Ending of Prejudice
The next chapter of One Piece: Final Holy War is out with the ghost of Fisher Tiger returning and the conclusion of the Jinbe vs Koala fight. Enjoy and review.
No one could believe what they were witnessing right before they're very eyes. The ghost of the great hero of Fishman Island, Fisher Tiger actually appeared before them.
"I – I – It's Tiger-san," stuttered a civilian.
"I can't believe it, it's him, it's really him," said another civilian.
"Tiger-san is actually here," said another civilian.
Lots of emotions were going through the minds of the Sun Pirates and former members including the slaves. Amongst those affected by his death, none were more so than his crewmates. For the islanders, they lost a symbol of strength and hope, but for his nakama, they lost much more. They lost their savior, their captain, their benefactor and their friend. For the ex slaves, they lost the one who freed them from the clutches of the Tenryuubito and gave them another chance at life. Watching their captain die was one of the most difficult things of their lives. And now he was back as a spirit, he may have been dead, but he was back nonetheless.
"T – T – Tiger-san, nyu," said Hachi softly.
"Tiger-san," said Alladin.
The ex slaves who left the Sun Pirates when Jinbe became a Shichbukai looked at the spirit of their savior and benefactor. Many of them stepped a few feet in front the crowd to get a better look at the ghost before their eyes. They weren't sure if they're eyes were deceiving them. It may have been a trick, from seeing Koala again who reminded them of Fisher Tiger's death. But the figure seemed too real to be a delusion, even if it was a ghost, it was their captain.
The Straw Hats themselves couldn't really make out what to believe on the scene in front of them. On their journey to the Grand Line they had seen many things, heaven, a god, zombies, many things indeed. But all those things as unbelieveable as they all had some sort of explanation. Heaven was actually Skypia, an island in the sky, God was actually a being who possessed an extremely powerful devil fruit and the zombies were actually corpses empowered with shadows from a devil fruit user. But there couldn't have been any explanation for what they were witnessing infront of them. The figure was not due to a devil fruit or an illusion or some other kind of trick or ability, it was a real ghost, the ghost of Fisher Tiger, the hero of Fishman Island who came back from the beyond.
"Am I actually seeing this?" questioned Zoro who could not believe what he was seeing.
"It appears that it actually is the ghost of Fisher Tiger," said Robin.
"I can't believe it, it's an actual ghost other than Brook, no offense Brook," said Franky.
Brook didn't take offense since he too was finding it hard to believe that an actual spirit appeared in front of them all.
"It's been a while Koala, look how much you've grown, you've become a young beautiful human," said Tiger with a gentle smile.
"T – T – Tiger-san, is it really you?" asked Koala not sure if he was real given that she just took a powerful attack from Jinbe.
It soon become too much for the young female revolutionary commander who then suddenly broke down into tears. How she grieved so much when she heard that he died, and at the hands of her own people. There was just so much that she wanted to say, to thank him for bringing her home, to say how sorry she was for her role in his death, so much that she wanted to say. But she couldn't and instead resorted to crying.
"T – T – Tiger-san, there's so much that I wanted to say I just …" said Koala only to be cut off by Tiger.
"It's okay Koala, you don't have to say anything," replied Tiger.
"You died because of me, if you didn't bring me back to Foolshout Island, then you would have never died Tiger-san," said Koala.
"That's not true Koala," replied Tiger gently.
"But …" tried to argue Koala only to be interrupted by Tiger.
"I brought you back because I wanted to help you, that's all there is to it. Even though I died, I do not regret my decision for helping you because I see you as one of my own, just like the others," said Tiger referring to the Sun Pirates.
"I've have always stood for freedom and liberation. That is why I did what I did back at Mariejois. But I am also someone who cares about his nakama. I care about all of you and that includes you as well Koala. Even though I never said it, despite not being a fishman, you are as much my nakama as the others and I would do anything to help you. Do not believe that because you are not a fishman that I don't see you as my nakama nor should you believe that you were responsible for my death. My death was not your fault Koala," explained Tiger.
"And do not think for one second that I ever hated you. In life due to my experience as a slave, I may have hated humans but I didn't hate you. You were not one of those who enslaved me, you were too young to discriminate against fishmen and you were not responsible for my death. So I have no reason to hate you and I don't. Also do not think that you had anything to do with my death because you didn't. You never told your people that I was coming nor asked them to give any information to the marines. So my death was not your fault." said Tiger.
"Tiger-san," replied Koala who began wiping her the tears from her eyes.
For years Koala grieved over his death. She truly believed that she was responsible for his death and she believed that Tiger had hated her. But now she just found out that Tiger not only did not hate her, but also finally knew that her benefactor's death was not her fault. He actually went as far as to come back from the dead to tell her all this so it must be true.
"I am very proud of you Koala, you have become a very strong young woman, a high level user of fishman karate and merman combat and most of all, an avid supporter of human-fishman relations," complimented Tiger.
"When I chose to take you back to your home, at the time I knew that humans would not accept fishmen and I knew that the only way to change that was to get the children, the next generation, your generation to accept change. The younger ones who were not tarnished by the prejudice between our races still have a chance of getting along. You were still young and never knew the problems between humans and fishman and could have accepted them without any kind of prejudice," said Tiger.
"And that certainly happened, for amongst all the humans, there has never been one who wants our races to be together more than you. In fact there is no human out there that cares more for my people that you do Koala. I am happy to have met someone like you Koala," said Tiger.
Koala looked down as she felt herself blush from being complimented so much by her idol.
"However Koala there is one more thing I need to tell you," said Tiger.
"What is it Tiger-san?" asked Koala.
"It's about your way of handling the problems between humans and fishman. I must tell you that it wouldn't work," said Tiger.
"What but, but why, humans persecute fishmen, they take them slaves, if we punish them then they wouldn't do it again. Fishmen and Merfolk wouldn't be afraid to go into the world," asked Koala.
"That may be so Koala but what you and I both want is for fishman and humans to get along, not for one race to be punished and forced to accept the other. We simply cannot force humans to accept fishmen. You can't force and intimidate them and then expect them to accept fishman. That would only drive them away further. Instead of wanting to join hands with us, it would make them fear us and want to separate from us even more Koala," said Tiger.
"But …" said Koala wanted to argue.
"Koala when I agreed to take you home, I wanted to show children such as yourself that fishman can be good and help humans. There wasn't much hope for the older generation but the younger generation, unaffected by the issues between our two races would be more open minded and more willing to accept us. They would see that fishmen are really good and want to become friends with us. In other words, by taking you home I would get humans to accept us of their own free will, not force them to accept us," explained Tiger.
Koala didn't reply. She couldn't, the principles and doctrines that she followed ever since she was a child were being rejected, by her hero Fisher Tiger of all people. Part of the reason she followed her chosen path was because of Tiger's death and because she thought he would have wanted the same thing. He was the one who indirectly got her to follow her chosen path. And to some extent he did agree with her. But he did not agree with her methods. And if he, the one who inspired her to fight for fishmen did not agree with her methods, then why should she. Everything she did ever since she joined the army, all the training was because of him, so if he couldn't accept what she was doing, then perhaps she was indeed wrong. All of a sudden, things didn't make sense anymore.
Seeing the confusion on her face, Tiger decided to elaborate.
"Koala while you were with the crew, did or any of the crew ever mistreat you?" asked Tiger.
"No," answered Koala deciding not to include Arlong since he was the only one and that he's dead.
"And did we ever intimidate you or make you afraid of us?" asked Tiger.
"No," answered Koala again choosing to ignore Alrong.
"And did we ever force you to accept us?" asked Tiger.
"No," answered Koala again.
"You see Koala, that's my point, while you were with us, except for Arlong, none of us tried to harm you or make you feel like you didn't belong with us. We all did what we could to help you and treated you like family. We didn't force you to accept us Koala, you chose to accept us as your friends yourself. We simply did things that would make you want to accept us. And I would hope that you do the same to others. Not force one to accept the other or punish one for not accepting the other but to instead do deeds that would make the two races open up and eventually join hands with each other," explained Tiger.
Koala looked down ashamed of her actions now finally realizing that he was right and that she was wrong. During her time with the Sun Pirates every single one of them treated her equally and tried to help her and it was because of that she accepted them. Yet she did not do the same for others. Instead of doing what Tiger and the Sun Pirates did for her, that is help and become friends with her, she instead resorted to intimidating humans to accept fishmen and punishing them for not. She instead wasted all of their time and efforts. It made her feel so terrible and ashamed of her actions that she once again broke down into tears.
"T – T – Tiger-san, I'm sorry," apologized Koala in tears.
"It's alright Koala, I forgive you," said Tiger gently showing that he indeed forgave her.
It was then that Koala's fatigue and exhaustion along with injuries sustained in her battle with Jinbe begin to take it's toll. Seeing that she was about to faint from exhaustion, Jinbe went down to her level.
"Rest Koala, you've done enough," said Tiger gently who embraced the now fainting Koala.
Listening to the soft words of her hero, Koala did just that. She closed her eyes and smiled as she let the warmth of being reunited with her savior enter her body. She felt like she was really in heaven. After all Tiger was a good person and he surely must have went to heaven when he died. So since he was here, then this meant that she must have been really in heaven. Accepting the warm hug from Tiger she let fatigue kick in as she finally fell asleep into the hands of Tiger with a content smile on her face, the first real smile in a very long time. Despite Tiger being a ghost and should be unable to touch Koala, he was able to do just that. The bond between the two was so great, that it allowed Tiger to temporarily overcome the cycle of life and death and once more return to the world and actually physically touch Koala. That was how close the two were.
While Koala was fast asleep due to fatigue and exhaustion, Tiger then turned his attention to the others. No doubt all of them had many questions and things to say ever since his death so now that he was here, now was the time to do those things. Within the crowd all members of the Sun Pirates along with the former members, many of whom were slaves all stepped out of the crowd and began gathering in front of Tiger.
"Nyu Tiger-san," said Hachi who had some tears in his eyes at seeing Tiger again.
"Tiger-sencho," said Alladin.
"Tiger-san," said Jinbe.
"Jinbe, Alladin, Hachi, everyone," said Jinbe.
"Tiger-san is it really you?" asked Hachi even though he was sure given the way he interacted with Koala.
"It's me Hachi," replied Tiger.
"Tiger-san, so much has happened ever since you died. Fishman Island hasn't been the same after you died," stated Jinbe.
"I know, I have been watching you all from the other world and I know what has been happening. I've seen how you took leadership of the crew Jinbe and I must say that I am very impressed at how well you have done it. You've lead the crew far and took care of them just as a captain should be," complimented Tiger at Jinbe's captaincy.
"There wouldn't ever be a better captain than you Tiger-san," said Jinbe.
"And I am also happy for the rest of you regardless of whether you are still a Sun Pirate or not. All of you have stuck to the ideals of freedom and liberation without loosing yourselves to the rage of the fishman. Despite many of you having every right to hate humans, you all chose not to and instead want to get along with them," said Tiger.
Those words unfortunately made Hachi cry.
"Nyu Tiger-san I'm not deserving of such kind words. I did terrible things to humans while you were gone," said Hachi referring to the events at Cocoyahi Village and Nami's hometown.
"It's alright Hachi, Arlong was always a bad case and there was no way to ever convince him otherwise. You however were different. You never held any real hatred for humans and only stayed with Arlong because you were loyal to him, not because of hatred for humans. You have no reason to be ashamed Hachi," said Tiger.
"Nyu thank you Tiger-san," thanked Hachi who began crying again.
Tiger smiled back in response. Then he turned around and walked a few feet in front of the group to look at all the citizens who themselves had their attention on him.
"Citizens of Fishman Island, I am Fisher Tiger and I wish to tell you something of great importance, something that would affect that future of this country and our race," said Tiger loudly.
