At the entrance to the Impel Down in the Grand Line, you could see some really big warships parked on either side. Serious-looking Marine soldiers were lined up, keeping watch at the exit.
Even though both the Marine and Impel Down are part of the World Government, Marine is the stronger force. Despite being under the same government, Impel Down's military setup is not as powerful as Marine's.
So, Marine is in charge of handling external defense and security duties.
Meanwhile, at the far end of a wooden deck stretching from the prison, a whale shark man with stormy eyebrows and sideburns sat cross-legged. He had a slightly unkempt hairstyle, and the wind rustled through his thick, black, short beard on his chin. His eyes were keen and bright.
It's none other than the newest member of the Shichibukai – "First Son of the Sea" Jinbei!
Today marks the day when the World Government vowed to free the Sun Pirates' members, aiming to provide those comrades a fresh start as soon as possible and put an end to the disturbances caused by certain radical groups.
Jinbei arrived here early and patiently waited.
Rumble—! The massive gate swung open, and the thunderous noise echoed in every direction.
Guided by the jailers, the fishmen from the Sun Pirates emerged from the dim underwater prison, wearing somber expressions. They were already aware of what awaited them.
The eldest brother, Tiger, couldn't join them, and we don't know if he's alive or not.
Considering how much the Celestial Dragons despise Boss Tiger, they are worried...
"Brother Jinbei..."
"You became a Shichibukai... and aligned with the World Government..."
"He's a traitor!!!"
Before Jinbei could respond, a cartilaginous fish-man with upward-pointing pigtails stepped forward, taking the initiative to attack, his eyes widening.
"Kuroobi..."
Jinbei recognized him. He was the younger brother who followed Arlong in Fishman Street during his early years. Similar to Arlong, he held extremely negative views about human beings.
The Sun Pirates' members can be roughly categorized into three groups. The first consists of regular fishmen who admire Tiger's personal charm. The second group comprises soldiers who joined Jinbei in breaking away from Neptune's army. The third group includes Arlong's associates who frequent Fishman Street.
The first two groups strongly believe in Jinbei, the Sun Pirates' second-in-command. Hence, in the original timeline, Jinbei rightfully became the second captain of the Sun Pirates!
Now that Arlong has been taken down by the Marines, those aligned with Fishman Street, particularly those who only supported Arlong, are likely very unhappy with Jinbei for willingly becoming a subordinate of the World Government.
Fellow fishmen, despite their desire for revenge against the detested humans, are now becoming what they call Shichibukai!
"Have you forgotten Boss Tiger's guidance?"
"Don't dwell in hatred and anger!"
Jinbei's gaze sharpened, and the cloak behind him fluttered without any wind. With a formidable force, he swiftly subdued Kuroobi.
"You're quite the helmsman, Brother Jinbei..."
"If I simply become your underling, can I be part of your secure circle? But that's not something I'll do!"
"Brother Arlong is dead. I'll never make concessions with the World Government, the ones who killed him!"
Kuroobi clenched his teeth, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at the composed Jinbei, displaying unwavering determination.
"I want to depart with my comrades who were once part of Arlong's crew!"
Deep-seated hatred for humanity.
Jinbei could sense that Kuroobi carried on Arlong's determination.
"../."
"Farewell. If you insist on trying to halt me, then..."
"Kill me!!!"
Kuroobi's voice carried fierceness, and a cluster of fellow fishmen gradually assembled behind him.
Chew, Pisaro, Kaneshiro , Pisaro...
Jinbei cast a deliberate look at these fish people—eager yet resolute in their eyes. His expression turned somber as he spoke slowly:
"I won't allow you to depart from here today..."
"...Brother Jinbei, I am..."
"Inheriting the will of Big Brother Arlong and embodying the fury of the fish people!!!"
Kuroobi roared loudly, veins bulging on his neck, clearly seething with anger.
"Stop acting so selfish!!"
As soon as he spoke, a massive blue palm abruptly extended, collecting immense water vapor in its grasp, emitting a terrifying howl in the air.
Bang—! With a single strike, Kuroobi and the fishmen behind him were all knocked down. A muffled thud of flesh colliding resonated, and the sturdy deck stirred up a cloud of dust.
"Brother Jinbei! Enough!"
Aladdin and the other fishmen rushed forward to intervene.
Disagreeing with Arlong's group doesn't mean they want to resort to violence!
"Don't worry, I'm reasonable; they won't face any severe consequences."
Jinbei wore a somber expression as he glanced at Kuroobi and his crew lying unconscious on the ground and spoke coldly:
"Tie these guys up and let them cool off!"
In comparison to their lives, restraining their freedom was a small price to pay.
He recalled the words the man left before departing.
"If you can't manage these people, I'll personally assist in sending them to hell!!"
.....
Naval Headquarters, top floor of the office building.
The upper floors of the Marine building, including Sengoku's office, are located on this level.
Currently, in one of the offices in the middle.
Atlas reclined on an office chair. The surroundings were minimally decorated, featuring pure white floors and ceilings, with an off-white sofa placed in the center.
On the gray wall, a calligraphy scroll with bold strokes and ink hung prominently in the middle!
Letter: [The Strongest Justice]!!
Snap—!!
A crisp sound of hanging up the phone echoed, and Atlas released a long breath.
The issue with Tiger has finally reached a resolution. He just exchanged greetings with Magellan. At least now, Tiger won't be handed over to the Celestial Dragons, and his safety is reasonably assured.
While Impel Down is just a branch under the World Government, it might be quite challenging for ordinary Celestial Dragons to override Magellan's authority and forcefully take Tiger away.
Even though Atlas and Magellan hadn't interacted much, perhaps due to a shared understanding between formidable individuals, they had already exchanged phone numbers.
Furthermore, Magellan is a man of justice himself. Despite not entirely approving of Tiger's actions, he would never dispute that Tiger is a genuine hero!
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~
Suddenly, the phone in Atlas's hands buzzed rapidly.
Atlas's pupils quivered. This den den mushi...
He had handed it over to Tesoro on Minion Island before, unless something unusually significant had occurred.
Knowing Tesoro's character, he wouldn't reach out without a good reason.
Considering this, Atlas retrieved the phone bug from his arms and answered the call.
"Hey! It's Atlas!"
----------
Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari