I do not own One Piece
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Special thanks to Menolly5600 and Karukyuu for giving me the boost to get this going! And for Karukyuu beta reading this too!
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Rise from the Ashes
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Chapter 4: Fishman Island
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Fishman Island
The Neptunian Guards on duty for customs were always on alert. The men and women coming to Fishman Island were almost universally pirates, and usually shell-shocked at that, with the potential to lash out. There were several reasons why the Navy had yet to establish a naval presence here, and the 70% fatality rate for humans just trying to reach the place had something to do with it.
"Small boat," the senior guard informed the others, "and coming from the New World."
"Minimal damage," another man noted, implying that whoever it was, they were unlikely to be rookies trying to flee the horrors of that sea. Likely natives of one of the islands there.
A few minutes later, four figures got out of the boat, wearing obscuring cloaks.
Not enough to safely sail a ship like that in the seas above, unless they are very skilled, and thus dangerous, the head guard concluded with concern. "Welcome to Fishman Island. I know you're visitors, but we have to keep track of who is here. No harm will come to you during your stay here, so long as you respect our laws. Please show your faces."
The hood of one of the cloaks raised a bit as the leading hunched figure stood a little straighter, and the guard felt himself stiffen as he glimpsed the face underneath. "Thank you very much. Is there anything we can do to help make your stay easier?" he asked with sincerity that confused his subordinates, but the mysterious figure just shook his head.
Within moments they were on their way.
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Above the waves, Marco the Phoenix calmly went about his duties, hiding the impatience that was brewing within him.
They were too close to the new Navy Headquarters for comfort, especially since he would not put it past some of the marines to tip off the Emperors to their location. As it was, they would likely have to sink a few Navy ships before this day was done. That was one of the reasons he had sent an advance team ahead. Plus, at Fishman Island of all places, they could not afford to start a fight with anyone.
"I hope they're alright down there," one brother commented to his neighbor as they adjusted the rigging.
"Yeah, it seemed like every four months we had to go down there to deal with some upstart rookie who thought it would be smart to make a challenge to Pops."
"Heck, even Ace did it!"
"Nah, I heard the Princes have gotten really good over the last few years at dealing with that."
"Makes sense if Jinbe taught them."
"No," Marco corrected as he sauntered over, "he didn't. Fishman Karate is a totally different school from Merman Gujutsu and Merman Combat. So he couldn't teach them that much."
"Why not?" one asked, displaying the laidback familial attitude that remained with the Old Man's sons.
This is what it meant to be a Whitebeard Pirate: being not a crew, but a family. None of them obeyed Marco because of any power or authority he had, but because he was the big brother they respected and trusted to get them through the daily horrors and challenges of the New World.
The Phoenix just shrugged, "Just how it is down there." In fact, when Marco had brought it up, both Jinbe and Namur had been looking at him as if he had just proposed eating live puppies for dinner. It was just something not done.
Wonder how he's doing? Marco wondering again against his will about the advance team. Namur had been an obvious choice to send, along with three of the non-Devil Fruit power users amongst the Division Commanders. If there was going to be a fight, they would be ready for it.
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Namur calmly made his way through the streets of his hometown sans his cloak, already experienced at not drawing attention to himself.
As the only Fishman to join the Old Man's crew, and to rise to become the 8th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, he had been a bit of a celebrity every time he came home. Did all the people care that he just wanted to visit the dear old lady who had been in charge of the orphanage —Rest her soul— in peace and quiet? Nooo!
Haruta, the 12th Division Commander was alongside him as they walked the streets, having also shed his disguise. Young and effeminate, he was nonetheless far more unremarkable when out of his trademark bright outfits, allowing them to get a lay of the land while their other two brothers shadowed them and tried to find out what the situation was like from the back alleys. Izo refused to discard his woman's clothes for any reason, even life and death, so he stood out a little too much, as did Vista with his hulking body and muscles. And that mustache. The inhabitants of Fishman Island may not judge on appearances, but that did not mean they were unobservant, and burly Human, especially burly Human pirates, would garner more attention and concern. So those two would stick to the shadows while getting a lay of the land.
"Seemed a bit too easy back there at customs," the young man whispered.
"He knows me from way back, and his men know they can trust him," Namur replied. "Good man, and not bad in a scrap. Good drinking buddy too."
"Hmm," Haruta grunted back, and then the two of them started put a little distance between them, even as they walked side-by-side. A Human freely interacting with Fishman was a little unusual after all.
Casually they made their way down the street, soaking in the sounds and sights.
Everyone here seems in good spirits, Namur concluded, but he was still uneasy. Despite what Big Mom claims about creating an interspecies utopia, she is still a threat to us all. Do they realize that?
For his part, Haruta had spent the last ten minutes trying to figure out what felt different. He had walked through Fishman Island while incognito before, mostly to keep an eye on any hotshot rookies to make sure they did not cause trouble, but something felt different this time. Somehow, the island seemed more . . . welcoming.
They stopped as a gang of children ran by, heading towards a nearby park, where it looked like there was some mock fighting already going on, but neither adult could figure out the rules. In the center of it all though was one Merboy pushing against a Fishboy, both of them struggling upon a little incline that was surrounded by the other kids.
. . . Wait, why's he wearing a— Namur began.
"You cannot win, Straw Hat Luffy! The Darkness shall consume you all, along with the Humans!" the Merboy yelled out.
"No Hody Jones!" cried the one with the straw hat, "I shall stop you and save all of Fishman Island so that we can all live as friends!" And then the Fishboy pushed the Merboy down, but it looked like the latter let him, and then everyone on the 'winner's' side started cheering, while the others started to make apologies, and say how they now saw that they could live with Humans.
What the what? Namur managed as he stopped in shock.
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"Not good, not good at all," Vista growled as he took in the sight of the destroyed candy factory. Workers were working non-stop at repairs, and it was clear that they were at max capacity, any more people and they would start interfering with each other.
Big Mom will kill them all! Did they at least get the shipment out before this happened!?
The 5th Division Commander's experienced eye assessed the blatant act of sabotage to the building —Someone's teeth?— and wondered who had done this, dooming the inhabitants to death by Emperor.
"Good thing we chose to be discrete," Vista bitterly said. If Big Mom knew we were here she would have even more motivation to come, at least this way we might have the element of surprise on our side, ambushing the forces she sends to kill everyone.
For the Whitebeard Pirates could not let her destroy all the people here.
"Relax," a voice whispered to him, and the swordsman glanced up to Izo, who was tense but not overly anxious. Taking the hint, Vista looked back, and this time noted the lack of panic on the repairmen. Either they're fools, or they got the shipment taken care of in time, Vista realized with a sigh of relief. Yeah, the discrete route was definitely the right choice. Can't be rash at a time like this.
The two cloaked brothers retreated back into the alleys, tracking Namur and Haruta by their haki, "Any signs of Straw Hat yet?" he hissed.
"Well," Izo began, before a voice from the street cut in.
"Straw hats, straw hats, get your straw hats here! The hat of a hero! Buy them for your kids! " a salesman was yelling.
"It's too bad Jinbe had to leave," one store employee said as he brought out another large box of hats.
"Yeah, but we've got enough to last for a while," his manager reassured with a grin.
"Maybe one or two," Izo deadpanned, while Vista stumbled in shock.
XXX
Izo, the 16th Division Commander, was also getting confused, particularly by the friendlier attitude by the locals.
While Fishman Island had been Pop's territory, he had deliberately held a very light hand over it, even more than any other island under his protection. Originally this had been to avoid any insinuations that a Human was really in charge, and King Neptune was just a pawn of the fearsome Edward Newgate, but other issues had taken over. With an ever growing domain, staying in one place too long would have put other islands at risk, and after just suffering pirate attacks that the Whitebeard Pirates would repel and retaliate for, it was thought that it might be best not to mingle with the public who doubtless would still be upset by the latest examples of Human brutality.
Mayhaps that was a mistake, Izo conceded, only having a few at a time go around here. Isolating ourselves instead of deliberately interacting with them, and proving true peace is possible with more than just Pops. It appears that Straw Hat is wiser than I thought, that there is more behind his reckless attitude. Then he smiled slightly in self-mockery, Of course there is, no fool could accomplish what he has.
