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Fish-Man Island:
Like a beautiful pearl in the depths of the seas, Fishman Island glittered with an enchanting radiance for souls amidst the sunlight emanating from the giant mangrove trees surrounding it.
Giant sea kings could be seen on the side guarding the kingdom from all directions as if they were waiting for the promised day when they would fulfill their awaited duty.
Inside the massive pearl, where the Kingdom of Ryugu is located, and inside the art store in particular, all eyes were focused with bated breath on the last part of Chapter 528, which was titled 'Knight of the Sea, Jimbei'...
King Neptune read the chapter, astonishment, and joy engraved on his face.
The same went for his ministers and guards stationed beside him... not only the king and his companions, but every member of the Fishman race as well.
Who would have expected that in addition to Fisher Tiger, there was another hero from their race present... not just anywhere, but in the same cell with Ace.
"... After hearing that you became a Shichibukai, I thought you would become a traitorous pirate to the race. Who would have expected that it's really you, Jimbei..."
King Neptune looked at Jimbei, one of his royal guards, with a look of profound astonishment.
Jimbei himself did not expect to appear in the manga, let alone with such a significant background!
The 24-year-old Jimbei's eyes widened as he stared at the manga pages.
...
•———•———•———•———•———•
Chapter 528's Events:
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[On the floor where Fire Fist Ace is being held.]
A blue-skinned but bloodied leg emerged, surrounded by steel shackles.
"Zeeh... Zeeh...!! Haa..."
The sound of heavy breathing was followed by a loud scream:
"...Nobody... IS GETTIN' OUTTA HERE!!!"
The guard beast, wielding a heavy club, paid no attention to his screams. He immediately struck him harshly, deepening his wounds, and then left the cell.
The Fishman man bore the pain in silence. "...!!! Didn't even scratch my itch," said the Fishman.
Next to him, Ace had a pained look on his face. "Looks like... you got it pretty good... again... Old man..." Ace said intermittently.
"...Haa!!! It's not my body that hurts...!!!"
Finally, the Fishman's face appeared, looking strong, and his identification card also became visible. "Ace... What hurts is my heart... that can't enforce my justice!!!"
[Royal Shichibukai Jimbei, Knight of the Sea (Whale shark fishman, former bounty 250 million Beri)]
Jimbei collected his breath and suppressed his pain before continuing: "At this rate... even death won't take me...!! What good is my title...?" "I HAVE NO NEED FOR IT!!!"
"And if I can't stop this war... I have no need for my life either!!!"
With these strong and honest words from Jimbei, the curtain fell on the chapter.
•———•———•———•———•———•
"I don't understand... What's my connection to all of this? Why am I here in this situation?" Jimbei was confused after finishing reading the chapter.
What happened, how it happened, and why it's happening... all these questions without answers overwhelmed his mind.
"Calm down, Jimbei... Are you asking why you're a character of this magnitude in the manga? That's because you are talented and extremely powerful; that's the least I expect from you... I mean, from your future counterpart."
At this moment, the most respected man in the race, Fisher Tiger, spoke!
His words were like a guiding lighthouse in the darkness.
"Do I really have these abilities?"
"Of course, you do! Your manga counterpart must have a strong connection with the Whitebeard Pirates to sacrifice his freedom and Shichibukai title to not stand against him."
"He even wanted to trade his life to stop this inevitable war... As expected of you, Jimbei, I won't be surprised even if you join the Straw Hat Pirates in the future."
Jimbei's eyes widened after hearing Fisher Tiger's words. "Me? Joining Luffy and the others? No, no, that's impossible..."
"What's impossible about that? I look forward to seeing your first encounter with Luffy after a few chapters, hahaha!"
Fisher Tiger was excited to see a worthy representative of the Fishman race at this crucial stage. Jimbei was perfectly qualified to be a strong support for the story's protagonist, unlike Arlong, who was one of the worst representations of the Fishman race.
Speaking of Arlong, he glared enviously at Jimbei at that moment.
Not only him, but most members of the Fishman race looked at Jimbei with a mixture of pride and some envy deep in their hearts.
Appearing in One Piece manga as a main character means you are a great person qualified to be a hero!
Many just want to see themselves in the manga, but only a few are qualified to be a significant and impactful characters.
Fisher Tiger was one of them, but unlike Jimbei, Fisher Tiger had already died, leaving behind a great story waiting to be revealed later... a story that would color the hearts of any living being with various shades of true emotions.
But the color that was coloring Jimbei's heart at the moment was confusion... he didn't know what his role would be after losing his Shichibukai title in the first appearance!
...
Marineford:
"So, this is it... I understand." Sengoku nodded in understanding after finishing reading the chapter.
His conclusions were mysterious for some, but most had already grasped the general situation through the manga.
"Is this fish an ally to Whitebeard?" Sakazuki wondered.
"How could he not be his ally? At this point in time in the manga, the entire Fishman Island is under Newgate's protection." Sengoku explained.
"Arara~ right, I forgot about that already..." sighed Kuzan in inside.
"That's because you're bothered by remembering boring details."
"That's scary... he seems powerful... So, Fishman race can produce such a man, really..." Unlike his words, Borsalino wasn't scared at all.
In terms of manga art, Jimbei was drawn with extreme mastery to look truly frightening, especially in his current bloody state and the fierce expression on his face.
But in his eyes, there was a gentle sparkle. When a child looks at him, they would feel peace, relaxation, and even security. This means one thing: this character had a kind soul!
Rob's brush reached a terrifying level of drawing mastery; he could draw spirituality as well!
This is what made readers around the world feel empathy for Jimbei before they felt any feelings of fear or awe because of his appearance, which could lead to unconscious racism later.
This simple sign means that humans, thanks to the manga, have become more accepting of the Fishman race little by little... as if they were humans too!
They won't realize that until they live in a world where a Fishman could be a member of a human family!
"What did you understand, Sengoku?" Zephyr asked.
"...," Tsuru looked at him, waiting for the answer.
Sengoku looked at the board where Jimbei's name was written with two lines under it before saying, "This Shichibukai relieved of his duties might be a significant obstacle in the war..."
"He is strong and has an iron will; dealing with him will be troublesome... My counterpart did well by imprisoning him."
"But it seems... he will meet Luffy and get his help to escape from Impel Down."
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Upcoming chapter titles (spoilers):
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Chapter 629: Freedom and Prison.
Chapter 630: Many Enemies of the Whitebeard!
Chapter 631: Finally, Enlightenment.
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