Fishman Island, New World
Within the dilapidated depths of Fishman Island, tucked away in the rugged confines of the Fishman District, stood an old wooden building—a structure far removed from the grandeur of the Ryugu Palace. Despite its crumbling facade, this unassuming dojo held profound significance.
It was here, in one of the last bastions of tradition, that the legendary art of Fishman Karate was passed down through generations.
Inside the dojo, two towering figures faced each other, their muscles taut and their eyes ablaze with focus. Every move they made seemed to command the very ocean around them. The sea itself became a canvas for their artistry, their techniques reshaping the water with raw, untamed power.
On one side stood Jinbei, his broad shoulders and stocky frame rooted like an immovable pillar of strength. His steely gaze reflected a calm yet fierce determination, and his stance was textbook perfection—a testament to years of rigorous discipline.
His fists clenched tightly, and the water around him seemed to ripple in anticipation of his next move. Jinbei's mastery of Fishman Karate had already earned him respect far beyond the district, yet here, he sought to sharpen his skills further.
Opposite him loomed Fisher Tiger, taller and leaner but no less formidable. His movements carried an untamed fluidity, like a tempest waiting to break loose. Tiger's gaze was sharp, his every motion radiating intensity.
A scar ran diagonally across his chest, a testament to the battles he had endured and the fire that burned within him. Despite the chaotic environment, there was something undeniably regal about him—a leader in the making.
The air between them was electric, the tension palpable as the sea currents danced around their feet.
"Samegawara Seiken!" Jinbei roared, planting his feet firmly in the sand-covered dojo floor. With a sudden burst of energy, he thrust his fist forward in a devastating straight punch. The water around him twisted into a powerful vortex, the force of his strike resonating outward with a thunderous roar. The sea churned violently, as if bowing to his command.
But Fisher Tiger was no ordinary opponent.
He shifted into a stance unfamiliar to the onlookers. His hands moved with precision, forming the foundation of a technique that had recently become part of his arsenal. Tiger had always been an innovator, seeking to blend the strengths of different fighting styles.
Through a lucrative exchange with the Donquixote Family—an uneasy partnership borne of the black market—he had acquired the legendary Hasshoken techniques, once the pride of the fallen Chinjao family. These shockwave techniques, paired with Tiger's natural strength, made him a force of nature.
"Bujaogen!" Tiger roared, his muscles coiling like springs as he unleashed a devastating punch of his own. The shockwave rippled outward with a violent intensity, a thunderous boom that seemed to vibrate through the very marrow of those watching. The water exploded outward, colliding with Jinbei's attack.
The clash was monumental.
Water erupted in chaotic spirals, the sheer force sending ripples through the dojo and cracking its fragile wooden beams. The collision of techniques generated shockwaves that raced through the ocean, causing nearby fishmen to shield their eyes from the tumult. Sand was uprooted, swirling into the water in a storm of debris.
Seated casually on the edge of the dojo's sagging roof was Arlong, his shark-like grin as wide as ever. His lanky yet muscular frame betrayed the raw power that simmered beneath his arrogant demeanor. His sun-darkened skin gleamed in the watery light as he leaned back, arms crossed, watching the spectacle with a mixture of awe and contempt.
"Ha! Look at these two," Arlong sneered, the sharp rows of his teeth flashing with every word.
"Breaking their backs to prove who's stronger. As if it isn't obvious who the real king of this district is." Despite his bravado, his eyes betrayed his respect—though he would never admit it aloud. Arlong idolized Fisher Tiger, but his pride wouldn't let him acknowledge the gap between their strength.
The watching crowd of young fishmen gasped and murmured, caught between awe and disbelief. They had come to witness a training session but were instead treated to a battle that felt like a clash of titans. The dojo shook as Jinbei and Tiger stood their ground, their techniques evenly matched.
As the turbulent water settled, Tiger lowered his fists, his expression breaking into a broad grin. "You've grown stronger, Jinbei," he said, his voice carrying a tone of pride.
Jinbei relaxed his stance, his lips curling into a small, humble smile. "It's because I have someone like you to train with, Brother Tiger."
Arlong scoffed from his perch. "Enough of this lovefest! If you two are done wrecking the place, why not let me show you what real power looks like?" He leapt down, landing with a splash that sent ripples through the water.
Tiger chuckled, shaking his head. "Patience, Little Arlong. Your time will come. For now, watch and learn."
