Chapter 34 Let's try it
"Mining seabed minerals? "
Jinbei expressed mild surprise before deflected Brett's punch, countering with a backhand strike.
"Over the course of countless years, sediments and rock formations at the seabed are laden with minerals. "
A faint electric shimmer flickered across Brett's body, enabling him to skillfully evade Jinbei's strike, while Jinbei's punches fell upon him like raindrops.
"These are valuable resources that are exclusively within our reach. "
As Jinbei continued delivering punches, he mulled over the situation.
The two engaged in a rapid exchange of blows, producing an array of thunderous and rattling noises.
"For us, the challenge of mining is significantly less than what those from the surface face," Brett remarked.
This world lacks a substantial landmass and consists predominantly of numerous islands scattered across the ocean, making the scarcity of large-scale mineral deposits entirely logical.
While such resources might exist in abundance on the Red line, the challenges associated with extracting them are excessively high.
Despite the advanced state of technology on a global scale, it remains rather primitive when considering the vast oceans, which explains the visible limitations in technological progress.
There is a genuine deficiency of materials.
However, the seabed presents a different scenario.
Within this expansive, shadowy ocean lies a multitude of resources, quietly waiting to be discovered.
"While merely selling resources is not a sustainable approach, it is a viable strategy given the current circumstances," Brett noted. "More crucially, we need the arrival of businessman capable of enticing humans. "
Operating a business in the depths of the ocean is fraught with risks.
Consequently, very few human merchants venture specifically to Fish-Man Island for trade.
Yet, if Fish-Man Island were able to offer a steady supply of diverse and affordable resources, the dynamics would change.
Merchants are motivated to pursue profitable opportunities relentlessly.
Although Fish-Man Island is relatively distant from the surface, the direct distance from Sabaody Archipelago is merely slightly over one hundred kilometers. In reality, the separation is not as considerable as it might seem.
If consistent trade can be established, it could not only generate income but also facilitate the introduction of technology, enabling Fish-Man Island to develop its own industries. This would complement the mining sector and pave the way for foundational industries, allowing wealth growth to benefit all inhabitants of Fish-Man Island.
Brett may possess limited knowledge in this area, but he considers it to be a plausible endeavor.
"That sounds promising. "
Jinbei nodded in agreement, "I will speak with Neptune later. "
Brett nodded in acknowledgment.
Mining seabed minerals cannot be accomplished with mere discussions.
Given the educational levels on Fish-Man Island, how many individuals possess the ability to differentiate between various minerals?
Let alone identify and extract these minerals.
This initiative requires promotion at the national level.
"But on another note, Brett,"
Jinbei smiled broadly and delivered a powerful punch through the air. The sound of the wind was piercing, "You have become increasingly adept at my techniques. "
Brett reciprocated with a smile, a flash of lightning illuminating his arm, and he too threw a punch.
Boom!
The earth beneath them shattered, and the chaotic wind transformed into shock waves radiating outward.
"If I make no advancements, wouldn't that disappoint you, brother Jinbei?" Brett remarked with a smile.
Two days had elapsed since the fight with Hody.
The previous unrest was gradually subsiding, restoring tranquility to Fish-Man Island.
Brett's proficiency with the electric current push was improving significantly, and he was now capable of utilizing it during his sparring sessions with Jinbei with minimal loss of control.
"Yet, you are still too inexperienced! Fishman karate Shock fist!" Jinbei chuckled as he threw a punch.
The air warped instantly, and undetectable fluctuations emanated from the center of Jinbei's fist.
Brett was unable to reach Jinbei and was sent backward.
"You have yet to grasp the fundamental principle," Jinbei remarked with a smile, "I am eager to see what the shock wave would resemble when employing the electric current. "
"I cannot help it; I have merely just mastered this technique," Brett responded.
Despite his physical capabilities being at their peak, his learning aptitude remained at its initial stage.
This applies to both physical combat skills and Haki.
However, there is no need to rush; it is better to progress gradually. Brett had consistently been content with his increasing strength.
Now that he had refined the electric current push, he believed he could at least put up a fight against Jinbei without utilizing Haki. The explosive force generated by the electric current push surpasses that of the basic fish body techniques.
This accelerated development is indeed remarkable, as it has only been slightly over a month since his return to Fish-Man Island.
In the evening, after their training session, Jinbei expressed his desire to take Brett out for dinner.
Naturally, Brett had no reason to decline a complimentary meal, thus accompanied Jinbei to their frequented restaurant.
"Oh! Brett! ! The star of hope of Fish-Man Island! "
On their way to the restaurant, they encountered an old acquaintance who exclaimed, "Hahaha, you invited me to dine last time, but nothing ever came of it."
"Mark," Brett greeted with a smile, "If you wish to have dinner, we can do so now."
The 100,000 Berries he had borrowed from Jinbei remained untouched. After all, he had been dining and drinking at Shyarly's place during this time.
"But what does being the Star of Hope on Fish-Man Island mean? " Brett inquired with curiosity.
"Eh? Brett, you don't know? " his old friend responded, taken aback, "Everyone refers to you by that name now."
"Ha? "
Inside a tavern on Fishman Street.
"Brother Arlong, is that young man Brett really as powerful as you claim? "
A tipsy fishman inquired with a grin while clutching a wine glass.
"Hahahaha! "
Arlong, who was also partaking in drinks and sporting flushed cheeks, chuckled and responded, "Absolutely! He possesses unparalleled talent! He is destined to be the strongest in history! "
He spread his arms wide and proclaimed to everyone in the tavern, "If anyone is truly capable of guiding us to the sea, surpassing humanity, and founding an extraordinary fish-man empire, it must be Brett! ! "
"Even Jinbe believes so! "
The tavern instantly became animated.
"Hahaha! That is quite impressive, isn't it? "
"Does even Brother Jinbei think that? "
"If both elder brothers support him, it must be true! "
"Just like Big Brother Tiger! That young man Brett has also earned the acknowledgment of both, Arlong and Jinbei! "
"Hahahahaha! "
Arlong laughed heartily and leaped onto a table, raising his wine glass high, "Fools, let's celebrate the beacon of hope for Fish-Man Island! ! "
"Oh! Star of Hope! ! "
The ambiance in the bar was exceptionally lively.
Brett grasped the bar door, observed the unfolding scene, and smirked, "A beacon of hope. . . "
"Hahaha, indeed, a Star of Hope," Mark chuckled. "Do not forget your old friends when you achieve wealth in the future. "
". . . Ha ha."
Brett emitted a dry laugh.
"Oh! Brett is here! ! "
Arlong noticed Brett's arrival and eagerly extended his hand, "Hahahaha! You arrived just in time. Come and deliver a few words to those who support you! "
Brett felt a headache coming on.
'It turns out that what you mentioned that day was not a joke, Brother Arlong.'
"Hahahaha, isn't this wonderful? "
Jinbei chuckled as he entered the bar, "If it's Brett, he is indeed the one most likely to transform Fish-Man Island! "
"Oh! ! Boss Jinbei actually said that? "
The fishmen immediately erupted with excitement, "A new leader of Fish People Street has emerged! "
"Cheer for him! Brother Brett! "
"Brother Brett! ! Oh! ! Brother Brett! ! "
Suddenly, the entire bar was filled with raucous cheers.
Following Tiger's demise, only two significant individuals remain in Fishman Street. One is Jinbei, who symbolizes the majority, and the other is Aaron, who epitomizes a small faction of radical elements.
Collectively, they embody a substantial segment of the fishmen population in Fishman Street.
What contributions will the man acknowledged by the two elder brothers offer them?
"What are you still hesitating for! Brett! "
Arlong chuckled and said, "Speak up! "
Jinbei also directed his gaze towards Brett, his eyes filled with encouragement.
If there is a desire to transform Fish-Man Island, let us commence it immediately.
Brett remained quiet.
He recalled his initial objective, which was to simply exist peacefully. However, that notion soon faded.
He remembered Brother Tiger.
That individual dwelled upon the future of Fish-Man Island until his last breath.
He thought of the mermaids who had previously been captured.
How radiant their smiles will be for the remainder of their lives.
He reflected on Fishman Street, the place where he was raised.
The fishmen in this area live in poverty, lacking education, with little to occupy their days, and exhibiting frequent acts of bravery and ferocity.
Yet, it was the fierce and wild fishmen that facilitated his upbringing.
The older brother who guided him onward, the companions who shared his youth, the restaurant owner who often spoke harshly but consistently ensured he received clean meals. . .
He thought of countless individuals.
Shyarly allows him to act freely.
Brett smiled and entered the tavern.
The future Star of Fishman Island?
just watch I'll live up to that title.
He opened his mouth, eager to address them.
"Just a moment— what future star of Fish-Man Island or whatever, Burr~ I won't acknowledge it until you defeat me, Burr~"
Amidst the jubilant crowd, a certain individual emerged.