Jinbe thought about it and realized that really could be the case. Uchiha Hikaru's feat of capturing a hundred thousand pirates might not frighten those notorious, hardened villains, but it was more than enough to intimidate ordinary pirates.
"So we actually benefited from the Marines and helped Fish-Man Island eliminate quite a few hidden dangers and troubles?" Jinbe said with a smile.
Hikaru pursed his lips and nodded. "You know, that really might be it. We took down a hundred thousand pirates on Fish-Man Island in one go. No matter what, that number sounds terrifying, so it's perfectly normal for ordinary pirates to be scared when they hear it. Although the Marines used us, it was a win-win situation. We even got paid, so we didn't lose out! Not at all!"
As Jinbe laughed, his expression suddenly turned solemn. "Fish-Man Island has fewer troubles now, but your reputation has become so great that there will definitely be some conceited people who come looking for trouble. You've turned yourself into Fish-Man Island's shield, taking on those unknown dangers in its place."
Law looked at Jinbe in surprise, then turned his gaze toward Hikaru. He wondered whether Uchiha Hikaru was truly as great as Jinbe claimed.
"Haha! You're overthinking it." Hikaru smiled faintly. "Our ultimate goal is to shake this sea. If we can't even handle a few ordinary lackeys, how could we accomplish that goal? Protecting Fish-Man Island is merely a byproduct of my ultimate goal. You don't need to praise me so much."
Jinbe nodded. "Mm, you've suffered for it!"
Hikaru did not know whether to laugh or cry. So Jinbe had decided he was some supreme, compassionate saint reincarnated to pity the world and save those in suffering?
But news about Uchiha Hikaru went far beyond Fish-Man Island alone.