Chapter 431: Interrogation
"Then I'll see you off here?"
On some New World island's coast, Brett deposited Ace's group at the beach, then said this.
The shackles on their bodies had long been removed. Not particularly difficult.
Non-seastone ones—directly crushed with Haki. Seastone ones—Brett utilized his flames' ability to condense into solid form. Directly infiltrated flames into the keyhole, then condensed them into form—forcibly forging temporary flame keys. After slight attempts, he'd unlocked Ace's chains.
"Already enough!"
Ace's face bore a brilliant smile. "We'll depart from here—officially begin our New World adventure!"
"Need me to provide some funds?"
Brett smiled. "After all, you don't even have a ship now, right?"
"Don't need it."
Under his companions' expectant gazes, Ace shook his head. He grinned. "We're pirates! Pirates should do pirate things!"
"Oh?"
Brett raised an eyebrow.
"Though I'd feel bad robbing residents' money—if we encounter some annoying pirate bastards, I absolutely won't hold back!" Ace wiped his nose, grinning mischievously.
Brett then remembered—this kid was never well-behaved from childhood.
Very young, he and Sabo had already caused trouble for pirates—saving money to set sail.
"Then that's settled."
Brett nodded. "I should leave too. Fish-Man Island probably still has matters requiring my attention."
"Yeah. Already very grateful, Brett."
Ace's face became serious. He bowed deeply to Brett. "If not for you this time, we'd definitely be finished. Also—"
He raised his head, completely solemn. "Thank you for letting us witness the pinnacle of battle!"
Ace felt he'd probably never forget that battle witnessed from the execution platform!
Admirals, Fleet Admiral, and Brett.
Each possessed strength he couldn't reach. Each was an unimaginable monster!
Especially Brett.
Though already knowing Brett was powerful before—never imagined this guy was so strong!
"Monster" couldn't even describe him anymore!
Strongest!
Ace felt only such words could describe him.
"I see."
Brett nodded.
"Wait for it, Brett."
Ace straightened. He grinned broadly. "I'll become very strong. As strong as you. Then surpass you!"
"If you can do it—feel free to try."
Brett laughed heartily, then flew up. "Then everyone—until we meet again."
He shot skyward like a meteor.
Ace stared fixedly at his departing shadow.
"Ace—you're not seriously thinking about surpassing Brett-san someday, right?" Behind him, Skull asked quietly.
Ace fell silent briefly. Then turned around. Companions saw his lips curve high. Upper and lower lips separated, revealing two rows of white teeth. "Of course!"
He laughed loudly.
Deuce shook his head helplessly. "Really—that's no simple goal."
"Anyway—let's try doing it!"
Youths always welcomed challenges. Always willing to charge toward various difficult goals.
"Right! First, get a ship!"
"Yeah!"
Thus, the Spade Pirates' new adventure began.
On the other side, after parting with Ace's group, Brett began returning to Fish-Man Island at full speed.
This briefly visited island wasn't too far from Fish-Man Island anyway. Just tens of minutes—Brett had already returned to Fish-Man Island.
He immediately went to the island's prison.
"Returned quite quickly?"
Leading the way toward the cell holding that group of strange Fish-Men, Tesoro looked at Brett's nearly spotless appearance with some surprise. "Could the Navy side really just be executing Fire Fist's group without setting any ambush?"
Otherwise, how could this Brett guy return so quickly and easily?
"Impossible."
Brett said casually. "That was Fleet Admiral plus three Admirals. I'd originally expected spending more time. But they conceded in the end, so finished early."
"Conceded?" Tesoro froze briefly.
Brett thought, realizing his wording seemed somewhat inaccurate. "Strictly speaking—surrendered."
Tesoro immediately rolled his eyes. "I'm listening to you bullshit."
Brett smiled. Though saying so—he actually believed it.
In two exchanges, both had arrived outside a cell. Tesoro casually opened the prison door, ducking inside. "Sorry for the wait. The person who'll truly interrogate you has returned."
He said this to the woman slumped dejectedly against the wall.
The female Fish-Man raised her head. She saw the man struggling to enter this cell—somewhat cramped for him.
Brett.
She naturally recognized this man.
The Navy's unprecedented enemy. World Government's number one mortal threat.
Vice Admiral Momousagi's pupils contracted.
Returned.
Returned so quickly!
Headquarters' trap posed absolutely no threat?!
The cell was somewhat too cramped. Brett—over five meters tall—could only lower his head slightly. He examined the woman before him.
Or rather—female Fish-Man.
"Vice Admiral Momousagi." Brett spoke. "I should address you thus, right?"
"..."
Momousagi's hands silently clenched.
This guy actually knew!
Recognized her?
Right. Though transformed into a Fish-Man—greatly changed from before—her appearance still based on her past self.
"Eh?"
Tesoro was completely stunned. "Momousagi? Brett—what are you saying? Speaking of Momousagi—isn't that Marine Headquarters' Admiral candidate—"
He unconsciously examined Momousagi's face. Then couldn't continue. Because he discovered—truly quite similar. "No way? Could such a thing really happen?"
Tesoro couldn't help scratching his hair. Humans transforming into Fish-Men! Such things actually existed?
"Dr. Vegapunk is indeed a genius."
Brett said. "Seeing you guys—possessing the same appearance as us yet only thinking about eliminating us—I'm somewhat moved."
"Only because you're opposing justice." Momousagi's voice was cold.
Since already recognized—no need to continue pretending.
"Opposing justice?"
Brett smiled.
Too lazy to discuss what exactly justice was with this woman. He simply asked, "Then let's discuss business. Vice Admiral Momousagi—do you have more ambushers near Fish-Man Island?"
Momousagi only sneered without answering.
How could I possibly tell you Doberman and the others still lurk in surrounding deep seas, waiting to act?
Brett's lips curved.
"Let me guess—if they really exist, where would they be?"
Momousagi continued sneering.
The sea area in that vast deep sea outside Fish-Man Island—could you really guess they're hidden in the deep sea east of Fish-Man Island?