"On this trip to Fish-Man Island, eliminate the current king's brother Daken for me. Leave no trace."
"Also, everyone from that old bastard's lineage, and all those followers of his in Fish-Man District."
"Wipe them all out, not a single one left, goddammit!"
Rocks' voice sounded somewhat muffled, yet brimming with murderous intent.
Even transmitted through the Den Den Mushi, Brian could feel a chill running down his arm.
The wrath of Rocks, the overlord of the New World—Daken was truly in for a world of suffering.
"Fish-Man Island?"
"Isn't that our territory? What's going on, Captain?"
Brian was somewhat surprised.
Since joining the Rocks Pirates, he had gained a rough understanding of just how vast the territory under the Rocks Pirates' control was.
More than half of the New World was practically under the Rocks Pirates' domain.
The only difference lay in the degree of control over these territories.
For instance, Hachinosu, being their main base, had the tightest control.
Next came the various black markets, trading posts, and auction houses scattered throughout the New World.
Further down were territories that were under their influence but not fully controlled, such as some subservient nations and forces that merely paid tribute.
Fish-Man Island happened to fall into this third category—under their influence but not entirely under their thumb.
The kingdom's development was still managed by the current Ryugu Kingdom, which simply paid annual tribute.
"Those goddamn traitors, biting the hand that feeds them."
"Amid the recent chaos in the New World, that old bastard Daken took the initiative to collude with pirates, causing massive disruptions on Fish-Man Island."
"Several of our merchant convoys have been completely looted, and all personnel were slaughtered."
"If we don't settle this, how can I face all the brothers under my command?"
Rocks was clearly furious—this was betrayal.
In the world of pirates, betrayal is the cardinal sin, punishable by death to set an example.
"So that's how it is. I understand."
Brian was unfamiliar with Daken; this part hadn't appeared in the original storyline.
Perhaps it did occur in the original but wasn't recorded since it didn't affect the larger plot.
Regardless, if it truly wasn't in the original, Brian would simply consider it a bug caused by his arrival in this world.
No big deal—it wouldn't impact the overall situation.
Rocks' voice continued.
"The current king's brother, Diken, has been very restless lately."
"Taking advantage of the chaos in the New World, he gathered a group of radicals from Fish-Man District and spread the 'Fish-Man Supremacy' rhetoric throughout Fish-Man District, and even the entire Fish-Man Island."
"They're all extremists who despise humans, even comparing our Rocks Pirates, who protect Fish-Man Island, to the same level of scum as the Celestial Dragons."
"Damn it, who are these bastards trying to insult? Am I some useless Celestial Dragon?"
"Fucking blind, comparing me to the Celestial Dragons—it makes me sick."
This was what truly angered Rocks.
"What kind of look is that? Comparing him to a Celestial Dragon—utterly blind."
If it weren't for that, he might not have been so enraged.
He, Rocks, was of the D Clan—sworn enemies of the Celestial Dragons, locked in a fight to the death.
"Was no one on Fish-Man Island trying to stop it?"
Brian posed the soul-searching question.
"Of course there was. The current king has been trying to stop it, but he's completely useless—utterly ineffective."
"It's a shame. The old king of the Ryugu Kingdom may be obedient, but he's far too mediocre, like a piece of foul, hard coral."
"His son, the current prince Neptune, has passable potential, but he's still too young."
"That guy Fisher Tiger from the Fish-Man District has some sense of the bigger picture and decent potential. He's been trying to control the situation."
"However, his strength isn't enough yet. He can't fully control the entire Fish-Man District—still lacking that final edge."
Fish-Man Island is one of the few transit points in the world connecting the first half of the Grand Line to the New World. It's critically important and cannot be lost.
Aside from Fish-Man Island, the only other way to smoothly enter the New World is through the passage beneath the Red Earth Continent.
But that's the exclusive route of the World Government and the Navy—it has nothing to do with pirates.
What decent pirate would take the World Government's Red Earth Continent passage to the New World?
Simply put, for pirates, the only practical route into the New World is through Fish-Man Island.
Of course, if you have the capability, you could also traverse the Calm Belt or go by air.
But for pirates, the conventional route to the New World is essentially just Fish-Man Island.
Because of its importance, years ago, Rocks personally led his crew and took control of Fish-Man Island.
Believing in iron-fisted rule, Rocks carried out a massive purge on Fish-Man Island at the time, killing all who refused to submit.
Under this violence, the Ryugu Kingdom submitted, and Fish-Man Island was incorporated into the Rocks Pirates' territory.
Considering Fish-Man Island's location and the circumstances at the time, Rocks didn't carry out a complete overhaul of the island.
Apart from stationing people to protect and monitor the island, Fish-Man Island's normal operations remained unchanged, still managed by the Ryugu Kingdom.
Over the years, the Ryugu Kingdom has maintained its annual tributes, and the two sides have coexisted relatively peacefully.
After taking control, he didn't impose overly harsh conditions on Fish-Man Island, only requiring them to pay annual tribute.
Thanks to the protection of the Rocks Pirates, the incidence of kidnapping and trafficking on Fish-Man Island decreased significantly within just a few years.
After all, with the Rocks Pirates' flag flying over the island, pirates in the New World had to keep their eyes open.
If they didn't, the Rocks Pirates would make sure they did.
"I never expected these fish-men to forget the pain so quickly in just a few years and choose to cause trouble now."
The relationship between Neptune and Daken is that of uncle and nephew.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the trouble caused by power.
"Your mission this time is to clean up all these troublemaking pirates, fish-men, and merfolk—leave none behind."
"See if Neptune and his son are still useful. If not, kill them and install a more obedient king."
"You have full authority over the entire island. You decide who deserves to die."
"In short, there's only one requirement for this mission."
A cold smirk tugged at the corner of Rocks' lips—not a smile, but the mockery of a predator watching its prey struggle.
"After this, I want to see a clean, obedient Fish-Man Island."
"I get it, making an example out of someone to warn others. That works."
Brian nodded and agreed.
"Good, then I'll leave it to you. If there are other matters later, you can contact Linlin."
"This time I'm giving you three months. Is that enough for you to handle Fish-Man Island and your personal affairs?"
"More than enough, thank you, Captain."
"Alright, then we'll gather at Hachinosu in three months. There will be a major new operation then."
"Understood."
"That's settled then. Hang up."
Click~
The Den Den Mushi was hung up and retracted back into its shell.