Despite the Neptune Army's continued attempts to catch up, King Neptune and his ministers were conspicuously absent. Jack, unbothered, decided to tour Ryugu Palace with Rim and the others in tow.
A few squad leaders from the Neptune Army tried to follow and keep an eye on them, but a single glance from Jack froze them in their tracks. One of the leaders hesitated, casting a complicated look at the group before finding an excuse to dart off toward Fish-Man District.
Although the Beasts Pirates had made a name for themselves on Fish-Man Island, fear still lingered in the eyes of many as they looked at Rim and the others. However, seeing Finder and the other Fish-Men walking alongside humans sparked curiosity. Why would their own kind be traveling with these pirates?
"Jack-sama…" Finder spoke hesitantly, his expression troubled. Summoning his courage, he continued, "I know you've mentioned how Queen Otohime's actions last time annoyed you. I understand why you feel that way, but I still hope that when we meet her, we can resolve things peacefully."
Finder's voice grew softer as he continued, "Queen Otohime is incredibly respected in our country. She's beloved by the people, even more than King Neptune. If anything were to happen to her, it would cause us enormous trouble."
Jack tilted his head, staring at Finder with a blank expression. Sweat beaded on Finder's brow under Jack's gaze, until Jack suddenly broke into a wide grin and let out a booming laugh.
"Hahaha! What are you so worried about, Finder?" Jack said, clapping him on the back. "I, Jack, always reason with words. I'm a pacifist, after all!"
He chuckled again before adding, "Besides, with the Whitebeard Pirates protecting this place, I'm not about to cause trouble for Kaido-sama. So relax! There's no way I'd kill Queen Otohime."
Finder's horn—which tended to change colors based on his emotions—flickered nervously. Jack noticed and reached out, poking it with a curious expression.
"Huh. This thing's made of flesh? Never realized before," Jack mused. "You should try putting different perfumes on it every day. Might make you more charming. Honestly, it's way more useful than Fukurokuju's head or that seahorse minister's mouth."
"Speaking of seahorses…" Jack's voice trailed off as he squinted toward a group of Neptune soldiers running toward them. At the head of the pack was none other than Queen Otohime, her tiny frame zipping forward with surprising speed, her arms tucked behind her like a ninja.
"Queen Otohime! Please wait!" The Seahorse Minister and the soldiers were struggling to keep up, shouting desperately for her to slow down.
Jack raised an eyebrow as Otohime skidded to a halt directly at his feet. Her braking skills were impeccable, stopping with precision. Breathing heavily, she looked up at Jack with sparkling determination.
"Jack-sama!" she gasped, trying to catch her breath.
Before she could say more, Jack bent down, casually grabbing her by the collar and turning her around.
"Bang!"
The Seahorse Minister, unable to stop in time, collided headfirst into her. With a loud crash, he crumpled to the ground, clutching his mouth in agony. His long snout had slammed into what felt like a steel door. Tears welled in his eyes.
Jack finally set the bewildered Queen Otohime back down, glancing at the Seahorse Minister with mock seriousness.
"You really need to watch where you're running. That was dangerous, wasn't it?"
Then, as if remembering something, Jack tilted his head.
"Wait a minute… Queen Otohime, you're not even thirty yet, right? No big deal, then!"
Otohime blinked her large, expressive eyes in confusion before shaking it off. She looked up at Jack with her characteristic warmth.
"Jack-sama, welcome to our island!" she said, her voice bright. "Thank you for what you've done for our people. I've confirmed that the Fish-Men who've joined your crew in the New World have been treated well."
Her eyes gleamed with hope as she continued, "You've said our ideals are different, but I believe our goals are the same. So once again, I offer my gratitude." She hesitated before asking, "May I know the reason for your visit this time—"
Jack interrupted her, his tone cold. "Don't act like we're close, Queen Otohime. You seem to have forgotten what you did to me last time. And no, our goals are not the same. Don't get the wrong idea."
Pointing to his head, he continued, "I'm here for one reason only. Tell me where the Sun Pirates are. I know they have ties to Ryugu Palace."
Otohime's eyes widened in shock. She took a step back, trembling slightly.
"Why… why are you looking for them?" she asked cautiously.
Jack grinned and stood up straight, addressing the gathered Fish-Men. "It's simple. Fisher Tiger is dead. Even if the Sun Pirates are safe for now, it's only a matter of time before the World Government hunts them down."
His voice grew louder, carrying over the crowd.
"If our people fall into the hands of the World Government, you all know what will happen! My goal is to save them."
Jack's gaze swept over the crowd as he declared, "The Beasts Pirates have proven our stance on Fish-Men. We're the only power in this world capable of protecting you. No one else is willing to take you in and treat you well!"
The Fish-Men exchanged murmurs, uncertainty and hope flickering in their expressions. Jack turned back to Otohime, crouching slightly to meet her eye level.
"Tell me where they are," he said quietly. "If you do, I'll overlook what you did last time. If not… you know what I'm capable of. Use your Observation Haki if you doubt me." He paused before adding with a smirk, "Whitebeard's getting old, isn't he? And internal disputes among Fish-Men… well, that's not something he'd interfere with, is it? You wouldn't want anything to happen to your husband or children, would you, Otohime-sama?"
Otohime's face paled as she stared at Jack, trembling. Meanwhile, Finder's horn continued its kaleidoscopic shifts, reflecting his own turmoil.
As the Neptune Army withdrew and the crowd dispersed, Finder turned to Jack with a puzzled expression.
"Jack-sama, wasn't there a better way to get this information? Threatening Queen Otohime will strain our relationship with Ryugu Palace."
Jack's face darkened as he looked at Finder and the other Fish-Men around him. His tone grew sharp.
"Listen well! You're part of the Beasts Pirates now. You have no king or queen. You have a Governor-General. You have the All-Stars."
He straightened, his voice ringing with authority.
Show kindness, but don't be naive. Naivety will get you killed. Do you understand?"
The Fish-Men's faces grew thoughtful, and Jack nodded in satisfaction. At that moment, a soldier in a Neptune guard's uniform rushed over, accompanied by several Fish-Men. The lead Fish-Man's face lit up as he saw Jack, and he shouted excitedly:
"Uncle! Save him! Save Brother Arlong!"
Jack tilted his head, frowning at the young man. "Zeo? Are you drunk? First, you call me 'Uncle' three times, and then you're calling me Arlong?"
"..."
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg