"Huff... huff..."
After a long moment of catching his breath, Jinbei finally calmed down, regaining his composure. He stood up, straightened himself, and looked at Jack.
"I understand what you're saying, but I have no intention of joining the Beasts Pirates," Jinbei declared firmly. "I'll stick with my decision to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Jack narrowed his eyes. "Why? Is it just to save Arlong?"
Jinbei shook his head slightly and turned to gaze at the vast ocean. His voice softened, carrying the weight of his conviction.
"Rescuing Arlong is one reason, but there's more to it than that. While the Beasts Pirates are undoubtedly strong, you're still pirates at the end of the day. Let me ask you, would you disagree that the World Government is the most powerful force in these seas?"
Jack said nothing, his silence confirming Jinbei's point.
Jinbei continued, his voice steady but resolute. "Fish-Man Island lies beneath the Red Line. If the World Government truly wished to destroy it, they could do so effortlessly, even though it's underwater. Your crew's influence is limited to the New World. You can't protect Fish-Man Island from the wrath of the World Government."
He turned back to Jack, his gaze unwavering. "Not every Fish-Man dreams of living on land. For most, the dream is simply to live safely on Fish-Man Island. Becoming a Warlord offers me a chance to improve relations between Fish-Men and the World Government. Since the death of Fisher Tiger, those relations have hit rock bottom. This year, Fish-Man Island was even banned from attending the Reverie."
(T/N: World Summit, Reverie is a council formed by the World Government which consists of 50 of the world's leaders out of the over 170 nations affiliated with the World Government.)
Jinbei's tone grew heavier. "If this continues, the World Government might strip Fish-Man Island of its status as an allied nation. That would spell disaster for my people. Not even Kaido can change this reality."
Locking eyes with Jack, Jinbei spoke each word with deliberate clarity.
"If I refuse to become a Warlord and instead join the Beasts Pirates, the consequences are obvious. The World Government spared Arlong and invited me to join the Warlords as a gesture to improve relations with the Fish-Men. I can't ignore that opportunity."
Jack's expression tightened, but Jinbei pressed on.
"Humans dominate this world. Strength is vital, yes, but it doesn't solve everything."
"That's because your strength isn't enough!" Jack roared, his frustration boiling over. He slumped to the ground with a heavy thud and muttered bitterly, "You're right. Right now, the Beasts Pirates can't protect Fish-Man Island from the World Government. But one day... we will!"
Jinbei's voice thundered back. "Then we'll talk about it when that day comes! If you truly gain enough power to stand against the World Government, not only will I join the Beasts Pirates, but I'll personally persuade King Neptune to make Fish-Man Island your territory! But for now, take your men and leave. You're not strong enough yet!"
Jack stared at Jinbei, silent for a moment. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled.
"Heh. Fine. But that day will come. When we're strong enough, I'll hold you to your word."
Jinbei remained silent, his determination unshaken.
Jack grinned and added, "Still, I'm not leaving just yet."
Jinbei's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Jack burst into laughter. "It's almost New Year's! We're throwing a feast, of course! After all that fighting, aren't you hungry? I know I am!"
Despite his initial disbelief, Jinbei couldn't help but relax as the festive atmosphere took over. The Beasts Pirates and Sun Pirates began preparing a grand feast. Exotic meats from the island's abundant wildlife were seasoned with spices Jack's crew had gathered from various nations. The tantalizing aroma filled the air, and even the most battle-hardened pirates couldn't resist.
The Sun Pirates, accustomed to scavenging supplies from enemy ships, were astounded by the rich flavors of the spiced meats. Before the dishes were even fully cooked, they were already being devoured in a chaotic frenzy.
Jack's crew, familiar with the Sun Pirates' plight, didn't mock them. After all, they'd reacted the same way when they first tasted these delicacies. As the feast continued, tensions eased. Laughter, music, and the clinking of tankards filled the night. Even Jinbei found himself locked in a drinking contest with Jack and his men, the celebration stretching into the early hours.
Suddenly, a sharp glimmer of light appeared on the horizon, rapidly closing in. Jack squinted against the blinding brilliance as countless specks of light converged overhead, forming a humanoid shape. His jaw dropped.
"What the...?! A warrior of light? Ultraman?!"
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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg