The night was quiet.Fisher Tiger was also quiet, silently climbing up the cliffs of the Red Line. But his heart burned like a raging fire—a fire that was scorching, fierce, yet compassionate. He was about to do something monumental, something others wouldn't even dare to imagine.
When Fisher Tiger was young, he lived in the depths of Fish-Man Island's Fish-Man District, a place originally meant to shelter orphans. However, due to the incompetence of its management, the district eventually became a gathering place for countless lawless gangs. The Ryugu Palace had long sought to resolve the issues in the Fish-Man District but had never succeeded.
Tiger was strong and charismatic. Those who grew up with him, like Jinbe and Arlong, called him "Boss," and he truly was the leader of the Fish-Man District. In the eyes of other Fish-men, even King Neptune of the Ryugu Kingdom didn't command as much respect as he did. Yet, his passion lay in exploration and travel. He often ventured out on journeys and expeditions, then returned to share his stories with his fellow Fish-men.
Three years ago, he set out on another expedition, never expecting that this one would nearly lead to his ruin. Shortly after his departure, he was captured and sold to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, becoming a slave to the Celestial Dragons. There, he experienced the most twisted malice humanity had to offer.
Not long ago, he finally seized the chance to escape. After returning to Fish-Man Island, he told everything to King Neptune and Queen Otohime. Then, he made a decision—to return to Mary Geoise and rescue all those still suffering there. No human should be treated like livestock.
"Almost there."
Tiger could hear movement above him, meaning he was close to Mary Geoise. He needed to be even more cautious. This mission was a near-suicidal gamble, but he had no regrets.
Emerging from his hiding spot, he oriented himself toward a location he had observed during his three years of enslavement—a place perfect for starting a fire and causing a distraction to draw away nearby guards and patrols. And there were many such spots.
As Tiger carried out his plan, chaos quickly spread throughout Mary Geoise. Fires broke out everywhere, throwing the guards into disarray. Some rushed to extinguish the flames, others hurried to protect the Celestial Dragons, and some tried to hunt down the arsonist.
In the Chamber of Authority within Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders arrived one after another. The constant stream of reports made it clear that someone had infiltrated the Holy Land by unknown means, setting fires everywhere—though their purpose remained unknown.
"Whoever they are, first organize the guards to put out the fires. Have the Holy Knights secure key locations to prevent further damage."
"As a precaution, have all Celestial Dragons outside retreat to the safe shelters."
"Have we identified the intruder? How dare they invade the Holy Land of Mary Geoise! They must not escape! The dignity of the World Nobles cannot be challenged!"
"What about the Marines? Have they been notified? Tell them to send reinforcements immediately."
"Kong has already dispatched Sengoku. The G-1 base is also sending forces, but it will take some time for them to arrive."
"Is Borsalino not coming?"
"The Marines have deployed most of their forces to deter pirates during this period. Borsalino is currently patrolling near the Alabasta Kingdom."
"..."
The five men exchanged words rapidly, issuing orders one after another.Outside the Pangea Castle, the Celestial Dragons were experiencing such a situation for the first time—some panicked, some flew into a rage, and some even wanted to get closer to watch the great fire. The first fire in 800 years burned fiercer than ever before. But soon, all these Celestial Dragons were evacuated to safety. Even they had to obey the orders of the Five Elders.
Fisher Tiger easily defeated the guards at the slave holding area, picked up their weapons and keys, and walked inside. He jingled the keys in his hand, the crisp "clinking" sound drawing the attention of many slaves.
"I am Fisher Tiger. I was once one of you."
"I've set a great fire outside, and the guards have all gone to fight it. Do you want freedom? If you do, then move! This is your only chance." With that, he stepped forward and began unlocking the slaves' shackles.
Freedom. Only. Chance.
The Fish-man slaves were the first to respond. The dull, lifeless eyes of the other slaves gradually lit up—their only chance for freedom. Freedom. They must be free. They rushed to the front of their cells, stretching their hands out to Fisher Tiger.
Fisher Tiger distributed the keys to those whose hands had been freed, instructing them to help unlock the others. Before long, all the slaves in the area were freed from their shackles. They looked to Fisher Tiger, awaiting his next command.
"Now, there's only one step left to freedom—escaping Mary Geoise. The fire has scattered the guards of the Holy Land. We must seize control of the Red Port's bubble elevator before the fire is extinguished and escape to freedom. Everyone, follow me!"
Fisher Tiger led the way, charging forward with the Fish-men at the front. A green-haired young man quickly followed, and the rest of the crowd hurried after them.
"Hurry! Sandersonia, Marigold, keep up! Don't get separated!" Boa Hancock ran at the front of the group with her two younger sisters in tow.
When the stragglers arrived, they saw Fisher Tiger and the others had already taken control of the elevator and were organizing the descent. They quickly boarded as well.
...
Sengoku had been very busy lately. Fleet Admiral Kong rarely handled naval affairs personally anymore, leaving all decisions to him—under the pretense of "preparing him for the role of Fleet Admiral." With the turn of the new year, it was crucial to strike enough fear into the pirates; otherwise, those scum would wreak havoc.
Thank goodness I have Tsuru to help me.
As Red Port drew nearer, Sengoku realized he hadn't called little Mikan yet. That would have to wait.
"Admiral Sengoku, there are several merchant ships ahead, but the people on board appear to be... slaves from Mary Geoise."
In truth, Sengoku had already noticed the unusual nature of these ships before the lookout reported. He said nothing. The practice of enslaving fellow humans disgusted him, but the whims of the Celestial Dragons were beyond his interference.
If only all Celestial Dragons were as kind as little Mikan. Hmph, that vile Doflamingo! Sooner or later, I'll throw you into Impel Down!
"The safety of the Holy Land Mary Geoise is paramount. Don't waste time."
The naval ship passed by the merchant vessels. Seeing that the navy made no move against them, the people on the merchant ships sighed in relief—that had been Admiral Sengoku's flagship, after all.
...
Early the next morning, Badak was enjoying a delicious breakfast when a News Coo landed beside him, tapping the bag on its chest. Badak deftly tossed a 50-Belly coin, which the bird caught in its beak before handing him a newspaper and flying off—it had many more deliveries to make today."What the hell, the Mary Geoise attack incident happened at this time? Morgans is really bold, daring to publish news that damages the prestige of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons."
"Fisher Tiger, the Fish-man hero, I really want to meet him!"