#369 - No. 3 Choate
In the dimly lit underwater passages of Fish-Man Island, Baskerville strode forward with faltering steps, each one seeming difficult and heavy.
His chest was stained crimson with blood, which dripped from his tattered clothes onto the ground, splattering into tiny droplets, as if recounting the fierce battle he had just endured.
His liquor-laden face was twisted with pain and anger, his tightly furrowed brow seeming to depict the unwillingness and resentment in his heart.
"Damn the Navy, attacking indiscriminately."
Baskerville gritted his teeth, his voice filled with pain and rage.
He pressed his hand tightly against the wound on his chest, trying to stop the gushing blood, but the wound was so deep it seemed to want to take his life with it.
As one of the executives of the 'Savior Holy Society,' he never imagined he would encounter such a defeat on Fish-Man Island.
This general under Blackbeard was known for his ferocity and strength; occupying a place in the 'Savior Holy Society' was enough to demonstrate his power, yet now he appeared in this underwater world in such a disheveled state.
He took a large gulp of wine, trying to alleviate the pain and anger, but the burning sensation only made him more awake, awake enough to feel every inch of his skin twitching in agony.
His large wine jug was almost empty, only his huge sausage nose stood out under the light.
The smell of alcohol mixed with the stench of blood filled the surrounding air, making him look both comical and terrifying.
Just as Baskerville was muttering under his breath, a light and anxious footstep broke the dull air.
Queen Otohime rushed over, and seeing the blood-soaked stranger before her, her heart filled with worry.
Although she did not know Baskerville's identity, her merciful nature drove her to step forward and try to help the injured outsider.
"Are you alright?"
Queen Otohime's voice was gentle and full of concern, her water-blue eyes sparkling with sincere care.
However, she also maintained a safe distance from him, so that if there was any danger, she could sense it in advance with her Observation Haki.
Baskerville's body trembled slightly, and the beautiful Fish-Man Island Queen and her kindness relaxed his anger-taut nerves a little.
He glanced up at Otohime, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. As a pirate who had experienced countless bloody battles, he had long been accustomed to the cold and ruthless world, but this care made him feel a little overwhelmed.
But he still couldn't hide the greed in his eyes.
"Hey, don't pretend to be a good person." Baskerville's voice was hoarse, with a bit of coldness and defensiveness. "You must be Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island. Don't expect to get any benefits from me."
He grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, somewhat malicious, but he also knew that he was now in her territory, so it was not good to go too far.
But Queen Otohime was not intimidated by his words. Although she sensed the other party's inner thoughts, she still looked at him gently and said softly:
"This is Fish-Man Island. No matter where you come from, as long as you need it, we will do our best to help you."
Her voice was like a clear spring, slowly flowing over Baskerville's manic heart.
Baskerville's gaze lingered briefly on Otohime's face, those bright eyes seeming to have no malice, only sincere concern.
He felt his heart beating heavier, and the kindness from a stranger made him almost forget for a moment that he was a ruthless pirate.
"Damn it," Baskerville muttered, but there was less hostility in his voice.
He lowered his head, no longer looking at Otohime, as if trying to hide the imperceptible wavering in his heart.
Queen Otohime sighed softly, then signaled the Fish-Man attendants behind her to step forward and prepare to treat Baskerville's wounds.
She knew that the injured man in front of her might be a dangerous enemy, but she also understood that every life deserved to be saved.
No matter who he was or where he came from, she would not stand idly by.
Under Queen Otohime's gentle insistence, Baskerville finally did not refuse.
Although his heart was still full of distrust and vigilance, he was now unable to resist this warm care.
The night on Fish-Man Island grew deeper, the air filled with a calm and complex atmosphere, and Baskerville's anger and anxiety gradually faded in this care.
On the surface, Baskerville accepted Queen Otohime's help, and although his face still maintained an indifferent and disdainful expression, he had other plans in his heart.
A sinister light flashed in his turbid eyes, and he secretly planned for the future.
At this moment, he was seriously injured, and his actions and strength were greatly reduced. He had no ability to carry out any conspiracy for the time being, but he knew that once his body recovered, these kind merfolk would become his next prey.
"When I recover from my injuries," Baskerville thought viciously, "none of these beautiful fishmen and merfolk will escape."
He had already envisioned how to bring these creatures into his possession and turn them into his slaves.
Deep in his heart, there was an uncontrollable greed and malice, eager to take these alien lives into his hands and turn them into tools for his revenge and expansion of power.
Queen Otohime carefully observed Baskerville from the side, her brow furrowing slightly, and a trace of unease arose in her heart.
As one of the leaders of Fish-Man Island, she was particularly sensitive to the emotions of others.
She could feel the other party's malice even without using Observation Haki.
Although the pirate in front of her accepted help on the surface, his dark inner world did not escape her perception.
She could feel that the man's heart was full of malice and calculation. If he recovered, he would inevitably pose a threat to the merfolk on the island.
Queen Otohime secretly weighed the next course of action.
She had always been committed to easing the relationship between fishmen, pirates, and humans, and trying to bridge the gap between the two sides through peace and understanding.
However, she would never allow the island's residents to be in danger.
Baskerville's arrival made her deeply worried, and she had to find a balance point that could both help him recover and ensure the safety of the island.
"This world is really full of contradictions," Queen Otohime sighed in her heart.
The distance between Fish-Man Island and the Sabaody Archipelago was too close, which meant that the island's residents often faced the threat of pirates.
Due to the pirates' atrocities, the relationship between Fish-Man Island and the human world was becoming increasingly tense, and the gap between them was widening.
Although she had been working hard to change this situation, the complexity and cruelty of reality made her feel powerless.
After thinking for a moment, Queen Otohime decided to take more cautious action.
She knew that she could not completely solve the current predicament with her own strength alone, and she had to seek more help and guidance.
"It seems necessary to find Shirley," Queen Otohime decided in her heart.
Shirley was the wisest and most prescient being on Fish-Man Island, and she could often see the future.
She had to discuss countermeasures with Shirley to ensure the safety of Fish-Man Island, especially with this dangerous pirate lurking among them.
Queen Otohime's gaze lingered on Baskerville for a moment, then she nodded slightly, signaling the attendants to continue treating him.
But she had already made up her mind that she must not allow the future of Fish-Man Island to be threatened by this dangerous pirate.
She needed to prepare for the coming storm.
...
