Death Prophecy, Banquet Discussion

Fish-Man Island,

A great battle... well, for the Straw Hat crew it was just a 'warm-up battle' before entering the New World, and it miraculously came to an end.

In any case, the Straw Hat crew —especially Luffy —defeated Hody Jones, who staged an armed coup, in front of everyone, and then, together with Princess Shirahoshi and the three princes, defeated Vander Decken IX, who was trying to destroy Fish-Man Island. It can be said that they saved Fish-Man Island twice.

Even the most extreme Fish-Man have to admit that Straw Hat Luffy is their 'hero'!

At the same time:

"Luffy lost too much blood, which of you has type F blood?"

Faced with this question, the surrounding Fish-Man and Fish-Man hesitated for a moment, then looked at the 'New Fish-Man Pirates' being held captive in the square, and were about to step forward:

"Use my learning method; mine is type F."

Although Fish-Man Island has a 'law' prohibiting blood transfusions to save humans, however:

"I'm a pirate, I don't obey the 'law'."

"Jinbe..."

"We can do it too!"

"Yes·····"

"That's good," King Neptune, also covered in wounds, shook his head, stopping the hesitant minister. "Outdated laws are a kind of 'curse,' and ultimately..."

The reason this 'law' exists is to protect the residents of Fish-Man Island. Because in the past, any Fish-Man or mermaid who donated blood to a human would be assassinated! And the murderer:

It is now lying in the square.

"Humans, Fish-Man, and mermaids—they all share the same blood, so why must we distinguish between them?"

A person should be judged by his soul and his deeds, not by his race.

"Jinbe,"

Luffy closed his eyes after receiving the blood transfusion.

"Come be my partner!"

Sea Forest

"... The above is the information recorded on this stone tablet."

"Why,"

Standing before the massive square stone tablet, Roman sighed as Robin finished his interpretation.

"You seem disappointed?"

Roman rubbed his temples in response to Nami's words.

"Not exactly disappointed, but..." Who wants to hear your nonsensical apology, buddy? Give me something substantial! No wonder you lost eight hundred years ago; you've rambled on and on, but it's like you haven't said anything at all...

"Mr. Roman, you seem to care a lot about this person named 'Joy Boy'?"

Faced with Robin's question, Roman thought for a moment:

"Joy Boy... because this person from 800 years ago has a great connection with the 'King of the Pirates,' I must gather information about him." To be precise, there's a very high probability that Luffy is 'Joy Boy'!

"Phew, I was worried that Mr. Roman might be interested in 'Ancient Weapon'."

Roman waved his hand dismissively at Robin's seemingly coy words.

"Why bother pursuing Ancient Weapon? It's better to become stronger! — I still have that much pride, and besides..."

The real Ancient Weapon is right before our eyes, Shirahoshi is the legendary Sea King! But as I said before, if he has to rely on a little girl's power, then Roman, this time traveler, might as well go back to the East China Sea and go fishing.

Why bother going out to sea and making a fool of yourself?

"Roman!"

Just then, a piece of white paper flew over, and Luffy's voice came from inside.

"Hurry back, the banquet is about to begin!"

"Okay, let's get started—"

That being said, Roman did not go to the Dragon Palace immediately, but instead chose to:

"Mermaid Cafe?!"

Nami, whose hair crackled with Electric Light, looked at Roman with disdain. "I don't believe there can be any 'serious business' in a place like this!"

"However, the truth is that there is someone here whom I really want to visit."

Madame Shyarly, a great blue shark mermaid. She is also:

"Arlong's sister?"

"Yes, but they were separated when they were very young. They haven't really interacted much. You two wait here for me—"

After Nami and Robin to wait outside for a moment, Roman pushed open the door and entered the 'Mermaid Cafe' alone. Unfortunately Fish-Man Island had just experienced a major battle that nearly destroyed it, so this place of entertainment was deserted. Only:

"This customer, we don't have any girls available today."

Everyone is preparing a feast for the heroes—

In the hall, there was only one mermaid with short black hair covering one eye, revealing the other eye with cold blue eyeshadow, pale skin, purple nails, wearing a hooded top, and smoking a pipe in her hand.

Although she was quite large (six meters), her cinched waist, ample breasts, and cold, alluring demeanor unmistakably made her a stunning mermaid! However, in Roman's eyes:

"I'm here to see you today, Madame Shyarly."

"Oh? May I ask what brings you here, sir?"

The mermaid, having put down her pipe, gestured to Roman with her palm, "Please sit down."

"The Navy's star, candidate Admiral 'White Dove'."

As the owner of the 'Mermaid Cafe,' the other party was a natural-born information broker. It wasn't surprising that he recognized Roman's 'true identity,' given that Roman hadn't made much of a fuss about concealing himself on Fish-Man Island. However, Roman wasn't there to gather intelligence; rather:

"I want to know the 'future'."

"Future····"

"I know Madame Shyarly is a famous fortune teller, or rather, calling you a 'fortune teller' is an understatement of your abilities."

This aloof and beautiful mermaid has a 100% accuracy rate in divination and prophecy. She foresaw the coming of the Great Pirate Era in her childhood and even predicted the death of 'Whitebeard' before the major events occurred. She is practically a human bug.

"So, I want to know my own 'future'."

"Aren't you afraid that knowing the future will only make you more confused?"

Roman smiled proudly at the words of the great blue shark mermaid, Shyarly.

"I do have some confidence in how to steer the future in my own 'advantage'."

·········

Creak,

A few minutes later:

Roman, who had just stepped out of the door, waved to Nami and Robin who were waiting outside.

"Let's go~~ Luffy must be getting impatient at the banquet."

"Roman, you seem to be in a good mood?"

"Hmm, I've obtained some good information. — Or rather, it's information that's obvious..."

As the three left, in the 'Mermaid Cafe', the mermaid known as 'Madame Shyarly' sighed as she looked at the shattered crystal ball in front of her.

"What a terrible man,"

"Even knowing his 'death' is imminent, he's still so confident?"

"Hahaha~~~ Roman, Nami, Robin, come here quickly!"

As the three arrived at the Dragon Palace and ascended to a 'feast' prepared with ribbonfish and flounder, the entire Fish-Man Island offered blessings and cheers to the 'heroes.' Of course, there was also fine wine and delicious food!

"This is the pride of our Fish-Man Island, the foremost singer: Ms. Maria Napoleon!"

Wow, that's a real dolphin high note...

"And there are also special guests, the girls from 'Mermaid Cafe'!"

So all these mermaids were here...

Eat and drink to your heart's content!

"Sing and dance to your heart's content!"

"Sincere blessings to our heroes!"

May this day become every day to come!

The greatest wish of Fish-Man Island is for humans, Fish-Man, and mermaids to live in peace. Everyone is eating and drinking, everyone is partying! Only:

"Jinbe, are you planning to sever your relationship with 'Big Mom'?"

Roman and Jinbe chatted casually while drinking tea.

"Do the Roman Brothers already know?"

"It would be strange if you didn't know, after all, there's such a huge 'Big Mom' pirate logo hanging on your pastry factory."

"Yes, although 'Big Mom' is a bit... well, thanks to her, Fish-Man Island has remained safe and sound amidst the turmoil of the past two years. But since Captain Luffy has personally invited me, please allow me to settle things before joining the Straw Hat crew!"

"Sorry, I'm in a position of power, and I have no choice in what I do."

"No, that's how it should be. But—"

Roman took a sip of tea. "Excuse my bluntness, but Big Mom's character... is notoriously 'accepting all comers and killing those who leave'! She accepts all pirate crews who join her; but if you want to escape Big Mom's influence, it's not just a matter of life and death."

"I understand, but this is the only way I can think of for my people."

Only forces like the Four Emperors can protect Fish-Man Island!

Of the Four Emperors, Blackbeard already has a grudge against Jinbe, so he wouldn't even consider him; Shanks is notoriously unruly and free-spirited, showing absolutely no interest in expanding his territory; and the Beasts Pirates... they're excellent at causing destruction, but protecting any territory is utter nonsense...

Only a powerful figure like "Big Mom," with her unparalleled intelligence network and connections in both the legitimate and underworld, possesses the necessary authority and influence to protect Fish-Man Island. For that, Jinbe harm is there in Jinbe "selling himself" to her?

But things are different now. Someone has genuinely invited him to join their crew, and Jinbe has seen in Luffy the hope that Fish-Man Island can truly emerge into the sunlight. Therefore:

"In any case, I need to find out for myself. After that—"

"I would gladly risk my life for Captain Luffy, even unto death!"

"Hehehe, I don't want you to go through fire and water for me~~~"

Luffy's head Luffy its neck stretched out, flew over.

"I want everyone to come with me to Laugh Tale, that's when I'll truly be the 'King of the Pirates'!"

"This is a bit too difficult, Luffy."

Luffy chuckled in response to Roman's words.

"That's why I need you all—to steer the boat, cook, treat patients, repair things... and Roman, you can come up with the ideas, while I'll take care of smashing everything that gets in our way!"

"Since you've put it that way,"

Then I will definitely do my best!

P. S.: Since you're asking for votes, I'll add an extra chapter!