Fish-Man Island!
Known as the "Underwater Paradise," it is a dreamlike place full of wonder.
At Neptune's invitation, heading towards Fish-Man Island.
He checked his system's record for defeating Jinbei.
[Ding! You defeated your opponent, and scanned for talents: Shark Muscle (S-level), Armament Haki (S-level), Observation Haki (S-level), Fish-Man Karate (S-level), Helmsman (A-level), Resourcefulness (A-level).....]
[Please choose a talent as soon as possible!]
Leno's gaze moved across the list.
"I choose Shark Muscle!"
[Shark Muscle] is linked to physical power and shares similarities with the [Gluttonous Demon King] talent.
[Ding! Successfully copied talent: Shark Muscle]
[Talent description: Shark Muscles possess immense strength, capable of tearing through stone and displaying flawless structure.]
[Strength: S-level]
"Can this talent be combined and enhanced?" Leno wondered aloud.
[Ding! Similar talents detected: Gluttonous Demon King, Overlord Body, Shark Muscle. Seek more compatible talents to initiate integration and enhancement!]
"Still no upgrade?" Leno muttered, puzzled. "What am I missing?"
Neptune, taller and more imposing than most Fish-Men, stood nearby, looking tense as he faced Leno. Despite his strength, even he felt a sense of apprehension.
Though he personally escorted Leno into the city, his decision was met with resistance from his ministers. Neptune himself was reluctant, yet Otohime's persuasive words changed everything.
"How can you turn away someone who defeated one of the New World's Four Emperors, the Uncrowned Emperor?" she had said.
"Who among you can stand against him?"
"And if we disrespect him, what will you do when he retaliates?"
Three sentences—each a direct hit to the heart. Her words doused Neptune and the ministers' doubts like ice water.
Jinbe was defeated!
The World Government's ships destroyed!
How could Fish-Man Island dare to provoke someone of Leno's stature? If they dared, they would end up just like those who bowed down to Big Mom.
Despite being the ruler of five million fish-men, Neptune found himself treading carefully.
He observed Leno's ability to breathe underwater and even speculated if Leno might have Fish-Man blood in his veins.
"Leno," Neptune began cautiously, "we've indeed had visits from the World Government here on Fish-Man Island."
"Oh, really?" Leno said, a smile playing on his lips. "Pirates can be so cunning, don't you think?"
Neptune's expression faltered for a moment, unsure how to respond.
"Well, what is your purpose in coming to Fish-Man Island?" Neptune asked, attempting to mask his unease.
"Cooperation," Leno replied simply, his eyes scanning the island ahead.
Fish-Man Island lay protected by a large, double-layered bubble that covered it entirely, with an air layer between the shields.
Pirates who miscalculate their route often fall victim to this barrier, their ships peeling away to merge with the island's defense shield, leaving them stranded or washed away.
"The position of Fish-Man Island sure makes things tricky for pirates," Leno said, narrowing his eyes.
But not just for pirates.
For the whole world, Fish-Man Island was like a thorn lodged in its side. A vital point for smuggling routes not controlled by the World Government.
"The pirates have caused more than enough trouble for Fish-Man Island," Neptune muttered.
Leno's gaze shifted to Neptune. The king's wild, orange-red mane, flame-like tattoos, and his finely crafted trident spoke of strength, yet his eyes lacked the sharpness of a true leader.
"Let's get to the point," Leno said as they finally entered Fish-Man Island. Though submerged deep underwater, the island had a sky of its own, thanks to the giant tree Eve.
Without causing a stir among the locals, Neptune led Leno straight to Ryugu Palace, situated on the uppermost level of Fish-Man Island.
Constructed from coral reefs and shells, the palace was an architectural marvel, complete with a dragon sculpture winding around its castle walls.
Neptune arranged a grand banquet in Leno's honor. The event, held in the lavish banquet hall, was akin to a state dinner, with the pride of Fish-Man Island—the renowned singer—taking the stage.
As the orchestra played a swing jazz number, the mesmerizing dance of mermaids captivated the audience. Their beauty and grace left everyone in awe.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the attendees were few—Neptune, Otohime, the ministers, the three princes, and a shy, nearly seven-meter-tall Princess Shirahoshi.
Bandaged Jinbe and ship's doctor joined at Otohime's invitation.
During the feast, Leno turned to Jinbe and asked, "Hey, Jinbe, didn't you have a Fish-Man called the Arlong in the Sun Pirates?"
Jinbe took a long drink before responding, "Yeah, we didn't see eye to eye, so he left."
"I see," Leno said thoughtfully. "He went to the East Blue and caused quite a bit of trouble there, killing many humans."
Ship's doctor's expression darkened, while Jinbe fell silent.
Leno's ruthless treatment of Hody and his gang had already proven how he dealt with threats, leaving little doubt about his stance.
"Did you kill them?" Otohime asked, her voice gentle yet probing as she leaned forward slightly.
