[130] : Setting Sail for the New World!!
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So, while Arthur's Future Sight needed more development, as did his ability to conjure images with his Haki—perhaps his Electromagnetism, if trained, could it allow him to manipulate brainwaves, giving him access to others' thoughts?
"Tell me, This ability of yours—to hear thoughts. Was it innate? Or did it develop over time?" Arthur asked Otohime, his gaze steady.
If it was innate—it couldn't be learned. If it developed through practice—he could learn from her experience, avoid wasting time on dead ends.
Otohime's Observation Haki was a natural gift. But was her ability to hear thoughts also innate?
Those blessed with extraordinary talent had a head start—an advantage that couldn't be overcome with mere effort.
"I don't know. I've always been able to hear them…" Otohime nodded eagerly.
As long as it prevented conflict, she would agree to anything. That was her nature.
"Always?" Arthur frowned, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.
If it was innate, it couldn't be learned—or at least, it would be incredibly difficult.
No wonder no one else possessed this ability.
Still—If he refined his electromagnetism, he might achieve the same result. So, his disappointment was fleeting.
"That's what I expected. No need for a fight, then. Consider yourselves lucky…Fish-Man Island won't be destroyed today." Arthur smirked, turning to leave.
His arrogance infuriated Tiger and Jinbe. They glared at him, their fists clenched, barely containing their rage as he walked away.
Actually—destroying Fish-Man Island was beyond Arthur's capabilities. The massive Sea Kings guarding the island, waiting for Shirahoshi, the future Poseidon—they weren't to be trifled with.
These ancient creatures, their intelligence rivaling humans', could swallow islands whole.
But Arthur could still inflict substantial damage—enough to send Fish-Men and merfolk fleeing in terror, painting the sea red with their blood.
"Wait, Mr. Arthur. Since you're here—why not enjoy some of Ryugu Palace's hospitality?" Neptune, eager to appease the volatile pirate, offered a more conciliatory approach.
Avoiding conflict with pirates was Fish-Man Island's survival strategy. Most pirates who came here were just passing through, heading to the New World. They rarely caused trouble.
And Fish-Man Island, not yet under Whitebeard's protection—lacked the strength to deter powerful pirates.
"I'm not interested in food." Arthur stopped, turning back to Neptune.
"If you could just coat my ship, I'd appreciate it. This place is…boring. And I'm sure you'd rather I didn't overstay my welcome."
"Hoh hoh hoh! You're quite the comedian, Mr. Arthur! Very well. If you insist on leaving—the coating will be ready tomorrow. I'll have my men expedite the process."
——
Arthur explored Fish-Man Island.
The underwater scenery, 10,000 meters below the surface, was unlike anything he'd ever seen—coral forests, towering shell structures, and mermaids everywhere.
Merfolk, unlike Fish-Men, had human upper bodies and fish tails.
And every single one of them was beautiful.
Their attitudes towards him—however, left much to be desired.
Both Fish-Men and merfolk harbored a deep resentment towards humans. Perhaps—once Whitebeard became their protector—or Otohime's efforts to bridge the gap between species succeeded, their attitudes would change.
Arthur didn't care. Their hatred was their problem, not his. If they didn't like him—they could try to kill him. If they couldn't—their opinions were meaningless.
He was used to being hated.
If hatred could kill—the top brass at Marine Headquarters would have obliterated him long ago.
He strolled through the city, entering shops and restaurants as he pleased. Neptune, true to his word, had sent an escort, who informed the shopkeepers that Ryugu Palace would cover all of Arthur's expenses.
Arthur didn't refuse. A few million Belly to get rid of him? It was a small price to pay for Neptune.
He didn't hold back, storing any clothes that caught his eye in his bracelet, sampling the local cuisine and wines.
——
The next day, as the Eve Tree's light once again filtered down into the depths, a Fish-Man soldier reported that Arthur's ship was ready.
"Already?" Arthur, savoring a plate of takoyaki, his mouth full, was surprised by their speed.
Neptune, it seemed, was eager to see him go. Arthur felt the same. The deep sea, while unique, lacked the vibrancy—the excitement—of the surface world.
Arthur, taking full advantage of Neptune's generosity, "acquired" a substantial amount of new clothes, ignoring the shopkeepers' pained expressions, and returned to his ship. The clothes, stylish and well-made, would last for years, saving him the trouble of shopping in the future.
Neptune, Otohime, Tiger, Jinbe—they were all there to see him off, a grand farewell orchestrated by the anxious king.
Neptune, feigning regret at Arthur's departure, was inwardly relieved to be rid of the unpredictable pirate.
Arthur's presence had been a constant source of anxiety.
Tiger had even warned the more volatile members of Fish-Man District to stay out of sight, avoiding any potentially fatal encounters with the short-tempered pirate.
Arthur, amused by their thinly veiled relief, boarded his ship.
His restless spirit wouldn't allow him to stay in one place for long. The New World—a sea of chaos and opportunity—beckoned.
The ship, pulled by a team of massive whales, moved through the tunnel, exiting the double-layered bubble dome and entering the deep sea once more.
Arthur, sipping sake at the bow, watched as they approached the massive opening in the Red Line, the gateway to the New World.
The New World—a graveyard of dreams—or a place where legends were born. The stage where the world's strongest clashed.
And for Arthur, it was the ultimate playground.
"I'm coming for you, Roger, Whitebeard, Shiki, Redfield," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
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