"The kingdom is telling us to live on a pirate's turf? This is utterly ridiculous!"
"Exactly! Living on a pirate's territory means losing our freedom. What's next? Being sold to slave traders? I absolutely refuse to go!"
"Down with the Infinite Pirate Crew! Pirates can't be trusted, no matter how good their reputation is. They're just waiting to sell us all out!"
Despite Ryugu Kingdom's official announcement and the positive reputation of the Infinite Pirate Crew, the Fish-Men of Fish-Man Island weren't buying it.
As the saying goes: a pirate is a pirate. No matter how good their reputation might be, the common folk, especially those on the lower rungs of society, would never trust them. At least, not without firsthand experience. Even with Ryugu Kingdom vouching for them, the vast majority of Fish-Men refused to believe in pirates.
Two days had passed since the announcement, but hardly any Fish-Men were willing to relocate to the island granted by the Infinite Pirate Crew.
During these two days, Li Yuan showed no urgency. Instead, he spent his time leisurely strolling around Fish-Man Island with Amatsuki.
Unfortunately for him, Amatsuki kept a close eye on his every move, as though afraid he'd disappear the moment she let her guard down. This vigilance left Li Yuan with no opportunity to experience the famed allure of the mermaid maidens on Fish-Man Island.
---
"Captain, our recruitment efforts haven't been going well. So far, we've only recruited just over a hundred Fish-Men, and none of them have any real combat power," reported Gerald, a Fish-Man crew member, finding Li Yuan in the middle of his leisurely stroll.
Li Yuan sighed, looking at Gerald's dejected expression. "You guys really botched something as simple as recruitment. Come, I'll show you how the Infinite Pirate Crew recruits people. Watch and learn!"
He shook his head. These guys—pirates by nature—were trying to copy the Marines' formal recruitment methods. No wonder they failed miserably!
"Do you know where Fish-Man District is?"
"Yes!" Gerald nodded quickly.
"Good. Lead the way. We're heading to Fish-Man District to recruit people."
"But, Captain—"
"No buts. We're recruiting people with guts, not those who only know how to patrol."
Li Yuan cut Gerald off mid-protest, his tone firm.
---
Following Li Yuan's orders, the Infinite Pirate Crew made their way to Fish-Man District.
Fish-Man District was the most chaotic, lawless, and violent area of Fish-Man Island. It also served as an orphanage of sorts, a haven for outcasts that even Ryugu Kingdom couldn't govern. It was, in every sense, the lawless zone of Fish-Man Island.
"What the hell are you Infinite Pirate Crew trash doing here? Fish-Man District doesn't welcome you. Get lost!"
The moment they arrived, a group of Fish-Man thugs blocked their way, hurling insults.
"How amusing," Li Yuan said with a chuckle. "This world is full of fools, isn't it? No matter how powerful you are or how famous your name, there will always be some idiots ready to provoke you."
With a smirk, he turned to Barrett and Ashura Doji. "You two, rough them up a bit. Don't use Conqueror's Haki, and make sure not to kill anyone."
"Understood!"
Barrett and Ashura Doji's eyes lit up with interest. After days of inactivity, their muscles were itching for action.
With a resounding bang, the thugs who had been taunting Li Yuan were sent flying by Barrett and Ashura Doji's punches. The pain was so intense they couldn't even stand up.
"Damn them! They dare cause trouble in Fish-Man District? Brothers, let's take them down!"
Seeing their comrades beaten, more Fish-Men joined the fray, charging at Barrett and Ashura Doji.
But no matter how many came, they were all sent flying, defeated by nothing more than bare fists. The chaos escalated, and soon, the entire district echoed with the sounds of anguished cries.
Within minutes, half of Fish-Man District lay in ruins, with its inhabitants sprawled across the ground, bleeding and groaning in pain.
"You filthy scum think you can insult the captain of the Infinite Pirate Crew? How clueless can you get?"
Barrett taunted as he continued his rampage. "Our captain actually sees potential in you, but you dare to refuse us? Just how delusional are you?"
He sneered at the defeated Fish-Men, their groans silenced by fear. Those who dared to retort were swiftly beaten again.
---
"Stop! All of you, stop this madness!"
