Chapter 57 - Change In Decision
Blaize understood. In terms of physical capability, both he and Tiger are almost equal. It's hard to guess who would come out as a victor.
But this is what Blaize wants. He wants to push his limits and it can only be achieved by fighting someone stronger or of equal strength.
Getting thrilled, Blaize confronted Tiger again. Aside from his physical strength and Rokushiki, he refrained from using his devil fruit.
Tiger also noticed this. A thought came to his mind: 'Is he using me as a sparring partner?'
The battle between them intensified and kept on going for half an hour. Tiger was physically strong with rich battle experience and skilled in Fishman Karate.
They were evenly matched when it came to raw power but Blaize is better than him in terms of durability. His Senju constitution provided him tremendous stamina and resilience.
Tiger finally reached his limit after fighting for an hour. Slowly, Blaize's attack began to connect and was able to inflict injuries on him.
Even so, Tiger insisted on fighting with his injured and exhausted body. It's like he won't stop unless he's dead. He is indirectly telling Blaize that he can only be captured dead.
Blaize was impressed. He knew fighting anymore is meaningless! He only fought like this to improve his combat experience and got what he wants.
"Tiger, stop resisting and surrender! You won't be able to defeat me, it's the end!" Blaize spoke but Tiger responded with his fist.
Sighing, Blaize effortlessly dodged the attack and warned, "Tiger, if you insist on doing this, I have to knock you out!"
Tiger stopped his attacks and heaved, barely holding himself with just his willpower. "It's my loss! I won't complain as I was defeated fair and square.
But I can't let myself captured alive, again. I had enough of being a prisoner and slave. My wanted poster says dead or alive, right?
You can hand me to the Marines but before that kill me!"
Blaize gazed at Tiger whose heart resolved to die than get captured. His initial plan was to send him to Impel down. Once Jinbe gets the position of Warlord of the sea, he can free Tiger.
But, will everything go as he thinks. Will Marine send Tiger to Impel Down or will they hand him over to celestial dragons to quench their anger?
Blaize contemplated. He wants to save Tiger but the latter isn't in a position to accept it. 'Maybe some things are better as they are, trying to change them will result in worst consequences.'
Tiger continued: "I can tell, you don't discriminate against us and trying to capture me with nothing but goodwill, but for me, it's better to die than to be a prisoner."
Blaize thought for a moment and decided. He doesn't plan on capturing Tiger anymore. His way of thinking is too simple while the working of the world is complex.
Even if you want to help someone, it doesn't mean others will accept it!
"Fisher Tiger, even if I don't capture you today other Marine units will still come looking for you.
We will meet again if you are alive by then." Waving his hands, Blaize turned around and simply walked away leaving Tiger in a bewildered state.
'What did he mean by that? He isn't going to capture me anymore!' Tiger thought. 'But why?' No one answered his question, it will forever remain a mystery.
If nothing goes wrong, in another year or so Fisher Tiger will meet Kola and lose his life under Strawberry's hand.
--
Getting back to the ship, Blaize commanded his unit to turn around. He called Regis and spoke, "Report to the headquarters that Sun Pirates escaped our pursuit by diving into the water, abandoning their ship.
As a devil fruit user, I can't possibly chase them underwater, right?"
"Yes, Captain Blaize." Regis's lips twitched while he kept his expression straight.
He saw with his eyes how Blaize beat the Fishman pirates black and blue while the latter had no resistance against his overwhelming strength.
But now, he says he fails to capture them. Who would believe it? He doesn't know why Blaize didn't apprehend them and he won't question his decision.
Not just him, all the Marines under Blaize's command also thought the same. For them, it's just a few merit points they will earn it later.
"Don't forget to pick the Rear Admiral Kadar's unit on our way back." Saying this, Blaize went to his cabin to rest.
--
On the other side, the Fish-men were perplexed by the sudden change in event. They all thought Tiger would be captured by the young marine but the latter simply walked away.
Snapping out of their stupor, they rushed towards Fisher Tiger while some went to check on unconscious Jinbe. They felt relieving noticing his injuries aren't life-threatening.
"Boss Ti..." Soon, both Tiger and Jinbe were carried to the already half-destroyed Snapper Head.
None of them know what to do at this moment. They were crushed by a single human, it was a hard blow to them.
At that moment, Aladine spoke: "First let's get out of here. We will discuss once Tiger and Jinbe recover."
The others nodded while some jumped into the water to push the ship as their sails were completely damaged.
--
Once Blaize got to his cabin, he checked the taskbar as he got notification from the system when he defeated Fisher Tiger.
[~ Defeat Sun Pirates
Reward: 1.0 Constitution+ 1.0 Devil Fruit Potential ~]
Seeing the reward, Blaize was a little surprised when he saw there's no free attribute point this time. 'What happened?'
The Sun Pirates' reward is a lot higher than DemonBear pirates but it still didn't yield him any free points. It means the rewards he receives get smaller as he gets stronger.
'Whatever!' Blaize then checked his status panel.
[~ Name: Blaize Hunt
Occupation: Marine
Constitution: 35.7
Devil Fruit Potential: 33.2
Haki: None
Items in storage: None
Free attribute point: 4.0 ~]
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