One Piece: The Salted Fish Fruit

"You little reptile, release the chieftain!" The surrounding orcs roared angrily upon seeing what Mabi had done, and wanted to attack her.

“If you want him dead, come on up.” Mabi coldly stared at the orcs around her. Although the four people in front of her had forgiven him, it didn’t mean that she had forgiven them as well. The wado ichimonji placed on his neck moved slightly, and a piece of white fur floated down, as if to indicate that reaping the other’s head was just as simple.

"You!" Looking at the threatening Mabi, she thought she could probably just chop off the chieftain's head.

"Mabi! When did you get here? And what happened to Zoro?" Upon seeing Mabi appear and Zoro with his arm around her shoulder, the surrounding companions rushed to help in a flurry.

"I just arrived too. I saw your conversation and didn't show myself. Chopper, please heal Zoro. When I saw him, he was being attacked by three demonic beasts and was seriously injured." Maggie handed Zoro over to Mia and Nami, who had come up, and then sheathed her long sword.

"Okay! Ok!"

"This young man is seriously injured. Do you think this drop of holy water can help you?" the old white fox clan chief asked from above.

"This?" Mabi looked at the small bamboo tube in his hand, presumably the holy water they were talking about that could cure diseases.

"I'm sorry, senior. Please forgive my rudeness earlier because of my friend's situation." Seeing that the other party didn't mind her actions and that they had actually been helpful, Mabi immediately stepped forward and bowed in apology.

"Haha! Anyone would be angry to see their comrade get hurt." Chopper laughed as he took the bamboo tube from her, completely unconcerned about Maggie's earlier actions.

"Hey you pervert! What new ability have you gained? You can even become invisible? Can you teach me?" Sanji put his arm around Maggie's shoulder and whispered to her in a corner.

"No! This is a salted fish barrier I cast, which allows someone to be in another space without being detected. But I also know what you want. Even if I had it, I wouldn't teach you anything except peeping at women bathing. You can't do anything else." Mabi laughed. This guy had always coveted that invisibility fruit to satisfy his special fetish, and he must have seen that I could become a little more invisible this time.

"How could that be? I have great respect for women and would never watch them bathe without their consent." Sanji raised an eyebrow and uttered words that were completely contrary to his true feelings.

"I know where the Invisibility Fruit, the ultimate spying tool, is!" Mabi deliberately provoked.

"Where? Tell me quickly!" Upon hearing about something they had aspired to obtain since childhood, their true colors immediately came out.

"I forgot! Didn't you say you didn't like peeking?"

"You perverted bastard, you're making fun of me."

"Chirp!" A piercing scream rang out from the sky!

"Usopp!" Maple flipped over and ran outside. Seeing the green smoke column that appeared in the sky, indicating safety, it seemed Luffy had found them. She took out a green pill from her pocket and threw it into the air in response.

"What's wrong?" Nami asked as she came out from inside.

"Luffy has found Usopp. The green smoke that appeared after he found him represents the critical situation they were in."

"Looks like they're pretty safe," Nami replied, gazing at the green smoke in the distance.

"Yes! Let's gather together and discuss this first. This island is completely different from the previous ones. It's full of ferocious and violent magical beasts. If we're surrounded, we'll be in danger, just like Zoro."

Suddenly, Maggie seemed to remember something and asked Nami, "By the way, how are the pointers?"

Nami raised her wrist and looked at it helplessly: "It's still spinning back and forth. From what they've told me, this is probably an isolated island. You could say that no ships from the Grand Line have ever come here, and they know nothing about anything in the world."

"It's a pity we didn't buy a permanent compass. Any island could have given us directions," Maggie said helplessly. Adventure is all about doing whatever you want, but who knew we'd encounter such a deserted island? It seems we didn't think things through enough.

"Let's stay for a few days and find out what's going on. As the only reliable tool on the Grand Line, we rarely hear of anyone being unreliable. I'm sure there are some things we don't know about here."

Looking at the gradually darkening sky, Maggie said, "I'll go inform them. You guys wait here for a bit and tell Luffy about the situation here."

Okay! Be careful.

···

"Haha! Haha!" Before even getting close to Mebi, they could see the figures illuminated by the firelight from a short distance away, and hear the occasional cheerful laughter.

"Gurara! This kid isn't afraid of our lightning at all! That's hilarious!" A tall, burly human patted Luffy's body vigorously in praise.

"Haha! I'm a rubber man, lightning has no effect on me." Luffy laughed heartily, completely unconcerned.

"Haha! Who isn't afraid of lightning but gets chased around by the fire-breathing rabbit!" someone laughed from the side.

"Haha! I was just playing with it. This fluffy, fire-breathing rabbit is quite delicious."

"Hi! Luffy!" Maggie came out of the woods behind him to greet him.

"Haha! Mabi, you're here! Let me introduce you to some of my friends. They can unleash lightning just like Nami! Those fire-breathing beasts were roasted alive by them, isn't that amazing?" Upon seeing Mabi, he immediately stepped forward, put his arm around her, and introduced them.

"This junior greets all seniors! Thank you for taking care of my captain!" Maggie said, bowing in gratitude upon hearing Luffy's explanation.

"Another young person? Are you really from an island outside?" the old man asked, looking at Mabi's appearance.

"Yes! Senior, we stumbled upon this place by accident. Do you know how to leave this island?" Mabi inquired. This island exuded an extraordinary aura, and although its exact size was unknown, it wasn't very large. The humans and beastmen living here hadn't even considered leaving, their strength, based on previous observations, was sufficient for seafaring.

"It seems those legends aren't just fiction, but real. This world isn't just ours!" The other person sighed, recalling something after hearing Maby's words. Then, hearing Maby's question, knowing they also wanted to leave the island, they explained.

"Want to leave this place? It's a pity. Ever since those terrifying beasts appeared and caused us so many casualties, we've tried to follow the old legends and find other humans in this world to leave and start a new life. But no matter how long we sail, we always end up back on shore without exception. In those situations, we have no choice but to come back and fight them for a living space. I think you will never be able to return to your world!"

“We can’t go back! The old man also said it’s not a separate world. Does he know about other places?” Mabi continued to press, as they couldn’t just remain stranded on an island.

Chapter 49: Task Assignment! Detective Island

"Alright, based on what I've learned from the elderly people living here, they know nothing about magnetic field lines or anything like that on the Grand Line. From their accounts and what I know, the only time they've ever seen outsiders was more than 800 years ago. At that time, those monsters also appeared on this island, and the outsiders came here to deal with them. However, after they finished dealing with the monsters, they didn't say goodbye, which is why the people living here have no way to connect with the outside world."

"And the place where they disappeared is in the center of this island, which is also the place where these monsters were released after being destroyed in a war hundreds of years ago." Mabi pointed to a map on the table and explained to everyone. This map was a rough outline drawn by Angelia with Nami flying in the air to observe from afar that morning.

"In that case, we need to analyze whether those outsiders left behind any information to help us leave," Sanji said, exhaling a puff of smoke.

"That's right. They told us that the outer perimeter of the island is inhabited by some ordinary beasts, and the closer you get to the center, the stronger they become. Even they are powerless against these beasts and can only watch as they take over their home."

"However, we are powerless against them. How can we break through these beasts and enter the center of the island?" Mia asked. Even the local residents are afraid of those strange beasts running around the island. How can we, young people with only a little martial arts skills, possibly stand up to them?

"Don't worry about that. I've already had Chopper teach them how to use herbs to heal their bodies, as a way of repaying them for teaching us how to fight these beasts. As for me, I'll use my ability to make those beasts ignore me so they can explore and find a way to fight," Maggie said with a smile. She had already thought of a plan for this. Because of Chopper's medical skills, their two races naturally didn't need to be hostile. They were currently studying medicine together under Chopper's guidance.

The way those people used canes and other tools to unleash natural powers like lightning and fire in combat was perfect for Nami, Usopp, and others who relied on tools. The close-quarters combat style used by the beastmen would also be helpful to Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Mia, and Jack, especially their air armor, which was ideal for close-quarters fighting. However, Luffy, having witnessed their fighting style, had already run off to play and didn't even bother to come back for the meeting.

"Hehe! My sword is itching for a fight." Zoro laughed as he walked out, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Since he didn't need to worry about it, he might as well go out and fight. The pain those beasts had inflicted on him was still fresh in his mind.

"Let's go too!" Upon hearing Maggie's instructions, everyone knew their assigned tasks and ran out to find teachers who could help them. Nami, in particular, had already taken a liking to those staffs that could release natural energy, and since they had already made arrangements, she naturally asked for their guidance without hesitation.

"Miss Nami, Miss Mia, wait for me!" Sanji called out from behind.

"Brother Mabi! What about me?" Robin asked, looking at Mabi's arrangements. Everyone else had their own destinations, but he hadn't been assigned any. A sense of loneliness flashed through his heart. Was it because of his past experiences? It seemed that Robin already knew, since those were things that anyone could find out by asking around.

"Robin? You're a greater help. As a human dictionary, I need your assistance. As a combatant, I'm completely inept at historical research; after all, ancient history requires professionals like you." Mabi noticed the desolation in her eyes, which she naturally sensed. Having been a fugitive for twenty years, she had long lost her purpose, only seeking to drift through each day. She needed a new goal. Besides, was she a transmigrator? Why was this world so different from what she imagined? Even Mia, with her angel-fruit, had appeared; she wouldn't be surprised if a demon with a three-pronged fork, horns, and a tail appeared in the future.

"It's my pleasure!" Robin said with a smile, resting his chin on his hand.

"Are you ready, Mabi brothers? I know the way here, I'll take you there," a burly man wielding a giant hammer asked as he walked in.

“Thank you, Brother Kyle. I need you to accompany me on such a dangerous road,” Maby replied, putting away the map.

"Haha! Thank you so much. Before, we had to fight those bastards and deal with those beasts just for a drop of holy water. Now, thanks to Brother Chopper's medical skills, even common grass can heal our injuries, so we don't really need that holy water at all. The elder told us that we must repay this kindness." The other person patted Mabi's shoulder and laughed heartily, completely ignoring the fact that his enormous strength made Mabi's shoulder hurt.

