Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 8 Kizaru, Research Begins

The person was casually leaning against the wall, twirling a gray top hat on his finger in circles.

He is shorter than Brett and possesses a slender physique. A pair of sunglasses rests atop his forehead, complemented by an easy smile. Were it not for his justice coat, onlookers might mistake him for a traveler rather than a marine officer.

"Mr. Borsalino! What brings you here? "

The rear Admiral, who had exhibited a cold demeanor towards Brett just moments before, appeared a bit flustered. "Weren't you transferred to the G-5 base? "

Brett's expression also shifted to one of seriousness.

Clearly, he could not fail to recognize the figure before him. The man is named Borsalino, a Vice Admiral of the Navy. He is expected to be promoted to Admiral.

He is also the reason for his presence here now.

But as Hager mentioned, was he not supposed to have been transferred?

"There is little I can do in this situation. I have not yet resigned from my position here," Kizaru remarked with a somber expression. "I do not wish to be here either, but given the circumstances, Fleet Admiral Kong is quite upset. "

"You see, Hager, it pertains to Dr. Vegapunk. There will be no negligence on my part, thus I was instructed to come and investigate," he continued.

Rear Admiral Hager's complexion turned pale. It became evident that the superiors were highly displeased with him.

''This was all due to this fucking fish-man!' Anger and resentment surged within him more intensely than ever before.

"I was too lax and allowed this Fish man to exploit the situation," Hager stated gravely. "Rest assured, this will not happen again. "

"Oh! What a refreshing sense of resolve." Kizaru exclaimed as he placed the hat on his head, walked over, and patted Hager on the shoulder with evident satisfaction. "Keep it up."

"Yes, sir! " Hager replied earnestly, releasing a sigh of relief. Vice Admiral Borsalino was not here to send him to military court.

Nevertheless, it was clear that his standing in the eyes of his superiors was undoubtedly tarnished.

Contemplating this, a shadow fell over the Rear Admiral's heart.

'Fucking Fish.'

"In any case, I will be here temporarily until the new base commander arrives," Kizaru stated with a slight sigh. 

He turned to Brett and remarked, "You created quite the uproar, huh?"

It was akin to expressing frustration to a friend after work.

Brett pursed his lips.

He would never forget the blinding light that illuminated the sky at that time.

This was an adversary he could not contend with at present, a true monster among Monsters.

'So he's going to stay at this base? I hope there won't be any problems with my deal with Vegapunk.'

"I have already listened to the doctor's remarks. Please refrain from causing any trouble."

Kizaru positioned his hands on his hips and stated with seriousness, "Otherwise, it could become quite perilous....for you. "

His tone was gentle and even compassionate, while his words conveyed a sense of calm.

Nevertheless, in that moment, Brett felt a chill running down his spine.

It felt as if an unseen force was gripping his heart, causing it to cease its rhythmic beating.

In a mere instant, Brett's prison attire became drenched in sweat.

"Alright, Borsalino, do not frighten him; I will proceed with the experiment now."

A different voice interrupted.

It belonged to Vegapunk.

The laboratory was quite expansive, filled with numerous pieces of equipment that Brett could not comprehend. Presently, Vegapunk was seated in front of a computer, typing away at the keyboard.

"I was merely conversing with him." Kizaru said with a smile.

The pressure that had weighed upon Brett dissipated immediately, allowing him to breathe normally once again.

'What was that? Was it merely his imposing presence, not some form of conqueror's haki?'

"You may converse at any time; currently, however, it is my turn," Vegapunk said as he rose from his seat and approached while shaking his head.

"Naturally, as the scientist, your research takes precedence," Kizaru acknowledged without question. "Fleet Admiral Kong and the government are eager for your results. "

"Hager, let us exit first so we do not interrupt the doctor's work," 

Rear Admiral Hager said hesitantly. "But sir, are you truly going to leave this Fishman alone with the doctor? "

"Don't worry, the doctor will manage" Kizaru replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Moreover, I have specifically cautioned him; he will undoubtedly be compliant, right? "

The last remark was directed at Brett.

Brett remained silent for a moment, reflecting, "Given the circumstances, there is no need for me to pursue trouble. "

"See, isn't this situation favorable? " Kizaru said with a grin. "Moreover, do not underestimate the doctor. "

Hager nodded in compliance.

The two turned and made their way to the exit. As they reached the door, Kizaru unexpectedly pivoted.

"By the way," he directed his gaze at Brett, "I have not seen you for over three months. Your presence seems significantly more powerful. Have you maintained your exercise routine? That is impressive. "

Brett faced away from him, his demeanor entirely tense.

' Observation Haki!?

"But please keep my earlier warning in mind. "

A shutting sound was heard behind him as Kizaru finally exited.

Brett exhaled a long sigh of relief.

That Marine exerted too much pressure on him. The sensation of his life resting in another's hands is dreadful.

"Hahahaha, are you scared, young one? " Vegapunk chuckled joyfully. He moved to the side and began fiddling with some apparatus. "Exercise caution in the future; that guy Borsalino is not to be underestimated. "

Brett regulated his breathing. He was fully aware of this fact. Kizaru represented the unequivocal pinnacle of strength at sea. Having participated in countless battles, he was a formidable person devoid of weaknesses in power, determination, and expertise.

"I don't believe I have arrived at the stage where I must be cautious of someone of that caliber," Brett stated with composure.

Is Kizaru cautious of him?

Certainly, he is.

Kizaru's level of vigilance towards him is, at most, akin to noticing an open pit and warning others to be careful.

"Hahahaha, you young one, are you quite aware of yourself? " Vegapunk chuckled, "But there's no need to overly concern yourself; Borsalino won't be here for an extended period. "

"The admirals will soon be replaced, he will be elevated to the rank of Admiral. The government will not allow his combat prowess to remain unmonitored here. "

"The new base commander should already be en route. "

"Alright, my young friend, it doesn't matter how much you think about this. While I am present, you will be secure. "

Vegapunk said with a smile, "Now, let me conduct a thorough examination of your body first. "

"Understood. "

Brett affirmed with a nod.

At this juncture, faith in Vegapunk seems to be the only option.

"Excellent! The first task is to meticulously analyze your bloodline, followed by selecting the suitable bloodline factors! "

At that very moment, outside the room.

Kizaru stretched and yawned, "Honestly, I arrived here so early in the morning and hardly slept at all."

Rear Admiral Hager insightfully indicated, "Mr. Borsalino you may go rest first. I will simply observe from here. "

"Oh! Then I will leave it to you! "

Kizaru accepted the suggestion without hesitation, smiling as he added, "You must closely monitor that fish-man, Hager. "

"Yes. "

Hager nodded earnestly, "You can rely on me."

"No, I mean, maintain vigilance over him from this moment onward. "

Kizaru remarked leisurely, "Is a megalodon-shaped fish-man truly that gifted? "

Hager briefly appeared taken aback, then replied,

"I understand, I will watch him closely until the doctor's experimentation is complete! "

"Very well. "

Kizaru acknowledged with a slight nod.