"What happened to him?"
Seeing Jinbe hesitate, Shane's heart tightened. He grabbed Jinbe's arm and shook him.
"After you disappeared… Brother Tiger left Fish-Man Island too. He said it was for adventure, but we all knew… he went to look for you."
"He was gone for years."
"And when he came back… he had changed."
Shane froze.
A terrible premonition surged through him.
He knew too well the price of Fish-Men in the outside world. He himself had once been sold for an astronomical sum. Tiger—alone in the human world—would have faced countless dangers.
Yes, Tiger had always been strong. A master of Fish-Man Karate. Perhaps he had grown even stronger before leaving.
But the world was vast.
And filled with monsters.
"Boss… I…"
Shane turned toward Roldy .
Roldy understood immediately.
"We came here to relax anyway. Running into an old friend is a pleasant surprise."
He looked at Jinbe.
"Lead the way."
"Yes, Roldy —Big Brother Roldy !"
Roldy blinked at the strange title, then laughed.
"Interesting kid. If you ever go out to sea and get into trouble, say my name."
Crocodile, standing beside him, looked like he'd just seen a ghost.
He knew Roldy 's nature better than anyone.
Violent. Ruthless. Bloodthirsty.
Yet also a flawless leader.
Most importantly—
Roldy did not give promises lightly.
And he was fiercely protective of his own.
Jinbe likely didn't understand what he had just received.
But one day—
That name might save his life.
With Jinbe guiding them, they passed through Fish-Man District unimpeded. The hostile stares softened noticeably.
They stopped before a large yet modest house.
"This is Brother Tiger's new home."
Jinbe knocked.
The door opened.
A towering, crimson-skinned Fish-Man stood before them.
Fisher Tiger.
"Jinbe? What's wrong? And these are—"
His gaze fell on Roldy first.
His body trembled slightly.
But before he could react—
His eyes shifted.
To the Fish-Man beside Roldy .
"…You…"
Memories drowned out fear.
The dread of facing an Emperor vanished.
The imposing leader of Fish-Man District—
Now had trembling hands.
Shane stepped forward.
His eyes red.
He pulled Tiger into a tight embrace.
"Long time no see, my friend."
"…Shane? You bastard. It's really you?"
Thanks to Shane, Roldy 's group received Tiger's highest level of hospitality.
Even without Shane, Tiger would have treated Roldy properly—such was the gap in status—but tonight he was visibly happy.
The table was filled with the finest dishes he could offer.
Roldy noticed something curious.
Several dishes were specialties from around the world.
And one particular fish—
Made him pause.
He looked at Tiger meaningfully.
"Roldy -san, thank you for protecting Fish-Man Island. This cup is for you."
Tiger drank boldly in one gulp.
He looked every bit the Fish-Man District boss.
Roldy drank as well—not for Tiger's sake, but for Shane's.
Without Shane, Tiger wouldn't have qualified to sit at the same table.
"Boss Tiger has… refined tastes. This preparation method isn't common knowledge."
Roldy stuffed the entire fish into his mouth, smiling faintly.
Tiger stiffened.
"If you enjoy it, that's enough."
His smile was strained.
The atmosphere felt subtly off.
After the meal ended, Tiger should have seen them out.
But he remained seated.
Roldy did not rise either.
He was waiting.
Tiger exhaled deeply.
His gaze hardened.
"Roldy -san… may we talk?"
"Oh? Now that sounds interesting."
Shane looked between them, confused.
"Shane, you stay too."
In a quiet room, Tiger poured tea.
Then—
He knelt.
"Tiger, what are you doing—"
"Shane, let me finish."
Tiger looked at Roldy .
His expression had never been more resolute.
He bowed deeply.
"Roldy -san… please help me."
"If it's something small, I'll do it for Shane's sake. But judging by your face… this is something much more interesting."
Roldy grinned.
He already had a guess.
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