The entire audience quieted down to listen to what he had to say.
"Everything that Koala said about me was true," started Tiger.
"As many of you are aware, years ago I climbed up the Red Line and personally invaded Mariejois and freed all the slaves. The reason I did so was because I myself was captured and made a slave to the Tenryuubito. I managed to escape but could not bare to leave the others behind, so I returned and freed them all," said Tiger to the crowd.
By now everyone already knew this from Koala having revealed it herself. None of them were quite sure but the evidence was overwhelming so they chose to accept it as the truth. However for Tiger himself to reveal it silenced any doubts of the credibility of what Koala said.
"You all are probably already aware of this since Koala revealed it to you but I still wish to tell you myself. My experiences led me to resent humans and I just could not accept them. And it because of that, I chose to reject a transfusion of human blood due to my hatred. Furthermore I asked the members of my crew not to tell anyone about it so that there could at least be a chance to end the cycle of hate. But now I realize that was a bad decision," said Tiger.
"Choosing to die instead of live, hiding the truth from everyone, all that did was breed more hatred between our races. Everyone wanted to separate from humans even more ever before. My decisions, did not end the cycle of hate, it only made it worst," confessed Tiger.
"Now I just wish to tell you all, please accept humans. Do it for your people, do it for your children. Holding onto hate will only hurt everyone. Look what it did to me. I chose to hold onto to my hatred of humans even at death and look how much damage it has caused. It made everyone less willing to accept humans, it unleashed Hody Jones onto this kingdom, it caused more hate between our races," said Tiger.
The crowd remained silent hearing Tiger himself actually asking, no begging them to accept humans, something they would have never thought given his past actions.
"Please, let go of your hatred. Accept humans, live together with them. You've all made remarkable efforts despite mine and Queen Otohime's death, so please … make this world a better place for us all," said Tiger solemnly.
Everyone was looking down having second thoughts. Granted their hatred for humans had diminished a lot ever since the Straw Hats saved Ryuuga Kingdom, but it was still there and it would take a very long time before they fully accepted humans. They had been hating humans for years now, especially since they thought they lost their queen and hero to humans, so it was really hard for them to just let it go. They wanted to, they wanted to see the world above ground but just couldn't because of their feelings for humans, something that was there for years. However they had to at least try. Tiger went through hell as a slave and even freed his slaves. So they all owed it to him to grant him that last request.
"We – we – we'll do it Tiger-san, we'll accept humans," said an ex slave and former Sun pirate who began crying.
"Human, humans, humans, humans," chanted the slaves who was then joined by the rest of the Sun Pirates.
"Human, humans, human, humans," chanted all the Sun Pirates except for Jinbe and Alladin.
"Humans, humans, humans, humans," chanted more people who joined the chanting Sun Pirates.
Soon chants of humans filled the entire area. Everyone from the elderly to the children were all chanting humans. It showed that now, everyone of Fishman Island now wanted to accept humans or at least give them a chance.
For the Neptune family, it was a massive milestone, for in the entire Ryuuga Kingdom, none wanted the two races to co-exist more than the Neptune Family. Otohime was more committed to good relations between the two races more than anyone else and even in death she stood by that. Because of that, the entire Neptune Family took it upon themselves to fulfill her greatest wish, to bring the two races together. For years they struggled hard to get fishman to accept humans, achieving relative success. It became much greater when the Straw Hats got involved, but this, this is certainly the crowning achievement of all their efforts.
"Everyone," said Shirahoshi bringing her hands to her mouth and then began crying happily even having to be held by Vivi who was now smiling.
"At last, mother's dream can come true," said Fukaboshi happily.
"Otohime, I just wish you were alive to see this," said Neptune with a smile and even had to wipe away a tear.
Manoboshi and Ryuboshi were dancing around happily celebrating their newfound success and the ministers of the left and right were smiling along. The Neptune soldiers were also shouting out happily.
Tiger watched all this going on with a smile on his face and then turned to the Straw Hats.
"Straw Hats, I just wish to thank you for what you have all done. When you first came to Fishman Island, not only did you save the island from destruction but you gave the citizens hope that there are good humans out there and that they could one day join hands with humans. And here you are again, once again risking your lives for Ryuuga Kingdom," said Tiger.
"Well actually Tiger-san, it's not really the kingdom, it's Shirahoshi-chan this time," said Robin.
"Even still, princess Shirahoshi is a mermaid and you still risk everything for her. That is enough to get the citizens to understand that there are good humans out there and they should be friends with them," said Tiger.
All the Straw Hats smiled in return.
"I also hope that one day you are able to reunite with your ex captain, Monkey D Luffy. I know he may be on the wrong path, but I am sure that you all would help him see the light and that he would return to you all. It's truly unfortunate that I wasn't able to meet him as well but I know that he is a great individual and that you would definitely turn on onto the right path," said Tiger.
The Straw Hats all had more reserved smiles on their faces. They already told themselves that they would get Luffy back despite the overwhelming foes trying to stop them. But it was always reassuring to hear people believe in them and wishing them good luck.
"Before I leave Straw Hats there is one more thing," said Tiger turning his gaze to Sanbi.
"That fishman, he possess great power. Be very careful when facing him in battle," warned Tiger.
The warning despite the Straw Hats taking it in, did not need it. They knew from the moment Doflamingo mentioned the power of the Knights and that they would be extraordinarily strong and in the battle so far, they saw that he was indeed as strong as the legends of the D said they were. Tiger's warning only reminded them of that fact.
"Also if it's possible I would like you to please not hold it against him. Despite his actions, he does have good intentions. He is not a bad person. If there is anyone that you wish to turn your wrath to, do it to the one known as Dragon. He turned used Sanbi's emotions to make him into his loyal follower and turned your captain against you. If there is anyone you wish to blame, then blame him," said Tiger.
The Straw Hats didn't need anymore motivation to do just that. Ever since they heard about Dragon's actions on Kaien Kingdom, every one of them hated that man with a passion. He turned Luffy into something dark, he took over Pellinopee's homeland, he attempted to kidnap Shirahoshi, the list went on. He was the one person they would never forgive and once they got Luffy back to his senses, he and them would make him pay for his crimes against them, their friends and humanity.
"Don't worry Tiger-san, we will, you can be sure of that," said Nami.
The rest of the Straw Hats nodded in approval.
"Then I take my leave now Straw Hats, now finish this," said Tiger.
The ghost of Tiger then disappeared leaving the Straw Hats to once again face their current enemy Isonade D Sanbi of the Knights of D. Sanbi glared at the Straw Hats before turning his gaze to the unconscious Koala who was still lying down on the floor.
"It looks like Koala has been defeated. Granted you Jinbe are a former Shichbukai and a master and much more experienced user of Fishman Karate, it's still hard to believe that you actually defeated her. I trained her personally," said Sanbi.
"Koala is very strong, I only just barely defeated her. To think that at her age and not even being a fishman she has such mastery over not only fishman karate but merman combat. You trained her well, if only you just pointed her at the right direction, then things would have been much better. With how committed she was to human fishman relations, she would have been a major asset for us," said Jinbe.
"That doesn't matter now. She had been defeated but I am still here. And she did succeed in wearing you out significantly Jinbe so you are in no position to do anything," said Sanbi.
"Oh don't worry I can still fight," replied Jinbe.
"Jinbe, you should do what he said and sit this one out," said Zoro.
"What," said Jinbe turning to Zoro.
"What he said is right, you're in no condition to fight after that battle with Koala. Let us handle this guy," explained Zoro.
"I may be injured and exhausted but I can still help," replied Jinbe.
"Jinbe, you've already helped us. You defeated that female revolutionary commander. If she had joined Sanbi, then we would have lost for sure and Shirahoshi-chan would have been taken away. You've already helped us enough. Now leave the rest to us, besides …" said Sanji looking at Jinbe.
"You'll have to protect Shirahoshi-chan while we're facing this guy. No offense to everyone but none of you would have a chance against this guy. Jinbe is at least strong enough to buy Shirahoshi-chan some time to escape should the need arise," explained Sanji.
