The moment the Phoenix Pirates arrived at Fish-Man Island, Jinbe, the Sun Pirates, and Fukaboshi, the eldest prince of the Ryugu Kingdom, came forward to welcome Marco and his crew. For Jinbe, the sense of familiarity was natural—these were comrades he trusted.
After brief greetings, Marco wasted no time and went straight to the point.
"Jinbe," he asked calmly, "are the Big Mom Pirates still on Fish-Man Island?"
Jinbe nodded, his expression heavy.
"Yes. They've been here for several days now. It seems they were waiting specifically for your arrival."
He hesitated, then added apologetically, "I'm sorry. They're a Yonko crew. For the sake of Fish-Man Island's safety, King Neptune and the others dare not act rashly. I also wish to help you, but we cannot openly offend the Big Mom Pirates… especially when they've made it clear that you are their true target."
Marco showed no trace of displeasure. Instead, he replied evenly, "I understand your position. This situation has nothing to do with Fish-Man Island. The Big Mom Pirates are coming for us. Leave the rest to the Phoenix Pirates."
Hearing this, Fukaboshi bowed slightly in relief.
"Thank you, Captain Marco. No matter how this ends, Fish-Man Island will never forget the kindness shown by the Whitebeard Pirates—and now the Phoenix Pirates. My father is already waiting for you at the Ryugu Palace."
Marco smiled faintly.
He understood Fish-Man Island's predicament all too well.
For years, the island had relied on the flags of the Whitebeard Pirates—and later the Phoenix Pirates—to deter marauding pirates. In return, Fish-Man Island paid a modest monthly tribute. It wasn't extortion, but a tacit agreement: protection in exchange for allegiance.
Now, however, the Big Mom Pirates had made their move.
From Fish-Man Island's perspective, the most rational course was painfully clear—remain neutral, avoid offending either side, and wait for the outcome. Whoever emerged victorious would become their new protector. It was a harsh but unavoidable rule of survival.
Logically—and emotionally—Fish-Man Island should side with the Phoenix Pirates. After all, Big Mom's tribute would undoubtedly be far more oppressive than what Whitebeard had ever demanded.
Yet Marco could sense Neptune's hesitation.
In the king's eyes, the Phoenix Pirates' ship might already be sinking. Whitebeard was gone. More than half their forces had been lost at Marineford. Worse still, Fish-Man Island lay in the first half of the New World, while most of the Phoenix Pirates' territory was deep in the latter half—too far away to offer consistent protection.
Whether fair or not, doubts had taken root.
And Marco knew that this battle wasn't just about Fish-Man Island.
It was about proving that the Phoenix Pirates were still worthy of standing at the top of the sea.
Although the physical strength of Fish-Men far surpassed that of ordinary humans—often by a factor of ten—their overall potential was limited. Among all of Fish-Man Island, Jinbe stood at the very top. Marco had already witnessed Jinbe's strength firsthand and judged him to be at Strong Captain level, roughly on par with Namur.
Against the Sweet Commanders, Jinbe might barely manage to defeat the weakest among them—Snack—at best. And that harsh reality was precisely why Fish-Man Island had no choice but to lower its head when faced with monsters of a Yonko' caliber.
Before long, under King Neptune's careful arrangements, the Phoenix Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates finally came face to face.
Inside a grand chamber of the Ryugu Palace, the two pirate crews sat opposite one another across a long table. The atmosphere was heavy, like a drawn blade waiting to fall. Acting as mediator, King Neptune spoke solemnly:
"Katakuri-san, Marco-san, and all distinguished guests… it is an honor for Fish-Man Island to host you today. For decades, we have shared deep ties with the Whitebeard Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates, as well as longstanding trade relations with the Big Mom Pirates. Both sides are dear friends to Fish-Man Island. I humbly ask that peace be given priority in today's discussion."
While Neptune spoke, Marco's gaze calmly swept across the opposing side, silently evaluating their strength.
Charlotte Katakuri — Paramecia: Mochi-Mochi Fruit
Estimated Strength: Yonko Commander Level
Charlotte Smoothie — Paramecia: Squeeze-Squeeze Fruit
Estimated Strength: Weak Emperor's Second-in-Command Level
Charlotte Cracker — Paramecia: Biscuit-Biscuit Fruit
Estimated Strength: Weak Emperor's Second-in-Command Level
Charlotte Snack — Paramecia: Fry-Fry Fruit
Estimated Strength: Strong Captain Level
Charlotte Oven — Paramecia: Heat-Heat Fruit
Estimated Strength: Weak Captain Level
Charlotte Daifuku — Paramecia: Lamp-Lamp Fruit
Estimated Strength: Weak Captain Level
Baron Tamago — Paramecia: Tamago Fruit
Estimated Strength: Captain Level
Pekoms — Paramecia: Turtle-Turtle Fruit
Estimated Strength: Weak Captain Level
Marco's eyes narrowed slightly.
No wonder they're so confident…
This was an overwhelming lineup. The Big Mom Pirates hadn't come to negotiate—they had come prepared for war.
Katakuri, however, addressed King Neptune with measured courtesy.
"Rest assured, King Neptune. Our objective this time is the Phoenix Pirates alone. We have no intention of dragging innocent parties into this conflict."
Marco leaned forward slightly, his voice cold and direct.
"This matter is between our two crews. Spare us the pleasantries. We're pirates—I don't care for roundabout talk. Let's be clear with each other."
At Marco's words, Oven, Daifuku, and Cracker bristled, their hostility flaring openly. Before any of them could move, Katakuri raised a hand, stopping them in place.
"Very well," Katakuri said flatly. "If we're speaking plainly, then I'll do the same."
His gaze locked onto Marco.
"Fish-Man Island now belongs to the Big Mom Pirates. From this moment forward, it is our territory."
The moment those words fell, fury rippled through the Phoenix Pirates' side of the table.
Marco let out a low, humorless laugh.
"So that's it. You really think we're easy prey, Katakuri?"
Katakuri's expression remained calm—almost indifferent.
"This sea has always been cruel, Marco. Strength decides everything. The Whitebeard Pirates once ruled the most territory in the New World. Now, you lack the power to defend it."
His voice hardened.
"If you know what's good for you, you'll hand over those territories peacefully. Do that, and you can avoid a war."
The silence that followed was suffocating—
like the calm before a storm that threatened to tear Fish-Man Island apart.
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