That morning, the mermaids whom Caesar had rescued also gathered around and extended an invitation.
"Mr. Caesar, may we invite you to Mermaid Cove? We have prepared a grand feast for you and your crew to express our gratitude for saving our lives."
Although Caesar and his crew had followed Hades to Mermaid Cove earlier, the mermaids still wished to personally show their appreciation. After all, when they previously visited with Hades, they had merely wandered about without truly exploring or enjoying the place.
The ruffian Yakesi's eyes lit up with excitement as he nudged Caesar. "Caesar, let's go! We can't turn down such a heartfelt invitation from these lovely ladies!"
Brad also chimed in, "Yeah! We might've been to Mermaid Cove earlier, but we barely did anything—just took a quick look around. Now, with a feast prepared, what better way to enjoy it than to eat while having fun?"
Their enthusiasm was contagious. The rest of the crew shared eager expressions, clearly anticipating the experience. Seeing everyone's excitement, Caesar gave a nod of approval. At this, the crew erupted in cheers, ready to set off.
And so, in high spirits, the group made their way to Mermaid Cove. It was likely they would be staying there for the night.
Upon arrival, the mermaids led the way, allowing Caesar and his crew to witness the dreamlike beauty of the cove. Unlike the bustling Coral Hill, Mermaid Cove had its own unique charm. With the mermaids as their guides, the pirates were captivated, taking in the enchanting sights and sounds of the underwater paradise.
Later, Belissa invited them to Coral Apartment, a residence beneath Mermaid Cove where many mermaids lived. To express her gratitude, Belissa personally prepared a special batch of coffee—her most carefully crafted blend since she had learned to brew. Its rich aroma filled the air even before drinking, and upon tasting, the crew couldn't help but praise its exquisite flavor. Even Caesar himself admitted it was quite delicious.
Not to be outdone, the other mermaids showcased their culinary skills, presenting a variety of exquisite desserts. The sweets of Fish-Man Island were renowned, with even Charlotte Linlin, the infamous Big Mom, being particularly fond of them—though, at this moment, she remained unaware of their gathering.
Meanwhile, in Coral Hill...
A few hours prior, in the bustling port town of Coral Hill, a different atmosphere lingered. Known as the commercial hub of Fish-Man Island, Coral Hill was a critical stop for traders, pirates, and those seeking passage to the New World. Its streets were lined with bars, restaurants, and shops, catering to all manner of visitors.
In one of the dimly lit human-operated bars, a group of individuals sat in a corner, their expressions grim. Just a few hours ago, they had received disturbing news—Caesar, captain of the feared Caesar Pirates, had personally taken down a group of human traffickers attempting to capture mermaids.
Under normal circumstances, the fate of a few slavers wouldn't concern them. However, nearly every member of the slave-hunting team on Fish-Man Island had been wiped out, their bodies crushed under the immense pressure of the deep sea. Only a handful had managed to escape.
This news left them unsettled. They weren't just sympathizing with their fallen associates—they were terrified. After all, they were in the same business.
The name Caesar Pirates now carried considerable weight. Though many didn't fully grasp Caesar's true strength, his crew's reputation was undeniable.
Word had already spread about their clash with the Marines in the first half of the Grand Line. The battle, led by Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru, had seen multiple reinforcements from high-ranking officers. Yet, despite overwhelming numbers, the Caesar Pirates had escaped unscathed, dealing severe losses to the Navy in the process.
This incident had sent shockwaves across the world. The World Government had attempted to suppress the news, but the sheer scale of the battle made it impossible to contain.
Back in the bar, the tension was palpable. One of the men, a burly figure with a thick beard, broke the silence.
"We need to be extremely careful. If Caesar and his crew catch wind of us, we won't even have a chance to run." His voice was low, tinged with unease.
The others nodded solemnly. They weren't dealing with some small-time pirates—they were facing a force that even the Navy struggled against.
A sharp-featured man stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Our situation is dire. We have only two options."
He raised a finger. "One: We lay low and hope that Caesar's attack on the slavers was just a coincidence. Maybe he stumbled upon them and acted on a whim."
His gaze swept across the group before he continued, "But if we're wrong, and he's actually hunting down slave traders, then staying here is suicide."
The room fell silent. Then, another man spoke. "So, what's the second option?"
"We leave. Now. Before Caesar and his crew target us directly."
The bearded man exhaled sharply. "That seems like the safest bet. If we disappear before they even notice us, we might just survive."
"But what if this was just a coincidence?" someone argued. "We could be running for no reason."
"Are you willing to take that gamble?" the sharp-featured man countered. "If we stay and Caesar is after slavers, we won't even have time to pack before we're dead."
The discussion grew heated, with some wanting to flee immediately while others hesitated, clinging to the hope that Caesar wouldn't pursue them.
Similar conversations unfolded in bars across Coral Hill. The remaining slavers were in a state of panic. Some even suggested banding together and launching an attack on Caesar, but that notion was quickly dismissed—if the Marines couldn't stop him, what chance did they have?
In the end, the majority decided to flee.
That very night, several ships quietly departed from Fish-Man Island's port, slipping away one by one through the protective bubble surrounding the island.
One of the slavers, standing at the bow of his ship, sighed in relief as the island grew distant. "Good thing I left immediately," he muttered to himself. "As long as I survive, I can always return in a few months."
Others shared his sentiment. They believed they were safe. After all, this was the deep sea. Caesar couldn't possibly follow them down here.
But just as the first ship passed through the outer bubble membrane—
Pop.
The bubble shattered.
A split second later, the crushing weight of the ocean collapsed upon them. The ship and its crew were crushed into oblivion by the immense pressure.
Panic erupted among the remaining slaver ships. The ocean had just claimed their comrades in an instant.
And in the vast, dark depths of the sea—unseen by the fleeing men—a pair of glowing eyes observed from the shadows.
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