"Toya! As instructed, I've ordered shellfish transported from Food Storage No. 3 as much as possible! Bread too!!"
"Thank you! Most of the people we've accepted are mermaids, so we need to focus on shellfish or seaweed—"
"So that's why all this effort... Not just cooking, but shell and waste disposal is severely understaffed. I'll make a quick run and drag over everyone from the town's food service industry! Any problems!?"
"Sorry, please do!!"
Accepting people naturally means increased consumption.
The fishman and mermaid refugees who suddenly appeared comprise a massive group—potentially approaching ten thousand when including the injured.
Fortunately, the Black Cat obtained massive food supplies in recent combat, so they won't run out immediately, and there's leeway before reaching a critical situation.
They can actually provide meals like this.
Moreover, matched to their dietary needs.
The sunglasses-wearing Bege Family man with various Shamrock fishman connections rushes out of the kitchen for arrangements.
Royal guard Toya recalls what can be made from preserved rations that mermaids wouldn't resist eating and begins cooking preparations.
(Though the Vice Governor is currently hearing what happened from representatives, everyone clearly looked exhausted. Even uninjured people are completely worn out.)
The Black Cat has repeatedly interacted with culturally different people.
Humans gathered as slaves from various places each had completely different underlying cultures.
Based on experience encountering and unifying them, Toya constructs a plan for handling refugees while cooking.
(Whatever direction talks settle in, these are persecuted fishmen. If we don't clearly show we're not enemies, things will probably... roll in a bad direction. At minimum, we need them to understand we comprehend their situation...)
Interacting with pioneer team members, he'd been taught considerably about fishman and mermaid lifestyles.
What they eat and how, what was popular—though information freshness has declined, he'd heard it.
Toya draws on that information to first decide what to serve them.
To heal fatigue, rest bodies, and though their reasons for coming here are surely unfortunate—
To deliver a message that they're genuinely welcomed with joy from the heart.
"According to Mirei-san who initially responded, they came straight through the Calm Belt and barely ate until arriving here! So to minimize burden on their stomachs, our first meal support will be thin clam chowder!"
Shamrock's cooks will soon be gathered, but first Toya—helmsman and cook of the main ship—decides the policy.
No one objects.
This boy has cooked meals for Governor Kuro, executives, and even Mopchi royalty.
"Today's kitchen is a battlefield beyond usual! Everyone, sorry but please give your utmost!!"
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"For some reason, Fishman Island is suppressed by the Navy."
Under guidance from the mermaid Lilin, using the stolen coated ship to dive into the sea, when finally approaching, the ship's captain pirate suddenly said such a thing.
"The ship waits at the docking area's edge. Marines, change clothes just in case. Lilin, injured fishmen are hiding in that rocky area. Sorry, but persuade them and bring them to this ship if possible."
A clearly abnormal situation is occurring. That pirate-like man must have judged so.
The man who usually listens broadly to Marines' opinions and loosely decides policy was giving instructions with a serious face.
"Hina and Issho, get the story and grasp the situation. Additionally, prepare so we can escape anytime."
"That aside, why did he go alone?"
"Can't be helped, Miss Hina. In this situation, only Kuro-san can move freely while evading Marine eyes."
"...I really should've squeezed it out of him and learned that footwork technique."
At the Marine girl's muttered dangerous words, the blind man wearing clothes like Wano Country kimonos he'd heard about lets out a small laugh.
"...So... everyone, what's happening and how did it come to this?"
A group kept distance as if fearing the humans exchanging such absurd conversation.
Fishmen and mermaids.
Mermaids mostly have light injuries, but many fishmen bear deep wounds, with Lilin and several Marines treating them.
Having changed clothes, they probably aren't known as Marines.
Hence they're probably wary of humans rather than Marines specifically.
They remain silent to Hina's question.
Lilin, treating her fellow species—disinfecting wounds, suturing, then wrapping bandages—taps lightly, and finally a large-bodied—hence heavily injured—fishman opens his mouth.
"...Ten days, or perhaps longer ago. Government ships suddenly arriving started everything."
The fishman speaks hatefully. Naturally.
Their homeland—the island where fishmen should have been the only safe haven—is being trampled like this.
"They said something about recollecting slaves, capturing brethren indiscriminately, loading them on ships to take away... The kingdom army tried stopping those ships, and skirmishes broke out."
Listening at some distance, Hina's face twists as if seeing something filthy.
"Ryugu Kingdom is definitely a member nation. Like Superior... this is..."
"A temporary situation perhaps, but if control breaks down this much... I see. As Kuro-san said, other seas are probably terrible too."
Having temporarily been at the Holy Land, Hina—who saw terribly cruel things like slaves and their treatment—genuinely grimaces with disgust.
Though he can't see it, the atmosphere apparently conveys it to Issho too.
"So escort Marines accompanying them blockaded the port, and those deemed rebels were about to be taken away. Many who nearly got taken up there were saved by Big Brother Tai, but..."
"—No way, Big Brother Tai... was enslaved..."
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"As I said, I was captured at the Holy Land. ...So, that's how it is."
Shamrock has become a huge commotion as if a festival were occurring.
Gang members frantically run around gathering manpower, transporting ingredients and cooking utensils, or assembling tents as temporary lodging.
With that scene as BGM, Fisher Tiger removes his already tattered clothes and shows Daz and others his back.
Burned into his back—three claw marks.
Not the cat walking beside people, scraping through filth, but the dragon's claw merely threatening humans.
"While fighting to save captives, this back was seen. That worsened the situation further..."
Changes occurred on the faces of those present.
Daz Bones frowned slightly in anger at Celestial Dragons and the government.
Guild Tesoro felt fear as the possible fate that could have befallen them briefly crossed his mind.
And Fisher Tiger, quite a giant, had deep regret on his face—
"They started saying they'd recollect me, their slave. No, if that were all it would've been fine, but..."
He covers his face as if suppressing deep regret and emotions with nowhere to go yet forced to act.
"They declared Ryugu Kingdom a criminal nation that stole and sheltered a Celestial Dragon slave...!"
"...Truly baseless accusations."
"Yes, baseless. But... yes."
He looks at the large three-clawed black cat flag used as room decoration.
The same mark as the jacket entrusted to him.
"Your Captain may have vaguely realized that possibility. Thinking back, that proposal was strange."
The three-claw mark he was told to flee to if worst came to worst.
He hesitated momentarily but chose not to go under the flag given by a human—even a benefactor—and swam to his homeland, Fishman Island.
But—
"That man must have known Fishman Island is directly below the Holy Land. Despite that, saying 'if you're troubled for escape' and handing over that jacket... perhaps he foresaw I, a former slave, might bring disaster to Fishman Island... yet I—"
"But if you hadn't been on Fishman Island, those who escaped to this island now would have been taken to the Holy Land."
Tesoro interrupts Tiger's self-deprecation.
As one formerly captured, a man who would have received the same brand one step later, he spoke involuntarily.
"And the Governor's jacket thus helped many fishmen and mermaids escape to this sea. Assisting your lives is equivalent to the Governor's orders for us. Though inconvenient in various ways, please prioritize healing wounds and recuperate now."
"...Thank you... Truly... I'm deeply grateful..."
Finally, wariness eased somewhat.
Judging so, Tesoro glances at Daz, who nods.
"So, let me hear the rest."
"Then Fishman Island—is still a battlefield?"
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"I ask the Navy! Who's the commander in charge here!?"
(I'm roughly seeing what happened, but... what is this shitty situation?)
Clear killing intent emanated from the island, so I had the ship dock at the barely-visible edge for the Navy and advanced ahead...
(Probably Celestial Dragons did something stupid and fishmen counterattacked, took forward Celestial Dragons hostage and barricaded themselves, Navy called reinforcements and suppressed/surrounded the island...)
Having resisted considerably, a warship with a huge hole sunk on the opposite harbor—probably the Paradise side—is visible.
Not the work of kingdom forces desperately trying to contain the situation.
Probably those currently barricaded attacked it.
(Really doing nothing but unnecessary things... If this were pirates instead of Navy, I could just blow them away!!)
Half hoping because it's nearby, half hoping the deep sea's limited routes would conveniently wall things off—yet they magnificently caused dangerous consecutive situations.
(Moreover, definitely headquarters forces. ...If they pulled similar stunts on other islands, all of them will erupt—well, the pigs before me probably don't understand...)
"You! The pirate from the Holy Land!? Quickly, quickly save us!!"
Don't say unnecessary things, pig!!
Rather, don't seek help from pirates!!
If you intend to end things peacefully, I can somehow help you!!
"First, release the unjustly detained civilians."
Also you—thought so but that nose is Arlong, huh!? Please don't rashly cause trouble!?
There are many hostage Celestial Dragons, but if they die, Admiral-class forces will definitely fly here!?
