No. 305: Darkness / No. 306: The Foreplay

As long as the Celestial Dragons lived, did you think Fish-Man Island could ever rise?

As silence fell, Neptune shot a meaningful glance at the thoughtful Jinbe. Jinbe immediately caught on.

"Lord White Hou, you made a special detour to Fish-Man Island. I take it there's news about what we discussed last time?"

"Almost forgot. Yes, the Marines have approved the proposal, but you'll have to raise the funds yourselves. And every Fish-Man officer must pass an assessment by Marine Headquarters before taking office."

Atlas slapped her forehead as she remembered.

The plan would not solve Fish-Man Island's problems at their root, but right now, it was like drinking poison to quench a desperate thirst.

It would bring growing pains, but it would certainly offer temporary relief.

"Fish-Man Island can cover the military expenses without any trouble."

Neptune gave a slight nod.

They only wanted the Marine name to deter the pirates arriving at Fish-Man Island, as well as the Big Mom Pirates, who were about to threaten it.

After wiping out the Whitebeard Pirates, the Marines' prestige had soared. Even an Emperor of the Sea ruling the New World would hesitate to challenge them.

"What... are you talking about?"

Otohime looked around in confusion, with no idea what the others were hinting at.

"A Marine Branch on Fish-Man Island."

At those words, a soldier in a corner no one had noticed narrowed his eyes with malice. Fully armed, he was barely recognizable as a great white shark Fish-Man.

Fish-Man Island, Fish-Man District.

In its early days, it had been a large refuge for Fish-Man Island's orphans. But poor management had taken its toll. Fisher Tiger, who had once kept the district's thugs in check, had been captured, while Jinbe was too busy protecting Fish-Man Island to spare it