Hancock was enjoying the experience of flying through the air in the floating carriage with Luffy. He was completely enthralled, twisting his head to take in the sights. His excitement was palpable as he looked down at the shrinking buildings below.
"We're almost there," Fukaboshi called out to them.
Luffy's eyes widened at the sight of the royal palace. "Wow, it's huge!"
Even Hancock had to admit the palace was impressive.
"Man, this is almost as cool as Vivi's home," Luffy said, remembering their time in Alabasta.
Hancock tilted her head at the mention of Alabasta's princess. She'd heard Luffy talk about Vivi many times, though she had never visited the country herself. She'd take his word for it.
"Normally, humans are rarely invited to the palace, but on the account of Jinbe, you were granted an exception," Fukaboshi said with a hint of caution. Fish-men don't have the best relationship with humans, primarily because of the history of humans enslaving their people. The fish-man prince needed to remain cautious.
"You seem a little upset. I don't believe we've met before," Hancock inquired.
"That's because Fukaboshi doesn't agree with father's decision," the Manboshi said cheerfully, sounding more friendly than his elder brother.
"Wha— Manboshi that's not it." Sighing, Fukaboshi turned to Hancock. "Our species have never gotten along, and with our struggle to keep our people safe from the auction house, I think you can understand why I'll be on guard."
"I hate slavery!" Hancock sneered at the mention of the abhorrent practice. "That's one thing I would happily destroy."
Her passionate response against slavery surprised the brothers, but it was welcomed, making them more open to the female pirate.
"You know, my Luffy once destroyed an auction house and punched a Celestial Dragon," Hancock added.
"He was being rude. He shot Hachi and wanted to take Camie—nobody hurts my friends," Luffy said.
The three princes' stared at the Straw Hat pirate in surprise. Even down below, under the sea, they had heard of the Celestial Dragons. One even visited Fishman Island, though he was an exception, not the rule. The idea that a pirate had punched one and lived to tell the tale was shocking.
Before they could discuss it further, they arrived at the entrance to disembark.
Luffy vibrated with excitement to see Jinbe again even if he had to wait. It had been too long since they last saw him. The group entered the palace, with Fukaboshi explaining the history of the palace and the paintings they passed. He showed them portraits of all the past rulers of Fishman Island.
One of the paintings caught Hancock's eye, and she stopped to take a closer look. The painting depicted a mermaid of such beauty that even Hancock had to admit she could almost match her. The mermaid had a green and blue striped tail with a blue fin at the end. She was blonde with an angular face and purple eyes. She wore fine armour and held a golden trident in her right hand.
"Hancock, check it out! She has that necklace," Luffy pointed out, drawing attention to the mermaid's necklace. Indeed, it was the exact same one Hancock wore.
"That necklace is a popular piece of merchandise our people create. However, the colours never match as closely as they do in the painting. Yours is probably the closest I've seen," the Ryuboshi said.
"Who is she?" Hancock asked.
"This is one of our more famous princesses. Well, among our people that is. Not much is actually known about her, but she's the princess from the children's tale about how Noah was built," Fukaboshi explained.
"The same one? What is her name?" Hancock asked.
"Her name was Andrea. Not much has survived from that era, but we've preserved this portrait in her honour. She may never have been Queen, but her father, King Aegir, wanted her remembered among the other rulers. Although the texts don't explain why," Fukaboshi said.
Hancock was intrigued. "How come she was never Queen? Was she not the oldest? It is my understanding Fish-men line of succession is based only on birth."
Fukaboshi sighed, and the three brothers looked at the painting in contemplation. "She was the oldest of her siblings, but much of that era is shrouded in mystery. Not much remains from anything 600 old or older after a fire in the royal library. Most of the books that could have told us about her were lost. What we did salvage only indicated that at the end of the Great War, the princess disappeared without explanation. Her father spent years searching for her, and in the end, had this portrait made so she wouldn't be forgotten, even if we don't know her deeds."
That was truly sad. War is ugly, and the king must have been devastated to have lost his child without ever knowing what happened to her.
"Let's head on. Father is waiting," the green-haired brother ushered.
Hancock took one last look at the painting before following the princes' until they reached a set of massive doors. Along the way she noticed Luffy sneaking away from the group with his nose sniffing. She didn't worry about where he was going, he will find them again anyway. Probably.
Fukaboshi nodded to the guards, who opened the doors for them. They were announced into the room, and Hancock took in the sight of the throne room. It was massive and magnificently adorned, and she could see why. King Neptune himself was a massive coelacanth merman seated on an equally massive throne.
"My sons, it's good you've returned. And I see you've brought a guest. I assume part of the guests Jinbe asked us to look for," King Neptune inquired.
Fukaboshi stepped forward and gestured toward Hancock. "Yes, father. Let me introduce Boa Hancock and Monkey D—"
He stopped mid-sentence, noticing that the Straw Hat Captain was not with them. Hancock honestly wanted to laugh at how long it took them to realize Luffy's absence, but she refrained, she was above making such displays.
"Where is Straw Hat?" Fukaboshi asked.
Before anyone could panic, Hancock reassured them, "Luffy went to the bathroom." She didn't feel the need to elaborate further.
"Why would he not ask—never mind. Colbert and Merrick, please go look for our guest so he does not get lost trying to find us," Fukaboshi ordered.
With Luffy's skills, he most definitely was lost by now. Nonetheless, Hancock nodded. "It's an honour to make your acquaintance, King Neptune."
"Oh, it is my honour. Even down below, we know of the Seven Warlords, Pirate Empress, and royalty. It's rare to meet such esteemed individuals."
"It's actually my not-so-regretful update to inform you that I am no longer a Warlord. I've actually joined Luffy's crew," Hancock said.
"Now, that's interesting. And your people, the World Government, are now able to travel the Calm Belt. Without your title, will they be safe?"
"That's a worry, but I trust my sisters and my people. I can't be there every minute. They must grow strong and thrive."
Before they could continue their conversation, a guard rushed into the room and bowed to King Neptune.
"What is it?" King Neptune demanded. Clearly, this was important.
"Your Majesty, it's the New Fishman Pirates. They've flooded the plaza with their people. We've seen fighting, with a green-haired individual involved, but I don't know which side they're on or how long they'll fight. He's strong, though. Our guards are rushing to the site, but we need assistance. We don't have enough manpower to suppress a force this size."
"What! Summon all the guards. We will take care of these pirates," King Neptune ordered. His voice was firm, but he looked suddenly older.
Sighing, King Neptune added, "This is my fault."
"Don't say that, father," Manboshi said.
"That's right, you're a great king. It's those few who want power for themselves," Fukaboshi added.
Neptune raised his hand to silence them. "No, it's my fault. After Fisher Tiger and your mother's deaths, I've slacked in my duties. Fishman District is overrun by criminals again because I couldn't maintain order. I left the problem to fester."
A heavy silence filled the room.
"If I may, King Neptune," Hancock spoke up, gaining their attention. "From the description of the green-haired person, it sounds like one of our crewmembers—Roronoa Zoro. If that's the case, you need not worry. He's strong."
Before they could continue, the palace shook violently.
"We are being attacked!" Guards shouted as they rushed to the source of the explosions.
King Neptune grabbed his trident next to his throne. "It seems we have our own problems. I hope your crewmate can hold on."
"He will," Hancock said with certainty, as the royals made their way to the source of the attack. Along the way, they received updates on the situation, and it didn't look good for the Fish-man royals. Whoever Hordy Jones was, he was cutting through the royal guards like they were nothing. If anything, this merman might provide her with some entertainment.
XXX
Meanwhile, before the palace was attacked, Luffy was wandering around the palace, his nose sniffing the air like a basset hound. He was close to food, he just knew it. Following his nose, he turned a corner to find two guards standing at attention in front of a door. Luffy quickly turned around the corner again.
He might be a guest at the palace and shouldn't worry about being seen, but he was a pirate. What's a little mischief to him? Carefully observing the guards, Luffy had an idea. Hardening his hand with haki, he broke a small stone from the millennia-old castle. Grinning to himself, he aimed and threw the stone over the guards' heads in the opposite direction.
Immediately, the guards sprang into action, asking if anyone was there. When they received no response, they decided to investigate the noise. That was all Luffy needed. He dashed down the hallway and entered the door before the guards had made it more than a few feet.
"Success!" Luffy cheered to himself, taking in the room. He whistled in appreciation at the massive size of the room—it looked like a bedroom, but Luffy ignored that in favour of the food on the table next to the bed. "Jackpot."
Luffy stretched his arms, gripping the table, and rocketed himself onto it. Stars gleamed in his eyes and drool dripped as he looked at the amazing spread of food in front of him. Wasting no time, he dug in, savouring the deliciousness.
"Who are you?" a shaky voice sounded from behind him. Luffy turned around to face a large, youthful face—a girl who was so beautiful that even Hancock would admit it. She had very long, flowing pink hair, with a taiyaki-shaped hairclip adorned with anko. Her striped tail ended in a ruffle around her waist, and her cheeks were flushed.
She wore a yellow halter top that exposed her cleavage, decorated with pearls, with a strap that widened and stuck out at the back of her neck. She also wore clam earrings, belly chains, and a cloth hanging in front of her tail. Her long, light red-and-pink striped tail swayed behind her.
"I'm Monkey D. Luffy, the man who will be Pirate King!" Luffy proudly declared, puffing his chest.
"Pirate?" the mermaid said, her lip quivering as her eyes tearing up. "Are you here to kidnap me?"
"Oy, oy, what's with you, crybaby?" Luffy reprimanded her but only made her cry harder. "Stop that now. I'm not here to kidnap you. I was invited for a feast—I just followed my nose."
The mermaid stopped crying, sniffing. "A feast? Brother did say he was going to fetch someone for a feast, but this isn't the main hall... this is my bedroom."
"Meh, details. Food is food." Luffy waved off the concern nonchalantly, still eyeing the spread.
The mermaid giggled at Luffy's carefree attitude. "Well, have at the food. I'm not hungry right now. I'm Shirahoshi, by the way."
At Shirahoshi's words, Luffy dove back into the food. Shirahoshi watched, fascinated. She hadn't seen many humans before.
"Oy, what is that for?" Luffy whined, feeling Shirahoshi poke him.
"You're fascinating. I don't get to see much of the outside. Tell me, Mr. Luffy, why are you a pirate? You don't look like one." Shirahoshi asked, curious. She had been told pirates were dirty, mean, and scary, but Luffy seemed carefree and noble.
Luffy didn't stop eating but answered her question between bites. "I'm a pirate because I want adventures! And I'm gonna be the freest man in the world, which means I'll be Pirate King!"
Shirahoshi sighed wistfully at the passion in his words. "That must be nice... to see the world. All I've known for the last few years are these four walls."
"You haven't left this room in years?" Luffy asked, disbelief in his voice.
Before she could answer, a loud noise from outside—the sound of guards shouting—beyond the door. Then, there was a loud thud as it rattled.
"That's why," Shirahoshi said, waving her hand in frustration. She looked close to tears. "A pirate, Vander Decken, has been throwing weapons at me with his Devil Fruit power. No matter where I go, the weapons find me. I can only go out with guards who can defend against them, but it's so random that I'm locked in here to stay safe."
Luffy listened in silence as Shirahoshi continued, her words flowing out after years of silence. "It's so upsetting... He gets to roam free after ruining my life and destroying my family!" Shirahoshi finished, panting heavily.
A large shark, who had been sleeping in the corner unnoticed, nudged Shirahoshi with its nose, offering the only comfort it could give.
"He took your freedom?" Luffy's voice carried a slight edge. Shirahoshi nodded.
"Alright!" Luffy shouted suddenly, making Shirahoshi jump. He looked her in the eye with newfound intensity. "We're getting out of here!"
Shirahoshi panicked at first, thinking of the danger. "Get out of here? But I'll die!"
"Oy, trust me. I'm strong. As long as you're with me, no harm will come to you," Luffy said confidently. Shirahoshi felt a surge of trust in him, even though they had just met.
"We're going to go to the one place you've always wanted to visit. Once we've been there, we're going to find this Van-something, and I'm going to beat him up until he leaves you alone!" Luffy declared, puffing out his chest.
Shirahoshi smiled, a little giggle escaping her lips. "There is one place I've wanted to go... the Sea Forest."
"Let's go!" Luffy shouted, excited, as he jumped onto the shark. He looked at Shirahoshi and motioned with his head. "Come on. To the Sea Forest! Sounds great!"
Shirahoshi hesitated for just a moment before moving forward to hold onto her friend Megalo.
"Please, Megalo, can you take us there?" Shirahoshi asked.
Megalo, her loyal companion, nodded. With both passengers holding tight, the shark charged forward, crashing through the door and bursting out of the palace. The sound of shouting guards was soon drowned out as they gained distance. Shirahoshi gazed at her island's beauty for the first time in years, overwhelmed by emotion, but she held back tears. A tap on her forehead made her look up, where Luffy just grinned and laughed.
"Don't cry, crybaby."
Shirahoshi couldn't help but join in the laughter. "To the Sea Forest!"
XXX
Meanwhile, outside the palace, a battle raged on.
The sun blazed high over the island as the clash between two formidable swordsmen intensified. The ground cracked under the impact of Zoro's powerful strikes, each one a testament to his immense strength. Across from him, Hyouzou, the infamous swordsman of the New Fishman Pirates, faced him with deadly focus.
Zoro grinned, gripping his swords with ease. Hyouzou, while skilled, hadn't proven himself to be on Zoro's level just yet. "Is that all you've got, fishman?" Zoro taunted.
Hyouzou's expression remained cold. He didn't reply, his blades pushing against Zoro furiously. As soon as Zoro moved, Hyouzou struck, his blade a blur as it cut through the air. The two clashed again, their swords meeting with such force that shockwaves rippled through the air.
Time and again, they clashed, but Zoro seemed unfazed. His movements were effortless, almost casual, as he dodged and countered with minimal exertion. Hyouzou's strikes were fast, but Zoro was faster, his reflexes honed through years of intense training under Mihawk. He was barely breaking a sweat.
Hyouzou's expression twisted into a sneer, realizing Zoro hadn't been going all out. He reached for a bottle of alcohol at his side and threw it back in one swift motion. The alcohol burned down his throat, but rather than slowing him, it seemed to have the opposite effect. His eyes glowed with intensity, and his muscles tensed as his strength surged.
Zoro narrowed his eyes. The atmosphere around Hyouzou had shifted—his movements were sharper, more unpredictable.
"Kama-ryuu!" Hyouzou roared, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes aimed at Zoro's vital points. The sheer speed of his attacks sent a hum through the air.
Zoro gritted his teeth and stepped back, realizing that this was no longer a simple fight. He was going to have to take it seriously.
"Now you're starting to get interesting," Zoro said, his grin widening. With a deep breath, he raised his swords.
"Three-Sword Style—" He lunged forward with explosive speed, his blades forming an almost perfect triangle of destructive force.
"Tora Gari!" Zoro's move tore through the air like a tiger's swipe, each sword striking with the strength of a beast. The impact was so strong that Hyouzou was forced to stumble back.
Hyouzou, now fully fueled by the alcohol, grinned, his newfound strength pushing him to the limit. He launched another attack.
"Shen-sei!" Hyouzou shouted, a rapid barrage of slashes coming from all angles. Zoro's eyes darted between the strikes, his swords moving with precision as he parried each one, but Hyouzou was relentless. His body flowed like water, and every movement was faster than the last.
The fight was just beginning, and neither swordsman was willing to back down.
Zoro's grin widened, the thrill of the fight igniting within him. He was finally being pushed, and he loved it.
"Three-Sword Style: Asura!" Zoro shouted, his body surrounded by an aura of pure willpower as he took on a more aggressive stance. He split into a phantom-like form, his swords becoming a whirlwind of blades, each one cutting the air with deadly precision. The technique was a small display of Zoro's true strength, but he knew Hyouzou wouldn't back down now.
The two collided in a massive explosion of force, blades clashing with a thunderous sound. Sparks flew, and the earth shook from the impact as Zoro and Hyouzou pushed each other.
But something happened in that moment. As Zoro's Asura form launched yet another blistering set of attacks, Hyouzou saw a small opening, a slight shift in Zoro's movements. It was subtle, but it was enough. With an instinct honed by years of combat, Hyouzou spun, performing a sickeningly fast counter.
"Kage-kiri!" Hyouzou's blade sliced through the air like a shadow, aiming directly for Zoro's side. For a split second, Zoro's concentration wavered, his stance faltering as the attack came at an impossible angle. The sharpness of the blade would've pierced him—had it not been for his reflexes kicking in just in time. He really was taking his opponent too easy.
Zoro's eyes widened, narrowly avoiding the attack by the skin of his teeth, but in doing so, he found himself wide open.
Damn, Zoro thought.
At that very moment, a new shadow emerged.
Ikaros Much, the imposing fighter who had been observing from the sidelines, lunged at Zoro from behind, his boot aimed directly at Zoro's back.
But before the strike could land—
"Don't even think about it!"
With a flash of fury, Sanji appeared out of nowhere, his leg sweeping in a powerful arc. He intercepted Ikaros Much's kick, his heel connecting with Ikaros's chest with bone-crushing force. The impact sent the large man flying backward, his body skidding across the rocky ground.
Sanji landed smoothly, his expression one of irritation as he adjusted his cigarette. "You really need to stay focused, Zoro. I can't keep saving your ass like this."
Zoro shot him a quick glance, his form now back to normal. "Tch, I had it under control."
Meanwhile, Hyouzou clenched his fists, fury and alcohol mixing in his veins. He had been so close—so close—to finally getting the upper hand on Zoro. The alcohol coursing through him, combined with his frustration, made him reckless. His breathing came heavy, and his grip on his sword tightened as he prepared for another assault.
Sanji shot him a cocky look. "Don't get too cocky, mosshead. I'm just here to make sure you don't get yourself killed."
Zoro chuckled but immediately focused back on Hyouzou, who was now glaring at both of them. The fight wasn't over yet, and Zoro was ready to finish it.
Hyouzou, now looking at the two humans before him, joined by Ikaros, grinned. "Well, well, looks like I'll have to use those steroids after all."
Hyouzou reached into a pouch at his side and pulled out a small, vile-looking pill, popping it into his mouth without hesitation. His eyes narrowed as the effects began to take hold. Muscles bulged, veins popped beneath his skin, and his entire body seemed to exude a deadly aura, making the very air feel oppressive.
Ikaros Much mirrored Hyouzou's actions, swallowing a pill of his own. A roar of pain and power erupted from his throat as his muscles expanded, his size increasing by several feet, and a dark, murderous glint filled his eyes. He cracked his knuckles, clearly eager to test his new strength.
Sanji and Zoro exchanged looks, both recognizing the change in the fishmen's demeanour immediately.
"Guess they weren't playing around after all," Zoro muttered, his grip tightening on his swords. He knew they'd been underestimating their opponents, but now it was clear the real fight was about to begin.
Sanji flicked his cigarette, his leg already cocked in preparation. "Let's take them down, Zoro. You've got the swordfish, and I'll deal with the big guy."
"Yeah, yeah," Zoro replied, smirking. "Let's see if they can keep up with me now."
With a snarl, Hyouzou lunged forward, his speed nearly doubling. His blade cut through the air with devastating force.
"Kama-ryuu: Vortex Dance!" Hyouzou spun his blade in a circular motion, creating a whirlwind of slashes that cut through the very wind. The attack was designed to overwhelm, to confuse, and to slice everything in its path. Zoro was forced into a defensive position, quickly stepping back and raising his swords to block the barrage of strikes. But the force of each strike pushed him back, and he felt the full weight of Hyouzou's power.
"Not bad," Zoro muttered, barely dodging a slash that came dangerously close to his face. He could feel the difference in power. It wasn't just speed; there was an immense weight behind each attack now.
"Three-Sword Style—Tora Gari!" Zoro countered with a swift, powerful swipe of his swords. The tiger-claw-like technique aimed at Hyouzou's chest, a direct attempt to overpower the fishman's ferocity. The speed of Zoro's attack was enough to force Hyouzou to parry and step back, but Zoro wasn't done. He followed up with another move.
"Three-Sword Style—Phantom strike!" In a burst of power, Zoro's aura expanded, and he struck so quickly it created the illusion of multiple phantom swords. The sheer force of the attack forced Hyouzou to jump back, his feet skidding across the ground. Even with his steroid-induced power, Zoro was pushing him to his limits.
Meanwhile, Ikaros Much grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. He cracked his knuckles, the massive fishman letting out a loud battle cry as he charged directly at Sanji.
"You're mine, curly brow," Ikaros growled, swinging a massive fist aimed directly at Sanji. The sheer weight of his punch could level a building, and the force behind it was enough to shatter rocks. But Sanji wasn't fazed. He was already in motion, his body fluid and quick as he dodged the strike with a graceful spin.
"Diable Jambe!" Sanji shouted, flames licking around his leg as he delivered a swift, powerful kick aimed at Ikaros's midsection. The heat from his leg was intense, enough to burn through anything in its path. Ikaros grunted as the kick landed, but his body was like a wall, barely budging despite the flames searing his skin.
Ikaros howled in pain, but he wasn't out yet. He swung his fist again, aiming for Sanji's head. The blow was nearly too fast for Sanji to dodge, but he managed to leap out of the way at the last moment, his heart pounding in his chest. Ikaros wasn't just fast now—he was downright terrifying.
"Is that all you've got, you big oaf?" Sanji taunted, his confidence unwavering despite the intensity of the fight. He twisted his body in mid-air and shot down for another high-speed attack, using his signature kick.
"Flambé Kick!" Sanji's leg burst into an even hotter flame as he aimed it for Ikaros's chest. The attack landed with a bone-rattling thud, and Ikaros staggered back, clearly feeling the burn, but his resilience was incredible. The fishman's glare intensified, and with a roar, he charged again, this time with even more speed than before.
Hyouzou wasn't done either. The effects of the steroids had him feeling invincible, and the battle lust in his eyes grew.
"Shen-sei: Dragon's Fury!" With a single sweeping motion, Hyouzou's sword unleashed a massive wave of energy, a blur of speed and force that erupted from his blade. The sword slashed through the air like a dragon's maw, cutting deep into the ground as it tore forward with the intent to decimate. Zoro barely had time to react, raising his swords in an effort to block the devastating blow.
"Three-Sword Style: Onigiri!" Zoro's blades met the energy wave head-on, but the force of the attack pushed him back, cracking the earth beneath his feet. The ground shattered under the pressure, but Zoro held firm, his muscles burning as he blocked the attack with everything he had.
"You've gotten stronger, I'll give you that," Zoro panted, blood trickling down his cheek from a small cut as he locked eyes with Hyouzou. "But you still won't beat me. I has been a good fight." He said with finality.
With his legs set in a steady stance, Zoro's eyes burned and jumped to his opponent at incredible speed, and before Hyouzou could even understand or put up a defence he was defeated. At the same time, Ikaros was embedded into the floor.
"I won," Zoro stated.
"No way! My kick landed a second before yours. He just took forever to fly," Sanji retorted.
"What a sore loser," was all Zoro responded with, which lit Sanji up even more.
"Unacceptable!" Sanji shouted, then pointed at all the pirates surrounding them. "There are still many opponents. Whoever gets the most wins."
The surrounding pirates wondered how they'd gotten thrown into the middle of whatever contest the Straw Hats were having.
"You're on. I'm already ahead anyway," Zoro said, readying his swords again.
"Like I'll lose to a directionless wonder like you," Sanji said, tapping his leg on the ground.
The blatant dismissal seemed to get to the crowd, and they psych themselves up and charged at the two pirates.
XXX
The grand, shimmering halls of Ryugu Palace resounded with the sound of hurried movement as King Neptune, accompanied by his sons—Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi—and the royal guard as they made their way to the location where the intruders had been spotted.
Hancock ran silently behind the royal family. Though her goal had not been to fight, she had no doubt that the pirates threatening the kingdom would soon meet the royal family. She had no doubts that she may have to get involved.
As Hancock entered the room a few moments after the royal family Hordy Jones and his crew standing in the center of the front entrance. Hordy himself had visible blood vessels, clear signs of already taking steroids. His accompanying fishmen, including Daruma—the shark-headed brute, Hammond—the massive fishman with a hook for a hand, Kasagoba—the reptilian fishman, Jean Noueilles—the sly, stealthy fighter, and Nuru—a towering fishman with enormous strength, were positioned strategically in the room. Their eyes gleamed with malice, eager for bloodshed.
"So, the great King Neptune finally decides to show himself," Hordy sneered, his eyes narrowing as the royal family entered his sight. "Tell me, Neptune, do you truly believe your kingdom is safe? Your people live in fear while you live in your luxurious palace!"
King Neptune's face twisted in rage as he swam forward, his trident gleaming like the bright blue sea. "You're a fool, Hordy," he growled. "You think you can take down an entire kingdom with your misguided ideals? You are nothing but a parasite, feeding off hatred!"
The king raised his trident high, his powerful voice booming through the room, "I will not let you poison my kingdom with your lies and violence!" The trident was thrust forward at Hordy.
But Hordy was faster than the king had anticipated. With a snarl, he lunged forward dodging the trident, his hand clenched into a fist, and swung it toward King Neptune. "You can't stop me, Neptune!" he shouted.
King Neptune met Hordy's attack with the back end of the trident, the two forces clashing fighting for dominance "You underestimate me, Hordy," Neptune said, his voice steady despite the tremendous force. "The ocean belongs to my people, and I'll protect it with everything I have."
Hordy laughed, his expression wild with madness as his steroids kicked in even further, giving him an almost unnatural speed. "I'll rip your kingdom apart, Neptune!" he roared, but King Neptune was no ordinary warrior. With a powerful twist of his body, Neptune swung his trident in an arc, the water around it churning with violent force.
As the battle between the two fierce fishmen raged, Fukaboshi, the eldest of the three princes, moved forward, locking eyes with Daruma, the shark-headed fishman. Daruma's grin was as sharp as his teeth, and he immediately lunged forward, his fists raised.
"You think you can stop me, Fukaboshi?" Daruma taunted as he swung his fists toward the prince. Fukaboshi dodged nimbly, his body fluid like the currents of the sea. He countered with a swift series of punches, each one hitting with the precision.
"I'll protect this kingdom with my life, thug!" Fukaboshi growled, landing a solid hit to Daruma's ribs, sending the shark-man staggering back. But Daruma's shark-like reflexes quickly recovered, and he charged forward once more, his massive fists swinging wildly.
Ryuboshi, the second prince, was already locked in battle with Hammond, the massive fishman with the giant hook arm. Hammond roared as he swung his hook with devastating force, aiming to cleave Ryuboshi in two. "I'll crush you, little prince!" Hammond bellowed, but Ryuboshi was quick on his feet, dodging the incoming attack with a spin.
"You're too slow, Hammond!" Ryuboshi taunted, his movements agile as he darted behind Hammond. He followed up with a powerful kick to the back of the giant fishman, sending him stumbling forward. Hammond growled in frustration and spun around, swinging his hook in an attempt to land a fatal strike. But Ryuboshi wasn't done—he leapt high, delivering a swift punch to Hammond's face that sent the towering fishman reeling.
On the other side of the battlefield, Manboshi, the youngest prince, faced off against Kasagoba, the reptilian fishman whose claws were as sharp as blades. Kasagoba hissed, his eyes glowing with malice as he slashed at the prince with lightning speed.
"You're nothing but a little whelp, Manboshi!" Kasagoba spat, his tail flicking toward the prince like a whip. Manboshi grinned, his strength unmatched by most as he stepped into the attack, raising his fists in a direct assault. "I've had enough of you!" Manboshi shouted, his massive punch colliding with Kasagoba's claws in an explosion of force that sent the reptilian fishman skidding back.
At the far end of the room, Jean Noueilles and Nuru joined forces to take on the royal guards. Jean Noueilles, with his nimble and stealthy movements, darted in and out, slicing through the guards with ease. "You're too slow to stop me!" Jean laughed as he disappeared into the shadows, reappearing to strike again.
Nuru, the towering fishman, smashed through the defences with brute force, his giant arms swinging like sledgehammers. "Get out of my way!"
The once-pristine halls of Ryugu Palace were now a battlefield, shaken by the tremendous force of the combatants. The New Fish-Man Pirates, led by the ferocious Hordy Jones, had wreaked havoc in the heart of the palace, but the royal family and their guards fought back valiantly. Despite their strength, the pirates were proving to be formidable foes.
King Neptune and Hordy Jones stood locked in an unyielding clash at the center of the room. Neptune's trident glinted with the power, crashing against Hordy's brute force with each strike. The two warriors were locked in a battle of ideals—one fighting for the protection of his kingdom, the other for the destruction of the established order.
But the fight was beginning to show cracks in Neptune's defense. Despite his overwhelming size and the power of his trident, Hordy's steroid-enhanced strength allowed him to land crushing blows. The tide of the battle was beginning to shift in the pirate's favour.
"You think you can defeat me, Neptune?" Hordy taunted, his voice filled with mocking laughter as his muscles bulged with unnatural force. With a roar, he launched himself at Neptune, landing a heavy blow that sent the King crashing into the palace wall. The impact caused debris to scatter in all directions.
"No! Father!" cried Fukaboshi, watching in horror as his father was thrown back. The eldest prince's heart raced with concern, but he knew he had to keep fighting.
Across the room, Fukaboshi faced off against Daruma, the shark-headed fishman. While Daruma was strong, Fukaboshi's agility and skill allowed him to land several well-placed strikes. But the shark-man was relentless, swinging his fists with savage precision.
"You can't win, prince!" Daruma snarled, swinging his fists in wide arcs. Fukaboshi dodged and countered with a flurry of punches, his speed overwhelming the slower, but stronger, Daruma. Yet despite his speed, Fukaboshi's attacks weren't enough to stop Daruma's sheer resilience. With a powerful strike, Daruma caught the prince off guard, sending him tumbling across the floor. "You're finished!"
Fukaboshi struggled to rise, his muscles aching from the blow, but his resolve remained unbroken. "I won't back down! My father's fight isn't over yet!"
On the other side of the room, Ryuboshi was locked in a brutal struggle with Hammond. The massive fishman's size and deadly hook made him a terrifying opponent, and Ryuboshi found himself on the defensive, narrowly dodging Hammond's savage blows. Yet Hammond wasn't invincible—his size and reliance on brute force left him vulnerable to quick, well-timed attacks.
"You're too slow, Hammond!" Ryuboshi taunted, darting around the massive fishman and landing swift kicks and punches to Hammond's sides. But just as Ryuboshi thought he had the upper hand, Hammond slammed his hook into the floor, causing the entire room to tremble. The impact sent Ryuboshi sprawling.
"You're not as tough as you think, Ryuboshi!" Hammond growled, tightening his grip on his hook as he prepared for another strike. But Ryuboshi wasn't finished. Pushing himself off the floor, he narrowed his eyes, determined to turn the tide.
Meanwhile, Manboshi, was facing off against Kasagoba, the agile reptilian fishman. Kasagoba's speed, with his sharp claws and whipping tail, made him a difficult target to hit. But Manboshi's raw power allowed him to shrug off most of Kasagoba's attacks. The two circled each other, waiting for an opening.
"You're good, but not good enough!" Kasagoba hissed, swiping at Manboshi with his claws. The prince blocked the strike with his forearms, straining against the force.
"I'm just getting started!" Manboshi retorted, launching himself at Kasagoba and landing a devastating punch to the fishman's chest. Kasagoba staggered back but quickly recovered, his tail whipping toward Manboshi's tail. The strike sent Manboshi tumbling. "You've got some fight in you, but it won't be enough!"
The prince pushed himself back onto his feet, eyes burning with determination. "It's not over until I say it's over!"
Meanwhile, Jean Noueilles and Nuru were wreaking havoc among the royal guards, taking down opponents one by one with swift, precise strikes. Jean moved like a shadow, difficult to track as he darted in and out of sight, his attacks fast and lethal. "You're too slow," he taunted, leaving confusion and chaos in his wake.
Nuru, towering over the guards, used his sheer size to crush them with ease. His punches and body slams sent guards flying, breaking through their defenses without effort. "Pathetic!" Nuru roared, tossing another guard aside.
Back in the center of the room, King Neptune was struggling. Though he was a mighty warrior, Hordy Jones's enhanced strength and relentless rage were overwhelming. Neptune's trident shook as he fought to stand, battered and bruised. His trident was his last line of defense.
"I won't let you destroy my kingdom!" Neptune shouted, summoning his strength. With one final surge of energy, he thrust his trident into the ground, sending a massive shockwave of force throughout the room. "Feel the fury of the sea!"
Hordy grinned, his steroid-enhanced power allowing him to stand firm against the attack. "The sea can't save you now, Neptune!" he roared, charging forward, his fists glowing with energy.
As Hordy launched himself at Neptune, the king was too exhausted to defend properly. Hordy's blow struck Neptune's trident, shattering it and sending the king flying into the palace wall, debris scattering in all directions.
"No! Father!" cried Fukaboshi, rushing to his side. But the damage had been done.
With Neptune temporarily incapacitated, the New Fish-Man Pirates were gaining ground. The princes fought valiantly, but the overwhelming strength of their enemies, bolstered by Hordy's fury, was taking its toll. The tide of the battle was shifting.
From the side-lines, Hancock watched with growing urgency. Her calm demeanour was starting to crack as the battle turned against the royal family. The pressure mounted, and it seemed the New Fish-Man Pirates might just claim victory.
Once a symbol of peace and strength, the palace had become a warzone. The New Fish-Man Pirates, led by Hordy Jones, had pushed back the royal family and their guards. Just when it seemed the pirates were about to claim victory, a powerful aura shifted in the air.
Stepping forward from the edge of the battlefield, Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress of Amazon Lily, moved with undeniable grace. Her gaze was cold and calculating, and without a word, she entered the fray.
The princes were still fighting bravely, but the odds were against them. Hordy Jones reveled in his steroid-enhanced power, while Daruma, Hammond, Kasagoba, Jean Noueilles, and Nuru had taken down several palace guards, pushing the royal family to their limits. The pirates' taunts and laughter echoed, but Hancock had seen enough.
With a single commanding step, Hancock advanced. The room seemed to still as a deadly presence surrounded her. The New Fish-Man Pirates turned to face the figure who had just entered.
"So, another weakling tries to stop us," Hordy sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "What do you think you can do against the might of the New Fish-Man Pirates?"
Hancock remained silent. Her gaze locked onto Jean Noueilles, who had been terrorizing the palace guards with his speed. He froze in place, and with a single, powerful look, Hancock activated her Mero Mero Mellow. Jean's body began to stiffen, his eyes widening in horror as he turned to stone. A silent scream seemed to echo in the air as his body became a statue.
"That's one down," Hancock muttered coldly, her voice serene as ever. She turned her attention to Nuru, who had been crushing guards with his monstrous strength.
Without hesitation, Hancock snapped her fingers, and the air shimmered with her power. Nuru, mid-swing, froze completely. His massive body turned to stone, joining Jean as another lifeless figure in the palace.
"Don't underestimate me," Hancock warned, a dangerous glint in her eye.
The remaining New Fish-Man Pirates—Hammond, Daruma, and Kasagoba—stood stunned. They were strong, but they were no match for Hancock's overwhelming beauty and deadly powers.
"You—!" Daruma roared, his shark-like eyes wide with disbelief. He charged at Hancock, but before he could land a blow, she vanished in a blur. In an instant, her foot connected with Daruma's body, sending him flying across the room. He crashed into a pillar, leaving a massive crack in the stone.
"Is that all you've got?" Hancock asked coldly, her tone laced with disdain. She turned to Hammond, who had been swinging his hook arm toward her.
With a flick of her wrist, Hancock summoned another wave of Mero Mero Mellow. Her petrifying gaze locked onto Hammond, and his entire form began to crack and harden. His furious expression froze as his body turned to stone, and the once-powerful pirate crumbled to the ground.
"This is where your rebellion ends," Hancock said softly, her eyes shifting to Kasagoba. The final of the commanders, the reptilian fishman, lunged at her, using his tail to swipe at her. But Hancock was faster.
In the blink of an eye, she dodged the tail strike and appeared directly in front of Kasagoba. With an effortless motion, she unleashed another devastating Haki-infused kick, sending Kasagoba flying into a wall. The impact left a large crater, and the fishman slumped to the ground, unconscious and completely overwhelmed.
With her opponents swiftly incapacitated, Hancock's gaze shifted back to Hordy Jones, the leader of the New Fish-Man Pirates. He had watched in stunned silence as his crew was turned to stone, their fates sealed by Hancock's powers. His blood boiled with rage, but he was no fool.
"You… you filthy woman!" Hordy snarled, his voice filled with venom. "You think you can defeat me like this?!"
"You're already defeated, Hordy," Hancock said with cold finality. "Your strength is nothing in the face this Empress."
Hordy's body rippled with the enhanced energy of his steroids, and he charged at Hancock with blinding speed. "I'll tear you apart!"
Hancock remained calm. As Hordy threw a wild punch toward her, she simply sidestepped, her movements graceful and effortless. With a swift motion, she punched at his chest using her Haki-infused strength. The powerful punch shattered the floor beneath him as he was forced to the ground with a crushing strike.
"You're done," Hancock said softly, her eyes narrowing as she gazed down at him.
With Hordy Jones finally subdued, King Neptune, Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi all watched in disbelief as the Pirate Empress cleaned up the battlefield in mere moments. The New Fish-Man Pirates, once a fearsome force, had been completely dismantled by her sheer presence and devastating power.
King Neptune, still recovering from his earlier wounds, slowly rose, his expression filled with gratitude and awe. "Boa Hancock... you have saved us."
Fukaboshi nodded as well, still panting from his own fight. "We... we never stood a chance without you. Thank you for intervening."
XXX
Across the island in the residential area, Cami and Nami continued their way to Pappga's home. Nami gazed at the surroundings, noticing that the houses were more like mansions. Ah, Pappga must remember our friendship and provide me with some quality clothes, she thought.
"There it is!" Cami pointed to the mansion ahead of them. To Nami's eyes, it looked just as luxurious, if not more so, than the other mansions in the area.
They stopped in front of the gates.
Nami looked around for a doorbell. "Is there anything to press to let him know we're here?"
Cami reassured her. "No need. The staff will let us in." She pointed to a female fishman tending to the corals in the garden.
"Rui!" Cami called out.
Rui, the gardener, stopped her work when she heard her name. At Cami's beckoning, she approached the gate, opened it, and gave Cami a warm hug.
"Cami! It's been a while. How's your day been? Aren't you supposed to be at work now?" Rui asked, her eyes warm as she looked at the mermaid.
"It's been great, actually. That's why I'm here. Madam gave me the day off to show my friends around. You remember those pirate friends I told you about two years ago? Well, this is one of them. The rest of them are around the island. I wanted to show Pappga."
Nami waved and introduced herself. Rui smiled and introduced herself in return.
"It's great to finally meet you," Rui said. "Unfortunately, Pappga isn't here right now. He's gone to the factory district. You might catch him there."
It was disappointing, but they thanked Rui and promised to visit her again soon as she returned to her work.
Cami clapped her hands apologetically. "I'm so sorry. I thought for sure he'd be here."
Nami waved it off and reassured her. "Really, it's no problem. I'm not in a rush. What's next?"
Cami thought for a second before saying, "The fastest way there is through the tubes."
Nami was left wondering, What tubes? Surely, Cami didn't mean the ones she'd seen all around the city.
Unfortunately, Nami was right on the mark. Cami led her to a tube station where they would take a tube to their destination.
"Is this safe?" Nami asked, double-checking for her health and safety.
Cami giggled at the question. "Of course! There've been almost no incidents in recent years."
That helped reassure Nami a little, and they settled into light conversation. Cami pointed to different sights around them, and Nami couldn't help but be in awe of the beauty.
"I do worry about Sanji and Zoro. Do you think they'll be alright?" Cami asked, her worry evident.
"Don't worry about those two idiots," Nami said confidently. "If they were strong two years ago, now they're on a whole different level. We all are." She clenched her fist. They didn't suffer for two years in vain.
Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the air, and the tube vibrated from the blast. Nami and Cami looked to the source and saw a large factory in flames, with smoke billowing from the fire.
"The candy factory!" Cami exclaimed in fright.
"What—"
"The candy factory! It's Big Mom's candy factory. If that's destroyed, we're in so much trouble." Cami panicked. Big Mom would never tolerate such an insult. If she did, it would show weakness, and she couldn't afford that.
Nami, too, was concerned for her friend, but there was nothing they could do at that moment.
"We'd better head there. Don't worry about it just yet. You can't do anything until your king says otherwise," Nami said, placing a reassuring hand on Cami's shoulder. "But I have a feeling that if something's going down, Franky and Brook are in the middle of it. They were in that area getting supplies."
It took only a few minutes for Nami's hunch to be proven right. With the destroyed factory in the background, its flames being put out, Franky stood at the center of the scene, clutching a merman in his hand. To Nami's surprise, their missing fashion designer was standing next to Franky, talking to Brook. Beside them stood an unfamiliar female fishman.
"So, Tomiko, you're not going to renege on your promise, are you?" Franky's voice reached Nami and Cami's ears. They heard the now-identified female, Tomiko, responded that she never back on her word, giving them their frozen desserts.
It was then that they were spotted by Brook.
"Yohohoho! Nami, it's fantastic that you're here! Ah, beautiful Cami, may I see you—"
Brook was sent flying before he could finish his sentence by Nami's fist. The others continued on without him.
The females turned to Pappga. "We didn't expect to find you here, but it's great to see you. It's been a while, Pappga," Nami said, smiling.
"Yo, Nami! It's great that you guys came. I was starting to lose hope," Pappga cheered.
Franky tossed the fishman he'd been holding aside like trash. "Oh, we won't go down that easily. Now, what was this about?" Franky asked, referring to the destroyed factory.
"There's going to be big trouble with Big Mom over this," Pappga warned, but before he could continue, Tomiko interrupted.
"I say good riddance. That factory was bleeding us dry," Tomiko said, not hiding her scorn for the factory. She didn't like the disturbances the New Fish-Man Pirates had caused, but she also didn't like the capitalism behind the sweets Big Mom demanded for her 'protection'. Some rare flavours only went to her!
"You're mad. We can't go against an Emperor," Pappga retorted.
"She's not going to come here," Tomiko said dismissively.
"She doesn't have to. Her crew is more than powerful enough," Pappga replied. Tomiko couldn't refute that, though she still didn't like it.
"Forget it. Let the king deal with it," Tomiko said.
"Hey, Nami, wasn't Sanji with you?" Franky asked, noticing their cook's absence.
"Sanji went to fight," Cami cheered, drawing everyone's attention. Nami smiled slightly at the simple way Cami put it.
"We heard about a fight in the plaza between thousands of Fish-Men from some Fish-Man district and Zoro. Sanji went over there to have fun," Nami explained.
"Fish-Man district? Are you sure?" Tomiko asked, concerned. Two incidents with the New Fish-Man Pirates in one day was serious. She'd heard rumours about something stirring, but it seemed like something big was going down.
Nami nodded confidently. "Definitely. People were rushing over there and couldn't stop talking about it."
Tomiko was alarmed. Whoever these Zoro and Sanji were, they needed help.
"Hey, hey, what's with the panic?" Nami asked, noticing Tomiko and Pappga's distress.
"Why am I panicking? Your friends are going up against thousands of Fish-Men! Why aren't you panicking?" Tomiko demanded, seeing the three Straw Hat Pirates remain calm. She grew up in those parts and knew that, despite their nuisance, the New Fish-Man Pirates were still thousands strong. Only Jinbe would be able to defend against them, and no one knew where he was.
"Sanji and Zoro won't lose. They are SUPER strong!" Franky shouted, striking a pose.
"Yohoho! We're a crew aiming to put our captain on the throne. There's no way our Vice Captain is going to lose!" Brook stated.
"And in Sanji's case, I wouldn't worry about him," Nami added flippantly. "But we should head over there anyway."
Tomiko couldn't believe the pirates before her. She'd seen many individuals over the years, but few were as confident as these three. They were either overconfident in their strength and would be crushed in the New World or truly had the strength to back it up. Tomiko would find out for herself as the group quickly made their way to the plaza.
XXX
In the Sea Forest, Robin, Usopp, and Chopper followed Den as he led them through the woods to the location of the Poneglyph. Along the way, they chatted and learned more about the merman, and naturally, the conversation shifted to the item they were after.
"Say, what exactly are these Poneglyphs?" Den asked curiously. "I've always known about them, but not much about what is written on them or why they are important enough to be banned."
Robin explained, "They are pieces of history that the World Government has forbidden anyone from reading. You can think of them like ancient books, with each stone holding its own part of the story. When pieced together, they reveal what happened during the Void Century."
