stonecrandall Chapter 98 Mermaid Cafe
Chapter 98 Mermaid Cafe
Chapter 98 Mermaid Cafe
"Hehehe! Young people are so energetic!"
Laughter came from behind.
Norton turned around and saw that Moria had been standing on the ship's side at some point, his wide eyes staring at Zoro and the others who were confronting the Sea King's army in the distance, his huge hands supporting his chin.
"Why don't you give it a try?" Norton raised an eyebrow slightly.
"I've been to Fishman Island before. The strength of these Sea Kings isn't that great. Although fishmen are generally stronger than humans, they haven't produced many top-tier powerhouses." Moria said this with a hint of the languor of someone who's been there before.
"Are you that sure?"
"Of course."
Moria withdrew his gaze and looked at Norton, a cryptic smile appearing on his pale face.
"I've been in the New World much longer than you. The advantage of the Fish-Men and Merfolk lies in underwater combat. Once they come ashore, or are separated by a bubble membrane like now, their strength is greatly reduced. What's more..."
He paused, his gaze passing over Norton and landing on the distant Fishman Island.
"The truly capable ones are either dead or have left this island long ago. The remaining guards can only scare newcomers to the Grand Line."
"，".
Norton didn't reply, but simply watched the battle unfold in the distance.
Zoro had already drawn his sword, Wado Ichimonji, which reflected a cold light in the deep blue sea, with a faint black layer wrapped around its blade.
Armament Haki.
The burly fishman in the lead didn't even have time to dodge before Zoro slashed his arm with his sword.
"Uh..."
The Sea King's soldiers clearly hadn't expected this green-haired swordsman to be so strong; their screams echoed through the sea, creating ripples.
The fishman clutched his slashed arm, staring at Zoro with disbelief.
His skin is several times tougher than a human's, and ordinary swords and knives cannot hurt him at all. But just now, if he hadn't dodged quickly, his entire arm would have been severed.
"Shall we continue?"
Zoro sheathed his sword, his tone calm.
The Sea King soldiers looked at each other, and for a moment none of them dared to step forward.
Meanwhile, Akin's battle had also ended.
This taciturn man acted even more decisively than Zoro, wielding his two canes with great force. In just three rounds, he knocked his opponent's weapon away, and the tips of the canes stopped three inches in front of his opponent's throat.
"Thank you for your concession."
Akin put away his cane and nodded slightly to the terrified fishman.
The Neptune Army fell completely silent.
Where did this monster come from?
Two officers alone were enough to utterly defeat these elite guards. It's unimaginable what would happen if everyone on those fifty-odd ships attacked together.
At this moment, the merfolk slaves that Norton had rescued from Sabaody finally found an opportunity to speak.
The burly shark-man at the head hesitated for a moment, but still swam up to the Sea Kings.
"Please let me say a few words."
The Sea King's soldiers recognized him as a fish-man, and their expressions softened slightly.
"you say."
"My name is Capri, and I used to be a resident of Fishman Street." The shark fishman took a deep breath.
Those who live on Fishman Island know that Fishman Street is the name for the slums outside the island. Originally a shelter for orphans, it gradually became a lawless zone. Legendary figures like Fisher Tiger, Jinbe, and Arlong all grew up on that street. It's the place where the Fishmen's hatred for humans is most intense, a veritable "breeding ground of hatred."
"Five years ago, I was captured by humans and enslaved," Capri continued.
Upon hearing this, the expressions of several Sea King soldiers changed.
"Are you... a slave?"
"Yes," Capri nodded. "For those five years, I endured abuse every day—beatings, starvation, and being treated like an animal. I thought this was how my life would be, until..."
'
He turned his head and looked at the White Pearl in the distance, and at the silver-haired man standing at the bow of the ship.
"Admiral Norton freed the slaves of Sabaody and saved me and my companions."
"What?!"
Several Neptune soldiers stared wide-eyed.
They were unaware of this news, as communication between Fishman Island and the outside world was not smooth. They only knew that the Norton Pirates had caused a great disturbance in Sabaody Archipelago, but they didn't know the specifics of what had happened.
