First Target
Otohime sighed, her voice weary, "Yes, there have been those who tried, but the fear and hatred run deep. Our isolation has only reinforced the divide. The conflicts between humans and Fishmen have been many, and the wounds have yet to heal."
Robin, tugging at Jack's shirt once more, looked up at Otohime and asked with childlike innocence, "Fish...lady, why sad?"
Otohime smiled, her eyes moist, "Because, I wish for a world where we can live in harmony. A world where Fishmen and humans can understand and respect each other."
Shakky, her keen gaze unwavering, leaned forward. "Who protects you then? Any pirate who dares to venture into the New World is formidable."
Otohime's face fell, the weight of her concerns evident. "The Ryugu Kingdom has an army, but its might isn't nearly enough. There's also the Fishman District. Though they're lawless, many there are fiercely protective of Fishmen and Merpeople."
Shakky's eyebrows knitted in thought, "The District started as an institution for orphaned children, right? Then Fisher Tiger took over, declaring himself the boss and protector of those within its borders."
Otohime nodded, "Yes, it was a place of hope once. But over time, the chaos and unrest of the world above infiltrated it, turning it into a haven for those shunned and hurt by society."
Luna, with a piercing look, interjected, "It's ironic, isn't it? Those labeled as 'lawless' are sometimes the most protective of their own."
A deep silence settled on the table. The soft strains of the harp continued to play, but the atmosphere had changed. The weight of histories, struggles, and dreams filled the room.
Titi, her adventurous spirit always driving her to find solutions, mused, "It's not about power, but understanding. Perhaps there's a way to bridge this divide."
Ponis, her experiences in Skypiea shaping her views, added, "In the Upper Yard, we dreamt of what lay beyond, but fear held us back. Sometimes, it takes just one step to change everything."
As they kept on talking, alarms started to blare. Otohime's face turned to absolute dread, her gentle eyes widening as she hastily got up. "We need to hide," she said, her fear evident, her voice trembling like the delicate fins of a frightened fish.
"What is going on?" Jack asked, his voice steady, his calm blue eyes fixed on Otohime.
"Pirates," Otohime only said, rushing to lock the windows of the café. Her hands were shaking, her movements frantic. As she was about to lock the door too, Jack stopped her.
"What are you doing?" she asked, trying to push him, but Jack easily lifted her and put her aside.
"I long wanted to fight strong pirates of the Grand Line. Let me greet them," Jack smirked in anticipation, his eyes gleaming like the deep ocean.
Otohime started to wiggle in his hold, her voice breaking with desperation. "You can't. Fisher Tiger will go too. You will be in the crossfire."
"More the merrier," Jack's voice was almost a purr, his face alight with a rare thrill.
"Jack, listen to me!" Otohime pleaded, her eyes filled with terror. "This isn't a game. These pirates are merciless, and Fisher Tiger's presence will only escalate the violence."
Jack's face remained impassive, but there was a flicker of consideration in his eyes. He glanced back at the table where his family sat, their faces a mixture of concern and curiosity.
Aria, her eyes wide but still brave, called out, "Daddy, be careful."
Jack's eyes softened momentarily as he looked at his daughter. "Don't worry, Princess. I'll be right back."
Jack walked out of the café, his mind focused on the impending encounter. Otohime, with no other choice, locked the door behind him, her hands trembling. The center of the island was now devoid of any Fishman; they were all hiding. The silence was almost palpable, the sense of foreboding permeating the very air. From afar, a group of people started to walk. Their strides were arrogant and self-assured, their haughtiness seeping from their every move. From the way they carried themselves, one could assume that they owned the place.
As Jack stepped outside, the unsettling quiet was pierced by the swaggering laughter of a group of pirates approaching the town center. The residents of Fishman Island were nowhere to be seen, their fear driving them to hide from the intruders.
The Pirate Crew was known as the "Crimson Tides," and they were led by the infamous Captain Bloodbeard, a human with a wicked smile and a bounty of 159 Million Berries on his head. He was an imposing figure with wild, red hair that matched his crew's name, and eyes filled with ruthless determination. His powers were that of the Chop-Chop Fruit, enabling him to separate his body into various parts, a talent he used with sadistic pleasure in his battles.
His Vice-Captain, Raze, was equally notorious, with a bounty of 87 Million Berries. A tall and brooding figure, Raze's body bore numerous scars, testament to the battles he had fought. He wielded the powers of the Heat-Heat Fruit, giving him the ability to manipulate and control flames. His cold eyes contrasted with the fiery abilities he possessed, making him an enigmatic and fearsome presence.
Walking behind them was the crew's advisor, a clever and calculating man named Voss. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the lone figure standing defiantly in their path. Though not as renowned for combat as the captain and vice-captain, Voss was the intellectual core of the crew, renowned for his strategic acumen.
Captain Bloodbeard's laughter boomed as he addressed Jack, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Well now, what have we here? A lone fool standing in our way?"
Raze sneered, his voice icy, "Perhaps he's lost, Captain. Shall I show him the way with a little fire?"
Jack's eyes, calm as the deep blue ocean, regarded them with a mixture of interest and amusement. His demeanor was neither warm nor cold as he replied, "I heard only the strong pirates in the Grand Line hopes to go New World. I hope you won't disappoint."
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