Fish-Man Island Arc

The Fishman Island arc is the twenty-fifth story arc in the series, and the second in the New World Saga of the One Piece series, continuing on from the Return to Sabaody Arc. The Straw Hats finally head for Fishman Island after their two year hiatus. But many surprises await them as they head for their undersea destination and even more so once they reach it.

After the Departure: Last Thoughts from Sabaody Once More
After the Straw Hats escape, the scene changes to a section in Sabaody known as "No Man's Land". Coribou and Caribou along with their crew have captured the remaining Impostor Straw Hat Pirates and are digging their graves. The fakes beg the brothers to let them go but they refuse, revealing that they had planned to kill the real Straw Hats from the inside after joining them and were not amused when they found out they were lied to. When Fake Sanji continues to beg, Caribou reveals he is a Devil Fruit user, turning his arm into a gooey substance and smothering fake Sanji's face. The Fake Sogeking tries to shoot him, but the cannon ball ends up absorbed into his body, revealing that it is a Logia-type. Caribou orders his men to bury the imposters alive while he excitedly announces that he managed to confirm the real Straw Hats location.

Back in Grove 46, Sentoumaru reports back to his base, mentioning he managed to capture Demalo Black and most of Demalo's recruited pirates except for the Caribou Pirates and the other Straw Hat Imposters (sans Cocoa and fake Chopper), who somehow disappeared from the plaza. He also comments on the Straw Hats' newfound strength after easily destroying the two pacifista he brought along with him and tells his base to call Marine HQ in the New World and warn them that the Straw Hats have finally revived.

The scene then moves to a shore where Rayleigh is watching the ocean. Shakky joins him commenting on how quickly the Straw Hats left. She then asks if Rayleigh is recalling something. He jokingly comments "maybe" then remembers when he first met Roger who surprisingly looked very much like Luffy when he was younger, even wearing the same straw hat. Rayleigh then comments to Shakky that destiny is slowly taking shape and that Luffy has proven himself that he is worthy of wearing that certain Straw Hat. He also mentions that it wouldn't be a bad idea to live for a bit longer.

Undersea Voyage: The Straw Hats Descend
Meanwhile underwater, the Straw Hats marvel at site of the undersea world, one of which is the roots underneath Sabaody as well as the huge fish swimming around them. Robin then notices that ship's bubble shares the shame characteristics as those on Sabaody. Nami confirms it, mentioning that anything strong enough to pass through the bubble will just go right through it, allowing them to fire the ships weapons if necessary. When Usopp asks what could break it, Nami answers that poking multiple holes in the bubble will indeed pop it, so they have to be careful not to let a Sea King bite into it or smash into a reef.

Luffy remembers Hancock had fixed him food, so he shares his bentos with the crew while Usopp wonders why Hatchan isn't guiding them like he promised two years ago. Franky says he need to tell the crew something. In the two years they were gone, both Hachi and Duval protected the ship the best way they could but both were heavily wounded and Hatchan had to retire and head back to Fishman Island. A year after he left, the marines found out about Sunny and came to capture it. However there was one more warrior who protected the ship: Bartholomew Kuma.



Franky explains that after he arrived back on Sabaody he had found Kuma heavily damaged and rusted. Kuma then declared his mission was complete and headed off much to Franky's confusion. Franky then found out from Rayleigh that during their battle against Kizaru, Kuma had whispered to Rayleigh that he was a Revolutionary and wished to help the Straw Hats escape. After blasting the Straw Hats away, he later met with Rayleigh and told him he didn't have much time left. Since he was treated like a guinea pig with the Marines, his body was becoming more machine then human. He then made a deal with Dr. Vegapunk that before his personality was completely gone to have a program embedded in him to return to the Straw Hats's ship and guard it until one of the Straw Hats returned.

The Straw Hats are astonished that Kuma would go to such great lengths to protect them, figuring that Kuma did it as a favor to Dragon. Franky then warns them that while they are indebted to Kuma for saving them, the next time they meet he will have likely become a heartless human weapon. They are unaware that the Caribou Pirates are right behind them, and Caribou is still obsessed with destroying them.

Into The Breach: The Route To Fishman Island
Very soon the ship descends into the Euphotic Zone and are about to be out of another level called the Disphotic Zone, about 1000m below the surface. While they're sailing, the Caribou Pirates ship is quickly approaching Thousand Sunny from behind, being towed by a sea monster. Caribou is heard, rallying the crew, getting them ready for their upcoming attack, and planing to make him famous to the world by taking the Strawhats' heads.

Back on the Sunny, Usopp sees something gaining on them, thinking it is a sea monster and tells the crew there is a shadow heading directly toward them. Caribou's ship soon catches up and comes along side the Sunny. The Strawhats wonder whose ship it is. Caribou leads the assault.



At that moment, Nami recognizes the monster pulling the ship as Mohmoo, the pet sea cow of the Arlong Pirates. Mohmoo sees Nami, Sanji, and Luffy, remembering all three of them from the past. He remembers the beatings he received from Luffy and Sanji, and swims back the opposite way out of terror, towing the ship with him, but not before Caribou, and only Caribou, was able to make it onto the Thousand Sunny's deck. Caribou, unaware he was left behind, commands his crew to introduce themselves by slaughtering all the Strawhats. He immediately realizes that he is the only one of his crew on board the ship and immediately changes his tune.

Franky picks him with one hand, Caribou begging him not to throw him out into the ocean. Franky, instead, simply throws him against one of the side rails of the ship. Caribou immediately denies he was the captain of the crew, saying he is just a human bullet for that crew, and that he is sick of being on that ship. He then asks the Strawhats if it would be alright if he rode with them for while. The Strawhats allow that, but tie him up with a rope. The scene momentarily switches back to the Caribou Pirates' ship, the crew trying to command Mohmoo to stop and asking him what happened. Coribou then says that Caribou will save them for sure.

Back on the Sunny, Caribou is reworking his plan. Since he can get out of the ropes any time he pleases and since he can't fight nine people at once, he thinks it would be best to observe the crew and wait for a chance to kill them one by one. Luffy asks if it wouldn't be faster to travel in a straight line, but Nami explains that if they continue straight, they would just be swallowed up by currents and could hit a volcano or sea mountain before finishing their descent.

She also explains that there is only one same route, and tells everyone to put on a coat, saying the journey would get a lot colder, since the water in the deep sea is cold. Brook then adds that the colder levels have what are called Deep Currents, large ocean currents normally invisible to the naked eye that move in a completely different pattern than surface currents and also says that he has heard that the Deep Currents move very slowly across the ocean floor, and that once someone is down that deep, it could take nearly 2000 years to return to a part of the sea that gets sunlight. Nami says that in order to get there, they need to ride a descending current that takes them from a surface current to a deep current. Franky then calls to her from the bow of the ship, saying "it" has come into view.

Everyone goes to the bow. Luffy asks what the current looks like. Franky, in response to seeing it, says "Mother nature really knows how to get things done.", the great Downward Plume. Caribou, who had been quiet the whole time, stands up and tells the Straw Hats to turn back immediately, saying that something was bad.



Luffy says he sees a monster at the bottom. Caribou states he has never heard of that type of sea monster living in a place like a Downward Plume. The monster in question is a Kraken, a giant, mythological octopus. Franky adds that it can crush multiple ships in a single blow, and that it must have been staying there, feeding on the ships that traveled there in the past few days. Luffy, not intimidated by its massive size and appearance, decides to tame it.

Caribou's ship suddenly returns, with Coribou and the rest of the crew, including Mohmoo, determined to save Caribou. However before they can get close, they're grabbed by one of the Kraken's tentacles who quickly destroys their coating bubble and their ship, making Caribou's crew submerge in the water much to his dismay. The Kraken then sets its sights on the Sunny. Luffy and Zoro prepare to attack but Usopp stops them, warning that they'll break holes in the coating bubble. Franky activates the ship's Chicken Voyage to avoid some of the tentacles. Noticing that Luffy won't change his mind on fighting, Caribou comes up with a suggestion.

Soon Luffy, Zoro and Sanji are in their personal coating bubble which Caribou calls "Barefoot Coating", which is essentially man-made diving suits. Caribou tells them they can now go fight without damaging the ship and can find their way back using a rope lifeline. Usopp at first complains about this, but when Caribou make it clear which would be better: fighting on the ship or away from it. Usopp agrees with the latter. The "Monster Trio" head out though leave their lifelines behind as they feel it'll get in their way. The Kraken attacks again to which Franky fires rockets from shoulders, repelling a tentacle. The Kraken attacks with another one but Chopper eats a Rumble Ball and goes into Guard Point, protecting the ship. The Sunny is knocked back as a result toward a mountain however, but Robin manages to conjure two big hands and keep it from crashing.

Luffy goes into Gear Third and equips a Busoshoku Haki harding on his arm. However as he using it in the ocean, hes weaken as a result. The Kraken tries to grab him but Sanji dashes toward it outside his bubble. He then hits the Kraken with a Diable Jamble. Zoro goes in next and cuts off one of the Kraken's tentacles into six pieces. Luffy complains to the two that they're gonna take off all its legs before hitting the Kraken with Gomu Gomu no Elephant Gun. This beats the Kraken though the group notice a large shark with a shirt on swimming around the Kraken. Before they can wonder what's going on, though, they're all swept up in the current of the Downward Plume and pulled further down. Franky, with Nami's navigation, manages to keep the ship from crashing, but the Monster Trio ended up separated from the ship.

Those onboard the Sunny find themselves in a very dark and cold part of the ocean, unaware of the sea monsters swimming around. As they activate some lights, they find themselves staring face to face with a few of them, much to their horror. A caption comes up, commenting that the area they're in is known as "The Deep Sea", a part of the sea where light can't reach and no normal creature exist. It's also known as "The Underworld of the Sea".

In The Darkest Underworld: Encounter With The Legendary Ghost Ship
The Straw Hats still on board the Sunny are looking for Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji in the dark depths of the Deep Sea. Brook notices that Caribou had escaped from the ropes that were holding him. Caribou hides in a barrel nearby as everyone realizes he could be hiding anywhere on the ship and they need to be on their guard. He seemed please that the Monster Trio was gone, saying they all must be dead by now. He was disappointed that he couldn't take Luffy's head, but figured the heads of the rest of the crew would be just as good. He thinks to himself that he should wait until they land at Fishman Island to attack.

While Caribou is formulating his plan, Franky notices him in the barrel. Franky promptly forces the lid of the barrel down and seals the barrel with ropes and by bolting large metal holding plates along the sides of both ends of the barrel. Franky realizes that Caribou had let himself get hit by Sanji earlier in order to hide his mud-like Logia powers. Franky concludes that the crew would have been in trouble if Caribou wasn't such an idiot. Franky then notices that something was bothering Chopper and asks him what is wrong. Chopper says that it has become really hot, and Usopp agrees. The crew then notices that they are heading into a cloud of smoke. Nami realizes that smoke under water, coupled with hydrothermal mineral deposits, could only mean that they are in a Deep Sea volcanic region. The Sunny is right above the mouths of several volcanoes. Franky says that if the volcanoes erupt, they would be killed instantly and proceeds to steer the ship away from the volcanoes.

Chopper then notices a light in the distance, wondering if they had reached Fishman Island. Franky uses his Nipple Lights as a morse code, but the light turns out to belong to a giant angler fish. The fish tries to eat the ship, but is stopped by a giant humanoid creature, which is identified as an Umibozu, a sea giant, by Usopp.

The giant punches the angler fish, whose name is Ankoro, saying that it was not supposed to eat ships and that captain Vander Decken would be mad at them. Brook then hears someone singing and a ghostly ship approaches from behind the giant.



Brook identifies the ship as the legendary Flying Dutchman. He then proceeded to give the history of the ship and its captain. It is called "The ship that should not be." The story dates back hundreds of years. On a stormy day, a captain became deranged and started throwing his crew overboard, killing all of them. The captain's name was Vander Decken. He incurred the wrath of God, and was doomed to an eternity of wandering the sea, forbidden to ever make port. That ship is the very same ship that they see before them, the cursed ship of Vander Decken. Ηε told the angler fish and the giant, whose name is Wadatsumi, that they wouldn't get treasure if they ate the ship.

He then orders Wadatsumi to knock the Thousand Sunny. The Straw Hats are saved, when the Kraken shows up out of nowhere and punches Wadatsumi. Everyone on the ship is surprised to see it again. The Kraken continues to beat up the giant until Luffy orders him to stop, which it did. Everyone is relieved to see that Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji are alive. Luffy did not like it in the cramped bubble and he sprawls out on the deck of the ship, happy for so much room. Luffy says that he is going to turn the Kraken, who he named Surume, into a top-notch navigator as Surume places Thousand Sunny on his head. Usopp says that they should be careful to ensure that the ship isn't crushed. Everyone then hears a rumbling sound coming from one of the volcanoes. Vander Decken's crew alerts him that there is trouble, as Nami realizes the volcano is about to erupt.

An Adventure 10,000 Meters Under The Sea: The Straw Hats Arrive At Fishman Island
As both parties realizes what going to happen, Vander Decken decides to pull out, ordering Wadatsumi and Ankoro, to pull the ship away from the area. Meanwhile Surume takes the Sunny away from there. Both parties get a good distance before the volcano explodes sending out a shockwave. The Flying Dutchman along with Wadatsumi and Ankoro are blow away though Surume is able to keep ahead as the magma begins to run down the volcano. Surume jumps in a darker area. Surume does so and fall into the trench as the volcano erupts again. Causing an an avalanche that destroys the trench above them and sends rocks falling toward the Sunny. A stray boulder falls on Surume knocking him out and both the Sunny and he pummel into the abyss.



Luckily, after falling through the trench, the Straw Hats find themselves still in one piece with the Sunny laying on its side at the bottom of the ocean floor. They notice light emitting from somewhere and find that its their long sought destination, Fishman Island, an island wrapped in gigantic bubble.

Before they can go to the island, a voice calls out to Surume, critizing him for letting humans order him around. Surume becomes scared, lets go of the Sunny, and runs off. And with good reason as the Sunny is surrounded by a gang of much larger sea kings. The voice belongs to a daggertooth piked conger fishman named Hammond, a combatant of the New Fishman Pirates. He says that he knows about the Straw Hat Pirates, the ones who crushed Arlong's ambition, but also protected Hatchan and assaulted one of the World Nobles. He then gives the crew two choices: join them or be sunk right then and there. The only choice the Straw Hats have is to run and charge straight toward Fishman Island with Coup de Burst. Hammond once again asks if Luffy will join him and Luffy, without a care in the world, rejects Hammond just as the preparations for the Coup de Burst are set. Franky activates it and the ship blasts of to Fishman Island. They make it in, but the coating of the Sunny wears off, and they all get separated after the ship falls into a current.

Some time later, Luffy wakes up and finds himself in Keimi's house, with Sanji, Chopper, and Usopp. The strong sea currents took the rest of the Strawhats somewhere else, and they were lucky to be found by the mermaids. While in Keimi's house, she introduces the Strawhats to her friends, the Medaka Mermaid Quintupletins, and tells them that she works at Mermaid Cafe with her friends. As the group boards a turtle that will take them to the top of the island, Keimi explains that Hatchan is in the Fishman district still recovering from his wounds that he got while protecting the Thousand Sunny and that Pappug lives in a mansion in Gyoverly Hills where Keimi occasionally visits to bring him clams. When they arrive in Mermaid Cove, they meet the rest of Keimi's mermaid friends, which makes Sanji cry in happiness, thinking he has found the All Blue. A few of the mermaids find the barrel where Caribou is stored and suggest opening it. Meanwhile, at Noah, Hammond reports Luffy's arrival to his boss, who orders his crew to bring Luffy to him.



Luffy's group gets acquainted with the mermaids. Sanji happily swims with them while Luffy, Usopp, Chopper and Keimi relax. Chopper and Usopp comment that Sanji seems to have gotten better, to which the former mentions that he is out of blood packs and that Sanji's blood type is rather rare. Luffy then asks Keimi if he could see Jinbe, mentioning that Jinbe saved him after Ace died. However Keimi tells him that Jinbe left the island with his Fishman Pirates since he revoked his title of Shichibukai and that so much on the island has changed since then. Before she can go into detail, the quintupletins come rushing to them, telling them that a royal gondola is headed their way possibly to arrest the Straw Hats. The mermaids hide Luffy's group as the three princes from the Neptune House of the Ryugu Kingdom arrive. The princes are Fukaboshi, a shark merman, Ryuboshi, oarfish merman, and Manboshi, a moonfish merman

They inquire the mermaids about the Straw Hats' illegal entry and if they've seen them. The mermaid deny seeing any intruders while Hammond and his trope are in the area searching for Luffy. The mermaid holding Sanji triggers his perverted nature and he squirts out a huge nosebleed, giving the Straw Hats away. The Ammo-King set upon the group, but Chopper pleads with them to halt their arrest till he can cure Sanji. Chopper, Usopp, and Luffy frantically ask if anyone could donate some blood to save Sanji's blood. The mermaids oddly become reluctant to help. Hammond shows himself, explaining thats its against the rules to share their blood with humans. This rule stemmed from the death of Fisher Tiger who apparently died bleeding after a battle and could've been easily saved with a transfusion but no humans were willing to help him. Hammond then commands Luffy to come with him before resorting to try to capture him with a net. Luffy dodges it and hits Hammond and his lackeys with a Jet Pistol knocking them out much to the surprise of the mermaids. The sea monster that Hammond brought with him tries to attack Luffy, but the Straw Hat captain uses Haki to subdue the beast, calming it before it can even reach Luffy much to the shock of Usopp. Keimi suddenly arrives on a gondola (which belongs to the Princes) calling for Luffy and the others to hop on and explains that there is a port in town with humans that could possibly help them. Luffy's group does so and they take off. Keimi also mentions that it has been a while that humans have come down to Fishman Island. The Straw Hats are the first guests that they had in a while. She also mentions that there are rumors of some big shadow moving around the kingdom and preventing humans from reaching the island.

Back at Mermaid Cove, the mermaids apologize for hiding the Straw Hats, but the princes reveal that it was a misunderstanding. They didn't come to arrest the group but rather to give them a message from Jinbe before he left the island.

