"Are we just going to stand by and watch? Although the news of Jinbe joining our crew hasn't spread yet, he's still one of us now, isn't he?" Pekoms and Baron Tamago were also inside a guest residence at Ryugu Palace.
The one speaking was the lion-like Pekoms.
"No need to rush. When Jinbe is at his limit, then we step in. Wouldn't the effect be much better?" Baron Tamago lifted the coffee cup from atop his head, speaking leisurely as he took a sip.
"Even the Tobi Roppo under Queen of the Three Disasters may not be guaranteed a sure victory over Jinbe. I'd say Jinbe's strength is considerably greater than Page One's. However, Page One has an Ancient Zoan fruit, so taking a few extra hits shouldn't be an issue. And Jinbe might not truly dare to offend Kaido to the point of no return," Pekoms said.
He felt they should intervene, not because he thought Jinbe lacked the strength, but because they needed to demonstrate their side's stance, lest their newly joined ally in the Big Mom Pirates feel disheartened.
"That's why hesitation is such an unstable factor in battle. Jinbe doesn't need help. If he can win, we'll mediate afterward. If he does need help, we can also make Jinbe remember the favor we did him. This is a man who values honor greatly. Waiting a bit longer does us no harm," Baron Tamago remained calm, showing no intention of acting immediately.
"Fine." Pekoms considered it and found it reasonable enough. He'd just listen to Baron Tamago. Matters requiring brainpower were never his forte.
"We have no intention of making an enemy of the Beasts Pirates. It is simply that the Big Mom Pirates have agreed to extend their protection over Fishman Island. One island cannot serve two Emperors. If you have objections, you may have your captain seek an explanation from Big Mom." After repelling Page One with a Five Thousand Brick Fist strike, Jinbe offered his explanation.
The geographical location of Fishman Island was far too unique. An endless stream of pirates constantly made landfall, and now Jinbe no longer even held the title of Shichibukai. Moreover, most pirates harbored hostility toward former Shichibukai.
Conversely, they held reverence for the Emperors of the New World. After all, one was a government lapdog, while the other was a maritime sovereign reigning over the New World. The difference in deterrent power between the two was self-evident.
Relying solely on Jinbe, a former Shichibukai, and the current royal army was entirely insufficient to properly protect Fishman Island. It was entirely plausible that one day, a powerful pirate crew might arrive and seize Fishman Island for themselves.
That was why they needed a greater power to deter other pirates. If they could rely on themselves, who would wish to depend on others? It was a choice born of necessity. When one's own strength was insufficient, this was the only outcome.
"Hmph, this is a personal grudge between you and me now. I just find you irritating. Let's fight." Page One roared, adamantly quibbling to prevent the situation from escalating.
Judging by the attitude shown thus far, the Big Mom Pirates had already gotten ahead of them. Even King Neptune had apparently agreed. Naturally, there was little left to say. But he needed to vent his frustration over this wasted trip, and Jinbe made for a perfect target.
"In that case, I shall not hold back either." Hearing this, Jinbe immediately understood that expecting them to simply leave was impossible. This battle was inevitable.
"Die." Page One sprinted forward, his dinosaur hind legs exerting immense power. As he ran, the ground beneath him shattered, and shockwave ripples blasted outward.
"Impressive physical strength, especially in his legs." Rosen observed the battle outside and could sense that Page One was not weak; his strength was considerable.
However, as the fight between Jinbe and Page One unfolded, Rosen perceived Jinbe's many reservations. After all, the opponent was one of Kaido's men. Even if Jinbe was displeased and possessed the strength, he could not truly inflict harm or embarrassment upon them.
For no one knew how great a trouble that might invite.
And such a battle held little interest to watch. In fact, after Page One transformed into his Human-Dragon Form, Jinbe was even sent flying backward several times.
Jinbe's attacks lacked decisiveness and ferocity, and coupled with Page One's inherently outstanding defensive capabilities, the two appeared to be trading blows on equal footing at first glance.
