When the Sun Pirates' ship sailed into Fish-Man Island, it caused quite a stir.
Even though they had "abandoned" the island for a time, they had once been its unwavering guardians — loyal and selfless — and the people still remembered their kindness.
Among the crew of the Sun Pirates, none were more respected than "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe and Aladine.
As they passed through Coral Avenue, the merfolk and fish-men around them cheered, clapped, and whistled, celebrating their return.
The Sun Pirates waved in greeting.
But as they reached the entrance of Fish-Man Island, they ran into a rather awkward situation.
"An entry fee? There was no such rule when we left!"
Aladine jabbed a finger at the chest of a merfolk guard, arguing his case.
The guard, of course, recognized Aladine — and even more so the towering figure standing behind him: Jinbe, the Sea Knight.
But the poor guard could only raise both hands apologetically and give a nervous laugh.
"I'm truly sorry, sir. I don't mean to make things difficult for Boss Jinbe or Aladine-san, but… this is a new rule. If I disobey, I'll be punished."
Aladine opened his mouth to protest further, but Jinbe placed a steady hand on his shoulder.
"Aladine, what's the point of picking on a gate guard? He doesn't make the rules. Don't make it hard for him… Besides, if it's a new regulation, we'll follow it."
The two exchanged a glance. Aladine frowned, then sighed and nodded.
"Alright. I'll have the crew pawn off that gold cane we took from that human ship a few days ago. We can use the cash to pay the fee."
The Sun Pirates weren't lacking in wealth — they simply dealt more in treasure than coin, which made things a bit inconvenient.
As Aladine went to issue orders, Jinbe tucked his arms into his wide sleeves and stood quietly at the gate, watching the bustle of traffic.
"Boss Jinbe!"
A voice called from behind.
Jinbe turned to see General Seahorse, one of King Neptune's retainers, hurrying toward him with a hand on the hilt of his sword.
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"General Seahorse, it's been a long time."
"It has indeed! Since the war at Marineford, we lost all word of you. We've been so worried, but seeing you today — what a relief!"
"Hahaha… My apologies. I should've sent word to you all sooner."
"Think nothing of it, sir. We understand the circumstances you were in back then."
Jinbe fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
"Still… I regret going alone to Marine Headquarters. My decision put Fish-Man Island in a difficult position."
"You're too hard on yourself, Boss Jinbe. No one could've predicted that outcome. You acted out of honor and compassion — trying to prevent tragedy is only natural."
"Perhaps… but it didn't save Whitebeard. The old man still fell in battle."
"Yes… We were all deeply saddened by his passing. But, Jinbe — let's not dwell on that now. Please, come to the Ryugu Palace. His Majesty Neptune will surely want to see you."
Jinbe, however, waved his hand.
"Not yet. I've heard that Captain Davy Jones has been protecting Fish-Man Island during these turbulent times. I wish to thank him personally. Where is he?"
The seahorse general hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.
"He usually stays beyond the island — in the Waterless Wastes, or the City of Fangs. But today, he's here — in the Sea Forest."
"The Sea Forest, hmm? Then that's where I'll go. Haha — no need to escort me. I still remember the way."
"At least allow me to accompany you part of the way."
After informing Aladine of his destination, Jinbe walked alongside the seahorse general through the streets.
"Fish-Man Island has changed quite a lot, hasn't it?"
"It has. Most of the reforms came from Captain Davy Jones' proposals. We're still working them out — it'll take another half-year or so to adjust."
Jinbe cast a sidelong glance at the street.
"There seem to be fewer humans around than before."
The seahorse general nodded.
"Partly because of the new entrance fee. And partly… because a number of human traffickers were hanged in Fish-Man Street. Their associates accused us of killing 'innocent' humans — said we'd harmed their business."
Jinbe gave a cold laugh.
"Harmed their business, yes — whether those humans were innocent or not is another matter."
His deep, rumbling voice carried a bitter undertone. Few understood human hypocrisy and arrogance as Jinbe did.
"Still, it's a good thing. We've finally done what Fisher Tiger could not. He can rest easier now."
The blue-skinned fish-man thought for a moment, then added:
"Besides, the entry fee isn't unreasonable. It's far less than the cost of crossing the Red Line. Sooner or later, they'll realize this route is still the better choice."
"So then, you support Captain Davy Jones' policies, Jinbe?"
"As long as they benefit Fish-Man Island, I support them all… Well, here we are — the Sea Forest is close. You needn't follow me further."
"Very well. Once you've met with Captain Davy Jones, please come to the palace. The king will surely wish to see you."
Jinbe nodded, and the seahorse general stopped to watch him go.
The "Knight of the Sea" made his way through the narrow lanes until he reached the Sea Forest — only to find that the once-desolate ship graveyard was now filled with people.
Strong merfolk and fish-men bustled about — some carrying planks, others hammering nails or mixing paint — all working around the massive skeleton of a sea dragon.
Jinbe spotted Den the shipwright, a mer-man he knew well, barking orders while occasionally glancing at a set of blueprints.
They're building ships… more than one, Jinbe thought. So these must be Davy Jones' new vessels.
He frowned slightly.
Even with his advanced Kenbunshoku Haki, Jinbe hadn't sensed Davy Jones' presence until he'd nearly arrived. That meant the "Deep Sea King" had mastered ways to conceal his aura entirely.
At last, among the towering sea-trees and colorful corals, Jinbe saw him — the man he'd glimpsed once before at Marineford:
Captain Davy Jones, wearing his tricorn hat and black cloak, stood before the graves of Queen Otohime and her two children, his back turned.
Jinbe knew Davy Jones was already aware of his approach. To expose his back so openly — that spoke of supreme confidence… or arrogance.
Then came the captain's calm, low voice:
"You must be Jinbe, the Knight of the Sea. I remembered your presence from Marineford."
Jinbe stiffened slightly.
To recall someone's Haki signature after a single encounter — Davy Jones had refined his perception to a terrifying degree.
"Captain Davy Jones, I wish to express my deepest gratitude — both for your aid during the war, and for the protection you've given Fish-Man Island since."
The captain slowly turned.
The writhing tentacles upon his face might terrify a human, but to a fish-man like Jinbe, they were nothing unusual.
There were stranger faces among their own kind.
What did unnerve Jinbe was the restrained, fathomless aura surrounding Davy Jones — as deep and still as the ocean itself.
"Tell me, Jinbe… do you drink?"
The sudden question took Jinbe aback.
"I can hold my liquor fairly well…"
"Good. Then pour me a drink."
He turned and began walking deeper into the forest. Jinbe followed without hesitation.
He sensed no hostility — neither through instinct nor Haki — and besides, Davy Jones had no need for such petty tricks.
The difference in their power was already clear enough.
To think that this pirate had risen only eight or nine months ago, and had already reached such strength…
Jinbe could scarcely imagine what another year or two might bring.
Soon they came to a clearing.
In its center stood a stone table, with two matching stools on either side.
Davy Jones sat down and gestured for Jinbe to take the opposite seat.
Moments later, a young mermaid arrived, carrying a tray with a jug and two cups.
Jinbe recognized her — one of the servers from Madame Shyarly's café.
So even Madame Shyarly was working with Davy Jones now…
He took the jug and cups himself, dismissing the nervous mermaid with a nod. She glanced once at Davy Jones — who gave no signal — and then swam away.
Jinbe poured the wine. The aroma quickly filled the water between them.
"Jinbe," said Davy Jones, "tell me some news from the surface. Humans have been coming here less often — I may have missed a few things."
Jinbe hesitated, thinking for a moment.
"Captain Davy Jones, I'm not sure if this counts as 'news' to you. But a few days ago, Morgans published a rather controversial photograph — and it's stirred up quite an uproar since."
Davy Jones lifted his cup and drank without interrupting.
Jinbe refilled it, then reached into his sleeve and unfolded a damp, neatly kept newspaper onto the stone table.
The front page photo was striking.
On the left stood Davy Jones himself, atop the bow of his ship, gazing down with cold disdain.
On the right — another ship.
At its rail knelt a young Marine, tearful and despe
rate, as if pleading for his life.
It was a shot taken at Crescent Bay, moments before their departure — the moment when Coby had cried out for Davy Jones' help.
The headline read:
"Why Did the Marines Lose So Terribly at the Battle of Marineford?"
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