"Ah, it's not exactly an order," Bahr said casually, spreading his hands as if making small talk. "Just thought you might be bored."
"That's more like it." Enel's furrowed brows relaxed slightly as he twirled his golden rod deftly in his palm, electricity crackling around him. "Fine, might as well stretch my legs."
Before the words even settled, his figure vanished in a flash of lightning. The God Enforcers immediately hurried after him, followed closely by the Ram-Headed Guardians, their footsteps pounding a frantic rhythm through the chaotic port.
Bahr chuckled as he watched Enel's retreating figure. The guy was all about pride—give him the right excuse, and he'd go along with anything.
Turning to the other side, Bahr called out, "Mr. 1, you and the others go too. Make it clear to those scum that Jimbei is my friend. Anyone who dares cause trouble on Fish-Man Island is picking a fight with Bahr."
"Understood, boss," Mr. 1 replied flatly, the blades on his arms snapping out with a cold gleam. He strode alongside Mr. 5 toward the heart of the disturbance.
Paula swayed gracefully in her high heels, her skirt fluttering with each step, her expression lazily indifferent.
"Such a pain…" Perona floated midair, hugging her Ghost Princess plushie, her voice dripping with boredom. "But messing with bad guys does sound kinda fun."
With that, she summoned a few Hollows and drifted after them, keeping pace with Porche, who hovered beside her.
Nico Robin remained where she stood, tapping her chin thoughtfully before nodding at Bahr. "I have some personal matters to attend to. I'll sit this one out."
Taking a step back, she slung her bag over her shoulder and headed deeper into the port, murmuring under her breath, "Sea Forest…"
Bahr paid it no mind. Uncovering the secrets of the Historical Text was Robin's obsession—letting her go was only natural.
A sharp crack split the air.
Sadi stood in place, her fingers coiling around the handle of her whip, her tongue flicking over her lips as a feverish blush spread across her face. "Mmm~ Disobedient trash deserves proper discipline~"
Without another word, she dashed forward, the rhythmic clack of her boots against the ground like some secret, urgent tempo.
Jimbei blinked at her retreating figure before turning to Bahr. "I didn't expect you to have even the Warden Chief of Impel Down under your command."
Bahr shrugged. The woman was twisted, her mind full of warped ideas, but she'd been beaten into submission long ago.
There was no need to keep her restrained now. Even if she harbored any rebellious thoughts, they'd be nothing more than trivial sparks in the face of absolute power.
Dismissing the thought, Bahr turned back to Jimbei, his tone lighter. "Well, that should clear things up."
"I… truly appreciate your help," Jimbei said earnestly, watching as the group swiftly dispersed the chaos. "I won't forget this kindness."
Fish-Man Island was in dire need of support, and he wasn't about to refuse.
"Don't mention it." Bahr clapped Jimbei on the shoulder. "This place is too beautiful to let those scum ruin it. Besides, they were killing my vacation vibe."
Jimbei gave a wry smile. "I should be playing host, but with things like this…"
Another crash echoed in the distance, and his gaze flickered with worry.
Bahr understood immediately and waved it off with a grin. "No worries. I'll explore on my own. Heard there's a famous Mermaid Café around here—mind pointing me in the right direction?"
What was the point of visiting Fish-Man Island if he didn't check out the Mermaid Café?
"Mermaid Café?" Jimbei paused, then nodded. "It's one of the island's best spots. The mermaid staff are very welcoming… Head south three blocks. You'll see a building decorated with shell lanterns."
"Um… I-I work at the Mermaid Café."
Melo had propped herself up on her fish tail at some point, her aqua-blue hair cascading over her shoulders. The fear in her lavender eyes had faded. "If you don't mind, I could guide you."
She glanced at Jimbei, who gave a slight nod, before mustering the courage to add, "The route's a bit winding. Outsiders tend to get lost."
Bahr smirked. "Perfect. Lead the way."
Turning toward the commotion, he called out, "Mr. 1, meet up with me at the Mermaid Café once you're done cleaning up!"
"Understood!" came Mr. 1's curt reply from afar.
As soon as the plan was settled, Miss. Valentine stomped her foot, grumbling at Bahr's back, "Boss is so unfair!"
"Ugh~" Porche whined midair, casually hurling boulders into the fray. "We're working our tails off, and he's off to relax!"
Jimbei sighed softly as he helped the other fishmen off the ground, his gratitude deepening as he watched the port gradually calm.
Meanwhile, Bahr followed Melo through the bustling streets.
Watching her pink-and-white butterfly fish tail glide smoothly across the ground, he couldn't help teasing, "You always walk like this?"
Melo's cheeks flushed. "N-no… The café has special water slides. I only came out today to shop, so…"
Her voice trailed off as she recalled the earlier abduction, her caudal fin curling nervously.
Bahr tactfully dropped the subject and instead arched a brow, feigning sternness. "You're awfully trusting, following me like this. Aren't you afraid I'll kidnap you?"
Leaning in with a mock-threatening tone, his eyes glinted with amusement. "I don't exactly look like a good guy, do I?"
Melo blinked at his act before a small smile tugged at her lips, her lavender eyes sparkling. "You're not a bad person."
"Oh?" Bahr dragged out the word. "How do you know? What if I'm just pretending?"
He took a half-step closer, voice teasing. "Someone as pretty as you, with a tail like sprinkled pearls—who wouldn't be tempted?"
Melo's face burned, but instead of shrinking back, she lifted her chin, her aqua-blue hair swaying as her tail tapped a cheerful rhythm against the ground. "It's fine if you're tempted. Mermaids love compliments."
Even so, the pink at her ears betrayed her shyness, though her voice held less timidity and more sincerity. "But I know you're good. You saved me, and Jimbei-sama trusts you. Anyone he respects can't be bad."
It wasn't so much trust in Bahr as it was faith in Jimbei's judgment—the Sea Knight's reputation on Fish-Man Island was unshakable.
"Fair enough. You've got good instincts." Bahr dropped the act and waved her forward. "Let's hurry. At this rate, we'll miss out on coffee."
Melo quickly caught up, her butterfly fish tail carving smooth arcs across the ground, her aqua-blue hair flowing like ocean waves.
She sidled closer, her hair brushing Bahr's arm as she chirped, "Turn left at the next intersection—that's Coral Plaza. The café's shell lanterns are just past it. Madam Sharley's fortune-telling is scarily accurate. Want her to read your future?"
Pausing, she added eagerly, "Lots of pirates come just for her readings! You should try it!"
Her pink-and-white tail tapped an excited beat, as if underscoring her recommendation.
Bahr glanced at her, noting the earnest light in her lavender eyes—all traces of fear gone, replaced by the mermaid's natural vivacity. He chuckled. "Maybe later. Let's try the coffee first."
"You won't regret it!" Melo beamed, her tail swaying so vigorously it nearly stirred a breeze. "Our seaweed latte and pearl desserts are legendary! Everyone orders them!"
She sped up, her tail gliding effortlessly over the coral-paved path. "We're almost there! Just through that archway!"
Bahr followed, listening to her chatter about the sights, occasionally responding. It was hard to believe this lively mermaid was the same one who'd been trembling in fear earlier.
Her mermaid spirit—unfiltered and radiant—shone through without reservation.