The crossed leg bones and white crescent mustache, that iconic emblem is the banner of the Whitebeard Pirates. As a mid-level officer of the Beast Pirates, Mandfeish could not fail to recognize Whitebeard's flag.
This was the biggest change Fishman Island had seen recently; Whitebeard Edward Newgate announced that Fishman Island was now part of his territory.
Compared to the so-called membership nation status, Whitebeard's flag proved more effective. On the day Whitebeard arrived, pirates causing trouble on Fishman Island were dealt with, and subsequently, the island became much calmer, though pirates occasionally still attempted to kidnap mermaids.
The starting price of 100 million for a mermaid led some to risk incurring Whitebeard's wrath for a chance at the bounty.
"Who would have thought, Whitebeard would choose to protect Fishman Island."
"What? Do you look down on fishmen?"
Listening to a coating craftsman's soliloquy, Mandfeish came up behind him. Nowadays, not a single pirate under the banner of the Sea Emperor looked down on fishmen or mermaids.
Jack of the Beasts, captains under Whitebeard, and even the husband and daughter of Big Mom had fishmen or mermaids among them.
Charlotte Linlin envisioned a nation where all races lived together, Whitebeard sought family, and Kaidou pursued power, none of whom discriminated against this race.
Particularly within the Beast Pirates, now regarded as having the most non-pure-blood humans among their officers, though there was a risk of being overtaken as Charlotte Linlin's family continued to grow.
"Ah...no, it's just...a bit curious, after all, protecting Fishman Island is a massive undertaking and might invite criticism."
"That's someone on par with big brother Kaidou, if he lacked even such resolve, he wouldn't deserve to be called a Sea Emperor. Keep quiet after landing, and don't stir up trouble without orders from big brother Kaidou."
With that, he ordered the sailors to enter Fishman Island. If they wanted to return directly to their own territory, they could bypass here, but apart from some Shampodi specialties, the specialties of Fishman Island were also on his shopping list.
Before entering Fishman Island, Mandfeish utilized his own abilities.
His Magikarp human-beast form was indistinguishable from a fishman, allowing him to completely blend in as a fishman on Fishman Island.
"As usual, go buy things and meet at the ship by evening."
With that, Mandfeish headed toward the southeast Coral Hill on Fishman Island, a bustling port town in the Dragon Palace Kingdom, not for a stroll, but to find someone.
"Rushaka, are you there?"
In front of a delicate building, Mandfeish knocked on the shell door. It took a long time before it slowly opened, and a slightly petite silver-tailed mermaid floated out.
Rushaka, a peacock mermaid, the woman Pierman mentioned earlier, and currently the object of Mandfeish's pursuit.
Inside Fishman Island's bubble, there was no water, so mermaids moved freely through bubbles blown by bubble coral.
Years ago, Mandfeish fell head over heels for her while passing through Fishman Island on a mission, and since then he engaged with her as a Magikarp fishman. She was somewhat known here, although not in a positive light.
Rumor had it that anyone who fell in love with her would encounter misfortune. Pierman said she was married, which wasn't entirely accurate, as the merman groom was tragically killed by a Sea Beast on their wedding day.
Later, another mermaid suitor died fighting human pirates, leading to strange rumors spreading thereafter.
She also consulted young Sharley for fortune-telling and foresaw an unfortunate future, leaving her isolated. The rumors spread so widely that she had no other suitors until Mandfeish appeared here a few years ago.
"Why are you here again?"
"Of course, to see you. This is Shampodi's great senbei and chocolate, and here are some books, all made from special moisture-resistant material, they should last for a while."
Mandfeish presented carefully prepared gifts from his package.
"They aren't particularly valuable, please just accept them. I noticed last time you liked reading books, though I wasn't sure what you preferred, so I got a few."
Paper books on Fishman Island were rare. Besides the difficulty of transport, preservation was challenging in the deep sea where regular paper would quickly rot, so Mandfeish custom-ordered them.
Deciding which books to get involved some experimentation with Jack, even though Jack grew up in human society, Mandfeish thought Jack's nature might align with that of merpeople.
"Didn't I tell you last time? Being around me for too long brings misfortune, aren't you afraid?"
"Not at all, I've always had great luck, just recently I found a large treasure. By the way, I might change color soon, don't fail to recognize me then."
To ensure he would be recognized post-evolution, Mandfeish gave a heads-up.
Though the comment sounded odd, Rushaka saw no issue, as fishmen or mermaids often had ties with their species, including possible seasonal color changes.
Then they entered a phase of awkward forced conversation. Rushaka neither drove him away nor actively continued the topic. Whatever Mandfeish said, she would follow up; if Mandfeish said nothing, she too remained silent.
This was due to her strange curse, leading to her having little communication with others, making her more passive in interactions.
Time passed unnoticed until evening, signaling it was time for Mandfeish to leave.
"Well, it's time. See you next time. Oh right, here for you." Mandfeish took off a Radio Snail, leaving his private number.
"What's this...?"
"A Radio Snail, call me if you want." He quickly stepped out the door, fearing she'd refuse.
"Goodbye! I'm setting sail now!"
"Idiot..." Rushaka didn't discard the Radio Snail, though she seemed somewhat annoyed by Mandfeish's actions.
...
"Hey, hey, hey, Mandfeish, big brother!!"
After leaving Fishman Island, Pierman observed Mandfeish daydreaming and shouted directly in his ear.
"What is it? I can hear you."
Rubbing his ear, Mandfeish looked at his subordinate, unsure what he wanted to do.
"I'm saying, big brother, you're using this appearance to date a mermaid. What if it becomes serious? You won't always be able to maintain your ability, right?"