Jinbei was at a loss for words, realizing that they inadvertently guided the people to the ship, and Arlong's death felt unjust.
But it's not Arlong's fault.
Arlong insisted he thoroughly examined the ship and found no signs of the Marines. It never crossed his mind that someone could become invisible.
Furthermore, only Jinbei and Tiger have Observation haki in the pirate group.
In that crucial moment, Jinbei didn't activate the haki on the warship, which is why Atlas remained concealed until now.
"So, what's the plan? The Marine Candidate Admiral—Hakuryu!"
Jinbei composed himself and asked with a serious tone.
"What?! This guy is a Marine Candidate Admiral?"
"Then let's..."
"Boss Jinbei?!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole infirmary erupted like a pot boiling over, and all the present fishmen couldn't help but gulp nervously.
Candidate Admiral at the Naval Headquarters.
They grasp the significance of this position better than anyone else.
Strawberry, who nearly pushed them into a tough spot this time, was merely the substitute for Admiral Kizaru's assistant.
Just a regular Rear Admiral!
"Tiger, if you grasp this, why not lead a fulfilling life, looking forward to the future of Fish-Men Island?"
Atlas paid no mind to Jinbei's question and the tense atmosphere, strolling casually towards Tiger in the hospital bed.
Gulp! !
This guy...
What's your intention?!
A hint of uncertainty crossed everyone's minds.
Suddenly, confusion set in, questioning whether the Marine in front of them was foe or friend.
"For all the slaves you freed... you are a tremendous benefactor they'll be thankful for throughout their lives!!"
"It's fair to say that even though we find ourselves on opposite sides now, I have to acknowledge that you're a true hero!"
Footsteps echoed as Atlas approached Tiger.
This Marine...
Is there something off with your head?!
"Stop! Don't get near Boss Tiger!"
Crash! !
Even though they didn't grasp what Atlas was saying, observing him drawing near, a pack of fishmen armed themselves and pointed weapons at the approaching Atlas.
"Stop. If he truly intends to harm me, there's no need for more words."
Seeing this, Tiger swiftly attempted to rise and shouted loudly.
He had caught wind of the other party's name and was worried that his comrades might provoke Atlas.
As a dying man, he wasn't particularly afraid for himself, but it wouldn't be fair to involve these comrades who had followed him for many years.
Tiger was well aware of this.
"I truly didn't anticipate receiving praise from a Marine as I lay dying..."
"So, why not lead a good life? Perhaps one day you'll witness fish-men and human children living under the same sky, breathing the same air, and basking in the sun together!"
Atlas insisted.
"Ha~ It's such a wonderful future, but it's a pity..."
"My heart can't accept human blood flowing in my body!!"
Tiger was momentarily stunned, a hint of yearning on his face, but he swiftly turned fierce.
"I...can't trust...humanity!"
The surrounding fishmen were startled, no longer bothered by Atlas's threat. They all rushed to shout:
"Boss, quit saying such foolish things. Just transfuse this bag of blood, and you'll make it!"
"You'll survive!"
"No! I just want to ask you, do you want to witness that kind of future?"
Atlas shook his head and continued to inquire.
"Are you here to amuse us?"
"How dare you disgrace Boss Tiger like this? Even if you're a Marine Admiral, we won't let you off!!"
The surrounding fishmen appeared to be unable to rein in their emotions. They continued to shout in anger and swung their weapons at Atlas' head!
Buzz! ! !
Suddenly, a terrifying aura erupted from Atlas's body, and the invisible shockwave quickly expanded to the surroundings, deftly avoiding Jinbei and Tiger.
Black and red lightning swirled wildly in the room, and the entire atmosphere appeared to compress. The fishmen, who had been brandishing weapons just moments ago, froze instantly, as if time itself had come to a standstill!
Boom—! ! !
A muffled thud echoed, as if some kind of mechanism had been activated. The fishmen who had been displaying aggression just moments before collapsed one after another, their eyes rolling back, foaming at the mouth!
"Conqueror's haki?!"
Jinbei and Tiger exchanged glances, a shared emotion of 'shock' evident in their eyes.
As a race with a rich heritage, they were well-acquainted with Conqueror's Haki and understood the kind of resolve its possessor required.
"Tiger, what do you think?"
"If it's genuinely attainable, I believe that kind of life is something every member of the fish-human tribe would aspire to witness."
Tiger chuckled to himself.
His eyes stared aimlessly at the ceiling, as if anticipating the inevitable end.
Even though he wasn't certain of Atlas' intentions, Tiger could discern that the Marine before him didn't harbor much hostility towards them.
Otherwise, it wouldn't just be Conqueror's Haki that had been unleashed.
He had heard about the other party's approach.
Treat pirates...
No mercy left! ! !
"In that case..."
Atlas looked at Tiger, who was nearby, and grinned.
"Then live well!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a radiant green light descended upon Tiger's incapacitated body...
Tiger was initially taken aback, and then he sensed as if he was in a warm ocean. Indescribable comfort enveloped his entire body. The fleshy buds were drawn out and intertwined. His complexion, originally pale due to excessive blood loss, regained its rosy hue.
"Boss..."
Jinbei gazed at Tiger on the hospital bed, a bit astonished.
He didn't even need to activate his haki. With the naked eye, he could discern that Tiger's condition was much improved compared to the brink of death.
But...
Jinbei became even more uncertain about the intentions of the Marine before him.
Arlong was the first to be attacked when he appeared. Even though Arlong initiated the confrontation, the Marine subdued him effortlessly without sustaining any injuries, showcasing considerable strength.
Then he intervened to rescue Boss Tiger.
It left Jinbei momentarily unsure if the other party was an adversary or an ally.
"Alright, I've rescued you. Now, please have Mr. Tiger come with me to the Impel down!"
Jinbei: "...?!!"
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Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari