The crew's primary base, formerly known as Golden Lion's Island, had been officially renamed Sky City.
Most of the Thunder God Pirates had moved back to this floating sanctuary. Although they had been enjoying their stay in Dressrosa, a paradise with pleasant weather perfect for vacations, their time there had been cut short.
News of Sanders' battle with Kaido had spread far and wide. It drew an increasing number of pirates to Dressrosa, all eager to challenge Sanders. The constant interruptions became unbearable.
In response, Sanders led the crew back to Sky City, where the challenges of uninvited pirates were left behind.
More than half a month had passed since the clash with Kaido, and Sanders' injuries had fully healed.
On Sky City's training grounds, the crew's determination burned fiercely.
Among them, Law and Wyper trained with the most zeal. After witnessing the overwhelming strength of the New World's forces, both resolved to improve themselves drastically.
The others were just as dedicated, pushing themselves harder each day.
On the coast of Sky City, Sanders reclined on a lounge chair, basking in the sun.
In the nearby ocean, Shirahoshi swam joyfully, enjoying her time in the water.
"Baby-5, could you bring me a bottle of ice-cold beer?" Sanders asked casually, his sunglasses shielding his eyes from the bright sun.
"Of course!"
Baby-5, dressed in a maid outfit, cheerfully fetched the beer for him.
"Thanks," Sanders said, biting off the cap and drinking deeply.
Sitting beside him, Nami plopped down on a lounge chair. She was dressed in a short-sleeved top, her curiosity evident.
"Hey, Sanders, why didn't you kill Baby-5 and that... uh... eccentric guy?" she asked in a low voice.
Sanders had shown no mercy to even Sugar, who looked like a 10-year-old girl, yet he had spared a maid and a self-proclaimed pervert.
"I'm a pirate," Sanders replied calmly. "Isn't doing as I please the most natural thing?"
Doflamingo's subordinates were loyal to a fault, keeping them around would only have caused unnecessary trouble. Sugar, in particular, possessed a terrifyingly broken ability.
Her Hobby-Hobby Fruit was too dangerous. Among the Thunder God Pirates, only Sanders and Issho could resist its effects. Keeping her alive would've invited chaos, so Sanders chose to eliminate her outright.
"How's your training coming along?" Sanders asked, turning the subject to Nami.
"Law and Wyper are already starting to show some results in their Haki training. They'll master it soon enough," he added.
Sanders had high expectations for Nami. He had even given her the powerful Rumble-Rumble Fruit, a top-tier ability.
With her natural talent in meteorology, the fruit amplified her potential significantly. With just a bit of training, she could rival the likes of a Sweet Commander or a Division Captain.
With enough effort, Nami could even achieve the level of an emperor's deputy or an admiral. After all, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit alone could easily match a Marine vice admiral in power.
"Observation Haki's going okay, but I still feel far from mastering Armament Haki," Nami admitted with a smile.
Sanders wasn't surprised by her progress. Unlike Luffy, Nami lacked a solid foundation in physical combat.
Additionally, Nami was still young, and her body was still maturing. Overtraining her physically would do more harm than good.
Armament Haki was closely tied to physical strength, so it wasn't surprising she found it challenging. On the other hand, Observation Haki relied on sensory perception, and with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit's assistance, Nami found it much easier to develop.
"Don't worry about Armament Haki for now," Sanders advised.
"Focus on mastering the Marine's Six Powers and refining your Observation Haki. Once you've done that, you'll be strong enough to face New World pirates."
"I'll do my best," Nami replied earnestly.
"Good. In a couple of days, I'll send you somewhere to learn."
"Learn? Learn what? Can't you and Issho teach me everything I need to know?" Nami assumed the "learning" involved combat training.
"It's to study meteorological science," Sanders explained.
"You have incredible talent in this area, but without systematic training, whether it's navigation or other applications, you've been relying solely on raw skill. There's a small nation composed entirely of weather scientists who are well-versed in meteorology. I plan to send you there for further education," he said nonchalantly.
