So… what you mean is, we should hide this Road Poneglyph? Fang Yi asked in surprise after hearing Shanks's proposal.
"That's right! The way to reach the Final Island may still be a secret for now, but sooner or later, the truth will be revealed! When that happens, the one who possesses the four Road Poneglyphs will hold the initiative!" Shanks nodded firmly.
Fang Yi studied him for a moment, then said, "I get it. But… we can't exactly carry a Road Poneglyph around with us, can we?"
"That's why I say—we hide it for now. Then, once we've secured our own territory in the future, we can retrieve it and place it under our protection. That way it'll be safe! And more importantly, right now… this thing is far too dangerous for Fishman Island to keep out in the open," Shanks explained with a grin.
Fang Yi thought about it and nodded. "True. Once people discover the purpose of a Road Poneglyph… Fishman Island would be thrown into an inescapable disaster."
"So, Captain, you agree with my suggestion?" Shanks asked hopefully.
"This stone still belongs to Fishman Island. What happens to it isn't for us to decide. We should discuss it with King Neptune first, and hear his opinion," Fang Yi replied, glancing at Shanks.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Shanks was paying a little too much attention to this matter.
"By the way, where are Tiffany, Jessica, and Lucky Roux?" Fang Yi looked around but didn't see the others, so he asked Shanks.
"Ah, they found shopping way too boring, and since the Neptune Army was accompanying them, I figured they'd be safe. So I came here to meet up with you instead," Shanks shrugged.
Fang Yi chuckled. On Fishman Island, with the Neptune Army escorting them, there shouldn't be much of a problem. So after completing his task of recording the Poneglyph, he turned to Shanks and asked, "We're heading to the backstreets of Fishman Island next. Want to come along?"
"Backstreets? What kind of place is that?" Shanks asked curiously.
"Quit wasting time. You'll find out when we get there!" Barrett interrupted impatiently.
Shanks just grinned. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
And so, under Otohime's lead, the group headed toward the backstreets.
On the way, Fang Yi introduced Shanks and Otohime to each other.
As soon as Shanks learned of Otohime's Observation Haki—among the strongest in the world—he was astonished. But unlike Barrett, he didn't argue with her views on strength. He was only surprised by her ability, nothing more.
Before long, they reached the backstreets of Fishman Island.
The atmosphere here was completely different from the rest of the island. Damp, cold, and shrouded in darkness—it was a stark contrast to the sunny, radiant main city.
"Why does a place like this even exist on Fishman Island?" Fang Yi asked, frowning. "With the wealth your people have, fixing this up and bringing light here shouldn't be difficult, right?"
"Just as humans have both good and bad, not every fishman is gentle and kind," Otohime explained softly. "Some are hot-tempered and violent, solving problems only through force. Even if Dragon Palace transformed this place, they'd destroy it again. For those kinds of fishmen… this environment is simply where they belong."
"What kind of logic is that?" Fang Yi said with dissatisfaction. "Fishman Island doesn't have that many residents to begin with. Isn't it your royal family's duty to educate and guide them? Abandoning them will only make things worse. One day, this place could become the spark that destroys all of Fishman Island!"
Otohime looked at him in surprise, then smiled gently. "It's not that we've abandoned them. It's just that this way of life suits them. And besides, I'm not royalty. If you want to persuade someone, talk to Neptune himself—you know him, don't you?"
"Ah… apologies, Lady Otohime. I just feel that no matter who they are, they all deserve the right to pursue light. But look at this place—are they doomed to live like this, generation after generation? Even if this generation is violent and hostile, what about their children? If they grow up here, it's almost impossible for them not to become the same," Fang Yi said, realizing his tone had been a bit harsh.
"It's alright. I'm actually glad that you care about the fate of my people. There aren't many humans who would," Otohime said warmly.
"Whether fishman or human, we're all part of this world. There's no inherent difference in worth," Fang Yi said with a shake of his head.
