A pirate group wanted by the Navy had managed to escape under the protection of the Roger Pirates. Larson couldn't help but feel that the situation seemed a bit magical.
What he really meant was, "Is this even possible?"
Rayleigh, deep in thought, said, "That's why they behaved so well after seeing me."
Indeed, they were behaving themselves, fully aware of the real reason they were now infamous and had bounties placed on their heads by the Navy.
At that moment, Thiessen had already approached their ship.
However, it seemed he hadn't received clear orders, so he only dared to stay in the water, not boarding the ship.
"Come aboard. I have something to ask you," Larson said calmly from the deck.
Thiessen, floating in the sea, glanced at Larson and swallowed nervously. Earlier, he had only been focused on the Roger Pirates. But as he swam closer, he realized that the Whitebeard Pirates were also present.
Seeing the Whitebeard Pirates' flag alongside the Roger Pirates, Thiessen felt a strong urge to turn around and flee.
But his remaining rationality held him back, knowing that if he ran, the consequences would likely be even worse.
In the end, he decided to come aboard, fully aware that he might not be able to return, but at least it was better than facing a miserable death!
The moment Thiessen spotted the Whitebeard Pirates' flag, he had resigned himself to his fate.
Raising his head, he saw Larson's familiar face. Trembling, Thiessen reached out and grabbed the rope lowered for him, allowing himself to be pulled up.
"Thatch, is the fish ready?" someone asked.
"Don't worry. The belly is the fattiest, perfect for sashimi. The head can be stewed, and we can braise the body," Thatch replied.
As Thiessen was pulled aboard, he overheard this conversation. His face instantly paled.
Though he wasn't a regular fish, the talk on the ship made him feel like he was about to become their next meal.
He felt like a lamb awaiting slaughter.
Once aboard, Larson stared at the numb-looking Thiessen and frowned. "Is this fish-man stupid? Why didn't he notice earlier?"
Thiessen, trembling, quickly raised his head and stammered, "W-what do you want to ask?"
After boarding, he realized Rayleigh wasn't around.
Seeing that Thiessen could still communicate, Larson relaxed a bit and asked, "Why is your pirate group here?"
Thiessen tensed up. "Our captain brought us here. Where the ship goes is up to him."
Realizing the question was poorly phrased, Larson tried again, "What do you want here?"
Thiessen looked nervous. "We heard there might be treasure here, so we came for a look."
His cautious tone showed he feared saying anything that might anger Larson. It seemed he was prepared to change his words immediately if he sensed Larson was displeased.
"Just taking a look around?"
Larson found it amusing. Thiessen appeared so timid, yet he still tried to lie. Did he really think Larson was that easy to deceive?
Larson casually placed his hand on Thiessen's shoulder. The moment his hand touched, Thiessen's body visibly shook. Clearly, he was terrified.
It was Larson's first time seeing a fish-man up close. He found this creature, neither human nor fish, quite intriguing.
However, his interest was brief. After all, Thiessen wasn't a mermaid. A mermaid would have been much more pleasant to look at.
Thiessen, though, as a fish-man, was rather unsightly.
Larson calmly withdrew his hand. "You fish-men can sense what's inside, right?"
Thiessen froze, his eyes widening in horror.
How did Larson know?
Only Thiessen was aware of this secret!
"Don't panic. I just want to have a friendly chat," Larson said, his tone still calm, though this calmness only intensified Thiessen's fear.
"W-what do you want to talk about?" Thiessen asked nervously.
Larson did not respond immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the distance, focusing on the deepest part of Yerug Island—the place they were about to venture. Thiessen's anxiety spiked as he realized Larson could likely sense something there, just as he had.
At that moment, Thatch and Marco approached Larson, each carrying plates of food.
"It's prepared exactly how you wanted it. Come give it a try," Thatch said.
Larson glanced back at Thiessen before offering, "Want to try it with us?"
Thiessen's face twisted in desperation. Was this the infamous tactic of "killing a chicken to scare the monkey"? Staring at the fish head on the plate, a disturbing thought crossed his mind—was he next?
Larson caught the look on Thiessen's face but didn't bother to explain. These dishes were recipes Larson had taught Thatch, based on memories from his previous life. Having spent so many years in the world of pirates, he often longed for the food of his former life. Now, with a talented chef like Thatch aboard, he intended to indulge.
After taking a bite, Larson was pleased. The taste was as close to his memories as it could be.
"Have you offered any to our captain or Captain Roger?" Larson asked.
"No, we brought it to you first as soon as it was ready," Marco replied.
Larson nodded. "Take some to them. Let them enjoy it too."
He was eager to share this nostalgic delicacy from his hometown with everyone.
"Got it, we'll go now," Thatch said, and the two of them departed.
Larson then turned his attention back to Thiessen.
"You can sense what's deep within Yerug Island because you're a fish-man, right?" Larson asked, bluntly.
Thiessen trembled. "I-I don't know exactly, but I can definitely feel something there," he admitted, no longer daring to lie now that Larson had caught on.
Larson smiled. "Then I'd like you to lead the way and help us find it. Can you do that?"
Thiessen nervously raised his head. "After I lead you... will I still be alive?"
Larson frowned. "What are you talking about? Do I look like the kind of person who'd kill you?"