Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 12 The Fruit of Blood, Time of Freedom

'The Doctor genuinely intends to meet this Fishman once again .Furthermore, it has only been a week!'

Hager gestured for the marine officer delivering the order to exit before him. A frown adorned his face.

'There is something amiss.This situation is problematic.'

He calmly proceeded to open the prison door.

Within the confines of the cell, Brett was engaged in his routine exercises.

This physique already possesses exceptional talent; however, further refinement is required to fully actualize that potential promptly.

Upon observing Hager enter through the door, he recognized that the anticipated moment had come.

'A week had elapsed. The remaining fruits must have been properly cultivated.'

Brett looked forward to it.

Yet, Hager, who would typically have opened the door to facilitate his release, remained stationed in front of it.

Brett furrowed his brow.

' What's his problem?'

"Why does the doctor frequently ask for you? " Hager said coldly, suppressing his inner revulsion.

'Had Vegapunk's reckless behavior aroused his suspicion?'

Brett pondered internally but responded calmly, "Naturally, I intend to assist him with his research. "

His tone held a hint of playfulness. "Don't you know how Vegapunk is? "

Hager was aware that Vegapunk was an obsessive scientist solely focused on his research.

However, this created complications. He found himself genuinely concerned that the cunning and disgusting fish-man before him might have misled Dr. Vegapunk.

He firmly believed that this repugnant fish-man would resort to anything for his own survival.

If he cannot extract any information worth noting from him, it may be preferable to pose questions directly to the doctor.

Hager stepped aside, stating, "Let us proceed to see the Doctor. "

'This guy seems intent on undertaking something.'

As Brett walked outside, he contemplated.

It just so happens that today is the day.

'He will not obstruct the process.'

In a state of tension and eagerness, Brett found himself once more at Vegapunk's laboratory.

He pushed the door open.

"Doctor, I'm here."

Brett entered the laboratory, as he was about to close the door, a hand stopped it.

Hager entered behind him.

'Fuck.'

A flash of concern crossed Brett's mind.

'What if he discovers something? Should I flee immediately?

Or should I assess the possibility of Killing him, consuming the fruit, and then escape.

Well, there is no need for worry; let us first see what Vegapunk has to say.'

"Doctor!"

Hager's gaze wandered throughout the laboratory, and he soon spotted Vegapunk, who was diligently scribbling on a large sheet of paper laid out on a table.

This was the first occasion in a considerable time that he had encountered the doctor.

Upon hearing Hager's voice, Vegapunk looked up, brow furrowed, and asked, "Hager? What is the matter? "

The Rear Admiral found himself speechless upon hearing this.

"Doctor, I have some reservations regarding this fish man."

Upon reflection, Hager opted to convey his concerns plainly, stating, "This Fishman has epitomized the malice and brutality inherent to his species. Frequent interaction with him poses a risk. "

Brett cast a glance at the rear Admiral.

"What a fascinating remark. "

Vegapunk set aside his pen and stretched, the sound of his spine cracking audible. "However, I find this fishman rather impressive. He has been quite helpful to me."

Hager expressed disbelief, saying, "Doctor, you must have been misled by him! "

"Well, I don't have time to engage in idle chatter with you," Vegapunk waved his hand dismissively. "Leave now; I need to commence the experiment, and the government is applying a lot pressure. "

"But Doctor—"

"Do not waste my time, Marine! "

This was the first instance in which Brett observed Vegapunk displaying such a displeased demeanor.

Indeed, he was also anticipating the next fruit-eating session.

Hager exhibited an extremely reluctant expression, yet he recognized that altering Vegapunk's resolution was beyond his capability.

"I will remain outside, Doctor. Should you require anything, please do not hesitate to call for me."

He exited and shut the door behind him.

"Doctor, he appears to be concerned for your well-being," Brett locked the door and turned to face Vegapunk.

"His concern is not for me; rather, it is for Dr. Vegapunk," Dr. Vegapunk remarked nonchalantly.

Brett smiled knowingly.

"Let us not prolong this discussion. Do you have enough space in your stomach? "

Vegapunk walked to a cabinet in the laboratory, opened it, retrieved eight fruits, and arranged them in a line on the table.

"It is an impressive sight. "

Brett sincerely expressed his admiration.

Although these are not devil fruits, their appearance resembles them, and they are indeed striking when displayed together in this manner.

Vegapunk began to elucidate the powers and lineage origins embedded in each of these fruits, one by one.

