233. You Have Only One Way

"You?"

"What do you want!?"

Tiger, who had gotten better, sat up on the bed, eyeing Atlas as if he were a threat.

"I'm a Marine, and you guys are pirates, so..."

"I'm here to capture you!"

As soon as they spoke, Tiger and Jinbei's bodies immediately tensed up, and their gaze toward Atlas turned even more hostile.

"Are you really going to make a move? Don't you care about the lives of your fishmen?" 

Atlas glanced casually at the people who had passed out on the ground.

"What exactly are you planning?" 

Jinbei grew more perplexed by the Marine standing before him.

"Join the Shichibukai!"

"Jinbei!!"

"If you become a Shichibukai, you can rescue your fellow fishmen from the World Government. With your strength, it's entirely possible!"

"..."

"Why? Why choose me?"

Jinbei thought for a moment and asked slowly.

He had two questions. One, why the Marine before him actively sought a Shichibukai position, and two, why he chose him. There were plenty of powerful pirates in the sea.

He had heard about the Shichibukai.

"Legally plunder!" Just these two words were enough to disgust Hakuryu, the hawk.

Yes, indeed. In Jinbei's mind, and even to those outside, Atlas was a true hawk among the Marines!

"First, there's the Marine, and then there's the World Government."

Atlas slowly extended a finger and spoke in a deep voice.

"?!!"

As soon as these words were uttered, both Jinbei and Tiger felt significant ripples in their hearts.

'This guy...What does he mean?!'

As it's widely known, the Marine is essentially the face of the World Government, and the two have always been closely linked in terms of identity.

And now.

For a Marine to utter such words in front of two pirates was akin to treason!!

"Marine has its own justice. We don't align with the World Government's methods. As for Celestial Dragons..."

"Just a bunch of scum!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Atlas's robes began to lift without any wind, and a potent murderous aura, almost tangible, hung around him.

"Secondly, the Marines require the Shichibukai not to enjoy the privilege of legal robbery."

"And I trust you, Jinbei!"

"You can leap off the ship and get away. I'll ensure the safety of the fishmen of the Sun Pirates, including Tiger."

"As soon as you become a Shichibukai successfully, the World Government will grant them release."

He was well aware that these conditions were something Jinbei couldn't refuse at this moment, leaving him with only one path to take.

"Boss Tiger..."

Jinbei cast a hesitant glance at Tiger.

For Tiger's crime of setting fire to Mariejois alone, the World Government will not release him easily just because of a Shichibukai.

"I believe the World Government won't let Tiger go, but I assure you..."

"There must be no threat to his life."

It was persuasive and well-founded, but Atlas didn't believe that Jinbei wasn't intrigued.

"Furthermore, Fish-Men Island now requires the protection of a Shichibukai. Just Whitebeard alone cannot deter the unruly pirates."

"After all, water from a distance can't quench your thirst!"

Jinbei is quite excited now. Atlas's words have completely struck a chord with him, and the benefits offered by almost every condition are evident.

Even though Fish-Men Island is a member of the World Government, it hasn't sought any protection from the Marines, and there's no affiliation between the two.

Surprisingly, on the island's highest point, the flag of the Whitebeard Pirates is proudly waving!

"Promise him, Jinbei."

Tiger grasped the Marine's ambition in front of him.

Absolutely revolutionary to the world!!!

...

A few days later.

A Marine warship, bearing the headquarters' logo, docked at the G-2 base port.

A sizable contingent of Marines, having received orders well in advance, swiftly approached and encircled the ship. Thick shackles adorned their hands as the disheartened fishmen disembarked one by one.

They were unaware of what was happening and suddenly blacked out.

Upon regaining consciousness, they found themselves captured by the Marines. Not even their eldest brother, Fisher Tiger, was spared. Jinbei was the sole member of the entire crew who managed to escape.

Fortunately, Boss Tiger was out of harm's way.

Evidently, Atlas and Tiger's discussion didn't inform them of this, which is why he had to pre-emptively render these fishmen unconscious.

"Vice Admiral Hakuryu, what are your plans for these fishmen?"

At this moment, a Marine with Rear Admiral epaulettes approached Atlas at the port and inquired.

"Transport them all to the impel down. Also, secure the shackles."

"Even though they aren't Devil Fruit users, once the fishmen escape at sea, there's little I can do about it."

Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~

Suddenly, a series of phone buzzes interrupted Atlas's instructions.

"Moshi Moshi! I'm Kizaru~~"

He retrieved the phone from his pocket and answered the call. Kizaru's distinctive speaking style resonated.

"Vice Admiral Kizaru?"

"Atlas-san~~ I heard you apprehended the Sun Pirates."

Kizaru's tone sounded somewhat peculiar.

Why does it seem like everyone is plotting against him? These subordinates and colleagues are proving to be more cunning than he thought.

'I initially believed Atlas was merely getting involved for amusement, but to my surprise, he actually captured Tiger, who had managed to escape!'

'I had assumed that with Strawberry's strength, I wouldn't need to take charge personally. Even if they set up an ambush beforehand, achieving any significant results seemed unlikely.'

This way, the date for his promotion to Admiral will keep getting pushed further and further closer!

"There's nothing I can do. I was just catching some sleep on the warship. I didn't anticipate them actually hijacking it..."

"This is like a gift handed to me on a silver platter; I have to seize it!"

"What a troublesome youngster~"

Kizaru was at a loss for words, but he shouldn't be given credit for this one, right?

In this scenario, the third Admiral seat shouldn't rightfully be his, correct?

"By the way, I have one more favor to ask. I believe Jinbei, the one who escaped, is quite capable. Could you kindly recommend him for the position of Shichibukai to my superiors?"

Kizaru is relatively close to the World Government; otherwise, they wouldn't entrust him with the Science Force with such confidence.

At least, his words should be much more influential than Atlas's.

In the original storyline, it was Kizaru who suggested to the World Government that Jinbei could become a Shichibukai.

"Shichibukai? Easy task~~"

After grasping the crucial details, Kizaru readily accepted Atlas's request.

Kachak!!

The phone disconnected.

Atlas turned to the Rear Admiral beside him and remarked, "I succeeded in capturing the Sun Pirates this time, all thanks to the deployment by Vice Admiral Kizaru. It was under his command that I managed to apprehend them so smoothly. When the time comes to report it, try not to mention my involvement."

Kizaru is in high spirits, so there's no need to be stingy. After all, the credit this time rightfully belongs to him, so consider it a favor!!

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