novelnext Chapter 163 Heading to Dressrosa
Chapter 163 Heading to Dressrosa
Chapter 163 Heading to Dressrosa
"Speaking of passion, I'm reminded of something from the past!"
King Neptune then changed the subject and began telling old stories.
"Once upon a time, a human navigator came to Fishman Island. He was terrified when he saw how tall we fishmen were. But after taking a bite of our Crystal Abalone, he burst into tears, saying he had never tasted anything so delicious. He insisted on staying on Fishman Island to become a chef. In the end, we persuaded him to go back. After all, being a chef on Fishman Island is not an easy job, and how could his great dream stop on Fishman Island?"
Bai Yu raised his glass to King Neptune and said in a gentle tone, "King Neptune, thank you for your hospitality. We enjoyed the meal very much."
"Not at all!" King Neptune quickly raised his wine glass and clinked it with Bai Yu's. "It is my honor to have my benefactors enjoy their meal. You may visit Fishman Island anytime in the future, and I will personally accompany you to savor all the delicacies of the deep sea and chat about all the interesting stories of Fishman Island!"
Queen Otohime, looking at everyone gathered together in joy, felt a surge of relief and emotion in her eyes. She picked up the glass of juice on the table and said to everyone, "Gentlemen, thank you for saving Fishman Island, for saving our home. Thank you for being with us and for enjoying the delicious food of Fishman Island. I believe that with your blessings, Fishman Island will soon be able to emerge from the deep sea and realize our dream of peace and freedom. I propose that we raise a glass together, to peace, to friendship, and to this joyous gathering! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their wine glasses and juices, clinking them gently together. The crisp sound of the glasses clinking echoed through the Dragon Palace Hall, mingling with laughter, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
King Neptune looked at everything before him, a satisfied smile spreading across his face, and exclaimed, "Cheers!"
May our friendship last forever, may Fishman Island have an ever brighter future, and may all our benefactors enjoy eternal peace and joy, and savor all the world's delicacies!
The banquet continued, the food on the table was constantly being replenished, King Neptune's jokes and witty remarks continued, laughter rose and fell, and a warm atmosphere enveloped the entire Dragon Palace.
The deep blue light of the ocean illuminated the smiles on everyone's faces. The delicious aroma of food and the anticipation for the future all coalesced into the most beautiful scene at this moment.
Connor leaned on Bai Yu's shoulder, gradually getting sleepy. His little mouth was still moving slightly, as if he was still savoring the taste of the food.
Neptune looked at everyone, took another sip of fruit wine, and said with a bold yet emotional tone, "To be honest, I used to worry about the future of Fishman Island, worried that we would never be able to leave the deep sea, worried that Shirahoshi would be harmed. But today, seeing all of you benefactors, seeing everyone's smiles, I suddenly don't worry anymore. Life is like this deep-sea delicacy; as long as you manage it with your heart and protect it with your heart, you will definitely be able to taste the sweetest flavor. As long as we don't give up, the dream of peace will surely be realized!"
The banquet continued late into the night, with the food still plentiful. As darkness deepened, the guests gradually dispersed. Neptune had specially arranged comfortable rooms for Bai Yu and his party to rest. Before leaving, he added, "Everyone, tomorrow morning, I'll take you to try the breakfast on Fishman Island. I guarantee it will be another delicious experience!"
After the banquet ended, the warm afterglow of the Dragon Palace lingered in the tranquility of the deep sea.
Under Neptune's arrangement, Bai Yu and his group went to the Dragon Palace guest rooms to rest.
Connor curled up in the soft coral bedding, a faint smile still on his lips, probably still savoring the delicious aroma of the abalone in his dreams.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the servants of the Dragon Palace delivered breakfast to the guest room. The crystal-clear deep-sea pearl porridge was steaming hot, accompanied by fried monkfish chunks, chilled sea grapes, and a uniquely prepared cuttlefish sushi. Every dish was exquisite and delicious, living up to King Neptune's promise.
Neptune also personally accompanied everyone to dinner, and then talked on and on about the interesting stories of Fishman Island: the experience of Queen Otohime traveling alone to human islands to advocate for peace between fishmen and humans when she was young; the adventure of Princess Shirahoshi accidentally touching the territory of the Sea Kings when she was a child and being gently protected by them; and how the artisans of Fishman Island spent hundreds of years developing a coating technology that could withstand the pressure of the deep sea.