Leno met her gaze and paused, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Her upper body was human-like, with her lower half resembling the tail of a goldfish. She had long, wavy golden hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a pair of big, expressive eyes that seemed to look right into your soul. An orange crown-shaped barrette held her hair back, and she wore a long robe adorned with a pattern of orange fish scales. The cuffs and hem were decorated with even more intricate designs, resembling the scales of a mermaid.
A red waistband with a white-bordered design was wrapped around her waist, fastened with a white ribbon. She gazed at Leno with slightly reproachful eyes.
Leno couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, almost as if he'd done something wrong. This woman! He quickly looked away, activating Fearless Heart to dispel the unease creeping into his heart.
No wonder she could sway even the stubborn Celestial Dragons!
Years later, Donquixote Mjosgard would also reinvent himself and support Shirahoshi throughout the World Summit called the Reverie.
Wait! Why is it always the Donquixote family?
This family is nothing but trouble!
Otohime's wise demeanor was unnerving. She seemed to have an almost unconscious ability to influence the thoughts and emotions of those around her, even more powerful than Leno's [Infection].
Leno narrowed his eyes and said to Princess Otohime, "Yes, I killed them because they were killing people."
"But you could have stopped them without killing. Why escalate the hatred?" Otohime replied, her voice tinged with confusion.
Leno put down his glass and calmly said, "Do you think it's right for them to kill humans while what I did was wrong?"
The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense. Jinbe, Aladine exchanged worried glances, and the silence was almost suffocating. Thankfully, Shirahoshi had been taken back to the palace by her brothers; otherwise, she would have been in tears.
"Otohime," Neptune gently warned, "Please, don't provoke him."
Otohime bit her lip. "I just believe that killing is wrong, whether it's humans, fish-men, or any other race. Wouldn't it be better if everyone could live together in peace?"
Leno chuckled. "The world's conflicts will never truly end," he said.
"As long as people live, hatred, exploitation, and oppression will exist. And where there's oppression, there will always be resistance."
He gestured to the food, the extravagant palace, the ministers, and finally, Otohime.
"Isn't the very existence of the Ryugu Palace just another form of oppression, indirectly causing the suffering of the lower-class fish-men?"
"You haven't seen the darkest depths of this world, so don't stand on your moral high ground and accuse others."
Silence filled the room. Neptune, Otohime, Fukaboshi, and the ministers were all stunned. Jinbe and Aladine's eyes widened in disbelief.
To think that Leno would openly challenge the rulers of Fish-men Island!
"That's why I wish for fish-men to live on the surface and coexist with humans!" Otohime cried out passionately.
Leno sighed. "You really don't understand humans, do you? Do you think a few signatures will change the hearts of the World Government and the Five Elders? How naive!"
Otohime's eyes welled with tears. Leno took a sip from his glass. "Is life on land really as wonderful as you imagine, Jinbe?"
Jinbe said nothing.
"The Celestial Dragons' tribute, the tyranny of rulers, the chaos caused by pirates," Leno said, shaking his head at the assembled fish-men.
"Fish-men Island is your sanctuary, the one thing standing between you and total subjugation."
He turned to the fish-men and continued, "If not for Fish-men Island, you'd be nothing but slaves to the Celestial Dragons! Without the protection of the sea, you'd be powerless, a prize for anyone to claim."
"In another eight hundred years, the fish-men will only be a legend, wiped out by history!"
Leno's words struck like thunder, shaking everyone to their core. Otohime stumbled back, pale-faced, clutching her chest. She had never considered that the surface world could be their doom rather than their salvation.
"Ha ha!" Leno suddenly laughed, breaking the tense silence. "Relax, I'm joking! Humans aren't all bad, just like fish-men, there are both good and bad among them."
"Yes, yes!" Neptune said, forcing a smile. Leno's abrupt shift in tone left him struggling to keep up.
"But," Leno continued, "are the fish-men truly prepared to face the reality of living among humans? Do you know how many humans would support you? How would you even survive on land?"
Otohime was speechless. She had never thought of the practicalities, of how to integrate millions of fish-men into human society.
"Your dream has always been just that—a dream. Without a solid plan, how do you expect to convince anyone?"
Otohime looked deeply troubled, realizing the truth in Leno's words. Her ideals, though noble, were nothing but empty slogans without concrete actions to back them up.
"Leno," she said, bowing her head, "please, teach me how to make this dream a reality."
Neptune, Jinbe, and the other fish-men looked on in astonishment.
"Teacher?" Leno stammered, taken aback. He had expected to discourage Otohime, not inspire her.
Suddenly, a system notification appeared in Leno's mind:
[Ding! You have successfully copied the talent: Observation Haki (SSS level)]
Leno's Observation Haki fused and grew stronger, enhancing his senses. He could now hear the thoughts of those around him with incredible clarity.
Jinbe thought, "Leno is right, Fish-men Island is our haven!"
Neptune wondered, "Did Otohime really call a human her teacher?"
Otohime's thoughts were filled with admiration. "He's so wise! I must learn everything I can from him."
Leno remained stoic on the outside, but inside, he was grinning. He had won more than just an argument, he had influenced the hearts of everyone around him.
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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg