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 Hat's finally head for Fishman Island after their two year hiatus. But many surprises await them as they head for their undersea destination. Even moreso, 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. He described the creature as such: "Never knowing satisfaction where killing is concerned... It is a demon, running about the great deep and preying on ships!! The enemy of the human race!!!". 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 Busōshoku 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 mermaid, Ryuboshi, oarfish mermaid, and Manboshi, a moonfish mermaid

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 each 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 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 his ministers, who mention 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.

Everyone is astounded at how Vander Decken IX left the palace. Neptune tearfully begs the pirates to go after Decken. He tells them that he will give them anything they want, even offering his ministers and the lives of his soldiers in exchange, causing the ministers to question if he actually meant it. He cries that Decken will take Shirahoshi, calling her his treasure, and somone yells at him to pull himself together. Jones then wonders if anyone would have expected the Straw Hat Pirates "of prophecy" would have lent their power in taking over the palace. Nami wonders what he means by "prophecy". She then notices Jones's left arm and that he has a tattoo of Arlong's jolly roger on it. The Minister of the Right then mentions that he had heard from Jinbe about increasing unrest in Fishman Town, and that it was all Jones's doing. He reminds Jones that he was once a part of the Neptune Army, asking him if he had any shame. This causes Jones to laugh. He responds, saying that the only shameful thing was someone as prideful as him joining the army to begin with. The only thing he gained from joining the Neptune Army was knowledge and experience of combat techniques and battlefield training. The Minister of the Right is furious. Jones attributes his time in the army to how he became strong.

Jones goes on to say that as a child, he saw the unreasonable discrimination of his fishman brethren by humans. He later found the same ambition as the Arlong Pirates, crushing all humans. He declares that the New Fishman Pirates will restore that will, much to Nami's horror. Jones adds that Arlong had it all planned out. While Arlong was getting ready to advance from East Blue, he was training to become Arlong's right hand, until a certain group of pirates came and ruined everything. Usopp is shocked to find out that the New Fishman Pirates are also united under Arlong's will. Brook is surprised to hear the name, but then says he is just kidding, though he never ate an arlong before. This joke prompts Usopp to kick him, while Nami has a look of sheer terror on her face. Jones then walks over to a wall and places his hand on it. His hand starts to make a crack in the wall, causing Usopp to comment on his incredible grip and wonder what he was going to do. The wall breaks, and one of the New Fishman Pirates comments how Jones hasn't taken his steroids yet as water starts rushing in. Zoro and the other Straw Hats realize that water getting into the castle is bad for them. Jones laughs as he runs his left arm under the water. Several fishmen yell to take cover, saying Jones was going to use "that." Jones then whips his drenched arm, using an attack called Yabu Same. The drops of water on his arm are flung so fast that they gain the same speed and power as arrows. Several tied up guards fall victim to this attack. Neptune is furious, saying that Jones is blindly injuring his elite guards. Neptune then falls in front of the attack, telling Jones to stop.

The guards beg the king not to protect them. Jones then calls Neptune a fool, asking what kind of king becomes a shield for underlings. He tells Neptune that he is not cut out to be king if he acts like that. The Minister of the Left is in tears over seeing Neptune take the attack. Usopp comments on how cruel Jones is, saying Arlong was nothing compared to him. Zoro then counter attacks Jones with a Yakkodori. Instead of dodging, Jones grabs one of his subordinates and uses him as a shield. Usopp is disgusted at Jones's behavior. Zoro orders that the ropes on the hostages be cut. Brook tells Usopp that Nami has run off somewhere and the incoming water is sapping him of his strength. Zoro then states that the negotiations with the country have broken down and he could not keep his promise to return the hostages safely. The Minister of the Left comments on Zoro's amazing integrity. As Brook cuts two guards free, he tells them to take care of the person next to them, as his strength is fading due to the rising water. Jones says that he won't let them get away with it. He then orders his crew to kill both the Neptune Army and the Straw Hats. Usopp launches an attack, Green Star: Rafflesia. The fishmen are surprised to see a giant flower suddenly appear out of the ground. The flower then releases a foul stench. All of the pirates are subdued by the smell except Jones, who comments how childish the attack is. Usopp calls to Zoro that the water is rising. Brook declares it is all over for him. Zoro cuts Neptune's chains, asking him as a favor to get Usopp and Brook out of the palace. When Neptune asks what Zoro will do, Zoro responds that if Jones follows them, then no one will be able to escape. He then takes a deep breath and goes under the water, getting ready to fight Jones. Jones tells him not to interfere in his taking the kingdom.

At Coral Hill, Sanji and Chopper are in trouble with the locals. Two more mermaids were kidnapped at the south beach. Sanji asks why they think he and Chopper are responsible. Sanji said that even though he loves mermaids enough to run off with one, he would never kidnap one of them. Chopper tells Hatchan to hang on, as he was going to recover from his wounds. Just then, Luffy and Megalo appear over head. Sanji wonders what Luffy was doing riding on a blowfish (referring to the engorged Megalo) and Chopper asks him if his nosebleed is better yet. Shirahoshi asks if they are his friends, and Luffy tells her that they are. the locals see Luffy and call him the kidnapping boss. Luffy tells Megalo to close his mouth a bit more, as no one must find Shirahoshi there. He then jumps down to talk to his friends, running over toward Hachi asking how he got his wounds. Chopper replies that he won't tell them what happened, and just keeps telling them to get off the island. One of the locals wonders why Luffy was with them, as he was supposed to be taking over the palace. Another calls them a mermaid kidnapping group, who must be trying to kidnap Princess Shirahoshi. Someone argues that kidnapping her would be impossible due to her size and Neptune's protection. He also adds that no one could possibly be crazy enough to try kidnapping her. Just then, Megalo reaches his limit and can no longer hold Shirahoshi in his mouth and spits her out. The locals of Coral Hill are stunned to see the contents of the shark's mouth, Princess Shirahoshi. Chopper is shocked at the size of the princess, and warns Sanji not to relapse, as a relapse now would kill him. The Fishman Island citizens instantly interpret this as a Mermaid Princess kidnapping.