(Fortunately Kuzan hasn't moved yet. If Daz and others moved according to plan, 'Akainu' and 'Black Arm' shouldn't be mobile yet. Elite soldiers likewise.)
But we can't waste time.
The longer we wait, the higher the chance Kuzan comes, and it's entirely possible Kizaru—probably recovered—gets forcibly mobilized.
One-on-one I don't think I'd fall behind, but... in full combat, our side lacking reliable forces is disadvantaged.
"I ask once more! Who's the commander!?"
Yeah. If we can solve this without fighting, nothing better.
The Celestial Dragons are speechless about something, but just stay quiet.
Rather, how can you talk big with a blade at your throat!?
"I am. Navy Headquarters affiliated, Special Vice Admiral Skipper."
...Special?
Ah, right, Zephyr-san was Special Admiral too.
A Vice Admiral also holding another role, then.
"I've grasped the situation. First, please release the captured civilians."
"That's impossible! They're rebels, persons Saint Pluming and others desire!"
"Unfortunately, viewing this situation, I can only say Saint Pluming and others bear fault."
First, would these people ever become pure victims?
...Well, Golden Lion's attack made them genuine victims. Though their record is pitch black.
"If so, you must first stop unjust detention."
"Th-they're Celestial Dragons!?"
"So what?"
That stage passed long ago.
"So what does that matter?"
Once what they hid while secluding themselves in the Holy Land surfaced, Celestial Dragons must also bear responsibility.
"The soldiers' uniforms are dirty in places, aren't they?"
"What are you talking about!?"
"I recognize the Navy must be strict regarding hygiene management."
In fact, among soldiers I brought when at the Holy Land, there was a soldier specializing in laundry.
Yet—
(Sleeves and collars are brown... sweat soaked in. Even for a siege, this dirtiness means...)
"Judging from uneven dirtiness, not a headquarters-stationed unit but an emergency-assembled unit. Scraped together from everywhere and immediately deployed, correct?"
"..."
Seeing they couldn't prepare properly.
Besides basic weapons, living supplies—possibly even food—might be concerning.
The officer before me is relatively clean as expected, but if dirt still can't be hidden, we can assume no additional personnel or supplies arrived.
"I infer chaos is occurring across seas to the extent headquarters can't leave reserve forces. What's the reason?"
Silence fell before I knew it.
Helpful—thanks to that I can concentrate nerves somewhat on this officer.
Remaining expressionless, silently staring but—
(Heart rate jumped but not showing a drop of sweat. No disturbance in limb movements, showing no informational openings. ...Not military. Combat-skilled from the political field. Former CP, or perhaps government VIP guard.)
What now?
Point out Celestial Dragon and government failures and suspicions here to further lower soldier morale?
...
Soldiers aside, I don't know how already-excited fishmen will move. On hold.
First, let's get them to the table and reset the situation.
"Various locations are already in chaos, and it's obvious sooner or later Celestial Dragons will encounter such situations. Can you keep this many soldiers pinned here indefinitely?"
"...If they release fishmen, is there assurance they'll release Celestial Dragons!?"
"No."
Vigorous pig squeals "Don't mess with us—!!" from distance but ignore.
Please be quiet—no, retract that. Squeal more.
The more you expose your ugliness, the more I can promote Marine war-weariness.
...Though I already sense several low-morale units.
"Please understand that's when we finally reach negotiable conditions."
Anyway, if they're political types, talks might work.
They also want to improve the situation.
"You understand the situation isn't good either."
Especially those with political perspectives, whichever side they lean toward.
"At minimum, the unprecedented situation of Celestial Dragons being killed becomes distant."
"...You're saying to overlook criminals captured by Saint Pluming's orders for uncertain situations?"
"This isn't an easily-blockaded island but an island of fishmen moving freely through the sea. Moreover, with Navy deployed, many people already left the island."
"Your basis?"
"The approximate number of residences and people on this island absolutely don't match."
His throat moved momentarily. Reflexively suppressed, but he probably thought I hit a painful spot.
Right, for the current World Government, information spread potentially accelerating revolution is most problematic.
Additionally—
(Don't know why he hasn't come, but this is Whitebeard's territory, I'm fully aware. They shouldn't want to waste time...)
Wait.
A red light flashes in my head.
I finally notice something naturally obvious when thinking about it.
Whitebeard and his forces haven't come.
Well, that's fine.
"The longer this drags on, the more scandals unfavorable to the World Government will continue spreading."
"...Mmm."
Not good but within expected range.
Depending on circumstances, I'd considered somehow leading fishman non-combatants to Whitebeard's territory.
