As Jinbe told the story, everyone learned about the civil unrest, while the Going Merry gradually emerged from the darkness and a light appeared ahead.
Because the gigantic tree known as Sun Tree Eve grew near Fish-Man Island and carried sunlight down into the deep sea, the island experienced day and night despite its location.
Everyone stood up and gazed in wonder at the magnificent sight of Fish-Man Island, floating in the deep sea and enclosed within an enormous bubble.
"That's a double-layered bubble, with a layer of air in between."
Jinbe stepped forward to explain. "If you try to force your way in, the outer bubble will peel away and merge with your ship's coating, then you'll fall from the sky. As for the entrance, it should be heavily guarded by now."
"So we still have to fight our way in?" Zoro gripped his sword hilt and gazed at Fish-Man Island, speaking flatly.
"No. I'll go negotiate first."
Jinbe looked into the distance. Several fish-men had already spotted their ship and were riding sea beasts toward them. He replied:
"I still have some influence. Until they're sure we're enemies, they won't dare attack me."
"Wait here, everyone. At least before the fighting starts, I'd like to speak face-to-face with Hody and the others."
"Then be careful, Jinbe." Luffy nodded to him.
"Mm."
With that, Jinbe leaped out of the ship's coating and swam toward them, kicking his legs.
Just as Jinbe had said, as the guardian of Fish-Man Island, he was respected by both fish-men and merfolk.
When Lina saw him approach, the fish-men riding the sea beasts respectfully nodded to him, then stopped to talk.
He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he noticed their leader—a fish-man wearing a black suit jacket and a black top hat—glancing