Although Otohime was only seven years old this year, her precocious nature made her exceptionally skilled at discerning good and evil intentions.
Especially with her innate powerful Observation Haki, she could almost see through people's hearts.
In her perception, from top to bottom, not a single person on this ship harbored malicious intent.
Particularly since Brian had recently left her with warm memories on the island.
For the young girl, this made her actively want to get closer.
Although Sheep Girl loved teasing her, Otohime knew it was all just playful banter.
Her past life on Fish-Man Island had been too lonely—she had few friends and often played alone.
It couldn't be helped; her innate Observation Haki made it relatively difficult for her to make friends.
The other merfolk on Fish-Man Island were amazed by her abilities and didn't dare get too close to Otohime.
As a result, Otohime was often left alone in solitude.
In contrast, she greatly enjoyed the lively atmosphere on the pirate ship and was willing to actively integrate into it.
At that moment, Number One quietly approached Brian and spoke.
"Master, we'll be arriving soon."
"Yes, I know. Make the necessary preparations."
"Understood."
The waters of the New World near the Calm Belt were always filled with unpredictable dangers and opportunities. The turbulent currents and occasional emergence of massive Sea Kings made this area a forbidden zone for ordinary ships.
However, for Brian and his Beast Girls, this hidden uninhabited island was the safest base and workshop.
The pirate ship skillfully navigated around several submerged reefs and slowly docked in a natural harbor on the leeward side of the island.
The jungle along the shore remained lush and verdant, with tall trees and entwining vines forming a natural barrier that shielded them from outside scrutiny.
"We've arrived. Everyone, disembark."
Brian was the first to step onto solid ground, followed by the solemn-faced maid Number One.
Behind them stood three neat rows of maids, identical in appearance and moving in perfect unison.
Several Beast Girls with distinct temperaments followed behind.
Tiger Girl stood at the forefront of the Beast Girl formation, her sharp eyes scanning the surrounding jungle to ensure there were no potential threats.
Leopard Girl maintained a similar vigilance on the other side.
Dog Girl Ling excitedly sniffed the air, her fluffy tail wagging rapidly.
Cat Girl and Cow Girl stood together, advancing with the main group.
Above them, Bat Girl flapped her wings as she followed along.
She continuously released ultrasonic waves to survey the island's situation.
It had been some time since they last returned, and although Griffin Girl and Wyvern Girl were currently on the island, this level of caution was still necessary—just in case.
Sheep Girl comfortably breathed in the surrounding air, relieved to finally be home.
Beside Sheep Girl, Otohime timidly clung to her sleeve, curiously examining the unfamiliar forest.
Fish-Man Island didn't have such lush forests.
Even the limited Sea Forest was restricted from ordinary access.
Seeing this scene filled Otohime with curiosity.
The group advanced along a carefully concealed path deep into the forest.
The humus beneath their feet was soft, and the air carried the fresh scent of soil and vegetation. Occasional peculiar bird calls accentuated the tranquility of the place.
Eventually, they halted before the colossal tree serving as their camouflage.
Brian extended his hand, lightly tapping a specific spot on the rough bark with his fingertip.
"Ding~"
A familiar electronic tone sounded as a gentle blue glow rippled across the tree's surface. The light swept over Brian and those behind him like flowing water.
After verifying permissions, the clearing before them emitted a low mechanical hum.
An entrance large enough for several people to walk abreast silently appeared, revealing a seemingly endless metal staircase descending downward.
"Let's go."
Brian stepped in first, followed closely by the maids. The Beast Girls and Otohime filed in after them.
When the last person entered, the entrance closed silently once more.
From the outside, it blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment, leaving no trace of its existence.
Tap, tap, tap————
Footsteps echoed through the confined stairway passage. After descending the spiral path for about ten minutes, their view suddenly opened up.
A massive laboratory filled with futuristic technology unfolded before them.
Cold metal walls reflected the overhead lights, while countless pipes of varying thicknesses snaked across the ceilings and walls.
Rows upon rows of cylindrical cultivation pods still lined both sides of the laboratory.
These pods were filled with pale green nutrient fluid, each containing a suspended clone with closed eyes in deep slumber.
However, upon closer inspection, one would notice the number of clones had decreased slightly since their last visit.
The missing portion had been activated after Griffin and the others returned, used to assist with experiments.
Pat pat pat~
Shortly after Brian's group entered, Feixue's figure appeared before them.
Surprisingly, the streamlined emerald-green body of Feixue was now draped in a white lab coat.
She actually carried an air of a scientist about her.
It would have been even better if she wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses————
"Master, you're back."
Feixue appeared quite excited upon seeing Brian and the group.
Having followed the Griffin Girl to this island for some time, she had nearly died of boredom.
The creation of Beast Girls required little intervention from her, as the maids handled all procedures autonomously.
Strictly speaking, she and Griffin primarily ensured security and served as guardians.
Over these days, she had sometimes wandered around the island, other times flying out to hunt over the sea.
Once, she even accidentally entered the Calm Belt, immediately encountering swarms of Sea Kings upon entry.
The numbers were truly overwhelming - as soon as one group was eliminated, another would replace them, with no end in sight.
Ultimately, Feixue relied on her flight advantage to shake off the Sea Kings and conducted preliminary exploration in the Calm Belt.
Of course, her exploration progress remained at zero for now - she had merely found an uninhabited island at the edge of the Calm Belt but hadn't begun proper exploration yet.
"You've worked hard this time, Feixue."
"Hehe, not hard at all. Whatever Master asks, Feixue is willing to do."
Completely lacking the domineering nature one might expect from a dragon, Feixue acted uncharacteristically simple-minded before Brian.
This state only ever appeared when she was with him.
"Where is Griffin? How is the Beast Girl about to be born?"
"Sister Griffin is inside, Master. Please follow me."
"The Devil Fruit has already begun to dissolve. If you hadn't returned just in time, I would have contacted you."
"Perfect timing then. Let's go to the laboratory."
"Alright."
"Number One, you and the others sort and store the collected spoils."
"Yes, Master."
Tap tap tap~
Brian led the Beast Girl Legion, along with the somewhat bewildered Otohime mixed among them, following Feixue as they proceeded deeper into the laboratory.
Meanwhile, Maid Number One directed the other maids to operate like precise gears, organizing the supplies according to Brian's instructions.