Otohime's eyes lit up. His words carried a perspective she had never heard before.
"Well said!"
A voice rang out suddenly. From around the corner stepped a scruffy-looking fishman youth. Though his clothes were ragged, his eyes shone with sharp clarity.
"And you are…?" Fang Yi asked in surprise. He hadn't sensed the boy's presence at all, meaning his ability was not ordinary.
"I was born here in the backstreets. My name is Qite," the youth said calmly.
"Qite? That's a strange name. But tell me—do you also think these backstreets shouldn't exist?" Fang Yi asked with a smile.
As someone born and raised here, the boy's opinion would carry weight.
"No," Qite shook his head. "A place like the backstreets must exist. Without them, Fishman Island would fall into chaos."
"What?" Both Fang Yi and Otohime were caught off guard.
They had expected him to support Fang Yi's point of view. But instead, he believed the backstreets were essential.
"As long as there's light in the world, there will also be shadows. The backstreets are Fishman Island's shadow—an inseparable part of it. Yes, this place is harsh, but the island has accepted it. And for those who truly wish to leave, it isn't that hard. The reason people stay… is because it suits them," Qite said with a faint smile.
"You're right. Existence itself is proof of necessity. If it exists, then it must have its reason," Fang Yi said, nodding in agreement.
Barrett, however, was growing impatient. He hadn't come here for philosophy. "Enough talk. I heard the people here are good at fighting. Who's the strongest? I want to challenge him."
"Fighting?" Qite grinned, baring his sharp teeth with excitement. "Then why don't you try me first?"
"You?" Barrett gave him a skeptical look. The boy seemed even younger than him.
"What's wrong? Don't think I'm worth your time? Beat me, and I'll tell you who's stronger," Qite said with a smirk. "I'm a leopard shark fishman. Speed is my specialty—watch yourself!"
"Douglas Barrett, combat captain of the Dragon Wolf Pirates!" Barrett declared. For him, battles were never a joke.
"So you are pirates after all… but why are you hanging around with this troublesome woman?" Qite glanced at Otohime dismissively. Then he turned and said, "Anyway, follow me. Fighting here isn't convenient."
"You brat! Who are you calling troublesome? I'll teach you some manners!" Otohime shouted angrily, but Qite ignored her.
"Come now, Lady Otohime, don't bother arguing with a child. Let's go see," Fang Yi said with a smile, seeing that both Barrett and Shanks had already followed Qite.
"Hmph! That brat is so rude! I hope your comrade gives him a proper thrashing," Otohime said, still fuming.
"Don't worry—Barrett is strong," Fang Yi reassured her.
By the time Fang Yi and Otohime arrived at an open area, Barrett and Qite were already exchanging blows. The fight was completely one-sided—if not for Qite's impressive speed, it would have ended immediately.
"You're strong… no doubt about it. That's the power of a pirate!" Qite said after taking a heavy punch, rolling across the ground several times before staggering back to his feet.
"You're not my opponent. Bring out someone stronger," Barrett said calmly, not bothering to pursue.
"Ah… much as I hate to admit it, you're right—I can't beat you," Qite said with his head lowered. "But as promised, I'll take you to meet the strongest man in the backstreets."
"Then what are we waiting for? Lead the way!" Barrett replied.
"But I can't guarantee that Big Brother Tiger will agree to fight you," Qite added with a shrug.
"Tiger?" Barrett blinked. The name rang a bell.
"Fisher Tiger?" Fang Yi asked with a smile.
"Huh? You know Big Brother Tiger?" Qite looked at him in shock.
"Not personally," Fang Yi chuckled. "But I've heard of him. Word is, he's quite the formidable man."
"Unbelievable! So Big Brother Tiger's reputation has already spread even among humans?" Qite laughed.
Heh, if even Captain says he's strong, then I really can't wait to meet him! Barrett's eyes shone with excitement, eager to face Fisher Tiger.