Capítulo 26: Chapter 26:The Phantom Joins the Sun Pirates
As the first light of dawn crested over the horizon, Jason's small boat sliced through the still waters of the sea, carrying him and the rescued fish-men towards the hidden dock of the Sun Pirates. The fish-men aboard his boat were still in shock, their earlier terror slowly fading into disbelief as they realized they had been saved. Jason's thoughts were already focused on the next steps: meeting the legendary captain of the Sun Pirates, Fisher Tiger, and seeking his approval to join them on their impending mission to scale the Red Line and free slaves from the tyranny of Mariejois.
Jason spotted the unmistakable silhouette of the Sun Pirates' ship as they neared the dock. The massive vessel, with its dark sails and the sun symbol proudly emblazoned on its flag, stood as a beacon of freedom and rebellion for fish-men and slaves alike. As his boat nudged into the dock, Jason stepped ashore, followed closely by the fish-men he had rescued. The tension in the air was palpable as they approached the dock of the Sun Pirates' ship.
Suddenly, from the shadows, a familiar figure emerged, his tentacles swaying with each step. It was Hatchan, the octopus fish-man whom Jason recognized from the stories of Arlong's pirates in the future.
"Oi! What's a human doing on the dock of the Sun Pirates?" Hatchan called out, his large eyes narrowing with suspicion as he approached Jason.
Jason took a moment to gather himself before responding calmly. "I'm here because I rescued these fish-men from slavers. They were being held captive and were going to be sold. I'd like to speak to your captain."
Hatchan's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze shifting to the rescued fish-men behind Jason. His shock was palpable as he considered the situation—could a young human boy really have saved them? Then, realization struck him. He had heard rumors of a bounty hunter in Sabaody Archipelago—a mysterious figure known as the Phantom Blade, who had been causing a stir by attacking slavers. Hatchan blinked in recognition.
"Wait... You're that bounty hunter, aren't you? The Phantom Blade?" Hatchan's tone was a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
Jason simply nodded, keeping his gaze steady. "I'm the one they call Phantom Blade, yes."
Hatchan hesitated for a moment, still processing the unexpected encounter, before finally excusing himself. "Wait here. I'll go speak to the captain," he muttered, turning quickly to head toward the ship.
Jason stood quietly, his arms crossed as he waited. He could feel the gazes of the fish-men and mermaids behind him, still unsure of what to make of their savior, but their gratitude was unmistakable. After about ten minutes, Hatchan returned, waving Jason and the rescued fish-men forward.
"Captain Tiger will see you now," Hatchan said, motioning for them to follow.
Jason and the others boarded the Sun Pirates' ship, and as they made their way through the decks, Jason couldn't help but feel the weight of every eye on him. The fish-men aboard the ship watched him with caution and curiosity, unsure of what to expect from the human who had suddenly appeared in their midst.
As they approached the captain's quarters, Jason noticed a familiar figure leaning against the railing. Arlong, the notorious shark fish-man, glared at Jason with unbridled hatred in his eyes. His presence was as menacing as Jason remembered from the future stories of his brutality, and Jason could feel the hostility radiating from him. Arlong said nothing, but the tension between them was palpable as Jason passed by.
Finally, Jason stepped into the captain's quarters, where two imposing figures awaited him. Fisher Tiger, the legendary red-skinned fish-man with a commanding presence, sat behind a large desk, his eyes sharp and calculating. Beside him stood Jinbe, the blue-skinned whale shark fish-man, whose calm demeanor belied his immense strength.
Fisher Tiger's eyes immediately locked onto Jason. "So, the famous Phantom Blade has come to see me," he said, his voice carrying both curiosity and authority. "Why would a bounty hunter come to the Sun Pirates' ship?"
Jason stepped forward confidently. "I brought you these fish-men as a gift, as a show of good faith," he explained, gesturing to the rescued captives behind him. "I know you're planning to climb the Red Line and enter Mariejois. I want in."
Fisher Tiger's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and Jinbe, too, looked taken aback by Jason's words. The room fell silent for a moment, the gravity of Jason's statement sinking in.
"How do you know about that?" Jinbe asked, his tone sharp. "And who else knows?"
Jason met Jinbe's gaze without flinching. "I overheard one of your pirates talking about it. And don't worry, I'm the only one who knows." The lie rolled smoothly off his tongue, and Jinbe's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but there was no way to verify the truth.
Fisher Tiger leaned back in his chair, studying Jason carefully. "And why," he began slowly, "would a bounty hunter, someone who makes a living by hunting others for money, not sell this information to the World Government?"
Jason's gaze didn't waver as he responded. "Because I despise the World Government and the nobles for what they do. Slavery is an unforgivable crime, and I want to help you put an end to it. I want to join you in your mission to free the slaves at Mariejois."
The conviction in Jason's voice took Fisher Tiger by surprise. He could tell that this young man, despite being human, held a deep hatred for the same injustices he fought against. But still, the risks were immense.
"You understand the dangers, don't you?" Fisher Tiger warned. "There's a high chance we won't survive. If we escape, we'll be hunted down by the Marines and the World Government for the rest of our lives."
Jason's eyes were firm. "I know the risks. And I'm prepared to face them. I won't stand by and watch as innocent people are enslaved."
Fisher Tiger and Jinbe exchanged glances, both of them clearly conflicted. After a moment of silent deliberation, Fisher Tiger spoke again. "Wait outside for a moment. We need to discuss this."
Jason nodded and left the room, waiting as the door closed behind him. He could hear faint murmurs of discussion from inside the quarters. After several minutes, Fisher Tiger and Jinbe called in the enslaved fish-men for their input. The freed captives praised Jason for his strength and bravery, emphasizing that he had saved them from a fate worse than death.
After some time, Jason was called back into the room. Fisher Tiger stood up and extended a hand to him. "We've made our decision. You can join us."
Jason shook his hand, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thank you. I won't let you down."
But before he could leave, the door swung open violently. Arlong stormed in, his expression twisted with rage. "You're really going to let this weak human join us?" he spat. "What about us strong fish-men?"
Jason's eyes narrowed. "If you have a problem, we can settle it right here."
Arlong sneered, stepping forward. "Fine. I challenge you to a duel, human!"
Fisher Tiger and Jinbe tried to calm him down, but it was too late—the challenge had been issued. They all walked outside to an open space of land. Jason and Arlong faced off, tension crackling in the air. Arlong attacked first, slashing at Jason with his sword, but Jason sidestepped easily, delivering a powerful punch to Arlong's midsection. The blow sent Arlong crashing to the ground, unconscious.
The Sun Pirates stared in stunned silence, shocked at the strength Jason had displayed. Jinbe called for Hatchan to carry Arlong away, while Fisher Tiger approached Jason, extending his hand once more.
"Welcome aboard," Fisher Tiger said. "We'll finalize the plan tomorrow."
Jason shook his hand firmly, then headed off to inform his parents of his success. With the trust of the Sun Pirates now secured, the real mission was about to begin.
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
Nexus_Novels
Nexus_Novels Get to 150 power stones for extra 10 chapter Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!Like it ? Add to library!Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder