Fishman Island
"Here's the plan. You all let me do the talking, and the situation should not escalate." Shanks tapped his foot on the ground nervously. Presently, the group had gathered in the mess hall, where they sat around a bench table. Luffy sat in front of Shanks with Mihawk standing behind him. Lucky Roo and Ben Beckham sat beside their captain.
Arlong had left them at the first opportunity that he could, not that anybody was stopping him or anything.
"Okay, we won't stay for too long right?" Luffy didn't have any major plans for fishman island yet. Well maybe there's a certain annoying fishman he had to eliminate. That would be a job for Mihawk.
"No I hope we can just pass through but I don't think Whitebeard will let us pass by his lands without knowing what we are doing here."
"Alright then." Luffy confirmed. He would not cause trouble if trouble doesn't find him. That's kind of hard. Shanks and his group made their way back to the deck giving Luffy a slight smile.
"I hope that the King of the sea does not punish me for killing those beasts in the Calm Belt." Mihawk stated, to challenge King Neptune though would be great.
"I wouldn't worry about it." Luffy said as he chuckled a little. "Anyways I need you to locate and take care of a certain fishman. He goes by the name of..."
"Got it." Mihawk said as he also joined the Red Haired pirates on the deck of the ship. Fishman island was quickly approaching. "Captain, we'll be on fishman island in a few minutes." Mihawk stated as he returned to inform Luffy.
"Thank you."
Arriving at Fishman Island felt tense. Whitebeard's men glared at the incoming Red Haired Pirates. The most notable figures were his division commanders. Each and every one of them carried a deadly aura emitting something similar to what Mihawk could produce. They were stronger than they let off during the War of the Best, he has to watch out for them or else.
They docked next to the Moby Dick, the massive ship was so masterfully crafted Luffy could only admire it as this was the second time he saw it in person. The Red Haired Pirate followed the lead of Shanks with Luffy and Mihawk bringing up the rear.
Luffy couldn't help but admire the surroundings. This time he was not steam rolling through Fishman island as he did in his previous life. This time he could actually breathe a little while slowly making their way to Ryugu Palace.
"Queen Otohime! We are humbled by your presence!" Suddenly the entire Red Force pirates fell on their knees, honoring the queen of Fishman Kingdom. Mihawk also took a knee to honor the queen while Luffy had a stupid look on his face as he was happily digging his nose. "You idiot get on your knees, this is the Queen of the entire Fishman Island." Shanks had a deadpan look on his face as he whispered loudly to the man in the back of the group.
"Oh sorry Queen-sama." Though he still did not fall on his knees. The group gasped collectively though Instead of being offended by it, the Queen laughed at his cluelessness.
"You are an interesting one Mugiwara-san." She then swam towards him and joined him. She then took his hands and shook it. Suddenly Luffy could see some important part of her life history.
A vision passed him, as if he was looking at Queen Otohime's life through a viewer's eye. A bullet from the crowd met the Queen and her life faded, Luffy finally returned to the present time.
This was freaky, it was as if he was granted selective knowledge on all beings, and it seemed to be triggered by some sort of contact though it couldn't just be touched because he shook Shank's hands and Mihawk's hand and he didn't see their life story. He even hit Ace and Sabo multiple times and he didn't see something he didn't already know about their life.
Not only has he become more forward and confident. He could now see someone's life that took place in his original timeline. 'This is some weird god intervention that's happening here. Who are you puppeteers! It was as if this being wants me to really succeed. Well thank you I guess whoever you are.'
"Mr. Mugiwara?" Queen Otohime had a concerned look on her face as Shanks was visibly punching his own face at Luffy's stupidity, he then quickly snapped back to his senses and saved himself.
"Thank you Queen-sama, I am alright just saw something interesting." He could see Shanks sighing in relief, though to his surprise, the Queen took his hands and dragged him ahead of the group.
"Come now Mugiwara-san, let us get you to my husband, I have a good feeling about you." Her smile was warm, it brought great comfort to him. It felt almost like she was his mother, her aura just really brought that about her. So this was Queen Otohime, and through his look through her life, he could feel how genuine she was as a person. What he saw was her final moments, as a bullet penetrated her skin, she had no ill will, she just wanted to unify the Fishman and humans, ending the lifetime of segregation between the two races. Her smile remained in her face despite the grief of her entire family, she wanted them to see her smiling before her passing. She wanted them to continue her mission despite her death, she wanted this unification more than anything in the world. And that, on its own, told a lot of her character and will power.
Luffy was dragged to the palace by Queen Otohime, bypassing the royal guards and normal formalities of meeting the King of the Sea.
Shanks had told him previously that the usual procedure is they would arrive, walk to the palace, get patted down for weapons, then wait a couple hours to meet the king, pay him respect, then head out to the next island. But I guess he gets a pass on the boring procedure for peeking the Queen's interest.
"King Neptune! I have brought with me an interesting man!" Queen Otohime opened the palace throne room without knocking. Behind the door it revealed King Neptune, sitting mightily on his throne. His younger muscular frame was a surprise to see the King having a ten pack and long flowing blonde hair. He was so used to seeing the King as a plump up old man, a shadow of his glory days that this was a sight to see. And in front of him was a giant being, a monster amongst men, 13 years younger. It was none other than Edward Newgate, Whitebeard. He wielded his world shattering bisento on right hand as he seemed to be discussing an important matter with the King.
"Queen Otohime! Please join me in the back room swiftly. This intrusion is unforgivable." Exclaimed King Neptune. Luffy was taken aback but Queen Otohime happily followed her husband to the back room behind the throne. It was there where their conversation could be heard outside. Despite trying to whisper, Luffy could hear what they were talking about and so could Newgate.
...
"My love, I told you that I can't have you intruding like this, especially when I have a guest."
"Oh you big fish you, this one is important. I can feel it."
"Alright fine, what is it with him that made you interrupt my meeting with Whitebeard, our protector."
"Well I felt a certain way about him, it was as if the gods have blessed him with a powerful purpose. Do you get what I mean?"
"Darling, you mean to tell me you interrupted my important meeting with a feeling."
"Why yes, of course. Do you question me?" Queen Otohime raised her voice slightly causing the King to back down a little.
"Of course not,very well let's hear what this man's purpose is."
…
Edward Newgate was on a different level. His powerful haki naturally emitted from him, weak beings would eventually pass out from being exposed to him for too long.
Luffy was using a little more Haki than he would in order to contradict the power that Whitebeard was emitting. He stared him dead in the eye and the pirate emperor started right back at him.
Luffy crossed his arms with a serious look on his face, while Whitebeard held his bisento on his right hand, standing firmly in front of Luffy.
The duo had been listening in on the King and Queen's conversation and they couldn't help but snicker a little.
"So, you must be something else to influence the Queen as such." Whitebeard began. Luffy couldn't help but mentally slap himself, he was supposed to go into fishman island, pay respect to the king, and leave. Now he was morally obliged to assist the Queen so that she does not die, take care of a certain annoying fishman, and now deal with Whitebeard's suspicious gaze. He quickly extended his observation haki, trying to locate Mihawk, just in case he would need back up. He found him at the entrance of the palace, waiting to be granted passage to the palace just like everyone else. Luffy wondered if a fight broke out between him and Whitebeard, if Shanks would intervene or if the man would let him get beaten down?
"I suppose, I don't believe we've met. Monkey D. Luffy is my name." Luffy extended his hands. He wasn't only trying to be courteous as to diffuse the tense situation, he was also trying to see if hand to hand contact would trigger his vision. Whitebeard stared him down a little bit longer but decided to take the hand shake.
"Garp's brat eh? I'm Edward Newgate, you can call me Whitebeard." He firmly grasp the hand of the scrawny teenager. What surprised the emperor was that Luffy returned the firm grip. "So what brings you to my territory?"
"Grandson, and just passing through really." Replied Luffy, though in his mind, he was very confused. Where was the vision he saw earlier from shaking the Queen's hands? Was it some sort of selective permeability? Whenever it's convenient. 'Damn you puppeteer!'
Whitebeard slammed his bisento on the ground causing a small ripple to form around Luffy. "Be on your way then, Your presence annoys me." Luffy was about to respond but the situation was abruptly interrupted by one of the most powerful members of the Sun Pirates, a large blue whale shark who was hailed as the strongest of the fish man population, Knight of the Sea Jinbei.
This disruption caused King Neptune and Queen Otohime to return from their meeting. Both of which were very confused, then concerned, and lastly alarmed. Jinbei's hands were covered in fishman blood.
"King Neptune, Queen Otohime...Fisher Tiger….he's dying." Suddenly everyone was in overdrive. Many things happened at once.
King Neptune summoned his carriage, bringing Queen Otohime and Jinbei with him. Despite being quick swimmers, the carriage would still be a faster way to the fishman district.
Luffy and Whitebeard were left in the throne room and they both looked confused on what to do next.
"I'm going to follow them." Luffy began and to his surprise, Whitebeard nodded his head. Then the emperor sat on the stairs that led to the King's throne, caressing his beard as he fell deep in thoughts. After some time, he decided to go outside.
Outside the palace, the Red Haired Pirates were just making their way inside the castle when a group of fishman rushed past them. Amongst the people were the King and the Queen. They did not stop for a conversation as they immediately boarded a carriage and rushed off somewhere.
Luffy would casually pass them as well, saying something to Mihawk in which case he nodded and disappeared towards the Hardshell tower. Luffy then glowed a pink color and steam emitted from his body and he was gone, following after the carriage.
Shanks looked at his men to find an answer in which case they were as confused as he was. To make matters worse, here comes Whitebeard who was as confused as he was.
"Old man!" Shanks exclaimed. Despite being younger, and possibly weaker than the strongest man alive. He still carried an aura of confidence in himself.
"Red Haired brat. Who was that kid with you?" Shanks was surprised by the old man ignoring his disrespect, Luffy must have really left an impression.
Fishman District
"Boss what happened!" Arlong had arrived only to hear screams from the Sun Pirate headquarters. He immediately rushed to the building only to find Fisher Tiger bleeding out, he laid on a table barely able to breathe.
"Humans...they sold me out..." Fisher Tiger could barely speak and Aladine placed his hands on the man's shoulder taking over the story.
"Arlong, I am glad you are okay. The last time we heard from you, we were told that you have been captured by humans." Aladine began by greeting his fellow Sun pirate commander. "What happened to boss Fisher Tiger was atrocious...a human was returned to her homeland,Fool Shout village, but the boss was sold out by the other villagers to the world government. We were ambushed by hundreds of marines." He then brought his arms forward. "I give my blood to you boss Fisher Tiger but it will not be enough. We found a pack of human blood in the marine battle ship that we stole. This will be enough to save your life."
"No!..." Fisher Tiger mustered up enough energy to slap the human blood from Aladine's hands. What would be lifesaving blood ended up on the floor, staining the ground everyone stood on. "Aladine, you are very brave for doing that...but I refuse to take the blood of which took so much from me." As he began relaying the information of his true origin. Jinbei returned with King Neptune and Queen Otohime. The sun pirates were about to kneel and Fisher Tiger attempted to get up to show his respect but King Neptune held up his hands.
"No, please, just tell us how we can help." The King had a lot of respect for Fisher Tiger. The man who freed his people from the humans, creating a revolution like no other. Even he could attest to the man's amazing character and drive.
"King Neptune, Queen Otohime, this will be my resting place. I can't let go of my hatred against humans, and therefore I can't accept their blood." He then coughed up more blood, barely able to muster enough strength to speak. "For you see I…" Before he could continue the moment was interrupted by one Strawhat Luffy, who was standing in between Jinbei and Arlong.
"Why not? Why not take the blood that can save your life?" Luffy probed, he extended his own forearm indicating that they should take his blood. "Take mine, my blood type is universal". Despite the shock of his sudden arrival, everyone looked at Fisher Tiger for his answer.
King Neptune was about to say something as he looked to be fuming, but Queen Otohime held him back. "Wait." She whispered to her beloved. This eased the King slightly allowing the conversation to commence.
"Humans, you only see us as animals. There will never be a world where Humans and Fishman's can coexist. I have seen horrible things that humans do to my people. They kill us for sport, mocked our appearance for being blue, green, red...worse is when...when they flay our people for fucken wall decoration..." Fisher Tiger began to go off, his life threatening injuries were now dissipating in his mind as anger filled his thoughts. Blood began to quickly pour out of his wounds due to the outburst."...imagine this Mugiwara, a world where Humans rode us as if we did not have thoughts of our own. Our women were treated like exotic sex slaves for the pleasure of those monsters. Tell me how this wrong can be right?"
"I get it, I get your pain." Luffy began. "What you saw in your life is the lowest that our species can go. We are not all like that. Take Whitebeard for example. He could have left Fishman Island vulnerable, but instead he decided to take it under his wing, as his territory. And he does not gain anything from claiming it, his actions are strictly to protect your people from those who have ill will. Plus more recently I was involved in the Reverie, where five nations actively advocated against the segregation laws against the fishman population." He was about to continue but Arlong suddenly spoke up.
"Boss Fisher Tiger, this human is different. He saved me from a lifetime of servitude, I was going to be a slave as I was captured mere days ago, and he punished the human who attempted to own me...and did not ask for anything in return, nor did he show any animosity towards me." Arlong then looked at Luffy and gave him a weak smile. "My hands were never bound." He held out his wrist to show everyone that no rope was tied around him. "Take his blood boss, please."
Luffy then awaited Fisher Tiger's answer. His first thought was how different Arlong was before becoming a human hating scumbag who subdued Nami's village. This Arlong was sincere in his world, even being open to receiving the aid of a human. In his timeline, Arlong would massacre his own people before any of them could think about working with a human. Maybe this is someone else completely, not twisted by the death of Fisher Tiger.
"I'm not here to gain anything, nothing that I do today will be done to further my own ambition. I am doing this from my heart. So please...let me save your life."
Fisher Tiger took a moment to gaze into the eyes of the human before him. He tried to read him, trying to understand why he is doing what he is doing. But nothing but clear thoughts could be seen behind his eyes. Just a pure soul trying to help. So without wasting any more time Fisher Tiger laid back on the table he was laying on and extended his arm.
"Alright." Was his answer. Queen Otohime quickly took control.
"Clear the room except Mugiwara-san and Aladine-san!" Queen Otohime commanded, causing everyone to go out of the room in a flurry.
Arlong looked at Luffy one more time before heading outside. Despite the assistance of a human in this situation, there was still something that built up within him. The humans that betrayed Fisher Tiger. Arlong exited the room and gathered his belongings, he had somewhere to be.
Several hours passed and everyone waited patiently outside of the Sun Pirate base. Jinbei had been conversing with King Neptune inside his carriage. The other members of the Sun Pirate were phasing around nervously.
Finally Queen Otohime exited the building, everyone suddenly became alert looking at her bloody gloves.
"He's going to be okay. But he needs to rest for some time." Queen Otohime proclaimed to the gleeful response of the entire Sun Pirates along with King Neptune.
"Can we see him darling?" King Neptune asked. Jinbei remained by him trying to see the captain.
"Alright but two at a time please." Before she could finish, Jinbei had entered the facility leaving the group behind. King Neptune followed behind him and was also interested in finding out if the hero was okay.
Inside the room Aladine could be seen slouched down on the floor taking a quick nap. The exhausting day finally caught up to him.
Luffy was sitting beside Fisher Tiger, conversing with the man he just saved. "Yeah and I had a buddy who was a swordsman, and he ended up beating a stone man! Not just any stone man but a giant stone man!"
"Well, how did he get him to come out?" Fisher TIger had bandages all over his body, covering his fresh wounds. The blood transfusion from Luffy and Aladine saved his life.
"He cut him until he revealed himself, mid air!" Luffy made a cutting gesture midair.
"Woah!" Fisher Tiger began to chuckle but quickly groaned in pain as his wounds began to hurt.
"Boss, be careful!" Jinbei joins him quickly.
"Yeah yeah Jinbei I am okay." Fisher Tiger once again tried to get up but could not. "Sorry King Neptune, I would kneel if I could."
"Nonsense Fisher Tiger, you have done so much for this kingdom already." Said the King.
"Thank you." He then surveyed his guest. "Mugiwara, if it wasn't for Arlong, I would not even consider this. But you alone have opened my eyes to a new world, one where we can all coexist. By the way, where is Arlong?"
"He left in a hurry earlier, I couldn't ask him where he was going." Jinbei began to which Fisher Tiger grabbed his shirt, using what little energy he had, pulling Jinbei closer.
"Get him back...he's going for revenge. I know him!" Exclaimed the Sun Pirate captain.
"Ye..yes boss." Jinbei said shakily, finally understanding the situation. He ran back outside hounding orders to the Sun Pirates.
"They won't be quick enough, where is he going?" Luffy asked.
"Fool shout Island, but Mugiwara you will need assistance!" Jinbei was busy preparing the Sun Pirate to worry more about what Luffy was going to do. Instead of chasing after the man, he got his men together.
—
Luffy had dash through Fishman Island. Being under water slowed him down slightly, but he managed to have at least 80% of his speed. Arlong was going to do something stupid, he just knows it.
As faith would have it, Mihawk joined him in his pursuit. "Where to?" The swordsman had just finished his mission when he joined Luffy.