The moment was brief, but it carried weight—a glimpse into the camaraderie and rivalry that forged the legends of Fishman Island. The cracked beams of the dojo and the swirling waters bore silent witness to the birth of techniques that would one day change the world.
Within the dimly lit dojo, the group of Fishmen who remained close to Fisher Tiger gathered in a tight circle. The others had dispersed, returning to their training routines, but here, among these few, the atmosphere was heavier—a mix of loyalty, concern, and an unspoken tension.
The waters outside the fragile wooden structure shimmered faintly, the ambient light of Fishman Island casting an ethereal glow on their faces.
Jinbei stood with his arms crossed, his stocky frame radiating quiet authority. Though now a vice commander of the Ryugu Kingdom's forces, his heart remained firmly rooted in the Fishman District, where he had grown up and fought alongside his brothers.
Fisher Tiger leaned against one of the creaking wooden beams, his tall and lean frame carrying the weight of leadership effortlessly. His gaze was contemplative, a silent storm brewing behind his sharp eyes.
Arlong, however, paced restlessly along the edge of the room. His shark-like features twisted with frustration, his teeth glinting as he muttered curses under his breath. The mere mention of the Donquixote Family was enough to ignite his rage.
His hatred for humans burned hot, fueled not only by the tragic loss of his parents but also by the bitter sting of betrayal by his step-sibling, Shyarly, who had left to join the very family Arlong despised.
"Tch! Those human scum…" Arlong spat, his voice seething with anger. "They take what they can't reach, always relying on us to do the dirty work in the depths of the sea! And those Donquixote bastards—trading with them only strengthens their grip over us!"
The group let him vent. They understood his pain, his hatred, even if they didn't all share it. His grievances were personal, deeply rooted, and no words could heal them.
"Was it wise to trade all that seastone we worked so hard to gather for just a technique?" Jinbei's voice broke the silence. His tone was calm but probing, his eyes fixed on Fisher Tiger. Despite his loyalty to his brother and leader, he couldn't help but question the decision. Seastone was rare and precious, a treasure of the sea that could have brought them greater leverage.
Tiger straightened, his expression softening as he considered the question. "I understand your concern, Jinbei," he said, his voice steady. "But this technique could help us become stronger—stronger to protect what matters. The more we rely on the charity of others, the more we expose ourselves to their whims. Power is the only language the world respects."
Arlong growled in agreement. "Exactly! Humans are parasites. They'll take and take until we have nothing left. We Fishmen are superior in every way, yet we stoop to trade with those rats!"
"Enough, Arlong," Jinbei said, his voice sharper than usual. "I was there when Otohime-sama herself went to Dressrosa to negotiate that alliance. She believes in peace, in building a bridge between our worlds. And so far, the Donquixote Family has honored their pact. They've paid fair prices for what we've given them and protected Fishman Island from pirates who'd otherwise exploit us. Can you deny that?"
Arlong turned, his sharp eyes blazing with fury. "You think that makes them saints? You're blind, Jinbei! We are Fishmen—naturally superior! They use us because they need us. The moment they don't, they'll show their true colors. Just like every human does."
Before Arlong could continue, a sharp smack landed on the back of his head. He spun, baring his teeth, only to see Fisher Tiger glaring down at him.
"Enough, Arlong," Tiger said firmly, his deep voice carrying the weight of authority. "You and Jinbei are always at each other's throats like children. For once, try to listen."
Arlong grumbled but fell silent, rubbing the back of his head.
One of the younger Fishmen, a seahorse-like figure with delicate fins, stepped forward hesitantly.
"Brother Tiger, may I speak?"
Tiger's expression softened as he nodded. "Go on. We're family here."
The young Fishman cleared his throat, his voice timid but thoughtful. "The conditions in the Fishman District have improved a lot since we started trading with the Donquixote Family. But… doesn't it seem strange that they're willing to pay such high prices for things that mean so little to us? I mean, to us, these treasures of the sea are just… commonplace."
Arlong snorted. "Obviously because they know the real value is higher than what they're paying us! Pirates, especially human ones, never play fair."
Tiger raised a hand, silencing him before he could launch into another tirade. "Arlong has a point," he admitted. "Humans don't do anything unless it benefits them. If they're paying us a fortune for what we gather from the depths, it's because those goods are worth even more on the surface."
Jinbei frowned, his loyalty to the alliance conflicting with Tiger's logic. "Brother Tiger, the pact is clear. We trade exclusively with the Donquixote Family. They've shown us goodwill, and breaking that trust could bring more harm than good. Have you forgotten how they've protected Fishman Island?"
Tiger's expression darkened, and he fell silent for a moment. The memory of the impoverished, orphaned children of the Fishman District flashed in his mind—thousands of them, struggling to survive. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.
"I haven't forgotten, Jinbei," he said softly. "But I can't ignore the feeling that we're being shortchanged. If the true value of what we gather could bring us greater resources, perhaps even independence, shouldn't we at least know the truth? How can we create a better life for our people if we don't understand the world we're dealing with?"
The room fell silent, each Fishman lost in thought. Jinbei's eyes narrowed in contemplation, while Arlong's grin widened. For all his hatred, even he couldn't deny that Tiger's words held merit.
Fisher Tiger looked at his brothers, his voice steady and filled with conviction.
"I'll find out the truth. For the sake of Fishman Island, for the children of the district, and for our future. We'll no longer accept scraps when we deserve the whole ocean."
"But Queen Otohime..."
The tension in the dojo hung thick as Jinbei hesitated, his lips parted to voice another protest. But before he could utter a word, Arlong sneered, his voice venomous.
"That royal bitch—"
The words had barely left his mouth when Fisher Tiger moved. His hand shot out with lightning speed, his powerful fingers clasping around Arlong's jaw. The force of his grip was unmistakable, the strength of a warrior who had fought countless battles. Tiger's usually composed expression was a storm of fury, his piercing eyes sharp and dangerous.
"One more indecent word about the Queen, and I'll have your shark hide," Tiger growled, his voice low and commanding, like the deep rumble of an approaching tsunami.
"Never—never—disrespect King Neptune or Queen Otohime in my presence. If not for their kindness, their tireless efforts to keep this island afloat, do you think the Fishman District would still stand? You can hate humans all you want, Arlong, but don't you dare drag her name through the mud. Speak like this again, and you'll learn what it means to cross me."
The group fell silent, watching as Tiger's grip tightened, his warning as clear as the blood-red glare in his eyes. Arlong's cocky grin vanished, replaced by a grimace of pain.
Yet in his eyes, there remained a flicker of defiance, a silent statement that he still believed he was right. But he wasn't foolish enough to voice it now. Not with Tiger's massive hand threatening to crush his jaw like brittle coral.
"Brother Tiger," Jinbei intervened, his deep voice steady as he stepped forward. "He was speaking in anger. Let him go. We're all brothers here."
After a tense moment, Tiger released his grip, pushing Arlong back with a firm shove. Arlong stumbled but quickly straightened, rubbing his jaw. Though he said nothing, the anger simmering in his glare spoke volumes. He wouldn't dare cross Tiger again—at least not directly.
Tiger exhaled, his tone softening as he redirected the conversation. "Enough of this nonsense. Back to the matter at hand."
The shift in tone eased the tension slightly, but Jinbei's unease lingered. "Brother Tiger," he began cautiously, "what exactly are you planning to do?"
Tiger's gaze softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Jinbei's broad shoulder. "Don't worry, Jinbei. I'm not about to jeopardize the peace Queen Otohime has worked so hard to build with the Donquixote Family. All I want is to understand the true value of what we're offering—and to secure an alternate channel for trade. If the Donquixote Family ever decides to choke us with their monopoly, we need to be prepared."
Jinbei's brow furrowed. "But the district has only just begun to recover. Do you think it's worth the risk?"
Tiger's face hardened with determination. "I can't afford to let this progress falter. Not when so many children in the Fishman District still go to sleep hungry. We've clawed our way out of darkness, but it's only a fragile light. One mistake, one misstep, and we're back where we started. I won't let that happen."
The room grew quiet as Tiger's words sank in. He was willing to bear the burden of risk alone, shouldering the consequences if his actions backfired. His resolve was unshakable—a testament to his love for his people and his unwavering commitment to their future.
Jinbei remained skeptical. "But where will we find another channel? It's not as though we can approach human traders without putting ourselves at risk."
Before Tiger could respond, Arlong scoffed, stepping forward. "That's already handled, Jinbei. I've reached out to some of our own—Fishmen with connections to the outside world. They've agreed to help us trade safely with the humans."
Jinbei's eyes narrowed sharply. "Arlong… have you lost your mind? Those so-called 'connections' you're talking about—do you mean the Fishman Pirates? The ones rumored to be behind the disappearances of mermaids?"
The mention of the rumors made the others in the room shift uneasily. Everyone had heard the whispers—how these pirates, though Fishmen themselves, were no better than human slavers when it came to their own kind.
Arlong sneered. "You'd trust a human pirate over our own brethren? Whatever they've done, they're Fishmen first. They're better than those filthy humans!"
Jinbei clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. He turned to Tiger, hoping for a voice of reason. "Brother Tiger, you can't seriously be considering this. Even if they're Fishmen, their actions are—"
"It's okay, Jinbei." Tiger's voice was calm but firm, cutting through Jinbei's protest. "I know what kind of men we're dealing with. I'll take every precaution necessary. If things go wrong, I'll bear the consequences. Alone."
Jinbei's eyes searched Tiger's, finding only resolute determination. Despite his reservations, Jinbei couldn't bring himself to argue further. His trust in Tiger outweighed his fear.
Tiger turned to the group, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "This is a risk we have to take. If these pirates can provide us with a safe way to trade, we'll explore it. But make no mistake—if they cross us, I won't hesitate to deal with them myself."
Arlong grinned, his shark teeth glinting with satisfaction. "Then it's settled. Let's show these humans that Fishmen don't need to crawl for scraps."
Tiger didn't share Arlong's smugness. His decision wasn't made lightly. He knew the danger, the potential fallout if the Donquixote Family discovered their plans. But for the sake of the Fishman District—for the children who looked to him for hope—he was willing to risk it all. If he had to walk into the jaws of the unknown to secure a better future, then so be it.
For Fisher Tiger, no price was too high to see his people rise above the depths of despair.
Fisher Tiger stood tall in the center of the dojo, his powerful presence commanding the attention of everyone present. His tone shifted from serious to lighthearted, a rare smile crossing his usually stern face.
"Well, now that this matter is settled," he began, "I have news to share. King Neptune has extended an invitation to all of us for the celebration of the birth of the third prince. The festivities will be held in the Ryugu Palace, and everyone here is welcome to attend."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd. The announcement was met with mixed emotions. The birth of another royal was indeed a joyous occasion for the kingdom. Despite the inequalities that still lingered between the Fishman District and the grander parts of Fishman Island, King Neptune had always extended a hand of goodwill to the disenfranchised.
The thought of food from the royal banquet making its way to the children in the district brought a flicker of hope and excitement to many.
Fisher Tiger added warmly, "Perhaps after the celebration, we'll be able to take some of the leftover food from the banquet and distribute it among the children here. It's a small thing, but it'll brighten their spirits."
Before the crowd could respond, Arlong's voice cut through the air. "Tch," he scoffed, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "I have urgent matters to take care of. I won't be able to attend your little festivities, Brother Tiger."
Arlong turned on his heel and strode toward the exit, his heavy footsteps echoing through the room. As he reached the door, he muttered under his breath, loud enough for everyone to hear,
"Where is our pride? You want us to beg from those royals for scraps?"
Fisher Tiger closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. Arlong's words hung in the air like a dark cloud, his disdain palpable. It wasn't the first time Tiger had to contend with Arlong's rebellious nature, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Despite his fiery temper and biting words, Arlong's loyalty to Fisher Tiger was unwavering. Tiger only hoped that, with time, the young man would mature.
"Keep an eye on him," Tiger said quietly, addressing the hulking bull shark fishman who had been standing silently in the corner like a sentinel. The burly fishman, known simply as Branko, nodded curtly and followed Arlong out of the dojo without a word.
Tiger exhaled, turning back to Jinbei with a faint smile. "So, Jinbei, what about you?" he asked, his tone deliberately lighter.
"I know it's your day off, but as Vice Commander of the Ryugu Kingdom's forces, your presence would be much appreciated. Who knows? Maybe we can even use your name to snag a little extra food from the royal kitchens for the kids later!" Tiger chuckled, the sound deep and genuine.
Jinbei scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his broad shoulders hunching slightly. "You're going to make me blush, Brother Tiger," he said with a small grin. "But I suppose you're right. If my presence can help, I'll attend. It's an important day for the kingdom, after all."
"Good man," Tiger said, clapping Jinbei on the shoulder. "You're a good example for the others to follow."
The atmosphere in the room lightened as Tiger's words brought a sense of camaraderie back to the group. The lingering tension from Arlong's outburst began to dissipate, replaced by murmurs of excitement about the celebration.
Though challenges remained, Fisher Tiger's unshakable resolve and Jinbei's steady presence were beacons of hope for the Fishman District—a reminder that, despite the hardships, they still had each other.