"Wow!" Hody Jones was sent flying by a single punch from Urouge, crashing down at Uchiha Hikaru's feet. Seeing the young man's cold, disdainful gaze, Hody Jones was consumed by rage. A violent pain seized his chest, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Why?" Hody Jones roared hysterically. "You're neither a Fish-Man nor a Celestial Dragon, so why are you meddling in Fish-Man Island's affairs?"
Hody Jones was in such a miserable state that it was hard to bear looking at him. All four of his limbs had been broken by Urouge, leaving his massive body sprawled helplessly on the ground. He desperately raised his head to glare at Hikaru, his expression utterly twisted.
"Whether Merfolk or Fish-Men, they are beautiful races that dwell in the deep sea. They should live peaceful, stable lives, symbols of peace and happiness." Hikaru's gaze softened as he turned to look above the dense forest and said calmly, "Even in this deep sea where sunlight can barely reach, I still hope they can remain true to themselves and use their most upright, brave, and kind sides to become the light beneath the deep sea—illuminating this earthly paradise that the world cannot easily touch or understand. They should enjoy freedom and live according to their own wishes, rather than exist in the dark future ruled by you."
The people of Ryugu Palace nearby fell silent.
They had never expected Hikaru to say something like that. Beneath the cold, proud young man's perpetually unapproachable expression, had such a side truly been hidden?
Did he truly see the merfolk as such beautiful and kind beings?
Outside the Wood Release forest, Hikaru's broadcasting equipment had not been blocked off. The anxious Fish-Men outside the plaza, watching the forest and waiting for the chaos to end, clearly