Chapter 419: Unlucky Ace
Fish-Man Island's gate. A sailing vessel slowly departed along the canal.
After entering the gate's compartment, the rear heavy gate lowered. The forward true gate opened. Seawater flooded in. The coating covering the ship's hull expanded accordingly. Then the large ship sailed out of Fish-Man Island.
"Though just a few short days, why does it feel like ages?"
Deuce stood by the ship's rail, looking back at the gradually distant Fish-Man Island. He couldn't help saying somewhat emotionally. "Truly an incredible experience."
"Yeah."
Skull smiled, nodding in agreement. "Came to the world's deepest place. Saw the world's most beautiful scenery. Even fought the world's strongest guy. Got taught by the world's strongest teacher."
"Simply a dreamlike journey."
"I've already recorded everything. In the completed story later, this'll definitely be a richly colored chapter!"
Deuce felt very excited.
Then he turned somewhat surprised toward the captain standing at the bow. "Ace, why aren't you talking? Leaving Fish-Man Island—nothing to say?"
"I'm not a man who looks back at past scenery!"
Ace crossed his arms. His face bore a brilliant smile. His eyes only gazed at the gradually darkening water ahead.
"Rather than reminisce about this trip, better imagine what returning next time will be like! Hey—"
He smiled. "Next meeting, I'll definitely make that Brett guy see me in a new light!"
No—not just a new light!
Ace's lips curved high.
Mermaid Cafe.
"So what now?"
Shyarly looked at Brett who'd started smiling without reason again. Though already somewhat accustomed, she still calmly inquired.
"Well—"
Brett smiled. "Some guy said next meeting he'll beat me up."
"Huh?"
"I'm somewhat anticipating it."
A dark deep sea corner. In a natural undersea cave. In this cavern seeing almost no light, voices suddenly sounded.
"Already confirmed. Fire Fist Ace's group already left Fish-Man Island. Beginning to head toward the New World."
"Really? This group's relationship with Brett should be good. After all, Brett specifically had people take them touring the island."
"Didn't the higher-ups want Brett to leave Fish-Man Island? This might be an opportunity."
"Anyway, try it. Depart to pursue the Spade Pirates."
"Yes!"
"But definitely remember to avoid Sea Kings in the sea."
"Yes!"
Thus, in this dark corner, shadows stirred the seawater. Silently extending their tendrils.
Ace and his companions hadn't yet realized danger's arrival. They currently piloted their ship forward, already gradually leaving the area illuminated by Sunlight Tree Eve, completely entering pitch-black deep sea.
Here already counted as completely departing Fish-Man Island's direct jurisdiction.
"So dark."
Spade Pirates unconsciously took up weapons, becoming vigilant. Such darkness made them feel irrepressibly creepy.
They didn't even dare turn on the ship's lights, fearing attracting monsters dwelling in the deep sea.
"Won't a Sea King suddenly attack us?"
"Don't say such stupid things, idiot! Making me feel creepy too!"
"Knowing this, should've requested Brett-san send escorts. With their escort, could definitely safely reach the New World!"
"How could you say that under these circumstances?!"
Skull also said regretfully. "Brett-san already helped us enough. How could we shamelessly ask him to send escorts?"
"No problem!"
Ace confidently raised his fist. "Even if ignorant Sea Kings come causing trouble, my fists will make them retreat!"
Deuce rolled his eyes.
If on the sea surface, Sea Kings indeed weren't much. But this was in the deep sea.
"Anyway, advance!"
Ace excitedly waved his fist. "What will the New World be like? Can't wait!"
"There are guys I want to meet no matter what!"
Like that man who'd contested with that bastard, called the world's strongest man. He must know many stories about that man.
Also that man also called emperor, who'd looked after Luffy.
Truly anticipating adventures in that sea area.
Ace's face was radiant.
Regardless, the Spade Pirates advanced forward.
Soon, they'd already left the massive cavity beneath the Red Line. Currently officially arrived below the New World sea area.
Next was beginning to surface.
However, in this dark environment, surrounding water currents suddenly had strange sounds.
"What?"
Ace suddenly looked around vigilantly. His brow already tightly furrowed. Fists clenched. Assuming battle stance. "Something's in the water!"
"Sure?"
Deuce and others also quickly pulled out weapons. They also looked around in panic. But in the dark seawater—not a shred of light. Couldn't see anything. "Sea beasts or Sea Kings?"
"Wrong! Not sea beasts or Sea Kings—"
Ace even closed his eyes, entrusting all perception to his ears. "Small volume. Fast swimming speed! It's—"
Opened his eyes. Looked ahead. "Turn on the lights!"
The ship's lights turned on. Then almost simultaneously, a black shadow swept from ahead, directly penetrating the bubble, lightly landing at the bow.
A woman.
Wet hand pressed on the sword hilt at her waist. She had jet-black hair. Outstanding appearance.
But more importantly—
"Fish-Man!!"
Under the ship's lamplight, Deuce saw clearly the newcomer's appearance.
He even saw outside the bubble—those guys swimming in the seawater.
Fish-Men.
Undoubtedly, these guys were all Fish-Men!
But how could they be Fish-Men?
Deuce's face pulled into a somewhat ugly smile. "This lady, don't tell me you're sent by Brett-san to escort us?"
Skull also hurriedly added. "No need to be so enthusiastic! We can reach the New World ourselves."
The woman didn't speak. She just quietly, slowly, meticulously drew her sword from her waist.
"Looks like—doesn't seem like they came to escort us..."
Ace's expression also looked somewhat ugly.
This was bad. What exactly was this situation?