Fish-Man Island, the beautiful island at the bottom of the sea. A pirate ship bearing the flag of the Donquixote Pirates had once again arrived.
Things were not going well on Fish-Man Island. Its beloved monarch, Queen Otohime, had been assassinated. The assassins were from Arlong's crew, with Hody Jones striking the fatal blow.
Originally, after Doflamingo's departure, the Ryugu Kingdom and the Fish-Man District had maintained a fragile peace. Just when both sides thought they might be able to support each other and fight for the future of Fish-Man Island, an unwelcome guest had arrived.
It was one of the World Nobles, Saint Donquixote Mjosgard. He had been en route to Fish-Man Island to recapture his "liberated" slaves when his ship was attacked by Sea Kings. Shipwrecked and injured, he washed ashore. Despite being in desperate need of help, his unmitigated arrogance remained. He threatened the island's residents, demanding they aid him.
The fish-men, who already despised the Celestial Dragons, were, understandably, in no hurry to help him. That was the kind response. The fish-men who had been his slaves were prepared to kill him on the spot, but Queen Otohime intervened, stopping them.
Unfortunately, Mjosgard failed to learn his lesson. He drew a pistol, intending to shoot Otohime for her "insolence." But at that exact moment, the cries of the young Princess Shirahoshi inadvertently summoned Sea Kings, and the sight of the massive beasts frightened the Celestial Dragon into unconsciousness. After he recovered, Queen Otohime personally escorted him back to the Holy Land Marijoa.
Arlong's crew, who had been waiting for just such an opportunity, saw this as the final straw. Watching the Queen act so shamelessly, fawning over the Celestial Dragons, filled them with rage. They decided it was time to give Queen Otohime a "farewell."
By the time Trebol arrived at Fish-Man Island, Queen Otohime had already departed the world.
Although Arlong's crew had achieved their goal, Fish-Man Island was not so easily controlled. The first to stand against them was Jinbei. With Jinbei's support, the Ryugu Palace remained safe, but Princess Shirahoshi still failed to escape the clutches of Vander Decken IX and was targeted by him.
Arlong's crew was unaware of Shirahoshi's true identity. The civil war against the Ryugu Kingdom already had their hands full; they had no time or energy to pay attention to some little girl.
Though many of his subordinates advised Arlong to ask Doflamingo for help, Arlong adamantly refused. His pride would not allow him to admit failure, and he didn't want Doflamingo interfering in Fish-Man Island's internal affairs. After all, he had personally promised to bring the island under his control. Asking Doflamingo for help now? What kind of leader would that make him?
The ports of Fish-Man Island were now under the control of Arlong's crew. When his men spotted the familiar Donquixote jolly roger, they erupted in cheers.
Arlong, upon receiving the news in the Fish-Man District, hurried to the port to greet the members of the Donquixote Family.
As he watched them disembark, Arlong's brows furrowed. His gaze landed on the disgusting, snot-nosed man in the lead, and his mood soured instantly.
"Are you from the Donquixote Pirates?" Arlong asked, his patience wearing thin.
"Neh, neh, you must be Arlong. I've heard Doffy talk about you," Trebol said.
"So you really are from the Donquixote Pirates." Arlong hadn't believed it at first, but the confirmation was undeniable.
"Of course! We are genuine officers of the Donquixote Family. I don't think anyone would dare impersonate us! G!" Lao G declared proudly, striking his signature 'G' pose.
"Who doesn't know the great name of the Donquixote Pirates? I suppose you're right," Arlong said, laying it on a bit thick.
"Hahaha!"
The atmosphere was surprisingly jovial, even with Trebol's disgusting habit.
"Since you're with the Donquixote Pirates, you're welcome here! Come! We'll hold a banquet!"
"A banquet! Welcome, Donquixote officers!"
Trebol and the others didn't refuse. Surrounded by Arlong's crew, they headed back to the Fish-Man District to kick things off.
While they celebrated, far above in the deep sea, another pirate ship, this one from the New World, was steadily approaching.
The banquet was in full swing, with cups clinking and drinks flowing. Trebol and Arlong's crew seemed to be getting along splendidly.
And though Arlong had no intention of asking for help, his subordinates, however, had other ideas.
"Lord Trebol, I'd like to propose a toast," Hody Jones said, raising his cup.
"Neh, neh." Trebol accepted the drink.
"The Donquixote Pirates have been making headlines! Captain Doflamingo's strength is extraordinary. Truly terrifying."
"Of course! The Young Master is the strongest!"
Basking in the flattery, Trebol and the others were lapping it up. Arlong paid them no mind, simply enjoying the feast with his men.
"Lord Trebol, I was wondering if I could ask for your help," Hody Jones said, sidling up to the executive and suppressing his revulsion.
"Neh, neh, easy, easy. As long as it's something I can do, I'll help you out."
"Haha, is there even a need to ask? With your strength, it should be simple, no?"
"Go on, say it."
"I... I want your help in dealing with someone."
"Who?" Trebol slurred, shaking his head dismissively.
"'Knight of the Sea' Jinbei," Hody Jones said, gritting his teeth.
"Jinbei? Hah! No problem, just a small problem," Trebol agreed with a drunken wave.
Just as Hody was celebrating internally and preparing to lay on more flattery, a flicker of clarity cut through Trebol's alcoholic haze.
"Who did you say?" Trebol's eyes widened, suddenly staring intently at Hody.
"'Knight of the Sea' Jinbei!"
"No!" Trebol refused flatly.
"Why not?" Now it was Hody's turn to be dumbfounded. He just agreed, didn't he? Why the sudden reversal?
It might be a bit of a blow to the Donquixote Family's reputation, but Trebol knew his own strength. How could he possibly take on a Warlord of the Sea?
"Besides Doffy, Enel, and Pica, none of us are his match!" Trebol admitted honestly.
"How is that possible? Is Jinbei... is he that strong?" Hody looked stunned, unable to accept it.
"Neh, neh. Seems you don't think much of your fellow fish-man," Trebol said, his eyes narrowing.
"He's not one of us! He's a complete and utter traitor!" Hody cursed.
Trebol remained calm and didn't respond. Good thing he'd been careful, or he would have been tricked into an impossible fight.
Hody was sent reeling into a spiral of doubt. Why was Jinbei so strong, while they were so weak? It wasn't fair! It wasn't fair!
Arlong had been secretly watching Hody suck up to Trebol. He didn't want to ask for help, but he wouldn't have turned it down if it was offered freely. Unfortunately, what he'd overheard was deeply disappointing.
"Ah, drink, drink. Don't worry about it. There's always a solution to everything, G," Lao G said, patting Hody's shoulder and handing him another drink.
Hody accepted the cup with unconcealed frustration and downed it in one gulp, his mind already racing, trying to figure out how to eliminate this threat for Boss Arlong.
Arlong was disappointed, but his face betrayed nothing. If things truly became impossible, he would, of course, ask Doflamingo to intervene. Otherwise, why would he have pledged his loyalty in the first place? But he was still incredibly unwilling.
For now, Arlong could only drown his frustrations in alcohol.
While Arlong and his crew were wrestling with their pride and disappointment, King Neptune was busy personally welcoming his own distinguished guests from the New World.
The newcomers hadn't paid much attention to the various pirate ships along their route. After all, whose reputation could possibly be greater than theirs?
But the Donquixote Pirates' flag was too distinct, too eye-catching to ignore. And just like that, the newcomers' interest was piqued.
King Neptune, of course, had no idea what his new guests were thinking. He just wanted to see them on their way as quickly as possible. Fish-Man Island had a pile of its own messes to deal with.
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