Chapter 348: Departure - Setting Sail for the New World

After spending almost a month leisurely exploring Fish-Man Island, the day finally came for Takumi and his crew to leave.

Neptune and his children escorted Takumi and his crew to the island's exit.

"Honorable guests, are you sure you won't stay a little longer?" Shirahoshi asked with a hint of reluctance. "There are still many places on the island you haven't seen yet. I could take you there."

"Next time," Kaku replied with a smile. "This isn't a final goodbye. We'll meet again."

"I will miss you all," Shirahoshi said, tears welling up in her eyes.

Enel groaned in annoyance. "Crying again? What else can you do besides cry, you big crybaby?"

"I-I'm sorry, Thunder God-sama," Shirahoshi said, quickly wiping her tears. "I promise, next time we meet, I won't be a crybaby anymore."

"Ha ha ha, alright then. We're off," Kaku waved at Shirahoshi and the other Fish-Men. He saw Takumi walking towards the ship's cabin and called out, "Captain, won't you say something?"

Takumi, who originally had no intention of saying anything, stopped when he heard Kaku. He thought for a moment, then turned back and said, "Goodbye."

With that, he continued towards the cabin.

Shirahoshi watched Takumi enter the cabin, then whispered, "Does Takumi-sama dislike me...?"

"You're overthinking it," Kaku said without much concern. "Our captain is like that with everyone. Trust me, he's much better now than he used to be. Ha ha ha. Alright, we're leaving."

Shirahoshi nodded. Neptune and his three sons waved at Kaku and Enel.

Kaku signaled Enel with a glance.

Enel let out a disdainful snort, then used his powers to activate the ship's propulsion system.

The ship flew towards the exit of Fish-Man Island.

Shirahoshi hesitated, then looked up at Neptune. "Father, may I go see them off just a little longer?"

"No," Neptune said firmly. "Even though Vander Decken IX has been dealt with, the outside world is still too dangerous for you. As your father, I can't let you take that risk."

"But... I'm still a bit worried," Shirahoshi said, her concern evident. "There are many Sea Kings in the ocean depths. I'm afraid they might be in danger."

"Alright," Neptune turned to Fukaboshi. "Fukaboshi, you and your brothers escort Takumi and his crew."

"Understood, Father," Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi replied in unison. They grabbed their weapons and swam towards the island's exit.

Shirahoshi watched her brothers leave, wanting to go as well, but she stayed behind as Neptune had asked.

The ship carrying Takumi and his crew quickly passed through the island's exit, once again entering the pitch-black depths of the ocean. Thanks to the wooden floats tied to the bow, the ship ascended rapidly towards the surface.

"Captain, where are we headed next?" Kaku asked, handing Takumi a glass of wine after mixing it for him in the cabin.

Takumi opened his personal status panel and glanced at it:

-Name:Takumi

-Age: 16

-Next Destination: Zou (0%)

-Physical Attributes: Full Chakra Attributes, Insulated Body

-Haki: Armament Haki Lv9, Conqueror's Haki Lv9, Observation Haki Lv8

-Enhanced Skills: Swordsmanship Lv9, Soru Lv6, Night Guy Lv2, Fairy Sphere Lv3, Kamehameha Lv2, Shadow Clone Jutsu Lv3, Pegasus Meteor Fist Lv3

-Special Skills: Divine Swordplay (Mastery), Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu (Mastery), Healing Palm (Mastery), Yin Healing Wound Destruction (Mastery), Wind Style: Infinite Sandstorm (Mastery), Fire Style: Great Annihilation (Beginner), Lightning Blade (Mastery), Shadow Imitation Jutsu (Mastery), Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu (Mastery), Water Style: Bubble Jutsu (Mastery), Telepathy (Mastery)

-Rokushiki: Finger Pistol Lv5, Iron Body Lv7, Shave Lv5, Moonwalk Lv5, Tempest Kick Lv5, Paper Arts Lv5

-Weapons: Cursed Blade Star Fragment (Toya Lake), Evil Spirit (Demon Blade), The Golden Staff

-System Inventory: 1000 cubic meters

The next destination was Zou, located in the New World.

Takumi also knew that Zou held a Road Poneglyph.

Without overthinking it, he closed the status panel and opened the system navigation. Looking at the direction and distance marked on the map, he said, "We head to the New World."

Based on a normal traveling speed, Takumi estimated it would take around two weeks to reach the destination.

However, Zou was quite unique. Similar to the nomadic Germa Kingdom, Zou was located on the back of a massive elephant that had lived for over a thousand years and was always moving.

With the unpredictable weather of the New World, the journey would likely be affected.

Conservatively, it would probably take at least a month to reach Zou.

"Hey, Takumi, Long Nose, get out here!" Enel's voice suddenly called from the deck.

Kaku put down the utensils he was using to mix drinks and wiped his hands with a cloth. "What's he up to this time..."

He walked out from behind the bar and headed towards the deck.

Takumi remained seated, sipping his wine, clearly uninterested in whatever Enel was up to.

On the deck, Enel grinned as he gazed at the deep-sea fish around them. Noticing Kaku's presence, he said with a smirk, "You read all those gourmet magazines, don't you? Look at these fish and tell me which ones are tasty."

"All you think about is eating," Kaku sighed as he looked at the various massive fish surrounding the ship. His eyes suddenly focused on one particular fish, roughly the size of their vessel, its body dark red and mouth lined with sharp fangs.

"See that fish?" Kaku pointed, his excitement clear. "I saw it in a rare ingredients cookbook. Its texture is more tender than that of most deep-sea fish. Since it lives deep underwater, it's quite rare. Catching one is extremely difficult. If we miss this chance, we may never see one again. Looks like we got lucky today!"

"Alright, let's get it," Enel said, stretching. He took the golden staff from his ear. "I'll knock it out. You catch it."

"Wait," Kaku quickly interjected. "The fresher, the better. Don't kill it—just knock it out. I'll get the ropes ready. Give me a few minutes."

With that, Kaku rushed to grab a stack of hemp ropes from the cabin. He worked quickly, preparing a giant fishing line with a large hook at the end. He tied one end of the rope to the ship's sturdy mast and signaled Enel that he was ready.

Enel smiled, gripping his staff tightly as a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes. He swung the staff with force, sending it hurtling towards the fish, using his willpower to guide it precisely.

With one solid strike, Enel knocked the deep-sea fish unconscious.

Kaku seized the opportunity, skillfully throwing the giant fishing line.

Enel guided the hook, helping it along until it embedded itself in the fish's lower jaw.

"Got it!"

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