Queen Otohime sat to the side, occasionally adding a few words. Connor, while munching on a piece of monkfish, asked questions with his round eyes, which made everyone laugh frequently. The initially slightly awkward distance gradually became intimate and close in their daily interactions.
In the days that followed, Bai Yu and his group fully integrated into life on Fishman Island.
Bai Yu often accompanied King Neptune to the market on Fishman Island, where they saw all sorts of deep-sea specialties displayed on the rows of stalls.
Pearls shimmering with iridescent light, seaweed that strengthens the body, delicious deep-sea fish, and coral ornaments handcrafted by fishermen—each item is filled with the unique charm of the deep sea.
He would occasionally talk with the artisans of Fishman Island, watching them carefully coat the Dawn. That thin coating embodied the skills passed down through generations of fishmen, protecting them as they left the deep sea.
Connor became the darling of Fishman Island, playing with Princess Shirahoshi in the coral reefs every day, chasing and frolicking with the little mermaids. His small figure darted among the colorful coral reefs, and his laughter echoed throughout the entire Fishman Island.
The companions also gained something from their trip. Some learned underwater combat skills from the warriors of Fishman Island, some studied the medicinal value of deep-sea plants, and others immersed themselves in the culture of Fishman Island, feeling the gentleness and resilience of this deep-sea kingdom.
"Mr. Shiraha, I know the new world is full of dangers, but I believe that with your courage and kindness, you will be able to reach your destination safely. I only hope that on your journey, you will remember the sentiments of Fishman Island and occasionally do your part for the peace between fishmen and humans."
In response to Queen Otohime's repeated instructions, Shiraha nodded: "Your Highness, rest assured, wherever we go, we will make more people understand Fishman Island and accept the Fishman race."
As the days passed, the coating work on the Dawn was finally completed thanks to the meticulous work of the artisans on Fishman Island.
The pale blue coating covered every corner of the giant ship, gleaming with a warm luster under the deep blue light of the sea, like a solid suit of armor.
On the day of departure, the people of Fishman Island came to the port, holding deep-sea specialties in their hands, their eyes filled with reluctance.
The Neptune clan boarded the Dawnbreaker themselves, patted Bai Yu on the shoulder, and said with a tone of both pride and reluctance: "Brother Bai Yu, we part today, and who knows when we will meet again. Remember, Fishman Island will always be your support. No matter what difficulties you encounter in the New World, as long as you turn back, Fishman Island will always open its doors to you!"
Queen Otohime held Connor in her arms, gently stroking her head, and hung a necklace made of deep-sea pearls around her neck: "Connor, take good care of yourself from now on, go on adventures with Mr. Shiraha, and be sure to come back to see us and Shirahoshi when you have time."
Princess Shirahoshi stood to the side, her eyes slightly red, clutching a sea king doll she had sewn herself. She placed it in Connor's hand, saying, "Connor, this is for you. It's like I'm with you. I wish you a safe journey."
Connor hugged the doll, nuzzled Princess Otohime's cheek, and looked at Princess Shirahoshi: "Auntie Princess, Sister Shirahoshi, I will definitely come back. I want to eat King Neptune's glass abalone again, and play with you in the coral reefs."
Bai Yu and his group stood on the deck of the Dawnbreaker, bowing deeply to King Neptune, Queen Otohime, and the people of Fishman Island in the port, their hearts filled with gratitude.
"Dear friends of Fishman Island, thank you for your hospitality and protection these past few days. We will definitely return!"
Bai Yu's voice echoed in the deep sea, carrying sincere feelings.
With Bai Yu's command, the Dawnbreaker slowly started, its engines emitting a deep and powerful roar, and it slowly sailed towards the surface, following the deep-sea currents. The fish-men waved their hands and shouted farewell until the Dawnbreaker's figure gradually disappeared at the edge of the deep sea before they slowly dispersed.
Connor leaned on the deck railing, clutching the doll Princess Shirahoshi had given him tightly in his hand, looking back towards Fishman Island with eyes full of reluctance.
Bai Yu walked to her side, gently patted her head, and said tenderly, "Don't be sad. After we finish our journey, we'll come back to see them, and then I'll take you to eat all the delicious food on Fishman Island."
