Bonus 22
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"But, Saint Mjosgard, if we head to Fish-Man Island, they won't just let us pass!"
The CP0 agent in the distinctive black and white mask appeared somewhat helpless.
Even though they were accustomed to the whims of the world's nobility, openly going to Fish-Man Island to make arrests seemed overly optimistic.
"I'm a Celestial Dragon! How dare those commoners from Fish-Man Island defy me?!"
Mjosgard's voice suddenly increased in intensity, becoming sharper.
Having rarely faced hardships since childhood, he failed to grasp the concept of suffering and the significance of blood.
"Saint Mjosgard..."
Just as the CP in the black and white mask was about to continue advising him, an unusual sound interrupted.
Gululu! ! !
The noise of enormous bubbles rolling suddenly echoed from the sea, revealing massive shadows.
"Hmm?!"
The sudden commotion immediately caught the attention of the well-trained CP agents. Their muscles tightened as they scanned the surroundings, attempting to locate the source of the disturbance.
"Sir, it's beneath the water! Seems to be some kind of large Sea Kings!!"
On the ship's side, a vigilant black-clad bodyguard in charge of patrols shouted a warning.
Gurulu——! ! !
As he spoke, the bubbles surged more intensely, and shadows alongside the ship's hull gradually emerged. The formidable pressure continued to escalate.
"Saint Mjosgard, why not retreat to the cabin and stay hidden for a while? Some Sea Kings seem to have set their sights on us, and the upcoming battle might affect us here."
The CP0 agent in the black and white mask extended his hand to intercept Saint Mjosgard and spoke in a deep tone.
"Sea Kings?!"
However, instead of concern, Mjosgard's eyes sparkled with interest, a look of fascination on his face.
CP0, donning the black and white mask, felt a sense of unease in his heart, a foreboding of something bad.
"I've never witnessed live Sea Kings before. I must see them with my own eyes this time!"
Mjosgard's voice carried excitement and impatience.
whoosh! ! !
Shadows soared into the sky, and massive water cascaded from top to bottom, splashing recklessly on everyone aboard the ship.
One head, two heads, three heads...
Under the progressively horrified gazes of the black-clad men, Sea Kings, several times larger than the ship itself, rose, fixing their scarlet eyes on the onlookers. The intense aura seemed capable of engulfing them in an instant.
Gulu——! ! !
CP0, with the black and white mask, couldn't help but swallow hard. The facial muscles under the mask became extremely rigid.
This size, this number...
They didn't end up in the Calm Belt by accident, did they?! !
"Saint Mjosgard, we... may be in trouble!"
The CP0 agent in the black and white mask quickly shielded Mjosgard and turned to address the Celestial Dragons, his voice carrying a hint of difficulty.
Roar--! ! !
The echoing sound waves carried a potent fishy odor, reaching the nostrils of everyone on the ship.
"Hey!! You, worthless lot!! Hurry and fend off these creatures!!"
As if snapping out of a daze, Mjosgard looked horrified and retreated.
Boom--! ! !
A mere flick of the tail produced a piercing sound that cut through the air, sending a colossal wave crashing forcefully against the ship.
...
Fish-Man Island, Ryugu Palace.
Under the almost tangible pressure of Conqueror's Haki, compounded by the internal conflict of potent steroid, Hody Jones finally succumbed. He exploded into a coma and perished.
Witnessing the swift demise of Hody Jones, who had recently humiliated Jinbei and others, Neptune and the others present experienced an almost surreal sensation.
Is this... the Marine's ultimate fighting force, the strength of the world's mightiest man? !
"Are we... safe?!"
The three princes, who had initially resigned themselves to their fate, opened their eyes in bewilderment, instinctively assessing the surrounding situation.
The previously menacing crowd now lay collapsed on the ground.
Hody Jones, who had been exceedingly arrogant moments ago, now lay lifeless.
"Is this the pinnacle of Marine Headquarters' combat capability?"
Princess Otohime also appeared puzzled, a sudden sense of powerlessness settling in her heart.
Strength... is it truly that crucial?
"As you can see, the disparity between me and Hakuryu might be more substantial than you realize," Jinbei remarked, smiling wryly and shaking his head.
Despite the illustrious title of Shichibukai, there remained a noticeable gap in actual combat prowess when compared to a Marine Admiral, particularly someone like Hakuryu.
At least, that's the current perspective.
"I genuinely want to express my gratitude, Mr. Hakuryu, this time around. If you hadn't extended a helping hand, I shudder to think in what direction Fish-Man Island might have gone under the chaos caused by that scoundrel Hody Jones."
Neptune instructed his guards to free the three, bowing to Atlas and expressing his thanks.
"Yes, thanks to you, Mr. Hakuryu, Fukaboshi and the others narrowly escaped trouble this time."
Princess Otohime also conveyed her gratitude with a thankful glance towards Atlas.
"Lord Atlas, thank you so much," Shirahoshi added, smiling as she expressed her thanks to Atlas.
With her mother spared from death and her three brothers surviving, Shirahoshi felt a deep sense of contentment and grew even closer to Atlas.
"Long live Your Excellency Hakuryu!"
"Hakuryu!"
"Hakuryu!"
It was unclear which soldier initiated it, but a cascade of cheers echoed, forming a massive roar that reverberated across the sky above Fish-Man Island.
The fish-men civilians on the opposite side of the square appeared to catch wind of the cheers, and they too began spontaneously shouting in unison.
In a flash, the entirety of Fish-Man Island seemed to unite with a single purpose, echoing the name of Atlas.
"So... this is what I foresaw?" Shyarly mumbled contemplatively.
"However, it appears to exceed my predictions by a considerable margin."
Based on the prophecy she received in the crystal ball, the magnitude of the commotion was undoubtedly beyond what she had foreseen.
Therefore, the story likely wasn't concluded just yet!
"Manager Shyarly, what are you talking about?" Trika, who secretly felt delighted for Atlas, seemed to catch Shyarly's murmuring and asked curiously.
"Huh? It's nothing. I just meant that Atlas is living up to your description. He's a genuinely noble Marine." Shyarly smiled, a stark contrast to her usually composed demeanor.
However, Trika blushed and shyly lowered her head.
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