Ch. 481A Sea Emperor's First Steps, Illegal Invasion!

Fish-Man Island’s leaders debated closing the island to foreign trade after repeated disappearances, while Jinbe’s New Marines struggled to control the resulting pirate incursions. Shanks and the Red-Haired Pirates crashed into Gillo Concord Plaza while fleeing Jinbe’s forces, leaving the island’s residents alarmed.

  • King Neptune told Queen Otohime that fifty-one people had disappeared since Fish-Man Island opened to trade and proposed restricting merchant convoys.
  • Queen Otohime objected to closing Fish-Man Island, but Neptune argued that the island could not distinguish merchants from pirates and needed to stop the disappearances.
  • A guard reported intruders at Gillo Concord Plaza, and Neptune ordered Hody Jones to send two squads to assist the New Marines.
  • The Right Minister warned Neptune that Hody Jones was unsuitable as Captain of the Guard, but Neptune dismissed the concern.
  • The Red-Haired Pirates crashed their damaged ship into Gillo Concord Plaza, and Uta complained to Shanks about his reckless route after the crew fled the port under Jinbe’s pursuit.

Ch. 482Conflict, the Blade Aimed at Uta! (Combined Chapter)

The Red-Haired Pirates crash-landed on Fish-Man Island, where Arlong’s Marines threatened to seize Uta and Hachi nearly killed her on Arlong’s orders. Shanks and Ben Beckman intervened, and Arlong recognized Shanks as a Shichibukai.

  • The Red-Haired Pirates landed near Fish-Man Island’s central district, damaging the Red Force, and Shanks planned to seek King Neptune’s help repairing it.
  • Uta wandered through the colorful town and encountered Arlong and his Marines, who accused her of being an intruder.
  • Arlong lowered his sword after a subordinate suggested Uta could be sold, then ordered his Marines to arrest her.
  • When Uta shouted Shanks’s name, Arlong ordered her killed, and Hachi struck at her with his swords.
  • Ben Beckman stopped Hachi at gunpoint while Shanks rescued Uta, and Arlong identified Shanks as a Shichibukai.

Ch. 483The "Emperor's" Right-Hand Man!

Shanks confronted the Fish-Man Marines after they threatened Uta, and he killed one of them with a single strike. Beckman then faced Jinbe, who arrived to defend his subordinates, leaving the two preparing to fight.

  • Shanks challenged Arlong and the Fish-Man Marines for trying to kill Uta, while the Mouse Shark Fish-Man attacked him.
  • Shanks knocked out the Fish-Man Marines with his Conqueror’s Haki, killed the Mouse Shark Fish-Man, and entrusted Beckman with the street as he carried Uta away.
  • Arlong tried to flee, but Beckman shot at him before Jinbe arrived and blocked the bullet with a Water Shot.
  • Jinbe attacked Beckman with Fish-Man Karate, and Beckman countered his water projectiles and punches with Haki-infused gunfire.
  • Beckman told Jinbe that the Red-Haired Pirates had only been passing through and asked whether he truly wanted to fight, but Jinbe condemned their actions and prepared to continue the confrontation.

Ch. 484The Strongest Fish-Man Marine!

Jinbe fought Ben Beckman to protect Arlong after the Red-Haired Pirates landed on Fish-Man Island, but Arlong escaped while Jinbe was wounded. After Beckman left, Jinbe learned that Arlong had tried to kill a young girl from the pirate crew and questioned how his actions fit the New Marines.

  • Jinbe recognized the Red-Haired Pirates as dangerous and tried to protect his unconscious subordinates and Fish-Man Island from Beckman.
  • Beckman bypassed Jinbe and fired at Arlong, but Jinbe used seawater currents to save him and counterattack.
  • Beckman shattered Jinbe’s waterspout with a powerful rifle shot, and Jinbe took the bullet in his arm while shielding Arlong.
  • Jinbe hurled Arlong away to escape and stood against Beckman, who warned that he would kill Arlong before the Red-Haired Pirates left the island.
  • After Beckman departed, Jinbe checked on his Marines and learned from Hachi that Arlong had tried to kill a young girl from the Red-Haired Pirates.

Ch. 485Power Over Life and Death, the Beast Outside the Cage!

After Arlong ordered an attack on Uta, Jinbe reported the clash with the Red-Haired Pirates to New Marine headquarters. Issho recognized that Arlong’s decision raised a troubling question about Marine discipline and prepared to investigate while seeking a peaceful resolution with Shanks.

  • Uta told the Red-Haired Pirates what had happened, and Shanks comforted her before directing the crew to hide the ship and negotiate with King Neptune.
  • Beckman told Shanks and the crew that Jinbe had arrived and rescued the Fish-Man who ordered Uta’s death, so Shanks decided not to pursue the matter immediately.
  • Jinbe questioned Arlong and his officers about their attempt to kill Uta, but Arlong defended his order as a righteous effort to stop pirates, and Jinbe dismissed them after confirming the events.
  • Jinbe reported the incident and requested reinforcements from headquarters, where Issho’s adjutant recorded the details and later played them for Issho.
  • Issho judged the Red-Haired Pirates’ restraint unusual and said Fish-Man Island was no place to capture them, then ordered a direct call to Jinbe and the report sent to Yoriichi.
  • Issho focused on Arlong’s attempt to kill an unidentified little girl without orders and questioned whether the New Marines’ grassroots officers had been given too much authority.

Ch. 486Deep Roots Hidden in Fish-Man Island

After Jinbe’s report from Fish-Man Island raised concerns about the New Marines’ conduct, Tsugikuni Yoriichi sent Virgo there with a letter for Shanks and a secret investigation into missing people. Virgo departed with Smoker, Kujaku, Aramaki, and a Marine crew, while Issho warned him to investigate the New Marines’ own ranks.

  • Issho’s adjutant delivered Jinbe’s battle report to Tsugikuni Yoriichi, who asked Virgo for his view of the conflict with the Red-Haired Pirates.
  • Virgo argued that the New Marines were at fault and that they should avoid fighting the Red-Haired Pirates, so Yoriichi tasked him with delivering a letter to Shanks on Fish-Man Island.
  • Yoriichi gave Virgo a file about a long-running missing persons case, and Issho explained that the culprit was likely connected to either Ryugu Palace or the New Marines.
  • Issho told Virgo to investigate the New Marines’ own ranks in secret while preparations to confront the Red-Haired Pirates provided cover.
  • Virgo boarded the ship with Smoker, Kujaku, Aramaki, and nearly a hundred Marines, and Kuma sent the vessel on its way.

Ch. 487Stowaways on a Warship!

Ace, Sabo, and Luffy secretly stowed away aboard Zephyr’s training warship bound for the New World, but Zephyr discovered them in the storeroom. The chapter ended with Zephyr confronting all three boys before the voyage could get underway in earnest.

  • Yoriichi sent Virgo, Smoker, Kujaku, and Aramaki to Fish-Man Island, where he feared a growing crisis was slipping beyond the New Marines’ control.
  • Zephyr persuaded Sengoku to approve a Marine Academy training voyage into the New World, and the warship prepared to leave Marineford.
  • Ace, Sabo, and Luffy hid inside a supply crate and emerged after the storeroom was closed, celebrating their successful stowaway plan.
  • Luffy’s hunger nearly exposed the boys, but Sabo caught him after he stretched toward a crate, and the three ate supplies as the ship departed.
  • Zephyr and the quartermaster opened the storeroom door and found Ace and Luffy; Zephyr used Observation Haki to locate Sabo hiding among the cargo.

Ch. 488The Giant Catch, the Dark Side of the World! (2

Ace, Sabo, and Luffy joined Zephyr’s sea-training voyage, where Ace accidentally hooked a murdered mermaid’s corpse. Moved by Luffy’s insistence that the Marines investigate and return her home, Zephyr ordered the ship to head for Fish-Man Island.

  • Zephyr allowed Ace, Sabo, and Luffy to remain aboard the warship after warning them to obey his orders.
  • While fishing with Sabo and Luffy, Ace hooked a badly mutilated mermaid’s corpse and hauled it onto the deck.
  • Zephyr examined the corpse and ordered the soldiers to collect her remains, saying they had no clear way to investigate.
  • Luffy asked Zephyr to investigate and argued that the mermaid should be sent home to Fish-Man Island.
  • Zephyr changed course toward Sabaody so the ship could be coated and continue to Fish-Man Island.

