Chapter 118: Fishmen Are Nothing Special

Along the way, many onlookers couldn't help but show a spark of excitement in their eyes when they saw Jack on the back of the two-headed wolf.

Pirates thrived on chaos and excitement, and battle and bloodshed were their daily bread.

The incident between Finder and Fozu had already spread across Onigashima in just one day.

Finder had been defeated, and now the other pirates eagerly awaited how Jack, as a Fishman, would handle the situation.

They were also curious about the newcomer, Fozu, and how he compared to Jack in strength.

Fozu, an Ancient Zoan user like Jack, had shown immense power during his fight with Finder. Rumors suggested that if Kaido hadn't forbidden it, Fozu and Sasaki might have already challenged Jack for his position as an All-Star.

The lower-ranking pirates couldn't accurately gauge the strength of either man. However, based on Fozu's victory over Finder, many speculated he could rival Jack. Some had even begun secretly placing bets.

Kaido's preferential treatment of Fishmen naturally stirred dissatisfaction among some pirates. Many quietly hoped someone would topple Jack, the strongest Fishman in the Beasts Pirates.

After all, if Jack—the pillar of the Fishmen—were to fall, the Fishmen's growing arrogance might diminish.

The resentment was especially strong among pirates who already harbored prejudice against Fishmen but hadn't dared to voice it due to Jack's strength. Now, they openly aligned themselves with Fozu, some even volunteering to join his crew.

Drunken fools insulted the Fishmen, calling them weak and expressing their dissatisfaction with Kaido's favoritism.

Kaido, of course, knew of these developments. His newly appointed secretary had unique ways of monitoring everything on Onigashima. However, instead of intervening, Kaido had secretary relay the information to Jack, making it clear he intended for Jack to handle the situation himself.

Since his initial return, Kaido had only flown to Kuri to give Jack a brutal beating before retreating to indulge with his entourage of "aunties." He showed no concern for the ongoing tension, further emboldening the unruly pirates.

Some pirates had even gone to the Fishmen's quarters to mock them openly.

Fozu, in particular, had made his disdain clear: "Fishmen? Nothing but worthless trash."

If the Beasts Pirates didn't have strict rules against infighting, the two sides would have already come to blows.

Jack sat silently, eyes closed, lost in thought.

Looks like Kaido has left this for me to sort out, he mused. He's probably noticed that his favoritism toward the Fishmen has ruffled feathers among the rank-and-file. This uproar over Fozu's prejudice might actually be the perfect opportunity to address it.

The secretary passing on the message to him signified Kaido's tacit approval for a violent resolution. However, the fact that Kaido hadn't personally reprimanded Fozu also indicated he wanted Jack to spare him.

Great. I have to play mind games now, Jack grumbled internally. Good thing I'm smart enough to figure it out. Otherwise, I'd just bash his head in and call it a day.

On the back of the wolf, Yamato and Rim lay fast asleep, snoring softly.

Jack leaned against Black Maria's lap, deep in thought. After a moment, he looked up and asked, "Is this Fozu guy really that strong?"

"Heh," Black Maria chuckled. "Strong? I guess he's a cut above most of the trash around here."

She thought for a moment before adding, "His moves are unique, though. I heard he uses Rokushiki, that Marine combat style."

"Finder let his guard down. That's why he lost so quickly. Against you? Hmm, maybe he'll manage to give you a decent massage."

Black Maria gently helped Jack sit up, then grabbed her odd weapon. The grotesque face embedded in it opened its eyes, only to immediately shut them again upon meeting Jack's disgusted glare.

"I've got some business to attend to. You should check on your fellow Fishmen," Maria said. "Finder's injuries are pretty severe."

"Hey, wait! Where are you going?" Jack called out.

"Maybe focus on handling Yamato before you lecture me!"

"Handle Yamato?" Jack muttered, watching her leave in a hurry.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean? How am I supposed to 'handle' her? That's… dangerous!"

Behind him, Yamato groggily rubbed her eyes. "Handle what? What's dangerous?"

"Nothing! Go back to sleep," Jack grumbled, quickly walking out the door.

He made his way to the eastern corner of Onigashima, where a mountain had been flattened to make way for the Fishmen's quarters.

Two towering pillars supported a plaque inscribed with the words Fishman's Haven.

A group of drunk pirates stood outside the entrance, shouting slurs. Jack slowed his pace, his face darkening as he listened.

"Haha! You Fishmen are pathetic!"

"Fish? That's all you are—just fish!"

"Kaido-sama never should've let you scum join us!"

"So what if Jack has your back? If Kaido-sama allowed it, Fozu-sama would've already crushed him!"

Jack's eyes turned blood-red.

The drunken pirates suddenly noticed the shadow looming over them. They turned to see the towering figure of Jack.

"J-Jack-sama!"

"Jack…"

WHAM!

Jack swung his colossal weapon, sending most of the group flying. When he raised it again, only one pirate remained, trembling uncontrollably.

"J-Jack-sama! I was trying to stop them! I swear! I support you!"

"Shut up," Jack growled. "I already know. Otherwise, you wouldn't still be breathing."

"Go back and tell Fozu to apologize to me. If he does, I'll let this slide. If not, I'll be waiting for him in the arena."

"I don't care if Kaido-sama forbids him from challenging me. As an All-Star, I have the authority to break his rules if I see fit."

The terrified pirate ran off, leaving the Fishmen behind to cry and complain. Jack glared at them, and they quickly fell silent.

"We may be of the same blood, but remember this: first and foremost, we're members of the Beasts Pirates. Only after that are we Fishmen!"

"Kaido has treated you with great favor. You should know that. But it doesn't mean you're better than anyone else!"

"I've heard about your antics—bullying human crewmates, causing drunken brawls, ganging up on the patrol squads. They let it slide because of me, but don't think that makes you right!"

"Once this mess is dealt with, your good days will be over! If any of you break the crew's rules or think you're above others, you can go back to Fishman Island!"

"Understood?"

"Y-yes, Jack-sama…"

Satisfied, Jack stormed into the Fishmen's quarters. Inside, Finder lay on a bed, his upper body wrapped in so many bandages he looked like a mummy.

"Jack-sama, I'm sorry! I embarrassed you! I couldn't beat him…"

"Shut up. You didn't embarrass me because you lost. You embarrassed me because some of our people still think being a Fishman makes them superior."

Jack's eyes hardened. "Once you recover, I want you to root out that mindset. Completely."

"Yes, Jack-sama! I promise!"

Jack didn't need to say more—Finder had already felt the murderous intent in his voice.

After a moment, Jack placed a heavy hand on Finder's shoulder.

"Rest up, Finder. Remember, the life you have now is a blessing. Kaido treats us well because he needs our strength, but…"

Jack's voice dropped.

"Strength is everywhere. Fishmen aren't special."

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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg