In fact, besides Stalvan, the village teacher, another old friend of Rhode's had returned.
The king of fishing, Nat Pagle!
He had returned to Southshore with Captain Sander.
As it happened, Rhode was considering how to make full use of the southern coast's resources, so he went to see him.
Here was an obvious choice of helper! Nobody knew more about fish than Nat Pagle!
"You know, Booty Bay really is a wonderful place!" Nat Pagle said excitedly as soon as he saw Rhode.
"Oh? What's so wonderful about it? A thriving economy?" Rhode asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Economy? No, no, they have so many kinds of fish there!"
Well, this fellow still thought of nothing but fish.
Nat Pagle continued, "For example, in some secluded spots, you can catch something called Spotted Tastyfish..."
"Spotted Yellowtail?"
"No, no, Spotted Tastyfish! Just as the name suggests, they taste much better than our Spotted Yellowtail!"
"Oh, then I'll have to try some when I get the chance. I came to see you today because I wanted your help getting some delicious seafood for our people." Rhode smoothly moved on to business. "I'm planning to turn Southshore's entire southern coast into a fishing ground."
"A fishing ground? That sounds great. But aren't there already fishermen catching fish there?" Nat Pagle asked.
Rhode said, "Not enough. I want all of it! The entire coastline, and every kind of seafood!"
"The entire coastline? That's not realistic." Nat Pagle shook his head. "I've visited every place around here where you can fish. But a few kilometers west along Southshore's coast, it's nothing but rocks. Fishing is difficult there, and nothing takes the bait."
Rhode blinked. "But there might be other delicious things there."
"What things?"
"You'll know when I take you there."
Rhode gazed out