The place Sanders referred to was the Small Sky Island from the original story.
He was confident that after learning from those seasoned scientists, Nami's expertise in meteorology would improve significantly. This could even enhance her ability to develop her Rumble-Rumble Fruit powers further.
"Meteorology?!" Nami's eyes lit up with excitement.
Compared to combat training, her passion for meteorology was unmatched. Upon hearing that she could study under professional meteorologists, her face lit up with eager anticipation.
"The Small Sky Island, Weatheria," Sanders answered.
"When can we go?" Nami asked, nearly jumping out of her seat.
"Tomorrow," Sanders replied after some thought. "Spend today saying goodbye to everyone. I'll take you there in the morning. I have my own training to handle as well."
It had been over two weeks since the battle with Kaido. His injuries were likely healed by now, and Sanders was eager to find a way to obtain Kaido's indestructible physique and Azure Dragon Fruit.
"Got it! I'll start packing right away!"
Nami leapt up from the lounge chair, her joy evident as she rushed off to prepare.
After Nami left, Sanders instructed Baby-5 to summon Fukaboshi, the second prince of Fish-Man Island.
"Lord Sanders, is there something you need from me?" Fukaboshi arrived promptly, showing respect in both his tone and demeanor.
His respect stemmed from two reasons: first, both he and his sister, Shirahoshi, were currently residing in Sky City; second, after witnessing Sanders' overwhelming strength, Fukaboshi held him in awe.
"Please, sit. How are you and Shirahoshi adjusting to life with the Thunder God Pirates?" Sanders asked with a polite smile.
"It's been fine, Lord Sanders. Shirahoshi has been especially happy here," Fukaboshi replied earnestly.
Nearly a month had passed since they left Fish-Man Island, and Fukaboshi had gradually adapted to life with the crew. During this time, he had come to understand the personalities of the Thunder God Pirates and found that most of his initial worries had dissipated.
"That's good to hear," Sanders said with a nod.
"I called you here to discuss the protection of Fish-Man Island," he continued.
Sanders had promised to protect Fish-Man Island but hadn't yet formally announced this to the world due to the series of events that had kept him occupied.
"I need you to select one of your fish-man guards to stand in as a member of my crew. We'll take a photo together, and I'll claim that this fish-man is part of the Thunder God Pirates and a personal friend of mine.
"Afterward, I'll announce to the world that Fish-Man Island is under my protection. Anyone who harms its residents will be considered my enemy."
Sanders laid out his plan plainly.
A simple declaration of protection wasn't enough to ensure Fish-Man Island's safety. By fabricating the existence of a fish-man crew member, he could strengthen the credibility of his protection claim while simultaneously hiding the presence of Fukaboshi and Shirahoshi aboard his ship.
With Fish-Man Island officially protected by both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Thunder God Pirates, the likelihood of slavers or reckless pirates targeting it would drop significantly.
Sanders' name alone, now notorious after his recent exploits, was enough to deter most would-be troublemakers. After all, he was a man who dared to challenge even the Celestial Dragons.
Fukaboshi's face lit up with joy as he understood Sanders' intentions.
"Thank you, Lord Sanders! I'll find someone suitable right away," Fukaboshi said gratefully before hurrying off.
Soon, a burly and imposing fish-man with a rugged appearance stood before Sanders.
"Lord Sanders," the fish-man said nervously.
Placing an arm around the fish-man's shoulder, Sanders had a photo taken with him.
He then tasked Viola with contacting a newspaper agency to circulate the announcement.
News Spreads Across the World
Within days, headlines featuring the Thunder God Pirates' declaration spread like wildfire:
"Fish-Man Island Gains Another Powerful Protector!"
Reports highlighted the supposed fish-man crew member of the Thunder God Pirates and Sanders' statement:
"Fish-Man Island is under the protection of the Thunder God Pirates. Harming its residents is an act of war against us."
"Captain Sanders of the Thunder God Pirates Declares Fish-Man Island a Friend: 'Anyone who dares to harm fish-men or merfolk will face retaliation from the Thunder God Pirates!'"
