Chapter 187: Is Queen Otohime Dead?

Along the way, the merchant ships advanced cautiously. Given the World Government's interest in Tom, Jack had no desire to encounter Vice Admiral Garp, the Navy's legendary hero, again.

"Damn it! Last time I fought him, what did I get for it?!"

Jack grumbled as he recalled the ordeal.

"Got the crap beaten out of me, and all I got was a lousy pair of gloves!"

The freshly purchased newspaper in his hands screamed headlines:

"World's Greatest Shipwright, Fish-Man Tom, Abducted by a Mysterious Individual!"

"Pirate Diga, Bounty: 350 Million Belly!"

"Fish-Man Tom, Bounty: 1 Billion Belly!"

After scanning the paper, Jack complained,

"This artist really doesn't do me justice." Then, narrowing his eyes, he muttered, "Looks like Kaido's undercover agent is pretty competent. It took them this long to uncover the situation, huh?"

Hearing this, Finder scratched his head in confusion.

"But didn't Lord Kaido say last time that he hasn't sent any undercover agents to the World Government?"

"Cheh! That tightwad. If he didn't send one, who else would've?" Jack scoffed before turning toward Tom, who was sitting quietly nearby with his eyes closed. "Right, Tom-san? Our boss Kaido has placed such high hopes on you. Have you made up your mind yet?"

Tom slowly opened his eyes and spoke in a calm tone, "I've already told you. I need to go to Fish-Man Island first to verify the truth of what you've said. If the Beasts Pirates truly intend to treat my kin with kindness, then I'll consider cooperating."

"Tch, what a hassle!" Jack grumbled, taking a swig from the barrel of liquor on the table. "Fine, I can agree to your conditions. But you understand that your identity must remain hidden, right? Fish-Man Island might be underwater, but with all the eyes and ears around, your presence could bring disaster to the island."

Jack leaned closer, his voice dropping slightly. "Don't forget, your bounty is now 1 billion belly."

Tom chuckled lightly. "Don't worry. I won't leave the ship. Just arrange for someone to come and speak to me. I'll know if they're telling the truth."

Jack froze for a moment before frowning. "And what if I send a fake? You know, I'm pretty familiar with Fish-Man Island."

"Of course I'm worried about that!" Tom replied, his tone matter-of-fact. Then, snatching the liquor barrel from Jack's hands, he took a hearty swig. "But even though I haven't been back in years, I still have people I trust on the island. Thanks to you, I'll finally get to see them again before I die."

Tom paused, looking around. "By the way, where's Franky?"

"Uh…" Jack hesitated, cursing internally. How the hell am I supposed to tell him that his apprentice's only clothes left are a pair of swimming trunks? If I tell him the truth, the old man might keel over!

Feigning confusion, Jack shrugged. "I don't know. He sent us a letter to come rescue you but hasn't shown up himself."

"Is that so…" Tom nodded, his expression softening. "As long as he's alive, that's all that matters."

Two months ago, Doflamingo had officially become a Warlord of the Sea, and his influence was growing stronger by the day. When Jack informed him of the mission, Doflamingo wasted no time arranging everything on Sabaody Archipelago.

When Jack's merchant ship arrived at Sabaody, it was met with thorough Navy inspections. However, Jack didn't even need to step off the ship. The vessel was seamlessly coated with bubble film, while the ship's cargo hold was stuffed with extravagant goods—fine wines, gourmet delicacies, and even a stash of jewels.

The gesture left Jack somewhat touched.

Doffy really is like a brother from another mother. I've got to share a drink with him next time I get the chance.

Rumor had it that Doflamingo had become the king of some nation in the New World. Should Jack pay him a visit? On second thought, maybe later.

Once submerged in the ocean depths, Tom stepped onto the deck, visibly emotional. Jack didn't pay him much attention. From the crew's gossip, Jack learned that Tom had lived in Water 7 for years and hadn't returned to Fish-Man Island in decades. It made sense that Tom would be sentimental about returning to his long-lost home.

However, when the merchant ship reached the entrance to Fish-Man Island, they were met with an unusually strict inspection. Jack couldn't help but frown until one of his fish-man crew members stepped forward on his signal. Only then did the Ryugu Kingdom's guards allow them to pass.

At the port, a squad of Neptune's soldiers awaited them. As soon as the ship docked, they boarded for an intense inspection. To prevent word of Tom's presence from leaking, Finder reluctantly revealed his identity.

When King Neptune arrived with his entourage, Jack and the others finally understood the situation.

"What?! Queen Otohime is dead?!" Jack exclaimed in shock.

"She was killed by a human?!" Finder added, his jaw dropping.

Having avoided the city on their journey, Jack's group hadn't heard the tragic news. For a long while, they exchanged uneasy glances.

Queen Otohime had been beloved by her people. The fact that she had been killed by a human explained the heightened security.

Jack glanced at Neptune, who was visibly distraught. In a rare moment of sympathy, Jack spoke softly. "Uh… King Neptune, my condolences…"

Neptune wiped away his tears, his gaze firm as he looked into the distance. "It's all right, Jack. We will carry on Otohime's dream. One day, we'll coexist with humans, living together beneath the sun and upon the earth."

"Wait a second," Finder said, scratching his head. "Haven't we already accomplished that?"

Smack!

Jack slapped Finder on the head. "Watch your mouth! The Queen's dream was for all Fish-Man Island residents to live peacefully on land, not just some small-scale deals like ours!"

After a moment of silence, Neptune turned to Jack. "Jack, may I ask what brings you here in person?"

Jack hesitated before motioning Neptune to come closer.

"What?! Tom-san?!" Neptune gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief as he turned to look at Jack.

"Keep it down!" Jack hissed. "Even on Fish-Man Island, if word of Tom-san gets out…"

Realizing his mistake, Neptune covered his mouth and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"Can I invite Tom-san to Ryugu Palace as my guest? Don't worry—I'll make sure he's properly disguised. No one will recognize him."

Before Jack could respond, Tom stepped forward. "That's fine, but I have a request."

Tom's voice was steady as he added, "Please invite my younger brother, Den, as well. There's something I need to discuss with both of you."

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The fanfic is Finished on p@treon/tambeerg