Connor nodded, leaned on Bai Yu's shoulder, and gazed at the deep sea ahead, his eyes gradually filling with anticipation.
The moment the Dawnbreaker broke through the sea, the dazzling sunlight shone on the deck, dispelling the chill of the deep sea. Everyone went up to the deck, feeling the warmth of the sun, gazing at the boundless ocean in the distance, their hearts filled with excitement and anticipation. This was the entrance to a new world, a sea full of unknowns and challenges, and also their only way to Dressrosa.
However, the cruelty of the new world was far more intense than they had imagined.
Shortly after setting sail, the once clear sky was instantly covered with dark clouds, a howling wind swept in, and giant waves crashed against the deck of the Dawn like roaring beasts.
Seawater seeped into the cabin through the gaps in the deck, and the giant ship rocked violently in the huge waves, as if it would be swallowed up at any moment.
"Everyone, get back to the cabin and hold on tight!"
Bai Yu shouted loudly, steadying himself while directing his companions to deal with the raging wind and rain.
Each member of the crew performed their duties, with some manipulating the helm and working hard to keep the giant ship on course.
Some people worked hard to clear the water from the deck and reinforce the doors and windows of the cabins;
Someone was checking the removal of the coating. The wind howled and the waves crashed against the deck with a deafening roar. The Dawn was struggling to move forward in the storm, like a leaf adrift at sea, which could encounter danger at any moment.
Just then, a huge tornado suddenly rose from the sea and swept towards the Dawn, its powerful force seemingly about to tear the giant ship apart.
"Oh no, it's a waterspout!"
"Everyone, concentrate your efforts, stabilize the giant ship, follow the ocean current, and avoid the tornado!"
Bai Yu's voice was steady and powerful. His companions immediately focused their attention and, with Bai Yu's help, maneuvered the Dawnbreaker, following the direction of the ocean current, and barely managed to avoid the tornado's attack.
When the Dawnbreaker broke free of the tornado's reach, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They were soaked to the bone and their faces were full of exhaustion. In the face of such a natural disaster, they couldn't rely on puppets alone.
The storm gradually subsided, the sky cleared again, and sunlight shone through the clouds onto the sea, creating shimmering waves.
The deck of the Dawn was in a mess, with water still not completely cleaned up and the hull slightly damaged, but thankfully everyone was safe and sound.
Connor peeked out from Bai Yu's embrace, looking at the calm sea before her, and asked, "Bai Yu, are we safe?" Bai Yu smiled and nodded, wiping the water droplets from her face, "Yes, we're safe. The storm has passed."
The journey to the new world was destined to be anything but smooth. After the storm, Bai Yu and the others immediately threw themselves into the work of repairing the Dawn, cleaning the deck, repairing the hull, and checking the engine. Everyone was busy in an orderly manner.
During the rest of the voyage, the Dawn encountered various dangers. It came upon ferocious sea kings, enormous ocean monsters with gaping maws, lunging at the Dawn. It also encountered a strange, misty sea, where the surface was shrouded in thick fog, reducing visibility to less than a meter and making it impossible to discern directions. Furthermore, it encountered other pirate ships. These vicious pirates, seeing the size of the Dawn, tried to rob it of its supplies, but were easily defeated by Bai Yu and his group and fled in disarray.
Along the way, they also witnessed the strange sights of the new world, including small islands floating on the sea, covered with exotic flowers and plants, and all sorts of creatures they had never seen before.
There are underwater volcanic eruptions, spewing out lava that dyes the entire sea red, but also gives birth to unique deep-sea creatures;
There are huge pods of whales, leaping in groups on the surface of the sea and singing melodious songs.
During the voyage, everyone continued their training. Bai Yu would train on the deck every day to improve his strength, and occasionally he would guide his companions in their training to help them break through their bottlenecks.
In their spare time, the friends would sit around on the deck, sharing their past experiences and discussing their expectations for Dressrosa.
Yes, Bai Yu's goal is very clear: Dressrosa.
They also learned more about Dressrosa from passing merchant ships.
Overall, Dressrosa is a joyful country with bustling towns, exciting bullfighting arenas, and a wide variety of delicious food. King Riku is also a pretty good king.
Days passed, and the Dawn Strike struggled forward on the sea, drawing ever closer to Dressrosa.