Leaving, Killing Intent, Testing

Following Vegapunk and the Marines responsible for his protection, Bright once again set off for the port.

He had walked this path once before, several months ago, but that time he had been desperately fleeing from the Marines' pursuit.

This time, however, he was heading there openly under the escort of the Marines.

Still, the attitudes of these Marines weren't exactly friendly.

Many even glared at him with undisguised disgust.

Bright paid it no mind.

What kind of harm could a glare do?

He was about to regain his freedom; what was a mere glare compared to that?

Along the way, he followed the Doctor to the port, where a warship was already docked.

This port was located inside a building, also devoid of sunlight.

"The Fishman, Jinbe, has already gone to Impel Down to pick up the other captured Fishmen," Vegapunk said casually. "But obviously, they can't send them here to pick you up. This warship will take you to a sea area far from here, and then you can return to Fish-Man Island on your own."

"Okay." Bright nodded.

As long as he could leave this place, it was enough.

"And for the sake of secrecy, you will still have to remain in the prison at the bottom of the ship for the entire journey. You'll only be set free upon arrival at your destination," Vegapunk added.

Secrecy? Bright chuckled inwardly. What was the point of secrecy anymore?

But it didn't matter. As he'd said before, as long as he could leave this place, it was enough.

"No problem." Bright nodded.

"Then that's all. Get on the ship, kid." Vegapunk yawned. "We probably won't meet again."

Bright nodded, then said solemnly, "Regardless, I want to thank you, Doctor."

Although it was a transaction, he hadn't suffered any losses; instead, he had gained considerable benefits. And Vegapunk had indeed kept his promise and granted him freedom.

"This thanks is well-deserved, Doctor." A cold voice sounded from behind. Bright turned his head and saw Hag, his justice coat fluttering, striding over.

So sarcastic. Bright lowered his eyelids. What does this guy want to do even now?

"Hag?" Vegapunk raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

Rear Admiral Hag said calmly, "Doctor, this Fishman is dangerous, as you know. Even Colonel Ronald wasn't his match. I'm worried he might cause trouble on the ship, so I intend to escort him myself."

He's really persistent, Rear Admiral Hag! Bright felt a nameless rage surge within him.

"Oh?" Vegapunk sized up Hag with a meaningful look.

Please reject him, Doctor. I'm really afraid I might lose control. Bright looked at Vegapunk.

"It really does seem that way," Vegapunk said with a smile. "Then let's do that, Rear Admiral Hag. I'll trouble you with this matter."

Hag's face lit up, and he nodded slightly. "Please leave it to me." He hadn't expected Vegapunk to be so agreeable at all.

Bright's brow was now tightly furrowed. What is Vegapunk thinking? This guy is clearly going to cause trouble.

"In any case, let's set sail quickly," Vegapunk said listlessly, waving his hand. "I'm going back to catch up on sleep."

"Yes, I understand."

Hag's face was almost unable to contain his smile. He turned to Bright. "Let's go, Fishman, what are you waiting for? It's time to depart."

Bright glanced at Vegapunk one last time. The Doctor's face still held a knowing smile.

Then he turned and headed towards the warship.

It didn't matter anymore. If it were me now--

"Well then, Doctor, we're off."

After finishing his farewells to Vegapunk, Hag turned and followed Bright.

Vegapunk stood in place, smiling and waving at Bright's retreating back. "Goodbye, kid."

Bright acted as if he hadn't heard and boarded the warship via the lowered gangplank.

Urgent footsteps sounded from behind. Hag caught up to Bright in a few strides, lowering his voice. "It seems Vegapunk isn't willing to shelter you anymore. Has your usefulness run out? Well, if you weren't useful, who would want to associate with a Fishman?"

Bright glanced back at him. The man's face was filled with schadenfreude. "So?"

"So?"

A cold sneer appeared on Hag's face. "So now, it's time to go to your cage! Fishman!"

Bright took a deep breath, then stepped into the ship's cabin and walked down the stairs towards the prison level below.

Hag sneered, "Weigh anchor and set sail."

The large ship vibrated slowly, then turned and set sail.

In the distance, the previously closed passage gate opened. It was time to sail.

At the port, Vegapunk had already left before the ship set sail.

On his way back to the laboratory, he had his hands in his pockets, a strange smile on his face.

"You want a peaceful life? Hey, hey, a man shouldn't say such things."

"You are my most perfect creation. Just let the world look up to you, show them your strongest power!"

Bright sat cross-legged on the floor of the prison at the bottom of the ship, feeling the vessel's vibrations.

The ship had already set sail and should soon leave the waters near Punk Hazard.

Finally, I can see the sky and the sea again.

Bright thought this.

He idly tugged at the chains of his handcuffs. They were quite sturdy, and he couldn't be bothered to bite through them.

He leaned lazily against the wall, closing his eyes to rest.

Time ticked by, but the prison level door remained shut. No one had come to see him.

His stomach began to rumble. Judging by how hungry he was, about a day must have passed.

Bright had even managed to sleep through a cycle.

Finally, the door creaked open, and several Marines entered.

"Fishman, Rear Admiral Hag wishes to see you."

The leading Marine, with a cold expression, opened the prison cell.

Bright yawned and followed the Marines onto the warship's deck.

The warship was already at sea. The sky above was bright, and the scorching sunlight beat down, making Bright uncomfortable.

Hag stood by the ship's railing, gazing out at the boundless ocean.

Bright walked up behind him and calmly asked, "Have we arrived?"

"Yes, we have arrived."

Hag turned around, looking at Bright. A smile played on his lips. "This voyage ends here."

Bright shook the chains on his hands, producing a clinking sound. "Then help me remove these restraints."

"..."

Hag was silent for a moment, then his smile widened, turning into a wild grin. "Is it really a fish's intellect? How could the sins you've committed possibly be wiped away so easily?"

"Freedom? The only freedom you are entitled to is the freedom of death!"

Not surprising at all.

Bright glanced around.

The Marines had already surrounded him.

Now it's time for revenge!

"Don't worry, Fishman,"

Hag slowly drew the long sword at his waist. "Everyone on this ship will bear witness that I have cast you into the sea. As for why you didn't return to Fish-Man Island, perhaps one day the Fishmen will find your remains in the excrement of Sea Kings."

Bright's hands fell to his sides, his voice as calm as still water. "You missed an opportunity."

"I don't want to hear your nonsense, Fishman."

Hag brandished his sword, "Pay for the Marine soldiers who died by your hand!"

"And atone for the embarrassment you caused me in front of my superiors."

"Go, soldiers, kill him."

The Marines were already lunging at Bright.

It seems I have no choice but to test the abilities of the Devil Fruit I obtained.

Thank you to 'Artistic Conception Hard to Outline' for the 100-point tip, thank you to 'Wang Zhongchen' for the 500-point tip, thank you to 'Tattoo 365' for the 1500-point tip, thank you, thank you!