"Admiral Norton is my benefactor, the one who saved me and my companions." Capri looked directly into the eyes of the Sea King's soldiers. "I don't expect you to trust him completely, but I beg you, let him into Fishman Island."
"I swear on my life that he will not harm any fishman or mermaid."
After saying this, Capri lowered his head deeply.
The other rescued merfolk slaves swam over and started talking all over Norton.
"Admiral Norton is truly different from other humans!"
"He's a good person!"
"Please, please let him in!"
The Neptune Army fell silent.
Just then, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.
It was the same Neptune squad that had led Steel Hand away earlier.
The lead merman warrior riding a large sea beast waved his hand, signaling everyone to make way.
"The King has ordered that the entire Norton Pirates be allowed to enter the country!"
This news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.
The few Sea King soldiers who had been fighting Zoro and his crew exchanged glances, then breathed a long sigh of relief. Luckily, things hadn't escalated, otherwise things would have been really difficult now.
Steel Hand jumped off the sea monster's back and landed steadily on the deck of the White Pearl.
She walked over to Norton, a faint smile on his ageless face.
"nailed it."
"Thank you for your hard work." Norton nodded.
"King Neptune was initially quite uneasy, after all, your reputation is indeed not very good." Steel Hand glanced at Norton, "King killer, Celestial Dragon slayer, demon of Sabaody... any one of these titles is enough to make a king tremble with fear."
"So how did you convince him?"
"I swear on my honor," Steel Hand said calmly. "I said that silver-haired kid may be ruthless when he kills, but he never lays a hand on the innocent. If he really wants to cause trouble on Fishman Island, I'll be the first to turn against him."
Norton paused for a moment, then laughed.
"Your guarantee carries considerable weight."
"Of course," Steelhand snorted. "King Neptune owes me a favor, so he still has to listen to me."
At this moment, the small squad from the Neptune Army had already swum close.
The leading merman warrior bowed respectfully to Norton.
"The king has given the order to proceed. Please follow us into Fishman Island. Before we enter, I have a request."
"explain."
"Please keep your men in check and do not harm the island's inhabitants." The Sea King soldier looked earnestly at Norton. "Fishman Island has already suffered too much. We..."
'
He was interrupted by Norton before he could finish speaking.
Norton leaned out from the ship's side, his gaze sweeping over the fifty-odd ships around him, before looking at the pirates who were peering in his direction.
"Everyone! Listen up!"
His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
"After entering the country, if anyone dares to attack the fish-men or mermaids or endanger their personal safety..."
Norton paused, a cold smile curving his lips.
"I will personally kill him."
The entire room fell silent.
No one dared to speak up, no one dared to question.
Those pirates who were originally eager to cause trouble on Fishman Island now shrank back and wished they could hide themselves.
The admiral's words are never a joke.
"Very good." Norton withdrew his gaze and looked at the stunned Neptune soldier. "Are you satisfied now?"
The Sea King soldier nodded blankly.
..Thanks."
"No need to thank me. I promised that old man Rayleigh that I wouldn't cause trouble on Fishman Island." Norton waved his hand. "Lead the way."
The entry process was much smoother than I had imagined.
When the first ship passed through the bubble membrane of Fishman Island and truly entered this legendary island, gasps of surprise rang out from the deck.
This enormous double-layered bubble membrane covers the entire Fishman Island, isolating it from the seawater and creating an environment suitable for human habitation. When ships pass through, one can clearly feel the subtle touch of the membrane sliding against the hull, as if it were alive.
Sunlight streams down from above, filtering through the seawater and casting dappled shadows on the coral structure.
Schools of colorful fish swam above the street, and mermaids dressed in various costumes gracefully swayed their tail fins in the water.
Children were playing and frolicking on the coral, vendors were hawking their wares on the street, and elderly people were chatting in the shade of trees.
This is a vibrant, bustling, and lively city.
If it weren't for the schools of fish swimming overhead reminding everyone that they were 10,000 meters underwater, one would almost think this was just an ordinary southern island.
"So this is Fishman Island..."
Nami stood at the bow of the ship, her eyes sparkling.
"So beautiful!"
Chopper even lay down on the gunwale, wanting to stick his head out and get a good look.
