Translator: PapaSmurf0700
With the air tanks repaired, the protective bubble around Fishman Island shimmered back into existence. Notably, the Wildfire Army did not take responsibility for arresting the New Fish-Man Pirates. Instead, they handed the defeated rebels over to King Neptune's Royal Army. No matter their crimes, they were citizens of Fishman Island, and it was not the Wildfire Army's place to interfere.
This single act of respect did more to earn the trust of the island's residents than any battle. It proved that the Wildfire Army was there to protect them, not to rule them. In gratitude, King Neptune presented them with generous gifts, paying special tribute to Lieutenant General Abraham with a treasured item from his personal collection.
Rebuilding Fishman Island was a monumental task, but thankfully, not every district had been destroyed. Ryugu Palace, home of the royal family, remained untouched. It was there that the Straw Hat Pirates were resting as honored guests.
Knowing Sanji's particular appreciation for the mermaids of the Mermaid Café, Neptune had his three sons escort the entire staff to the palace to serve at the banquets. Since their own café had been smashed in the fighting, Madam Shyarly and her employees gladly accepted the temporary work. During one conversation, Luffy, with his trademark lack of filter, asked the question that had been on his mind since he first arrived: "Do mermaids poop?"
Madam Shyarly, Arlong's half-sister and the café's owner, answered with serene composure. "Yes. We do."
Compared to their last major stop, this trip to Fishman Island had been somewhat bittersweet. Hody Jones's rampage had flooded a large portion of the island, ruining many of the attractions Luffy had been eager to explore. But Luffy was nothing if not resilient. After two grand banquets, the disappointment was a distant memory.
"Whoa! These desserts are incredible!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling as he devoured a towering pastry.
"Look at this guy," Usopp grumbled good-naturedly. "You'd never know he was crying his eyes out the other day because he couldn't have fun."
"Luffy always needs to replenish his energy after a major battle," Bai Ye said with a knowing smile. "You should be used to this by now."
Sanji turned his attention from the feast to Robin. "Did you find anything interesting in the Sea Forest yesterday, Robin-chwan? You seemed quite pleased when you returned."
"Yes, we made a significant discovery," Robin confirmed with a nod, recalling the Poneglyph she had found hidden among the ancient trees. On it was an apology, written eight hundred years ago by a man named Joy Boy. After finding it, she had spoken with King Neptune and learned the full story of Joy Boy, the ancient Mermaid Princess, and the great ark, Noah. She planned to share the details with the crew once they left Fishman Island. For now, it was a time to relax.
Just then, an uninvited guest arrived at Ryugu Palace.
"This is unacceptable, Minister of the Left! Garchu!"
"Your internal strife is none of my concern! I was hoping for a few sweets! Garchu!"
The speaker was a tall, bipedal lion with a ferocious appearance, made all the more striking by a bright pink suit. A pair of sunglasses failed to hide his comically small eyes. This was Pekoms of the Big Mom Pirates, a lion mink and user of the Turtle-Turtle Fruit.
He was currently grilling the Minister of the Left. "We have a trade agreement. You are to provide us with ten tons of sweets at this time every month. We've already paid you!" Pekoms's tone grew heavy with menace. "Since you seem to have forgotten the terms, allow me to remind you of the consequences."
"You know how terrifying Mama can be when she's upset, don't you? If you make her angry over something as simple as dessert, you will find yourselves at... a dead end!"
In his excitement, Pekoms's sunglasses slipped, revealing his tiny, beady eyes. A few of the nearby mermaids couldn't help but think, He's surprisingly cute when he's angry.
"Pekoms. Are you threatening a member state of the Starfire Alliance?"
Ripper's sharp voice cut through the tension. The Wildfire Army major general stepped forward, his glare promising violence. "Your entire pirate crew has a kill-on-sight order from the Alliance. Don't force me to enforce it right here, right now."
"Oh? Is that so?" Pekoms replied, regaining his composure. His tone, however, remained arrogant. "The Big Mom Pirates have established the nation of Totto Land. Our trade agreement with Fishman Island is fully compliant with Starfire regulations. On what grounds could you possibly arrest me, Major General Ripper?"
"Hmph," Ripper snorted. "I'm simply reminding you that since you are here as a representative of the Totto Land government, you'd best behave yourself. Don't fall back on your pirate ways."
Having been on the island for some time, Ripper was well aware of the agreement between Totto Land and Fishman Island. Pekoms was right; there was no legal basis for an arrest. After the formation of the Starfire Alliance, Big Mom had shrewdly declared her territory a sovereign nation and had begun acting in a way that mimicked the Alliance's own protocols. Their candy trade with Fishman Island was, on paper, completely legitimate.
At this moment, Ripper had to admit that Fishman Island was in the wrong. His words were nothing more than a warning to Pekoms not to even think about using force. Their contract included clear financial penalties for failure to deliver on time.
"Of course, we are aware of that," a new voice said smoothly. Another figure had appeared behind Pekoms. He was a man with impossibly long, thin legs, a cracked eggshell covering his lower body, a prim mustache, and a cane. He, too, wore a pink suit and hat. This was Baron Tamago, another officer of the Big Mom Pirates.
After addressing Ripper, Baron Tamago turned gracefully to the Minister of the Left. "This is not a threat, Monsieur Minister," he said, his voice silky but cold. "I am merely stating a fact. Sometimes, failing to fulfill Mama's wishes cannot be resolved by mere financial compensation."
Baron Tamago leaned in closer. "Mama's tea party is in four days. She has been looking forward to your island's famous sweets."
Purupurupuru... Purupurupuru...
As if on cue, the Den Den Mushi in Pekoms's pocket began to ring.
"Oh no," Pekoms muttered, a flicker of genuine fear in his small eyes. "It must be Mama. I've already reported the situation to her."