Chapter 88

With the onset of dusk, when Eve stopped glowing, Fish-Man Island was enveloped in darkness. Three ships belonging to Big Mom Pirates disappeared from the port of Fish-Man Island.

A few hours earlier, the ships and Katakuri had been led away by Rayleigh, who had to rush at full speed to Marco.

Following Rayleigh, Bonnie also left. Sal had little time to deal with this princess, but Bonnie followed him as a member of Sal's pirates.

When Bonnie decided a few hours ago to join Sal's pirates, both Sel and Rayleigh were quite surprised. This proud woman had abandoned the idea of creating her own pirate group. But everything became clear upon reflection.

After Sal shared his plans with her and made it clear that conditions were key, joining the Four Emperors was perhaps the most reasonable choice.

Firstly, Bonnie could rely on the strength of the pirate group, which could prove very useful for both rescuing her father and taking revenge on Vegapunk. Secondly, having her pirate group shattered twice seriously undermined her confidence. Perhaps she truly wasn't suited for the role of Captain.

Sal and Rayleigh had no chance to refuse such a promising newcomer. They had already been considering bolstering the pirate group with fresh forces, but Bonnie's current strength could only grant her the status of a trainee.

Until she spends a full year on the ship or reaches the level of a vice admiral of Headquarters, Sal wouldn't grant her the status of a full-fledged crew member.

The strength of a vice admiral of Headquarters is a dividing line, and they are the backbone of the fleet. The real members of the Four Emperors also possess the strength of a vice admiral of Headquarters, as do the main members of Doflamingo's crew.

Sal clearly understood the path his pirate group would take. Like Roger Pirates and Red-Haired Pirates, it prioritizes quality over quantity. With Sal and Rayleigh, there was no need for a large number of weak crew members. Too many people can undermine the cohesion of a pirate group.

After the journey to Fish-Man Island, he was to meet both Linlin and Kaido. The New World truly needed a period of peace, especially now, as the fleet was preparing for a major operation.

In the enchanting Coral Palace, Sel met an old friend in his office. Sal's quiet voice echoed in the empty room.

"Jinbe, what do you think of the terms I've offered?"

Jinbe, who had just returned, answered with great reluctance. Two days ago, he had led a team to pursue pirates who had kidnapped mermaids.

Before leaving, he had predicted that Fish-Man Island would be a bit unsettled, so after the battle at Marineford, he stayed in his hometown and didn't go anywhere.

Unexpectedly, soon after his departure, Fish-Man Island faced a catastrophic crisis. A disagreement with the Big Mom Pirates threatened to destroy the entire Fish-Man Island. Fortunately, the problem was resolved thanks to Sel.

Remembering this, Jinbe understood that he had no chance to refuse. Initially, he relied on Sal and the Big Mom Pirates, but now that he was an enemy of the Big Mom Pirates, he had no choice but to fully commit to Sal's Pirates.

"Ro... Sal, I accept your offer. From this moment, I am a member of Sal's Pirates. Please guide me. I apologize for troubling you with Fish-Man Island's affairs."

"Don't worry, I will do what I promised." In the future, Fish-Man Island will be able to live on land. And welcome aboard, Jinbe.

Hearing Sal's firm assurance, Jinbe also felt considerable hope.

In our times, besides the World Government, perhaps only this king, who opened the age of the great pirates, can guarantee the safety of the Fishmen under the sun...

Sal and Jinbe left the room. Neptune, who had been waiting for this moment, sighed with relief when he saw Jinbe nod. Jinbe's decision affected not only himself but the entire Fish-Man Island.

From this moment on, Fish-Man Island and the Four Emperors Sal became a true family, not just vassal states. Fish-Man Island truly hitched its wagon to Sel, sharing a common destiny with him.

They continued discussing details, but suddenly Sal saw a tall tower and remembered another purpose of his visit to Fish-Man Island. He asked, almost casually:

"Neptune, you have a daughter, don't you? Why haven't I seen her before?"

Hearing Sal mention the Shirahoshi, Neptune was about to give a direct answer, but then an idea suddenly struck him. He realized that perhaps it was time to get rid of troubles for good. He could take the opportunity to resolve the issue created by Vander Decken IX completely. Their relationship was now close enough for Sal to help with the Shirahoshi.

"Sal, here's what happened. Vander Decken IX from the Pirates of the Flying Islands attacked my daughter with projectiles. To protect her, I had to lock Shirahoshi in the palace."

Neptune explained to Sel the origins of Vander Decken IX and the history of Fish-Man Island.

"Oh, really? A 40-year-old man was stalking a little girl and wanted to kill her. I'll help deal with this trash. By the way, can I see the little princess of Fish-Man Island?"

Sal pretended not to know about Shirahoshi and just wanted to help a friend. In reality, Sal was curious about Poseidon, the Sea King. He was very eager to find out how the system assessed Shirahoshi...

Before the room where Shirahoshi was, Neptune and Sal opened the door. Jinbe, under the pretense that he had business, had already left.

At the moment the door opened, an enormous figure fell into Neptune's arms. A girlish voice, clear and bright like a nightingale's song, playfully said:

"Father, you've finally come to visit Shirahoshi. It was so noisy outside today. I was a bit worried about you and my brothers."

"Don't worry, Shirahoshi. All the problems outside are resolved. Your Father is fine."

The conversation between father and daughter made Sal wince. Neptune, those bandages on your body are visible to anyone who isn't blind.

However, as a man, it's understandable that he wouldn't tell his wife and daughter about this.