So What Are These Weird Theories of Yours, Bastard?!

"The battle in the square looks like it's over."

Merry, perched on Xi Yan's shoulder, looked down at the plaza and said, "Is it because Hody was defeated?"

"Most likely."

Xi Yan nodded and said, "In the end, these guys are just a rabble. Without Hody, they are nothing."

So it's perfectly normal for these guys to just give up the fight.

Upon hearing this, Merry nodded, then turned to Luffy and asked, "Luffy, are you alright now?"

"Okay, it's alright now."

Upon hearing Luffy, Luffy, who was examining his shoulder, grinned and said, "Xi Yan has already healed me."

I feel perfectly healthy right now.

"Although Luffy lost a lot of blood, his physique is monstrous, so he wasn't greatly affected," Xi Yan said. "Once we get back to the ship, we can have Sanji cook more meat."

Given Luffy's physical condition, losing that little bit of blood is no problem; he can easily recover by eating meat!

"Meat..."

The mere mention of meat made Luffy's mouth water, and he said, "Speaking of which, I've never eaten Sea Beast Meat here before."

I don't even know what it tastes like.

"I'll go buy some later."

"Profound!"

Upon hearing that Xi Yan was willing to buy him meat, Luffy smiled even more broadly.

Seeing this, Xi Yan smiled, then turned to look at Shirahoshi, who was holding them, and said, "Shirahoshi, from now on you won't need to live inside the Hard Shell Tower anymore."

Without the threat of Vander Decken, Shirahoshi can now live freely in the sunlight.

Shirahoshi, who was deep in thought, snapped out of her reverie upon hearing this, and then hesitated before asking, "I... can I?"

Having lived inside the Hard Shell Tower for ten years, she was already used to that kind of life.

Now, asking her to come outside or something...

Perhaps sensing Shirahoshi's thoughts, Xi Yan said, "It's alright, let's take it slow."

"If you don't like coming out, you can stay there."

Xi Yan understood Shirahoshi's thoughts. People who stay at home for long periods of time don't really like going out, so... take it slow.

Once the little girl gets used to it, she'll return to normal.

"Yes!"

"I will try my best!"

Seeing Shirahoshi's extremely serious expression, Xi Yan said somewhat helplessly, "There's no need for that. Just do what you like."

It's like you've been given some kind of daunting task... There's really no need for that.

This time, Shirahoshi didn't say anything more, but simply nodded to indicate that she understood.

"Hello!"

Looking at the three people standing in Shirahoshi's arms, Usopp laughed and said, "You're back!"

Hearing Usopp's shouts, the others noticed that Shirahoshi had arrived not far away.

"Yes, I'm back."

Xi Yan, who had jumped off Shirahoshi's hand, looked at Usopp with a smile and said, "How's it going on your end?"

"Of course, no problem!" Usopp gave a thumbs up and said, "With me here, what could possibly go wrong!"

"Really? That's really reliable!"

Hahahaha.

Ah~

Sanji wriggled over to Shirahoshi and said, "Beautiful Miss Shirahoshi, I'm so glad you're alright~"

"Thank you... thank you for your concern..."

Shirahoshi looked at Sanji with a little fear. Why was he still like this?

"Ha, Color Cook."

"What did you say?!"

Upon hearing Zoro's words, Sanji bristled again.

Then, the two men, like little children, started head-to-head with the cow, neither giving way to the other.

Nami sighed upon seeing this. Those two...

"Chopper, what's wrong with you?"

Merry flew worriedly to Chopper's side and said, "Why do you look so weak? Are you injured?"

As she spoke, Merry carefully examined Chopper's body, trying to see if there was any bleeding, but she found no blood.

'Could it be internal injury?'

After hearing what Merry said, Luffy and Xi Yan looked at Chopper with some concern; the little guy did seem a bit off.

"I'm fine," Chopper said. "I'm just a little exhausted."

"It's not an injury."

"That's good."

Seeing that Chopper wasn't injured, the three of them, Xi Yan, breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, Luffy looked around and said, "By the way, Jinbe?"

Why haven't I seen him?

Normally, shouldn't Jinbe be with his companions? Why is he gone?

Jinbe said he would stop those guys.

Brook pointed to the exit of the square and said, "So I guess he should be over there."

"There...?"

Seeing Luffy lost in thought, Chopper curiously raised his head and asked, "Luffy, what do you need Jinbe for?"

"Of course!"

Luffy grinned, showing his teeth, and said, "I want him to be my partner!"

Upon hearing this, the Straw Hat Pirates were immediately taken aback.

They really didn't expect Luffy to suddenly say something like that.

Having observed everyone's reactions, Luffy smiled and asked, "Everyone, are you all alright?"

"Of course, no problem." Xi Yan said with a smile, "Jinbe is a very reliable guy."

They had been through the Marineford War together two years ago, so they naturally knew what kind of person the other was.

Therefore... Xi Yan absolutely approves of Luffy inviting Jinbe to join the Straw Hat Pirates!

"Jinbe's a good guy," Zoro said with a smile, having distanced himself from Sanji. "I have no objections."

"Although this guy stole some of the limelight, I have to say Jinbe is truly a kind and righteous person." Sanji lit a cigarette and said with a smile, "So I have no objections."

Me too~

Me too~

The others also expressed their opinions, and they all clearly agreed with Luffy's decision.

"Then it's decided!" Luffy grinned, showing his teeth.

"Does that mean Jinbe can join us?!" Chopper asked expectantly.

He Truth on an adventure with this very kind and righteous Fish-Man elder brother.

"That depends on Jinbe's own thoughts," Xi Yan said.

However, Xi Yan felt that the other party was very likely willing to join the Straw Hat Pirates, after all... the two sides had a very good relationship!

"Then let's go find Jinbe!" Luffy said.

"Profound!"

"Seeing them return safe and sound puts my mind at ease," Neptune said with a sigh of relief as he looked down.

"King Neptune, what are you going to do with us?"

The pirates below looked up at Neptune high above and said, "Give me a straight answer."

"That's right."

If you want to kill them, just say so, so they can seize the opportunity to fight back.

Hearing the shouts of the pirates below, Sharks also turned his gaze to his father.

"Father, what are your plans for dealing with these people?"

Neptune did not answer the question immediately, but instead closed his eyes and pondered.

After a moment, he spoke, "I've decided... to release these human pirates!"

Sharks paused for a moment upon hearing this, then seemed to understand something and laughed, "I understand."

These humans are ultimately victims too, so there's nothing wrong with releasing them.

Moreover, doing so will also make the other party feel grateful, which will help realize Mother's dream!

He fully supports his father's decision!

Seeing that his eldest son understood his thoughts, Neptune smiled with satisfaction and then led the others back to the ground.

"Remove the shackles from these human pirates," Neptune said, glancing at the Fish-Man Race soldiers standing to the side. "Set them free."

"Yes!"

Upon receiving the order, Neptune Army immediately turned around, picked up the keys, and unlocked the locks for one slave after another.

"Huh?"

"When were these pirates, who were bound by the wood, released?" The Fish-Man Race soldiers immediately looked surprised as they saw the pirates no longer tightly bound by branches.

I didn't hear any strange noises.

"Perhaps it was done by that lord," said a Fish-Man Soldier.

He glanced at Xi Yan aboard the Thousand Sunny, his eyes filled with awe.

"Never mind that, let's get them out of here first!"

"Profound!"

The others nodded, and then began to slowly extract the human pirates, unlocking the chains binding them.

Soon, all the slaves in the square were released.

"Very good!"

"We are finally free!"

Seeing the chains lying on the ground, the pirates were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes.

Those days when I could die at any moment... are finally over!

"Damn it, I thought I was going to be a slave for life!" a pirate cried. "This is wonderful!"

"Thanks, Straw Hat Crew!"

"Finally, I can go to the New World! This time, I'm going to become the Pirate King!" a man shouted.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately focused their attention on his face, their gazes growing increasingly strange.

man:...

"Don't... don't look at me like that, you guys," the man said awkwardly. "I should succeed."

Hearing the man's words, the others were speechless.

How can dreams be described with the word "should"?

"Damn it, never mind, let's get to the New World first!"

"Profound!!"

Soon, the howling pirates left the plaza, clearly intending to find their pirate ship and leave.

This time, Jinbe didn't stop them, but calmly watched them leave.

