“Hello, sister-in-law!”
At this moment, Rusalka felt the warmth of human hospitality. Hundreds of people in identical suits were lining up to welcome them. Earlier, Mandrell had informed them of their arrival time, but he had only instructed them to prepare some new clothes.
Even the Merfolk, when leaving the water, hoped to keep themselves dry. This was one of the reasons they lived on Fishman Island.
Due to the Yarukiman Mangrove Trees and Sunlight Tree Eve, Fishman Island was the only relatively safe place for Merfolk with sunlight and dry air.
Mandrell was no exception. Even though his ability allows him to go underwater, it doesn’t mean he likes being wet all the time. However, it seemed his subordinates had misunderstood his instructions.
“Boss, is this okay?”
“Pierman, didn’t I tell you not to make such a big fuss?”
“Don’t mind it, Boss. You’ve worked hard to bring her back, so, of course, we can’t embarrass you. According to the customs of my hometown, if the boss loses face, subordinates have to cut their own fingers. And besides, everything you asked for is ready.”
Pierman hailed from an island in West Blue where the mafia culture thrives. There were several gangs scattered on the island, and every year, they fought fiercely for the position of the mayor.
As they spoke, Mandrell saw several female pirates bringing towels and shoes. Someone from the island’s hospital also pushed over a wheelchair, which was prepared for Shyarly.
She was not yet thirty years old and couldn’t split her tail like Rusalka.
Moreover, they were now beyond the range where bubbles can be used. So, they either had to carry her on the back or find another means of transportation.
The island’s infrastructure was comprehensive, prepared for the people living here. In addition to the pirates stationed here, there were four or five villages on the main island, with a total population of several thousand.
This was the norm within the territory of great pirates. Capable islands strived to be self-sufficient. They provide protection to the islands and, in return, the residents contribute goods similar to paying taxes.
Because the taxed amount was well within their capacity, they had grown fond of this way of life. It was much better than being plundered empty by passing pirates.
“But boss, you brought two?”
“Get lost, don’t talk nonsense. That girl is Arlong’s sister. I’m just helping take care of her.”
“Arlong? That shark bas*ard has such a cute sister?”
Pierman knew about Arlong, but he didn’t like him. Arlong was arrogant without sufficient strength. If it weren’t for Mandrell having some acquaintance with him when disguised, Pierman probably wouldn’t even know about such a person.
He is the Vice-Captain of one of Kaido’s subordinate officers and also a Gifter. When placed outside, he is at the level of a Super Rookie. As long as he doesn’t engage in battles in the sea, he will not be afraid of Fish-Men.
“Isn’t that quite normal? Could you ever imagine Miss Yamato being Kaido’s biological daughter?”
“Uh…”
“Don’t think about useless things. How’s the island lately?”
“Everything is fine, and Lord Arceus sent a big guy from Onigashima. Although it hasn’t been tested in combat yet, it looks reliable from the data. Boss Mandrell, she’s currently stationed on your private island.”
“Wait, what do you mean by ‘she’?”
“I mean she, as in the Pokémon that Lord Arceus created. She seems to prefer the environment on your island.”
Pierman was referring to Genesect, with the code GT-2. Although Genesects looked like robots, they had their own consciousness.
So resting for Genesect isn’t like charging up as robots do; instead, it’s more like building a nest like insects. Genesect enjoys the warm environment of water. The private island Mandrell built happened to meet this condition.
This is also the biggest difference between Genesect and Pacifista. Pacifista will obey any Marine with authority, but Genesect only follows the commands of Arceus.
For example, the instructions GT-2 received were to guard the island. During battles, she will follow commands, but otherwise, she will act freely.
“Where is she?”
“A swimming pool on the outskirts; it hasn’t disturbed anything.”
“That’s good. This way, the island will be even safer.”
Mandrell quickly accepted this. Coexisting with Pokémon wasn’t a big deal. Most of the members of the Beasts Pirates had already gotten used to it. Also, there were more than just three people on the private island. There were people to help with cleaning and other chores.
He had heard about Genesect being a “war machine,” so he looked at it from a different perspective. He considered her a long-term bodyguard for the island.
“Alright, let them go do their work. Don’t waste time here.”
“Don’t worry, boss. Everything that needs handling has been taken care of. The water and electricity in your place has also been set up.”
“Well done. Remember to wash your face more often lately.”
“Huh?”
“You’ve accumulated enough contributions. I reckon it will be your turn in the divine blessing ritual this year.”
Excited, Pierman followed Mandrell’s orders and took away the extra staff, leaving enough private space for Mandrell. Then he pushed Shyarly’s wheelchair towards the small dining hall on the island.
Although the dining hall here couldn’t compare to Onigashima, it was enough to provide for basic needs.
“Humans are quite warm and welcoming. They don’t seem as terrifying as the rumors say.”
Shyarly, sitting on the wheelchair, was somewhat shocked by the enthusiasm of these people. She already had different beliefs from Arlong, and now she felt even more that Arlong was wrong.
“Don’t be so naive, Shyarly. Even though they wouldn’t be doing human trafficking without me, it’s only a part of them. Arlong is a b*stard, but he’s not entirely wrong. Some people are dangerous for you.”
“Be cautious when encountering humans in other places.”
Individual differences among humans are vast. For non-human races, it’s better to encounter bad people first than kind people, as it keeps them more vigilant.
Encountering kind people first might cause them to lose their wariness of humans, making it troublesome when they encounter bad people later.
“Human nature is much more complex than you think. The ideal life envisioned by your Queen Otohime is quite excellent. Unfortunately, such naive thoughts can’t be realized in this world. Forget it, why am I saying this? Let me show you something good.”
Saying this, he brought them to the second floor of the dining hall, where the windows provided a perfect view of the private island he had built. In the reflection of the setting sun, a small amusement park appeared in their sight.
“Well, I’ve prepared a private amusement park for you. Now you can play as long as you want.”
This is what he created using up all the money he had saved for his burial, a private amusement park built in imitation of Bubble Park.
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