly pressed Ace's shoulder, crying out in surprise. "You're not really planning to trouble that Brett guy?!"
"Right, Captain—absolutely don't be foolish!" Skull also hurriedly said. "The Deep Sea Emperor—that's a genuine monster!"
"Hmph!"
Ace only sneered.
Regardless, the Spade Pirates advanced into the deep sea.
Fish-Man Island, Brett's office.
"Really? Already on the way to Fish-Man Island?"
Brett was calling someone. "Then, Rayleigh—need me to look after that kid?"
"Hahaha, what are you saying, Brett?"
From the phone came the teacher's hearty laughter. "Every man venturing to sea has his own adventure. No need to interfere with his voyage."
"However—"
The teacher said "however." Brett's lips curved. "However?"
"However, letting him witness the sea's vastness wouldn't hurt."
Rayleigh said. "If experiencing it only in the New World—might be somewhat overwhelming."
Brett's lips rose. "If that's the matter, quite simple. Though I won't be too polite."
"Rather, that's better."
Rayleigh said. "Men—only through experiencing hardships become stronger."
"Then I'll proceed freely."
Brett's lips curved.
Just happened to be quite bored recently.
Then don't blame me for being impolite, Ace. This is your dear Uncle Rayleigh's request.
Suddenly somewhat anticipating this.
Brett summoned his secretary. Anyway, arrange things first.
Meanwhile, after experiencing a thrilling downward voyage, the Spade Pirates finally entered that massive cavity beneath the Red Line.
Following the seafloor forward—finally, ahead the pitch-black deep sea gradually brightened.
The distance grew closer. The scenery within the light became increasingly clear.
That was an island wrapped in a bubble.
"That's—Fish-Man Island?"
Ace stared at that distant island, unable to help praising. "Truly beautiful!"
However, just while marveling, something approached through the water ahead.
"Don't move! Routine inspection!"
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