"Pops."
"Don't worry. That woman's smart. She won't do anything to jeopardize Fish-Man Island."
Newgate took a swig of sake, placating the worried Marco. When he heard that Kanata had suddenly arrived, he thought she was launching a surprise attack. But unlike Twilight, the Moby Dick always had the Division Commanders on board.
Even Kanata couldn't take on Newgate and all the commanders at once, and Newgate himself had no intention of losing. That's why he allowed her to board.
But there was something that bothered him.
"…Marco, did you notice her arm?"
"Her arm? No… I didn't pay that much attention."
"There was a scar… I've seen it before. It's the kind of scar you get from being struck by lightning."
Kanata's left arm had been hidden under her long sleeve, but the scar was clearly visible on the back of her hand.
Newgate, who had been observing her closely, hadn't missed it.
"Lightning…? You mean she was injured in some kind of natural disaster?"
"A natural disaster, huh…? Well, you're not wrong."
Octavia was a force of nature herself. Even Newgate wouldn't survive a fight against her in her prime. He might be able to injure her now, but back then, when they were both on Rocks' crew, it would have been a miracle to even survive.
He hadn't seen Octavia since God Valley. He wasn't interested in what she had been doing, but… Judging by Kanata's demeanor, she must have defeated her.
Newgate thought, "I guess being defeated by your daughter wouldn't be such a bad way to go," as if it was someone else's problem.
But he also felt a sense of dread at Kanata's strength, powerful enough to defeat Octavia.
"The Seven Warlords are a bunch of weaklings, but she's different."
A few years ago, a Warlord had challenged him, trying to take his head. It was no comparison.
Her Haki, her presence – even Newgate couldn't afford to be careless against her. He would have to fight seriously.
"Are we going to war, Pops?"
"Don't be stupid, Jozu. Fighting her wouldn't benefit either of us. And I'm not going to make Big Mom and Kaido happy."
Newgate rejected Jozu, the Third Division Commander, who had spoken up.
It wouldn't benefit anyone if they fought now. Even if he knew Twilight could become a threat in the future.
Even Newgate himself would have to fight with the understanding that he might die. He couldn't force his "sons" and "daughters" to face that.
He couldn't do that.
"I'm still stronger than her, but… I wonder how long that vixen will stay a government dog."
He knew she was scheming something. He had realized that when he saw her. But he didn't know what her objective was.
Newgate's prime had passed. He was growing old and weak. Could he still protect his "sons" and "daughters" when the time came?
He knew that children weren't their parents, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy seeing their children so obediently serving the government.
He couldn't help but think, "I can still protect those precious to me… for now."
***
Kanata and her companions returned to Hachinosu, then set sail for Fish-Man Island.
Visiting Newgate had been a detour, but a necessary one. Now, all that mattered was whether Neptune and Otohime would accept her proposal.
Their ship, coated to withstand underwater pressure, descended into the depths, reaching Fish-Man Island without incident.
There was some questioning at immigration, but Tiger and Jinbe managed to smooth things over, and they were quickly escorted to Ryugu Palace.
Neptune, Otohime, and several ministers, along with numerous guards, were waiting for them.
Kanata could sense their wariness.
"It's been a while, Neptune."
"Indeed. I know you've visited Fish-Man Island several times, but it's been a while since we last met."
The last time they had met was when Kanata had first visited Fish-Man Island.
She hadn't met with him since then. She hadn't had a reason to, and with Fish-Man Island becoming Whitebeard's territory, she couldn't act openly.
Neptune, understanding that she wouldn't visit without a reason, was prepared for the meeting.
"So, what brings you here? It must be related to Tiger."
"Yes. Tiger's attack on Mary Geoise has weakened Fish-Man Island's position, and you're no longer allowed to participate in the Reverie. However, Tiger himself doesn't disagree with Queen Otohime's ideals. So, if he's willing, I'll help you get Fish-Man Island back into the Reverie."
Neptune stared at Kanata in disbelief. He was clearly shocked.
She explained everything – starting with her friendship with Tiger, to her meeting with the Sun Pirates, and finally, to her current proposal. Having already spoken with Newgate, Neptune was overwhelmed by the rapid developments.
"This is all happening so fast… If Whitebeard has given his permission, then I have no reason to refuse."
He glanced at Otohime, who had frozen, unable to process the situation.