A booming voice rang out from the back of the district as a towering, red-skinned Fish-Man led a group of thousands toward the scene. His eyes were bloodshot with fury.
"It's Boss Tiger! We're saved!"
The fallen Fish-Men's eyes lit up at the sight of the newcomer, their strongest fighter, Fisher Tiger.
"Fish-Man Karate: Five-Thousand-Tile True Punch!"
Tiger roared, charging toward Barrett with his fist coated in powerful water energy.
"Your punch is weak. No strength at all," Barrett said calmly, standing still as Tiger's fist landed square on his chest, failing to make him budge an inch.
Losing interest, Barrett threw a casual punch, sending Fisher Tiger flying.
"Impossible!"
The district fell silent. No one could believe what they had just witnessed. Their strongest warrior, Fisher Tiger, had been defeated in a single blow.
Fish-Men, naturally ten times stronger than humans, watched their leader crumble. Their belief in their innate superiority shattered.
"Why are you here?" Tiger managed to ask, struggling to his feet despite his injuries.
Li Yuan stepped forward, exuding Conqueror's Haki. The overwhelming aura pressed down on every Fish-Man present, forcing them to their knees.
"We're here to recruit Fish-Men for the Infinite Pirate Crew. Fish-Man District is chaotic, dirty, and dangerous—the perfect place to find warriors. My actions were merely a test to see if you're as formidable as your reputation suggests."
His voice thundered across the district, shaking the hearts of all who heard it.
"You live in this dark, filthy place because you're weak. Even your fellow Fish-Men see you as trash, wishing you'd disappear. If you stay here, you'll die nameless, forgotten in this wretched district."
"Join the Infinite Pirate Crew, and I'll give you the chance to grow stronger. The chance to change your destiny."
Li Yuan's words struck deep. As he turned to leave, the Fish-Men could only watch in stunned silence, his aura dissipating as swiftly as it had come.
"I'm Gerald, Division Captain of the I
nfinite Pirate Crew!"
Though Li Yuan had left, Gerald remained behind, introducing himself with a complicated expression.
Chapter 233: Strange Thoughts
"Hmph!"
As Li Yuan was momentarily distracted by the scene before him, a sharp voice full of jealousy echoed. His arm was swiftly enveloped in a soft embrace, pulled into a comforting yet possessive "harbor."
Toki's face was a mask of frosty disapproval as she glared at the scantily clad mermaid women attempting to charm Li Yuan.
If her combat abilities were better, she might have charged forward to teach these brazen mermaids a lesson.
"Ahem, feel free to explore Fish-Man Island, but don't cause any major destruction," Li Yuan instructed Barrett and the others, amused by Toki's protective demeanor. He then carried her away from the crowd of overly enthusiastic mermaids, flying directly to the bustling streets of Fish-Man Island.
---
"Barrett, Ashura Doji, come on! I'll show you around and make sure you're satisfied!"
Once Li Yuan left, Fish-Man Jeraral took charge, promising an unforgettable tour. Despite their embarrassment, Barrett and Ashura Doji's curiosity won out, and they followed Jeraral determinedly.
After all, as core officers of the Infinite Pirates, how could they be outdone by a team leader?
---
"Li Yuan, those floating bubbles look fun! Can we buy one?"
"Ah! What an adorable cake! I love it!"
"Wow, they even have a circus performance! Let's check it out!"
Having shaken off the overzealous mermaids, Li Yuan and Toki wandered the island's lively streets. For Li Yuan, visiting Fish-Man Island for the first time, the sights were novel and intriguing, and he happily indulged Toki as they explored.
---
"Li Yuan-dono, I am Neptune, King of Fish-Man Island. I have prepared a banquet in the palace and would be honored by your presence."
Their stroll was soon interrupted by the arrival of King Neptune himself.
"Let's visit Ryugu Palace," Li Yuan suggested to Toki. "It's said to be the most exquisite place on the island."
Toki nodded, understanding that Li Yuan had important matters to discuss.
---
As they passed through a plaza, Li Yuan noticed a golden-haired mermaid passionately speaking to a sparse and disinterested crowd. Many onlookers even cast disdainful glances her way.
What piqued Li Yuan's interest wasn't the speech but the faint aura emanating from her—a unique type of Observation Haki capable of influencing emotions.
"Who is that?" Li Yuan asked.
"That's my queen, Otohime," Neptune replied. "She's sharing her ideals with the people. Let me invite her to join us at the palace."
Otohime noticed Neptune approaching with Li Yuan and promptly ended her speech to accompany them.
---
Ryugu Palace lived up to its reputation, dazzling with underwater splendor. The banquet was a feast of exotic delicacies, accompanied by live music and captivating dances performed by graceful mermaids.
---
"Otohime-dono, I noticed you speaking earlier. What were you advocating for?"
Li Yuan's curiosity was genuine, though his mind wandered briefly to a peculiar question:
Otohime was a goldfish mermaid, standing about 2 meters tall, while Neptune was a coelacanth merman, towering at 12 meters.
How did these two manage to have children together?
Their offspring were a fascinating mix:
Their eldest son, Shark Star, was a 6-meter-tall shark merman.
Second son, King Star, was a 5-meter-tall oarfish merman.
Third son, Flip Star, was a 4-meter-tall sunfish merman.
And their youngest, Princess Shirahoshi, was already 12 meters tall at just 16 years old.
The logistics baffled Li Yuan, but he wisely refrained from asking.
---
Otohime's eyes lit up at Li Yuan's question.
"My dream is for Fish-Man Island's merfolk and humans to coexist peacefully on land."
"I've been gathering signatures from like-minded individuals here on Fish-Man Island. Once I have enough, I plan to approach humans, the Navy, the World Government, and even the Celestial Dragons to secure their support."
She spoke with fervor, sensing Li Yuan's genuine interest. If she could gain his endorsement, her dream might become a reality.
To Li Yuan, however, her vision was laughably naive.
---
"Otohime, your dream is impossible," Li Yuan interrupted, cutting her off before she could continue. "It's too naive."
Otohime's expression faltered, her radiant smile fading into disappointment. She looked like she'd been hit by a wave of negativity. But her resolve quickly resurfaced, as if the storm of doubt had passed.
"Why do you think it's impossible, Li Yuan-dono?" Neptune asked, silently supporting his wife's aspirations despite knowing their impracticality.
"Fish-Man Island is too weak to demand equality with humans. Without equality, coexistence is impossible."
"Moreover, humans themselves are far from united. Kingdoms, Navies, pirates—they're constantly at war. If humans can't coexist peacefully among themselves, how can they possibly coexist with another species?"
Li Yuan's words were harsh but realistic.
---
Otohime fell silent, disheartened by the truth.
But Li Yuan offered a glimmer of hope.
"While peaceful coexistence is unrealistic, your people can still live on land. I can offer Fish-Man Island a place in the Infinite Sea."
Otohime's eyes lit up again.
"How would that work?" she asked eagerly.
"I'll provide an island for your people to live on under the protection of the Infinite Pirates. In exchange, I'll form a Fish-Man Fleet, led by Jeraral, to fight for my crew."
"Additionally, Fish-Man Island will become part of our territory, and we'll ensure its safety from pirates and slave traders."
---
Otohime beamed with excitement.
"That's wonderful, Li Yuan-dono! I'm sure many will seize this opportunity to experience life on land."
Neptune, however, voiced his concerns.
"Otohime, I cannot let you go alone to the Infinite Sea. I must accompany you as king!"
""And besides, you are the Great Knight of the Sea, incredibly powerful. Even if you return safely, it won't prove anything to our people," Otohime argued passionately.
"Only if someone like me—a simple mermaid with no extraordinary strength—can live there peacefully and return unharmed will it truly demonstrate that everything the Infinite Pirates have promised is real."
"Neptune, you must believe in me. This is Fish-Man Island's opportunity, a chance we cannot afford to miss. You know as well as I do how much good this could bring to our people."
---
Neptune's resolve began to waver as he looked into Otohime's determined eyes. Her unwavering conviction softened his heart, as it always did.
"You may go, but only if you take a group of guards with you. That is my bottom line," Neptune said, his tone firm but tinged with the deep affection he held for his wife.
He loved her deeply and had always supported her, even when her ideas seemed far-fetched. Whatever she asked, no matter how outrageous, he would choose to believe in her.
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