Chapter 95: BIG MOM Occupies Fish-Man Island

Facing the situation, Lin Yan didn't hide anything. He frankly informed the prisoners about their current state. According to the original agreement, the summit war had concluded, and it was time to part ways. However, the Whitebeard Pirates were now severely weakened, unable to recover in the short term.

The apparent peace in the New World was primarily due to the balance of power among the Four Emperors, who kept the Navy in check. With the Whitebeard Pirates weakened from the recent battle, the other Emperors would undoubtedly seize this rare opportunity to gain territory and benefits.

Lin Yan expected the prisoners might not be interested in joining the Whitebeard Pirates. However, he was wrong. Upon learning that one of the Four Emperors' pirate groups was extending an olive branch to them, the prisoners were thrilled. Ninety percent of them were willing to join the Whitebeard Pirates, knowing they wouldn't have to worry about the Navy pursuing them in the future.

The remaining ten percent had other plans, including the Supernovas like Luffy, Kid, and Trafalgar Law, who had their ambitions. Lin Yan let them go without hesitation.

Finally, his gaze turned to Buggy, Crocodile, and Jinbe. Jinbe, being from Fish-Man Island, didn't need to make a statement. But Buggy and Crocodile were different.

"Join the Whitebeard Pirates?" Buggy's Adam's apple bobbed at the tempting offer. Previously, he wouldn't have cared about Whitebeard or even Shanks. But after his ordeal in Impel Down, Buggy realized how insignificant he truly was. Escaping Marineford as a prisoner meant the Navy would likely come after him. Joining the Whitebeard Pirates seemed like a wise choice. Besides, Lin Yan's power, witnessed during the summit war, was undeniable.

Buggy agreed eagerly but added, "I want to join your 17th Division."

"No problem!" Lin Yan responded, pleased by Buggy's willingness.

He then turned to Crocodile. "What about you, Crocodile?"

Crocodile, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, replied coldly, "Weren't we supposed to part ways after this?"

"Plans change," Lin Yan said with a smile.

"What if I refuse?" Crocodile asked, still wearing a cold expression.

"It doesn't matter. If you're willing, I fully support it. If you want to leave, I won't stop you. But considering you have nowhere to go now, I thought you might want to stay."

Crocodile snorted, his gaze sweeping over Lin Yan, Buggy, and the others. Lin Yan's words struck a chord. Years of planning in Alabasta had been destroyed, and he was no longer a Warlord of the Sea. Helping the Whitebeard Pirates in the Marineford battle had trampled on the Navy's dignity, leaving him vulnerable. Joining the Whitebeard Pirates seemed like a good choice.

Crocodile raised his chin proudly. "Joining the Whitebeard Pirates isn't out of the question, but I have a few conditions. First, I'm only interested in your 17th Division. Second—"

Lin Yan interrupted, "Don't say any more. It's all fine!"

Crocodile frowned. "I haven't finished my conditions yet!"

"No problem, I agree to all your conditions!" Lin Yan assured him sincerely.

Crocodile was stunned by Lin Yan's response, realizing Lin Yan was genuinely working hard to get him to join the Whitebeard Pirates.

"This feels familiar," Zephyr muttered, rubbing his nose.

Lin Yan coughed. "It's just your imagination!"

With everything settled, Buggy and Crocodile joined the 17th Division. Two more days passed, and the Whitebeard Pirates began reorganizing their personnel to recover their strength quickly. However, bad news reached the Moby Dick.

An emissary from Ryugu Palace on Fish-Man Island arrived, explaining the current situation. While the Whitebeard Pirates were at Marineford, the Big Mom Pirates took the opportunity to occupy Fish-Man Island, a significant territory. They intended to deploy their troops there if the Whitebeard Pirates suffered setbacks.

Unexpectedly, the Whitebeard Pirates won against the Navy, but the Big Mom Pirates had already occupied Fish-Man Island and refused to withdraw. They believed the Whitebeard Pirates wouldn't dare oppose them while recovering.

"What?" Jinbe immediately stood up upon hearing the news.

"Big Mom's people?" Marco, Jozu, and others were visibly angry. Fish-Man Island had deep ties with the Whitebeard Pirates, and targeting it was a direct provocation.

Just after the Marineford battle, these guys were already causing trouble behind their backs. Not only the Big Mom Pirates but also the Beasts Pirates were making moves. Another report indicated that Jack, one of the three Disasters of the Beasts Pirates, was stirring near Whitebeard Pirates' territory.

Hearing these two pieces of news, everyone on the ship was furious. The Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates were severely underestimating the Whitebeard Pirates.