"Arlong's gonna get himself killed on Fool shout island." Replied Luffy, determined to reach the fishman before the worst could happen.
"Got it." Suddenly Mihawk sneezed.
Fool Shout Island
Arlong currently drifted underneath a Marine battleship. He did not care for his life, as all he cared about was obtaining revenge for his boss. What the marines did was unforgivable. He stacked the Marine shipped, waiting for an opportunity to jump them at their most vulnerable.
He then found his moment, when the majority of the marines were below deck and only petty officers were cleaning the deck.
Arlong swam for some momentum then jumped aboard the marine ship. There he took care of the closest marine to him by tossing them overboard. Another Marine tried to rush to the alarm system to which he threw a sword at him, hitting his right leg. Arlong moved on to two more marines by slamming their heads against each other.
A marine did manage to sound the alarm as Arlong made easy work of the small fodders.
"It's Arlong the Saw sir!" Exclaimed one of the marine captains on a messenger snail.
"Shut up!" Exclaimed Arlong as he grabbed the man's head and slammed it across the deck.
"You shouldn't have done that." Said the man on the other line of the call. It only took a few seconds, but a flash of light emitted from behind Arlong, then he found his face planted on the deck of the ship. "Told you." Said the same voice as what was on the line.
"Who the hell are you.." Arlong struggled under the power of the new arrival.
"Vice Admiral Bor..sa..lino is the name." The Vice Admiral held him down with one hand speaking very slowly. "Arlong the Saw, you are under..."
"My command." Two new figures joined them on the ship. The man with the straw hat was the one who spoke up, claiming the fish man as one of his own men.
"Friends of yours?" Borsalino asked as he looked at his captive.
"Tsk." Was Arlong's only response.
"You guys asking to go to prison too huh? Wait a minute...is that...Dracule Mihawk?" Borsalino looked at Mihawk then the man with the straw hat. "And you must be...who cares, just put your hands in the air and wait your turn." Though it was clear what the answer of the two men were, as Borsalino found half of his face cleaned right off. It was definitely a punch coming from the straw hat person, if this was done by a blade, his head would be clean off.
"Now why would you do that?" Borsalino removed his fedora, placing it on the ground. He let go of Arlong for a moment before dissipating into light particles.
Luffy and Mihawk stood back to back as they anticipated the first move of the Vice Admiral. A light beam suddenly emitted from the sky and was aimed for Mihawk, but due to his quick reflexes, he was able to cut the energy with Yoru. Though his swing was too wide, Borsalino appeared below him with a powerful uppercut, then quickly disappearing once more. Mihawk fell back slightly but regained his position.
It was Luffy's turn now as Borsalino decided to rain him with hundreds of light particles. Luffy matched the energy with a barrage of punches. Despite his quickness, he could not catch all the light beams. Those that were able to get through grazed him slightly but he was able to put up armament haki to minimize the damage.
Borsalino materialized beside him, mocking him. "Tell me, how come I never heard of you before Mugiwara?" His notoriety will only continue to rise as more and more people call him by his signature look, his straw hat.
Luffy took a wild swing to the light user, only to hit nothing but air. Borsalino appeared once more, this time standing above Luffy's extended arm. "Too slow." Though the Vice Admiral found himself near the sharp end of a black blade. He attempted to dissipate once more into light particles but his body would not follow. "Oh?" Borsalino looked down on his feet as Mugiwara held it with armament infused hands.
He was still able to lean backwards so that the blade did not cut him. Luckily he cleared enough space to only be cut slightly across his chest. Mihawk quickly retrieved his place, giving room for Luffy to pull the leg of Borsalino and slam him against the deck of the ship. But that wasn't the end of the group's combination as Arlong joined them by performing a double leg drop kick on him.
Borsalino coughed up blood for the first time in a long time. He lost that battle due to his cockiness, if only he ended the trio the first time he saw them.
Now he found himself unable to move as the trio ran away from their victory. Why did they not finish him? He wouldn't find out that day, maybe another time. For now he will take a nap.
On one side, more marine ships approached them but luckily on another, allies arrived.
Luffy patted Mihawk and Arlong's back as the arrival of the Sun Pirates provided a way for them to escape. "Hang on." Luffy wrapped his legs along Arlong and Mihawk's waist. He then grabbed the two highest points of the marine ship and finally catapulted them to the direction of the Sun Pirates.