Then, becoming shy, she whispered to Robin, "Miss, are you... are you lacking a man? I think I could fill that role."

"Pfft! Cough cough! Brother Kyle, don't you have several girls chasing after you in your tribe? Don't bother our beautiful crew members." Mabi coughed, patting the other's waist to remind him of his presence.

“A strong man can marry multiple women,” the other man said nonchalantly, then looked at Robin.

"Your circle is really messed up!" Mabi thought to herself, but it was an unavoidable fact. On this island without medical care, they fought wild beasts every day to protect their people, and the only way to ensure the survival of the population was to have as many children as possible.

"Haha!" Robin covered her mouth and chuckled at the sight before her, but then felt a warmth rise in her heart as Maggie pulled her into her arms and they walked away, which she then suppressed.

“It seems she’s already taken. I’ve decided to look at a few others.” Kyle gave up without hesitation when he saw Maby’s actions.

“Let’s go, Brother Kyle!” Maby replied from ahead.

"Hehe! Maggie's jealous!" Robin teased, slightly shifting away from Maggie.

"No! Kyle is twice your height! Do you think that's okay?" Maby laughed, daring to tease me in return. It seems my iceberg has melted a bit, so I won't mess around in the future.

"No!" Robin immediately and coldly refused.

···

"Brother Kyle, can you tell me what's so special about the monsters inside?" Mabi asked, slashing down an earthworm that had escaped from underground. The huge mouth, filled with sharp teeth, was enough to swallow dozens of square meters of soil. Having already reacted to the tremors from the ground after the previous trap, Mabi leaped into the air, determined not to fall into the enemy's territory.

"Nothing special, except that they wield greater power, and only a few of our warriors can handle them," Kyle replied nonchalantly. As one of the warriors who frequently ventured deep into the island, he certainly had the right to be arrogant; otherwise, the elder wouldn't have allowed him to lead Mabi on such an incursion.

"Brother Kyle, is this the bigger one?" Maby asked, looking at the fireball that was twenty meters in diameter.

"Yes, but this one is a bit big."

"Robin, hold me tight," Maggie replied to Robin, who was clinging to her back.

"Sever the Void!"

"Axe and Hammer Slash!" Two crescent-shaped invisible blades of energy were unleashed and slammed into the massive fireball that was hurtling towards them.

"Diamond Shield!" Mabi clenched her hands to solidify the surrounding gas and defend against the scattered fireballs. As for Kyle, there was no need to worry, since he also had an air armor that was enough to withstand some stray attacks.

Chapter 50 The Terrifying Central Island

“Brother Mabi, what lies ahead is the forbidden zone we call the Forbidden Zone of Life. Even the strongest warriors in our tribe never returned after entering. We must be careful once we go in; everything is unknown,” Kyle instructed, gripping his giant hammer and staring at the desert before him.

"Thank you so much, Brother Kyle. We'll take over the rest of the adventure," Maggie replied, carrying Robin on her back. After all, this place was too dangerous, and her physical condition wasn't even good enough to satisfy the beasts.

"Is this really possible? The elders instructed that even if it meant death, you had to be sent in." Kelton said immediately, dissatisfied.

"Salted Fish Thrust!" Without saying much to him, Mabi used Salted Fish Thrust to turn him into a salted fish, then tied him to a tree and placed a Salted Fish Barrier. After he woke up, she broke through it and left.

"Let's go!" Maggie shouted as she leaped through the air carrying Robin. Although being in the air made them vulnerable to attacks, it also protected them from underground attacks, something they had to be wary of in this dangerous world.

"Robin, help me explore the surrounding ruins, and don't forget the underground either." Dodging the aerial attacks, Mabi re-entered the ancient jungle-like place, constantly stepping and leaping through the huge vines to observe the surrounding movements.

"Is Mabi also interested in history?" Robin asked from behind Mabi, using her powers with her eyes closed.

“A little, but not a huge need. After all, I have a soul from over eight hundred years ago in my body and want to know some things! Break the Void!” Mabi answered Robin’s question, directly swinging her sword to slash at the rapidly approaching bird.

"Chirp!"

"Holy crap! This little sparrow is so tough!" Mabi shook her throbbing wrist. Despite her small body, Mabi felt the attack was like that of a giant beast. Any more force and her wrist would have been broken. The bird also shook its equally dizzy head and charged towards Robin again.

"Shockwave!" Mabi shifted her body to the side to avoid the bird's straight-line attack, sending it flying far away.

"There's a place with similar ruins about three kilometers in the direction of nine o'clock," Robin told Maggie, opening her eyes as she learned of the urgency of the situation.

"Okay! Sister Robin, please forgive my abruptness!" Maggie said apologetically.

"what!"

"Salted Fish Thrust!" Before Robin could react, Maggie delivered a mental shock to the swooping bird, but the impact was too close and also deflected onto Robin, who was perched on her back.

"I'm just a lazy bum! I spend my days drinking tea and reading books!" Robin, lying on Maggie's back, was completely relaxed and limp.