Hatred, Banquet, and an Accident
Jinbe hesitated when he heard Jack say he was going to Fish-Man District.
Fish-Man District is no good place.
Although he himself came from there, in recent years, due to the inaction of the management, the place has gradually transformed from a large orphanage into a gathering place for illegal groups.
That's not a place tourists should go.
Especially extraordinary tourists like the Sirius Pirates.
What if they get into trouble or get angered there? The whole Fish-Man Island will suffer the consequences.
"Since this is Jack's request, let's grant it, Jinbe."
"Sirius spoke up."
Since he had already spoken, Jinbe could only nod. "Understood. Please follow me."
So, they changed course and headed to Fish-Man District.
Fish-Man District is not located on Fish-Man Island itself, but rather underwater some distance away from the island.
Therefore, you cannot go there directly without walking.
This is where the coral that Rayleigh gave them came in handy. Sirius and the others temporarily coated themselves with a layer of film, and then boarded the Water Road to Fish-Man District.
The Water Road is literally a road made of water.
The large pipes connecting the various areas of Fish-Man Island contain high-speed flowing water, allowing Fish-Man and mermaids to quickly travel between different parts of the Fish-Man Island.
Now, those like Sirius, who have coated themselves with the same material, can also enjoy the same convenience.
"Wow! This feels amazing! It's like I'm swimming!"
Yamato swam around in the water, laughing happily.
Ever since she ate the Devil Fruit, she has never swum, and she only takes showers and never takes a bath.
"Don't you think it's too dangerous?"
Maria's body was somewhat stiff; they were in the water! If the membrane were to rupture even slightly, they would die instantly.
There's no need to be afraid.
Sirius laughed heartily, "Isn't it quite interesting?"
To be honest, I do have some concerns.
But more than worrying, Sirius is now enjoying this fun experience.
Rayleigh really sent something very interesting.
With these gadgets, although it's dangerous, you can move around in the water.
I just don't quite understand where this oxygen comes from.
Following the pipe forward, you soon arrive at Fish-Man District.
After their identities were checked at the exit, the guard opened the closed gate, and the group walked through the membrane and out of the pipe, finally setting foot on the land of Fish-Man District.
Compared to the sunny Fish-Man Island, Fish-Man District is much darker and colder, making it feel damp and chilly.
Moreover, the buildings here are dilapidated, a stark contrast to Fish-Man Island– it's like comparing a bustling town to a slum.
Scattered Fish-Man were scattered on the street, some already passed out drunk, others still indulging in a drunken frenzy, leaving a scene of utter chaos everywhere.
After strolling around Fish-Man District, I didn't feel the same joy as when I visited Fish-Man Island; instead, I felt depressed.
Jack frowned. "Did my father and mother grow up in a place like this?"
Jinbe said, "This place wasn't like this before."
He said with a touch of melancholy, "A long time ago, this was an orphanage on Fish-Man Island, and I was born here."
"Since none of us have parents or relatives, we are all as close as family."
A long, long time ago, back then, he, Tiger, and Arlong all grew up here.
"Then, why did it turn out like this?"
Yamato asked curiously.
Jinbe sighed. "Since the Great Pirate Era began, more and more human pirates have come to Fish-Man Island, and they've done a lot of bad things."
"The bloodshed between Fish-Man and humans is increasing, and anger and resentment are rapidly accumulating."
"Then finally, Fish-Man District became the victim. Fish-Man, dissatisfied with the Ryugu Palace's friendly policies towards humans, gathered here, turning it into a gathering place of resentment."
"Is that so?" Jack nodded, then said, "But I feel they haven't done anything wrong. They've been oppressed by humans, shouldn't they do something?"
"In that case,"
Jinbe shook his head helplessly. "Things are worse than you think."
As if to confirm Jinbe's words, several drunken Fish-Man blocked Sirius and his group.
One of the octopus-like Fish-Man, burping and reeking of alcohol, said, "Jinbe, becoming a human's Shichibukai is one thing, but this time, you actually brought humans to Fish-Man District? Have you forgotten how Tiger died?"
"That's right," chimed in a Fish-Man whose head looked like a vacuum cleaner, "Have some shame, Jinbe! If you still consider yourself one of the Fish-Man, stay away from lowly humans!"
Jinbe frowned; the troublesome situation had arisen after all. He tried to remain calm and pointed at Jack, saying, "I'm just bringing a fellow countryman who has never been to Fish-Man Island to see the place where his parents once lived."
"Fellow countrymen who have never been to Fish-Man Island?"
The Fish-Man sized up Jack, then said with disgust, "So, these humans are your companions? Disgusting fellow, have you forgotten what kind of blood flows in your veins? To associate with humans like this!"
"Shut up!" Jinbe tightened; these bastards really didn't know their own mortality.
"I'm starting to understand why things have turned out this way."
Luo shook his head and sighed.
It's no exaggeration to say that this place is a breeding ground for hatred.
"So, are all the people here like this?" Jack asked expressionlessly.
Jinbe remained Jinbe, somewhat embarrassed.
However, these Fish-Man were still relentless, saying, "Kid, remember this: you're Fish-Man! Born nobler than lowly humans, stay away from these scum—"
They were immediately speechless.
Jack looked down at them.
His gaze was calm.
But that calm gaze seemed to possess some terrifying magic, instantly sending chills down the spines of these Fish-Man, as if the alcohol had vanished in an instant.
Sweat poured down their faces, their bodies and limbs trembled, and the Fish-Man were speechless.
Jack ignored them and looked at Sirius. "Looks like I made a mistake."
"It doesn't matter,"
Sirius casually remarked, "Isn't it quite interesting?"
"What's so interesting about it?" Ulti muttered to herself.
Who would find it amusing to be insulted?
"Let's go back to Fish-Man Island." Sirius stretched. "Didn't you say there was a banquet waiting for us?"
"That's right,"
Jinbe nodded. "King Neptune is waiting."
"Then let's not keep him waiting."
The group began their journey to the Ryugu Palace.
Deep within Fish-Man District.
"The Black Wolf's crew! Is there anyone more perfect than them? If we can take them out here, the world will know the power of us Fish-Man! How about it, Vander Deikun, how about a long-awaited collaboration!"
"Hody, are you crazy? Those guys are Pirate Emperor! On par with Whitebeard!"
"An emperor? In the end, he's just a lowly human. As long as we release water into the Ryugu Palace, no matter what emperor he is, he'll only face certain death! The seabed belongs to us Fish-Man! So, Vander Deikun, let's cooperate and take this opportunity to wipe out the Neptune clan in one fell swoop. Of course, Shirahoshi can be included!"
"Shirahoshi!!"
Ryugu Palace, the royal capital of the Ryugu Kingdom, outside the luxurious palace at this moment.
"Welcome, Lord Sirius."
The enormous King Neptune was welcoming Sirius and his entourage.
The Great Knight of the Sea behaved with great respect, bowing so low that his beard fell to the ground.
"No need to be so polite, King Neptune,"
Sirius smiled and said, "I only care about one thing: is the food at the banquet plentiful?"
Neptune smiled as well. "You shouldn't be disappointed."
And so, the banquet began.
Meanwhile, in Fish-Man District, some people have already begun to take action.
Thank you so much to the two generous readers, 'The Pig Who Lost Faith' and '160430203608687', for their 100-point reward! And thank you to 'lemonnado' for their 500-point reward!