Time flowed on, and another peaceful yet fulfilling stretch of days passed.
Sammy had already mastered most of the core principles of Fish-Man Karate and Fish-Man Jujutsu. What remained now was simply the slow accumulation of experience and the tempering that only real combat could provide.
Inside the Blazing Fang's infirmary, Buck finally had the last of his bandages removed.
On that very same day, the long-promised formal invitation to Ryugu Palace's banquet arrived aboard the ship, delivered by a royal messenger dressed in ceremonial attire.
Ryugu Palace's grand banquet hall blazed with light.
The glow of pearls mingled with the vibrant colors of coral, creating a magnificent spectacle.
King Nereus naturally occupied the seat of honor. Raising his wine glass toward Sammy, he offered a solemn toast.
"Captain Sammy, and all the brave warriors of the Jellyfish Pirates."
"On behalf of Ryugu Kingdom and all its people, I thank you for everything you've done for Fish-Man Island."
"Your courage and your sense of justice will never be forgotten by the depths of the sea."
"This toast is to friendship... and to the voyage that awaits you."
"To friendship!"
Everyone raised their cups together.
After the dignified opening, the atmosphere quickly became lively as drinks flowed freely and laughter filled the hall.
Amid the clinking of glasses, Neptune carried his own cup over and sat beside Sammy.
Lowering his voice, he spoke with complete sincerity.
"Sammy... honestly."
"Stay."
"Stay here in Ryugu Palace."
"With your strength and experience, combined with our Fish-Man forces, we could protect these deep seas far better."
"I'll personally ask Father to grant you the highest honors and authority."
"We can make Fish-Man Island a safer place together."
"Neptune..."
"I truly appreciate how you feel."
Meeting Neptune's increasingly earnest gaze, Sammy took another sip of wine before shaking his head.
"But my ship is destined to sail across a much greater sea."
"My companions are out there."
"So are our dreams."
"Fish-Man Island is beautiful..."
"...but it isn't the end of our journey."
Setting down his glass, Sammy reached into his coat and withdrew a neatly folded piece of white cloth.
He handed it to Neptune.
Puzzled, the prince accepted it.
"This is...?"
"Our Jellyfish Pirates' flag."
Sammy answered calmly.
"If one day we truly establish ourselves in the New World..."
"...when our name becomes famous enough..."
"...you can hang this flag at the entrance to Fish-Man Island."
Looking into Neptune's astonished eyes, he continued,
"Simply announce that this island is under the protection of the Jellyfish Pirates."
"It won't frighten away every criminal..."
"...but at the very least..."
"...it'll make some people think twice before deciding whether they're willing to bear our wrath."
"Consider it..."
"...a deterrent from the sea."
Neptune gripped the flag tightly and nodded with all his strength.
"I will."
The banquet continued late into the night.
Slightly drunk, the members of the Jellyfish Pirates rode the mounts arranged by Ryugu Palace back to the Blazing Fang, which remained anchored at Coral Hill.
Under the night sky, Sammy stood before the window of the captain's cabin, gazing at the distant city lights.
Without turning around, he spoke to Hans beside him.
"Pass the word."
"Everyone gets a proper night's rest."
"At dawn..."
"...we sail for the New World."
"Understood, Boss."
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit Fish-Man District, Tiger sat alone atop a towering coral outcrop, staring silently into the distance.
Several older fish-men slowly swam over.
"Can't sleep tonight, Tiger?"
Tiger nodded quietly.
"So you're thinking about the Jellyfish Pirates."
"They're leaving today."
"...Yeah."
"Then go."
One of the elders patted his red shoulder.
"What?"
Tiger turned around in surprise.
The elders smiled warmly, their eyes full of encouragement.
"We can all tell, kid."
"Your heart isn't here anymore."
"Those humans..."
"...no."
"Those friends..."
"They've shown you a much larger world."
"The sea is calling to you."
"Isn't it?"
"We were young once too."
"We know what it's feels like to long for the world beyond."
"But..."
"What about Fish-Man District?"
"And what's wrong with Fish-Man District?"
One of the older fish-women interrupted him.
"Kid."
"Don't try to carry everything on your own."
"Fish-Man District is all of our home."
"The responsibility here shouldn't rest on your shoulders alone."
"That's right."
The first elder nodded.
"We old folks may not be as strong as you..."
"...but we're more than capable of raising these children safely."
"Go, Tiger."
"Follow them."
"See the wider world."
"With your abilities..."
"...you were meant for something greater than guarding this little corner of the island."
The next morning, after completing its final resupply, the Blazing Fang rested quietly at Coral Hill's harbor as the crew carried out their final departure checks.
"Raise the anchor!"
Hans shouted from the helm.
"Wait—!"
"Captain Sammy!"
"Wait!!"
A loud, urgent voice rang out from the docks.
Everyone turned toward the sound.
A familiar red figure sprinted toward the ship at astonishing speed before coming to an abrupt stop beneath the rail.
Looking up, he shouted with all his might,
"Captain Sammy!"
"Please let me join you!"
"I want to go to the New World with you!"
Activity on deck came to a halt.
Every pair of eyes turned toward the panting young fish-man.
Walking to the rail, Sammy looked down at him.
He didn't ask why.
He didn't ask who would take care of Fish-Man District.
He simply met Tiger's eyes.
"Tiger."
"Do you remember what I told you?"
"The outside world is dangerous."
"The New World is even worse."
"Once you board this ship..."
"...your life will no longer belong entirely to you."
"You might die."
"You might lose everything."
"You won't only witness dreams..."
"...you'll also see far more darkness and despair."
"Even so..."
"...do you still want to come?"
Tiger straightened his back.
His answer came without even the slightest hesitation.
"Yes!"
"I do!"
"I want to see just how vast this world really is!"
"I want to become stronger!"
"Strong enough to change some things!"
"This ship can take me farther than I've ever dreamed."
"So..."
"Please let me join you!"
The sea breeze swept across the deck.
After a brief silence, the corner of Sammy's mouth lifted into a faint smile.
"Very well."
His tone returned to its usual calm.
"In that case..."
"...I accept."
"Welcome aboard..."
"...our newest crewmate."
"Yes, Captain!"
Tiger's face burst into a brilliant smile.
With a powerful leap, his massive body landed lightly upon the deck of the Blazing Fang.
"Raise the sails!"
"Set sail!"
Sammy turned and gave the order that echoed across the ship.
"OOOOOOH!!"
"New World..."
"HERE WE COME!"
Amid the spontaneous farewell of Fish-Man Island's residents...
...and beneath the distant gaze watching from the towering heights of Ryugu Palace...
...the Blazing Fang, carrying with it newfound friendship and a new companion, slowly departed the dreamlike shores of Coral Hill.
Its bow once again pointed toward the pitch-black sea beyond...
...and the magnificent New World waiting on the other side.
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