Chapter 96: Unexpected News
The Sunlight Tree "Eve" radiated a gentle glow—a precious light absorbed from the ocean's surface, transmitted through its canopy and roots.
Beneath the massive root system lay a dreamlike deep-sea island surrounded by a colossal double-layered hemispherical bubble membrane—Fish-Man Island.
At the topmost level of Fish-Man Island stood Ryugu Castle, where King Neptune of the Ryugu Kingdom, known as the "Sea God," was meeting a special guest.
"I've heard about it—you've become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea... Jinbe."
Sitting cross-legged below the throne was none other than Jinbe, former captain of the Sun Pirates and the newly instated "Knight of the Sea," one of the Seven Warlords sanctioned by the World Government.
"If I take up the position of a Warlord, the World Government will pardon Aladdin and the others. Those Fish-Men who wish to leave piracy can return to this country without being pursued."
Jinbe spoke slowly, explaining his decision to Neptune:
"More importantly, holding this position might bring Fish-Man Island closer to the World Government."
"I caused plenty of trouble for the queen before. This is my attempt to make amends... and perhaps this is also what Brother Fisher Tiger would have wanted."
"Thank you, Jinbe..."
Marineford Headquarters
"The World Government has recruited another Warlord... and this one's identity is rather unique."
Rosinante was discussing the latest intelligence with Wright.
Since Sengoku's promotion to Fleet Admiral and Kuzan's rise to Admiral, Rosinante and Smoker had been reassigned under Wright's command.
For Rosinante, direct combat was not his forte—both his personality and Devil Fruit ability made him better suited for intelligence work, where he excelled.
"Rosi, maybe I should talk to Garp about sending you to Vice Admiral Gari for some training? He's the Marine's intelligence guru and seems like a pretty approachable guy."
[TL/N: The Vice Admiral mentioned here refers to "加计中将" which means Vice Admiral Jiajì or Kaji or Kake. I tried searching for this character on the canons but no character seemed to have a name like this. The only two characters I can associate with this Vice Admiral is either Tsuru, who is known for keen intellect and marine strategy and might have some relation to intelligence gathering, or Tokikake, who has been portrayed as approachable and knowledgeable in some extended materials. Or it could also be an original character on this fanfic.]
Wright glanced at the pile of documents Rosinante was sorting, feeling that this kind of work underutilized his potential.
Rosinante's talents were better suited for operations deep within enemy territory.
"That's not a bad idea, but I think I should focus on improving my combat abilities first. If I'm working behind enemy lines, dying means no intel gets delivered—and I can't always count on you to save me, Wright."
Rosinante sighed, "The old man suggested I at least learn Observation Haki before going on field missions again."
"Sengoku's advice is spot on," Wright nodded as he skimmed the organized reports Rosinante handed him.
"Armament Haki is relatively easier to awaken, especially for Marine officers trained in Rokushiki. The techniques greatly help with Haki development."
"But Observation Haki training has a shortcut!" Wright's eyes gleamed mischievously.
"Oh?" Rosinante looked up from the documents. He knew this man had awakened both types of Haki even before joining Marine training—a freakish talent unmatched by most.
"The secret is... getting beaten up!" Wright declared confidently. "I'll talk to Garp about it—his 'Fist of Love' can guide you to awaken Observation Haki in no time."
"Stop, stop, stop!" Rosinante immediately interrupted, sensing danger. "You awakened Observation Haki before meeting Garp, didn't you?"
"Ah, but I'm different. My abilities are unique!"
"… Damn it. I'm so jealous."
"Anyway," Wright added with a grin, "it may hurt, but the results are undeniable. With me around, you won't have to worry about lasting injuries. This is a training opportunity others would kill for!"
Wright's eyes lit up. "Let's bring Smoker along too. Neither of you has awakened Armament Haki yet, so you can train both simultaneously!"
Faced with his new training partner, Rosinante sighed. Wright had a point—combining Garp's iron fists with Wright's healing powers was an ideal training setup, one that countless Marines would beg for.
"I…" Rosinante began, ready to give a token thank-you, when he noticed Wright muttering as he reviewed a report.
"Captain of the Sun Pirates, Jinbe the 'Knight of the Sea'... this guy seems promising," Wright mused.
"But the Government's pardon might stir up trouble. We'll need to prepare in advance."
"Trouble?" Rosinante frowned. "You mean some of the pardoned Fish-Men might still harbor resentment and cause problems?"
"Without a doubt," Wright nodded. "Jinbe's actions reflect the ideals of their former captain, Fisher Tiger—striving for peaceful coexistence between Fish-Men and humans. But his crew won't necessarily share his outlook."
"After all, Fisher Tiger died, indirectly because of us Marines."
"Vice Admiral Strawberry, wasn't it?" Rosinante sighed. "At the time, he was just a Rear Admiral. Though typically gentle and reserved, he had orders from then-Vice Admiral Borsalino to carry out."
"Both sides had their reasons. This issue's impact will persist for a long time."
Wright leaned back in his chair. "If we allow those harboring hatred to act recklessly, ordinary humans and Marines won't stand a chance against them."
"And Garp… that old man's outrageous. He visits the East Blue frequently but hasn't dealt with Arlong yet!"
Wright quietly complained to himself. "Then again, Arlong's barely a threat. With a bounty of only 20 million berries, he's too insignificant to attract Garp's attention."
"Not to mention the corrupt Marines muddying the waters."
Wright pondered how to handle the situation. The East Blue's peace couldn't be disrupted, but his current workload left him no time to return.
Unless Arlong caused significant harm, there was no justification for targeting Jinbe's recently pardoned kin.
"Purupurupuru!"
The Den Den Mushi rang, interrupting Wright's thoughts.
"Click."
"This is Wright."
"Wright-san! It's me… Law!"
"Oh? Law? What made you reach out? Rosinante's here too—say hello!"
Wright beckoned Rosinante over. Hearing Law's voice, Rosinante beamed with joy.
"Wright-san, I have important news!" Law's tone was calm but hinted at restrained excitement.
"Hold on!" Wright and Rosinante exchanged a glance, their expressions turning serious. Wright activated Observation Haki to confirm no one was nearby, and Rosinante cast a soundproof barrier.
"All clear, Law," Wright said gravely. "Is the situation urgent?"
"Not immediately… but it's critical." The Den Den Mushi's expression relaxed slightly as Law delivered shocking news.
"Wright-san, Rosinante-san, Doflamingo… he's planning to target the Heavenly Tribute!"
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