On one of the routine training islands within the Infinite Sea's domain, the captains and officers lay sprawled across the ground, battered and bruised.
Medical staff hurriedly carried the more severely injured individuals off on stretchers for treatment.
Only Li Yuan stood unscathed, casually smoking a cigarette as he surveyed the aftermath. His immaculate appearance starkly contrasted with the injured crew members strewn across the field.
"You all still need more training," Li Yuan remarked nonchalantly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "When you've got free time, put on your gravity bracelets and train in the Duel Pyramid."
The remaining conscious officers couldn't help but grumble internally.
"We've already been training hard, Captain! It's just that you're too strong and don't hold back!"
Though they appreciated the rare opportunity to train under Li Yuan himself, it was always a grueling experience.
---
At that moment, Gerald, the fish-man officer, approached after recovering from his own injuries. He relayed a message from Neptune:
"Captain, Fish-Man Island has sent a request. They wish to fly the Infinite Pirates' flag for protection and pledge their allegiance to our crew."
"Fish-Man Island?" Li Yuan's eyes brightened. "Alright. I'll personally visit Neptune in a few days. Gerald, come with me."
Li Yuan had long intended to bring Fish-Man Island under his control but had been too preoccupied to act on it. Now that Gerald had brought it up, it was the perfect opportunity.
Fish-Man Island's unique location made it an invaluable asset, and controlling it would bring significant benefits to the Infinite Pirates. Furthermore, the birth of Poseidon, one of the Ancient Weapons, was tied to Fish-Man Island, making its acquisition all the more critical. Li Yuan also envisioned creating a Fish-Man fleet as part of his naval forces.
"Thank you, Captain!" Gerald's face lit up with excitement. He was well aware of Fish-Man Island's dire circumstances and had hoped to help his homeland. However, as an officer of the Infinite Pirates, he couldn't act against the crew's interests. With Li Yuan's decision, his hopes were renewed.
---
Three days later, Li Yuan set sail aboard the Hades Nether God, a colossal steel warship that left the Infinite Sea with unparalleled grandeur.
The departure of the Hades Nether God immediately drew the attention of numerous factions monitoring the Infinite Pirates, particularly the Marines.
Since hosting the World Swordsmanship Tournament, the Infinite Pirates' fame had skyrocketed, making their every move a matter of global interest.
"Damn it! Li Yuan just held that tournament, and now he's stirring up trouble again!"
Steel Bone Kong slammed his fist on his desk upon receiving the news.
"Order Sengoku to keep a close watch on the Infinite Pirates in the New World. We can't afford to let them threaten our remaining strongholds!"
The Infinite Pirates and the Flying Sky Pirates had effectively blocked the Marines from re-entering the New World. Over the past two years, any Marine ships venturing beyond their limited territory faced immediate assaults from these two pirate crews, leaving the Marines confined to their remaining fortresses.
---
As the Hades Nether God approached a nearby island for coating preparations, skilled shipwrights began applying the protective film needed to descend to Fish-Man Island.
Fish-Man Island, located 10,000 meters beneath the sea, required ships to be coated for safe passage.
"The sea below is so deep… I can't wait to see Fish-Man Island!" Barrett exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I've heard the mermaids there are incredibly beautiful," Ashura Doji chimed in with a sly grin.
"Fish-Man Island is amazing and full of fun! I'll show you all the best spots!" Gerald said proudly, thumping his chest.
Even Li Yuan was intrigued. Despite his many adventures, he had never visited Fish-Man Island before, always opting for the Calm Belt to bypass the Grand Line.
---
As they sailed, Toki pointed toward the horizon, where the towering Red Line loomed like an unyielding barrier.
"What is that massive wall?"
"That's the Red Line," Li Yuan explained. "The World Government's headquarters and the Celestial Dragons' home, Mariejois, are located at the top. It's also home to billions of people, most of whom exist to serve the ten thousand or so Celestial Dragons."
Toki's face clouded with concern. "Aren't we too close to their territory? Won't it be dangerous?"
Li Yuan laughed. "Don't worry. Those greedy, cowardly parasites won't leave their fortress unless their safety is directly threatened."
He went on to explain that while the Celestial Dragons commanded powerful warriors, they rarely acted unless their own interests were at stake. This was evident during past conflicts, where they offered minimal support even as the World Government faced defeat.
Toki nodded, her fears eased. "In that case, I'm excited to explore Fish-Man Island! I've heard it's a beautiful place."
