The Grand Line, Calm Belt, New Fish-Man Island.
"The first phase of the migration plan has been successfully completed. Thank you for your assistance, Admiral Wright. Fish-Man Island will never forget your kindness."
Queen Otohime and Prince Fukaboshi emerged as royal representatives, expressing their gratitude to Admiral Wright, the Marine representative attending the completion ceremony of Fish-Man Island's first-phase infrastructure project.
Also in attendance were the Warlord of the Sea, "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe, Amazon Lily's Empress and Warlord of the Sea, Boa Hancock, and the representative of the surface kingdom, King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta.
"The support and help from everyone will never be forgotten by Fish-Man Island!"
Despite expressing gratitude to the various factions, Queen Otohime and all Fish-Man Island inhabitants understood that without Admiral Wright, these powers would have never aligned with them.
The completion of the first-phase infrastructure, capable of housing one-fifth of Fish-Man Island's population, still felt like a dream come true.
"Congratulations to Fish-Man Island on realizing your long-cherished dream!"
Cobra deeply understood the significance of Fish-Man Island's achievement and the centuries of effort it had taken to reach this point.
Moreover, he had heard rumors of a mermaid princess around Vivi's age. As the guardian family of the "Pluton," Cobra had a faint premonition that a fateful connection might arise if Vivi and Princess Shirahoshi were to meet.
"I'm truly pleased to see Fish-Man Island finally settle down."
Hancock, who was usually cold and aloof, now bore a gentle smile in Wright's presence. Even the slightest movement from the Empress left those around her dizzy.
"Your Majesty! Hang in there, Your Majesty!"
Alabasta's Guard Captain Igaram desperately recalled the visage of his wife, gritting his teeth as he pulled out a pair of sunglasses, slipping them onto the nearly fainting Cobra.
"..."
Wright sighed, placing a Holy Light spell on Cobra to restore his condition—this old lecher had absolutely no resistance to Hancock's charm.
Hancock offered Wright a captivating smile, completely ignoring Cobra's plight.
"Admiral Wright, I have kept my promise to reduce plundering of non-pirates as much as possible... Although Amazon Lily is small, its specialties have made stable trade with New Fish-Man Island possible."
"I believe that once New Fish-Man Island flourishes, we will become each other's most important allies."
"That would be wonderful... You've worked hard, Hancock. I imagine you faced quite a bit of opposition back home?"
Wright smiled. Hancock seemed like a different person now, free from the icy shackles that once bound her—though her attitude toward others hadn't changed much.
"That is of no concern... As Empress, what I say is law! Anyone dissatisfied will forgive me~ because I am~ beautiful beyond compare!"
Hancock declared arrogantly, casting a scornful glare at the sweating crowd before offering Wright a bashful smile.
"..."
Wright awkwardly smiled, quickly casting another Holy Light spell on Cobra.
"Admiral Wright."
Jinbe stepped forward, first bowing to Wright, then to the representatives of the various factions, leaving them bewildered.
"Jinbe, what is this about..."
Wright was surprised. Jinbe's solemn expression indicated he had something important to say.
"Admiral Wright, everyone."
Jinbe turned to Queen Otohime, who nodded with an encouraging smile.
"Years ago, on Fish-Man Island, I made a promise. If Fish-Man Island ever realized its centuries-old dream, as Admiral Wright foretold, I would serve under him, at his command!"
"Today is the day to fulfill that promise!"
"Before you all, I, Jinbe, captain of the Sun Pirates, relinquish my position and pledge myself to Admiral Wright's service, if he will accept me!"
Jinbe knelt on one knee, but Wright quickly held him up.
"Jinbe, there's no need for such formality... My doors are always open to you!"
"How about the title of 'Admiral's Special Advisor'? You won't be part of the Marine hierarchy, only answerable to me personally..."
"After all, you're still a Warlord of the Sea!"
"Thank you, Admiral Wright!"
Jinbe stood. He knew this was the best solution for his current position. Despite his Warlord status, he was still a renowned pirate, making direct enlistment into the Marines inappropriate.
As the Admiral's personal advisor, however, there would be no such complications while still serving Wright.
"Does this mean... the Marines will soon welcome Fish-Men and Merfolk into their ranks?"
Cobra, having recovered, realized that Jinbe's decision represented not only himself but the entire Fish-Man Island and Ryugu Kingdom.
"Indeed, King Cobra. We will gauge public opinion, and the royal family will fully support those willing to join."
Queen Otohime nodded gently, smiling.
"We will prioritize Fish-Men, who can move freely on land, while Merfolk, less agile on the surface, may face greater challenges. However, Fish-Men tend to be more aggressive, and adapting to Marine life will take time."
"Nevertheless, we will do our best to promote this—it's a great opportunity to show the world who we truly are!"
Cobra slowly nodded. With Fish-Men joining, the Marines would see a significant boost in strength—another step toward a better world.
"You're welcome to visit Alabasta anytime to experience the desert scenery—it's a world apart from Fish-Man Island!"
Cobra extended an invitation to Queen Otohime.
"Alabasta, the largest nearby kingdom, may not have access to the Calm Belt, but its resources beyond are vast!"
"Thank you, King Cobra. I will personally visit Alabasta at the earliest opportunity!"
Queen Otohime knew that, like Fish-Man Island, Alabasta possessed a Lightforged Beacon. Under Wright's influence, the two nations would become steadfast allies.
"Now, please allow us to offer you Fish-Man Island's finest hospitality!"
...
Finally, the fateful day arrived—May 5th.
In the East Blue's Foosha Village, Makino, the village chief, and the villagers watched from the harbor as a small boat, lacking even a sail, drifted out to sea.
"He's finally set off... It's a little lonely, isn't it, Chief?"
Makino sighed with a smile, while the village chief gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Disgraceful! A disgrace to our village! He actually went to sea to become a pirate!"
Aboard the small boat, 17-year-old Monkey D. Luffy gazed at the clear blue sky, exclaiming with excitement:
"Today's a great day to set sail!"
"I'm going to become the Pirate King!"
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