Chapter 28 – It’s a Promise, Jinbei!

Chapter 28 – It's a Promise, Jinbei!

"I'm sorry, Alisan... I long for adventure too. I wish I could sail the seas with a friend. But... the people of Fishman Street need me."

Jinbei lowered his head, forcing out the words of refusal. But the trembling in his voice betrayed his true feelings.

As a whale shark fishman—one of the strongest even among shark species—he had been adopted by Big Brother Tiger after being orphaned at a young age. Out of a personal hope, Tiger wanted Jinbei to inherit his role and one day protect Fishman Street.

Jinbei could never say something like "you can't restrict my freedom." Being taken in by Tiger had already been a stroke of luck. Without him, he would likely have died in some nameless corner of the world. That was a reality shared by both humans and fishmen.

More importantly, he respected Big Brother Tiger deeply—admired his character. It was because of him that the ideal of becoming a "chivalrous man" first took root in Jinbei's heart.

"I'm sorry. Don't worry about it, Jinbei. I was being selfish—I didn't think about your situation. That was my mistake."

Alisan didn't get angry. Though young, he had grown up being taught the importance of understanding—understanding others, and understanding oneself.

He walked up to Jinbei, who towered over him by more than two heads, and gently patted his back—just like his father did whenever he cried. He hoped the gesture would bring Jinbei some comfort.

"My dad always says: family means mutual understanding. Companions rely on each other. Friends share joy. And friendship is born from longing."

Alisan spoke with mock maturity, his tone calm but tinged with sadness. "We're friends, right? So cheer up. Even if you go back, I'll still miss you. You're the first person I've met who shares my dream.

We might not be partners now, but... if there's ever a next time—if I get the chance—can I ask you again, Jinbei?"

The childlike voice echoed in Jinbei's ears. He stood frozen, stunned that Alisan had done so much for someone he had only just met.

After all, he was a fishman. Was it just because they both longed for adventure and wanted to leave their mark on the sea?

To be a chivalrous man... to uphold justice upon the ocean…

"Alright! Alisan, I promise you! If there's ever a chance, I'll sail with you! You'll become a famous adventurer!"

Jinbei wiped away his tears—his skin soaking them up as if they'd never fallen. He turned to Alisan, right hand clenched into a fist, left hand hooked over his shoulder. He declared with unwavering resolve:

"And I—I will become a true chivalrous man! A Sea Knight! One who upholds justice across the seas! I'll make it so people as kind as you will recognize the fishmen as honorable protectors!"

Suddenly, he understood the dream of Princess Otohime.

She must have met someone like Alisan too—someone radiant and sincere.

He would work toward that same dream. If he truly became a Sea Knight, perhaps then humans would accept the fishmen.

After all, fishmen weren't monsters—they were warriors of the sea, defenders of justice, protectors of the weak!

Jinbei decided that once his injuries healed and he returned to Fishman Island, he would devote himself to learning Fishman Karate from Tiger. If he could graduate a year earlier, then he'd gain a year to spend chasing his dream with Alisan!

He didn't know how many more years Tiger could hold out—but no matter what, he wanted to sail the seas with Alisan. Even just for one year! Even if that memory cost him his freedom, it would be worth it.

"Then it's a promise! When I'm old enough to sail, I'll head to Fishman Island and find you. And when I do, I'm definitely inviting you to go adventuring with me!"

Alisan beamed with joy. He held out his left hand, extended his pinky, and looked at Jinbei.

Jinbei hesitated for a second, then caught on. Mimicking him, he extended his right hand—pinky finger protruding from his webbed hand.

Their pinkies hooked, thumbs tapped.

"Pinky swear."

"Pinky swear!"

On a certain day in the year 1483 of the Sea Circle Calendar, two children of different races made a solemn promise atop the magical Cloud Island.

"Oh right—this book's for you!"

Just as they finished the pinky swear, Alisan suddenly pulled out "The Adventures of the Great Liar Norland." from his clothes and handed it to Jinbei.

"This was a gift from my dad on my sixth birthday. I've read it so many times. Even though I've told you most of the stories, I think it'll feel even better if you read it yourself!"

"I—I can't accept it, Alisan! Just hearing you tell those stories made me happy enough. But this… this was your birthday present from your father. I really can't take it."

Jinbei shook his head quickly.

Tiger had also given him a birthday gift once. It had been something simple—a souvenir from Sabaody Archipelago. He remembered it vividly: it was his first ever gift, received at age four. But at age seven, a fishman thug smashed it to pieces.

That was the first time Jinbei had ever struck one of his own kind—and the first time he used Fishman Karate's soft technique. He had ripped a stream of seawater to launch a powerful strike.

It was a technique that usually required years of training and thousands of punches—but he had mastered it in that one moment of fury.

That's why he understood how serious Alisan's gesture was.

"We're friends—companions. This is just my way of showing how much I care, Jinbei. Please… keep it safe for me. Can you do that?"

Alisan gently pressed the book into his arms, his face sincere and resolute.

Jinbei said no more. He held the book with both hands, lifting it to his eyes to inspect it closely.

It was well preserved—a clear sign of how deeply cherished it was. And now, its owner was entrusting it to him.

As a friend. As a companion.

Jinbei felt a storm of emotions—joy, excitement, gratitude—but somehow, he couldn't bring himself to smile.

Instead, with a serious expression, he gave his solemn vow, his voice ringing clear and strong:

"Don't worry, Alisan. I will—definitely—definitely definitely definitely return this book to you myself!"

"Heh heh. You better think about how you're gonna get it underwater, Jinbei. Might be trickier than you think!"

Just as the atmosphere turned solemn, Alisan smirked and cracked a joke.

Jinbei froze.

Oh no! He hadn't thought about how to bring the book underwater!

Suddenly, a dark cloud seemed to settle over his entire presence—like a fat tiger whose meal had just been snatched away. His whole body slumped.

"Aahahaha, relax, Jinbei! I'll go ask my dad—he'll definitely have a solution!"

"Dang it, Alisan! You could've waited until tomorrow to joke about this! Don't ruin the mood right after I got all emotional!"

Jinbei played along with Alisan's teasing—but the way his hands clutched the book tightly showed just how much this moment meant to him.

Big Brother Tiger… I think I've found the reason I've been fighting all this time!