"This is…"
"Wow!"
The Fish-Men at the harbor erupted into cheers as they caught sight of the stunningly beautiful mermaids aboard the merchant ship.
The mermaids, who had been somewhat apprehensive at first, relaxed upon noticing the number of fellow merfolk gathered here. However, as they prepared to disembark, they hesitated, staring at the enormous, chubby beast blocking the dock. Sitting atop the creature was a striking young woman.
"Hey, you idiot!"
"You said you'd be back quickly! What took you so long?"
Yamato, gripping her kanabo tightly, shouted at Jack while perched atop the beast. Jack glared menacingly at the animal, causing it to bolt away in a panic.
"Hey! Where are you going?! Come back here!" Yamato's voice grew faint as she disappeared into the distant forest. Only then did the mermaids finally step off the ship, reassured by her departure.
Kerr removed his hat, bowing elegantly toward the mermaids as he spoke softly.
"Ladies from Fish-Man Island, Kaido-sama has prepared accommodations for you. Please, follow me."
Finder, standing at the front, interjected with a stony expression.
"I know the way. You don't need to trouble yourself."
Finder's tone carried an unmistakable hostility toward Kerr, who simply shrugged, replaced his hat, and added,
"Very well. If you need anything, my office is in the guildhall—the building surrounded by purple bellflowers at the edge of town."
As Kerr walked away, Finder turned back to the mermaids and spoke earnestly.
"Listen up, ladies. Beware of good-looking men—they're always up to no good!"
"Ugh, enough already! You're so annoying!"
"Yeah, like you're one to talk!"
"Go away!"
Rim, who had been about to retort, thought better of it as the mermaids snapped at Finder and silently stepped aside.
Yamato soon returned, clutching a gift from Jack, her excitement evident as she unwrapped it.
"Candy? Fish-Man Island shells? And this… wow, it's beautiful! Gold and diamonds, but…"
Her exclamation was cut short as the mermaids shot Jack disgusted looks, as if he were some kind of deviant. Panicking, Jack pointed at himself and shouted,
"Wait! We're the same age! The same age!"
"I just look a bit more mature! Look, I don't even have a beard yet!"
"We're childhood friends, okay?! Childhood friends!"
"It's not what you're thinking!"
No matter how much Jack tried to explain, the mermaids' disdainful gazes didn't waver. His shoulders slumped in defeat.
Yamato held up a gleaming golden bra, blushing as she approached Jack.
"You're so naughty!" she murmured.
"But I love it!"
"W-Well, if you like it, then wear it—"
"Bam!"
"Don't put it on here, you idiot!" Jack roared, smacking his forehead in exasperation.
Meanwhile, preparations were underway in Renske Port following Kaido's orders. If Whitebeard intended to attack Ailen Island, Renske Port would be the only viable entry point. Residents were being evacuated, and defensive measures, like building cannon emplacements, kept Kerr and Rim occupied.
Jack, however, seemed unaffected, spending his days hanging around Yamato and Aladine.
...
In the New World, on Bykaodo Island,
A group of pirates reveled in a lively banquet. Amidst the raucous laughter, Newgate, with his signature crescent-shaped white mustache, grabbed a barrel of rum from beside Marco and chugged it down.
"Hey!" Marco protested.
"That's the rum I bought with my own money! Your barrel's right there!"
But it was too late—Whitebeard had already drained the entire barrel.
"Gurararara! Marco! Don't be so stingy. Think of it as a gift to your old man!"
"That's the seventh time this week! You're going to make me as broke as you are!"
"Gurarara! Stop whining! It's just one barrel of rum!"
"Yeah, Marco! Lighten up!"
"It's only a ten-year-aged rum you went to eighteen different places to find. Nothing special!"
Marco scowled at the jeering crew, his protests drowned out by their laughter. Just then, a breathless crewman ran into the hall.
"Marco! Bad news!"
Marco grabbed the transponder snail the crewman held out. His expression darkened as he listened to the message. The room fell silent, save for the glugging sound of Whitebeard stealing yet another barrel of rum.
"Old Man," Marco said, hanging up the snail and turning to his captain.
"André has been captured by Jack the Drought of the Beasts Pirates."
He explained that André had sought revenge for his slain comrades, who were killed by Fish-Men on Ailen Island. Hijacking a merchant ship full of mermaids, André hadn't anticipated running into Jack.
"Should we negotiate with the Beasts Pirates?" Marco asked cautiously.
Whitebeard slammed his barrel onto the ground with a deafening crash.
"Negotiate?!"
"Marco! What kind of man do you think I am?"
"I am Whitebeard!"
He rose to his full height, his booming voice shaking the room.
"Send a war declaration to the Beasts Pirates! Inform everyone to gather here immediately!"
"In two months, we'll attack Ailen Island!"
"Gurararara! Let's cause some mayhem!"
The crew erupted into cheers at Whitebeard's declaration, though Marco's face remained clouded with concern.
Whitebeard's health was deteriorating, and Kaido was at his prime. Rumor had it that Jack was no ordinary opponent. Could they truly win this war?
As he watched Whitebeard's towering figure radiate defiance, Marco silently prayed.
Oden, wherever you are, please watch over him.
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg