Michael raised a hand to calm Ginny down.
Though Shirahoshi was only nine years old and the power of "Poseidon" hadn't fully awakened, the World Government had likely known her true identity for a long time.
After all, their supreme leader was Imu, who had lived since the Void Century...
Back when they were dealing with Joy Boy, they naturally knew that the so-called "Poseidon" was actually the "Mermaid Princess" who could communicate with the Sea Kings.
But with Uranus in their hands, and still maintaining control over the seas even after the Marine broke away from the World Government's rule—why were they now so desperate to seize Shirahoshi?
Could it be that the World Government—no, that Imu—had sensed that the N.E.W Marine and the Revolutionary Army might collaborate for a shared goal, and thus urgently wanted to secure the power that could threaten Uranus...?
Michael wasn't sure.
It was hard to say whether Imu was being prescient or if the Marine's defection had made them desperate enough to act recklessly...
But no matter what, Fish-Man Island was Michael's cash cow, so he naturally couldn't stand idly by.
After all, whether it was the military expenses of the N.E.W Marine or the Revolutionary Army, the bulk of the funds came from Fish-Man Island's profits.
Moreover, Michael held Queen Otohime in extremely high regard.
A true saint who was willing to take action—even sacrifice her life—for the people's freedom and dignity deserved to live well and witness the New World breaking free from the rotting carcass of the World Government!
"The Regional Justice Faction within the Marine... that guy called 'Ryokugyu' should be part of it, right?"
"Exactly, it's Ryokugyu Aramaki, a Logia-type Mori Mori no Mi user," Ginny nodded with a grave expression. "This guy is a high-priority threat on our watchlist. He has an almost fanatical worship and loyalty toward the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, coupled with extreme admiration for Akainu... The combination has created a raving madman. The Revolutionary Army's operations in 'Paradise' have been sabotaged multiple times by Ryokugyu and his men... Many of our comrades have fallen to him."
"So it really is him..."
Michael's lips twitched.
Ryokugyu—a die-hard Celestial Dragon loyalist.
His strength was undoubtedly at Admiral level, but...
Too bad he was scum.
"Ginny, get Kuma. We're heading out," Michael turned and flew toward the coast. "I'll wait for you on the Seraphim Ship."
"What do you mean?" Ginny blinked. "Isn't this the Marine's business?"
"Ah, Big Sis Ginny, you gotta get used to this sooner or later," Yamato patted her shoulder. "The Marine and the Revolutionary Army are about to unite... So why draw such clear lines now? Besides... Father's eyes are burning with rare fury."
...
Fish-Man Island.
The outermost guards idly passed the time.
Ever since the establishment of the "Fish-Man Island and New World Gateway Joint Front," Fish-Man Island had, in a way, become one of the most important islands in the world.
The joint protection by the Marine and the Whitebeard Pirates had made the security here exceptionally good.
These once overworked guards now had only one job—pressing the button to open the gate.
Even the most reckless pirates wouldn't dare cause trouble here now.
Just then, a Marine warship coated in bubbles sailed toward them.
"Huh? Why isn't this ship using the Marine's exclusive route?"
"Probably Marine from 'Paradise'—they haven't been officially assigned to the New World yet, so they wouldn't know about this route... Just let them through. Can't we trust the Marine?"
"Fair point."
With that, the mermaid guard pressed the button to open the gate.
And resumed their leisurely daily routine of button-pressing and slacking off.
Little did they know, every person on that ship had already been stripped of their Marine status.
Because they were the Regional Justice Faction—utterly loyal to the Celestial Dragons.
"Aramaki-sama, how do we find that mermaid princess...? Why don't we just go all the way—storm the Ryugu Palace!"
"Is violence the only way to break through doors that ever crosses your minds?" Ryokugyu frowned as he looked at the burly man beside him.
Most of the Marine from the Regional Justice Faction were brutal and lacked humanity... Their combat prowess was considerable, but their intelligence was somewhat lacking.
"Bring that broad-striped tiger shark fishman sent by the World Government," Ryokugyu said darkly.
"At the time, the World Government told us this fishman could help us track people. Did none of you even think about that?"
"Huh? Y-yes! I'll bring him right away!"
After a while, a battered and sleazy four-legged fishman was dragged forward.
"Boss! Boss, please stop hitting me! I was sent here to help you, so why are you beating me up!?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Just because you're a fishman, that's all. Everyone standing on this ship is someone who takes 'discrimination' to the extreme." Ryokugyu glanced at the creature, his lips curling into a disdainful sneer.
"The fate of you lowly creatures is to be trampled underfoot. Discrimination grants us stability... Understood, Vander Decken IX?"
"U-understood!"
Vander Decken IX swallowed hard.
The green-clad man before him was a monster beyond his wildest imagination.
And those words just now...
Weren't those the same ones often spouted by the thugs of Fishman District, led by Hody Jones?
Except the roles had been reversed.
"Good. Now that you understand, do your job and lead us to that princess."
"Well, you see... During a festival on Fishman Island, I was once chosen as a lucky participant to dine with the royal family and shake hands for a commemorative photo. As the user of the Mato Mato no Mi, I can mark anyone I've touched as a target—anything I throw will automatically chase them to the ends of the earth. The number of targets I can mark corresponds to the number of palms I have... And my right hand, after shaking Princess Shirahoshi's hand, has never been washed since."
As he spoke, Vander Decken IX extended his gloved red hand.
His expression twisted with sick obsession... And hatred.
"Princess Shirahoshi! My beloved Princess Shirahoshi! The thought of her someday marrying some random man drives me mad with jealousy!"
"Rather than see her become another man's bride, I'd rather offer her to the Celestial Dragons myself!"
Ryokugyu raised an eyebrow and actually laughed.
He chuckled while patting Vander Decken IX's shoulder.
"Seems like even among lowly fishmen, you're the most despised kind!"
"But... I'll grant your wish."
"So..."
"Lead the way, scum."