Ch. 489Voice of All Things! (Two-in-One)

Zephyr secretly diverted his warship to Fish-Man Island, where Ace and Luffy began hearing a mysterious voice in the deep sea. After Fish-Man Marines intercepted the ship, Zephyr told Jinbe they had come to investigate a corpse and requested permission to go ashore.

  • Zephyr obtained Eternal Poses to Fish-Man Island and took his warship underwater without informing Sengoku.
  • As the ship descended, Zephyr ordered the lights off to avoid attracting a massive sea beast, then guided the warship onward with Observation Haki.
  • Luffy and Ace heard a mysterious voice in the sea, and Ace suspected it was the Voice of All Things before ushering Luffy and Sabo into the cabin.
  • Zephyr navigated the warship to Fish-Man Island, where Jinbe and other New Marines stopped them.
  • Zephyr showed Jinbe a sack containing a corpse and requested permission to go ashore; Jinbe allowed the ship into the harbor while seeking instructions.

Ch. 490Direction of the Investigation!

Zephyr brought his Marines to Fish-Man Island to investigate a mermaid's corpse and learned that the New Marines were also investigating disappearances. After agreeing to a ship inspection, he began coordinating with Jinbe while pursuing the victim's identity and preparing to question King Neptune.

  • Zephyr arrived at Fish-Man Island's harbor and waited for permission to come ashore while surveying the town and considering the mermaid's identity.
  • Jinbe reported Zephyr's arrival and the corpse to Issho, who approved the landing and ordered the New Marines to cooperate while keeping watch.
  • Jinbe told Zephyr about Fish-Man Island's missing citizens and required a ship inspection; Zephyr agreed, and Fish-Man Marines searched the ship.
  • Zephyr refused to surrender the corpse but offered photographs, then assigned his crew to investigate the victim, disappearances, and the island's troubled areas.
  • Zephyr and his group set out for Ryugu Palace to seek King Neptune's help, as another warship bearing a golden Phoenix flag entered the harbor.

Ch. 491Stocking Up, Shipping Out! (Two-in-One)

Virgo led the New Marines to Fish-Man Island to deliver Tsugikuni Yoriichi’s letter to Red-Haired Shanks and prevent a conflict, but Jinbe objected to Headquarters’ refusal to retaliate for a Marine’s death. Meanwhile, Vander Decken IX prepared to ship imprisoned mermaids and ordered more captured as the new Marines’ arrival made his crew wary.

  • Jinbe welcomed Aramaki, Virgo, Smoker, and Kujaku, then protested when Virgo said their mission was to monitor the Red-Haired Pirates and de-escalate rather than drive them off the island.
  • Virgo and Aramaki argued that Jinbe had to consider the danger a war with the Red-Haired Pirates posed to Fish-Man Island’s millions of residents, leaving Jinbe disappointed but unwilling to continue the dispute.
  • Jinbe led the New Marines toward the branch base and explained that Zephyr’s ship had come to investigate a murder case, prompting Smoker to ask for details.
  • Vander Decken IX inspected sixteen captive mermaids and learned that his contact had not replied, then threw a dagger toward the passage to remind him of his obligations.
  • Vander Decken IX ordered his underling to prepare the mermaids for shipment, capture more merchandise, and keep a low profile while the Whole Cake Island Marines were on the island.

Ch. 492Fire Fist!

Virgo questioned Arlong about ordering Uta’s death and an attacker wounded Arlong inside the New Marines’ branch. As Zephyr investigated a wave of disappearances, Ace, Luffy, and Sabo sneaked off the warship and were ambushed by Fish-Men, leaving Ace to unleash his Fire Fist.

  • Virgo challenged Arlong over ordering the death of the eleven-year-old Uta, and Arlong admitted he had targeted her because she was a pirate.
  • A dagger struck Arlong inside the branch, and Virgo removed it and suggested the Red-Haired Pirates might not be the only ones after him.
  • Zephyr reviewed records of widespread disappearances on Fish-Man Island and suspected a large-scale slave-trading operation.
  • Ace, Luffy, and Sabo sneaked off Zephyr’s warship to explore Fish-Man Island at night, but found the streets nearly deserted.
  • Three Fish-Men ambushed the boys in an alley, capturing Ace and Luffy while Sabo evaded them.
  • Ace burst out of the sack in flames and shouted “Fire Fist,” setting off a huge explosion in the alley.

Ch. 493Disciples of the "No-Kill" Admiral! (Two-in-One)

Ace, Sabo, and Luffy were attacked on Fish-Man Island, and Ace killed one of their attackers while capturing another. Jinbe and the New Marines arrived to investigate, and Jinbe recognized the dagger as evidence of a kidnapping case.

  • Sabo rescued Luffy from the alley as Ace’s flames engulfed it, then Ace brought out three injured fish-men.
  • Ace contacted Zephyr, but Shul tried to stab him; Ace’s Logia body stopped the attack, and Ace killed Shul when he fled.
  • The remaining fish-man fainted, while residents alerted both the New Marines and Ryugu Palace’s guards.
  • Zephyr headed to the scene as Jinbe, Virgo, Aramaki, and the New Marines arrived first.
  • Ace told Jinbe the fish-men had tried to kidnap them, and Jinbe recognized the dagger’s distinctive design.

Ch. 494Emerging into the Open, Energy Steroids! (Two-in-One)

Jinbe and Zephyr’s forces investigated the attempted kidnapping, uncovering clues linking the attackers to Fish-Man District and a Ryugu Palace theft. As Arlong secretly armed himself with Energy Steroids, Vander Decken IX’s crew debated fleeing to the Forest of the Sea after their operation was exposed.

  • A resident identified the dead Shul as a Fish-Man District thief once arrested for stealing a treasure from Ryugu Palace, leading Virgo to suspect Captain Arlong knew more about the kidnapping.
  • Zephyr arrived and insisted on taking over the investigation, hinting to Jinbe that corruption might be hidden beneath the surface; Ace revealed he had recorded their conversation with a Den Den Mushi.
  • Jinbe allowed Zephyr’s team to take the suspects, while Virgo urged him to detain Arlong and Jinbe approved Kujaku’s secret surveillance of him.
  • Arlong took a hidden box of Energy Steroids from his room and headed toward Fish-Man District, believing the drug could give him the power he needed.
  • Vander Decken IX’s officers discussed fleeing to the Forest of the Sea after learning that Shul and the others had been killed or captured, wary of confronting Zephyr.

Ch. 495Breaking into Enemy Territory!

Vander Decken IX prepared to flee with his human-trafficking operation after losing contact with Arlong, but Arlong arrived, attacked him, and exposed a New Marines spy who had followed him. Kujaku was surrounded by the pirates, and her ability turned Hyouzou’s blades against Vander Decken IX as Arlong launched a desperate attack on her.

  • Vander Decken IX decided to escape to the Forest of the Sea and told his men to contact Hody Jones about the imprisoned mermaids.
  • Arlong arrived, swallowed an Energy Steroid, and bit Vander Decken IX’s shoulder to settle an old score.
  • Arlong sensed someone following him, smashed through a wall, and revealed Kujaku, who attacked Vander Decken IX with her whip.
  • Arlong identified Kujaku as a New Marines operative from Whole Cake Island, and the pirates surrounded her to stop her from escaping with what she had heard.
  • Kujaku’s ability made Hyouzou’s blades stab Vander Decken IX, and Arlong lunged at her as she declared she would train the pirates.

Ch. 496Emerging Talent!

Kujaku infiltrated the Fish-Man District and killed Vander Decken IX, but Arlong and the officers powered up with Energy Steroids and overwhelmed her. Just as Hyouzou prepared to poison her, Sabo arrived and confronted the pirates.

  • Kujaku fought Arlong, then used her Devil Fruit ability and Battle Whip to kill Vander Decken IX.
  • Arlong stopped a frightened officer from fleeing and declared that everyone had to kill Kujaku before Jinbe pursued them.
  • Arlong and the other officers swallowed pills that strengthened them, and Arlong struck Kujaku so hard that she lost the ability to fight.
  • Arlong ordered Hyouzou to kill Kujaku with his venom, but Sabo burst through the ceiling and appeared beside Vander Decken IX's corpse.

Ch. 497Overwhelming Power, Absolute Strength!

Sabo entered the hidden chamber beneath the Fish-Man District and overwhelmed Arlong, Hyouzou, and their pirates, rescuing Kujaku. After Zephyr found a passage leading deeper into the hideout, Jinbe discovered Energy Steroids among the ruins, raising questions about how the forbidden drugs reached the pirates.

