In a hidden spot on Foolshout Island, a warship calmly anchored along the shore. A bunch of Marines, equipped with guns and knives, disembarked from the ship in an organized fashion.
Foolshout Island may be just a medium-sized island, but its coastline stretches beyond the reach of the human eye. This makes it a perfect location for the fleet, ensuring they won't easily be spotted during their next ambush.
Taking the lead at the forefront was Kizaru's right-hand man, Strawberry, with Atlas naturally standing by his side.
Let's rewind the clock to a week ago...
When Atlas expressed his interest in joining the mission to ambush Tiger, Kizaru wore a slightly surprised expression.
"You want to meet Fisher Tiger?"
"That's correct..."
Atlas shrugged, staying neutral.
There's no denying that Fisher Tiger is a genuine hero and also a tragic figure in One Piece.
If it were possible, Atlas still wished to extend an invitation to Impel down.
Rather than perishing with hatred for humans...
"If you're set on going, there's nothing I can do. We're on the same level, after all~~"
After a brief silence, Kizaru finally agreed to Atlas's decision.
With Kizaru giving the green light, Atlas smoothly joined Strawberry's fleet.
"Vice Admiral Hakuryu, we're heading to the island to gather information from the villagers. Do you want to join us?" Strawberry inquired, tilting his head, seeking advice from Atlas.
Even though this fleet is officially under Kizaru's command, Atlas holds a much higher position than Strawberry.
Seeking advice from Atlas, even symbolically, is the proper protocol.
Despite Strawberry appearing cold and somewhat distant, he is notably strict about following workplace rules.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have risen to become one of the elite Vice Admirals in this department after ten years and earned the qualifications to become one of the Buster Call Vice Admirals.
"Um..."
"Forget it, I'd rather not interrupt your work." Atlas contemplated for a moment, waved his hand, and declined.
In the past, it was just inquiring about the Sun Pirates' arrival time and surveying the terrain for an easier ambush.
Since he wasn't adept at such matters, he refrained from meddling further.
However, what puzzled him was why Tiger went to great lengths to inform Koala's parents in advance. After all, he still held onto a small glimmer of hope regarding human nature.
I suppose even Atlas hadn't anticipated it.
He sent the child back with good intentions, only to be betrayed when the villagers reported him. This led to an ambush by the Marines, resulting in serious injuries.
"I'll head back to the warship and take a nap for a bit. If you can't figure it out, just give me a call."
After saying that, Atlas randomly chose one of the three warships without any Marines and departed.
....
Soon, the pirate ship of the Sun Pirates also reached Foolshout Island safely.
"Koala!"
"We've landed; your hometown is here..."
Tiger extended his large red webbed hand and gently touched Koala's tidy short hair, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.
Bang! !
The gangway lowered, stirring up a cloud of dust.
Tiger and Koala disembarked from the pirate ship one after the other.
"Oooh, don't leave, Koala~~let's keep sailing together~~~"
"What a good kid, even though he's a human..."
"Hey! You guys, quit the tears!"
Witnessing Koala's departure, the emotionally sensitive fishman couldn't hold back the tears.
"Where's the village you live in? I'll take you to the entrance of the village."
Tiger gazed at the cheerful Koala, a touch of tenderness softening his somewhat fierce expression.
Even though he had witnessed numerous dark sides of humanity in the past three years, there were also individuals like Koala who remained friendly after interacting with them, predominantly children.
His desire was to bridge the gap between humans and fishmen.
He hoped that, in the end, it would be the next generation, yet untouched by prejudices, who could make this happen.
"Thank you all!!!"
Koala shouted to everyone on the boat, then turned around and followed Tiger in his direction.
Soon after.
Despite being young when kidnapped into slavery, Koala was guided by her almost faded memories.
Tiger soon led her to the entrance of her village.
Men, women, old, and young gathered at the spot.
Upon seeing Tiger as the only companion, there was a momentary surprise, followed by a deep defensive gaze in their eyes.
Tiger paid no mind to it. Over the past few years of sailing at sea, he had grown accustomed to such skeptical looks from humans.
"Dad, Mom!!"
Koala gazed at the two familiar figures at the forefront of the villagers, tears welling up in her eyes involuntarily.
"Koala? Is it really you? Woohoo-!!"
The woman, upon seeing Koala, could no longer contain the emotions bursting in her heart. She embraced her into her arms and began to cry.
"....."
Witnessing this long-awaited reunion, Tiger couldn't help but break into a smile.
Then he turned around and left the island.
"Thank you!!"
Koala's heartfelt cry echoed behind him. He didn't look back, merely raised his palm and waved goodbye.
However, just as Tiger ventured into a forest with a massive cactus...
A loud shout halted his steps.
"Don't move! I'm a Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral!"
Crash! ! !
Numerous Marine soldiers suddenly emerged, wielding long guns and pointing them at Tiger.
"We received a report from residents of a certain island that you would come to this island!!!"
"The adults in the village you recently visited are aware that there might be a minor disturbance here. As a condition..."
"We will spare the little girl who was once the property of the Celestial Dragons.'"
Strawberry demonstrated cleverness by not revealing the villagers on the island and instead shifting blame onto an unnamed islander.
Clearly, they were also concerned that, after the other party escaped, they might harbor a desire for revenge.
But this was pure nonsense. Anyone with a functioning brain would realize that someone from Koala's group reported it, and the same went for Tiger.
His expression turned grim, and he glared at the stern-faced Marine in front of him.
"You should be well aware of your crime..."
Strawberry remained impassive, lowering his raised arm slowly!
Order to shoot! !
Boom--! !
Bang, bang!
Intense gunfire echoed, releasing a barrage of firepower upon Tiger!
—The shore, where the members of the Sun Pirates are gathered.
The thunderous sound of gunfire reached the ears of all the fishmen, leaving them staring at each other in astonishment.
"What was that gunfire just now..."
"Is it from the land where Boss Tiger went?!"
"Hey! Look at the sea, we're surrounded by Marines, it's a trap!!"
This time, Strawberry brought a total of three ships. He only deployed the strength of one warship, reserving the other two to prevent the fishmen from escaping by sea using pirate ships!
"Look...this is the face of human beings!!"
The ominous expression on the Arlong's face intensified, and its hatred for humans deepened.
"Boss Tiger is in danger. Everyone else, abandon the ship and jump into the sea. I'll go to rescue Boss Tiger!!"
Although Jinbei was furious, he managed to maintain a calm demeanor.
For fishmen like them, the sea is the most effective escape route.
"No, the ship has been sunk!! Grab one from the Marines!!"
Arlong bellowed loudly.
Even though they don't necessarily need a ship to escape, the situation becomes critical if Boss Tiger is injured and there's no vessel to shelter them! !
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