Den nodded thoughtfully. While he wasn't personally interested in the Poneglyphs, he'd heard unsettling rumors about them. "Well, let's see what this one says," he said, pointing ahead where they arrived at a large stone slab, covered in moss. Robin moved forward, her eyes fixed on the stone. The others watched in silence as she traced her hands over the script. After a few moments, she stepped back, still absorbed in the text.
Usopp, unable to stand the suspense, whispered, "W-what does it say, Robin?" He half-expected the World Government to swoop in and stop them at any moment. His mind raced with the possibility of this stone holding a secret the Government had desperately tried to keep hidden.
Robin's voice broke through his panic. "It's an apology."
"An apology?" Usopp, Chopper, and Den exchanged confused looks. A massive, ancient stone, protected for centuries, turned out to be an apology?
Robin nodded, "The stone talks about a figure named Joy Boy apologizing for failing to keep his promise to raise Noah and bring Fish-Man Island to the surface. It's addressed to Poseidon."
"Noah!" Usopp and Chopper gasped. They were stunned by the mention of the enormous ship. They'd never imagined it could be moved.
Den thought for a moment, then said, "That would be incredible. Whoever built Noah must have had a way to move it, but whatever that method was, it seems to have been lost with its creator. I'm sorry, Robin, that it wasn't the information you were hoping for."
Robin smiled, unbothered. "No, it's fine. My journey isn't over. This is just a piece of the puzzle."
Suddenly, a loud shout interrupted their conversation. The group turned toward the hill to see a large, blue whale-shark Fish-Man dressed in a flower-patterned kimono, with a cloak draped over his shoulders.
Usopp and Chopper, startled, immediately took defensive stances. "W-w-what do you want? I'm warning you, I'm strong!" Usopp puffed his chest, his voice trembling but growing steadier. If only his legs weren't shaking, he might've looked more convincing.
Chopper, ever the supportive companion, shouted in agreement, though he hid slightly behind Usopp.
The Fish-Man only laughed heartily at their display.
"Sorry, I should introduce myself," he said as he jumped down to stand before the group. "It's nice to meet you, friends of Luffy. I'm Jinbe." He bowed slightly.
"Ah, the former Warlord," Robin said, recognizing him. "Thank you for helping Luffy at Marineford."
Usopp and Chopper, realizing this was the Fish-Man they'd come to meet, immediately apologized for their earlier threats. Jinbe just chuckled, clearly understanding their initial fear.
He turned to Den. "It's good to see you, Den. Here for more research?"
"I was, but I ran into these three. They wanted to see the Poneglyph," Den replied.
"I see. I hope all is well," Jinbe said, turning his attention to Robin, who nodded, indicating she had gathered what she came for. "Is everyone from your crew here? Do you know where Luffy is?"
Robin thought for a moment. "Everyone's spread across the island, but we should start heading back to meet up. You're welcome to join us. Luffy should be there."
"Excellent," Jinbe said with a smile. "I'll come along."
Den, however, decided to stay in the forest to continue his research. Before parting ways, he reminded them to tell Franky about him.
Just as the four pirates began to head back, a loud shout echoed through the air. They turned to see a large shark heading their way, with none other than Luffy on its back. Jimbei's eyes widened in surprise. "The princess shouldn't be outside the palace."
Accompanying Luffy was none other than Princess Shirahoshi. Luffy waved enthusiastically. "Guys!" he called out, landing in front of them. "Jinbe!"
Luffy scooped Jinbe up in a hug, and Jinbe laughed heartily. "Luffy! It's good to see you. I've been waiting for you."
" Jinbe, let's fight! I'm super strong now!" Luffy grinned, flexing his muscles.
Jinbe smiled at Luffy's enthusiasm. "That would be fun, but there are more pressing matters right now."
Jinbe turned to Shirahoshi. "Princess, why are you out here?" he asked.
Shirahoshi simply replied, " Jinbe, Luffy said he would protect me. He said he was strong."
Jinbe nodded, understanding. "If anyone can protect you, it's Luffy. I assume you're here to visit your mother's grave?"
Luffy motioned to Shirahoshi and the shark, indicating Robin, Usopp, and Chopper to follow them. "Guys, this is Shirahoshi. She can be a cry-baby, but she's cool. She gave me food."
The Straw Hats greeted the princess warmly as they followed Jinbe, who led them to the grave.
"Chopper, do you have any blood available?" Robin asked the reindeer.
"Blood?! Why are you asking that, Robin?" Usopp panicked, nervous about what Robin's question might mean.
"Sanji mentioned he hadn't seen a woman in two years. Considering how he was on Sabaody, he might be in trouble now," Robin reasoned, glancing at Shirahoshi.
Luffy laughed, agreeing, "Yeah, that's definitely the case."
Chopper began to panic. "Wait, do I have Sanji's type? Oh no!" he fretted, thinking about the limited supply of blood he had.
Jinbe and Shirahoshi were confused by the conversation but continued walking toward the grave. When they arrived, Shirahoshi knelt by her mother's grave, praying and speaking with her for the first time. The others stood in respectful silence.
The moment was interrupted when a Den Den Mushi rang. Jinbe took it out of his pocket to answer the call.
"What is it?" Shirahoshi asked after finishing her prayers.
"I'm not sure, but let's find out," Jinbe replied, answering the Den Den Mushi.
His first mate's voice filled the air, explaining the situation—what had happened in the plaza, the destruction of the candy factory, and the attack on the palace.
Jinbe was troubled by the situation, shocked that Hordy Jones would be so bold in his plans. Shirahoshi was visibly worried about her family and the people of Fish-Man Island.
"We need to do something. Luffy, can you help me?" Shirahoshi asked without hesitation.
"Shishi, don't worry. Your family is safe," Luffy said confidently. "Hancock was at the palace when I went out for food. She should still be there, and she wouldn't let anything happen to your family."
"Hancock?" Jimbei said, surprised. "I didn't know she came with you, Luffy."
Luffy smiled. "Yep, she's part of my crew now."
Jinbe nodded, a little dumbfounded. He knew Hancock had been like a puppy to Luffy in the past, but to follow him to the New World? That was certainly a surprise, though not an unwelcome one. He turned to Shirahoshi. "Don't worry, Shirahoshi. If Hancock is there, you don't have to worry about your family."
Shirahoshi felt a wave of relief, knowing her family would be safe.
"And with the rest of your crew in position, things should be under control. Still, we should head over," Jinbe said. "Let's just hope nothing else is afoot."