Three days later, the square on Fish-Man Island was packed with people. Morning sunlight refracted through the seawater, casting mottled light and shadow across the plaza. Kaido swaggered through the crowd with the members of the Beasts Pirates, their heavy footsteps echoing on the stone pavement. His seven-meter-tall frame and fierce dragon horns cast a massive shadow in the sunlight, making the atmosphere in the entire square feel oppressive. The Fish-Men parted to make way, their whispers filled with fear and awe.
King Neptune stood on a raised platform, holding his trident, his expression solemn. He surveyed the densely packed citizens below, cleared his throat, and announced in a booming voice, "My people, after careful consideration, we have decided to establish a cooperative relationship with the Beasts Pirates. Now, any brave souls willing to join the Beasts Pirates may step forward and enlist." His voice echoed across the square, each word clearly reaching every ear present.
The square immediately buzzed with discussion. Many Fish-Men showed expressions of surprise. They had assumed, as usual, that the royal family would secretly obstruct things. But contrary to everyone's expectations, Fish-Man Island genuinely made no underhanded moves this time. Some young Fish-Man warriors began whispering to each other, excitement gleaming in their eyes.
Kaido stood below the platform, a hint of a mocking smile playing on his lips. He had long expected Neptune wouldn't dare play tricks. After all, Fish-Man Island could not afford his wrath right now, even with Whitebeard's assistance. Queen stood beside Kaido, swaying his corpulent body, a cigar in his mouth, squinting as he sized up the Fish-Men coming forward to enlist. His signature laugh rang out occasionally. "Muhahaha... Looks like there are quite a few gutsy guys on Fish-Man Island!"
Soon, dozens of Fish-Men stepped forward to enlist. Most were young, robust warriors eager to make a name for themselves in the New World. Kaido paid little attention to these ordinary Fish-Men until a special figure appeared before him.
It was a behemoth over ten meters tall, with deep blue skin, the gills and webbed features characteristic of Fish-Men, but with a build approaching that of a giant. This was a half-breed of Fish-Man and Giant—the Fish-Man Giant, Sebastian. His appearance made the surrounding Fish-Men instinctively clear a path.
"Oh?" Kaido became interested, looking up to size up this big fellow. Although Sebastian's strength seemed weak in his eyes, the resolve and loyalty revealed in those eyes caught his attention. Kaido could sense an unusual quality in this young man.
"Why do you want to join my pirate crew?" Kaido asked solemnly, his voice rumbling across the square like distant thunder.
Sebastian knelt on one knee, his voice resounding like thunder. "Lord Kaido, I wish to pledge my loyalty to you! Though my strength is lacking, I will strive to become stronger and will never betray you!" His voice was filled with sincerity and determination, moving everyone present.
Kaido laughed heartily. This straightforward loyalty reminded him of Byrnndi World of the World Pirates. That man, even after decades in Impel Down, never abandoned his captain. Once such a person was won over, they became the most reliable subordinate. Moreover, judging by his performance in the original story, his strength was passable. Paired with a powerful Devil Fruit, his strength could at least reach the Tobiroppo level.
"Very good!" Kaido patted Sebastian's shoulder, his massive hand making a dull thud against the Fish-Man Giant's body. "From today, you are my subordinate. Work hard, and I won't mistreat the loyal." His voice carried rare approval.
Sebastian nodded excitedly, tears of gratitude glistening in his eyes. He had faced discrimination on Fish-Man Island due to his mixed heritage. To now gain the recognition of the great pirate "The Fierce Beast" Kaido filled him with immense honor. He clenched his fists, vowing silently to prove his worth through his actions.
The recruitment ceremony proceeded with unusual smoothness. Neptune watched his people leaving one by one, his heart a tumult of mixed emotions. He knew these people might never return, but for the safety of Fish-Man Island, he had no choice but to make this decision. His gaze swept over every enlisting Fish-Man, as if memorizing each face.
Fortunately, the current Beasts Pirates were not large in scale. The number of Fish-Men they could recruit was but a drop in the ocean compared to the island's vast population. This offered Neptune some small comfort—at least most of his people could continue their peaceful lives.
After the Beasts Pirates had recruited nearly a hundred Fish-Men of decent strength, Kaido led his crew away. The Beasts Pirates' ship slowly departed the harbor, its sails snapping in the undersea currents.
When the Beasts Pirates' ship left Fish-Man Island, the entire Ryugu Palace fell into silence. Neptune stood at the port, watching the receding ship's silhouette, muttering to himself, "I hope my decision is the right one..." The sea breeze stirred his long beard; his eyes were filled with complex emotions. The ministers behind him were also silent, each contemplating the far-reaching implications of this cooperation.
Meanwhile, aboard the Beasts Pirates' ship, Kaido sat in the cabin, drinking heavily. Alcohol dripped from the corner of his mouth, wetting the front of his clothes. The cabin was filled with the strong scent of liquor, mixed with the salty tang of seawater.
"That Sebastian," Kaido suddenly spoke to King, his voice slightly slurred from the alcohol, "will train with you and Queen from now on. The kid has potential." A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes; he clearly had high hopes for this new subordinate.
In Kaido's view, the current Beasts Pirates were nothing but a ragtag crew, with no one worth looking at besides himself. The promising King and Queen would need several years, even over a decade, to fully realize their potential. Of course, now there was Sebastian, whose potential was barely adequate. But this was still far from enough.
Therefore, this return to Paradise aimed not only to retrieve the Kōmori Kōmori no Mi, Model: Vampire for King, increasing his potential and strength, but also to go to Skypiea and the Four Seas to secure various opportunities and recruit a group of promising subordinates. After lying low for a few more years, Kaido could then begin his plans.
King nodded, committing it to memory. He knew Boss Kaido rarely took such an interest in newcomers. It seemed that Fish-Man Giant was indeed special. King silently noted the name, preparing to observe this new recruit closely during the upcoming training.
On the other side of the cabin, Sebastian, along with the other newly joined Fish-Men, was receiving instructions. Queen was explaining the pirate crew's rules and hierarchy. His plump frame was particularly conspicuous in the cramped cabin; cigar smoke swirled in the air.
"Remember, strength is everything here!" Queen declared loudly, his voice carrying undeniable authority. "If you want status and respect, you must prove your worth! Muhahaha..." His laughter reverberated in the cabin, making the newcomers instinctively straighten their backs.
Sebastian clenched his fists, vowing silently to become stronger. He looked around and saw the other Fish-Men comrades also wore determined expressions. Though they had left their homeland, none regretted their choice. Each person's eyes burned with fighting spirit, ready to carve out a place for themselves in this new environment.
The ship moved slowly through the deep sea, carrying these Fish-Men with dreams toward an unknown future. The ocean currents pushed against the hull, emitting a low rumble, as if playing a forward march for these newly enlisted warriors.