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When it comes to Observation Haki, Asa still lacks enough training time to foresee the future. Likewise, he hasn't yet mastered the ability to visualize his Haki to the extent that it becomes a true "eye."
However, could the radio waves emitted by the Thunder Fruit be developed further—deep enough to affect others' brainwaves and allow him to hear their inner voices?
"Tell me," Asa asked Princess Otohime indifferently, "your ability to hear other people's inner thoughts with your Observation Haki—was it innate, or something that developed through continuous use?"
If it was innate, then it wasn't something he could learn through training. But if it developed gradually, Asa could learn from her experience and avoid unnecessary detours.
Otohime's use of Observation Haki was natural, but was hearing people's voices also something she was born with? Asa was truly puzzled.
People blessed with extraordinary talent can often pull ahead from the very beginning. This natural gap isn't something that acquired skills can always overcome.
"I'm not very sure. I just know I've always been able to hear them… for as long as I can remember." Princess Otohime nodded quickly, like a chicken pecking rice.
As long as problems could be avoided and peace maintained, she was willing to agree to any conditions. That was just how optimistic she was.
"Innate, huh?" Asa frowned, visibly disappointed.
He couldn't deny his disappointment. Since it was innate, it meant this ability was either impossible or extremely difficult to acquire…
No wonder no one else had been able to reach Princess Otohime's level.
That said, if Asa could take his radio wave development even further, he might be able to tap into people's thoughts. So despite his disappointment, he didn't dwell on it too much.
"I expected that answer. That's why this battle is unnecessary. Fortunately… Fish-Man Island wasn't destroyed over this!" Asa sneered and turned away.
His arrogance infuriated Fisher Tiger and Jinbei, the leaders of Fishman Street. They glared at him with bulging fish eyes, struggling to contain their anger as they watched him walk away.
Of course, Asa wouldn't actually destroy Fish-Man Island. The super-giant Sea Kings surrounding the island—guardians of the place and awaiting Poseidon's return—were not to be trifled with.
Those Sea Kings had lived since ancient times. Their intelligence rivaled that of humans, and they could easily swallow islands or wipe out entire nations.
Still, Asa could easily destroy half the island and leave Fish-Man Island drenched in blood.
"Wait, Mr. Asa! Since you're already here, why not enjoy some of Dragon Palace City's finest wine and delicacies?" King Neptune offered politely now that the situation had calmed.
Avoiding conflict with pirates had kept Fish-Man Island relatively unharmed until now.
Most pirates came here only to pass through to the New World. They didn't linger.
And now that Fish-Man Island no longer had the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates, its deterrent power was nonexistent.
"No need for food," Asa said as he stopped and turned back. "If possible, hurry up and coat my ship with a film. This place is so boring, and I don't think any of you want me to stay here long anyway."
"Ho ho ho ho ho! Mr. Asa, you're quite the joker," Neptune laughed. "Since you're so determined to leave, you may use the passage tomorrow… I'll give the immediate order to begin the coating process!"
…
Strolling around Fish-Man Island, Asa couldn't help but admire the unique undersea scenery at a depth of 10,000 meters. Coral trees, shell towers, and mermaids were everywhere.
Mermaids differed from fish-men—mermaids had fish tails from the thighs down, while fish-men had fish-like traits all over their bodies.
All mermaids, without exception, were stunningly beautiful. It was impossible not to stare.
However, their attitude toward Asa was icy.
Both fish-men and mermaids resented humans. That might change someday—perhaps when Whitebeard took Fish-Man Island under his wing or when Princess Otohime's "family plan" was realized.
Asa didn't care. You can't stand me? That's not my problem. If you can beat me to death, do it. If you can't, you're just chickens.
Countless people had hated Asa. If resentment, hatred, and contempt could kill, the top brass at Navy Headquarters would've killed him thousands of times already.
But those feelings were meaningless. Asa continued living just fine.
He wandered through shop after shop. Neptune had made arrangements—whenever Asa entered a store, an official would tell the owner that Ryugu Castle would cover the bill in full.
Asa didn't refuse. Bailey was pointless here, and Neptune would be happy to foot the bill to send him off sooner.
He showed no restraint, tossing whatever clothes he liked into his Strong City Bracelet and eating and drinking whatever he pleased.
A full day passed uneventfully.
The next morning, as sunlight from the Yangshu Eve filtered into the deep sea, a fish-man soldier came to report that the ship's membrane was plated and ready.
"Oh?" Asa said, mouth full of secret takoyaki and grease.
It was obvious that Neptune was eager to send him away. Asa was equally eager to leave. Despite its uniqueness, the deep sea wasn't as beautiful as the world above.
Under Neptune's arrangement, Asa returned to his ship with heaps of clothing, leaving the shop owners watching in pained silence.
The clothes suited him perfectly and would last for years, saving him countless future shopping trips.
Neptune, Otohime, Fisher Tiger, and Jinbei all came to see him off, creating a solemn and ceremonial atmosphere.
Neptune pretended to ask Asa to stay longer, but inwardly he breathed a deep sigh of relief—finally, the terrifying guest who could not be reasoned with was leaving.
No one could predict what might've happened had Asa stayed. Tiger had even rushed to Fishman Street to warn those who deeply hated humans to lay low, fearing they might run into Asa and get killed on the spot—without rhyme or reason.
Seeing all this, Asa almost laughed. But he had to leave anyway.
His ambition meant he could never stay in one place for long. The turbulent New World was his real destination.
Once on board, the ship—propelled by giant whales—exited the passage, passing through the massive double-layered bubble surrounding Fish-Man Island, and re-entered the vast deep sea.
Asa sat at the bow, drinking as the ship moved toward the massive tunnel in the Red Line. Once they passed through it, they would enter the pirate's promised land—the New World!
A place where dreams were either fulfilled or shattered. The stage where the strongest clashed and legends were forged.
It was also the very place Asa sought for adventure and excitement.
"Here I come… Roger, Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Red!" Asa whispered, a burning intensity in his eyes.
(End Of Chapter)
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