---
Once the Hades Nether God was fully coated, it began its descent into the deep sea.
As the ship sank deeper, the surrounding waters darkened, creating an eerie atmosphere. Toki, a Devil Fruit user, clung tightly to Li Yuan's arm, her natural fear of the sea evident.
At 5,000 meters deep, a massive sea king suddenly appeared, its enormous body dwarfing the 500-meter-long Hades Nether God. The colossal shark-like creature lunged toward the ship with jaws wide open, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
"AHHH!" Toki screamed, clutching Li Yuan even tighter.
The crew, many of whom were experiencing such a situation for the first time, froze in fear. If the ship's coating were damaged, they would all be swallowed by the sea.
"Scram!"
Before anyone could react, Li Yuan's commanding voice rang out, accompanied by a surge of red lightning from his eyes.
The sea king froze mid-attack, its massive body trembling before it quickly retreated, as if fleeing from an unimaginable terror.
"If you encounter such creatures again, use your Conqueror's Haki to scare them off," Li Yuan instructed Barrett. "Using brute force in the ocean is a mistake. The sea naturally suppresses Devil Fruit users."
Barrett nodded, understanding his error.
---
As the ship continued its descent, a glowing sphere appeared in the depths—a massive bubble containing an island. It was Fish-Man Island, the homeland of fish-men and merfolk who longed to live under the sun on land.
The Hades Nether God carefully approached the island's designated port, avoiding any damage to its coating.
"Quick, inform King Neptune! The Hades Nether God has arrived!"
Fish-man guards stationed at the port hurried to deliver the news.
Neptune, upon hearing the report, immediately gathered his entourage to welcome the Infinite Pirates.
---
Chapter 232: Fish-Man Island (Part 2)
As the Hades Nether God docked at the port, several groups rushed toward it.
Among them was a group of pirates with malicious intent clear in their expressions. Li Yuan didn't need to guess what they were after.
"As expected of the pirate world, you can't go anywhere without bumping into fools. Or rather, people who don't know their limits."
Li Yuan couldn't comprehend how, despite his fame and overwhelming strength, there were still people idiotic enough to challenge him. Did they not understand the disparity between them? Did they not realize they were courting death?
"I'd love to crack open their skulls and see what goes on inside—how they manage to be this oblivious to reality," Li Yuan thought.
"Those who dare offend the captain deserve nothing less than death!"
Before Li Yuan could move, Barrett and Ashura Doji, two of the Infinite Pirates' most formidable officers, charged out. In less than a minute, every pirate foolish enough to challenge them had met their end.
"Wait, wait! It's a misunderstanding! We're here to join the Infinite Pirates! Please, Captain Li Yuan, let us serve under you!"
Among the attackers, some were reckless, but others were just desperate to find a strong back to ride on.
"If you want to join the Infinite Pirates, head to the Infinite Sea. There, the appropriate personnel will handle your registration," Li Yuan replied coldly, paying them no further attention as he descended the ship alongside Toki.
---
"Wow! That's Li Yuan-sama of the Infinite Pirates? He's so handsome!"
"So dignified, so commanding, yet gentle! I want to have his children!"
"Li Yuan-sama, I love you! Give me a chance!"
As soon as Li Yuan stepped off the ship, he was greeted by a crowd of mermaids.
The female mermaids of Fish-Man Island were known for their boldness and charm. Dressed in little more than strategically placed seashells, their beauty was unparalleled.
Even someone as experienced as Li Yuan found himself momentarily taken aback.
As for Barrett and Ashura Doji, who were far less accustomed to such sights, their faces turned bright red, and their ears burned with embarrassment.
The two had devoted their youth to relentless training and fierce battles under Li Yuan's guidance. Their idea of fun was limited to drinking and more training. It was this dedication that had elevated them to core members of the Infinite Pirates at such a young age.
Yet here, faced with the mermaids' open admiration and bold flirtations, they were completely out of their depth.
Li Yuan quickly regained his composure, his authoritative presence anchoring the chaos around him.
He began making his way toward the palace to meet King Neptune, completely unbothered by the throngs of admirers. Behind him, Barrett and Ashura Doji tried their best to avoid eye contact with the dazzling crowd, silently cursing their own inexperience.
-Support me on Ko-Fi for 35+ advance chapters there.
https://ko-fi.com/zxc1015
Thanks!