For now, even in the areas not dedicated towards the tourist trade and positive customer service, Izo was finding himself being welcomed far more warmly than he would have expected for a man who was both a Human and undoubtedly a pirate. From some of the whispered mutterings, there were still some that were suspicious of him, but in the majority of the conversations he had overheard, it was clear that Straw Hat had done something to make Fishmen in general more accepting of his kind.
Do I ask them about it? No, the fact that I was listening in, and can tell how much more open they are, would raise unwanted questions. Even here the Navy would have a few spies, and probably Big Mom too.
Then Vista came back to sit at the bar table, "Food's good, but they're out of candy," he said as he laid out their orders.
Pity, Izo answered with regret, even as his mind raced. Is that how they made their shipment to Big Mom? Getting everything already sold to all the other business?
Then their Den-Den Mushi rung, signaling it was time to regroup.
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The gondola discreetly landed out of sight of the city, and the four cloaked figures hurried onboard, with the giant domesticated fish quickly pulling the ride away.
"This way, Mr. Namur," one of the Royal Guards invited, gesturing at a seat as they all headed up to the palace.
"Thank you, and just Namur," the Fishman corrected.
"Thanks," Izo echoed, glad to finally pull back the hood of his cloak, while the rest of his brothers followed suit.
"The Ministers of Right and Left are waiting for you," the guard continued, "but King Neptune and his family are busy right now, and not to be disturbed for any reason short of an emergency."
"We understand," Vista reassured, "what with the Reverie coming up."
"Uhm, no, it is something else," and then the guard smiled, "but you can watch. And I think you'll like the surprise."
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The four Whitebeard Pirates were blinking in surprise at the sight before them, the largest female Mermaid they had ever seen was panting as she rested on the dry floor, her flushed face and sweat going nicely with her revealing, yellow halter top.
"Is that . . . Princess Shirahoshi?" Haruta finally managed.
"Indeed it is," the Minister of the Right declared proudly, thumping the butt of his trident down on the ground. "She has been training without rest for days to become stronger!"
The guard who had escorted them here coughed in embarrassment at the sight of the provocative princes, "I meant, surprised to see her out of her room, by the way."
Namur's attention however was drawn towards the various pieces of exercise equipment scattered across the room, while Vista made a clinical study of the tightening muscles on her arms and under the skin of her tail. "It appears that she just finished quite the workout," Namur finally said, his trained eyes calculating how much she must have done.
"And she's surprisingly fit, especially for one who was trapped inside her room for so long," Vista complimented.
"Well, if you're stuck in a room all the time, you've got to do something to keep from going stir-crazy," Haruta pointed out as they watched the Princess' brothers come over to her to give both hot pads and praise. "Otherwise she'd just be fat and slow."
"Indeed, and we're fortunate that she did exercise during those long and lonely years," the Minister said, and now the pirates turned to look at him from his grim tone. "A few days ago we faced the near extinction of Fishman Island, and it was only averted because she was able to swim so fast and for so long. But now that she's free, she's thrown herself into becoming even stronger, so that she would be able to help a certain person when she met him next."
"Would this person happen to be, Straw Hat Luffy?" asked Vista.
The Minister hesitated, yet noted the hope in that question and the eyes of the four brothers, and nodded, "Yes, the one and only."
Barring fierce teeth, Namur gave the other Whitebeard Pirates a knowing look.
"Except I'm afraid you'll have to wait another hour before they're finished these session," the older merman apologized. "After recent events, Princess Shirahoshi's father and brothers take her training very seriously. You can stay and observe if you wish, or I can begin to fill you in on what happened."
"No worries," Vista reassured, recognizing the gift they were being offered. "We'll enjoy watching, not often do you get to see training for the Merman, sorry, Mermaid martial arts."
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"Uhm, that doesn't seem right, does it?" Haruta hedged.
"No," the Minister of the Left uncomfortably agreed.
After taking a rest from her physical exertion, the giant mermaid princess was now practicing arm movements and poses at the direction of an elderly Fishman. Very familiar ones.
"Is that . . . Fishman Karate?"