But even then…
"This is all I can do. If you want to move Fish-Man Island to the surface, you need to convince other nations and your own people."
Kanata could only prepare the stage for negotiations. It was Otohime and Neptune's duty to convince the other nations and the citizens of Fish-Man Island.
She could offer some assistance, but they had to be the ones to lead the effort.
"That's more than enough. We never thought you would help us…"
"I initially considered it someone else's problem, but it was a request from a friend."
"A friend… Is that it?"
Otohime looked back and forth between Tiger and Kanata, nodding several times.
The last time she had met Tiger, his heart had been filled with darkness. But now… Something had changed. Otohime had sensed it, and now she understood.
"I can't just sit back and watch. If we continue to strive for a better future, then surely… we can become good neighbors like you and Tiger."
Good friends who helped each other. Like Tiger and Kanata, or Neptune and Newgate.
She believed that different races could be friends.
Otohime, filled with renewed determination, decided that she needed to make her speeches even more powerful.
***
Leaving Ryugu Palace, they returned to their ship. Kanata spoke with Tiger and Jinbe.
About their next move.
"The Sun Pirates will temporarily become part of my crew. But in that case, you won't be able to return to Fish-Man Island, which is Whitebeard's territory."
Kanata and Newgate didn't get along. It would raise suspicion if a pirate crew under Twilight's banner was stationed on Fish-Man Island, even if it was their homeland.
But not every member of the Sun Pirates wanted to be a pirate.
This arrangement was temporary.
"Jinbe, are you interested in becoming a Warlord?"
"Me? A Warlord?"
"It's going to be difficult for Tiger to become a Warlord, considering what he did. But I think I can pull some strings for you."
Unlike Kanata, Tiger hadn't directly harmed a Celestial Dragon. But having attacked Mary Geoise, he would be their enemy. Kanata's case had been an exception. It would be difficult for Tiger to become a Warlord.
So, Jinbe was the more likely candidate.
Those who didn't want to be pirates could return to Fish-Man Island and live peacefully. A Fish-man Warlord would also be a symbol of interracial harmony.
"But… all the Warlord positions are filled…"
"Don't worry. We'll make an opening."
She meant she would simply remove one of the current Warlords. Jinbe thought, "This woman is terrifying," as she casually said such a thing.
"Some will oppose your decision, but that's an internal matter for you to resolve. Some will want to return to Fish-Man Island, and others will want to continue their pirate adventures. Discuss it amongst yourselves."
Arlong and others who hated humans might leave the Sun Pirates, but… Kanata had no intention of interfering in their choices. She was about to say they would need some time to think about it, but Tiger immediately replied.
"…I'm disbanding the Sun Pirates. Let me work under you again."
"Brother?!"
"…Are you sure? Those guys followed you because they admired you."
"This is the right thing to do. For Queen Otohime, who I've caused so much trouble, and for Jinbe and Arlong… We'll disband, and those who want to follow Jinbe will form a new Sun Pirates. That way, they won't be criticized for becoming a Warlord."
"Well, you're the only one they're truly after."
Tiger bowed his head, pleading with Jinbe.
Jinbe, flustered, said, "Brother!" and lifted Tiger's head.
"Don't bow your head! I joined the Sun Pirates to help you!"
"Even so… This is my decision. I'm dragging you into this."
Jinbe, looking back and forth between Kanata and Tiger, finally bowed his head as well.
He had inherited the title of captain of the Sun Pirates from Tiger. He couldn't disgrace that name.
"Captain of the Sun Pirates, second generation – I humbly accept."
"Thank you, Jinbe. If I ever go astray, you or Kanata can hit me."
"I've learned my lesson. Jinbe and Arlong had a hard time dealing with you."
"Really? That's a shame," Tiger said, a disappointed look on his face.
They had reached an agreement.
Kanata would recommend Jinbe as the next Warlord. Tiger would become a member of Twilight, not just a subordinate.
It was a satisfactory outcome.
Even if Tiger couldn't fully trust humans, he could at least work as a liaison between Ryugu Palace and Kanata. He could also serve as Otohime's bodyguard.
If Tiger, the "Hero of Slave Liberation," supported Otohime's ideals, more citizens would be willing to cooperate.
…It was Whitebeard's territory, but if it was just Tiger, there wouldn't be any problems as long as they informed him beforehand.
And so, Fish-Man Island reached a turning point.