Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Adaptability, the Disappearance of the Mermaids

"Why have you been so glum lately? "

Shyarly asked Brett, who was puzzled while savoring his meal.

Brett appeared quite embarrassed. Along with visible signs of having been beaten, there were numerous darkened patches on his body, which starkly contrasted with the merely bruised nose and swollen face typically seen after training.

"I am working on a rather interesting technique," Brett replied with a smile.

Utilizing electric currents instead of water to execute fish-man karate represents a groundbreaking endeavor.

In comparison to water, which constitutes a significant portion of the body's weight, electric currents are far more likely to produce explosive reactions.

Even with Jinbei's guidance and advice, the process of experimentation remained strenuous.

While Brett's body is capable of generating and storing electric currents, employing fish-man karate techniques to directly convert electric current into the force that propels his body results in potential harm from electric bursts.

This explains his current state; he frequently suffers from self-inflicted electrical burns during his experiments.

Upon hearing Brett's statement, the young mermaid girl Nana, who was enjoying her food and drink, curiously asked, "Just how interesting is it? "

Brett stammered, "It's definitely interesting. "

"Is it fun? "

The little girl tilted her head inquisitively, her large, bewildered eyes blinking with confusion.

Brett pursed his lips.

This mischievous kid.

"Alright, silly, don't trouble your big brother," Miss Miriam approached with a smile, wiping her foolish daughter's mouth. "Brett's growing stronger each day to protect Boss Shyarly. "

"Yes, indeed, it's truly admirable! "

The other mermaid ladies chimed in immediately.

"Is this a childhood sweetheart? Why don't I have one! "

"Hey, young man, make sure you protect us too while looking after Shyarly, alright? "

"Yes, we are also quite anxious. "

Brett grimaced.

"It's truly…"

Shyarly rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.

Shouldn't all these employees be dismissed?

"Oh! That's amazing! ! "

Nana gazed at Brett with admiration, exclaiming, "I want to become stronger too! "

She excitedly waved her little arms, stating, "That way, I can protect my mother and sisters when danger arises! "

"Yeah! ! Nana! ! "

Immediately, the little girl was enveloped by the mermaid ladies.

"How can there be such an adorable child? ! "

"While I'm pleased, little Nana's sentiments,"

Shyarly chuckled, "When faced with danger, remember to flee and quickly seek an adult for assistance. "

"Eh—"

The little girl looked disappointed, saying, "But I wish to guard everyone with my own strength. "

"In that case, let's wait until you become stronger. "

Brett reached out and tousled her little head. " You can't protect people if you can't even protect yourself."

Nana seemed to understand his words.

Following that, practice progressed as planned.

The daily regimen of assertive training was succeeded by physical training..

With Jinbe's assistance, Brett continued to experiment with the electric current-propelled taijutsu that he envisioned for himself.

It utilizes electric current not merely to engage the body in enhancing physical capabilities, but rather employs electric current as a source of energy to facilitate movement.

It is reasonable to assert that it is powered by current.

The core issue lies in the fact that electric current is significantly more aggressive than water, making it challenging to manage with precision.

This presents a challenge that assesses both patience and endurance.

Fortunately, Brett possesses both qualities.

Crack! 

A faint electric current flickered across Brett's right arm.

"Oh! ! Excellent! ! "

A look of surprise and joy emerged on Jinbei's face, "Control it! You did it, Brett! "

This marks the first occurrence.

"Brett, make a fist and attempt to throw a punch. "

Brett merely nodded slightly, apprehensive that speaking would divert his focus and lead to failure.

He executed a tentative punch.

Crack! !

Midway through the punch, a brilliant flash of lightning erupted from his arm, causing Brett to grunt in tandem.

Jinbei's expression shifted to one of concern.

Failed.

Fishman Karate is constrained, and the water is confined within the body rather than being expelled outward.

The current meant to affect the body sputtered and exited ineffectively. There is no doubt that this attempt had failed once again.

"Fortunately, the intensity of the current I can generate is not overly strong. "

Brett moved his arms.

Somewhat numbed.

In his normal form, the intensity of the current he can generate is considerably weaker than the lightning produced upon transforming into a red dragon.

However, this was appropriate. If excessively strong electric current were to surge through his body, Brett feared he might self-destruct.

"At least it is a promising attempt. "

Jinbei stated earnestly, "This confirms that your hypothesis is valid. Electric current can indeed be employed to execute fish-man karate. "

Brett smiled and nodded, which demonstrated that he was capable of generating a notably powerful set of physical techniques.

"However, Brett, is it possible that I am imagining things? "

Jinbei examined Brett's nearly unscathed right arm and inquired, "Is the damage from the electric current diminishing for you? "

Clearly, at the outset, even one failure would have resulted in his body being charred black by electricity.

That was an electric surge from within the body that could not be defended against.

"My body adapts to it." Brett chuckled.

"What? " Jinbei said not understanding.

However, he then nodded slightly.

Could this be one of those peculiar abilities that Vegapunk imparted to Brett?

Jinbei's deduction was accurate.

One of Brett's bloodlines originates from the giant tardigrade.

This bloodline is what Brett likes the most.

The most astonishing aspect of organisms that have existed for hundreds of millions of years is their extraordinary adaptability. They are capable of rapidly altering their physiology in response to changes in their surroundings. No adverse environment can halt their progress, whether it be lava, ice, lightning, or even the vacuum of space.

Even if this is adaptation rather than evolution, it is remarkably impressive.

Although Brett's strength currently remains quite limited, his body is progressively adapting to the electrical surges, albeit gradually.

It is this very capability that led Brett to contemplate whether he could harness flames and attain a form reminiscent of the Thunder Flame Dragon.

Regrettably, he possesses only the ability to exhale fire, lacking the capacity to produce flames spontaneously, thus relegating this notion to mere speculation.

Nevertheless, while he cannot generate fire internally, he can wield it externally.

Isn't that reminiscent of Kaido's ultimate technique?

It resembles a maneuver akin to Susanoo.

"In this case, we should be able to master the unprecedented fishbody technique within a few days at the most! "

Jinbei regarded Brett with a gaze filled with relief.

He understood clearly that once this technique is fully developed, Brett's power would experience a significant enhancement.

The energy derived from the electrical bursts substantially exceeds that of the water bursts.

Brett merely needs to skillfully command the two-color Haki, and he does not even require exceptional mastery for his strength to be sufficient to rival, if not exceed, his own.

The new physical techniques are gradually coalescing, Fish-Man Island remains tranquil, and Arlong and Hody, who are under close watch, have not exhibited any activity.

However, just as Brett assumed that this routine practice would prevail, an unexpected event occurred.

One day, upon returning to the Mermaid Cafe after a day of training, Brett found the establishment unexpectedly closed.

It is noteworthy that this shop has consistently maintained a robust business; it was the first occasion he witnessed it closed so early after his prolonged absence.

Pushing the door open, he discovered the mermaid ladies gathered together, anxiously discussing something. His entrance startled them.

"What? Young man you startled us.. "

"But it's wonderful that you're back. I feel relieved immediately. "

The mermaid ladies transitioned from shock to joy at his arrival.

"So, what happened? "

Brett asked Shyarly.

Shyarly responded slowly, "Today, several mermaids vanished from Mermaid Bay."

"What? "

Brett's pupils suddenly contracted.

***

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