Translator: PapaSmurf0700
"What an incredible people."
After listening to Pappag's explanation, that single sentiment was echoed in unison by the Straw Hat Pirates as they gazed in wonder at their surroundings.
They moved forward for a while longer before the group stopped in front of a large, solemn building.
"This can't be the Ryugu Palace," Bai Ye commented, a thoughtful frown on his face as he scanned the architecture.
The palace was supposed to be the most prominent structure, jutting out from the main bubble of Fishman Island. This place, while opulent and clearly new, was still situated within the island itself. It looked less like a royal castle and more like a modern fortress.
"Indeed, it is not," Jinbe confirmed with a nod. "But there is someone here who wished to meet you all. I was asked to bring you here first. It is on the way to the palace, so I agreed."
"Someone wants to see us?" Now Bai Ye was truly perplexed. He couldn't recall any such meeting from his knowledge of this place.
He didn't have to wonder for long. The grand doors of the building swung open, and several figures emerged. The man leading them caused Bai Ye's eyes to widen in shock. "Ripper?!!"
"Hahaha, Mister Bai Ye! Captain Luffy, Mister Zoro! It has been a very long time," Ripper said, walking toward them with a wide, friendly smile.
"Huh? Who're you?" Luffy and Zoro asked, tilting their heads in perfect, synchronized confusion.
Ripper froze, the smile stuck on his face.
"I think... he was a Marine from Shells Town," Nami said, piecing together the memory. She had heard the stories of their adventure there after the fact.
"Shells Town?" Luffy and Zoro's heads tilted even further.
Nami just sighed. It's hopeless.
"So," Bai Ye said, wisely ignoring the two idiots, "you've joined the Spark Army?"
Ripper was no longer wearing his old white Marine uniform. In its place was a crisp, red uniform accented with dark blue trim. Seeing the military-style building and the uniform, Bai Ye had put the pieces together.
"That's right," Ripper confirmed with a grin. "And I have you to thank for it, in a way. After Akainu was promoted to Fleet Admiral, he began a massive purge within the Marines. Many of the more moderate officers were transferred to the Four Blues, which was essentially a demotion."
"So you joined the Spark Army because you were unhappy with the new leadership?" Bai Ye asked.
"Not exactly. Because of my past cooperation with you, I was officially labeled a traitor. If Vice-Admiral Tsuru hadn't intervened, I'd likely be in an Impel Down cell right now," Ripper explained, his smile never wavering.
Bai Ye's own smile vanished. "Well... I... I must severely... severely condemn the Navy's practice of arresting good people without cause!" he stammered, a few beads of cold sweat trickling down his forehead.
"I think that's the first time I've ever seen Bai Ye lose his composure," Usopp whispered, an expression of pure delight on his face.
"This is priceless," Nami agreed, even more excited. "Quick, get the Camera Den Den Mushi! We have to get a clear shot of him this flustered!"
Fortunately for Bai Ye, Ripper had no intention of blaming him. He had already considered leaving the Marines after the Spark Alliance was formed; the purge had simply accelerated his decision. After his departure, he joined the Wildfire Army and, thanks to his history with the Straw Hats, was not only accepted but given a position of great trust.
He had specifically requested a post at the Fishman Island base in the hopes of meeting them again. He was now the second-in-command, serving under a formidable former general of the Revolutionary Army.
"To the Spark Alliance, the Straw Hat Pirates are our most important allies," Ripper said earnestly. "If there is anything you need from us, you have only to ask. Also, after you've attended King Neptune's banquet, I hope you will allow the Wildfire Army to host one for you as well."
"Hey! Another party? Will there be meat?" Luffy's eyes lit up instantly.
A smirk touched Ripper's lips. "Of course. An even bigger feast than the one we had in Shells Town."
"Awesome! You're a great guy, Raptor!"
"It's Ripper, Captain Luffy..."
Finally, with some awkward prodding from a still-embarrassed Bai Ye, the group set off once more toward the palace.
Meanwhile, in the near-total darkness of the Fishman District, a lawless slum not far from the main island, a menacing voice growled.
"Is the news accurate, Hyouzou? The Straw Hats are really on Fishman Island?"
The speaker was a fierce-looking great white shark fish-man. He wore a flat cap adorned with a trident, a sharkskin scarf around his neck, and among the many tattoos on his arm, the mark of the Arlong Pirates was displayed with pride. He was Hody Jones, captain of the New Fishman Pirates and heir to Arlong's hateful will.
"It is absolutely accurate," answered the swordsman Hody had addressed. "There is no other ship like theirs in the world."
The mermaid was Hyouzou, a blue-ringed octopus fish-man known for his deadly poison and his love of sake. "I also captured one of the islanders," he continued, slurring slightly. "He confirmed it. Jinbe is taking them to Ryugu Palace now. The king himself is hosting a banquet for them."
"Gyahahahaha! I didn't expect such a grand prize to fall into our laps just as we were preparing our move!" Hody Jones laughed, a cruel, grating sound. "On the surface, I wouldn't dream of provoking them, not even to avenge Lord Arlong. I know their strength."
"But!" Hody's mouth opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. "This is the sea floor, ten thousand meters beneath the waves! Down here, those inferior surface-dwellers can't even breathe! They will be the perfect sacrifice to mark our rule over this island! Gyahahahahaha!"
Hody had seen the broadcasts from the Summit War. He was well aware of what Luffy and his crew were capable of. But he was a firm believer in the supremacy of his own race in their natural element.
Besides, he had a secret weapon.
He held up a small, pill-like object. E.S.—Energy Steroids. A forbidden drug that could amplify the user's strength exponentially. One pill doubled your power. Two pills quadrupled it. It was the foundation of his confidence, the tool with which he would seize control of Fishman Island.