It was Ares!
His enormous body created quite a disturbance. Coupled with Ares's urgency, it was clear that Captain John was in a perilous situation, so he swam through the ocean at incredible speed!
This was the power granted to him by the Fish-Fish Fruit. Seawater could sap a person's strength, but it could not deprive a Devil Fruit user of their ability!
As a Fish-Fish Fruit user, he was far less restrained by seawater than one might imagine.
Add to that his training to overcome it.
Seawater was no longer Ares's weakness.
The Sea Demon Slada also noticed the tremendous disturbance behind him. When he looked back, his face immediately filled with shock, and he exclaimed in astonishment, "Could this... could this be the legendary dragon?!"
He pulled his trident back with his arm. His finned tail made a slight sweep, and his entire body shifted more than ten meters to the side.
By then, Ares had also arrived at full speed and gotten a clear look at the Sea Demon Slada's face. Somewhat curious, he said, "A fish-man?"
The enormous dragon tail curved through the ocean and appeared in front of Captain John, coiling around his body.
Ares spoke to John. "Captain John, leave this to me. I'll send you on your way first. Return to the ship."
He knew Captain John could not remain in the ocean for long. The other man had already been underwater for quite some time. If he did not get some air soon, he might suffocate in the sea.
Captain John gave Ares a grateful look. "Luckily, Ares arrived in time. Otherwise, I really would have died in this sea."
"I have to say, this kid's Devil Fruit ability is far too outrageous. He can actually breathe underwater."
Then he shook his