Jinbe chose to back down. As much as he'll like to help, his battle with Koala did do a number on him and like Sanji said, he would have to protect Shirahoshi should that Knight bypass them and go straight for Shirahoshi. Given that he was able to hold his own against the extremely powerful Straw Hats, no one except for himself would even have a chance of slowing him down. At least he would be strong enough to give Shirahoshi an opportunity to escape should the worst come to past. Besides, like Sanji said, he did help out by defeating Koala. Yes his place was her by her said.
Walking towards Shirahoshi who was still with Vivi, he said to the Straw Hats.
"Alright, I'll protect Shirahoshi-hime, you all just make sure to defeat him," said Jinbe.
"Right," replied Zoro.
Nodding his head showing that he entrusted this enemy to their hands, Jinbe went towards Shirahoshi to stand guard for her.
"Koala may have been defeated, but it doesn't change anything. I will still take the mermaid princess where she'll serve the revolutionary army and help bring about a true age of peace," stated Sanbi with finality.
"Bastard if you think that I'll let you take Shirahoshi-chan away then you've got another thing coming," replied Sanji angrily.
"Do you all really think you can defeat me? During the course of the battle I dominated you all, what makes you think that'll change?" asked Sanbi.
"You may have won the first round but this battle is far from over. Trust me, we've faced tons of strong guys who dominated us and we still came out on top," argued Zoro.
"Don't get so full of yourselves. The only reasons you were able to get this far was because you had Luffy's power, the power of D on your side. His power helped overcome all the numerous obstacles in your path. He was always the one who defeated the strongest adversaries. Without him, you all would have fallen long ago," said Sanbi.
The Straw Hats knew that Sanbi was partially correct. It was always Luffy who took down their strongest enemies, but he was wrong about their getting this far based solely on Luffy's power. They got this far because of their dreams and most importantly, each other. They all supported each other enhancing each other strength's and covering each other's weakness. That is how they were all able to overcome the seemingly overwhelming odds they all faced on the past and that is how they would defeat Sanbi.
"You may be right about Luffy taking down the strongest enemies but we didn't get this far solely based on Luffy. We got this far because we all have things to do, dreams to fulfill and most importantly each other. That's how we overcame all obstacles and that's how we'll defeat you," said Zoro.
"And that's also how we'll get Luffy back," stated Nami with certainty.
"Get him back, what makes you think he wants to come back, he despises pirates just as he despises you," replied Sanbi.
That comment got to them. Even if Luffy's hatred wasn't justified, especially towards them, it still hurt a lot to think that one of their nakama would hate them. The fact that it was Luffy, the one most committed to his nakama made it hurt far more, though among the Straw Hats, Nami and Robin were hurt most by this. To them the mere notion that Luffy would hate them made them just want to die.
"Besides, you pirates don't deserve him. He is the son of my leader and the future emperor of the world," said Sanbi.
The last part reminded Robin about a conversation that the crew and herself had with Doflamingo when they were captured back on Kaien Kingdom. She decided to voice this.
"Tell me Sanbi-san what how is Luffy going to be an emperor? I recall having heard something along those lines from Doflamingo back when were in Kaien Kingdom," asked Robin.
Flashback
"Pirate King. Please that is just some title the world gave to a highly successful pirate. Even though he is the king of the pirates, a pirate is still a pirate. Luffy being part of the army could become something more than that. Something where his name will live on forever, something where he could right the wrongs of the world, something where he could make the world a better place. He can become an emperor," said Doflamingo.
"Emperor, what do you mean? Obviously becoming Pirate King, is better than being an Emperor?" asked Franky.
"I wasn't referring to a Yonko. I was referring to something else entirely. However for Luffy it would also mean putting his past behind him," said Doflamingo.
"His past," said Nami curiously.
"That's right. Luffy has a dark past. A past that none of you are aware of and that haunts him to this very day. By joining us he can finally conquer it," said Doflamingo.