"Humanity is saved..."

"And what about us?"

Watching the pirates leave without looking back, the members of the New Fish-Man Pirates immediately showed expressions of envy.

What should they do?

Are they going to be executed?!

Thinking of this, the people looked at Neptune with fear in their eyes.

"Now it's your turn, remnants of the New Fish-Man Pirates..."

Upon hearing Neptune's words, cold sweat immediately appeared on the faces of these Fish-Man Race.

"Please spare us, King Neptune..."

"I don't want to die!"

"Your King Neptune, we had no idea that Queen Otohime was killed by Hody, otherwise we wouldn't have come here with them."

"Yeah, these guys are insane!"

"It's all those guys' fault!"

"Please forgive us, we know we were wrong..."

"Um?"

"Scare!"

The Fish-Man Race, who were given a furrowed glare by Neptune, immediately trembled in fear, terrified that he might utter a phrase like "execute them all."

"I will make you..."

"Gurgle..."

Hearing Neptune's deliberately drawn-out words, the Fish-Man Race swallowed instinctively, their expressions growing increasingly tense.

Before they could beg for mercy again, Neptune said, "All of you, stay and live on the main island of Fish-Man Island!"

"Huh?"

"Eh!!!"

Upon hearing Neptune's words, the Fish-Man all looked dumbfounded.

This His Majesty the King not only spared their lives, but actually allowed them to live on the main island of Fish-Man Island?

Is His Majesty the King that kind?

"You... you mean you want us to live under your rule of law?"

"Yes," Neptune said calmly.

"This..."

The Fish-Man Race below looked at each other, unsure of what to say.

"I don't care," a Fish-Man Race said, swallowing hard. "At least it's better than Hody's rule."

"That's true..."

That guy Hody is always killing people, it's terrifying!

In comparison, His King Neptune was much better.

"In that case, wouldn't we be able to live under the sun too?" an eel -Fish-Man exclaimed excitedly.

What was his purpose in coming here with Hody?

Isn't it all for the sake of living on the bountiful Fish-Man Island?

Now that he has this opportunity... how could he possibly miss it?

"I do, Your His Majesty the King!"

"Yes, I'd love to!"

As the eel -Fish-Man's voice rang out, the Fish-Man from Fish-Man Street also began to respond.

For them, this is already a very good ending.

"Wait, Your King Neptune!" Fish-Man Race standing on higher ground exclaimed excitedly, "We cannot accept this!"

"With these guys wandering around town, we're too scared to let the kids go out!"

"That's right!"

These guys are a bunch of idle thugs. If they were allowed to roam freely around town... their lives would be unbearable!

"Bump!"

Neptune, who had slammed his trident to the ground, said in a deep voice, "I understand your concerns."

"But don't worry, what you're worried about won't happen."

"Because I will recruit these guys into my army for labor and service!"

"I will assign them appropriate tasks so they can utilize their strengths," Neptune said. "This way, they will not only settle down but also become part of building Fish-Man Island!"

A full 70,000 men... Even if some died in this war, there would still be a considerable number left.

Therefore... he absolutely cannot let these guys escape his control.

He wouldn't allow them to leave Fish-Man Island until they improved!

"This..."

The Fish-Man high above exchanged glances, their expressions hesitant.

However, since their His Majesty the King said so, they couldn't say anything more.

Thinking this through, the Fish-Man said, "Alright, then we'll believe you."

"Um."

Neptune nodded, then looked down at the Fish-Man Race below and said, "As for the Fish-Man Street, which is outside our jurisdiction..."

"Complete lockdown starting today!"

"Your King Neptune, my son, Pirate Fish-Man Street, you cannot..."

"I know your concerns," Neptune Teuchi. "That's why I will bring the remaining women and children to Fish-Man Island."

"You... are all my people!"

Upon hearing this, all the Fish-Man Race below were stunned.

Then, some people burst into tears.

"Waaaah... So His King Neptune is this kind...?"

"Damn it, what have I been doing?"

"I'm sorry... Your His Majesty the King, I'm so sorry!"

"Your His Majesty the King, we are willing to accept your command and work diligently!"

"Profound!!"

Neptune, having observed the reactions of the Fish-Man Race below, nodded and said, "Alright, I believe you."

"At the same time... I also look forward to the day when you all get better!"

"Profound!!"

This time, the response resounded throughout the entire square!

Seeing this, Neptune smiled with satisfaction.

It seems... he made the right choice.

Then, Neptune looked up in the direction where the Straw Hat Pirates had just been and said, "Alright, next..."

Before Neptune could finish speaking, he discovered that the Straw Hat Pirates ' ship had vanished.

This discovery left him stunned on the spot.

Then, Neptune asked in confusion, "Where did the Straw Hat Crew go?"

He remembered that the other person had just been there.

"This..."

Upon hearing this, Sharks's face showed a hint of embarrassment as he said, "It seems they just escaped..."

"What?"

Why?

Neptune was dumbfounded, completely unable to understand why the other party wanted to run away.

They are the heroes who saved Fish-Man Island!

"I don't know about that," Sharks said, shaking his head helplessly. "But I saw Shirahoshi go with him, so he should be able to find out what happened."

To be honest, he couldn't figure out what was going on either.

"These guys probably think I'm going to do something stupid again," Neptune said, sounding a bit annoyed.

What happened before was just a misunderstanding; he's not senile!

"Although I don't know what happened, I think Father, you should still send someone to invite them," Star Emperor said. "Otherwise, they might not come to the banquet you've prepared."

Hearing Star Emperor's words, Neptune paused for a moment, then said with a headache, "Really, they didn't even give this old man a chance to apologize..."

"Left Minister, send someone with Den Den Mushi to chase after them. Make sure they don't get away."

We should at least make him show some hospitality!

"Yes!"

The Left Minister nodded upon receiving the order, then turned and walked to the side, clearly intending to send Straw Hat Crew.

Sharks, meanwhile, looked at his father with sweat dripping down his face.

'Don't let them get away...'

That's easy to misunderstand, Father!

Why.

"Everyone!" Shirahoshi, who was lying on the side of the ship, looked at the people on the Thousand Sunny with tears in her eyes and said, "Why are we leaving here in such a hurry?"

"Don't talk nonsense." Zoro glanced at Shirahoshi and said, "We just had a big fight. If we stay any longer, we'll be treated like heroes!"

"The thought of it is disgusting, so let's just forget about it."

He has no interest in becoming a hero, which is why he doesn't want to stay here!

Shirahoshi:???

Upon hearing Zoro's words, several question marks immediately appeared above Shirahoshi's head, clearly unable to understand Zoro's thoughts.

"Isn't it good to be a hero?" Shirahoshi asked doubtfully.

Why are Lord Xi Yan, Luffy, and Lord Three Sword Style so resistant to becoming heroes?

She didn't understand at all.

"Do you even understand what a hero is?" Zoro explained seriously, "A hero is someone who shares their drink with others!"

"But I still want to drink it myself, so I don't want to be a hero!"

Nami:???

"So what kind of absurd theories are these?!" Nami said, speechless.

Luffy doesn't want to become a hero because he wants to eat meat.

Zoro, on the other hand, didn't want to share his sake with others...

These two guys are outrageous!

"There's nothing we can do; this guy is a heavy drinker," Perona said with a hint of helplessness.

Having abstained from alcohol for two years of cultivation, he was really craving this stuff, so it's understandable that he didn't want to share it with others.

Nami:...

So when did anyone say they were going to steal their wine and meat, you bastard!

"So, why were you in such a hurry to bring me onto the ship as well?" Jinbe asked Luffy, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

He wasn't even given time to say goodbye to King Neptune; they just dragged him away...

"Of course it's something important," Luffy grinned, "Jinbe!"

"Become my partner!"

Upon hearing this, the Thousand Sunny immediately fell silent.

Then, everyone looked at Jinbe with smiles on their faces, waiting for his answer.

Jinbe, having observed everyone's reactions, remained silent for Jinbe before shaking his head and saying, "No."

"Why, Jinbe?!"

Luffy excitedly grabbed Jinbe's clothes and said, "Come on, let's go on an adventure together!"

"I'm so happy!"

"Yes, Jinbe."

Xi Yan also said, "Come sail with us."

He was really looking forward to this older brother joining them on a sea adventure.

