Capítulo 359: Chapter 359: New Root?
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Before arriving at Water 7, Senju Tobirama had meticulously reviewed all the available information about Rob Lucci.
After studying it, even he couldn't help but admire the man's talent.
Powerful, ruthless to his enemies, and absolutely loyal to completing the tasks assigned by his superiors.
Rob Lucci embodied qualities that reminded Tobirama of the Will of Fire—the genuine version, not the "Third Hokage's special edition."
Since their ultimate goal was to dominate this world, Tobirama knew they couldn't limit their vision to the existing strong individuals from the ninja world.
He had to adopt Colt's style: recruiting and molding powerful individuals from this world to serve under their banner.
However, Lucci's response was immediate and resolute.
"Don't dream of it—I will never betray the World Government!" Lucci's tone was unyielding, and his glare held firm defiance.
Tobirama, unbothered, responded with a calm smile.
"No, I'm not asking you to betray the World Government. After all, We work for the World Government too..."
Before Lucci could react, Third Raikage and Third Kazekage burst into mocking laughter.
"That's right," Third Raikage said. "We're also working for the World Government!"
"Who else but us could serve as the CPO, the legendary shield of the Celestial Dragons?" Kazekage added sarcastically.
Lucci's composure faltered as he cursed the World Government inwardly.
What kind of fool had entrusted such dangerous individuals with critical roles in the CPO?
Tobirama placed a hand on Lucci's shoulder, maintaining his disarming smile.
"The World Government will continue to exist, ruling over this sea. All we're doing is changing its leadership."
He leaned in slightly.
"Rob Lucci, do you truly believe you have a promising future under Spandam? Even without us, where do you think you'll end up?"
The mention of Spandam caused Lucci to falter.
He knew all too well the incompetence and malice of his superior—a man who shamelessly stole credit for his subordinates' achievements but wouldn't hesitate to blame them for any failures.
The lives of many CP9 agents had been ruined under Spandam's leadership, and Lucci had no illusions about his eventual fate.
Seeing his internal struggle, Tobirama applied more pressure.
"Lucci, do you want your companions to die here because of your stubbornness?"
At this, Lucci's gaze shifted to his team: Kaku, Jabra, Kalifa, and Blueno.
Though fear and uncertainty were written on their faces, their loyalty to him was evident in their determined expressions.
After a long silence, Lucci exhaled and spoke.
"I'll join you."
"Good choice," Tobirama replied with a satisfied grin.
Though Lucci and his team had agreed to join, Tobirama remained cautious.
"Be that as it may, I can't trust you that easily now, can I?"
He promptly placed a Seal of the Cursed Tongue Eradication on each of them.
After explaining its effects, everyone's faces turned pale.
Even their dreams would no longer be safe—one wrong word uttered in sleep could cost them their lives.
Their mission remained unchanged: to stay undercover in the Seven Waters and acquire the Pluton blueprints.
Meanwhile, Tobirama would handle Spandam and his father, ensuring Lucci's eventual rise to control CP9 entirely.
As Tobirama prepared to leave, he left Lucci with a parting message.
"Flourish in the shadows. Be the roots of the World Government. Though you may never see the sunlight, you will nourish the world in silence."
Lucci stood frozen, repeating the words to himself.
"Become... the nourishing roots?"
****
Eight Thousand Meters Below the Sea.
Completely unaware of the turmoil unfolding above, Colt and his companions enjoyed a peaceful journey beneath the ocean.
They lay on the deck, marveling at the aquatic creatures swimming around the ship like an endless aquarium exhibit.
The world around them was painted in hues of blue.
Schools of oddly shaped fish darted past the Flying Feather, leaving Nami wide-eyed in amazement.
Robin, meanwhile, meticulously recorded her observations in her travel journal.
Perona and Colt, however, huddled together, their heads practically stacked on top of each other as they debated which fish might taste the best.
Robin and Nami, overhearing snippets of their conversation, could only groan in exasperation.
"How cruel to think about eating such adorable fish!" Robin muttered; her face lined with disbelief.
Colt and Perona exchanged a glance, perplexed.
"Adorable? These random, ugly fish?" Colt asked incredulously.
"Robin, what's wrong with your aesthetics?" Perona chimed in, shaking her head.
Colt silently resolved to correct Robin's peculiar sense of beauty someday.
****
After half a day, the Flying Feather traversed a seabed plain and entered a deep trench.
Despite the expected darkness, they found themselves bathed in sunlight—a phenomenon reminiscent of the surface world.
Guided by the permanent pointer, their ship finally reached an enormous bubble that housed their destination: Fish-Man Island.
Perona's jaw dropped as she took in the sight of the colossal bubble.
"It's... enormous!" she stammered.
"Almost as big as the Sabaody Archipelago!"
Nami, however, remained unusually quiet. Colt, noticing her unease, gently took her hand.
After spending so much time together, he understood the reason for her discomfort.
The trauma caused by Arlong and the events in Cocoyasi Village weighed heavily on her mind.
"Fishmen aren't all like Arlong," Colt said softly. "Though there are scum like him, most Fish-Men are good."
Nami looked up at him, her heart warmed by his concern.
She managed a small smile.
"I'm fine," she said. "Let's go in."
As they passed through the reserved entrance, the Flying Feather docked at the Fish-Man Island port.
Waiting for them was Kisame, accompanied by a group of subordinates he had recruited from the island, as well as King Neptune and his retinue.
Kisame greeted Colt with his trademark grin.
"Colt-sama, long time no see. You're as radiant as ever."
