Chapter 79: New World
The Hell Prince Pirates stood gathered on the deck of their ship, the towering coral structures of Fish-Man Island fading into the distance as they prepared to dive deeper into the currents that would carry them toward the New World. The calm seas around the island belied the storm that awaited them beyond.
Dave stood at the bow, arms crossed, the faint shimmer of the underwater light casting his figure in a ghostly glow. His golden hair moved gently with the subtle sway of the ocean current, his expression contemplative. The events of the past weeks had set the world ablaze with whispers of his name. Now, every move he made carried the weight of expectation—both from his enemies and those who now looked to him as a symbol of rebellion.
"You're unusually quiet," Shakky remarked, stepping beside him. Her voice was soft, yet carried the firmness of someone who wouldn't let the silence linger too long.
Dave smirked, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. "Just thinking."
"Dangerous habit," Shakky teased, though her tone carried a hint of worry. "The New World isn't like anything what you faced before. It's chaos. The strong prey on the weak, alliances shift like tides, and even the weather can kill you."
Dave turned to her, his blue eyes meeting hers. "Chaos has a way of exposing people's true nature. If the New World is a proving ground, then let it test us."
Shakky nodded, though the weight of his words didn't ease her concern. "Just remember, you're not the only one being tested. Your crew follows you because they believe in you."
"And I won't let them down," Dave replied, his voice steady, a quiet determination radiating from him.
The ship glided through the undersea passage that led beneath the Red Line, the walls of the massive underwater tunnel illuminated by glowing flora. It was a surreal experience, the vibrant beauty of the deep sea masking the tension that lingered in everyone's mind.