Chapter 97: Fishman Island

"This... what's going on here? Why did those damned slave traders suddenly become like this?"

Though protected by Whitebeard, Fishman Island also has its own patrol team that's been monitoring these outsiders. After all, some brash pirates have barged into Fishman Island despite the warnings.

Of course, most of these reckless pirates met a terrible fate. Many newcomers weren't aware of Fishman Island's specifics and would sail their coated ships directly over the island. Once a coated ship got close to the upper protective layer, the film would instantly fuse, causing the ship to plummet from a high altitude. Most pirates perished in these falls, and the survivors were no threat.

These reckless pirates resulted in a large number of human criminals being imprisoned in Fishman Island. You could say they died a fool's death and had no one to blame but themselves.

"Look, there's a ship coming over there! And that flag... it's the Impel Down flag that Jinbe told us to watch for!"

The merfolk's expressions shifted upon seeing the flag on the approaching ship.

Jinbe had returned from the sea with news about Impel Down, shocking the entire Fishman Island.

They were well aware of the Celestial Dragons' existence and suspected their involvement in Princess Otohime's death. Of course, this was their belief before the truth came to light.

In their eyes, the Celestial Dragons were directly responsible for Princess Otohime's murder. Fearing a direct attack, Fishman Island didn't dare confront the World Government. The disparity between Fishman Island and the World Government was simply too vast.

"Notify His Majesty immediately!"

The news was relayed swiftly. Upon learning the details, King Neptune promptly sought out Jinbe.

"Why is a ship from Impel Down here on Fishman Island? Could it be because of Arlong's mess?"

Jinbe's expression darkened. He truly couldn't fathom the reason behind Impel Down's arrival. As for the deceased human traffickers, they were of no concern to him at this point.

Logically, Impel Down only managed internal prisoners. Their presence on Fishman Island had to have a purpose.

"Arlong? He's been captured by Impel Down, right? Are they really here to cause trouble over Arlong?"

King Neptune was bewildered. Weren't they overreacting for a single Arlong?

"After all, Arlong's actions have incited hatred in nearly all humans. Now, even Whitebeard faces immense pressure. Even within the Whitebeard Pirates, some view Fishman Island differently because of him."

Jinbe said helplessly. Arlong's actions had brought a tidal wave of animosity towards Fishman Island. While Whitebeard remained willing to offer protection, his own reputation had been tarnished by this association.

The Whitebeard Pirates were a large crew, and some members even felt Fishman Island undeserving of their blessing. This was all a consequence of Arlong's actions.

But what could they do? Jinbe harbored immense regret. He knew this would happen; he shouldn't have made concessions to release that good-for-nothing Arlong. Now, they were facing immense trouble because of him.

"In any case, let's go meet them first!"

King Neptune set off after speaking. Though a king himself, the world held many rulers as powerful as him. The status of Impel Down's representatives warranted a personal visit from King Neptune.

Thus, the group quickly arrived at the docked ship. Due to Luo Ning and his companions' identities, the merfolk guide led them directly to the docked vessel, allowing them to board Fishman Island smoothly.

Along the way, Nami marveled at the wonders around her. Researching everything was simply impossible in a world filled with such marvels. Even Robin cast curious glances, having never visited Fishman Island before.

However, the surrounding merfolk didn't offer them the warmest welcome. The persecution humans had inflicted upon Fishman Island ran deep.

Were it not for Whitebeard's protection, Fishman Island likely would have become a breeding ground, specifically for merfolk. Slave traders and traffickers were perfectly capable of such barbarity.

One shouldn't expect kindness from such heartless individuals. Though Nami had lived under a similar rule in the past, she had overcome that shadow. Recognizing that only Arlong and his crew deserved blame, she wouldn't project her emotions onto these merfolk.

"Luo Ning himself has come!"

As the two groups approached each other, Jinbe and King Neptune were even more astonished. Impel Down's arrival was significant, but Luo Ning's personal presence was a far greater deal.

"First time meeting, Your Majesty Neptune, and Jinbe, we meet again."

Luo Ning recognized their apprehension and extended a greeting first.

"Hello, Mr. Luo Ning, welcome to Fishman Island."

King Neptune stammered a response, and Jinbe offered a dry greeting as well. Both were understandably worried about a potential attack on Fishman Island by Luo Ning. After all, he possessed the power to single-handedly overwhelm them.

"By the way, we've prepared a banquet at Dragon Palace City. Please, Mr. Luo Ning, join us!" stammered Neptune, his voice still strained.

"Then let's proceed together. Certain matters are best not discussed here. Incidentally, could you provide some food for the soldiers on our ship?"

While they had ample supplies onboard, the food on Fishman Island naturally differed from what they were accustomed to on land. Neptune readily agreed and dispatched his eldest son, Fukaboshi, to handle the task.

These soldiers did appear quite peculiar. Though mermaids rather than merfolk, their appearance wasn't much more pleasing. They all possessed a large and stocky build. However, in all honesty, the figure Luo Ning found most perplexing was Princess Otohime. How she managed to form a bond with Neptune and give birth to a behemoth like Shirahoshi was simply mind-boggling.

Some romances in the One Piece world were truly bizarre. Seemingly innocuous at first glance, they became downright frightening upon reflection. Simply outrageous.