"What… is that…?"
The loud shouting jolted the Fish-Men awake, and they emerged onto the deck one by one. They stared in disbelief at the pirate ship approaching them. Their mouths hung open as they took in the sight.
The ship's masthead, shaped like a mammoth, and the towering shadow of a massive figure on the deck stirred memories in Jinbei. He recognized it immediately. This was the ship of a Fish-Man whose infamy had far surpassed even that of Tiger's and who had captured the attention of the World Government in recent years.
"Soru!"
With a sharp "swish," Jack suddenly leapt forward. Before Jinbei could react, Jack landed heavily on the deck of the Sun Pirates' ship, dragging Ax and Finder along with him. The impact of their landing resounded loudly across the ship.
"Bang!"
"W-Who…?"
"Ax? Finder? Wait, what… That's…"
The Fish-Men crew stared wide-eyed at the colossal intruder. Many of them didn't recognize Jack, but his sheer size left an impression. Noticing their confusion, Jack grinned broadly, baring sharp, glistening teeth.
"I'm no human, brothers!" he announced, voice booming. "The name's Jack! And yes, that Jack!"
He tapped his sharp teeth and gestured at his face.
"You know—Jack the Drought, one of the All-Stars of the Beasts Pirates!" He spread his arms, laughing. "Surprised? Didn't see this coming, did you?"
His sudden revelation left the Fish-Men momentarily stunned. Then Jinbei, regaining his composure, stepped forward, his expression calm but wary.
"Jack, an All-Star of the Beasts Pirates," Jinbei said steadily. "What brings someone like you here? And why did you say you're our hope?"
Before Jack could answer, Ax approached Jinbei and pulled a letter from his coat.
"Boss Jinbei, this is a reply from Queen Otohime. Once you've read it, you'll understand."
"Queen Otohime?" Jinbei quickly opened the envelope and began reading under the dim light of the ship's lanterns.
The letter was indeed from Queen Otohime, and it explained many things. Ax had returned to Fish-Man Island after hearing about the Beasts Pirates. Originally, he had planned to rejoin the Sun Pirates, but after learning about the changes on Fish-Man Island, he decided to remain there temporarily. This letter was meant to be delivered to Jinbei by someone else, but Jack's arrival gave Ax the opportunity to deliver it personally.
While Jinbei read, Finder caught up with familiar faces among the crew, chatting excitedly about the latest developments on Fish-Man Island. Ax, meanwhile, explained the island's changes to his companions.
"Looks like we've got a big shot on board," a deep voice commented. Jack turned toward the source and saw a plump Fish-Man with a face reminiscent of a toad. His bulbous nose was particularly striking.
Before Jack could respond, Finder shouted gleefully, "Willy!"
The plump Fish-Man blinked, then his eyes lit up. "Finder? Is that you?"
The two embraced enthusiastically, their exaggerated affection drawing amused and slightly uncomfortable looks. Jack turned away from the display and began observing the Fish-Men on the ship.
As Ax had mentioned, the Sun Pirates appeared to be on the verge of splitting. Their divided loyalties were evident even in how they stood. Jinbei had the largest group, including a tall Fish-Man with a high ponytail. Another faction, led by a distinctive octopus Fish-Man, stood on the ship's upper deck, keeping their distance. Meanwhile, Willy's group, though small, seemed tightly knit. Lastly, there was a trio—including a particularly large Fish-Man with scales shaped like a Buddha's curls—who stood apart from everyone else.
After finishing his reunion with Willy, Finder pulled him over to Jack.
"Jack-sama, let me introduce you," Finder said cheerfully. "This is Willy, an old friend of mine. We go way back!"
Jack immediately recognized Willy as someone worth recruiting.
"Willy, is it?" Jack said with a nod. "Good. I hope we can work together in the future."
Willy clasped Jack's hand with both of his, his tone respectful yet pointed.
"Jack-sama, your reputation precedes you. And any captain Finder chooses to follow must be trustworthy." He shot a glare toward Jinbei. "Unlike some people…"
"Willy!" Aladine, standing beside Jinbei, growled angrily. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means exactly what you think, Aladine," Willy retorted coldly. "And you have no right to question me. You're just the ship's doctor."
Turning his gaze to Jinbei, Willy continued, "My patience has run out. I've waited long enough. Today, I want answers!"
Jinbei folded the letter carefully, ignoring Willy's outburst. Instead, he turned to Jack.
"Queen Otohime's letter explains most of it," Jinbei said gravely. "I never expected the Beasts Pirates, of all people, to treat our kind so well. However, I still don't understand why you've come here."
The first rays of dawn lit the horizon as Jinbei's words hung in the air. Jack noticed the wariness in Jinbei's eyes and the tension among the crew. He spread his arms, his voice booming.
"Didn't I tell you? I am your hope!" Jack declared, grinning. "I've come to help you! That Arlong guy? I can get him out. And you don't need to worry about the World Government either. As long as you join the Beasts Pirates, even they won't dare lay a finger on you."
He gestured to the crew, his voice rising with passion. "You heard Finder, didn't you? Our base is a second home for Fish-Men. No discrimination! No oppression! Your families can come with you, live on land, and experience real sunlight and solid ground. Your children can know what it means to walk under a true sky."
Jack extended a hand. "So, what do you say—"
"That's enough." Jinbei's firm voice cut him off. The Fish-Man's expression was serious. "We appreciate the offer, but I've already made my decision. I've accepted the World Government's invitation to become a Shichibukai."
The crew erupted in shock, many of them staring at Jinbei in disbelief. Willy moved forward angrily, but Finder held him back, gesturing toward Jack.
Feeling the overwhelming presence behind him, Jinbei slowly turned. Jack's wide grin had turned feral.
"Hahahaha! Interesting!" Jack laughed. "Did you think I came here to ask for your help? Do you misunderstand what hope truly means?" His grin widened, exposing razor-sharp teeth. "If you won't drink a toast to hope, then you'll taste despair instead."
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg