Chapter One Hundred Ninety-Eight: Unexpected Developments
Even though they were at the bottom of the ocean, ten thousand meters deep, the surroundings were filled with light. Giant sea fish swam by, along with enormous Sea Kings.
"Is that Fishman Island?"
On the Sea Vessel, Vivi pointed excitedly at the massive island in the distance.
In the far-off view, a thick tree with a diameter of over a kilometer held a gigantic bubble, and inside that bubble was an island.
Ace nodded and said, "That's right. That is Fishman Island."
Elken grinned and added, "I've heard there are many mermaids and Fishmen inside."
Christmas retorted, "Pervert, that's all you can think about."
Heckler curiously asked, "But why is there light underwater? We're ten thousand meters down, right?"
"Do you see that tree?"
Ace pointed at the giant tree where Fishman Island was located and explained, "That's Sun Tree Eve. It transmits sunlight from the surface to the depths of the ocean, allowing us to experience light down here."
"Sun Tree Eve?"
Vivi pondered for a moment. "I think there's a tree called Treasure Tree Adam as well?"
Ace confirmed, "Both Sun Tree Eve and Treasure Tree Adam are incredibly resilient trees."
Heckler inquired, "So what's our next step to enter Fishman Island?"
"Fishman Island has an entry checkpoint. We need to go through inspection by the entry inspection team before we can enter," Ace replied. "If we recklessly enter, the Sea Vessel will merge with the massive bubble created by Sun Tree Eve when approaching the island. Some areas inside Fishman Island are filled with seawater; if we barge in without caution, we'll just end up submerged."
"Entry?" Christmas asked curiously. "Is Fishman Island a country?"
"Fishman Island is one of the member nations of the World Government. I met King Neptune at the last World Government Conference," Vivi said with a smile.
"So he has seen you, huh?" Heckler replied.
"He might not recognize me," Vivi said as she put on a mask and pulled up her hood. "I need to disguise myself as much as possible to avoid being exposed to others."
Now, Vivi had dyed her hair black, planning to cut off the black parts once it grew out.
Otherwise, her appearance would bring trouble to Alabasta.
"We can go straight in. I called Brother Jinbei two days ago, so he should have informed the entry inspection team by now. We can go directly inside and even meet Brother Jinbei," Ace said with a grin. "However, the president won't be allowed to enter Fishman Island."
Ace walked over and pointed towards Xiaqiu in the distance.
"Go ahead."
Xiaqiu's voice came from outside. "I'll wait for you out here."
Xiaqiu didn't plan to enter Fishman Island; being so large made it difficult for him to get in, so he decided to wait outside.
"Then let's hurry inside," Feng Kelei said eagerly. "I want to dance with the mermaid sisters."
"Increase pressure and inflate the buoyancy bags," Christmas ordered. The buoyancy bags at the bottom of the ship swelled up, and the vessel began to slowly float toward Fishman Island, then circled around to the front.
At the front, there was a massive circular main gate leading into a long passageway that ended with another enormous circular door.
The Sea Vessel slowly approached the gate, which opened immediately, allowing it to enter the passage.
Once inside, the gate closed behind them. Ace explained, "In a moment, water will flow down from here, leaving only some seawater behind. Then the second gate will open, and the entry inspection team will come to check us. After the inspection is complete, the second gate will open, revealing a lake where we will dock at the shore before entering."
Upon hearing Ace's words, everyone fell silent, waiting. However, the seawater that should have flowed away remained, filling the entire passage.
"Something feels off."
Ace furrowed his brow. At that moment, two massive tubes entered from the sides of the passage.
As the tubes touched the bubbles, a tremendous suction force was generated, causing the bubbles to begin expanding around the tubes.
Gurgle.
The seawater surged inward.
"This is bad."
Seeing this scene, Heckler's expression grew grave as he asked, "The bubble has burst; what do we..."
Boom.
The seawater rushed in directly, enveloping them and rendering Heckler, Ace, and the others unable to move.
All the high-ranking Officers were Devil Fruit Users and could not function in the water. Even if other ordinary agents came to help, they were becoming increasingly powerless against the onslaught of seawater.
At that moment, the lower half of the second gate opened, and figures began to swim in.
Faced with these individuals, the agents immediately charged forward but were quickly subdued and shackled.
Not only that, they swam over to Ace and his companions, placing shackles on each of them as well. Then they led them one by one out through the second gate and surfaced in a lake inside, bringing them ashore.
Upon reaching the shore, Ace realized he still could not use his abilities and looked somewhat surprised.
Handcuffs?
Not only him; everyone else was also unable to use their powers and struggled to stand there.
What is going on?
I came here with Jinbei, but why was I captured and put in Seastone Handcuffs?
Moreover, this isn't the border inspection team; it's for Great Prince Shark Star, Second Prince Huangxing, and Third Prince Flipover Star.
Why are they here?
Could it be that Jinbei betrayed me? That’s impossible. If Jinbei disapproved of my actions, he would never play one way in front of me and another behind my back.
Fishman Island is still under my father's watch; why would they betray him?
Ace sensed something was off, but they had already been taken aboard a strange vessel.
This ship was called the Phoenix Tail Ship, a massive sea fish with wooden structures on its back. Its tail and midsection each had two bubbles.
This allowed the fish to swim through the air and go anywhere.
Once inside the Phoenix Tail Ship, they were locked up together and then set off into the distance, disappearing from sight.
"It's over; we've been caught," Christmas said, distressed.
Ace sighed and replied, "I believe Jinbei wouldn’t do something like this."
"But Fishman Island isn’t just up to Jinbei," Vivi said coldly.
Heckler added, "Don't worry; isn't the captain still outside?"
Hearing Heckler's words, everyone felt relieved. With Xiaqiu still out there, they should be fine.
Meanwhile, outside Fishman Island, Xiaqiu watched this scene with an increasingly cold expression.
How dare you capture my people? You are asking for death.
Xiaqiu was about to rush towards the bubble, but at that moment, she stopped and looked around.
She saw several massive Sea Beasts surrounding her, and on the backs of these giant creatures were a few figures.
"Is there a giant beast here? Isn't that one of Baroque Works' beasts?"
"Ace was just captured; they will probably hand him over to the Navy."
"This beast could kill a Vice Admiral. We should capture it and take it back. That way, our plan can be executed more effectively."
"Attack it; I'll poison it."
As the voices echoed, the giant beasts lunged towards Xiaqiu in the water.
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