Capítulo 360: Chapter 360: Too Kind?
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"The God Killer!"
Neptune, following Kisame, couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing Colt's face and Nami with the others.
No matter how much Neptune tried to process it, he could never have imagined that the honored guest Kisame kept emphasizing was the very "God Killer" making waves across the seas!
"Huh?"
Although Neptune tried to control his volume, his massive size made it as loud as a shout.
The surrounding mermaids and fishmen, after hearing Neptune's exclamation, suddenly realized who Colt was.
Panic spread, causing a commotion.
"Quiet!"
Kisame's cold voice, coupled with his oppressive aura, immediately subdued the chaos.
"My apologies, Colt-sama. They spoke out of turn. Please forgive their ignorance."
"Kisame, you've known me for a while now. Do I seem like the type to be so petty?"
Colt shrugged casually, though he couldn't help but feel like they were all a bit too cautious.
'You are obviously far too kind!' Kisame thought to himself.
Even so, Colt cast a meaningful glance at Neptune.
It seemed the Marines and the World Government had issued a new bounty notice, and the title of "God Killer" was now his code name.
'It's fitting.'
After all, he really had slain a god—not the stupid "gods" like the Celestial Dragons, but a true one: Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
Kisame smiled without comment, but images of Shimura Danzō, Uchiha Itachi, and Orochimaru flashed in his mind.
'All those who went against him or worse earned his wrath… their graves are already overgrown.'
Of course, Kisame dared not voice such thoughts.
He simply gestured for Colt and his group to proceed into Fish-Man Island.
As soon as Colt stepped into the underwater kingdom, his eyes sparkled with excitement.
Paradise!
Now, Colt understood why so many risked provoking Fish-Man Island and Whitebeard to capture the mermaids.
Compared to ordinary human women, the mermaids were on an entirely different level of beauty and allure.
With Kisame orchestrating this event, nearly all the residents of Fish-Man Island had gathered to witness the commotion.
Each of the fair-skinned, elegant mermaid ladies, with their graceful figures and sparkling eyes, peeked shyly at Colt and his group from various vantage points.
Occasionally, if a mermaid's gaze accidentally met Colt's, she'd flush a brilliant pink and quickly look away.
"This is such a wonderful place," Colt sighed.
Kisame immediately chimed in. "Your Excellency, you're welcome to stay as long as you like. Fish-Man Island is truly a rare treasure."
"Kisame-san is absolutely right," Neptune added, smiling. "From Coral Hill to Merman Street, the island offers countless wonders. I'm certain you'll find your stay enjoyable."
Neptune's deference mirrored Kisame's respect for Colt, causing him to instinctively lower his own status in Colt's presence.
"A place this beautiful? I'd love to stay for a while."
Colt winked playfully, earning a sharp pinch from Nami.
'Jerk!'
Nami seethed internally.
He barely ever paid attention to her, yet here, amidst the beauty of Fish-Man Island, he was suddenly a charmer.
Sensing her annoyance, Colt flashed a grin of mock pain, his mischievous eyes narrowing slightly.
Neptune, observing the exchange, couldn't help but think, 'This man… he's so different from what I expected.'
Later, they arrived at a renowned dessert shop.
The desserts of Fish-Man Island were legendary, crafted by skillful merfolk artisans.
The treats not only tasted heavenly but were also visually stunning.
Colt casually picked up a crown-shaped cake and took a bite.
The rich aroma of fruit and the delicate cream merged into a magical, refreshing sensation in his mouth.
"This is incredible! Perona, you have to try this."
Colt's eyes lit up, and he eagerly invited the others to join in.
After tasting the desserts, everyone wore expressions of pure bliss.
"Delicious! Even better than my own creations," Perona admitted begrudgingly.
"What tier is this shop on Fish-Man Island?" Colt asked.
"It's above average," Kisame replied.
"There are even better dessert shops than this."
"Good. From now on, arrange for a big portion of desserts like this to reach me every month—no less than this quality."
With just a few words, the matter was decided.
The mermaid shop assistant's face lit up with joy.
Such a large order would undoubtedly mean significant profits for several shops, and perhaps even a raise for herself.
Seeing her smile, Colt smirked to himself.
'Such a cute girl… she'd probably look just as adorable even if she was crying.'
'Kind of want to try it…'
He suddenly asked, "Should I assume I don't have to pay for this?"
The mermaid clerk froze, her smile fading as she glanced nervously at Kisame.
Realizing what Colt implied, she nearly burst into tears.
Robin, unable to tolerate Colt's teasing any longer, stepped in with a reproachful eye roll.
She gently hugged the mermaid girl to reassure her.
"Don't worry. Of course, we'll pay. He was just joking."
The clerk, still teary-eyed, looked at Colt as though he was the devil himself.
Neptune, observing this interaction, felt deeply conflicted.
'This man… or rather, this devil… What even is he doing?'
Sensing Neptune's gaze, Colt turned with a playful smirk, startling the king into hurriedly saying:
"I've prepared a grand banquet for you at Ryugu Palace. Shall we head there?"
Colt nodded without protest.
Before leaving, he packed up several more desserts.
As they walked, Colt remained silent, his eyes scanning the people and architecture of Fish-Man Island.
Upon reaching the palace gates, he paused and placed a hand on Kisame's forehead, releasing a wave of chakra that spread across the island.
"Did you sense that?"
Kisame nodded grimly.
"So many rats hiding in the shadows. It was my oversight."
"You lack the ability for such perception. Handle it now."
Colt waved dismissively as he casually finished the last piece of bread.
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