News of Michael executing the "Regional Justice Faction" marines quickly spread across Fish-Man Island through the mouths of Whitebeard Pirates members.
Even Neptune and Queen Otohime couldn't hide their shock upon hearing it.
"This Rear Admiral Michael..."
"Truly ruthless."
Neptune shook his head. He had thought that the marines who ran rampant on Fish-Man Island would at most be taken back to Marine Headquarters for trial.
He hadn't expected Michael to scatter even their ashes to the wind.
"You're wrong, Neptune." Queen Otohime shook her head. "This is true, great love."
At her words, Neptune turned to look at his wife.
In her eyes, usually filled with nothing but compassion, there was now an unfamiliar trace of steel.
He didn't know the full details, but he knew...
His wife had changed.
...
Outside Ryugu Palace, Jinbe sat atop the city wall, watching the marines and the Whitebeard Pirates carrying out the grand purge of Fish-Man Island in the distance.
His eyes were filled with wavering uncertainty.
Jinbe couldn't tell if this outcome was good or bad.
While it had solved the immediate crisis facing Fish-Man Island...
In the long run, it meant a complete break with the World Government.
From today onward, Fish-Man Island would have no choice but to stand in opposition to the World Government.
Whether that was a blessing or a curse...
No one could say.
"Jinbe, so here you are."
"...Tiger!"
Jinbe turned to see Fisher Tiger climbing up the wall and taking a seat beside him.
"So, have you made up your mind?" Fisher Tiger laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Or are you just going to keep sitting here in a daze?"
"I..." Jinbe lifted his head, still lost. "I don't know."
He looked toward the revitalized, seemingly flourishing Fish-Man Island.
"To be honest, even now, I still don't trust the marines, nor do I trust the Whitebeard Pirates..." Fisher Tiger sighed. "But the current situation makes it crystal clear—right now, Fish-Man Island has no other path but to trust Rear Admiral Michael and Whitebeard. So as warriors protecting Fish-Man Island, we have to choose—marines, or the Whitebeard Pirates."
"I'm not uncertain about that... I just feel Michael was right! Before, I was nothing more than a furious waste of space—when my people were bullied, I was useless! 'Sea Knight'? That title's a joke!"
BAM!
Before he could finish, Fisher Tiger suddenly lashed out, landing a heavy punch square on Jinbe's face.
The blow sent Jinbe flying several meters.
"You brat! Is this really what you're stuck on—something so utterly stupid?!"
"If you already know you're unworthy of that so-called 'Knight' title, then clench your fists, train yourself, and make it worthy of you! That's the measure of a real man, you idiot!"
Jinbe, holding his now slightly swollen cheek, stared blankly at Fisher Tiger.
He had never been stupid.
He just needed a push—a force strong enough to break his shackles.
And his big brother's fist of friendship had done exactly that.
"Ahh... I really made you worry, didn't I!"
...
West Blue.
"Brother, the World Economic News Paper has arrived."
"Fufufufufu! You brought it to me personally, Corazon? Seems something big must've happened."
Doflamingo grinned as he took the newspaper from Rosinante's hands.
"I've told you, I don't like it when you call me Corazon..." Rosinante's face was cold. "If possible, I'd prefer you just call me Rosinante."
"Don't sweat the details." Doflamingo noticed the chill in his brother's expression but didn't push further. "Let's see... what's the big news this time?"
The moment he unfolded the World Economic News Paper, his vision was dominated by a two-page special report on Fish-Man Island.
"Hmm? The World Government has struck Fish-Man Island off its registry? Tch... those swine in the Holy Land couldn't behave for more than a few years before acting up again? Well, I can't say I'm surprised... They want to turn the entire world into a Celestial Dragons' playground? I won't let that happen."
Rosinante rolled his eyes silently.
His brother was no champion of justice.
The only reason he spoke that way was because he couldn't regain his Celestial Dragon status and return to the Holy Land.
In his mind, it was simple—'If I can't have it good, then no one can.' The worse the Celestial Dragons had it, the happier he was.
After his little speech, Doflamingo kept reading.
But behind his sunglasses, his eyes widened further and further.
"What!? The marines and the Whitebeard Pirates... working together!?"
"A neutral trade buffer zone!?"
"A grand purge of Fish-Man Island!?"
"This... is this really news? Not just Morgan scribbling nonsense after a night of heavy drinking?"
Seeing his brother's stunned expression, Rosinante pointed to a name in the article.
Following his finger, Doflamingo read:
Representing the marines, "Marine Hero" Garp and Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Michael attended the signing of the cooperation treaty...
Doflamingo immediately understood.
"So it's that bastard Michael..."
"Then it all makes sense. No surprise there."
He tossed the paper aside and started walking out.
"Rosinante, looks like we need to move faster. Once we've brought the West Blue's mafias completely under our control, we're heading to the neutral trade buffer zone on Fish-Man Island. We'll find a way to claim our share—this is opportunity in plain sight!"
...
Germa Kingdom.
"Mom! When will Uncle come visit again?"
"Sanji, stop hogging Mom all to yourself!"
Watching Yonji bicker with Sanji, Sora shook her head.
She really needed to find something to keep these kids busy...
They were getting far too clingy!
"My dear brother, you've gone and pulled off another huge stunt this time..." Sora gazed out the window at the clear blue sky.
"I wonder... is this all part of your plan too?"
...
Baltigo.
"Michael (munch munch)... that move you pulled this time (munch munch munch) was massive!"
Ginny held the newspaper in her left hand and tore a big bite from a chunk of meat in her right.
"That's just how he is. Back when I was still a marine, he was like me—an oddball among them." Dragon, unusually, smiled. "If the Chief of Staff can make such big news, then our Revolutionary Army can't afford to lag behind!"
"Dragon! You mean..."
"Call the cadres together..." Dragon said as he walked toward the door. "Our destination is the East Blue!"
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