One Piece: Starting by Refusing Shanks

The reason Takumi decided to go to Fish-Man Street was simple: he was hoping to trigger a system progress mission by chance.

Most importantly, the mermaid named Moli had already informed the Fish-Man Island royal army for help. Therefore, by heading to Fish-Man Street, there was a good chance of running into the royal army.

If he encountered the royal army, it was possible the three fish-man princes would also show up.

And if the fish-man princes arrived, then completing the mission wouldn't be far off.

Camie and Moli never expected Takumi and his crew to agree so quickly to go rescue Cathy.

Moli was worried, saying, "The thugs from Fish-Man Street are mostly ruthless and unreasonable. There are only three of you, so it's too dangerous. Wouldn't it be better to wait for the royal army to save Cathy?"

Camie was fully confident in Takumi, moved to tears, saying, "You all are such genuinely amazing people! I don't trust just anyone, but since Takumi saved Cathy before, I believe in your strength. How about I lead you to Fish-Man Street?"

"No need," Takumi flatly denied her offer.

Camie paused, biting her lower lip, and mumbled, "Why? If I lead you, I can guarantee you'll reach Fish-Man Street faster than even the royal army…"

"Not necessary." Takumi had no intention of taking Camie along. "Kaku, you stay here. Enel, come with me."

"I'm staying?" Kaku didn't mind, knowing Takumi and Enel were more than capable. "Alright, I'll just wait for you here."

Takumi nodded, signaling Enel.

Enel shot Kaku a smug look, then followed Takumi out of Camie's small apartment.

Camie wanted to insist on following, but Kaku blocked her path.

"Miss Camie, my captain's orders are clear. You and I should stay put," Kaku said, smiling.

Camie still looked worried. "But it's their first time on Fish-Man Island, right? They don't know anything about the island. Isn't it risky for just the two of them?"

"Don't worry. They'll be fine," Kaku assured her. He would be a little worried if only Enel were going, but with Takumi, things would stay under control. "Let's just wait here for their return."

"But I still don't get why they left you behind?" Camie asked, puzzled.

Kaku glanced at the pet egg resting on the sofa, laughing. "Probably because of this pet egg."

Camie looked at the egg, scratching her head in confusion. "Where did you even get this egg?"

"Does it matter where it's from?" Kaku shrugged. "It's not important. By the way, why don't you tell me more about Fish-Man Island? I've read a bit about it in books, but there wasn't much detail."

"Sure," Camie replied with a smile. "But in return, you have to tell me about the places you've visited and the adventures you've had."

Kaku agreed casually. "No problem."

Camie stayed, but Moli decided to help by getting a turtle elevator to bring Takumi and Enel to the surface.

Once on the ground outside the Coral Apartments, Moli pointed in the direction of Fish-Man Street, saying, "Fish-Man Street is that way. If you're fast, you might find them before they reach the street."

"Got it," Takumi responded, then began walking in the direction Moli had pointed—at a leisurely pace.

Enel yawned, trailing alongside Takumi.

Moli stared after them, confused and doubtful. "They seem so unreliable…"

Takumi and Enel continued walking at a slow, relaxed pace.

As they passed a pool where several mermaid girls were playing, the mermaids greeted them warmly again.

"Hey, aren't you Camie and Cathy's human friends? Weren't there three of you? Where's the third?"

"Didn't you just get to the Coral Apartments? Why are you leaving so soon?"

"Since you're here, why not join us?"

"Yeah, come on, have some fun with us!"

The mermaids were enthusiastic, waving them over.

Enel looked over at the beautiful mermaid girls in the pond and chuckled, asking Takumi, "Captain, which type do you prefer?"

Takumi glanced at Enel, saying nothing, and kept walking.

Enel followed behind, still talking. "I think that green-haired one is pretty cute."

Green-haired?

Takumi actually looked back at the mermaid girls frolicking in the pond. Enel had a point—the green-haired one was indeed quite attractive.

Seeing Takumi glance at the mermaid he pointed out, Enel smiled smugly. "What do you think? The one I picked isn't bad, right?"

"Above average," Takumi replied casually. "That one with the black twin tails isn't bad either."

"Hmm?" Enel immediately looked at the pond again, searching for the mermaid Takumi mentioned. Soon enough, he spotted her—the one with twin ponytails and side bangs, quite cute. "Tch, she's alright, but I still think the green-haired one is prettier."

Takumi ignored him, continuing forward.

Enel smirked, following beside him.

They walked slowly for another half-hour before finally spotting three odd-looking fish-men resting in a wild coral field, with Cathy bound, gagged, and teary-eyed nearby.

Takumi sighed internally.

Where was the royal army?

They had walked so slowly, yet they still managed to beat the royal army here?

"These fish-men are ugly," Enel commented, disdainfully eyeing the three fish-men.

Upon hearing him, the three fish-men looked over at Takumi and Enel.

Cathy also turned, her eyes lighting up with hope upon seeing Takumi.

Takumi had initially planned to wait for the royal army to show up before intervening, but…

"Never mind," Takumi said, deciding against waiting. "Enel, take care of it."

"Got it." Enel smirked, stretching his limbs.

The three fish-men glanced at each other, grabbing their weapons, ready to gang up on Enel. But before they could act, several 'ordinary' lightning strikes fell from the sky. In an instant, they were electrocuted, their bodies charred as the scent of burnt flesh filled the air.

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