"Kid, stop crying. This should be a happy occasion. What are you crying for?"
"Sorry, but... I can't control it."
"We're taking you home soon. Try some Fish-Man Island liquor. Even on Fish-Man Island, this is fine brew. I bought this bottle from a specialty shop at Yufli Villa."
Shark could no longer remember how he had been brought back aboard the ship. From the moment he stepped onto the deck, he was once again enveloped by the warmth of his fellow kin.
The songs of his homeland, the wine of his hometown—he had once thought he would never have the chance to experience such things again. Yet now, they were within reach.
Fish-Man Island liquor was not particularly strong. It was a light fruit wine brewed from all kinds of fruits, and its smooth taste stirred memories of the past within Shark.
"Number 37, Fish-Man District? That was your old home? Another family lives there now, but don't worry. We'll arrange a new place for you when we get back."
That had always been the way in the Fish-Man District. The population there was highly transient. If someone disappeared for a while, their room would be given to newcomers.
That was even more true for someone like Shark, who had vanished from the Fish-Man District for years. Given the conditions there, housing would not be left vacant.
"Come on, little brother, which pattern do you like? If you've made up your mind to join us and walk the path of battle, then I recommend the captain's flag. It's the most popular design on the ship.
"If you have something else you like, you can talk to me about it too."
Nereus's ship had professional tattoo artists. After all, many slaves bore those marks of shame, and simply covering them