Chapter 19: The Admirer
"Don't worry, everyone. I'm an expert in theft, eavesdropping, and communications. Two weeks ago, I leaked information about this island to the outside world. Someone should know by now."
On God Valley, Ginny was cheering up the others. These slaves gathered here had formed an escape squad, which included a shark Fish-man.
He had just used his sharp teeth to bite through Ivankov's chains. Hearing Ginny's words, a question suddenly arose in his heart.
"Um... will Lord Nereus receive your message?"
"Nereus? Who's that? Some big shot?"
Ginny had become a slave at the age of four, so the name was completely unfamiliar to her. Just as the shark Fish-man wanted to explain, another older slave took over the conversation.
"Nereus... yeah, he's a huge shot."
This pirate had just picked up a newspaper found on the island, gathered some dry leaves, and rolled himself a cigarette. Only after finishing did he realize he had no way to light it.
In the end, he just leaned against a withered tree, dangling the unlit homemade cigarette from his lips, savoring the mere idea of its taste.
"I was captured and enslaved three years ago. Before that, I heard of his name. Captain of the Fish-man Pirates, member of the Rocks Grand Fleet, the monster from the deep sea.
Back when I was still free... his bounty was already astronomical. I think it exceeded three billion Berries."
"Hee-haw... That really is a big shot. Do you know him?"
Hearing the pirate's summary, Ivankov looked at the shark Fish-man beside him, seemingly surprised that there was such a "connection" among the slaves.
"How could any Fish-man not know Lord Nereus! For years now, anyone born on Fish-man Island grew up listening to his stories! Though... Lord Nereus probably doesn't know who I am..."
"Then what's the use of mentioning him? Do you think he'll definitely come save you just because he gets the message?"
"Not necessarily. Can't say for other pirates, but if it's Nereus... he might actually come.
Since his debut, that guy has been relentlessly attacking World Government slave ships. It's said countless slaves gained their freedom because of him.
Among those who regained their freedom were musicians. I heard they even wrote a song for him. I heard it on a ship once; I think it goes something like this..."
Put away the chains and shackles, weep no more till break of day
Hear the calling of the tides, moonlight guides the homeward way
Tears turn into blooming waves!
Until the dawn shall rise again, all shall find their freedom saved!
Yo-hohoho~ Yo-hohoho~
Sing this song! Waves of Home!
This pirate didn't seem to be a good singer; in the end, he sang it to the tune of "Binks' Sake". As the most widely circulated song among pirates, it was the melody they knew best.
"Sounds like a great guy. Then we should really pray he received the message. In that case, maybe a few more of us might survive."
"A great guy? But I heard he killed countless Marines. Almost every fleet sent to encircle him was completely wiped out. The survivors were pitiably few..."
Although the World Government didn't tightly control propaganda, and unfavorable news often leaked out, the World Government remained the largest governing body on the sea. Most newspapers still promoted the World Government as the main authority.
Under these circumstances, the reputation of bountied individuals circulating outside was, at best, mixed with praise and blame—but mostly, it was pure notoriety.
In the ears of many, Nereus's name was synonymous with a murderous demon. But to Ivankov, that sounded like something else entirely.
"I take back what I just said. Killing that many Marines? Then he must be a great hero! Hee-haw! But right now, that's none of our business. Let's focus on how to save ourselves first."
The Celestial Dragons treated him as a slave, and the Marines helped the Celestial Dragons transport slaves. In Ivankov's eyes, it didn't matter how many of those Marines died.
However, he didn't pin his hopes on that. He turned his head and began plotting how to snatch the Devil Fruits.
...
Meanwhile, in the waters near God Valley, more and more pirate ships began to reveal themselves.
Sebastian and the others had followed Nereus's orders, hiding their ships near another distant island and waiting there on standby.
Nereus and Babel themselves were already approaching God Valley aboard the Rocks Pirates' ship.
"Shakky can't be split evenly!"
"Which idiot asked that question? Of course we let Shakky choose herself! She'll definitely choose the man who snatched the most treasure!"
"No! It'll be the one who saved her!"
The people on the ship were still in a state of sexual repression. Even Babel had joined this squad; he was interested in Shakky too and wanted a chance at romance.
However, at this moment, another pirate ship was gradually approaching the Rocks Pirates' vessel.
The entire ship was streamlined, much longer and narrower than most pirate ships, and its speed was not slow. Standing at the bow of that ship was a man about two meters tall.
He wore a neat white suit and a monocle. His attire looked more like a member of CP0 than a pirate.
"Excuse me! Is Mr. Nereus on this ship?! My name is Valentine, currently captain of the Valentine Pirates. Bounty: 437 million Berries!"
"Oi! Oi! Nereus! Looks like someone's looking for you!"
Leaning against the railing nearby, Whitebeard shouted to the side, drawing the attention of the other Rocks Pirates.
Nereus naturally heard the shout and looked over as well.
"So Mr. Nereus really is participating in this event. I heard of your great name long ago. Since becoming a pirate and setting sail, I've seen your name in the newspapers repeatedly.
I have been following in your footsteps, and today I finally have the chance to meet the legend in person! As long as I kill you here, I can completely surpass you and use your head to make my name famous across the sea!"
Silence. The Rocks' ship fell into a deathly silence. Even the terrifying sexual tension caused by Shakky dissolved under Valentine's words. Only the whistling sea breeze and the slapping of waves remained.
The next moment, the Rocks' ship erupted with thunderous laughter. Golden Lion laughed so hard his cigar fell to the ground without him noticing. Stussy laughed until she hunched over, clutching her stomach in pain.
Streusen was rolling on the deck, laughing as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.
"Everyone, why do you mock me so? If I take Mr. Nereus's head later, won't you feel embarrassed?"
The mockery from the Rocks Pirates didn't make Valentine feel embarrassed. Instead, he felt they were ignorant and continued to question them politely.
Now, even Nereus was interested in him...