A long while later...
Carol looked utterly defeated, questioning his life choices:
"Are you sure it's fifteen years?"
Sakazuki nodded:
"Believe in yourself. Cut out the parts of the recordings where they're sleeping."
"You'll finish sorting through it in a few years."
The corner of Carol's mouth twitched...
A few years... He really had the nerve to say that.
Sakazuki smiled:
"Stop looking so miserable. Start by recording a rough outline."
"Get a sense of how the government operates."
"Just map out the basic structure. You can fill in the details gradually."
Carol nodded helplessly:
"That's the only way."
"Oh, heavens..."
In an unnamed stretch of sea in the New World.
Aboard the Sun Pirates' ship.
Jinbe sat in the middle of the deck, surrounded by his men, reading an official document:
"The Navy wants to invite me to become one of the Shichibukai, too."
"What do you think?"
A Fish-Man fighter polishing his weapon said with a grin:
"Your bounty is already two hundred and fifty million Beli."
"They must think your strength is worth more than that."
"They're probably afraid you'll become an even greater threat to the government."
A long-mouthed Fish-Man beside him said:
"They finally know how strong you are."
"Don't bother with those government people."
"Let our infamous name keep spreading far and wide!!! Boss Jinbe!!!"
Jinbe set down the document in his hands and looked toward Fish-Man Island:
"No..."
"I intend to accept this offer."
He slowly closed his eyes.
At least I can make it up to Queen Otohime a little...
Several days later.
At Ryugu Palace on Fish-Man Island.
Inside the great hall, King Neptune and Jinbe sat facing each other.
Two rows of Fish-Man soldiers stood along either side of the hall.
Neptune spoke:
"You're finally back, Jinbe."
"I