"That's right, Jinbe Boss, let's go together!" Chopper said excitedly, "Having a former Shichibukai around makes us feel much more at ease!"

"Profound!"

"I said, no," Jinbe shook his head and said, "At least not now."

Why?

Luffy looked at Jinbe with confusion, completely unable to understand why the other would say such a thing.

"Because I am not a free person now."

Hearing Jinbe's words, Xi Yan seemed to understand something and said, "Is it because of... Big Mom?"

"So you already thought of that," Jinbe said with some emotion. "As expected of Xi Yan."

That's some serious observational skill.

Then, Jinbe nodded and continued, "That's right, it's because of Big Mom!"

"After Whitebeard Old Man's death, Fish-Man Island was once again invaded by pirates."

"To prevent Fish-Man Island from being persecuted, we have no choice but to seek the protection of Big Mom."

"And one of the costs of providing protection is... that our Fish-Man Pirate Crew need to join Big Mom's crew."

This is also the main reason why BIG MOM was willing to lend them the flag.

"So there was this condition too," Usopp said, frowning.

He initially thought the only requirement was to offer sweets as tribute, but it turns out there was also the condition of recruiting Jinbe, a former Shichibukai, into his ranks...

Isn't this a bit too much?

"BIG MOM..." Luffy said, frowning, "One of the Four Emperors ..."

If I remember correctly, that guy was one of the Four Emperors of the New World.

Xi Yan wore a somewhat complicated expression, because he was thinking of the girl named Galette.

I wonder how the other person is doing now.

"That's right, that's exactly it." Jinbe nodded and said, "I've only left that place, but I still belong to it, so I can't agree to your request right now."

After saying that, Jinbe paused for a moment, then continued earnestly, "When I have done all I can and regain my freedom... I will come to find you again."

"If you still feel the same way back then... please invite me to join the Straw Hat Pirates again!"

To be honest, he genuinely liked this group.

Unfortunately... he's not a free agent right now, so he can only apologize for now.

After hearing Jinbe's words, Luffy paused for a moment, then looked at Jinbe very seriously and said, "Then you absolutely have to come!"

Jinbe!

This time, Jinbe didn't answer, because he didn't know if he would survive to leave Big Mom alive after facing her directly.

After all... those are the Four Emperors!

As if sensing Jinbe's concerns, Sanji, with a Sanji dangling from his lips, said, "Hey, Luffy, since Jinbe's already brought up the issue of righteousness, don't force him."

Let him give us his answer later.

"Jinbe Boss, you absolutely have to give us an answer later!" Chopper said with a smile.

"That's right!"

Little Merry waved her little hand, clearly also looking forward to Jinbe joining them in the future.

"It seems everyone likes you a lot," Nico Robin said with a smile.

"After all, this is the man Luffy has his eye on, hahaha~"

After laughing, Franky looked at Jinbe seriously and said, "Everyone is waiting for you, Jinbe!"

"Um... I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize," Xi Yan said, arms crossed. "We understand your predicament, so... let's proceed at your pace."

Big Mom is, after all, one of the Four Emperors of the New World, so it's normal for Jinbe concerns. So... let's take it slow.

"Good."

"So what do we do next?" Zoro asked. "Are we just going straight to the New World?"

"That definitely won't work," Perona shook her head and said, "Didn't the Left Minister say that the Log Pointer Nami has can't be used for navigation in the New World? So we need to find a new Log Pointer first."

They cannot leave Fish-Man Island until they obtain the new Log Pointer.

"That's true." Nami nodded, then turned to Jinbe and said, "Jinbe, are you aware of this?"

"Hmm, this problem is easy to solve," Jinbe said. "We just need to go to the island and buy a new Log Pointer."

This item is essential for going to the New World, so Fish-Man Island doesn't lack it; you can buy it as long as you have money.

"That's good." Nami breathed a sigh of relief.

This thing is easy to make.

"Let's go buy some supplies and Log Pointer first, and have Franky take the ship to get it coated," Luffy said. "After that... let's head to the New World!"

"Profound!"

Upon hearing Luffy's words, everyone immediately grinned.

The New World... I wonder what it will be like.

Will the land be teeming with Haki pirates wielding Haki?

Or is it filled with all sorts of strange and unusual islands?

