Chapter 59: Future Core Team
"Kid, stop crying. This is a time to be happy. What's there to cry about?"
"Sorry, but... I can't control it."
"We're taking you home soon. Taste the wine of Fish-man Island. Even on Fish-man Island, this is a premium brew. I bought this bottle from a boutique in Fishverly Hills."
Shark couldn't remember clearly how he was brought back to the ship. From the moment he stepped on the deck, he was wrapped in the warmth of his compatriots once again.
The songs of his hometown, the fine wine of his homeland—he once thought he would never have the chance to experience these again. But now, they were within reach.
The wine of Fish-man Island wasn't strong spirits, but a light fruit wine brewed from various fruits. The smooth texture made Shark start recalling things from the past.
"Fish-man District No. 37? That was your old place? Another family lives there now, but don't worry. We'll arrange a new place for you once we get back."
The situation in the Fish-man District had always been like this. The population turnover was high. If someone disappeared for a while, their room would be given to newcomers.
This was especially true for someone like Shark who had been missing from the Fish-man District for several years. Given the situation in the Fish-man District, housing resources wouldn't be left vacant.
"Come on, little bro. See which design you like? If you're determined to join us and walk the path of battle, I recommend Big Bro's flag. It's the most popular design on the ship.
If you have something else you like, you can talk to me too."
There were professional tattoo artists on Nereus's ship. After all, many former slaves bore the mark of shame. Covering it directly with a branding iron was a somewhat cruel process.
Usually, various designs were used to cover them up. Additionally, people without slave backgrounds sometimes got tattoos too, so outsiders couldn't judge a crew member's past based on this.
After all, this was a different world; tattoo culture was quite widespread on this sea.
"Can I... join too?"
"Of course. As long as you're willing to follow some rules, joining Big Bro isn't difficult. After all, you are a Fish-man too."
The wine of Fish-man Island wasn't strong, but it was very intoxicating. People around didn't hesitate to pour drinks for Shark, the newcomer. Before they knew it, a large number of people had passed out on the deck.
Such moments of indulgence were rare for them. No matter what, they couldn't be hungover every day.
Shark also groggily chose his design. At this moment, the tattoo artist was working on his body.
"Ugh... so full... Kuma-chi, you shrank again. This looks more like a little brother should."
Ginny lay on the side with a bloated belly, watching Kuma dancing with the Fish-men nearby.
After bringing Shark out of the sea earlier, Shark returned to the church and called these two companions over.
They were life-and-death friends from God Valley and had lived together for several months, sharing a bond.
Shark didn't think too much at the time; he just felt they could eat their fill better at the banquet. Moreover, Nereus intended to find them anyway. Some things taken from Kuma needed to be returned.
The first and second halves of the banquet were two completely different stages. By the second half, those who felt tired had gone to sleep, leaving mostly drunkards.
Perhaps because they hadn't been this happy in a long time, Kuma and Ginny were still energetic. Nereus also approached them at this time.
"Tomorrow morning, I'm taking Shark away. How have you considered it? Continue living in the Sorbet Kingdom, or come with Shark to a new home?"
One had mastered intelligence gathering and eavesdropping at a young age, and the other was a user of the Paw-Paw Fruit (Nikyu Nikyu no Mi). Both were talents.
On this sea, talent was crucial. Sometimes the gap between people was even bigger than the gap between humans and dogs.
"If it won't trouble you..."
"Trouble? No, you'll be a big help to me. The Paw-Paw Fruit you ate is a Devil Fruit with immense potential.
You should be able to see this too. The fact that the Celestial Dragons used it as a prize at God Valley is proof enough.
It can repel not just people, but pain, emotions, even souls..."
Wait until a qualified user is found for the Door-Door Fruit (Doa Doa no Mi). Open a dimension in the air, let Kuma go in with them.
Open a few doors near the Red Line, repel some dangerous little toys through them...
When different abilities were combined, they could achieve much more than a single fruit.
Kuma hadn't been back in the Sorbet Kingdom for long. For him, besides that empty church, there were actually no ties here.
Ginny had stayed in the Sorbet Kingdom and didn't continue adventuring with Ivankov because she wanted stability.
But tonight's banquet made Kuma realize that leaving with Nereus might offer a better quality of life.
Plus, Nereus had saved so many people in God Valley back then. Kuma felt a sense of trust towards Nereus from the bottom of his heart, believing he was trustworthy.
In the end, Kuma and Ginny followed Nereus's ship away from the Sorbet Kingdom. Before leaving, Kuma wrote a sign in front of the church, indicating that no one lived there anymore and anyone in need could use it.
...
"Papa, I feel like your interest in those two little guys seems much greater than in Shark."
Early the next morning, most people were still immersed in their dreams, but Nanamo had already gotten up. After a simple wash up, she found Nereus still on the deck and voiced her doubt from last night.
"Among Fish-men, Shark isn't considered particularly outstanding. How far he can go depends on his own efforts in the future. But Kuma and Ginny... possess higher potential. One is nine, the other thirteen, about your age.
You can interact with them more. Consider them your future core team."
"Papa, you really think far ahead. Don't tell me you've already picked subordinates for me among the Fish-men and Merfolk too?"
"More or less. But currently, not many. Only Jinbe."
"Jinbe? That little blue fatty? Papa, you think so highly of him?"
Hearing the name Jinbe, Nanamo was stunned. If Nereus himself was the uncrowned king of the Fish-man District, then Nanamo was the "king of the kids" there.
Although she didn't go back often, she could still remember quite a few people. She never expected Nereus would think Jinbe had such potential.
In Nanamo's own view, Jinbe really couldn't be called strong.
"It's normal for you to look down on your peers. It's not that they are weak; it's that your talent is too strong."
Jinbe was already one of the few known Fish-men in the future timeline who could be considered a powerhouse. The only one with stronger talent than him was probably Jack, who would already be one of the All-Stars (Disasters) at age 28.
"Who says? I feel Sister Amphe is quite strong. Her strength has been skyrocketing recently. Though she might not be a 'peer' for much longer...
By the way, Papa, is this the direction back to Fish-man Island?"
"No. We have one more thing to do. Don't you like holding concerts? We're stopping by to find an accompanist for you on the way."
☆☆☆
-> 30 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!
-> https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Inkshaper
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to access patreon normally)
If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you