  • Sabo used his Mantra to locate the chamber, entered it, and struck Arlong with lightning and a flying kick.
  • Arlong seized Kujaku as a hostage, but a lightning whip severed his arm as Sabo rushed to save her.
  • Sabo defeated the pirates with a massive lightning strike, then revealed a hidden passage behind Vander Decken's portrait.
  • Zephyr stopped Ace and Sabo from entering the passage and led his students inside, while the Marines took the pirates and Kujaku away.
  • Zephyr refused Jinbe's request for immediate access to the investigation but promised to share the case file once it was complete.
  • Jinbe found Energy Steroids scattered in the ruins and told Zephyr that the forbidden drugs had been sealed in Ryugu Palace.

Ch. 498A Letter from Whole Cake Island!

While Fish-Man Island’s kidnapping case and the disappearance of Arlong and Kujaku drove the New Marines to investigate, Shanks and his crew tried to relax at Mermaid Bay. Virgo delivered Shanks a letter from Tsugikuni Yoriichi, leaving Shanks annoyed by its contents.

  • Kujaku woke up and gave Zephyr useful information about Arlong, but the captured pirates refused to reveal their network on Fish-Man Island.
  • Jinbe discovered that Arlong and Kujaku had vanished, prompting him and Virgo to launch searches as Zephyr investigated the kidnapping case.
  • Virgo reported the crisis to Issho, who advised him to investigate Fish-Man District residents, examine the ES drug, and consider changes to Fish-Man Island’s defenses.
  • Shanks and his crew visited Mermaid Bay, where Lucky Roo told them Zephyr had uncovered a major kidnapping case on Fish-Man Island.
  • Virgo approached the Red-Haired Pirates, delivered Tsugikuni Yoriichi’s letter to Shanks, and asked whether they had seen Arlong or Kujaku; Shanks said they had not.
  • After Virgo left, Shanks read the letter and complained that Tsugikuni Yoriichi seemed to expect him to work for the Marines.

Ch. 499Give Me Some Face! (Two-in-One)

Shanks declined to interfere in the Fish-Man Island investigation, while Yoriichi recognized the missing Arlong’s connection to Fish-Man District and revealed his plan to replace Neptune’s rule with a people-chosen leader and develop the island with Dr. Vegapunk. Issho struggled with Yoriichi’s rejection of hereditary rule but began to consider how Vegapunk’s technology could transform Fish-Man Island.

  • Shanks read Yoriichi’s letter asking him to help Virgo’s investigation, then told his crew someone else was already handling the situation.
  • Issho reported that Zephyr had discovered important information and that Arlong and Lieutenant Kujaku had gone missing; Yoriichi rejected the theory that the Red-Haired Pirates had killed them.
  • Yoriichi recognized Arlong as a shark fish-man from Fish-Man District and criticized Neptune’s government for allowing the impoverished district to persist.
  • Yoriichi told Issho that the New Marines should intervene in Fish-Man Island’s governance and that Neptune should be replaced by a leader chosen by the people.
  • Yoriichi revealed that Dr. Vegapunk had agreed to develop Fish-Man Island, where his research could help transform the island’s living conditions.
  • Issho reflected on Vegapunk’s technology and began to see how it might bring prosperity to Fish-Man Island.

Ch. 500Divine Departure! (Combined Chapter)

Tsugikuni Yoriichi left Whole Cake Island for Egghead to meet Dr. Vegapunk and bring him to Fish-Man Island, where Yoriichi planned to place the island’s development under New Marine leadership. Meanwhile, Zephyr’s investigation exposed Arlong’s coup plot and its threat to Queen Otohime, whom Shanks saved from an assassination attempt before striking at Hody Jones.

  • Tsugikuni Yoriichi departed Whole Cake Island aboard the Dawn, leaving Issho in charge while forces watched the island for an opportunity to interfere.
  • Kujaku used the Whip-Whip Fruit to make Arlong confess that he, Vander Decken, and Hody Jones had planned a coup using Energy Steroids, trafficking, and other crimes.
  • Arlong revealed that the conspirators had targeted Queen Otohime, prompting Jinbe to rush to protect her while Virgo remained to confront Arlong.
  • Hody Jones shot at Queen Otohime during her speech at Gillo Concord Plaza, but Shanks blocked the bullet with his sword.
  • Shanks recognized Hody Jones and unleashed a black slash toward him with Divine Departure.
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