Gutting the Whale

"Since it's already asleep, it's best to leave here as soon as possible." Jilan looked at the sleeping sperm whale and sighed deeply. "Are you a whale or Isana now...?"

The fact that a human was transformed into a fish right before Jilan's eyes is as shocking as the human form in Mask Rider transforming into Ultraman through a belt, making one want to complain about the "overlapping scenes".

But speaking of Dragon Ball, they did have a collaboration with Kochikame ga Kill!, so it's not that surprising that someone with Quirk can turn into a fish. But... is Is Isana really only able to stay in this form and never turn back? I wanted to ask her some questions...

Although I'm very unwilling, it's best to leave here as soon as possible. The commotion on the deck has definitely attracted a lot of attention, and it would be bad if others found out that I was involved with the suddenly appearing sperm whale. That would definitely attract Dio's attention.

Just as Jilan made up his mind to leave, a thud sounded behind him. Jilan realized what was happening and tried to turn around, but a cylindrical object blocked his back, stopping him in his tracks.

Based on the cold touch, Jilan was certain that it was a pistol.

"Don't move." Captain Barus's voice rang out behind Jilan, his tone stern. "Turn around and tell me, why are you here?"

Although Barus was used to solving problems with his fists, he was now wary of Jilan, who had appeared on the deck at this moment. In order to find out Jilan's identity without any surprises, a gun was the fastest solution.

Jilan raised her hands above her head, slowly turned around, and calmly said, "Captain, I'm just an ordinary passenger. There's no need for you to shoot me."

Barus was stunned when he saw Jilan's face. Although his hairstyle was mature, it couldn't hide the fact that he was too young. He could be estimated to be no more than 18 years old.

Barus's tone softened slightly. "Guest, could you explain to me why you're here at this time?"

"I was kidnapped. The kidnappers wanted to take me away, but a sperm whale suddenly appeared and swallowed me whole. I survived and am now hiding on the ship's side waiting for rescue," Jilan replied calmly.

"Kid, do you think this is a fantasy novel? Your excuse is completely illogical. I think you have a lot to do with this whale." Barus chuckled, moving the gun to Jilan's chest. "If you don't give me a reasonable answer, this gun might accidentally go off at any moment, and you might accidentally get swallowed by this whale."

Clearly, Barus did not believe Jilan's words.

"Captain, that joke isn't funny at all. I'm just stating the facts of what happened. It may sound far-fetched, but I believe the other diners at the restaurant I was in would give you the same answer: we were attacked by intruders." Jilan looked directly at him calmly. "The scene shouldn't have been disturbed. You'll know what I'm saying is true once you go there. By the way, the Magician's partner who performed for us was unfortunately caught in the crossfire and should have been dead for a while now."

This was the story Jilan had prepared long ago: she was kidnapped by someone who suddenly broke into the restaurant, a fact witnessed by all the guests present. If she lied, the captain would surely be able to find out the truth from the other guests later. Moreover, Jilan had also witnessed her partner's death.

Jilan used this explanation, which was seven parts true and three parts false, to clear himself of suspicion. Since Barus was unable to verify it at the moment, he could only believe Jilan. Even if he vaguely sensed something was wrong, he wouldn't think about it because of his preconceived notions.

Rather than fabricating a lie, it's better to make reasonable assumptions based on facts, leading the other party to believe what they believe. In Mr. Aizawa's words, this is called reasonable hypocrisy.

"Has someone already died...?" Upon suddenly hearing this shocking fact from Jilan, the captain's hand gripping the gun trembled almost imperceptibly. This made Jilan's heart skip a beat, fearing that the other person might not be able to accept reality and unconsciously shoot himself.

Captain Barus, a man who had seen his share of storms, only wavered slightly upon hearing the news of the deaths before quickly regaining his composure. He stared at Jilan calmly and said, "You must be no ordinary person. I haven't seen many people your age who can remain so calm in the face of adversity."

"I'm just a U.A. High School. student who happened to be passing by, but... since you asked that question, it means you should believe what I said, right?"

"U.A. High School. student... Could it be that the person who attacked you was seeking revenge, or a criminal that All Might had captured?" Now, whoever hears the name U.A. High School., the first thing that comes to mind is All Might, as if the island nation's top high school is merely an appendage of All Might.

Now, Barus has temporarily believed Jilan and thought that he had nothing to do with the suddenly appearing sperm whale. Moreover, after taking a closer look at Jilan's face and connecting it with the clue of "U.A. High School. student", Barus has already recognized the runner-up of the Sports Festival even though Jilan did not say his name.

Soon, Barus realized something: he had gotten out of the driver's seat because of the intruder incident. Could it be that the person who kidnapped Jilan was the intruder, and the person he was looking for was him?

Barus asked Jilan about this, and Jilan quickly responded with his guess.

"That should be right. The person's hair was messy, and they smelled of seaweed, so they must have come from the sea."

"I understand. In that case, would you like to do me a favor?" Barus said with a smile.

What kind of help?

"Help me cut open the sperm whale's belly," Barus said crisply and decisively.

"Huh? Wait, did I hear that right? You're going to cut open the belly of this whale that's half the size of a boat?!" Jilan could hardly believe what she was hearing, thinking that her English wasn't very good and that she had translated some parts incorrectly.

"Young man, I'm not joking. I'm going to cut open this guy's stomach and make him vomit up what he's swallowed."

"The thing you swallowed... you're not talking about the suspect who arrested me, are you?" Jilan suddenly had a bad feeling. Did the captain not believe her at all and want to expose her with facts?

Barus nodded. "That's right, I must find the intruder and make him atone for his sins."

"But he might already be dead, so there's no need for him to do something like that."

Barus smiled, but the smile sent a chill down Jilan's spine.

"I want to see him alive or dead."