Although it was located deep under the sea, it still had a sky and clouds. Thanks to the giant tree near Fish-Man Island, the Sunlight Tree Eve, which could transmit sunlight from the surface down to the island, there was daylight and nightfall even in the depths of the ocean. The local residents even described this phenomenon as the blessing of the sun.
Sakazuki personally led a squad of marines, rushing toward Mermaid Cove, the place most prone to incidents of kidnapping and plundering.
Though it belonged to the deep-sea region, thanks to the blessing of the Sunlight Tree, this land was endowed with dazzling colors.
Light was a masterful color designer—one shade too strong would be excessive, one shade too weak would be dull. The scenery, in its perfect balance, was the most mesmerizing.
Exquisite, vibrant coral reefs surrounded the entire mermaid harbor. Giant clams, pink or pale purple, lay quietly on the soft sand.
Nature itself had carefully sculpted this secluded bay. While every creation possessed its own irreplaceable beauty and charm, this mermaid homeland held a unique allure.
The scenery complemented the people, and the mermaids themselves were part of the view.
Every smile, every expression, each carried its own grace—who knew how many emperors had been enchanted and how many heroes had been softened by such sights?
The harmony of scenery and figures enhanced each other, creating an unparalleled spectacle.
Graceful elegance, captivating charm.
To the marines, this place was nothing short of a dreamlike paradise.
"Is this heaven?"
"It really is like a fairy tale."
However, the marines' arrival had also caught the attention of the playful mermaids. Naturally kind and innocent, the mermaids observed the new visitors with curiosity.
Most mermaids welcomed the marines with a favorable impression. Over the past couple of years, rough and brutal pirates had occasionally invaded this peaceful sanctuary, abducting any mermaids who failed to escape in time, leaving the harbor in a state of unease.
Now, the arrival of these soldiers—revered as embodiments of justice on the surface—was undoubtedly reassuring.
Some young and naive mermaids even boldly waved at the marine unit.
A mermaid with soft, curly pink hair took it a step further—she swam closer and gently inquired, "Excuse me, are you here to patrol the area and protect us?"
As the marines gazed into the expectant eyes of the mermaid before them, it was their first time experiencing such a close encounter with these mystical beings of the sea.
The girl appeared to be around eighteen years old. A pair of pink seashells adorned her soft curves, her figure carrying a fuller charm than young maidens on land. Below her slender waist, a shimmering, glass-like fishtail swayed gracefully.
The murmuring among the marines grew louder.
"Mom, I'm in love!"
"Whoa! That mermaid just flirted with me!"
"No, she flirted with me!"
"She looked this way! Goddess!"
Sakazuki, hearing the hushed chatter, chose to turn a blind eye—for now. After all, mermaids were not something one got to see every day. However, indulgence could not be allowed to cross the line. Admiration was acceptable, but disrespectful words were not.
He cleared his throat, snapping the love-struck fools back to reality.
As soldiers of the Marine Headquarters, they could not afford to follow their impulses. Discipline and duty were what they should uphold.
Flushed with embarrassment at their own near-drooling behavior, the marines quickly turned their attention to their steadfast general, awaiting his response.
Mermaids might be enchanting, but the admiral came first.
Sakazuki, fully aware of his purpose here, fixed his gaze on the mermaid before him. His voice was as deep and steady as ever.
"The navy will conduct joint patrols with the Neptune Army to strengthen security and ensure everyone's safety. Now, have there been any sightings of pirates in the area recently?"
"Uncle, your voice sounds so nice!" The young mermaid's thoughts were clearly not on the same wavelength as Sakazuki's.
Sakazuki could immediately feel the countless resentful stares from behind, nearly boring holes through his back.
"Have there been any pirate sightings nearby?" The vice admiral had to repeat himself.
"Mm-hmm! A few days ago, we saw some scruffy-looking old men. But they only peeked around a little before disappearing," the slightly ditzy mermaid recalled, pouting as she tried to remember any suspicious details.
To the marines, this was a telltale sign. They had been battling pirates on the front lines for years, and they knew all too well how these scoundrels operated.
"Those bastards! Definitely scouts, gathering intelligence on the terrain, our numbers, and patrol shifts," a major beside Sakazuki growled in anger.
That anyone could bear to ruin such a paradise—and worse, enslave these beautiful mermaids—was beyond infuriating.
Damn it, and who knew what kind of slavery they were talking about?
Many marines clenched their fists in frustration, silently vowing to protect the mermaids' peace and happiness.
Sakazuki cast a glance at the major, signaling for him to hold his tongue. The last thing they needed was to frighten the already wide-eyed, trembling mermaid before them.
"A-Are we going to be captured, sir?" The tearful mermaid clutched her hands together anxiously.
"No one will take you. The navy will not stand idly by," Sakazuki assured her with unwavering confidence.
A little further away, a group of mermaids who had been watching the situation unfold slowly swam closer. A more mature-looking mermaid extended her delicate arm, gently resting it on the shoulder of the teary-eyed girl in front of her.
She turned to the marine unit, addressing them directly.
"We might have some clues to offer."
"Please, go ahead," Sakazuki nodded.
The mermaid, appearing to be around twenty-eight, smiled softly.
"Your voice really is incredibly magnetic."
… Could we please stay on topic?
Even though magma-based abilities were a natural counter to fire, Sakazuki felt like the scorching gazes from behind were practically roasting him alive.
"Our sisters saw those men as well," the older mermaid continued. "They emerged from behind the coral reefs just a few minutes after the Neptune Army's patrol had passed by."
"They deliberately avoided the scheduled patrol times?" Sakazuki met her gaze, his composure unwavering as a soldier's should be.
"They likely don't know that the navy is here," he analyzed. "We'll set up an ambush and take them by surprise."
"Yes, sir!" The marines saluted in unison, their expressions turning serious.
These were battle-hardened soldiers who had fought alongside Vice Admiral Sakazuki for years. When orders were given, there was no room for negligence. Giving their all was their standard mode of operation.
"Um… we can help hide some of you in the water!" The twenty-eight-year-old beauty suggested enthusiastically.
Sakazuki turned his emotionless gaze toward his own troops.
One glare. Cold. Expressionless. Intimidating.
With this triple-layered death stare, he successfully stomped out any dangerous thoughts brewing in his subordinates' heads.
… Could you please stop causing trouble?
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