The battle begins.
Although Bullet only used 30% of his strength, his terrifying physique and combat experience...
Kyros still suffered greatly.
On the first day, Kyros held out for five minutes under Bullet's command before being punched and sent flying, crashing into the ship's side.
"Too slow! In battle, you must fight with the will to kill the enemy!"
The next day, he persisted for eight minutes before a sudden Rankyaku grazed his shoulder, causing it to bleed profusely.
"Your defense is too rigid! A sword isn't a shield; you need to use it strategically!"
Day 3, ten minutes.
This time he successfully blocked Bullet's punch, and although his hand was lacerated, his progress was obvious.
"Not bad, you've improved."
Bullet, unusually, offered a compliment.
"Starting tomorrow, 40% of our strength."
Kyros lay on the ground, panting heavily, his body covered in wounds, but his eyes burned with a fire—he was captivated by this visible progress.
Scarlet found her place within the pirate crew.
She comes from a royal family, is well-educated, and is skilled in management and coordination.
Stella quickly discovered her talent in intelligence gathering and supplies management, and began to have her assist with the ship's daily affairs.
" Scarlet, this is the supplies list for next week. Please check it."
Stella handed her a stack of documents.
"OK."
Scarlet quickly got into the swing of things, and everything on the ship was arranged perfectly by her.
With Scarlet's assistance, the ship's operations became much more efficient.
She also began to learn basic navigation and combat skills.
Although Roy didn't expect her to become a combatant, basic self-defense skills are essential on the high seas.
A few days later, the outline of Fish-Man Island came into view.
"That's Fish-Man Island..."
Yamato lay on the ship's side, his eyes wide open.
"So beautiful!"
Even Charon, who had met him many times, could not hide his excitement at this moment.
"Finally... I'm back."
The Ark Maxim descended slowly, entering the bubble shield of Fish-Man Island through a specific passage.
As the ship fully entered the air layer, a fresh, moist breeze rushed towards us.
The port of Fish-Man Island has received the message, and officials are waiting there.
When the uniquely designed Ark Maxim, Ark Maxim, landed in the harbor, it immediately attracted a crowd.
The Fish-Man and mermaids curiously observed the ship and the humans on board.
"That's... Charon?" An older Fish-Man recognized Charon on the ship.
"It really is Charon! He's back!"
Charon jumped off the ship and embraced and greeted his familiar compatriots.
Roy and the others disembarked one after another, experiencing the unique charm of this underwater kingdom.
Just then, a group of palace guards parted the crowd and walked in.
The leader was a blue-skinned Whale Shark Fish-Man, with a burly build and a composed demeanor.
" Captain Roy, welcome back to Fish-Man Island." Jinbe bowed respectfully.
King Neptune and Queen Otohime invite you to the palace for a chat.
"Please show me the way."
Roy turned to Savi and the others and said,
"Go have fun, just don't cause trouble."
Charon, you should go home and check on things first. Come to the palace later to meet me.
"Yes, Captain!"
Several young people excitedly rushed towards the streets of Fish-Man Island, while Charon ran towards the Sea Forest.
Roy, along with Stella, Hawk Eyes, Bullet, and other core members, followed Jinbe to the Ryugu Palace.
Along the way, the residents of Fish-Man Island curiously observed the group of humans.
Thanks to Queen Otohime's efforts over the years, Fish-Man Island's attitude towards humans has softened considerably, but many Fish-Man still harbor wariness in their eyes.
Upon arriving at the Ryugu Palace, King Neptune and Queen Otohime were already waiting in the throne room.
" Captain Roy, it's been a long time."
Neptune greeted him with a hearty laugh.
"I heard you guys are doing really well in the New World!"
Queen Otohime smiled gently.
"Welcome back, Mr. Roy. Your men all look very well."
" Neptune, Queen Otohime, thank you for your hospitality."
The main purpose of this trip to Fish-Man Island was to replenish supplies and also to allow Charon to return and see his family.
" Charon, that boy..."
Queen Otohime's eyes showed relief.
"I heard he's made great progress on your ship, that's wonderful."
After everyone was seated, servants served snacks and drinks unique to Fish-Man Island.
During the conversation, Roy learned about the recent situation on Fish-Man Island.
Thanks to Queen Otohime's efforts, relations with humans improved, but there are still many conservatives who oppose contact with humans.
Jinbe is now the vice-captain of the royal guard.
Neptune pointed to Jinbe standing to the side.
"This child is reliable and trustworthy; he's helped me a lot."
Roy looked at Jinbe and suddenly asked,
"By the way, where's Fisher Tiger? I haven't seen him."
Jinbe's expression stiffened slightly, and Neptune and Queen Otohime also fell silent.
After a moment, Jinbe said in a low voice,
"Brother Fisher Tiger... he's gone on a trip. We haven't heard from him for a while."
Roy's heart skipped a beat—sure enough, at this point in time, Fisher Tiger should have already been captured by the Celestial Dragons and enslaved.
"Travel?"
Roy feigned doubt.
Where did you go? Do you have any contact information?
Jinbe shook his head.
Fisher Tiger left us very suddenly, only saying he wanted to see the outside world.
We're also very worried about him, but we haven't heard from him at all.
Roy seemed lost in thought.
According to the original story, Fisher Tiger will escape from the Celestial Dragons ' slave shortly after becoming their slave.
Then he climbed the Red Line alone, wreaked havoc on Mary Geoise, and freed the slaves.
The World Government has been complacent for far too long; it's astonishing that Fisher Tiger, with his power, could cause such a commotion.
If I could participate...
Roy quickly made a decision in his mind.
Fisher Tiger's feat of freeing slaves will not only shock the world, but will also earn him the respect of countless oppressed races.
If the Roy Pirates could get involved in this, they could obtain a large amount of funds from the Celestial Dragons' treasury.
They can also select some promising members from a large pool of slaves to join them.
" Jinbe."
Thinking this through, Roy said seriously,
"If Fisher Tiger returns, or if you have any news about him, please contact me immediately."
He took out a specially made Den Den Mushi and handed it to Jinbe.
"This Den Den Mushi is encrypted, so the calls can't be eavesdropped on. Fisher Tiger's situation... I might be able to help."
Jinbe took the Den Den Mushi, a look of surprise and confusion flashing in his eyes.
" Captain Roy, you..."
Fisher Tiger is a good person.
Roy simply said,
"If he gets into trouble, I won't stand idly by."
Queen Otohime gazed intently at Roy.
"Mr. Roy, you are truly a special human. On behalf of Fish-Man Island, I thank you for your kindness."
Neptune solemnly added, " Captain Roy, Fish-Man Island will remember this kindness."
The conversation continued for some time before Roy and the others took their leave of the palace.
Stella went to purchase supplies, while Roy, Hawk Eyes, and Bullet strolled around Fish-Man Island, experiencing the local customs and culture of this underwater kingdom.
Meanwhile, Savi and his friends were having a great time in the commercial street of Fish-Man Island.