Chapter 14: The Mary Geoise Raid Incident

The night was quiet.

Fisher Tiger was also quiet, climbing up the steep cliffs of the Red Line. But inside, his heart burned like a blazing fire — fierce, volatile, yet compassionate. He was about to do something monumental, something no one else would dare even think of.

When Fisher Tiger was young, he lived in Fishman Street, deep within Fishman Island. Originally, it was a place meant to shelter orphans, but due to mismanagement, it eventually became overrun with countless criminal gangs. Ryugu Kingdom had long wanted to solve the problem of Fishman Street, but they had never succeeded.

Tiger was strong and charismatic. His companions Jinbe, Arlong, and others who grew up with him all called him "Boss." He was indeed the leader of Fishman Street. In the eyes of other Fishmen, even King Neptune of the Ryugu Kingdom didn't have as much authority as Tiger. However, Tiger's true passion lay in exploration and adventure. He frequently embarked on voyages, telling stories of his travels to his fellow Fishmen.

Three years ago, he set out on another adventure, but this time, the journey nearly led to his doom. Not long after setting out, he was captured and sold into slavery at the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, where he became a slave of the Celestial Dragons. There, he experienced the height of human cruelty.

Not long ago, he finally found an opportunity to escape. After returning to Fishman Island, he informed King Neptune and Queen Otohime of everything. Then, he made a decision — to return to Mary Geoise and rescue everyone still suffering there. No human being should be treated like an animal.

"We're almost there."

Tiger could hear noises from above, indicating that Mary Geoise was near. He needed to be extra cautious. This adventure would be a life-or-death situation, but he had no regrets.

Emerging from his hiding spot, Tiger carefully chose his target — a location he had observed during his three years as a slave, perfect for starting a fire that would draw the attention of the guards and patrols. There were many such places.

As Tiger's plan unfolded, chaos quickly spread throughout Mary Geoise. Fires erupted everywhere, and the guards were in total disarray. Some were busy trying to extinguish the flames, others rushed to protect the Celestial Dragons, while others desperately searched for the arsonist.

In the halls of power within Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders gathered as reports flooded in. They quickly realized that someone had infiltrated the Holy Land, setting fires all over the place, though the motive remained unclear.

"No matter who it is, organize the guards to put out the fires immediately. Have the Holy Knights guard the key areas to prevent further damage."

"As a precaution, move the Celestial Dragons to the safety shelters."

"Do we know who it is yet? To dare invade Mary Geoise — they must not be allowed to get away with it! The dignity of the World Nobles cannot be challenged!"

"Has the Navy been informed? Tell them to send reinforcements immediately."

"Kong has already dispatched Sengoku. G1 Base is also sending reinforcements, but it will take some time for them to arrive."

"Has Borsalino responded?"

"The Navy has deployed most of its forces to deter pirates during this period. Borsalino is currently patrolling near the Kingdom of Alabasta."

The five elders continued to issue orders one after another.

Outside Pangaea Castle, the Celestial Dragons were experiencing such chaos for the first time. Some were panicking, some were furious, and others, shockingly, wanted to get closer to the fire to watch. It was the most intense fire in 800 years, but soon the Celestial Dragons were evacuated to safety. Even they had to obey the orders of the Five Elders.

Tiger easily overpowered the guards at the slave quarters, grabbing weapons and keys as he entered. He shook the keys in his hand, the sound of them jingling catching the attention of the numerous slaves.

"I'm Fisher Tiger, and I was once one of you."

"I've started fires outside, and the guards are all busy putting them out. Do you want freedom? If you do, get moving! This is your only chance." With that, he began unlocking the shackles of the slaves.

Freedom, the only chance, freedom.

The Fishman slaves were the first to respond, followed by the dull-eyed human slaves, whose dim eyes gradually began to gleam. The chance for freedom, their only chance. Freedom — they had to have it. They rushed to the front of their cells, extending their hands to Tiger.

Tiger distributed the keys to those whose hands were already freed, instructing them to help unlock the others. Before long, all the slaves had shed their shackles. They looked at Tiger, waiting for his instructions.

"Now, freedom is just one step away — we must escape Mary Geoise. The fires have scattered the guards, so we must seize control of the bubble lift at Red Port before the fires are put out and escape this place. Follow me!"

Leading the way, Tiger and the Fishmen charged forward. Among the crowd, a young man with green hair quickly followed, with the others close behind.

"Hurry! Sandersonia, Marigold, keep up! Don't get separated!" shouted Boa Hancock as she ran at the front with her two sisters.

When the rest of the group arrived, they saw that Tiger had already seized control of the lift and was organizing the slaves to descend. They quickly rushed to board as well.

…

Recently, Sengoku had been extremely busy. Fleet Admiral Kong rarely managed naval affairs personally anymore, leaving Sengoku in charge of almost everything, under the pretext of "preparing him for the role of Fleet Admiral." During this new year's transition, it was critical to exert enough pressure on the pirates, lest they cause even greater chaos.

Luckily, Tsuru had been helping him out.

As he neared Red Port, Sengoku remembered that he hadn't called Doflamingo yet, but it would have to wait.

"Admiral Sengoku, there are several merchant ships approaching, but the people on board… they appear to be slaves from Mary Geoise."

Even before the lookout reported this, Sengoku had noticed the unusual ships. He didn't show much emotion, but the concept of enslaving one's own kind deeply disgusted him. Yet the Celestial Dragons' whims were not something he could interfere with.

If only all the Celestial Dragons were as kind as Doflamingo's brother Rosinante. Hmph, that evil Doflamingo! One day, I'll throw him in Impel Down!

"The safety of Mary Geoise is our top priority. Don't waste time."

The Navy ships passed by the merchant vessels, and the people aboard breathed a sigh of relief. They had just narrowly escaped the gaze of Admiral Sengoku's flagship.

…

The next morning, Bardock was enjoying a delicious breakfast when a news gull flew to his side, tapping its pouch on its chest. Bardock skillfully tossed a 50-Berry coin, which the gull caught in its beak before handing him a newspaper and flying off. There were still many more papers to deliver today.

"What the heck, the Mary Geoise raid? So, it happened at this time? Morgans is so bold, daring to publish news that damages the reputation of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons."

"Fisher Tiger, the Fishman hero, I'd really like to meet him!"