Whitebeard's flag couldn't completely stop the trafficking of mermaids on Fishman Island, but it did intimidate many petty schemers; many feared Whitebeard's might, so they gave up on their greedy ideas.
Wealth often entices people, but they must also have the nerve to spend it. Although some were still driven by profit and ambition to test Whitebeard's limits while he lived, most became more restrained.
Only today, after Whitebeard's death, did they dare to truly emerge.
But as soon as their ambitions appeared, they were doused with a basin of cold water.
It's true that Whitebeard has died and Fishman Island lost his protection, but in the blink of an eye, Fishman Island raised the flag of the Hundred Beasts.
Moreover, thanks to Buggy's efforts, a vast amount of precious footage from the War at the Summit has spread.
Kaido proved his strength in front of reporters worldwide, and even a young Whitebeard was no match for him in a deadly fight.
What's more crucial is that compared to the previous strongest man, Kaido, the strongest creature, acts much more violently; provoking him could lead to an even worse fate than offending Whitebeard.
"Captain... what should we do..."
They did nothing, yet just a flag was enough to make these people hesitate; they know the terror of the Four Emperors and thus did not dare to invade when Whitebeard was alive.
Precisely because they understand how horrifying pirates of that caliber are, they become timid and fearful.
"It's fake, it must be fake... shortly after the end of the War at the Summit, how could Fishman Island so quickly establish contact with the Hundred Beasts? It's impossible, absolutely impossible!"
The leading pirate repeatedly negated what the Fishmen Left Minister said; it was more like self-deception than persuasion of others.
"Don't be ridiculous, you stinking mermaids. What makes you think you can connect with so many monsters!"
"Boss, that ship... looks like a Hundred Beasts' ship..."
When a pirate crew becomes famous, not only do its members attract attention, but even their ship becomes more noticeable.
Though the Hundred Beasts King is Kaido's ship, it's rare to see him aboard; Kaido mostly relies on his abilities to fly around, and only occasionally does he travel by ship.
Currently, the Hundred Beasts King serves more as a transport ship; spotting it in the New World means the reinforcements of the Hundred Beasts have arrived.
Arceus's actions may be more covert, but the Origin also made a name for itself due to the War at the Summit; now this ship, like Whitebeard's Moby Dick, has become iconic.
The people aboard are participating in a feast at Dragon Palace City, so naturally, the ship is anchored in Fishman Island's harbor. These pirates hadn't paid attention to that ship until after the Left Minister raised the Hundred Beasts' flag, and only then did they realize why the ship was there.
"..."
The flag, the Hundred Beasts' ship; the simultaneous presence of these two things on Fishman Island needs no further explanation, and the leading pirate already has a bad feeling.
The only good news is that they haven't acted yet; their previous behavior was all talk, so in a sense, they can still salvage the situation.
"Actually, it was just a joke, merely part of our program.
The sea is too dangerous these days, and for Fishman Island's safety, we hope you all become more aware of the potential crises; that's why we said what we did."
As arrogant as he'd been moments ago, he was now equally humble. The pirate leader plastered a smile on his face, hoping to smooth over the situation he was faced with.
Unfortunately, reality is always cruel.
"Boss! We've captured some mermaids! What are you still doing here?"
"..."
This was their plan before entering Fishman Island; upon landing, they would split into two groups. As the captain, he would lead one group to draw the attention of Fishman Island's guards, while the others captured mermaids on the island.
Now it seems the plan succeeded, just at a very inopportune moment; the pirate leader was for the first time frustrated by his subordinates' efficiency.
Moreover, they've encountered another problem.
With mermaids in their hands, the Sea King Army merely surrounded them, but other pirates also have their sights set on them.
They are not the only pirate crew landing on Fishman Island, all bearing various intentions, but none have acted until now. Instead, their early move has provided the other pirates with the opportunity to attack them.
Those pirates watching the spectacle have now all drawn their weapons, danger shining in their eyes.
"What do you want to do?!"
"What do we want? I can't stand you guys, so I want to take you out!"
"That's right, exactly! Arriving at Shampodi alongside scum like you is such a disgrace!"
Unable to smooth it over, the pirate leader reverted to his true nature.
"Stop pretending to be noble! Aren't you all here for the same purpose?!"
Watching the captains of the other two pirate crews putting on righteous airs, the pirate already standing at the forefront tore off their facade immediately.
"Don't think I don't know what you're plotting! Looking to step on me to join the Hundred Beasts? Think again! The Hundred Beasts wouldn't take rubbish like you!
And don't misunderstand; I'm not a rookie like you."
The pirates who wanted to take action were also new this year, but overshadowed by the Glow of the Worst Generation, Navy and World Government pay little attention to them. To the Navy, pirates like these won't last long in the New World and will become cannon fodder.