I can't wait... I really can't wait!

"Are you all leaving so soon?" Shirahoshi looked at everyone with teary eyes and said, "I wanted to thank you all properly."

"Also, I'd like to have a good chat with everyone."

"And also... I'll really miss everyone..."

Seeing Shirahoshi start crying again, Xi Yan said helplessly, "Why are you still such a crybaby..."

"I'm sorry, Lord Xi Yan..."

Upon hearing this, Xi Yan shook his head helplessly. It seemed that changing Shirahoshi's habit wouldn't be an easy task.

"In that case..." Sanji said excitedly, "How about we stay at the Mermaid Cafe for a week?"

"Someone even said they wanted to invite us!"

"That's true!"

Brook, who was drinking Black tea, became equally excited upon hearing this and said, "I remember that!"

At this moment, Brook began to miss the pretty girls in the Mermaid Cafe.

Even though there are no panties to see,... pretty girls are still pleasing to the eye!

Yohohohoho~

"That's enough, you two," Nami said irritably.

How could they possibly stay on Fish-Man Island for a week for such a reason?

You have to understand, they've been looking forward to going to the New World for two whole years!

"Yohohohoho~"

"It seems we can't go then," Brook said.

Sanji, looking dejected, said, "I can't go..."

Damn it, he really wants to be in the Miss Mermaid's arms!

Just then, a Fish-Man Race soldier came chasing after them.

"Hey, Straw Hat Pirates, wait a minute!!"

"What's wrong?"

Luffy turned his head in confusion and asked, "Who is that person?"

"He must be one of the Neptune Army," Usopp said.

The other party was wearing Neptune Army uniform, so they must be from the Neptune Army.

"Neptune Army?" Luffy asked in confusion, "What is he here for?"

"I don't know."

Usopp shook his head; how would he know such things?

"Everyone, please wait a moment..." The Fish-Man Soldier who caught up with the Thousand Sunny breathed a sigh of relief, then said, "Finally, we've caught up."

What do you want?

"His Majesty the King has something to discuss with you all."

As he spoke, the Fish-Man Race soldier picked up the Den Den Mushi and continued, "Your King Neptune, I have caught up with them."

"Very good..."

Neptune breathed a sigh of relief, then said, "Gentlemen, why did you leave without saying goodbye?"

"I haven't thanked you yet!"

"I don't want to be treated like a hero!" Luffy said. "That means I have to share my meat with everyone else!"

Neptune:???

What a strange reason!

After a moment of silence, Neptune said, "How about we have a party?"

"Reopen the banquet!"

"This way you won't have to share the meat with others."

Upon hearing this, Luffy's mouth immediately watered.

"A banquet?"

"Would that mean there would be delicious Sea Beast Meat?"

"Of course!" Neptune said proudly, "The Sea Beast Meat from the Ryugu Kingdom is delicious."

"I'm going!!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly, "I'm going to eat Sea Beast Meat!"

Looking at Luffy's delighted face, Xi Yan shook his head helplessly and said, "This guy is really easy to handle."

Once they knew there would be meat to eat, they stopped caring about being heroes.

"After all, this guy is Luffy," Franky chuckled.

"Yohohohoho~"

"Since it's a banquet, there's no reason to refuse," Brook said with a smile. "Then let's go and have a good meal!"

"Profound!"

"I want to eat something delicious too!"

Both Little Merry and Chopper showed excited expressions, clearly looking forward to the upcoming banquet.

"Is there any wine?" Zoro asked.

"Of course!" Neptune said earnestly, "I will bring out my best wine to entertain you... Zoro!"

"You finally called me by the right name," Zoro retorted, then laughed, "Let's go then, let me taste what your so-called best sake tastes like."

"Don't worry, you won't be disappointed," Neptune said with a smile.

As Royal Family, they naturally wouldn't miss out on such things.

So... plenty of good wine!

"Merry!" Luffy his hand. "Turn around!"

"Let's go pick up Hatchan and the others first, then head to the Ryugu Kingdom for the banquet!"

"Good."

Upon hearing Luffy's words, Merry didn't waste any time. She immediately activated her ability to turn the pirate ship around and fly towards the Sea Forest.

"Let's go!"

"Profound!!!"