Chapter 441: Pity
Before Brett sat two Den Den Mushi. One connected to NEO Navy's Zephyr. One connected to Revolutionary Army's Dragon.
"...So—"
Dragon's voice emerged from one Den Den Mushi. Seemed somewhat sighing. "Brett—now even Vegapunk was taken by you?"
"Ah. Couldn't wait to leave with me."
Brett answered lightly.
"I see."
Dragon fell somewhat silent.
Brett's lips curved. Returning to Fish-Man Island, chatting casually with Vegapunk—the old man said he and Dragon were old acquaintances. Had even rejected Dragon's invitation.
"Anyway—your side's preparation work is almost complete, right?"
Zephyr's voice carried excitement.
"Almost."
Brett thought. "A year at most."
Thanks to World Government's compromise—raw materials from worldwide locations continuously flowed into Fish-Man Island. Naturally including materials necessary for constructing Pluton.
Originally Pluton's construction work proceeded methodically. Now with Vegapunk's addition—construction speed would greatly increase again.
One year should be quite sufficient.
"Then we must also prepare well."
Dragon also became grave. "These years' covert development—we've already gained many like-minded companions. When the time comes—once timing's right—we can overturn entire seas instantly!"
"Our side isn't as exaggerated as Dragon's."
Zephyr immediately continued. "But already recruited quite a few member nations in the New World. Currently forces are quite considerable. If we work harder next—by decisive battle, a million troops should be simple."
"Excellent work, both of you!"
Brett didn't stint his praise.
"But mainly still depends on your side, Brett."
Dragon said. "You know—if we can't defeat that person—all our preparations are merely futile."
After all, numbers or public opinion—usefulness wasn't great. What truly decided victory—was something else.
"Don't worry."
Brett smiled. "Everyone works so hard. Naturally I won't disappoint you."
"Then it's finally arriving?"
Dragon's voice suddenly became wind-like. Like floating lightly upward. "That dream era we anticipate."
"Yes. Should already be quite close." Zephyr's voice also softened.
Brett didn't speak.
Anyway, now was—fantasy time.
Communication ended.
Just taking a short rest in his office—Jinbei arrived.
"Brett, the Government sent contact."
The yawning Brett heard Jinbei-aniki say. "The Navy side wants to retrieve those captured transformed Fish-Man Navy. They say they're willing to pay a certain price."
Brett pursed his lips. "Ignore them. At this point—who still cares what they say?"
"True."
Jinbei nodded. Already no longer that era where one Government contact made entire Fish-Man Island tremble. "Then how to handle them?"
"Zephyr-sensei hopes I hand them to him for handling. I agreed." Brett said.
"I see?"
Jinbei looked thoughtful. "Not bad."
"Jinbei-aniki also finds these guys troublesome to handle?" Brett asked smiling.
"A bunch of annoying people."
Jinbei-aniki didn't hide his attitude. Brows furrowed, lips curved in disdain. "Clearly not Fish-Men—yet became this appearance."
"But—"
He hesitated again. "At least—now they all have Fish-Man blood flowing through them, right?"
"Correct."
Brett nodded. "Dr. Vegapunk said—these guys now aren't different from us. No, or rather—"
He pointed at himself. "Even purer Fish-Man bloodline than mine."
Brett was a half Fish-Man.
While Gion's group's Lineage Factor had been completely twisted into Fish-Man bloodline.
Jinbei sighed.
Even though transformed from humans—in some sense—also counted as compatriots?
"So let Zephyr-sensei handle it."
Brett smiled. "This might not be a bad opportunity."
"Opportunity?"
Jinbei looked surprised.
Brett smiled.
An opportunity to open a breach in the Navy's seemingly impregnable rear defense.
After resting two days at Fish-Man Island, Brett went to Fish-Man Island's prison.
He pushed open one cell door.
The woman bound tightly by chains on the ground raised her head.
"Let's go, Vice Admiral Momousagi."
Brett smiled. "Time to leave."
Vice Admiral Momousagi's eyes showed no change. She only said calmly. "Feel free to try. Don't expect me to bow my head."
"Is that so?"
Brett raised an eyebrow with interest. "Your group's news has already spread worldwide."
"Facing worldwide questioning—the Government chose denial. They completely denied conducting such plans. Completely denied your existence. Just said—you only coincidentally resemble yourselves."
"No need for honeyed words."
However, Vice Admiral Momousagi remained unmoved. "When accepting experiments—we'd already prepared ourselves. Even silently vanishing in the deep sea—even bearing infamy—didn't matter."
"I only regret—accomplishing nothing myself."
Remarkable woman.
Brett admired inwardly.
Even facing desperate straits—her heart showed not the slightest waver.
This woman was a true powerhouse.
"Such a pity."
Brett shook his head.
"What?"
Momousagi frowned.
"I said—such a pity."
Brett smiled. "If Vice Admiral Momousagi—you'd been born a Fish-Man—we'd definitely be wonderful partners."
"Stop talking nonsense."
Momousagi sneered coldly. "Even if I'd been born a Fish-Man—I'd never collude with you. Brett—making Fish-Man Island war against the entire world—do you truly know what you're doing? You'll only drag Fish-Man Island toward destruction."
"Making originally peaceful lives never return. Brett—you'll only be Fish-Man Island's sinner!"
Brett looked down at her. "Such a pity."
"What are you saying again?"
Momousagi frowned.
"I said—such a pity you weren't born a Fish-Man."
Brett said casually. Simultaneously grabbing Momousagi. "Let's go. Don't worry—not executing you. Someone asked me to hand you over for handling."
Momousagi froze briefly.
Could it be—
No—not "could it be." Only one possibility, right?