NOVPUB
Chapter 287 - 287: Flames of Rebellion on Fishman Island
When Mio walked out of the island forest again, another day had passed.
One day had allowed Mio to initially control his improved strength.
"Sir, this is the information," Lilith said as she approached with a stack of documents in hand, handing them to Mio. She had already gathered everything Mio asked for from the island. The materials were all remnants left behind by Vegapunk, and the laboratory still contained ample facilities, capable of cultivating new apes at any time.
Mio flipped through the documents, then passed them back to Lilith. "Find someone to take over this place and continue the training. Let Judge know he's no longer needed here. Doflamingo can be the one to build the replica of Pluto—I'm sure he'll be eager to take charge. Also, tell Judge that as long as he completes this task, I'll help him reclaim control over the North Blue."
"In that case, I'm certain Judge will be very willing," Lilith replied with a small laugh. Judge had always longed to regain authority over the North Blue.
"I'm more than happy to help him rule the North Blue," Mio sneered coldly. "Let's see how the World Government responds once he does."
"I'll inform Judge." Lilith covered her mouth, giggling softly.
The two arrived at the deck of the Black Glory.
Looking over, they saw Kongo had already led his Kongo Corps aboard the massive replica of Pluto nearby. All of them stood respectfully, awaiting orders.
"Next, Kongo, you will follow me," Mio ordered. He had no intention of sending Kongo elsewhere. Though the Kongo Corps was formidable, they would attract too much attention from the World Government if deployed too early. Leaving them on Crow Island was the wisest choice.
"Yes," Kongo responded in a low, steady voice.
Without wasting more words, Mio turned to Bai Feng. "Set sail for Fishman Island."
"Yes, sir." Bai Feng nodded respectfully, and the Black Glory slowly began to move, heading off into the distance.
The massive Pluto replica followed closely behind.
On the deck, Lilith had already taken out the Den Den Mushi to contact Judge.
At that moment, a shadow soldier emerged, holding a Den Den Mushi in both hands and placing it before Mio.
"What is it?" Mio asked.
Though the shadow soldier couldn't speak, the very fact that it appeared meant Mio could sense its intent. He understood its message without needing words.
"So, the battle on Fishman Island is about to start?" Mio said, stroking his chin. The corners of his mouth curled upward as he sat cross-legged. "Turn it on. Let me see what's going on."
The shadow soldier nodded and placed the Den Den Mushi down. A projection appeared on the wall, displaying a live feed of the events currently unfolding on Fishman Island.
The video focused on the entrance to Fishman Island, where a luxurious ship had arrived. King Neptune and Queen Otohime were present to greet its passengers—Celestial Dragons.
A Celestial Dragon stood arrogantly at the bow of the ship, proclaiming, "I like the snacks from Fishman Island. I want them now. Also, someone must accompany me on a tour of the island. I'll be staying here for two days, and I expect full service. It should be your honor."
Otohime looked visibly troubled.
Neptune, though maintaining a composed expression, clearly understood the gravity of the situation. When Celestial Dragons arrived, their outrageous demands had to be tolerated. Their foul reputations stemmed not just from status, but from vile behavior.
Behind Neptune and Otohime stood not only the soldiers of Ryugu Palace but a large crowd of Fishman Island citizens. Upon hearing the Celestial Dragon's words, outrage began to stir.
"Damn you, disgusting Celestial Dragons! Get off our island—we don't welcome you!"
"Exactly! Filthy scum like you have no place here!"
"Disgusting Celestial Dragons!"
Voices of protest rang out, rising in fury. The insults reached the ears of the Celestial Dragon, who instantly became incensed.
"You lowly filth!" the Celestial Dragon roared. "Do you even know who stands before you? I'm a Celestial Dragon! Do you want to be targeted by a Buster Call!?"
The Celestial Dragon's guard barked with panic, sweat beading on his brow. He feared both the wrath of the mob and that of his master.
The Celestial Dragon's face twisted in anger as he drew a small ornate pistol, pointing it toward a fishman in the crowd.
"No! Don't!" a CP agent, who had been quietly observing, suddenly stepped forward, clearly alarmed. He knew how fragile the situation on Fishman Island was. One false move could ignite a full rebellion. If the Celestial Dragon died here, the consequences would be catastrophic.
But he hesitated.
His instincts screamed to intervene, but his fear of opposing a Celestial Dragon kept him frozen.
And in that fleeting moment of hesitation—
Bang.
The gun fired.
A bullet tore through a fishman's body, blood splashing violently. The victim collapsed, eyes wide in shock, life draining quickly as his body went cold.
"Hahaha! See that? That's what happens to those who defy the Celestial Dragons! Kneel before me, you insects! Consider it an honor to serve me!" the Celestial Dragon cackled maniacally.
Otohime and Neptune's expressions changed drastically as they turned to the crowd behind them.
Their people—already seething with hatred for human nobles, especially the Celestial Dragons—now stared in stunned silence. Disbelief turned to burning rage.
From the crowd, someone suddenly screamed, "Damn Celestial Dragons! Kill him! Kill him!!"
The shout ignited the crowd like a spark to gunpowder.
"He killed our brother! Kill that bastard!"
"Kill!!"
Watching the live broadcast, Mio smiled darkly. "That guy who shouted first... was he planted by Renee?"
The shadow soldier gave a small nod.
Mio's grin widened. "Good. Very good. That was a fine move."
