One Piece: Bai Ye Deputy Captain of the Straw Hats

Translator: PapaSmurf0700

"No matter what the enemy is, I…"

"Luffy, hold on a moment."

Just as Luffy, fired up by Vivi's words, was about to declare they charge straight ahead, Bai Ye interrupted him.

"I agree with Vivi. We all need to rest." Seeing Luffy's questioning look, Bai Ye clarified, "But not because of the enemies waiting in the New World. It's for us."

At this, everyone turned their attention to him. Zoro and Sanji's expressions were particularly serious, as if they already knew what was coming.

"The Straw Hat Pirates have been together for less than a year," Bai Ye began, "yet we've already conquered the first half of the Grand Line. That's something to be proud of, but it has also left us with no time to consolidate our strength."

"The first half, Paradise, is at least patrolled by the Marines. The New World is ruled by the Emperors. The moment we set foot there, we have to be prepared for a world where everyone is a potential enemy. More importantly," he said, his gaze sweeping over his crewmates, "none of you have had time to fully digest and master the power you gained during your five months of special training."

Bai Ye looked at Luffy, who was silent now, deep in thought. "To some extent, the force we just faced at Marineford—the full might of the Navy and the Seven Warlords—is on the same level as a single Emperor's crew. We only held our own because we fought alongside the Whitebeard Pirates. While we wouldn't have to face all four Emperors at once, entering the New World with our current strength… it's not a wise decision. Sometimes, a strategic pause is the key to a better start."

Bai Ye genuinely believed this. But he also knew his place. "However," he finished, looking his captain in the eye, "if you insist on going, I will support you completely."

On this ship, only one man made the final call. The crew sat straight, their expressions sober. They waited for their captain's decision.

After a long silence, Luffy's voice, steady and clear, filled the air. "I made a promise to Shanks. That one day, I'd gather a crew just as amazing as his, find the world's greatest treasure, and become the King of the Pirates."

He lifted his head, his eyes burning with resolve. "And on the day Bai Ye… on that day, I made another promise. To myself. I will never again let my nakama be taken from me because I wasn't strong enough. So," he declared, a small smile forming on his lips, "in order to find the One Piece with everyone, I've decided. We'll take a three-month break to train, and then we set off."

Hearing this, a collective smile spread across the crew, including Bai Ye. This was why they followed him. This was their captain.

With the decision made, Vivi felt a wave of relief. She prepared to take her leave; the newly formed Spark Alliance needed her. Before she left, however, she mentioned someone had specifically sought her out, asking for a meeting with the Straw Hats. It seemed he wanted to apologize.

"It's the blue-skinned uncle from before," Luffy said, watching as Jinbe approached their group.

"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea," Robin murmured, her voice low. "The 'Knight of the Sea,' Jinbe."

Bai Ye already suspected why he had come. Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp, who had all lived through the horror of Arlong Park, fell silent as they recognized the fish-man.

"My name is Jinbe. I am the captain of the Sun Pirates of Fish-man Island," he said, his voice heavy as he stood before them. Contrary to what Bai Ye expected, Jinbe began not with an apology, but with an introduction. He spoke of the relationship between Fish-man Island and Whitebeard, and he expressed his profound gratitude for their role in the war to save Ace.

"Beyond that," he continued, "I have two other things to say. I have watched what you have done on the Sabaody Archipelago these past days." He looked directly at Bai Ye. "To dare to show the world the truth about slavery, and to go so far as to bargain for the freedom of two thousand souls… your magnanimity is among the greatest I have ever witnessed. Only two other men I have known could compare."

Then his gaze shifted to Luffy. "'No one in this world is born a slave.' Your words, Straw Hat Luffy-san, still resonate within my soul. Before leaving, Captain Whitebeard told me that you might be the one to finally change the fate of Fish-Man Island. I did not believe it then. I believe it now."

No one spoke. Their friendship with Camie had taught them all they needed to know about the suffering of fish-men and merfolk. But even Brook, the ever-jovial skeleton, could sense that Jinbe's true purpose was yet to be revealed.

Suddenly, with a heavy thud, Jinbe fell to his knees.

"My lifelong dream," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "is to see the people of Fish-man Island live as ordinary people, free to walk on the land under the sun. After witnessing your actions and recalling my captain's final words, I know I should bet everything I have on you."

He paused, the weight of his next words hanging in the air. "But before I can do that, there is something I must tell you." Jinbe looked at Nami, his expression filled with shame. "Arlong… the man who brought such suffering to your home… he was my sworn brother."

A heavy silence fell over the crew. Luffy crossed his arms, his straw hat shadowing his face, hiding his expression completely.

"I had intended to use Arlong's capture to bargain with the Marines," Jinbe confessed, pressing his hands to the deck and bowing his head to Nami. "But… as Lord Bai Ye said, justice delayed is an insult to justice. The same is true for an apology. No matter my excuse, I bear an undeniable responsibility for what happened. For this, I will accept any punishment. I only hope… I only beg that you do not let this turn your hearts against Fish-man Island, against all fish-men and merfolk."

"Please!" he finished, his head pressed low as he awaited their judgment.

"Is that so?" Sanji said, his voice cold. He sat in his wheelchair, exhaling a plume of smoke. "In that case, you bastard, you should just commit seppuku."

"Sanji…" Chopper whispered, alarmed.

Sanji's face was a mask of cold fury. "Die to atone for your sins. It won't grant you forgiveness, but it will at least give Nami-san an outlet for her anger."

Hearing this, Jinbe reached into his robes and, without the slightest hesitation, produced a short sword. He looked at them, his gaze calm and resolute. "If my death can serve even that small purpose, it would be the greatest gift you could offer me."

With those words, he plunged the blade toward his own stomach. Everyone could see it in the speed and force of the motion—this was no act. Jinbe fully intended to end his own life.

Clink!

In a flash of lightning, the short sword was knocked from his hand, clattering harmlessly against the deck.