The nearby guards fidgeted uncomfortably, but both the Ministers of Right and Left regained their resolve. "Indeed. The Princess has broken tradition, because she wishes to learn how to fight with her fists like Straw Hat Luffy, as opposed to the weapons used in Merman Gujutsu."
So she saw him fight? Haruta wondered, and resisted the urge for the Xth-time to just blurt out their questions. Not only would it be rude, it would distract from the ongoing show: it was a rare privilege to watch someone learn the ancient and jealously guarded martial arts secrets of Fishman Island.
"And no one's said anything against this!?" Namur blurted as he shook off his shock.
"No one's had the heart to," confessed Left.
"And she's making surprising progress," Right defended. "Not just with her regular training, but for merging the two school's together. While Jinbe gave her some tips, it is clear she may be a prodigy. And the King is still teaching her and her brothers the way of Merman Combat."
Numbly, Namur conceded that would be invaluable. Devastating even. Merman Combat was based upon manipulating water, and with her size, it was very possible that like her father, Princess Shirahoshi learn how to launch massive attacks at invaders.
Wait, 'invaders,' why did I think that . . . ? Will she be actively protecting Fishman Island, and from whom? he wondered with concern.
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When the session was finally over, with an exhausted princess collapsing to the dry floor, the Ministers took the pirates down to see their liege.
"Namur! Haruta! Vista! Izo!" the giant Merman boomed out in pleasant surprise. "It is good to see that you're safe! What brings you here? Not that we're upset to see you of course," he hastily added, "it's just that it's been so long since we've even heard even rumours about you–Jamon!"
"We've been lying low, King Neptune," Namur answered. "Rebuilding our strength, and awaiting for a certain ally to make his reappearance. We came here to find any information about him, as well as to learn how you and your people were faring. Imagine our surprise when we started hearing hints of what exactly he'd done for Fishman Island."
"You're speaking of Monkey D. Luffy then?" the king asked, with a shrewd yet pleased look.
"Yes, but we've only gathered bits and pieces so far, and we're not sure what's true or not. So, could you tell us what happened with Straw Hat when he came here, your Majesty?" Vista asked.
"Oh! We'd love to!" a suddenly refreshed Shirahoshi gushed as she pushed herself upright, and the Whitebeard Pirates felt a twinge of fear at the look in her eyes, knowing now that they were faced with a fan. Someone who hero worshipped the Straw Hat Pirates, and was delighted to find a fresh audience to tell them all about Luffy and his nakama.
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Hours and hours later
"—and tell Marco that the next time he's in the area, he must come and see us," King Neptune sternly ordered, making it perfectly clear that he disliked this mantle of shame the Whitebeard Pirates were bearing. "And the rest of your siblings for that matter-jamon!"
They were in his throne room now, with his progeny floating above him, while their guests stood within an air bubble.
"We'll let them know," Vista promised, "but that won't be for a while. As we said, we came here seeking answers on Straw Hat Luffy."
"Oh ho!" the large monarch's boomed, his eyes crinkling with mirth. "And did you learn what you wanted to know?"
"We've now got more questions than answers actually," Haruta deadpanned, which raised some chuckles from the men and a look of confusion from Shirahoshi.
Maybe I wasn't clear enough in telling them about Luffy-sama, and what he and his friends did?
The pirates nervously caught her expression, not wanting to hear such a . . . detailed and emotional story again so soon. It was clear that 'hero worship' might actually be an understatement; although Cat Burglar Nami, or Namichin, was also spoken of highly. Although he guess that for the princess, having grown up without any female companionship over the long years, had led her to look to the pirate as an older sister and second role model. What that meant for the future of the kingdom was anyone's guess.
No, Namur, decided, it will be for the best. It had been years since Queen Otohime had died, but Namur felt that she would be proud of her growing daughter. A pirate, especially a woman, would have to be tough and independent, yet it appeared this Straw Hat pirate still remembered mercy and acceptance. Hardly examples that would betray the beliefs and values of Queen Otohime.
"He's just a very unusual guy," Izo quickly clarified, "What we'd expect from Ace's brother, except we didn't get a chance to know him too well at Marineford. Outside of the important stuff of course."
The King noted the pain in the eyes of the humans, even as they forced themselves to casually mention That Day. Best to get this over with.
The Pirates stood more to attention as the massive merman straightened up in his throne, and narrowed his eyes a little, "I confess, that while I wish to talk to you more about Straw Hat, there is a serious matter we must first discuss: the issue of Jolly Rogers. Can you forgive us for taking yours down?"
Silence.
"W-what do you mean?" stammered Vista. "It's we who should ask that of you! We pledged ourselves to protect your people, and proved incapable of that. If not for Big Mom—"
"Big Mom's flag will not stay with us for much longer," Neptune grimly informed them, taking in their stunned looks. Refusing an Emperor's flag, especially someone like Big Mom, was an unforgivable insult. Second only to refusing to meet her candy shipments. "Because of Hody Jones, we were unable to make our last payment of candy, and while we were able to escape her wrath this time, it has become clear that the threat that hangs over our heads is too severe. As such, I've taken to expanding our army, gaining 70,000 new soldiers thanks to Straw Hat."
"Do you really think that will be enough?" Namur cautioned, having personally seen the might of Big Mom's forces in battle. Underwater, the Neptunian Army would have the advantage against most invaders, but not against some of enemies an Emperor could dispatch. And if any of them reached dry land, it would be a slaughter.
"Wait . . . how did you get around that?" Haruta asked.
"Oh! I forgot!" gasped the Princess.
"Because of Straw Hat again," and now Neptune's face lit with a mixture of emotions. "He offered a substantial payment for her to agree to turn her vengeance upon him, and in turn he declared that in the future he would make our island his own territory!"
Silence.
"Come again?" Vista breathed out in shock. And pride.
"He picked a fight with an Emperor, before even reaching the New World?" Haruta clarified.
"Saving our people a second time," Namur wondered aloud.
"Doesn't seem to care about the money either," Izo noted, but was obviously distracted.
Silence.
As one they turned to each other, and the grins they gave each other sent a shiver down King Neptune's spine. Yet not from fear, but anticipation.
And he knew that it was more than a passing fancy that made him hear the sound of drums. A call to war as the fires were relit.
"It looks like we made the right call, brothers," Vista concluded as he twirled his mustache.
"Kid's still got it," Namur agreed.
"Now we just gotta find him before she does."
"I know," Haruta laughed, "at this rate the only thing he can do to tick her off more is crash one of her Tea Parties!"
They all laughed at the sheer absurdity at that, with everyone else joining in as even the guards snickered.
"But why wouldn't he?"
Everyone froze and turned to look at a confused Princess Shirahoshi.
"Well, because that would be reckless and crazzz—" the Minster of the Right began, before cutting himself off. Why wouldn't Straw Hat? he thought with growing fear, and it was clear the Whitebeard Pirates were fighting the urge to go off searching for Ace's brother right now.
King Neptune coughed, "I presume you'll be wanting to leave promptly, but am I to take it that you aren't offended by the idea of our next Jolly Roger wearing a straw hat?"
"What? Oh, no, that's great," a visibly distracted Vista tried to reassure him. "What we'd want really; what Ace would want. The Old Man too I bet."
"We still have your flag for safekeeping, why not hang them alongside each other?" Shirahoshi threw in, confused as to why everyone was so worried. Luffy-sama was so strong after all.
Everyone hesitated again.
Real maverick here, Izou decided in disbelief. It actually made him nostalgic for his former lord.
"There's no reason to not do it for us," Namur got out hesitantly. "Although it would depend upon what Straw Hat says."
"Oh I'm sure he won't mind," the princess beamed.
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A short while later
"We'd better make sure we've got all the facts straight," Vista murmured as they swiftly rose to the surface with practiced ease on their ship. "Don't want to leave anything out for Marco and the others."
Then Izo slapped his forehead.
"What?"
"We never asked about Tony Tony Chopper, and if he's a pet or not!"
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Author Notes:
Oh, and Chopper trying to save Luffy and that he specifically carried out the blood transfusion was not mentioned, because frankly the fact that Jinbe gave his blood was the critical detail.
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Alas, clear canon Shirahoshi is not doing this sort of training now, and that sort of character shift takes more time, but I have no regrets. This was fun to write.
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