The Bubble's lineage aside, the remaining fruits include:

"The first offers strength and endurance, sourced from the super-ancient giant stomach king, the Didom giant lantern fish. "

"Defensive capabilities are derived from the primitive diamond fish of the ancient deep sea. Its counterpart, the ruthless deep-sea predator Death Squid, supplies remarkable agility and reflexes, along with the ability to perceive in the dark depths. "

Vegapunk placed the first three fruits before Brett, then gestured towards the next trio of fruits. "Following these are thunder, flames, and strong winds. "

"Thunder and fire are straightforward. The ancient electric eel, the preeminent power source of the sea, and the fearsome fire-breathing ray that terrified marine creatures in ancient times will fulfill your requirements. "

He rested his hand upon the third fruit. "Even the most troublesome wind can be harnessed through the giant fog fish, which generates clouds, and the technology of Skypiea Speaking of Skypiea," Vegapunk remarked with a grin, "what I am imparting to you is merely their technology for generating wind. If your interests extend to other subjects, you can visit it. "

Brett found himself momentarily at a loss for words, "Doctor, why must you exert yourself so much? "

"Is what you seek merely the wind? " Vegapunk responded with a smile.

"Very well, then there is one final one."

He gave the three fruits symbolizing Fire, Thunder, and Wind to Brett, then grasped the last fruit in his hand and tossed it toward Brett, saying, "You're really afraid of death, huh?. "

"The blood from the primordial era of life, along with the adaptability of the giant tardigrade. "

…

Hager remained stationed at the laboratory entrance, his fists tightly clenched.

The doctor trusted that repugnant fishman and did not believe me.

Just a disgusting fishman.

How could Vegapunk, regarded as the most intelligent person in the world, display such a foolishness?

"Oh! Hager, why are you standing here? "

An aged voice asked.

Hager turned in surprise, "Vice Admiral Occam! What brings you here? "

The gray-haired base commander approached slowly, stating, "I've received communication from headquarters. We need to confer with Dr. Vegapunk. "

This is timely.

Hager replied earnestly, "The doctor and the fishman are currently in the laboratory. The doctor has been engaging with the fishman too frequently of late. Vice Admiral Occam, I fear he may have been misled by the fishman. "

"Oh."

The elderly Vice Admiral nodded knowingly, then added with a smile, "Truly, Hager, trust in the doctor; he is not one to be duped. Since he is conducting experiments, we should wait a moment. "

"Is that fishman present as well? Coincidentally, the matter I wish to discuss pertains to him."

Rear Admiral Hager silently ground his teeth.

Is this elder too indifferent to complicate matters since he is approaching retirement?

However, he kept his composure and recollected the Vice Admiral's words clearly, "About that fishman? What is the situation? "

"This, are you not aware yet? A new Warlord has emerged, namely the fishman Jinbei from the Sun Pirates. When invited to become a Warlord he stipulated a condition. "

…

"What? "

A sharp exclamation rang out from outside the door, which the heavy metal barrier could not entirely muffle.

Brett, attempting to force down the last morsel of fruit, thumped his chest.

He had no time to focus on what the person outside was shouting. He had consumed eight large and unpalatable fruits in succession; while his stomach might manage, he found it quite intolerable.

"Hahaha, young one, just focus on digesting it well from here on out."

Vegapunk beamed joyfully, "I eagerly anticipate what you will become in the future. "

"I too am looking forward to it."

Brett grimaced in revulsion, and it took considerable time for the offensive odor to finally fade away.

"Very well, but please do not keep the people outside waiting for too long. "

Vegapunk approached and opened the door to the laboratory.

"Oh, has the experiment concluded? "

The Vice Admiral and base commander, whom Brett had encountered previously, entered slowly with his hands clasped behind him, wearing a smile that conveyed kindness.

Brett observed the Vice Admiral cast a glance in his direction.

He also noted the somber expression of Rear Admiral Hager, who trailed behind the Vice Admiral.

"Vice Admiral? "

Vegapunk inquired with keen interest, "What is the issue? "

Brett was aware of the Vice Admiral's tendency to avoid movement due to his advanced age. His presence today indicated the gravity of the situation.

"Communication from headquarters," stated the Vice Admiral with a smile. "The fishman Jinbei of the Sun Pirates has finally accepted the government's proposal to become the new Warlord, albeit with a stipulation. "

Upon hearing this, Brett's heart began to race.

'Is this the moment I've been waiting for?'

"He requests that the government releases all detained fish-man pirates associated with the Sun Pirates," The Vice Admiral continued.

"Absolutely not! "

Rear Admiral Hager could no longer contain his frustration and exclaimed incredulously, "While it may not concern the other fishmen who are absent, this fishman."

He gestured toward Brett, "has inflicted significant damage in the past; how can we simply let him go? "

"Furthermore, this base houses the government's secrets, and he has already been exposed to sensitive information."

"That is indeed the case. I too feel some reservations. Jinbei's request is that all his companions must be protected. When the government initially contacted him, they assured him of his friends' safety. Now, I fear he may not settle for anything less," The Vice Admiral sighed. "This issue pertains to the recruitment of a Warlord, but our base is indeed classified. Therefore, doctor,"

He directed his gaze toward Vegapunk, "I would like to hear your thoughts. "

Hager turned his attention to Vegapunk.

Brett also looked at Vegapunk.