But—
Why can they afford time?
Just because Celestial Dragons are hostages?
(What? They know the reason Whitebeard's forces haven't come here—can't come?)
...
Well, whatever.
"Aren't you complacent, thinking that because they're fishmen, relationships with other races are thin?"
Then I'll just increase reasons they can't waste time.
If they're opponents where certain rules apply, I won't lose in verbal sparring.
"Maybe in the four seas, but on the Grand Line, plenty interact with human society."
At worst, I can force a draw.
"...Black Cat."
"Yes."
But please call me Nuke-Foot!
...Ah, no, right, that's different now.
That grandiose epithet, Thousand Eyes, Ten Thousand Plans.
Thousand Eyes... Ten Thousand Plans...
Ten Thousand Plans...
...
Yes.
Sorry, just "Black Cat" is fine.
"What is it?"
"We're prepared to release fishmen and mermaids."
Well, that's the only option.
...
Hey, Drumman, stop beating the drums already.
Where are you? You've been circling around me constantly.
"In exchange, please somehow free the Celestial Dragons."
...
Why ask me!?
I should negotiate!?
"I have no acquaintance with them."
If you're entrusting negotiations, at least provide a card or two!!
"Unknown faces can still talk better."
"..."
...Ahh... well, they're completely perpetrators after all...
"They'll probably demand swift withdrawal and future non-interference too."
"If opponents make demands, report them. We'll judge here."
Am I a mother mediating parent-child quarrels?
"What incomprehensible nonsense are you spouting, Marines! Quickly dispose of these creatures!"
Meanwhile, this is what's captured.
...Headache...
"Who do you think we are! With enough money, we can do as we please even with royalty!!"
Knew it. As expected.
Rather, you're coming out now at this timing...
Though Marine morale drops, fishman excitement resurges...
"Enslaving fish—what's wrong with that!!"
"You people... just one person here—!!"
"Stop, Arlong!! Please wait!!"
Noooooooo!!
Everyone!! All of you!!
"...Saint Pluming."
Toward the most vigorous captured Celestial Dragon.
Meaning I slowly approach the group of risen fishmen.
Relax body strength as much as possible, erase presence, killing intent—I don't have that originally. Erase fighting spirit.
Anyway, must change the flow once or this becomes fishman forces vs Navy melee.
If that happens, we can only flee, but fishman-human conflict becomes fatal.
Ships could be attacked from the invisible seabed anytime.
Such seas make assembling anti-World Government strategy extremely difficult.
"They are the fishman race, the mermaid race, meaning humans possessing language to convey intent."
Meaning I must avoid that with full force or it affects my plans.
"And you call them fish?"
"What an obvious thing... ugh... to say...!"
Arlong, stop. Loosen that hand. I understand the feeling to death.
Really stop—if they die, Kuzan will definitely fly here immediately.
"We have... the right to do everything freely!!!"
...No, he's just delayed but will definitely come.
"Saint Pluming—no, Celestial Dragons."
"You should realize the time has come to recognize that statement's hollowness."
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
The New World is the sea of the chosen sea's "Emperors."
Countless have come to this sea seeking One Piece, the great treasure left by the Pirate King—and most sink in this sea.
"—Damn, you fool!!"
Or they can only kneel and bow before Emperors.
In this sea, "Emperors" are absolute.
If so—
"I told you I don't have time for you!!"
"Linlin!!"
"Ha~hahamamama!!"
If "Emperors" are fighting each other, who could stop them?
"Clear the way, Newgate! I'll save the fishmen!!"
"Don't you attack me! What are you planning!?"
The Whitebeard Pirates, claiming Fishman Island as territory, heard of Fishman Island's crisis and deployed leading First and Second Divisions.
Blowing away government ships, attempting to save Fishman Island on that route—
They encountered the worst enemy.
"What, I wanna increase fishmen and mermaids in my country. Hey, Newgate. You understand too, right?"
"Fishman Island is already finished!!"
"...!!"
The Empress's sentient saber and the Emperor's great naginata clash.
"So I'll shelter remaining fishmen on my island! Every last one!!"
Surrounding them, cannon fire continuously echoes.
Pirates swing blades at each other's necks, firing guns and cannons, abilities flying.
"My island will be the new Fishman Island!!"
"Don't mess with me!! In exchange for lifespan!!"
"Damn...! Neptune's waiting!!"
"Don't interfere!!!"
"Then defeat me first!!"
In the new era's new world.
Emperors collide.
***
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