As they landed on deck, Jinbei quickly gave the orders to return home.
"We're going home boys." Jinbei stated as the Sun Pirates escaped the marine ambush.
Luffy gave both Arlong and Mihawk a high five as the trio managed to incapacitate a marine Vice Admiral, even for just a moment.
Jinbei couldn't help but smile, looking at the trio. Arlong who had the most deep rooted hate for humans, working alongside them, laughing, joking, and even having fun.
"Arlong the Saw, will you join my Strawhat Pirates?" Luffy finally said, causing the Sun Pirates to stop everything that they were doing. They awaited their comrade's answer. Arlong looked shocked first looking at Jinbei who had happy tears in his eyes, then at Mihawk who gave him an approving nod. Then finally at Luffy.
Sure he had his initial reservations against Arlong, the bastard was the man that caused so much pain to Nami. But this Arlong was still confused, never even crossing paths with Nami before. This Arlong was someone else completely, someone that can be influenced to do good instead of wasting away his talents. This is why Luffy came to a decision to add him on. The more the merrier after all.
"I will join you...Captain." Was Arlong's response causing a massive eruption of cheer amongst those who were present.
With that the Straw Hat pirates grew once more, with Captain Monkey D. Luffy, Dracule Mihawk, and the newest member, Arlong the Saw.
"Good." Luffy replied as he shook the fish man's hands. In another life, they were mortal enemies. The Fish man was an oppressor, controlling a village through fear. This was not the Arlong he knew in his life, this is a new Arlong, a member of the Strawhat Pirates.
Ryugu Kingdom - Castle
"Sorry Whitebeard, it was quite lucky that we were able to save Fisher Tiger." King Neptune returned to his throne room, continuing their conversation from earlier.
"It's alright King Neptune. So what's your answer?" Whitebeard had asked something earlier to the King. Shanks had joined the meeting between the two figures, intrigued by Whitebeard's proposition.
"Of course." King Neptune took a moment, but his answer was quite clear. In a different timeline, events will not happen like this. King Neptune would have said 'No' at the death of Fisher Tiger. Whitebeard would have gone on his way understanding the events that transpired was bigger than his ambition.
"Not that I feel like I can influence your decision." Shanks began as the event that occurred in fishman's district gave Whitebeard enough time to discuss his plans with Shanks. "But I feel that he is the closest man to learning the true history. Not that I've seen it, but I feel that Whitebeard can be that man to change this world."
Then King Neptune finally gave his answer. Swayed by his gratitude for Whitebeard's assistance, as well as the words of encouragement provided by Shanks. "Yes Whitebeard, the entire Fish Man Island will sponsor your conquest to be the next pirate king."
"Excellent." Edward Newgate had a massive smile on his face, as now is the time for him to make his move. With the backing of his powerful allies and divisions, the entire forces of Fishman Island along with his many allies. Whitebeard will find the One Piece.
Back at Fish Man Island, at an undisclosed location. A bullhead shark fishman by the name of Vander Decken IX cursed the man known as Mihawk. He stared at where his hands used to me, trembling as they were no longer attached to his body. Through his life of slave trading, bribery, and money laundering, he felt unstable, but this swordsman comes out of nowhere and swiftly chops off both of his hands. "WHY?!" He asked the swordsman. To which he replied with a shrug before disappearing in a single bound. "Curse you! Curse you until your death!"
Mihawk wiped his nose as he wondered what suddenly gave him the chill. Someone must be thinking ill of him.
"You okay there?" Arlong asked.
"I suppose." Responded the swordsman.
The journey back to Fishman Island was a lively one. Arlong and Mihawk were getting to know each other better, and what better way to do so than to beat each other up.
Luffy had been chatting along with Aladine, who were both very grateful for what Luffy was able to do for them. And in such a short amount of time, he managed to earn the respect of all people in the Fishman Kingdom.
"If you ever need us to do anything for you, just let us know." Jinbe stated, having a massive smile on his face.
"Thank you Jinbe, Aladine. I'll keep that in mind." Thus their journey ended when they finally arrived in Ryugu Kingdom, where King Neptune, Queen Otohime, Shanks, Fisher Tiger, and Whitebeard were enjoying a meal. Luffy and Jinbe joined the meeting at the invitation of King Neptune and the rest of the group waited outside.
"Mugiwara." Greeted Whitebeard, who was in a very good mood. In the dining room, King Neptune sat at the helm, with Queen Otohime on his right, and Whitebeard on his left. Shanks sat beside Whitebeard and Fisher Tiger sat beside Queen Otohime.
"Whitebeard." Replied Luffy, still confused at what Whitebeard was on about. "So why is my presence requested?" Asked Luffy, as soon as they arrived, a messenger intercepted them immediately. He was summoned by King Neptune for a very important request.
"Thank you for joining us Mugiwara, I want to preface everything that will happen next by thanking you for everything you have done for my Kingdom, my people, to our very own hero, Fisher Tiger." Luffy was then patted in the back by Fisher Tiger, who gave him a wide grin. The man lived because of him and he was very thankful for it. "We asked for your presence because Whitebeard has a proposition." Began King Neptune where he then handed the conversation to Whitebeard who stood up from his seat.
"Mugiwara, before your arrival, I had requested for the assistance of the Fish Man Kingdom to assist me in my conquest of the new world, and eventually in learning true history. I am the closest man to One Piece and yet I still don't have any of the Road Poneglyphs. My former crewmates back in my days as a member of the Rocks Pirates have obtained one each, and yet I'm supposed to be the closest."
Luffy did not like where this was going and yet he let the man continue.
"I asked for your assistance Mugiwara. You have shown me a great deal of your potential, and in time you could develop into one of my most powerful allies. So I ask for you to join me and be there when I discover the One Piece, and then crowned as the King of Pirates."
"No thanks." Everyone had a deadpan look, except for Queen Otohime, who was expecting his answer. "You can't be the next King of Pirates because I will." Proclaimed Luffy, to everyone's surprise. Then everyone looked at Whitebeard who had his head down, his expression was hard to read. Was he mad? Was he sad? Or was he just not feeling anything? Then he immediately released a wave of his world renowned haki before swinging his bisento at Luffy. The man with the strawhat put his arms up to cover his face and covered his forearm in armament haki. The shockwave of the powerful swing, and Luffy's defense caused fishmen and merfolk alike to pass out, even miles outside of the palace.
Then the world's strongest man burst out laughing, a hearty laugh that confused the room. It was just a test, just a test from an old man.
"Alright brat, have it your way. I like your fire, very well then you are quite bold for your age yet I understand your desires. Just know that in the open sea, where you find yourself getting in my way, we won't be on such friendly terms." Whitebeard then took his seat once more, retiring his bisento on his side.
"Got it." Luffy shook his arm, recovering from the impact. His forearm throbbed as it was extremely painful to receive a direct hit from the most powerful man in the world. "So that was it?" Asked Luffy trying to remain cool despite internally freaking out, he was also a bit anxious to move on from Fishman Island. He was on a mission after all.
"Ah yes, well if you wish to join us for the rest of the meeting, you are more than welcome to do so." King Neptune replied, although still a bit shocked.
"I'm okay King Neptune, thank you." He then looked at Shanks who seemed to be in awe at his boldness. "When can we leave?"
"Actually that was another thing I wanted to talk to you about, now that this is all out there. I can't take you to Whole Cake Island. I have some unfinished business I need to attend to...But Fisher Tiger has offered to take you there instead." What does Shanks need to do that is so important?
"I owe you more than my life Mugiwara, so let me and the Sun Pirates take you to Whole Cake Island. We will even wait for a way for you to escape with whatever it is you need from there." Stated Fisher Tiger to which Whitebeard perked up.
"Linlin's territory huh? Starting early I see Mugiwara." Whitebeard commented, reminiscing on his experience with his fellow emperor. She was, of course, the strongest woman in the entire world, and Whitebeard along with Kaido, would be the only people that could stand on even grounds with her...for now.
"No not yet, I won't go after the Road Poneglyph yet. And don't worry about my escape Fisher Tiger, I have a way to get out of Totto Land." He then decided that it was time to move on. "King Neptune, Queen Otohime. Thank you for your hospitality. Shanks and Whitebeard, I'll see you in the open seas." He then left the room, with Fisher Tiger and Jinbe following behind him after also saying their goodbyes.
"Interesting brat..." Said Whitebeard. If all things goes well, then Linlin would probably stunt the growth of the young straw hat pirate. But it seems that Red Haired was keen on seeing him succeed.
"Told you so." Replied Shanks with a smile on his face. As Luffy walked away, he couldn't help but think of a certain man who used to be his Captain.
It was like Luffy carried his aura, the will of Gol D. Roger.