"The End of Merfolk Slavery!"
"The True Reason for the Fall of Warlord Doflamingo: Capturing and Trafficking a Merfolk!"
The news sent shockwaves through the world. Conversations erupted across taverns and ports:
"Fish-Man Island sure hit the jackpot! They've got Whitebeard's protection and now the friendship of the Thunder God Pirates. Those merfolk traffickers won't even dare to dream of setting foot there!"
"Exactly! With Whitebeard and Sanders, even the other Four Emperors wouldn't risk it. One wrong move, and it's their crew that'll get wiped out!"
"So that's why Doflamingo fell… The Marines would never have the guts to take him down unless someone like Sanders forced their hand."
"I remember that! There was a mermaid auction at Sabaody Archipelago. When she escaped, the auction house's owner was fed to the sea kings! Turns out that was one of Doflamingo's rackets."
The rumors were no accident. Sanders had deliberately let slip that his attack on Doflamingo was retribution for trafficking a merfolk. Using a Warlord of the Sea as an example was enough to put fear into anyone considering such acts.
The strategy worked wonders. Many slavers and traffickers who targeted merfolk and fish-men either abandoned their trade or went into hiding.
The waters around Fish-Man Island grew noticeably quieter. Visiting merchants and pirates alike treated the locals with newfound respect—not out of kindness, but fear of Sanders' wrath.
Back on Fish-Man Island, King Neptune held the latest newspaper, his expression a mix of relief and complexity.
"Your Majesty," the Left Minister began, "we've seen far fewer incidents of fish-men and merfolk being targeted lately. Even the Neptune Army has had much less to do."
"Indeed," Neptune said, setting down the paper. "I never imagined the Thunder God Pirates' protection would have such a dramatic effect. Using a Warlord like Doflamingo as a warning… Sanders truly doesn't hold back."
In his private conversations with Shirahoshi, Neptune had learned that the true reason Sanders targeted Doflamingo was due to personal enmity involving the Thunder God Pirates' ship doctor. However, the rest of the world believed it was all for Fish-Man Island's sake, which only strengthened the island's security.
"And how is Princess Shirahoshi faring?" the Right Minister inquired.
"She's doing well," Neptune said with a warm smile. "Every day, she eats, drinks, and enjoys herself in Sanders' Sky City. Fukaboshi tells me that Sanders has shown her nothing but kindness. He dotes on her, granting nearly every request."
Mentioning his daughter's happiness brought a rare smile to Neptune's face. Over their regular den-den mushi calls, Shirahoshi had shared tales of her adventures and joys, a stark contrast to the confinement she had endured in the Hard-Shell Tower.
"I must admit," Neptune added, a tinge of guilt in his tone, "I failed to protect her properly. Now she finally gets to experience the freedom she deserves."
The ministers shared a glance, relief evident in their expressions.
"As long as Princess Shirahoshi remains safe and content, Fish-Man Island can only benefit from this arrangement," the Left Minister said.
On the deck of the Moby Dick, Marco leaned casually against Jinbe, holding a newspaper.
"So, Jinbe, this fish-man Sanders recruited—how strong is he? Must be impressive to catch his eye," Marco teased with a grin.
Jinbe, despite his ties to Fish-Man Island and his past as a Warlord, had quietly snuck aboard Whitebeard's ship again. Though not a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, he shared a strong camaraderie with their crew, often joining them for drinks and celebrations.
"He's decent," Jinbe replied with a chuckle, skillfully dodging the question.
Marco laughed. "C'mon, Jinbe, give us the details. Sanders made a big deal about this guy—don't tell me he's just for show?"
Jinbe gave a small smile, carefully guarding the truth. He knew the "fish-man crew member" was nothing more than a strategic move to protect Fish-Man Island. But he had no intention of spoiling the image Sanders had crafted.
The Thunder God Pirates' airship was now a symbol of inevitability. For pirates and traffickers operating near Fish-Man Island, the thought of Sanders' ship swooping down from the sky was enough to quell their ambitions.
