As the undisputed leader of the hundred thousand toughs in Fish-Man District, Fisher Tiger held tremendous influence across all of Fish-Man Island.
Yet from the outside, his home looked no different from the other ordinary houses in Fish-Man District—just a bit larger and sturdier.
This wasn't because Tiger wanted to set himself apart or appear superior.
It was simply because he was massive. The man stood over five meters tall and was built like a fortress.
The moment Hachi led Ortoren and the others into the yard, Tiger seemed to sense their arrival. He opened the door himself and stepped out.
He was enormous, with dark red skin and a headscarf wrapped around his head—though it couldn't hide the thick curls underneath. His features suggested a man in his forties, with a heavy beard and powerful muscles. On his bare chest was a deep red sun tattoo.
One look at him and you could feel the overwhelming presence of a true man.
"Hachi," Tiger greeted warmly.
Hachi hurried to introduce them. "Big Boss, this is my good friend Rayleigh from the surface—and his friends!"
"Thanks for guiding them. Kuroobi said he's looking for you and is waiting in your yard. Go handle that first," Tiger said with a smile.
Hearing that a friend was waiting, Hachi quickly said his goodbyes to Rayleigh and left.
Tiger then let his smile fade, a serious expression settling onto his face. "I didn't expect to see three major figures appear together like this. Truly beyond my expectations. Please, come inside."
It was obvious Tiger recognized Ortoren and Dragon immediately—unlike the general populace of Fish-Man Island.
He'd originally assumed only Silvers Rayleigh would be visiting. Never in his wildest imagination did he think pirates, the Revolutionary Army, and Marines would show up together. How had they not already fought each other?
"Sorry to intrude…" Ortoren said with a smile as he followed Dragon and the others inside.
The interior wasn't especially simple either; there were plenty of surface-world objects rarely seen on Fish-Man Island—likely remnants of his days as an adventurer.
After seating everyone, Tiger placed two barrels of liquor on the table and casually set down cups. "My apologies. I don't have tea for guests. If you don't mind, have some liquor."
Looking at the setup, Ortoren thought: As expected of the underworld boss of Fish-Man District—pure, wild style.
It was clear Tiger wasn't the type to beat around the bush. His manner was direct and unrestrained. After pouring drinks, he dropped onto the sofa and asked bluntly, "So, what brings three powerful men to seek me out together? What do you want to discuss?"
Rayleigh and Dragon exchanged a look, then both turned their eyes toward Ortoren.
Ortoren, who had been raising his glass to sample the taste of Fish-Man Island, froze as he noticed the two men staring. A bit confused, he frowned. "Me?"
Their reaction also made Tiger realize that among the three, this so-called Heavenly Bull was the one calling the shots.
When Rayleigh and Dragon stayed silent, Ortoren sighed, took a sip, and turned to Tiger. "This unannounced visit concerns a matter in which we need your help."
Tiger paused, then replied slowly, "My apologies, but I have no intention of leaving Fish-Man Island anytime soon…"
Though Tiger found Rayleigh trustworthy—thanks to Neptune frequently speaking well of him—and held a natural fondness for him, he did not trust the Marines. High-ranking officers like Ortoren? He didn't just distrust them—he was cautious.
As for the Revolutionary Army, Tiger's views were quite positive. Though he'd never met any of them, he knew their ideology well. Their beliefs resonated deeply with him.
In the original story, when Tiger founded the Sun Pirates, their creed was liberation and freedom.
It aligned perfectly with the Revolutionary Army. And truthfully, the things Tiger did were never truly "pirate-like" at all. Ortoren had always felt that Tiger's actions were more fitting for the Revolutionary Army than for a pirate crew.
Hearing Tiger's response, Ortoren thought, So Tiger still isn't planning to strike Mary Geoise?
But when he met Tiger's resolute gaze, Ortoren suddenly understood. No—Tiger had already made up his mind about something.
He just… didn't think the timing was right.
Thinking further, Ortoren recalled that in the original story, Tiger didn't attack Mary Geoise until Sea Circle Calendar 1506. And afterward, the World Government's handling of the incident was strangely lenient.
Despite the enormity of the act—burning Mary Geoise—they chose to "punish only the mastermind." Once Fisher Tiger was confirmed dead, they took no further action against his comrades or Fish-Man Island.
Even someone like Arlong was only imprisoned in Impel Down, not executed.
This was completely unlike the World Government. Normally, even minor defiance toward Mary Geoise could lead to the eradication of entire clans.
So why the sudden courtesy toward Tiger?
They even made Tiger's subordinate—Jinbe, successor to the Sun Pirates—the Shichibukai. Everything about this was suspicious.
And now, considering the current timeline, Ortoren understood: Tiger didn't wait until 1506 because he needed an auspicious date.
He was waiting for Fish-Man Island to gain enough strength to survive the World Government's inevitable retaliation, even after he set Mary Geoise ablaze.
That strength was, without question, the Sea King.
While these thoughts swirled in his mind, Ortoren remained calm on the surface and said, "Don't be in such a hurry to refuse. You might find our plan interesting..."
"My heart is set on one matter. Until that is complete, I have interest in nothing else," Tiger replied firmly, shaking his head.
After a brief pause, he lifted his glass with a hint of embarrassment. "Seems I've made you come all this way for nothing. I thought perhaps you needed my connections for some Fish-Man Island matter…"
Ortoren completely ignored his attempt to decline and continued speaking as if Tiger hadn't said a word.
"Actually, we intend to burn down Holy Land Mary Geoise and liberate all the enslaved races held there."
Tiger, who had been prepared to send them off, froze on the sofa.
Say that earlier, and I wouldn't have been sleepy at all!
Tiger suddenly perked up. He placed his cup firmly on the table, leaned forward with his elbows propped like a bridge, resting his chin on his hands—striking the classic "commander's" pose.
"Oh? Burn Mary Geoise? Free the slaves?" Tiger asked in a deep, controlled voice.
"Exactly. For certain purposes… which I won't explain further. But both myself, the Revolutionary here, and His Majesty the Dark King all have personal stakes in this plan.
These motivations brought us together. Strange combination or not, we've crafted a detailed and thorough strategy. At this point, one crucial issue remains—we lack the cooperation of the Fish-Man Tribe."
Ortoren's smile held a subtle edge as he spoke softly.
"I'd like to hear more," Tiger responded immediately.
Rayleigh and Dragon exchanged confused looks. Why did the boss of Fish-Man District switch attitudes so dramatically just from hearing "burn down Mary Geoise"?
A moment ago he looked ready to throw them out, and now he seemed eager to get involved.
A normal person should've reacted like Dragon did earlier.
Not yelling in Ortoren's face was a sign of excellent self-control.
Ortoren patted Dragon on the shoulder.
"Come on, Dragon—explain our plan in detail to Boss Tiger. Let's see if he can lend us a hand."
Hearing the title "Boss Tiger," Dragon's mouth twitched. But he knew now wasn't the time to quarrel with that bastard Ortoren.
He cleared his throat lightly.
"Tiger-san, here is our plan…"