Revelations and The Fearful Prediction
In the Port Town of Coral Hill, Luffy's group takes shelter in Madam Shirley's Mermaid Cafe. Shirley provides them a room where they can treat Sanji. Luffy's group luckily find blood donors for Sanji. The group is relieved that Sanji regains consciousness. Much to Sanji's horror, he finds out that his blood donors are two okama pirate twins named Splash and Splatter. Chopper then examines Luffy's arm and realizes that he was poisoned when he attacked Hammond's group. However, due to his encounter with Magellan, Luffy's body has developed anti-bodies that fought against the poison, which saved Luffy's life. Luffy comments that the octopus merman swordman that was with Hammond blocked his attack and nicked him in the process.

Back at Mermaid Cove, the said blue ringed poisonous octopus merman named Hyozo is seen carrying his unconscious shipmates back to their hideout. Hyozo hears a scream and comments that the mermaids are noisy. He also remembers that he accidentally poisoned Luffy when the latter struck him. Hyozo goes on saying that it would be bad if Luffy dies unaware that the Straw Hat had developed an immunity to poison. At the cove, mermaids realize that the scream came from some of their friends including a mermaid named Ishilly. A barrel was opened and their missing friends are no where to be found.



Back at the Mermaid Cafe, Keimi introduces Luffy and Usopp to the owner, a shortfin mako shark mermaid named Madame Shirley. Keimi asks Shirley to not let Sanji see her and not to let him know that he is in the backroom of the Mermaid Cafe. When Luffy and Ussop notice a large crystal ball, Shirley mentions that she used to be a fortune teller but quit as she decided to leave the future unknown. Luffy asks Shirley if mermaids can poop. Shirley responds by angrily saying how vulgar Luffy is and Luffy quickly apologizes. Shirley lets Keimi take the day off to show Luffy and Ussop around town. Keimi then remembers that she needed to go visit Pappug and deliver clams. Shirley informs Keimi that Pappug is in the cafe. The three head to the front of the cafe and run right into Brook and Pappug who were just leaving. Pappug invites them to his house for the day to celebrate their arrival on Fishman Island. En route, Brook spots a wanted poster for Vander Decken. Pappug and Keimi explain to the group that Vander Decken is a notorious bandit around the area who is smitten with the Mermaid Princess. He started sending love letters, then packages, and then threatening marriage proposals. This prompted the King Neptune and the princes to form an army to search for Vander Decken, but haven't had any luck finding him. When Brook prompt about the legend surrounding Decken, Pappug reveals that it was just an exaggeration of the myth and that the Vander Decken from the legend died on Fishman Island. The one running around is his descendant, Vander Decken IX.

As they finish the story, Luffy notices the different colors and sizes of the residents of Fishman Island. He sees that one of the Fishman has a mermaid child. Pappug states that when when a Fishman and Mermaid marry, their offspring can be either one of the two, hence the variety of their species. As the group head for a highway, they spot a candy factory with a pirate flag on it. Pappug explains that it belongs to Charlotte LinLin a.k.a Big Mam who has taken over as the protector of the island after Whitebeard's death. In return, the island must produce candy for her every month.



Luffy wonders if he will meet her someday and comments that she is a nice person to take over Whitebeard's role. Pappug is weary though as Whitebeard never asked for collateral and assume that Big Mam is seeing her protection from a business perspective. Soon, the group reach Gyoverly Hills and see Pappug's mansion upon arrival.

Back in Coral Hill, Shirley is suddenly causing a commotion screaming in the street after seeing a prediction on her crystal ball. She warns of a person wearing a straw hat and yells that they must get him to leave. She assumes this person to be Luffy and cries out that he will destroy Fishman Island!

The Next Generation of Danger: The New Fishman Pirates
Back in the Noah District, a group of pirates are fleeing back to their ship. Their captain is called Crab Hand Gyro who comments how they were strong-armed into serving the New Fishman Pirates. We then go to the leader and officers of the said pirates: Officers Dosun (hammerhead shark), Zeo (Japanese wobbe-gong), Daruma (cookiecutter shark), Ikaros Muhhi (giant squid) and their captain, Hordy Jones (a great white shark). A member of the New Fishman Pirates inform Jones and the officers about Gyro's escape. Jones tells his crew that he'll take care of it, taking a batch of pills which suddenly increase his strength.



Meanwhile, Luffy's group marvels at Pappug's house. They enter the Criminal clothing store on the first floor where they find a customer complaining about the prices of the clothes. The customer turns out to be Nami. Nami scolds Pappug for the high prices and demands a discount. Pappug allows the group to have whatever they want free of charge as thanks for the help on Sabaody. After hearing this joyful news, the pirates quickly empty the store much to Pappug's dismay. Commotion suddenly arises outside the shop and the group rushes out to see why. A figure on a whale comes towards them revealing himself to be Sea God Neptune, a Coelacanth Merman, riding on his whale, Hoe. Keimi and Pappug are shocked by his presence. Neptune approaches the group and invites Luffy and the Straw Hats to his palace much to everyone's surprise.

Meanwhile Gyro and his crew continue with their escape. Before they can get very far, Jones appears in front of them, hand-cuffed, and drills inside the ship. He emerges under the deck while chomping down on a pirate. Despite all the efforts of the crew, Jones continues to destroy the ship and crew with his jaws alone. As Jones continues with his rampage, the New Fishman Pirates remark about the pills called Energy Steroids, which doubles the user's strength for each dose. However, in exchange for the boost in strength, the drug shaves away the user's lifespan. The fishmen disregard the negative side effect as they do not fear death. The pirates on the ship realize that Jones handcuffed himself to show that he doesn't need his hands to destroy them.

After wreaking the pirates' ship and leaving them barely alive, Jones tells them to return to the surface and tell the humans about what happened and who is responsible. As Gyro and his crew float to the surface, Jones declares that the New Fishman Pirates will show the world that Fishmen are the supreme race and that they will take control of Fishman Island from King Neptune.

Trouble Brews: Unrest on Fishman Island
A few hours earlier, Ishilly and two other unwitting mermaids began opening the barrel that Caribou was sealed in thinking that the barrel contained treasure or expensive alcohol. After Ishilly loosens a few bolts, Caribou pops out and terrifies the three mermaids. As the unfortunate mermaids try to flee and scream for help, Caribou captures them within himself using his Numa Numa no Mi powers which allows him to become and create an artificial swamp. He then gleefully comments that since he is on the island, he can capture as many mermaids as he wish and sell them into slavery.

Back in the present, the Ammo Knights question the mermaids about the Straw Hats, suspecting them for the kidnappings. Though they are weary as to why they would do something like that after acting so friendly. Fukaboshi questions Madam Shirley if she is certain about the prediction she had. When she confirms it, Fukaboshi comments that they'll have to 'deal' with the problem as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Luffy's group have left Gyoverly Hills. Luffy's group rides on Megalo while King Neptune rides on Hoe. Neptune mentions that Megalo, the shark that was freed from the Kraken earlier, is his daughter's pet. The princess was worrying about her beloved pet heavily and cried continuously until Megalo returned. He wishes thanks to the Straw Hats with a banquet at his palace. Neptune also mentions that he has his soldiers looking for the rest of the crew. Zoro was found earlier and is already at the palace drinking, while Nami reveals that Franky went to look for a relative of Tom's and Robin went to look up something historical. Nami then asks Neptune about the light of the island so far beneath the sea. The king reveals that its from the roots of a tree called the Sunlight Tree Eve. It was the only spot on the ocean where light shines down. The fishmen built their island underneath it allowing light and air to flow down. The group then reach the Ryugu Palace and head inside where Neptune is scolded by his Ministers for going out haphazardly. They also mention that they have a message from Fukaboshi. As the ministers speaks with Neptune, Keimi, Pappug, and the Straw Hats have realized that Luffy wandered off.



Luffy follows the scent of food, trying to find the banquet hall. The smell leads him to a door where a guard is just coming from. Luffy wanders inside finding the room pitch black but can see the food on the other side of the room. He heads for it while noticing that the ground is rather odd, especially a rather bouncy section. However someone suddenly shouts and the lights turn on, revealing the ground to be actually the body of a person and the bouncy part was her breasts. The person turns out to be Princess Shirahoshi, a giant smelt-whiting mermaid. She tries to put on a brave front after seeing Luffy, thinking him to be an assassin, before crying out for her father and brothers.

Meanwhile Vander Decken IX (a Japanese bullhead shark fishman) and his crew (the Flying Pirates) are traveling the ocean floor. Decken angrily asks Wadatsumi if they received any reply from Shriahoshi. When Wadatsumi answers that she hasn't reply for the past ten years, Decken throws an axe with a rose on it as a message. Decken then states that she must either marry him or die if she chooses someone else.

Back at the palace, Shirahoshi continues to cry with Luffy trying to calm her down. The axe that Decken threw earlier suddenly flies into the room straight for the Princess. Luffy spots it in time and manages to knock it away, saving Shirahoshi, much to the princess' surprise. The guards and the Minister of the Right enter the room a moment later. Shirahosi grabs Luffy and hides him behind her back and tells the guards that she just had a bad dream. They accept the explanation before telling the princess of the suspicions of the Straw Hats due to the mermaid disappearances and Madame Shirley's claim of envisioning Luffy destroying Fishman Island. The Minister of the Right states that they captured Zoro and are about to capture Nami, Usopp, and Brook as well. They leave the room to continue searching for Luffy. Once they left, Shirahoshi apologizes to Luffy for her outburst after realizing he was the one to save Megalo. They talk while Luffy eats some of her food. Shirahoshi reveals that Decken has a 'curse' known as "Mato-Mato" which allows him to target anything from any location. As such, it unsafe for her to go outside and she has been locked up in the Hard-Shell Tower for ten years.



Shrihoshi becomes fascinated with Luffy, wondering how can such such a small person like Luffy can eat so much. The princess pokes his stuffed cheek and Luffy yells at her for this, causing her to break down in tears instantly. The princess states that no one had ever yelled at her before. Luffy bluntly says that he doesn't like her for her crybaby tendencies causing her to cry even more. Luffy finishes eating and asks if she would want to go for a walk outside, offering to protect her if anything is thrown at her.

Usopp, Nami, and Brook are then seen after they subdued some of the Neptune Guards. Keimi pleads with them not to fight anymore, but Ussop claims that the guards were the ones who attacked them out of the blue and that, whatever the reason, they will defend themselves. The Minister of the Left begs Neptune to use his power. Neptune doesn't wish to go against the pirates just because of a prediction but decides to capture them. Neptune attacks but Zoro intercepts him, having broken out of his prison upon hearing the "party" going on.



Back in the Noah District, Decken arrives and goes to meet Jones. The two shake hands (though not before Decken puts a glove on for some unknown reason) symbolizing their joined forces to bring down the Ryugu Kingdom.

Back at the palace, Ussop chastises Zoro for going too far after the group have defeated and chained up Neptune, his ministers, and the Ammo-Guards. Ussop states that they were gonna to intimidate the guards and run off when they get the chance. Usopp is annoyed when Nami asks one of the guards the location of the treasury and is annoyed further when Brook suggests singing. Neptune mentions that since his back gave out, he isn't one for fighting and has gotten too old to do so. The group inquire about Luffy wondering where he got off too as well. Zoro suggests that they grab the Sunny and run, but Ussop counters that the coating bubble broke when they rammed into the island, so they can't leave. Nami also notices the log pose is going haywire and can't lock on anything. One of the ministers mock her for this and when she asks why, he agrees to tell her only if she unties him.

The doorbell to the palace rings, signaling the return of the princes. Zoro picks up the com and answers, claiming that they have hostages much to the chagrin of Ussop. Zoro manages to bargin the hostages' freedom in return for them finding the rest of the Straw Hats and coating their ship so they can leave peacefully. Fukaboshi agrees to the demands and reveals the message that Jinbe had left. The messages are "Do not to fight Hordy" and "I'll be waiting in the Sea Forest". Back at Coral Hill, the news of the Straw Hats' actions have reached the residents' ears. The Ammo Knights try to arrest Sanji and Chopper. Chopper attacks the knights with his new Kung Fu Point. Sanji then questions the guards asking if the Mermaid Princess is at the palace. When they confirm it, Sanji tells Chopper that he is going to head to the palace. Chopper scolds Sanji saying that if the Mermaid Princess is beautiful, he'll die instantly.

At Hard-Shell Tower, Luffy offers Shirahoshi the chance to head outside, asking where she would like to go. Shirahosi mentions the Sea Forest, but comments that she's too scared and breaks down again when Luffy calls her a weakling. The tower is suddenly bombarded again and Luffy realizes it is Vander Decken IX. In the palace hall, the king hears the sounds and commands the Straw Hats to go check on the princess to ensure her safety. When Zoro asks why they should take orders from hostages, Neptune responds angrily saying that if his daughter is harmed while he is incapacitated, he will chase the Straw Hats to the ends of the ocean. Brook quickly dashes off to her location while bringing the Minister of the Right since the latter demands it. The two reach the tower and find that human pirates (pawns of Hordy Jones) were thrown into the tower. The minister realizes that it could be a surprise attack. Before Brook can do anything, Megalo suddenly breaks out of the tower (with Shirahoshi hiding in his mouth and with Luffy riding on top) and heads for the Sea Forest.

Brook and the minister yell to both Luffy and Megalo as they leave the tower, but neither hear them. The minster tells Brook to hurry into the room to check on the princess. Once they get there, Shirahosi is no where to be found. The minister panics saying that this is a national crisis. One of the pirates goes on to attack Brook, demanding to know the location of the switch that opens connection corridor that links the palace to Fishman Island. The pirates say that they have to find it or they will be killed. Back at Coral Hill, Chopper complains to Sanji about beating up the Ammo Knights. Sanji counters that they were gonna handcuff him and that Chopper attacked them first before complimenting the new Kung Fu Point.



Chopper then dances around happily until the two heard a woman screaming about someone bloodied has reached the area and that they need a doctor. Upon reaching the person, they find out that its Hatchan, heavily wounded with arrows pierced into him. Upon seeing the two, Hatchan warns them of the incoming attack by the New Fishman Pirates and that they need to leave.

The story flashes back to a few hours earlier when Hordy Jones and Vander Decken IX were teaming up. Decken goes on to demonstrate his Mato Mato ability (by this point its obvious its a devil fruit since Decken stated that he cannot swim). Before he can pick a volunteer, Hatchan appears and objects to the operation. The octopus fishman then questions why Hyozo and Decken are going along with the plan when they didn't answer to Arlong's call when he formed his crew. Hyozo answers that Arlong was too cheap to afford him at the time and that he only cares about money and not for the cause of his employers. Decken answers that Arlong tried to make him his underling which Decken didn't take kindly too. Jones then explains that while he respected Arlong, he was too barbaric in his methods and thus the New Fishman Pirates have apparently learned from their mistakes and prepared. When the subject of Luffy being on the island is brought up, Hatchan explains that Luffy saved his life and that he owes him since Luffy is his friend.

Jones shows his disappointment and states that he lost all hope in Hatchan. Decken then touches Hatchan, saying that he's locked onto him. Decken then demonstrates his power by throwing a knife over Hatchan. It suddenly flies into the octopus, stabbing him in the back. Decken explains that as long as a person remains his target after touching them, what he throws will always fly towards them. He then takes some arrows from a nearby pirate. Hatchan, realizing what he is about to do, yells at Jones to call him off, but Jones dismisses Hatchan as too weak and allows Decken to throw the arrows. Hatchan runs for his life and dives into the ocean, but it does him little good and he got struck by the arrows.

After this display, Decken continues the explanation, saying that he can only keep two targets in his memory and that his right hand is reserved for Shirahosi whom he touched long ago. Jones then tell his captive human pirates the plan. Decken will throw them into the Hard-Shell Tower using his Mato Mato power. When the captive pirates object, Jones threatens to throw them into the ocean if they don't comply. We then go on to the present where the pirates are searching for the switch. Brook and the Minster of the Right rush back to the the other to inform them of the surprise attack and of Shirahoshi's disappearance. Neptune looks stunned. Ussop begins to panic asking what they should do. Zoro suggest that they should just cut them.

Meanwhile Luffy, Megalo, and Shirahoshi continue to head for the Sea Forest. Shirahosi is nervous but excited to be outside for the first time in ten years. Luffy then ask if there is anything fun in the Sea Forest. Shirahoshi replies that their is a grave that she wanted to visit since it was built. Meanwhile at the Sea Forest, Jinbei sits in front of the grave while commenting on the growth of the princes and the princess still being trapped in the tower in the ten years since the grave's occupant's assassination but no one has forgotten her ideals. The grave, as it turns out, belongs to Queen Otohime: the wife and mother of the Ryugu Family.

The Coup d'état Commences: Hordy and Decken Strike
Over the island, a flying com broadcasts the border patrol trying to contact the palace. The com warns the island that some dangerous individuals have left the Fishman District though can't tell what their purpose is. These people turn out to be Jones and Decken's crews riding on a group of sea monsters heading towards the palace. Hordy Jones rallies everyone, telling them that they'll soon be the new rulers of Fishman Island. Meanwhile at a fish bus stop, Robin has subdued several Ammo Knights who were trying to capture her. Robin then rides on a fish bus heading to the Sea Forest, saying that she learns the location of a poneglyph that contains information on the Blank Century. Back at the palace, Zoro argues with the Minister of the Left about his methods of dealing with the intruders. Neptune, however, is more worried for Shirahoshi, believing Luffy kidnapped her even correctly guessing that she could have hid inside Megalo. The palace guards laugh at this saying that this is too bizarre. Nami states that they would not even try to do something like that. Regardless, Neptune refuses to let them leave unless Shirahoshi returns safely. As they are arguing, they fail to notice that one of the defeated pirates' arm is resting on the entrance switch.

Out at the Sea Forest, we find Franky with the Thousand Sunny, talking to an individual who explains that the forest is also a ship graveyard as the debris is brought in from the currents. The person in question is called Den, a Bering Wolf Merman and Tom's younger brother. Den promises to coat the Sunny for him after hearing it was made from Adam Wood. Franky admits that he was surprised to find that he and Tom looked nothing alike. Den explains that Fishman and Merman have old genes in them so if for example, a shark mermaid was born from an octopus mermaid, that would mean his ancestor was a shark. Even so, no one on the island bats an eye about the different types of species. To them, family is family and the fishman can't understand why humans would want to categorize them like that (though Den contradicts himself when he asks if Franky has a robot for an ancestor). Den goes on saying that he knows about Franky and Iceburg from the letters Kokoro set him and knows what happened to Tom. Den comments that Tom picked Franky as the right disciple. Franky then notices Jimbei not far from them, sitting near Otohime's grave. Den mentions that he is waiting for someone since he cannot enter Fishman Island due to being a wanted criminal.



Back at the palace, Jones, Decken, and their crews enter the palace much to the surprise of Neptune and the Minister of the Right, who mentions that Jones was once a soldier in the Neptune Army. Likewise, Jones and Decken are surprised that the guards and Neptune were already defeated before they got there. The Minister of the Left accuses the Straw Hats for inviting them but Usopp rebuffs his claim, saying that they (Straw Hats) wouldn't even be in the palace if Neptune hadn't invited them and ask who the invading fishmen group are. Neptune quickly accuses Vander Decken IX for kidnapping Shirahoshi. Decken states otherwise and is just as surprised when he finds out that Shirahoshi is missing. Jones tells Decken that even if the Mermaid Princess is no longer in the palace, he still has the power to find her. Decken then heads outside, grabs a coral, touches it, and throws it. Seeing it going away from the palace, Decken hops on, promising that if Shirahoshi is with someone else, then she is better off dying in a sea of blood.

Neptune then begs the Straw Hats to save Shriahoshi, claiming her to be his treasure. Jones chuckles at the events he see before him. The Minster to the Right curses Jones for the chaos he caused in the Fishman District, asking if he has no shame as a former soldier in the Neptune Army. Jones rebuttals that he didn't care about the position and only sought power and intelligence from it, having been inspired by Arlong's ambition. He had hoped to become "Arlong's Right Arm" when he had taken over the world but the Straw Hats put an end to that. As he talks, Nami notices the Arlong's tattoo on his arm and becomes visibly shaken by his words. Jones then shows his strength by breaking a part of the palace wall without even taken the Energy Steroids. Water floods into the room and Jones uses water drops as an attack called Archer Shark, forming the water drops into arrows and sending them at the tied-up palace guards, injuring them in the process.

Jones keeps attacking and Neptune dives in the way, shielding the guards from further harm. Jones mocks Neptune for this selflessness, citing that Neptune is unfit to be king. Zoro sends a sword slash at Jones but the latter uses one of his comrades as a shield to block the attack. Zoro tells the others to untie the ropes of the guards, citing that he couldn't keep the hostages safe so the negotiations are off. Brook notices that Nami had run off while Jones orders his men to attack the guards and the Straw Hats. Ussop holds the invaders back by seeding out a Pop Green that blooms into a flower and sends out a horrible stink. With the water filling up fast and Brook's strength starting to fail, Zoro cuts Neptune's chains asks him to get the others out of the palace while he stays behind to battle Jones. Neptune complies as the palace completely fills with water. Zoro takes a deep breath and prepares to face off against Jones underwater.



Meanewhile, at Coral Hill, the citizens of Fishman Island throw accusations at Sanji and Chopper thinking them to be responsible for the mermaid kidnappings. Sanji claims otherwise while Chopper treats Hatchan. Megalo soon floats above the area and Luffy spots Sanji and Chopper. He jumps down to meet them and is surprised at Hatchan's wounded form. One of the Fishman Island citizens wonders what Luffy is doing at Coral Hill when he was supposed to be taking over Ryugu Palace. Another citizen thinks that the Straw Hats plan to kidnap the Mermaid Princess, but the others doubt it since Shirahoshi is big and she is under the protection of Neptune. However, Megalo reaches his limit and spits out Shirihoshi right in front of the crowd. The residents instantly interpret this as a Mermaid Princess kidnapping while Chopper warns Sanji not to relapse as he may lose his life this time.

The citizens all begin to go into an uproar over the supposed mermaid kidnapping. Chopper begs Sanji not to turn around or he will surely die. However, seeing the Mermaid Princess is one of his dreams and that he rather die fulfilling it. Sanji turns around anyway and instantly turns to stone upon seeing seeing Shirahoshi instead of having a nosebleed. Chopper states that it must be some kind of new symptom possibly due to the okama blood transfer. The citizens suddenly pounce on the group and tie up Luffy, Chopper, Sanji, and Hachi, coming to the defense of Shirahoshi. Hachi was tied up since the one of the fishmen recognizes him as a former member of Arlong's crew. While their celebrating and preparing to behead the group despite Shirahoshi's pleas that they weren't kidnapping her, Luffy spots an object flying towards them.



Its turns out to be Vander Decken IX on his flying coral much to the princess's horror. Decken yells out for Shirahoshi to accept his marriage proposal. She bluntly refuses him much to his shock. Decken quickly grows angry and prepares to kill her flat out. The citizens plea for Shirahoshi to run away, but Luffy tells her not to as if she gets too far he can't protect her. She agrees much to the disapproval of the citizens. Apologizing in advance, Luffy use his Haki to knock the fishmen out as they're in the way. Luffy then jumps to Decken while still tied up and smashes the coral with his feet. Decken threatens to kill both Shirahoshi and him which Luffy challenges him to try before catching Decken with his legs and slamming him into the ground with a Jet Hammer.

With the brief reprieve, Luffy hops to Megalo and wakes him up before asking Chopper about Sanji's condition. Chopper replies that Sanji has reverted to his normal state and is conscious and seems happy. Luffy has Shirahoshi untie him much to the citizens' shock. She apologizes and says that she'll be back by dinner. The princess and Luffy's group (along with Hachi) hop on Megalo and fly away. Decken recovers and calls out to Wadatsumi, who quickly appears on Decken's command. Decken then orders the giant to smash Shirahoshi and her companions. The giant fishman prepares to attack, but Luffy quickly hits him with a Jet Pistol, breaking one of his front teeth. As Wadatsumi cries out in pain, the group head for the Sea Forest.

Back at the Ryugu Palace, Jones is informed that a mermaid (Keimi) and a pirate girl (Nami) managed to escape but Jones tells his subordinates to ignore them. Nami, breathing with a air bubble around her head, is seen riding on Keimi's back. Nami asks Keimi to take her to Jinbe after assuring the mermaid that the others will be alright. Keimi complies and the two head for the Sea Forest. Back inside the palace, Neptune and the others have been freed. The guards wish to attack Jones but Neptune stops them, ordering them to let Jones have the palace while they regroup for a counter-attack. Ussop worries about Zoro fighting underwater and goes down to check on him. Much to his and Jone's crew's surprise, Zoro manages to deal a striking slash to Jones.

With Zoro having just cut Hordy Jones. The New Fishman Pirates are shocked and one of the pirates shouts not to let Zoro escape and to recharge their strength with Energy Steroids. Neptune then wonders why he is feeling such an odd turmoil around him. Zoro resurfaces gasping for air. Neptune tells the Straw Hats that they must get out of the palace as it will soon be completely flooded. He then orders Zoro to grab onto him. Zoro does so and they go under. Neptune then puts his arms behind his right side, and seemingly grabs the water, saying that what he is about to do will badly hurt his back. He tells the Straw Hats that he is making an escape route for them so they don't have to fight. The pirates in front of Neptune watch curiously, wondering what Neptune is going to do. Neptune uses his attack, Merman Combat: Ultramarine and launches what is basically a pressurized beam of water at the fishmen in front of him. The blast sends the fishmen flying in all directions. Neptune, while holding his hurt back, tells the soldiers to go. The Ryugu palace guards quickly swim through the gap Neptune made for them. A fishman pirate frantically swims over to the unconscious Hordy Jones and tells him to do something and puts an Energy Steroid pill into his captain's mouth. The ministers and the soldiers have made it out of the palace. Someone gives the order to keep moving and to head inland into Fishman Island.



Neptune is flat on his back and Usopp and Brook (who are wearing air bubbles) are trying to convince him to get up. Neptune tells them he is too old to be doing this kind of thing and that his body won't move. Several guards notice the king in need of help, and apparently, so does Jones. Hoe arrives just in time and Neptune grabs a rope around the whale, and Hoe begins to carry him out of the palace. Neptune thanks Hoe, telling him he owes him. Zoro, in the mean time, is about to be out of breath. Neptune then feels something stop him and is jerked back. Jones had grabbed him by the tail. The guards are surprised to see Jones up and moving around as they thought he was incapacitated. They try to help but Neptune turns them away, telling the guards to go and find Fukaboshi and his men. The soldiers are reluctant at first, but the Minister of the Right tells them to obey the king. Zoro is out of air, Usopp is raising his hands in surrender, and Brook seems to have gone limp, and they are captured by the New Fishman Pirates.

The scene changes to the Sea Forest, where Luffy is remarking how pretty it is. Shirahoshi is in tears as she thanks Luffy for bringing her there. Chopper decides it is safe for him to take his time to treat Hatchan's wounds. Luffy then sees the Thousand Sunny and Franky and calls out to him. Franky notices Luffy and asks him what he has been doing as he seems to have brought a pin-up girl (Shirahoshi) with him. Luffy introduces Franky to "Scaredy-Cat", who then properly introduces herself as Shirahoshi. Franky then tells Luffy that Robin came by too. He said that she was looking for something and went into the coral forest. Luffy seems curious, but then Jinbe calls out to him, happy to see him after two years, and commenting that he hardly recognized him.

Luffy is surprised and happy to see Jinbe, as he thought that he would not get to see his friend since he heard Jinbe wasn't around. This confuses Jinbe, as he thought Luffy came to the forest because of his message. Shirahoshi is also glad to see Jinbe, who comments that Luffy came with the princess, whom he had not heard from in what felt like forever. It then dawns on Jinbe that Shirahoshi is in the Sea Forest and not in her tower. He is so shocked that his eyes bug out of his head. While he is asking why she is in the Sea Forest, Chopper tells Franky that he is going to lower Hatchan down from Megalo and he should be ready to grab him. Jinbe's eyes bug out again at the sight of the injured Hatchan, and asks him how he got his wounds. He then asks him what he is doing on Fishman Island since he heard that Hatchan had been captured along with the rest of the Arlong Pirates. Hatchan, still weak from his injuries, asks if Jinbe is the one he is hearing.

Meanwhile, Sanji is completely enthralled by Shirahoshi. He then launches into a poetic metaphor where he is a painter, unable to capture Shirahoshi's beauty, as he dances around her. Chopper is overjoyed by Sanji's reaction to Shirahoshi, as he is behaving the way he normally does around a woman, saying he is back to his weird self again. Den then asks Shirahoshi why she is in the Sea Forest. Before she can answer, Luffy asks Den who he is and what he is doing on the Sunny. Franky then introduces Luffy to Den, saying he agreed to coat the ship as well as his relation to his old master, Tom. Luffy is surprised and asks Franky if his brother really was a coating master (having only heard bits and pieces of Den's introduction). Franky tells him he is close enough. Jinbe is then talking to Shirahoshi, saying he understands her reasons for coming, but she must not leave her tower. Both Luffy and Jinbe then notice something in the air. Luffy jumps up and kicks a giant axe that was meant to kill Shirahoshi, redirecting it into the ground. Luffy then comments on how persistent Vander Decken IX is. Jinbe then asks Luffy why he brought the princess with him. Instead of answering Jinbe, Luffy turns to Shirahoshi and tells her that everything is okay with him close to her. Shirahoshi casually replies okay. Jinbe is amazed by how care-free Luffy is.

While everyone is hanging out around the Sunny, Luffy points to Otohime's grave and asks if that was the grave Shirahoshi was talking about, saying she has been in front of it for a long time. Jinbe explains to Luffy that Shirahoshi's mother is resting in that grave. He goes on to say that Shirahoshi had a poorly timed encounter with Vander Decken IX's poison fang ten years ago. She could not even go to her mother's funeral and she had to stay in the tower. Shirahoshi is praying in front of the grave, telling her mother that there are so many things she wanted to say to her.

Just then, Nami calls out to Luffy. She and Keimi have arrived. Keimi is surprised to see him with Shirahoshi. Luffy asks Nami if the banquet had started yet while Sanji is overjoyed to see her. With Sanji acting normally, Chopper pronounces that Sanji fully cured. Nami tells them that Hordy Jones is now on the loose. Jinbe is astounded that the Ryugu Palace could fall into such a crisis. Luffy asks what happened to the rest of the crew. Nami tells him that she doesn't know as she was planning to go back after she found Luffy and Jinbe.

Shirahoshi starts crying over her father's capture while Keimi asks Hatchan what happened to him. Jinbe apologizes, saying the Straw Hats had gotten entangled in the situation before he even realized it. He asks if he could explain quickly, saying it is hard to tell Luffy this now, and would have been even harder to tell him two years ago. He tells them that the Arlong Pirates were rampaging all over East Blue until a group of people put a stop to them. He adds that he has the utmost gratitude for those people, and thanks the Straw Hats. Jinbe adds that he would also like to take this opportunity to apologize. Jinbe then reveals that he was the one who set Arlong loose in East Blue, much to Nami's stunned surprise.

The Conflicting Solutions: Fisher Tiger and Queen Otohime


Back at the palace, the ministers and the palace guards manages to make it outside safely. While worried for their king's welfare, they agree that they need to find the princes. Meanwhile all across the island, The New Fishman Pirates led by their officers try to subjugate the people into renouncing Queen Otohime's ideals by stepping on her fumi-e or be thrown out of the island or suffer violence. In the Water Wheel Village on the north side of the island, Fukaboshi strikes Dosun, angrily demanding to know what they hope to accomplish by forcing the citizens to step on the picture of his late mother. In a Southeast village called Coral Gaoka, the locals are in an uproar about Shiraboshi's supposed kidnapping by the Straw Hats while a nearby Caribou listens and plots to kidnap the princess.



Back in the Sea Forest, Shirahoshi is crying, worried for her father. Jinbe assures her that Hordy won't do anything to him yet and Jinbe states that he will save the king. Nami questions Jinbe about setting Arlong into East Blue. Sanji quickly demands Jinbe to explain himself and re-tell the horror Nami when through when Arlong took over Cocoyashi. The chef adds that what Jinbe says next will decide if he will forgive him or not. After hearing about Nami's past, Jinbe shows remorse. Nami comments that while she won't forgive Arlong, she didn't know what the fishmen went through and that while going to rescue Keimi from the slave traders, she noticed that Sabaody Park looked similar to Arlong Park.

Hachi doesn't deny this, mentioning that he and and his fellow fishmen did want to live with the humans since they were kids, but Arlong's hatred went a little too far. He explains that 200 years ago, fishmen and mermen separated themselves from the common fish species and the Ryugu Kingdom became a nation of the World Government, becoming friends with a few humans and even joined in council meetings. However, this didn't stop fishmen from being persecuted. The worst period in their history came at the start of the Great Pirate Age when pirates rampaged through the island. That all came to a stop when Whitebeard claimed Fishman Island as his territory, but that too didn't stop the discrimination.



Jinbe then explains that two people decided to take a stand: Queen, who rallied for peace with the humans and Fisher Tiger, who wanted to separate the fishmen and humans and went against the taboo of the world by attacking Mariejois to set the slaves free. Tiger then formed the Sun Pirates with Jinbe, Hachi, and Arlong as part of the crew. However, their anti-government crusade clashed with Otohime's quest for peace, bringing both resolutions to a standstill. The story then flashes back 15 years ago as Hachi reports to Fisher Tiger that they spotted an enemy ship. Fisher inquires if it is the Marines.

The story then goes a little back in time when a fishman thief was running through town holding a mermaid hostage. However, he was intercepted by the most unlikely person, Queen Otohime. Despite hurting her hand from slapping the thief, she manages to knock him into the ground. Otohime then demand to know why the thief would do something like this. The thief revealed that he had been down on his luck having lost his job after his business burned down and winding up in debt and having ten kids to feed. Otohime chastised him, commenting that was no excuse for his actions as it will just continue the cycle of suffering. Then, she cried for him citing that even though she is a noble and living wealthy, she would like to do more to help her subjects. This moved the thief to tears and he vowed to change his ways as he was taken away by the guards. The residents commented on Otohime's kind nature though they couldn't help but look on in bewilderment as she slapped a fishman child for having snot running out of only one of his nose.

Later, Otohime preached to her subjects about trying to go to the surface and interact with humans peacefully. She mentioned that the pirates who kidnapped some of their kind were just a fraction of the humans they've interacted with. She asked for the subjects to sign their name on a petition to migrate with her. The residents declined and Jinbe watched on from a distance and commented to himself that the queen's efforts were useless and that history speak only for the humans. Otohime soon returned home to her family, tired but still optimistic. Neptune knew well about the dangerous nature of her quest for peace with the humans as their ancestors tried it but the effort only ended in vain. He asked the Minister of the Left to protect her the best he can.



One day, one of the guards went to check on a disturbance caused by Arlong who was bullying one of the residents who had one of Otohime's signed up papers. When the guard tried to stop Arlong only to find himself in his grasp. The guard called out to Jinbe, who at the time was in the Neptune Army, to help. Jinbe calmly and sternly told Arlong to leave the soldier alone and give the papers back even though he didn't care about Otohime's cause but knows its important to her. Arlong gruffly obliged calling Jinbe his "brother" since they grew up as orphans in the Fishman District together. Jinbe just called him scum since Arlong was acting like a pirate. They suddenly hear that Fisher Tiger has came back into town and the two went to greet him. It is then revealed that the Fishman District started out as a home for orphans, but over time it became corrupted due to its evil mangers. Soon, the Fishman District turned into a haven for Fishman Island's outcasts. Tiger, Jinbe, Arlong, and Macro were all residents there and eventually, they went on their separate ways as they grew up: Fisher became an adventurer, Jinbe enlisted into the Neptune Army, Arlong became a pirate, and Macro became a kidnapper of his own kind.



Soon the news of Tiger's act of attacking Mariejois reached Fishman Island. With the fishmen slaves he freed, Tiger formed the Sun Pirates. Jinbe resigned from his post and Arlong gathered his pirate crew to join Tiger as well. The story then moves to the time after Hachi spotted the Marine ship. The aftermath of the battle is then shown with the Sun Pirates completely decimated the Marines.

All across Fishman Island, the residents cheered for Tiger after learning what he did at Mariejios. A brief flashback shows Tiger himself going to Neptune and telling what he seen in the surface world, shocking both the king and queen. Queen Otohime instantly cried upon hearing the atrocities the humans were doing to fishmen. After the news of Tiger's stunt, Neptune doubted that they can attend a council meeting with the island in such an uproar. Otohime was understanding of Tiger's action, citing that his heart "rose up to a giant cry." Regardless, Otohimie continued to try to get her subjects to migrate with her, but the citizens were as doubtful as ever. Meanwhile in the Fishman District, young Hordy Jones and the future officers of the New Fishman Pirates had found out about Tiger's exploits and cheered on the Sun Pirates, thinking that their goal was to destroy humans.



Meanwhile on the Grand Line, the Sun Pirates encountered yet another marine ship and easily took down its crew. Rear Admiral Kadar called out to Tiger, demanding him to give back the ex-slaves. Tiger countered him saying that he had no proof that there were such people on his ship. The Sun Pirates then looted the ship. Tiger then see Arlong about to murder a marine under the reasoning for simply being a human. Tiger shouted for him to stop. At Marineford, Strawberry is reporting to Vice Admiral Borsalino (Kizaru), about Kadar's ship being sunk despite orders for it to just recon and come back. Strawberry stated that they were able to identify Arlong and Tiger and label them as very powerful which "worried" Borsalino.

Back with the Sun Pirates, Tiger chastised Arlong and Jinbe for their brutal actions against their opponents. Jinbe stated that the Marines were trying to kill him, but Tiger firmly stated that he will not kill out of hatred and told his crew that his ultimate goal was to break the iron clad rules of the world and freeing the oppressed. Tiger went on saying that killing senselessly would just make them as bad as the humans that oppressed them. He also stated that if they started acting out of revenge, the humans will just respond in kind in an endless cycle. Arlong, however, suggested that they should kill humans to the point where they will fear fishmen and won't want to retaliate. Jinbe smacked Arlong on the head to shut him up.

That night, Fisher confided to Jinbe about what the difference he thought Otohime would see in Arlong and him and that the demons that dwell in his (Tiger's) heart was the truly terrifying one. And so it went, Otohime would try to get her subjects to sign her petition and Tiger and his Sun Pirates continued sailing the seas. Tiger and Jinbe soon received bounties of 230,000,000 and 76,000,000 respectively. Three years have passed since the Mariejois incident and the Sun Pirates landed on an island where the natives request that they take a former slave named Koala with them to return her to her homeland. They explained that she managed to escape from Mariejois during Tiger's raid and ended up on their island.



Tiger obliged though Arlong showed his contempt as soon as Koala boarded their ship, even hitting her since she smiled all the time. Koala suddenly pulled out a rag and started cleaning the floor, saying she'll do anything to keep them happy and apologized profusely. Jinbe then asked her if she was afraid of them. Koala stated that she is but wants to see her mother again so she gathered the courage to come aboard their ship, begging them not to kill her. One of the Sun Pirates explained that the lifestyle of a slave has been integrated into her body. If they cried or took a break, they will be killed by their owner. Soon, being on guard all the time became a reflex.



Tiger soon saw this and ordered Koala to be taken to his room. He then branded Koala with the Sun symbol stating it was a necessary measure to free her of her burden. Koala awakened and apologized for passing out and once again said that she won't cry. Tiger yelled at her, saying that she was allowed to cry if she wished and told her that he is not the same as the Celestial Dragons. He then took his gun and threw it overboard, stating once more that he won't kill anyone. Tiger then ordered his crew that they're gonna to take Koala home no matter what. Upon hearing this, Koala finally cried.

The Tragedy of the Legends and The Cycle of Hatred
Some time passed and the Sun Pirates managed to get a hold of an Eternal Pose to Koala's home island. They even get Koala some new clothes and a haircut. Koala was understandably nervous and continued cleaning the ship while Aladdin, the merman who explained about her slave upbringing, told the others to leave her be since it take awhile for trauma to be forgotten. Arlong however continued to remain antagonistic towards her, firmly believing that all humans are alike and that she would turn against them as she grew older. Jinbe thinks otherwise, telling Arlong that not all humans think the same and that they seem to be afraid of fishmen. When Jinbe asked Koala if it was because they're pirates, Koala answered it is because humans don't know anything about fishmen. This makes Jinbe realize that this is the exact reason fishmen fear the humans. Days passed on the ship and Koala was treated nicely by the pirates. Soon the ship reached Koala's home island, Foolshout Island. Tiger offered to take Koala to her hometown as the Sun Pirates wished her well as she headed off, with her promising to tell the good things about them. Soon they reached her village and Koala was reunited with her mother.



Tiger then starts to head back to the ship but was suddenly ambushed by the Marines led by Rear Admiral Strawberry. Strawberry told Tiger that the islanders offered him up in exchange for them overlooking Koala being a former slave. The Sun Pirates heard the commotion but before they can rush to his aid, their ship was attacked by surrounding Marine ships. They jumped into the ocean to escape the destruction of their ship. A group of them led by Jinbe went to help Tiger while Arlong and his group captured a Marine ship for their escape. In the village, Koala heard the gunfire and asked her mother about it, but her mother said that it was nothing.

The Sun Pirates succeeded in escaping but Tiger was critically wounded and in need of a blood transfusion. The ship had human blood in stock that was compatible with their own. As Aladdin prepared the transfusion, Tiger refused it, explaining that he didn't want the blood of hatred running through his veins. Slowly dying, Tiger gave his last words to his crew, revealing that in his previous adventure he was actually captured and made a slave by the Celestial Dragons, experiencing first hand "Human Madness". He managed to escape but couldn't leave the other slaves to suffer so he went back to free them. Tiger lamented on not listening to what Otohime was talking about and that the ones who can change the future for the better are the ones like Koala who know nothing of about the discrimination.



He begged his crew mates not to tell Fishman Island of what happened on that day, nor of their rage toward humans or him being a former slave. He knew that there are kind-hearted humans out there but if things keep going as they are, all there will be left is hatred. It was this reasoning that he felt that his body will reject the human blood if given to him and that no matter how hard he tried, he could never love a human. Aladdin comforted him with the knowledge that the slaves he freed will all owe him a huge debt of gratitude and that they will forever hail him as a great hero. Happy to hear this, Tiger died from his wounds and his crew grieved his passing.



Some time later, Arlong returned to Foolshout Island with the intent to take revenge on the villagers for their part in Fisher Tiger's death. However, he was intercepted by Borsalino and easily defeated. When asked why he came back, Arlong mentioned the death of Fisher Tiger. Borsalino showed indifference to the news and took Arlong with him.

Arlong was then taken to G2 where he ranted that Tiger died as there was no fishman blood for him and blaming humans for his death. This news makes it into the papers and the Sun Pirates, now under the command of Jinbe, reluctantly agree that the false story will be better for Tiger's honor. The Sun Pirates continue on spending their days fighting without killing anyone. The marines soon recognize Jinbe's strength. Jinbe himself sends Neptune a letter explaining the truth about Tiger's death. Hearing this, Otohime becomes more determined to achieve her goal. She continues her speeches and trying to get signatures, but the citizens are even more reluctant after Tiger's death. The days continues on with Otohime helping shipwrecked survivors, teaching the children of Fishman Island about the surface world and trying to get people to sign her petition. Then one day while doing her usual rounds, a group of fishmen and merpeople asked to cancel their names from the list and pretty soon, all of the signatures were canceled. The citizens even asked her to stop with her speeches.

Otohime became distressed by this, trying to put a brave front for her family but crying to herself when she was alone. Shortly after, she got herself drunk and took over the island's intercom, chastising the citizens for their cowardice and ranting how their children would sneak off to see the surface world. She states that they can't keep themselves on the ocean floor forever and if humans are the barrier, they must try to overcome this fear for their future generations. Meanwhile with the Sun Pirates, Jinbe receives a letter from the government inviting him to become a Shichibukai.



Chew suggests taking an opportunity to make an infamous names for themselves, but Jinbe decides to take the offer. He returns to Fishman Island and explains his plan to King Neptune, citing that it'll grant pardons for the Sun Pirates and strengthen the bond between species. Jinbe admits the trouble that his crew caused for Otohime and wishes to support her, figuring it's what Tiger would've wanted. In the throne room, Hordy, now fully grown and in the Neptune Army, listens intently. As a part of the deal of joining the Shichibukai, Jinbe asks that Arlong be released. After his release, Arlong shows his resentment to Jinbe for becoming a "government dog" and states that he is going back to being captain of the Arlong Pirates and intends to take the former slaves with him. At an island, Arlong challenges Jinbe to stop him.

When Arlong cites that he'll be the rage of the fishmen, Jinbe beats him senseless for the disrespect but nevertheless lets him go. Jinbe is dismayed that Arlong won't respect Tiger's final words. Aladdin comforts Jinbe, saying that he understands why Jinbe couldn't stop Arlong back then. Knowing that trying to do things by force never works out and that either the marines will stop him or they (the Sun Pirates) might have to. The Sun Pirates split into three fractions. Macro and his two companions go back to their old trade and Arlong reforms his old crew.



Meanwhile back at Fishman Island, they receive a report that a shipwrecked ship is coming toward the island, but the cause for alarm is that there is a World Noble on board. Otohime tells them to let the ship in and to put an emergency response unit to the coast. She then dashes off to Fishman Island main entrance. The ship arrives at the entrance, where a crowd of Fishmen and Merfolk have gathered. A World Noble named Mjosgard crawls out from the wreckage and starts shooting at them, demanding to have a mask despite being heavily wounded and all his crew now dead. Mjosgard continues on demanding a doctor but insults the Fishman Island citizens as well. The soldiers wonder what to do and Hordy suggests that they should kill him since he's the worst of humankind. Not far from the area, Vander Decken IX and his two henchmen approach the harbor.

We then get a small flashback revealing why Mjosgard came to the island. His father told him that Jinbe is now a Shichibukai and that the slaves that once belong to him returned to Fishman Island. Mjosgard decided to go to the island to reclaim them. Back in the current time, some of the Sun Pirates come out of the crowd and confront him. Mjosgard tries to throw his authority at them revealing that they were once his slaves, but they just point their guns at him. Some of the citizens try to convince them to stop since that will upset the pardon Jinbe made for their release. The pirates counter that on the surface, the World Nobles have Marine Admirals backing them. If they killed Mjosgard right on Fishman Island and the Fishman Island citizens keep quite about it, it'd just be classified as a shipwreck accident. The citizens realize that they're right and start calling for Mjosgard's death.

Just as one of the Sun Pirates about to pull the trigger, Otohime dashes in and manages to shield Mjosgard, taking the bullet for him though it only grazes her arm. She orders the pirates to throw down their guns as there are children watching. Jinbe and Aladdin arrive on the scene with Shirahoshi and her brothers in tow. The Sun Pirates ask Otohime why she protected him despite knowing what he done to them. Otohime answers that she understands how they feel from the voices of their hearts but they shouldn't pass on such hatred to their children. Jinbe realizes its exactly what Fisher Tiger wished of his crew not to do for the sake of their island.



Mjosgard however recovers, grabs her and threatens to shoot her. Just when it seem he going to shoot her. Shirahoshi cries out for her mother, which echoes over the island and summons massive Sea Kings to the area much to the shock of everyone, Otohimie especially. Mjosgard faints at the sight of the creatures saving Otohimie while Vander Decken who was watching is overjoyed at seeing such an ability. Revealing that there was a legend of a Mermaid Princess who had such an ability and that is what his ancestor were seeking, having managed to find it himself. His crew start to congratulate him but Decken tells them to keep quiet as he thinks they're the only one who know the meaning behind this newfound power. Decken then starts plotting to make Shirahoshi his. Otohime then request to Aladdin to heal Mjosgard which he complies. Weeks pass and Mjosgard was soon healed and set to leave. However Mjosgard is nothing but ungrateful to the fishmen, more angry for the fact they pointed a gun at him. Otohime appears however and asks to accompany him. The citizens as well as Neptune are shocked at such a idea. Neptune even wishing to go in her place. However she calms everyone down by simply asking to trust her. With great reluctance, they agree to her wishes and she travels topside with World Noble. the whole island goes into a state of unease during her away time, worrying about her welfare.



Then finally she returned, after much negotiation with the World Nobles and much appreciation of the island, holding a piece of paper that was said to be the "Light of Hope" for Fishman Island. As all this happens, we get a little flashback of more of Vander Decken and his crew talking about the treasure of the Ryuggu Kingdom. His crew mention the Tamatebako which supposedly could make anyone grow. Decken get excited until his crew mention that can't get into the palace unless he was married to Shirahoshi. Decken then starts scheming to marry Shirahoshi to get the treasure of the Ryuguu family which is what his ancestors have been after for years. Meanwhile Otohime shows the paper to her subjects, telling them that she managed to convince a world noble to give the fishmen their backing for the relations of fishmen and humans. The only things she needs now are the signatures to make it happen and ask her subjects for their support. At first the people are hesitant but little by little they start adding their names to the list. Soon hundreds of fishmen are signing their names. So much so that they need a bigger basket to hold them all. Otohime is touched by all of this and soon start crying tears of joy to see her dream coming true after seven years of hardship.

Otohime then speaks with her sons in private, telling them of the feat Shirahoshi managed with the sea kings. She further explains to them that mermaids have the ability to speak to fish but could never do so with sea kings. However every few centuries a mermaid is born with such an ability. Theres also a legend that someone will appear to guide the mermaid and that the world will soon change. The princes are astonished at such a story but their mother warns them that such a power in the wrong hands can sink the world. As Shirahoshi is still quite young, she isn't aware of this power nor can control it and another outburst could destroy the whole island. Otohime then tells the princes to becomes strong warriors so they can look after their sister which the three wholeheartedly agree without hesitation.



Then one day without warning, the signatures were mysteriously burned in its box. The soldiers manage to save as much as they can but in the confusion, a shot suddenly rings out. A first nobody pays it any mind, until they find out Otohime is bleeding from her chest and she doubles over. Jinbe, Aladdin and the soldiers clear out the plaza while trying to find the shooter. The princes and Shirahoshi rush to their mother's side. As they do, Vander Decken uses the chaos to touch Shirahoshi's shoulder before being ushered away. Despite medical attention being summon, Otohime lays dying in the plaza center. Fukaboshi swears to find the killer but Otohime stops him. She comforts her children, asking them not to let hate and bitterness consume them. Manboshi and Ryuboshi start dancing despite their grief, telling their mother they'll protect Shirahoshi. Fukaboshi adds they'll collect the signatures and become warriors to protect their sister. Otohime is glad to hear it and with her remaining strength does the pinky promise with her children before she passes away.



Jinbe and the guards manage to find the shooter. Hordy getting to him first and revealing that it was a unnamed human. He climbs a tower and reveals this to the whole island much to the shock of the citizens. When Neptune finds out about this he locks himself in the tower to suppress his killing rage. As he does he confines to the Minister of the Left that even though they shot the shooter and caught him. Otohime wouldn't want him to avenge her as he doesn't wish to spread his hatred to the children of the island. And that even if he wanted to, he couldn't bring himself to kill the human. He feels that as a soldier, since he avenged and took prison many humans, he wasn't quantified to help Otohime with her cause only to watch over her. It because of this he feels he can't take up Otohime's cause since he would be contradicting himself. Though he admit that the contradicting of their hearts is the one thing humans and fishmen have in common.

The day of the Otohime's funeral arrives, but before the Ryuguu family are about to leave. Shirahoshi shows her father a love letter from Decken, proclaiming it wouldn't stop following her. When Neptune finds out who Decken is, he orders his kids to stay at the castle for fear that the shooter may have accomplices and orders the guards to find Decken. At the sea forest, nearly the whole island is in attendance at Otohime's funeral. Fukaboshi broadcast his eulogy from the castle via a televised den den mushi, telling the citizens he knows their hearts are in turmoil at the lost of their queen but that he and his siblings will continue carrying out Otohime's wishes. Restarting the signature signing so that they may attend Reverie even if it took them many years to accomplish and urges the rest of the island to do the same to make their mother's dream a reality.

The flashback ends as Jinbe tells them its been ten years since then and the siblings managed to gather many signatures with Neptue and Shirahoshi appealing to the masses even through the island been battling discrimination for 16 years. Jinbe closes by taking responsibility for Arlong, claiming he wanted to stop him if he heard he was doing any ill-doing but the Marines Arlong had brought off kept information from reaching Marine HQ thus Jinbe didn't know of his actions. Sanji angrily demands that Jinbe do Seppku (suicide) to atone for his mistake but Nami stops him. Even though Jinbe is willing to take any punishment from her, she state she doesn't blame him only Arlong and that Jinbe is a friend of Luffy's.



Plus that she has no resentment to fishmen so Jinbe doesn't need to apologize to her. These words touch Jinbe and Hachi with the former stating he indebted to them. Franky starts crying as usual after hearing the story while Nami notes that the Arlong case was really eating Jinbe up inside. Sanji kicks at Luffy who fell asleep during the whole story. Nami also speaks with Shirahoshi. claiming that her mother was an amazing woman which the princess also agrees with stating she feels comfortable around Nami even if they've just met. Nami states its probably due to having a similar background.

The talk then moves to Hordy, with Hachi starting the he even worse when it came to hating humans. The difference between them being that while Arlong wouldn't hurt his own kind, Hordy has no such reservations especially if they feel compassion to humans. He also states a Reverie that happens every four years is coming up and Neptune was to attend such. Jinbe question if Hordy wishes to stop that but Hachi says theres much more to it. Before he can continue, Chopper spots a den den mushi coming out of the forest. Den states its a visual one hooked up to a monitor, Hordy's image then comes on a nearby TV screen and he begins to address the entire island.