"Do you really think it's a good idea to suggest Jinbei for the Shichibukai position?"
Sengoku lowered the newspaper he was holding, wearing a puzzled expression.
"Not long ago, you managed to capture their captain, and now you're proposing Jinbei as a Shichibukai?"
"I trust that Jinbei understands what's best for Fish-Men Island and his fellow countrymen. Joining forces with the Marines seems to be his only viable option."
Atlas quickly glanced at the newspaper on his desk.
"As expected. The headline highlights the news of Fisher Tiger being confined in the impel down. This is the only fishman in eight hundred years bold enough to ignite the holy land of Mariejois."
The Five Elders, perched high in Mariejois, harbor an intense disdain for this.
They didn't hesitate to instruct Sengoku on when Tiger should face justice. While this was partly aimed at curbing the Marines' momentum, it clearly displayed their strong aversion towards Tiger!
After three long years, they finally apprehended him, and it became imperative to publicize it widely to restore the tarnished reputation of the World Government.
"But it's largely due to your efforts this time. Without you, the Five Elders might have prolonged their suppression of the Marines even more."
Sengoku expressed some regret.
Following Roger's demise, Kong initially took charge of Marine's specific matters for the first few years before gradually delegating most responsibilities to Sengoku.
Despite an agreement between Kong and the Five Elders that Sengoku would be the next Fleet Admiral of the Marines, they repeatedly postponed the appointment. This was done intentionally to curb the growing arrogance within the Marine ranks and to assess the loyalty of the prospective new Marshal.
The Buster Call in Ohara serves as a notable example.
Had Sengoku, at that time, shown any sympathy for Ohara and chosen to not order a Buster Call, it's likely that even if Sengoku has the qualifications, the Five Elders would refuse to authorize the commendation document.
"This isn't on me. Vice Admiral Kizaru handled everything appropriately. I just happened to lend a hand," Atlas insisted, waving his hands to emphasize that the credit belonged to Kizaru.
Even if Tiger hadn't shown up this time, he would have eventually succumbed to excessive blood loss. Arlong would have sought revenge, been apprehended, and confessed the news of Tiger's demise.
The credit ultimately goes to Kizaru, and it naturally paves the way for Sengoku to become the Marine Fleet Admiral.
"By the way, have the Five Elders made any plans for the subsequent commendations?" Suddenly, Atlas appeared to have a thought.
It's logical that once Sengoku's commendation documents are finalized, the selection for the new Admiral should follow suit. The outcome remains uncertain as three out of the four candidates are yet to be decided.
Nevertheless, Atlas hasn't received any relevant updates so far.
"Not yet. I'm not sure how the Five Elders have orchestrated it, but the announcement should come soon. At the latest, it will be officially granted next year."
"But..."
Sengoku glanced at Atlas, whose expression remained steady, and went on.
"As for the Admiral positions, there's a significant chance that the Five Elders won't appoint you. You'll have to vie for it on your own."
"This sort of thing doesn't bother me anymore; Admiral is just a title," Atlas remarked nonchalantly.
In this world, strength is ultimately revered. As long as one's strength is formidable enough, the limited authority in the hands of an Admiral would be inconsequential.
"Then, I'll take my leave. Just give me a call if you need anything."
With those words, Atlas casually got up and exited the room.
"Atlas, whatever you choose to do, always keep in mind..."
"Marine will forever stand as the champion of justice."
Atlas halted for a moment, turned to regard Sengoku's earnest expression, and surprisingly nodded in agreement.
"I know."
What is Sengoku trying to convey by this?
Confused, Atlas left the office.
...
Ten thousand meters deep under the sea, The Fish Men Island.
The entirety of The Fish Men Island is encircled by an extensive double-layered semi-circular bubble film shield. An air layer between the two shield layers provides some protection for The Fish Men Island. Only ships coated with the appropriate substance and following the prescribed path can safely enter the island.
The present ruler of the Fish Men Island is Neptune, the Great Knight of the Sea, residing in Ryugu City and being a coelacanth mermaid.
At this moment, within Ryugu City, Neptune sat on the throne, wearing a solemn expression. Below him, the remaining members of the Sun Pirates, including Jinbei, were seated cross-legged.
"Jinbei, you've returned!"
Seated on the throne, Neptune gazed at Jinbei before him with a somewhat emotional expression.
Jinbei and Tiger are not unfamiliar figures to Neptune. While Jinbei once served as the leader of Neptune's army, nominally the king of all fishmen, he has always maintained an equal status with fish-men warriors like Jinbei and Tiger.
Unexpectedly, after the destruction of the Sun Pirates, he finds himself face to face with Jinbei once more.
"Your Majesty Neptune, I've received an invitation from the World Government's Shichibukai."
Jinbei's demeanor remains composed. Before departing, Hakuryu had cautioned him strictly against disclosing their conversation, and he was well aware of the gravity of their relationship.
"Why?!"
"If I take on the role of Shichibukai, the World Government will grant amnesty, resulting in the release of my fellow Sun Pirates held in Impel Down without facing charges."
"Furthermore, in the future, fishmen who choose not to become pirates can live peacefully in this country without the fear of persecution."
"The crucial aspect is that by accepting this position, the fishmen can establish a closer relationship with the World Government."
"This is also for Otohime who has been affected because of us..."
Jinbei is well aware that despite their official affiliation with the World Government, it's merely a formality on paper. They have never truly experienced the privileges granted to a member country of the World Government.
It can be stated that, in reality, their connection with the World Government is quite minimal.
But now, the introduction of the Shichibukai position has forged a tangible link between the two.
"Well... that's unfortunate; she's feeling quite down right now!"
Neptune was rendered momentarily silent; what Jinbei expressed aligns with the current needs of The Fish Men Island.
"Is it because... the Sun Pirates were captured?"
"Yes, word about Tiger being confined in the underwater prison reached the ears of the island's inhabitants. Everyone came to Otohime to revoke their signatures."
"....."
"I apologize for causing so much distress to the princess in this manner."
Jinbei found himself at a loss for words.
But he holds on to the belief that if Marine's plan comes to fruition, The Fish Men Island might genuinely achieve the kind of life Princess Otohime envisioned.
Yet, for now, those fellow fishmen unaware of the situation should be kept in check by Jinbei himself!
This was also a part of the agreement he made with that Marine.
Contemplating this, Jinbei's expression grew more solemn, and even his gaze became more intense.
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