Whitebeard's protection had already made the island a formidable target. But now, with Sanders' reputation as a ruthless avenger who dared to defy the Celestial Dragons, Fish-Man Island was safer than ever.
The world had learned a harsh lesson:
To threaten Fish-Man Island was to invite ruin.
Jinbe blinked, his face carefully neutral as he replied to Marco's question about the new fish-man crew member of the Thunder God Pirates.
"That fish-man… I know him. He's a soldier from Neptune's army. Decent strength on Fish-Man Island, but… in the New World, he wouldn't even make it as a grunt," Jinbe said, his voice calm but his words cautious.
He could easily see through Sanders' intentions. The so-called "crew member" was clearly a smokescreen—a strategic move to justify the Thunder God Pirates' protection of Fish-Man Island and obscure the truth about Shirahoshi's presence aboard Sanders' ship.
More importantly, Sanders had chosen his words carefully when making the declaration. By framing his support as "friendship" rather than territorial claim, Sanders avoided stepping on Whitebeard's toes. Jinbe appreciated this subtle diplomacy. It ensured the alliance between Fish-Man Island and Whitebeard's crew remained intact while gaining additional security from Sanders' reputation.
Jinbe kept his thoughts to himself, however. He hadn't shared news of Shirahoshi's presence on Sanders' ship with Marco or Whitebeard, not out of mistrust but to protect Fish-Man Island. With so many members in Whitebeard's crew, even an unintentional slip could bring trouble if the secret got out.
"That's great news for Fish-Man Island," Marco said with a grin. "With Sanders watching over it, things should get even better."
"It's true," Jinbe replied honestly. "Even the pirates visiting the island have been much more respectful lately."
Inwardly, Jinbe felt a deep sense of gratitude toward Sanders. The Thunder God Pirates' actions had undoubtedly made Fish-Man Island a safer place.
"So, Jinbe," Marco said, leaning in slightly, "what kind of person is Sanders? I've been hearing his name so much this past year that I'm getting curious."
Jinbe paused before replying. "He's… a kind man."
Though Sanders had strong-armed Shirahoshi onto his ship, Jinbe couldn't deny that the pirate was otherwise courteous and calm. He wasn't like the arrogant, self-absorbed young pirates Jinbe had seen rise and fall over the years.
"Kind, huh?" Marco mused. "Now I really want to meet him."
Marco found it hard to reconcile the idea of a "kind" Sanders with the stories of a man who had fought Kaido to a draw and defeated Kuzan. Most pirates with that kind of strength and reputation were insufferably arrogant, yet Jinbe painted a different picture.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's booming laugh interrupted their conversation. "Marco, are you planning to test your strength against Sanders?"
"Why not?" Marco grinned. "Anyone who can stand against Kaido and defeat Aokiji is worth a fight. I'd love to see how I measure up."
His confidence wasn't arrogance—it was a reflection of his pride as the First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Marco didn't shy away from a challenge, even if it meant going up against one of the rising stars of the sea.
Whitebeard's smile widened. "Gurararara! If you want to fight Sanders, you'd better train harder. For Kaido to agree to call it a draw and leave without a fight… that means Sanders is no ordinary young pirate."
The old pirate had seen countless challengers come and go during his reign as one of the Four Emperors. But Sanders' meteoric rise had caught even his attention.
"If his presence motivates my sons to train harder, then it's a good thing," Whitebeard added. Despite his jovial tone, there was a seriousness behind his words.
Whitebeard knew his time was limited. While he could protect his "sons" for now, the future of the Whitebeard Pirates depended on their strength and determination. Sanders' presence served as a reminder that the seas were ever-changing, and they couldn't afford to grow complacent.
"Don't worry, Pops," Marco said, patting his chest confidently. "If Sanders ever challenges you, he'll have to get through me first!"
"Gurararara! That's the spirit, Marco!" Whitebeard roared with laughter.
The camaraderie on the Moby Dick was as lively as ever, even as the shadow of Sanders loomed large over the New World.
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T/N:
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