Flashback End
"When I heard from Doflamingo that Luffy was going to be an emperor, I thought that it was because he was Dragon's son that he would be an emperor. Since the revolutionary army conquered the world government they are now the new rulers of the world. And as Dragon is the revolutionary leader that makes him, the current emperor of the world. And as his son, Luffy would be next in line to be emperor," said Robin explaining her interpretation of Doflamingo's words regarding Luffy being the emperor.
"However now I'm getting the feeling that it is something more that is going to make Luffy an emperor," said Robin.
"So what is it Sanbi? Is it because Luffy is Dragon's son that he is the emperor or is it something more?" asked Robin.
Everyone, not just the Straw Hats were fixed on Sanbi for an explanation. Vivi, Shirahoshi, Jinbe, everyone looked at Sanbi with looks showing that they wanted to know.
"Very perceptive Robin. You are indeed right, for Luffy's status as heir to the world and future emperor is more than just about being Lord Dragon's son. For you see, Luffy is the half blood prince," revealed Sanbi.
"Half Blood Prince, what you talking about?" asked Sanji.
"It is time I revealed to you the identity of Luffy's mother," said Sanbi.
Meanwhile in a Revolutionary HQ, a woman was standing by herself look out the window. The place she was in was very luxurious and spacious, much more than even the most expensive and luxurious hotels, in fact, it's spaciousness equaled the residents of the Tenryuubito. She had the best room service, wonderful meals, beautiful and expensive clothes and everything a woman would want. Yet the room was a prison, it prevented her from seeing her greatest treasure, her beloved child, her baby boy, her only son.
Soon footsteps interrupted her gazing.
"Am I interrupting, Cassandra," said Dragon.
Cassandra looked back Dragon with a sad and defeated look.
So Saint Cassandra, the last surviving Tenryuubito and the mother of Luffy finally makes her appearance and the Straw Hats are finally going to find out who Luffy's mother is. Several readers asked when the Straw Hats will find out about Luffy's mom, well that's happening next time. The next chapter is sure to be interesting.
Before I go onto the chapter notes, I wish to clarify a few things.
In this story, Dragon has the weather weather paramecia fruit. A description of his powers is available on chapter 37 "Profile of the Revolutionary Army."
This fic diverges after chapter 653 and episode 573. So everything that has happened after that in Oda's One Piece doesn't apply to this fic. So Luffy and Law are not in an alliance, Doflamingo is not a Tenryuubito, none of that applies to this story. The reason I chose chapter 653 and episode 573 is because that is just when the Straw Hats left Fishman Island so not much was set in stone. I had more freedom to alter the story as I saw fit. All stories needs some starting point so that's mine.
Well onto the chapter notes.
Why the Straw Hats initially found seeing the ghost of Fisher Tiger unbelievable. The Straw Hats do have some experience with the dead. However the zombies of Thriller Bark were not actually zombies, just corpses with shadows stolen by Moriah. Brook came to life because his devil fruit allows him to come back to life. The Straw Hats do have some experience with spirts. At Ennies Lobby, the Straw Hats saw the spirit of the Going Merry before her funeral. However the spirit of Merry appeared to the Straw Hats as she was about to die. As she was about to die, she appeared before them thanking them for allowing her to carry them. Merry didn't actually come back from the dead anytime. In other words, Merry was dieing, not actually dead. Tiger however literally came back from the dead. There is no explanation there other than it being as it was. That is why the Straw Hats found it so unbelievable despite their past experiences with Brook, Merry and Thriller Bark. Because here it is truly a ghost.
Tiger making Koala see the light. Most if not all of Koala's actions were motivated by Tiger's death. The reason she went on the path of a revolutionary was because of his death and the manner of his death. His death is what really sparked Koala's desire to change the world and make it a better and safer place for fishmen, even if it meant using force and punishing humans who harm fishmen, to make sure that what happened to Tiger would never happen to any other fishman ever again. Even if Koala's heart was in the right place, her methods, specifically the revolutionary army's methods were too brutal and cruel and wouldn't have worked. They may have prevented humans from harming fishman but it would only make them hate fishmen even more. Tiger's tragedy prevented Koala from seeing that. The only way for Koala to realize that she was wrong was if Tiger himself said so. The person's whose death drove her to such actions to actually let her know. That is why he came back. To let her know that what she was doing wasn't the right way of doing things. Given how close Koala was to Tiger and how much she grieved over his death (see chapter 56: Loosing someone precious), only he could have finally gotten Koala to see the light, something which he succeeded at.
Tiger appearing now of all times. The reason Tiger appeared now before everyone was really specifically for Koala. He never appeared before Jinbe or any of the others before. That was because Koala was probably more affected by Tiger's death than anyone of the crew, even Jinbe. There was also the fact that Koala unlike the others was only a child so she would be most heavily affected by his death. Also there was the fact that she took a path that Tiger knew was wrong, if you don't count Arlong who was a lost cause. Basically Koala needed to see Tiger more than anyone else which is why he appeared specifically for her. Jinbe and the rest of Fishman Island are really there as an added bonus but his presence also allows them to come to terms with humans.
Tiger's appearance finally getting the people of Fishman Island to truly accept humans. Tiger's death was one of the main reasons there was so much problems between humans and fishmen, Otohime's death being one of the others. Everyone thought that humans abandoned Tiger. During the Fishman Island arc, everyone finally found out that it wasn't a human who killed Otohime but Hody. And during this arc they found out from Koala that Tiger wasn't denied a blood transfusion, he chose to deny it himself. Furthermore Koala revealed that Tiger actually wanted humans and fishmen to get along. However despite all the evidence proving that it was true, it's still hard for all of them to swallow. However since Tiger himself confirmed that he truly wanted them to join hands with humans, then they have to accept it. Tiger is the hero of Fishman Island and his opinion is held in very high regard. If he wanted humans and fishmen to get along, then the people will accept it. After all, if a fishman who was formerly a slave to humans and whom attacked them actually wanted the two races to get along, then those who were never really harmed by humans should be accepting of them as well.
Tiger's presence ending the cycle of hatred. Tiger the moment he chose to attack the Tenryuubito could be said to have really jump-started all the problems between humans and fishmen, despite there being discrimination long before that. Because he attacked the most dangerous humans, the Tenryuubito, it made everyone think that they should fight back or separate from humans. And when he died, the cover story that he was denied blood from humans made fishmen resent humans even more because they thought humans betrayed Tiger, their hero. Thus it made the problems between humans and fishmen even worse since the citizens of Fishman Island believed humans to have "killed" their hero thus making the cycle even worse. Now Tiger returned to explain his actions and true feelings regarding humans and thus end the cycle of hatred. Just as he started the cycle by attacking Mariejois and choosing to die, he now ends the cycle by revealing that he truly wants the two races to co-exist. Basically everything Tiger has done has come full circle. He caused a lot of the problems so now he's ending them.
Doflamingo first mentioning about Luffy being the emperor is in Chapter 29: Conversation With A Shichbukai.
The Half Blood Prince. That refers to Luffy and was inspired by Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Why Luffy is called that is fairly obvious. He is both a D and a Tenryuubito. He has the blood of a D and the blood of a Tenryuubito flowing through his veins. He is a half D, half Tenryuubito, hence the title Half Blood Prince.
Why does Sanbi and Doflamingo refer to Luffy as emperor. That should also be fairly obvious. As Dragon is the leader of the Revolutionary Army, which recently conquered the world government, that makes him the ruler of the world. Luffy as his son is his heir and thus future emperor. A king rules a country, but the world is made of many countries which together make up an empire, and the leader of an empire is the emperor. Of course, for now Luffy is not the emperor, Dragon is. Luffy however will succeed his father. Also Luffy being both a D and a Tenryuubito, unifies the ancient kingdom of Imperion, and the head of the world government Mariejois. So by blood Luffy is clearly the rightful heir to the world and title of future emperor.
Well that's it for now. Next chapter, we find out more about Luffy's mother.