"Are those mermaids?! Are they really mermaids?! They're so beautiful!!"
Sanji has completely lost his composure.
The blond cook was clinging to the ship's railing, his eyes turned into hearts, muttering incomprehensible words like "mermaid," "beauty," and "heaven," and looked like he was about to bleed to death.
"Calm down!"
Norton punched Sanji on the head, barely pulling the guy back from the brink of collapse.
Many residents on the streets of Fishman Island have already noticed this massive fleet.
Some people hid inside the house in fear, some peeked out curiously, and others gripped their weapons with hostility.
To the island's inhabitants, humans have never been friendly beings. Especially not such a large group of pirates.
"Admiral Norton."
Capri swam over at some point and stopped beside the boat.
"What's up?"
"I want to... go back to Fishman Street." Capri's expression was somewhat complicated. "That's where I grew up, although it's been many years since I've been back. If possible, I'd like to see if my old friends are still around."
Norton nodded.
"Go."
"Thank you, Admiral."
Capri bowed deeply, then turned and swam deeper into the Fishman Island.
The other rescued murloc slaves also spoke up, requesting to temporarily leave the party.
Norton agreed to everything.
Now that they've arrived at Fishman Island, these fishmen are naturally free to move around. Those who want to come back can come back, and those who don't... it doesn't matter.
Because from the very beginning, he never intended to treat these slaves as his own property.
"king".
""
Kro walked over to Norton.
"Um?"
"We've already contacted the merchants on the island, and the resupply will be arranged soon." Kro adjusted his glasses. "We expect all ships to be resupplyed within two days."
"very good."
Norton nodded, his gaze sweeping over the fishmen and mermaids on the street.
"By the way, where is the Mermaid Cafe?"
"Mermaid Cafe?" Chloe paused for a moment, then realized, "You're going there?"
"I've heard it's the most famous place on the island. Since we're here, of course we should go and see it." Norton smiled. "And I'd also like to see Mrs. Shirley's divination."
Many legends circulate about Lady Shirley's divinations on the high seas. It is said that her predictions are 100% accurate, never failing to come true. This makes her divinations both revered and feared—after all, no one wants to know in advance what misfortune awaits them.
Kro remained silent for a moment, but ultimately did not try to dissuade him.
"The Mermaid Cafe is in Coral Hill Town. You can get there quickly by walking southeast from here."
Coral Hill is one of the main towns on Fishman Island, famous for its beautiful coral architecture. It's a relatively bustling area with shops, cafes, and other amenities, making it a popular destination for visitors.
"understood."
Norton turned and walked toward the ship's side, but stopped after taking two steps.
"Oh, by the way, if anyone asks, just say I went for coffee. As for the rest, you and Tsunade can discuss and handle it."
"Understood."
Crowe watched Norton jump off the ship and land on the street, then walk southeast.
Sunlight filtered through the seawater, casting a soft golden hue on Norton's silver hair.
The fish-men and mermaids on the street all avoided this human when they saw him.
Some people looked fearful, some whispered among themselves, and others stared at them curiously.
Norton ignored the stares and continued walking at a leisurely pace.
The town of Coral Hill is not far from the port. After walking for about twenty minutes, a uniquely designed coral-shaped building came into view.
Through the glass window, you can see many mermaid ladies sitting inside, elegantly serving coffee to the guests.
Norton pushed open the door and went inside.
The coffee shop is lit by warm yellow lights that shine through coral-carved lampshades.
Norton found a seat by the window, and immediately a mermaid swam over.
She has long, light pink hair and a fishtail of the same color, the scales shimmering like pearls under the light.
"Welcome! What would you like to drink?"
"Just a drink, whatever's your signature one will do." Norton leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the café's furnishings.
The mermaid quickly brought over a steaming cup of coffee: "This is our Mermaid Island's specialty coral coffee, made from coral beans ground from the deep seabed. Please enjoy."
Norton picked up his glass and took a sip.
The taste is quite unique, with a hint of saltiness from the sea, but a sweet aftertaste.
"It tastes good."
"Thank you for the compliment." The mermaid smiled, but did not leave. Instead, she stood to the side, glancing at Norton every now and then.
"Is there anything else?"