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Hikaru smirked slightly and amplified his voice with an electric current, shouting:
"Big Hippo, if you take me to Fishman Island, I'll let you go."
The massive hippopotamus, feeling the seawater constricting around it more and more tightly, didn't hesitate to respond:
"Mou~"
[Human, please let me go. I agree.]
The creatures in this pirate world were truly remarkable. As long as they possessed a bit of intelligence, they could understand human speech.
Satisfied, Hikaru released his restraints on the hippo and flashed onto its head. Using the power of the Float-Float Fruit, he manipulated the seawater into a chain, securing himself by binding the creature's tentacle-like whiskers to his own feet. Then, he lay back lazily, enjoying the ride.
"Alright, big guy, let's move!"
"Mou~" [Got it!]
Despite its massive size, the hippo moved at an impressive speed, thanks to its powerful build and slick skin. Otherwise, Hikaru wouldn't have been swallowed by it in the first place.
The scenery blurred past as the hippo sped through the deep sea. Having a Sea King working for him was definitely convenient. If he could command an entire army of them like Shirahoshi, wouldn't he be unstoppable?
Unfortunately, his control over Sea Kings relied on intimidation and negotiation rather than true authority.
Shirahoshi, on the other hand, possessed an innate, absolute command over them—something that came from her royal bloodline and the power of her voice. If they both attempted to control the same Sea King, she would undoubtedly be the one in control.
After an unknown amount of time, Hikaru noticed the flow of the seawater slowing down.
"Mou~~"
[Human, Fishman Island is just ahead. I can take you to the bubble, but I can't enter. A powerful presence forbids me from going any further.]
"Oh? An order?" Hikaru mused, considering the hippo's words. Could it be Shirahoshi?
A sly grin spread across his face as he teased, "Big Hippo~ What happens if you disobey orders? Do you want to find out what it feels like to die?" His tone dripped with playful menace.
"Mou!!!"
[I will never disobey orders!!!]
Seeing the creature's firm resolve, Hikaru didn't press further and simply shrugged.
"Fine, then just drop me off at the Fishman Island bubble. I can handle the rest."
"Mou~" [Understood.]
Before long, they arrived at their destination. Hikaru stretched, yawning as he scanned Fishman Island in the distance. Then, he stood up and leaped off the hippo's head.
"Thanks for the ride, big guy. See you around."
The hippo responded with a contented "Mou~" before swiftly turning away, as if lingering even a second longer would be unbearable.
Hikaru chuckled, then turned his gaze toward the island. Through the deep seawater, he could make out the vibrant scenery of Fishman Island. After locking onto a town-like area, he took off.
Since he was unfamiliar with the layout, he needed to find a mermaid or fishman to guide him.
Although he could scan the entire island with Observation Haki, he was only familiar with the appearances of Shirahoshi, Camie, and Madame Shyarly. He wasn't sure if he could pinpoint them right away.
As he passed through the island's massive double-layered bubble membrane and air barrier, the underwater haze vanished, revealing the true beauty of Fishman Island in all its vibrant colors.
Without hesitation, Hikaru expanded his Observation Haki, scanning the entire island in an instant.
No sign of Shirahoshi, Camie, or Madame Shyarly.
Shirahoshi was likely in the Hard-Shell Tower, while Camie and Madame Shyarly were either off the island or inside a restricted area.
No matter. Hikaru adjusted his course and flew along the most efficient route toward his destination.
A few minutes earlier, at the entrance of Fishman Island—inside the communication corridor and the security monitoring room.
This was where the border guards kept watch over the surroundings of Fishman Island, monitoring foreign ships and any approaching threats. If an outside force attempted to enter through the main entrance or force its way through the protective double-layered bubble membrane, the guards would be the first to detect it.
"We must be seeing things…" A Kissing Gourami mermaid stared at the surveillance screen, her expression full of panic and disbelief.
"Why would a Sea King come to Fishman Island?"
Hearing her words, a plump Sunfish mermaid rushed to her side. When he saw the massive creature on the screen, his eyes widened in shock.
"This is really strange! The last time a Sea King approached Fishman Island was when Queen Otohime died…"
"Quick! Report this to Ryugu Palace! If it attacks, it could be disastrous!"
The Kissing Fish Mermaid hurriedly reached for the Den Den Mushi, but before she could make the call, another mermaid let out a startled cry.
"Wait! Look—there's a human on top of that Sea King!"
"What!?"
The Kissing Mermaid immediately locked her gaze on the enormous hippo's head. Sure enough, there was a figure resting atop it.
"Is that really a human? Could he… control Sea Kings?"
"We can't afford to hesitate—report this to Ryugu Palace immediately!" The Sunfish Mermaid wasted no time, grabbing the Den Den Mushi and dialing.
Bulu Bulu~ Boga~
"Moshimoshi~ This is Ryugu Palace."
"Urgent report! A 2,000-meter-long Sea King is approaching Fishman Island—no, wait! It's already outside the bubble, but it has stopped!"
"What!? Are you sure? Keep monitoring its movements!"
"There's a human on its head, and he—"
The Kissing Mermaid quickly took over the conversation.
"That human seems to be communicating with the Sea King… Wait—he's entering Fishman Island!"
"A human??"
"The Sea King just turned around and left… The immediate crisis is over, but that human has already entered Fishman Island!"
"Send us the surveillance footage immediately! We'll report this to the Minister of the Left and King Neptune!"
"Understood!" x2
Fishman Island – Fishman Street
A group of fishmen surrounded a lifeless human pirate, their laughter echoing through the dimly lit street.
"Hamon Hamon~~ Humans are so fragile. He didn't even last a few minutes."
The speaker was Hammond, a gangster-like fishman who would become a high-ranking officer of the New Fishman Pirates in two years. His slightly curled hair bounced as he spoke, his tone filled with disdain.
"Boss, one human isn't enough for us to play with. Let's go find a few more!" an eel fishman said, trying to flatter him.
"Tch. You think it's that easy?" Hammond scoffed, kicking the eel fishman aside. "Hardly any humans make it to Fishman Island, and the ones that do are usually combat-ready pirates. I'm not wasting my time fighting them."
Just then, a sudden flash of blue light illuminated their faces.
A calm, indifferent voice followed.
"Hey, fishmen. Can anyone tell me where Mermaid Cove is?"
The lightning dissipated, revealing Hikaru, seated casually on a floating portal of energy.