Chapter 52: Fishman Island
In Battle Through the Heavens, Xiao Huohuo, a time traveler, possessed naturally stronger soul power than others. Although it was just a novel, its explanation seemed plausible to Charlotte at the moment.
Breaking through to the level of a fighter at the age of eleven and becoming adept at refining medicine—all due to powerful soul energy—was something Charlotte could relate to.
Charlotte realized that ever since learning Armament Haki, he had dedicated most of his training to honing it, mastering Conqueror's Haki, and improving his swordsmanship. He left his Observation Haki to grow naturally, which explained his rapid increase in strength.
At almost eighteen years old, with less than three months until his birthday, Charlotte reflected on his progress.
Luffy became one of the Four Emperors at nineteen. At seventeen, I already tied with Zephyr, who hadn't yet reached his peak. Am I really this strong?
The thought brought a slight smirk to his face. If Paul, who stood beside him, knew what Charlotte was thinking, he would undoubtedly curse him internally.
A great swordsman at barely eighteen? It was simply unheard of.
Paul, having overheard during their stay on Qilan Island that Charlotte had broken through to the level of a great swordsman, had been completely stunned. He initially assumed Charlotte was around twenty, overestimating on purpose, but even then, he had underestimated Charlotte's talent.
Just as Charlotte was lost in thought, a voice called out.
"Captain! We've arrived at Fishman Island!"
Isaac's voice brought Charlotte back to reality.
Standing at the bow, Charlotte took in his surroundings. The underwater world of Fishman Island was illuminated by the light of the Sunlight Tree Eve, a unique sight that immediately lifted his spirits.
Though the light wasn't as bright as natural sunlight on land, it was still mesmerizing. Charlotte admired the view but thought, It's no wonder these fishmen and mermaids yearn for the surface. Even with this beauty, it's still somewhat stifling.
The ship passed through the protective bubble surrounding Fishman Island and landed safely.
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"Welcome to—oh no! Pirate Charlotte!"
A group of Fishman Island guards had approached to greet the ship, but upon recognizing Charlotte, their expressions turned to shock and panic.
"Sound the alarm! It's the pirate Charlotte!"
"Woo woo woo!"
The blaring of alarms echoed throughout Fishman Island, spreading fear among its residents.
Charlotte, initially pleased by the warm welcome, felt his mood sour instantly.
Standing at the bow, he frowned as he observed the chaos among the guards. While they appeared nervous, they still stood their ground, clutching their spears tightly.
"Pirate Charlotte, you are not welcome here! Leave immediately!"
The lead guard stepped forward, his voice firm, though his shaking hands betrayed his fear.
"Haha! Boss, looks like we're not welcome!"
Paul drew the rapier from his waist, a bloodthirsty grin spreading across his face.
Behind him, the other pirates followed suit, drawing their weapons and pointing them at the guards.
As the alarm continued to blare, waves of armored Fishman Island guards arrived with spears in hand.
When a general of Fishman Island arrived and saw Charlotte, he froze in disbelief.
"Blood… Blood Sword Master Charlotte!"
The general stood still, shocked to see such a notorious pirate in person.
Charlotte sighed, holding his forehead. Why is visiting Fishman Island such a hassle?
Suddenly, he began to laugh.
"Hahahaha!"
His soft chuckles grew into loud, maniacal laughter, startling everyone present.
"Hahahaha! Are you really planning to stop me?" Charlotte's voice turned cold, his piercing gaze making the guards shiver.
The Fishman general hesitated but stepped forward, his face filled with determination.
"Pirate Charlotte! We don't want to fight you, but if you threaten our home, we'll stop you at any cost!"
The general's voice trembled, but he tried to project courage.
Charlotte's lips curled into a smirk. "Oh? You think you can stop me? Let's see you try."
The Fishman general clenched his fists and assumed a combat stance.
"Fishman Karate: Five Thousand Tile True Punch!"
With a loud shout, the general launched a powerful punch toward Charlotte.
Charlotte remained still, unimpressed by the attack.
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Watching the situation unfold, Paul muttered, "Boss, looks like it's time to show them what you've got."
Charlotte's smirk deepened. He recalled Luffy's dramatic use of Conqueror's Haki to subdue 100,000 enemies on Fishman Island.
"Let's clean this up."
Releasing his Conqueror's Haki, Charlotte unleashed a wave of sheer willpower that rippled outward.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
One by one, over a thousand Fishman guards collapsed to the ground, foaming at the mouth.
Paul sheathed his sword, clicking his tongue in envy. "Tch! There you go again, boss. Conqueror's Haki really is a cheat."
Only the general remained standing, though barely. His legs trembled, and sweat poured down his face as he struggled against Charlotte's overwhelming aura.
"This… This is Conqueror's Haki!" the general muttered in disbelief. "Why… Why would someone with this potential serve under another?"
Charlotte ignored him, watching as additional guards rushed forward. However, as soon as they entered the range of his Haki, they too collapsed.
The remaining guards dared not advance further, instead shouting for their comrades from a safe distance.
Charlotte sighed. "If this is the best you've got, you're wasting my time."
With a flick of his wrist, Charlotte gestured to his crew.
"Let's move. I didn't come here to waste time on weaklings."
His men followed, stepping over the unconscious guards as they made their way into Fishman Island.
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