The following day, Jason made his way back to the Sun Pirates' ship. The salty sea breeze filled the air as he stepped on board, his eyes immediately scanning the deck for familiar faces. He greeted the crew members, receiving respectful nods in return. However, one pair of eyes burned with a different kind of intensity—Arlong. The fierce fishman stood off to the side, glaring at Jason with unmistakable hatred and killing intent, his fists clenched in barely contained rage.
Jason noticed Arlong's hostile stare but chose to ignore it. He knew what the animosity was about. After their duel the day before, Arlong's pride had been shattered, and he wasn't the type to let it go. But now wasn't the time to dwell on personal grudges. There were far bigger issues at hand. Jason had a mission to focus on.
He continued walking and made his way to the captain's quarters. As he approached the door, he heard muffled voices inside. Taking a deep breath, he knocked, then entered once he was called in. Fisher Tiger and Jinbe were already waiting for him, standing around a large table with a map spread across it.
"Good morning, Jason," Fisher Tiger greeted him with a nod. His voice was calm and commanding, the tone of a leader who had seen and done much in his life. Jinbe offered a similar greeting, nodding to acknowledge Jason's presence.
"Good morning," Jason replied, returning their greetings before his eyes were drawn to the map on the table. It was unlike any map he had seen before. Detailed and precise, it depicted the entirety of Marie Jois, with specific locations marked in red ink. It showed slave quarters, strategic points, and areas with lighter security.
Jason's brow furrowed in surprise. "How did you get this?" he asked, staring at the map in awe.
Fisher Tiger smiled slightly. "I bought it off the black market. It wasn't easy to acquire, and it wasn't cheap. But it's essential for what we plan to do."
Jason's interest piqued even further. He looked more closely at the map as Fisher Tiger explained the plan in detail.
"Here," Fisher Tiger said, pointing to a spot on the Red Line, "is where we'll climb. You and I will enter Marie Jois together. Our primary goal is to free the slaves in the quarters here and here." He pointed to several locations marked on the map. "But we need to cause enough chaos to distract the guards. We'll set fires at these points—these locations are highly flammable and not heavily guarded. The smoke will create a massive diversion."
Jason nodded, listening intently as the plan took shape.
"While the chaos ensues," Fisher Tiger continued, "we'll break into the slave quarters and free as many as we can. Jinbe and the Sun Pirates will be waiting near the exit point here." He pointed to a secluded area near the base of the Red Line. "It's the least-secured section. If all goes well, we'll move quickly and get out before reinforcements arrive."
Jason studied the map, absorbing every detail. The plan was well thought out, but he knew the risks were immense. "What about Pangaea Castle?" Jason asked, pointing to the imposing structure on the map that served as the center of Marie Jois and the World Government's power.
Fisher Tiger's face turned serious. "We avoid it at all costs. The City of Gods is dangerous enough, but Pangaea Castle is a death trap. That's where the World Nobles and the highest-ranking officials are. If we go anywhere near there, the God Knights will be called in, and trust me, we don't want that."
Jason nodded, understanding the gravity of what they were about to do. "So, we create chaos, free the slaves, and escape through the least-guarded route," he summarized.
"Exactly," Fisher Tiger confirmed. "But this mission won't be easy. You need to prepare yourself for the worst. We're risking our lives for these slaves, and there's a high chance we won't all make it out."
Jason's face hardened with resolve. "I understand the risks, but I'm ready."
Jinbe, who had been quietly watching, finally spoke up. "Jason, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. This isn't just a fight; it's a war against the World Government. Once we do this, there's no going back. We'll be hunted down by the Marines, the Cipher Pol, and every force they can muster."
Jason met Jinbe's gaze with unwavering determination. "I know. But I can't stand by and watch people suffer in chains. I'm not doing this for glory. I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do."
Fisher Tiger and Jinbe exchanged a glance. They could see the sincerity in Jason's eyes. He wasn't just a bounty hunter in this moment—he was someone who despised the injustices of the world and was willing to fight for a cause larger than himself.
"Good," Fisher Tiger said after a long pause. "Then prepare yourself. We leave at dawn. Get some rest and make sure you have everything you need. Tomorrow, we'll be facing the toughest challenge of our lives."
Jason nodded. "I'll be ready."
As the meeting concluded, Jason stepped out of the captain's quarters and onto the deck. The cool night air greeted him as he made his way past the crew. Once again, Arlong was standing nearby, his hateful glare following Jason's every move. Jason ignored him, his focus entirely on the mission ahead. There was no time for petty rivalries when so much was at stake.
Jason spent the rest of the day preparing for the assault on Marie Jois. He checked his gear, sharpened his blades, and mentally prepared himself for the battle to come. The weight of what they were about to do hung heavy on his mind, but he knew he couldn't back down. Too many lives depended on this mission.
As the night deepened, Jason found a quiet spot near the edge of the ship. He stared out at the vast sea, letting the sound of the waves calm his nerves. Tomorrow, they would challenge the very heart of the World Government. Tomorrow, they would fight for freedom.
With resolve hardening in his heart, Jason returned to his quarters to rest. Tomorrow would be the day that changed everything.