"Is this a sparring match?" After a single glance, Hathaway lost interest. Neither man was weak; they could hold their own even against her for a while. But she had little desire to watch a fight that resembled sparring and was hampered by restraint.
Natalie and the others, however, watched with great interest.
"Where did these brats come from? What are you looking at?" Suddenly, one of the Gifters spotted Natalie, Rosen, and the others. He failed to recognize them immediately. Information from Wano was scarce, having been isolated for so long. Aside from high-ranking individuals, few could identify pirates from the outside world, unless they were long-established and famous.
Just like when Luffy and his crew first went to Wano, Sanji and Page One fought without recognizing each other. Later, after using his raid suit, he became even more unrestrained.
And now their commander was fighting Jinbe. Who gave these nobodies the right to spectate? They were the Beasts Pirates, and on this sea, none dared to disrespect them.
As the Gifter spoke, he drew a firearm and aimed directly at Natalie. He detested children, especially those who knew nothing but to take. How despicable!
Those who had consumed artificial Devil Fruits often had minds that were not entirely sound.
"Bang!" The gunshot rang out. This was no ordinary firearm; its muzzle velocity was extremely fast. From the sound, the force propelling the bullet was immense, the projectile streaking through the air like a long rainbow.
"Courting death!" Enel's expression darkened. He extended his index finger, and a bolt of lightning shot forth, shattering the bullet mid-flight.
"What's going on?! Gunfire?" Jinbe, Page One, and the king all immediately shifted their attention, the king sensing imminent trouble.
"What's this? The Dawn Pirates? Why are they in the palace as well?" Baron Tamago only noticed the nearby residence upon hearing the gunshot.
Do the Beasts Pirates and Dawn Pirates have some grudge? Why did they start shooting without any warning?
Rosen's expression also clouded over. This was the residence assigned to them within the palace. The others had taken it upon themselves to fight right before them, and now they were not even permitted to watch? And they dared to shoot at Natalie?!
Of course, such reasons about watching or not watching were merely pretexts—just flimsy excuses to kill someone.
"Bring the one who fired that shot to me." Rosen spoke coldly to Enel.
"No problem." Enel transformed into a flash of lightning, instantly appearing beside the Gifter.
"What?!" The Gifter was startled. This speed was far too fast. And his usually accurate marksmanship had proven useless. It seemed this person intended to attack him? Who were these people? Were they insane? Did they not know he belonged to the Beasts Pirates?
"Stop! King Neptune, what is the meaning of this?" After clashing with Jinbe and breaking apart, Page One shouted out, simultaneously launching a Haki-coated fist toward Enel.
"Haki, is it?" Enel was wary, but no longer completely ignorant or fearful of it. He met the attack with a lightning-infused punch.
With a booming crash, fist force and lightning dispersed into the air. Instead, Page One staggered back several steps.
"Lord Page One!" The Gifter was stunned. What was happening? This random individual was this strong?! Capable of forcing back Lord Page One of the Tobi Roppo?
Although Lord Page One's offense was not the strongest among the Six, his defense was far from low.
"What is the meaning of this? Sir Crocodile, everyone, please stop for a moment..." Neptune hastily intervened. This was happening within his palace. No matter the circumstances, he had to mediate as much as possible. If a true conflict erupted, it would be difficult to resolve.
"There is nothing to discuss. Bring that man to me." Rosen was incensed. He was just a nameless underling, yet he dared to shoot so recklessly. If they had not been present today, would Natalie have been killed outright?
Given the speed and power of that shot, Rosen did not believe Natalie could have dodged it. Even if she luckily avoided the first shot, what then? Once the attacker had acted, Rosen would never let the instigator go.
"Allow me." Daz Bones stepped forward. With Enel holding off Page One, it was more than enough.
"Damn you all! You're asking for death!" Page One had not come alone with just one Gifter but an entire squad. Seeing Rosen and his group acting so arrogantly, they immediately drew their guns and swords in response.
(End of Chapter)