"Sunbell, you don't know how bad it's gotten these past years," Fisher Tiger said, his fists clenched as his sharp eyes swept the distant waters where ominous shadows flickered.
"Human traffickers come more and more often to capture my people as slaves. They're like demons without form, reaching out with invisible hands and dragging our brothers and sisters into the dark. That's why I formed a guard patrol—to chase them off and keep Fishman Island safe."
His voice, heavy with frustration, softened as he released his grip on Sunbell's shoulders.
Sunbell, who knew this had been the plight of the fishmen for a long time, fell into silent thought.
Roger, adjusting the brim of his signature straw hat, stepped forward with a grin so warm it could melt icebergs. His voice boomed with sincerity as he extended his hand, palm up.
"Hello there. We are the Roger Pirates. We've come here with no ill intent—only to meet your king. Brother, would you be willing to guide us?"
That smile, brimming with charisma, dissolved suspicion as though it had never been.
Sunbell snapped out of his daze and quickly introduced,
"Tiger, this is our captain—Gol D. Roger!"
The moment the name landed, Tiger's pupils shrank. Excitement lit up his expression.
"So you're the legendary Roger Pirates! It's an honor to meet you!"
He clasped Roger's hand firmly, his straightforward manner clear as day.
"Follow me!"
"Once this business is done, come drink with us on my ship, Tiger! Wahahaha!"
Roger roared with laughter, clapping Tiger on the back.
Tiger laughed in return.
"Gladly! Hahaha!"
And so, with Tiger leading the way, the Roger Pirates swam toward Ryugu Palace.
The palace rose like a jewel beneath the sea—grand, magnificent, its shell-shaped towers gleaming with gemstones that reflected the ocean's light in dazzling colors.
The current king, Neptune—father of Shirahoshi—had only recently ascended the throne. Towering and regal with a crown upon his head, he beamed with joy when he heard the famous Roger Pirates had arrived. With his tail flicking rapidly, he hurried to welcome them, personally hosting a grand banquet.
The hall glittered with light. Glowing jellyfish floated overhead, casting soft illumination across the feast. The tables groaned under delicacies of the deep: roasted sea beasts, rare kelp wines, fragrant shellfish stews—the air was rich with aromas that made mouths water.
But as Neptune bustled around pouring drinks and offering food, his behavior seemed overly humble—bordering on subservient. He moved anxiously, his great tail twitching, eyes constantly filled with a need to please.
When the banquet reached its height, Roger set down his ornate shell cup and leaned forward. His eyes burned with honest determination.
"King Neptune, we came with a request. We wish to make copies of the Poneglyphs."
Neptune agreed instantly, without a trace of hesitation.
"Of course! If the Roger Pirates ask, I'll give my full support!"
His eagerness surprised the crew. They exchanged glances—then broke into grins, lifting their cups high. The hall filled once more with joyous laughter and clinking glasses.
As the banquet neared its close, Neptune suddenly rose. He walked solemnly up to Roger, his tone heavy with expectation:
"Please… let Fishman Island fall under the protection of the Roger Pirates!"
The words froze Roger's smile. His brow furrowed.
He loved freedom—his entire life spent chasing adventure across the sea. He had never claimed any territory as his own, never built an empire. To tie Fishman Island to his name went against his very nature.
And yet… Neptune had agreed so readily to grant them the Poneglyphs. Refusing him outright felt impossible.
Roger tapped his fingers against the table, caught in a storm of conflict.
It was then Shiro stepped forward, calm and steady.
"King Neptune, here's a compromise. You may declare to the world that Fishman Island is under the Roger Pirates' protection. That way, slavers and pirates will think twice before making trouble. But understand—we can't always come rushing to your aid from across the seas. I hope you'll forgive us for that."
His reasoning was clear, striking a balance between Fishman Island's needs and the crew's ideals.
Roger's eyes shone with approval, silently commending Shiro's quick thinking.
Neptune's face relaxed into a grateful smile.
"That alone is enough. With the Roger Pirates' name shielding us, the scum of the seas won't dare to be so bold!"
Overcome, he nearly knelt, but Roger caught his knee with both hands, stopping him firmly.
"There's no need for that, Your Majesty," Roger said with quiet gravity.
Watching, Shiro mused to himself:
"Seems even kings can't live easily in this era…"
With Neptune leading them into the treasury, the crew soon found the treasures of the kingdom. There, in the place of highest honor, rested the Poneglyphs—one a red Road Poneglyph, the other a black Historical Poneglyph.
The Roger Pirates carefully made their rubbings. With their task complete, they returned to the Oro Jackson.
The ship had already been decked out for celebration. Lanterns glowed, barrels of drink were cracked open, laughter and music spilling across the waves.
Roger, flushed with joy, clapped Fisher Tiger on the shoulder.
"Tiger, join us for good! Come sail with the Roger Pirates! Adventure, freedom—the wonders of the world await!"
But Tiger shook his head with a smile, voice unwavering.
"Captain Roger, I'm grateful. Truly. But I cannot leave Fishman Island. This is my home. Every coral reef, every little fish here… they're part of me. It's my duty, my mission, to protect them. To make sure no slaver lays a hand on my people again."
Their talk was cut short by the pounding of hurried footsteps. Jinbe stumbled aboard, panting, his face pale with urgency.
"Tiger-nii! Bad news! A Marine warship has docked at Fishman Island. Judging by their stance—they're here to bring trouble!"
The joyful noise of the feast died in an instant. The crew's eyes turned toward Tiger, the tension thick in the air.
A storm was coming.
T/N: If you would like to read up to 20 chapters ahead for all my works, check out my P@treon: patreon.com/GhidorahWriter
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