Paper Paper Fruit In One Piece

On Fish-Man Island:

A great battle... Well, for the Straw Hat crew, it was just a 'warm-up fight' before entering the New World, and it ended rather miraculously.

Anyway, the Straw Hat crew—especially Luffy—defeated Hody Jones, who had staged an armed coup, in front of everyone. Luffy also helped Princess Shirahoshi and the three princes defeat Vander Decken IX, who tried to destroy Fish-Man Island. It could be said that Luffy saved Fish-Man Island twice.

Even the most extreme fish-men had to admit that Luffy was their 'hero'!

At the same time:

"Luffy has lost too much blood, does anyone have type F blood?"

After a brief pause, the fish-men around looked at the 'New Fish-Man Pirates' being held captive in the plaza, ready to step forward when:

"Use my blood. It's type F."

Although Fish-Man Island has a law that prohibits transfusions to save humans:

"I'm a pirate. I don't follow 'laws'."

"Jinbe..."

"We can do it too!"

"Yeah..."

"That's fine," King Neptune, who was also injured, shook his head and stopped the ministers who were about to speak, "Old laws are like a 'curse,' and ultimately..."

The reason for this 'law' was to protect the residents of Fish-Man Island—because in the past, if a fish-man or mermaid gave blood to a human, they would be assassinated! And the murderer:

Now lies in the plaza.

"Humans, fish-men, mermaids... we all have the same blood. Why do we have to separate ourselves?"

One should be judged by their soul and actions, not by their race.

"Jinbe,"

Luffy, who was receiving a transfusion, closed his eyes.

"Come join my crew!"

——————

Forest of the Sea,

"… That's all the information recorded on this stone tablet."

"Eh,"

Standing in front of the huge square stone tablet, after Robin finished interpreting, Roman sighed.

"You seem disappointed?"

Roman rubbed his forehead as Nami asked.

"I'm not exactly disappointed, but..."

Who wants to hear your pointless apology, big guy? Give me something useful! No wonder you lost 800 years ago— you spoke a lot, but seemed like nothing was said...

"Roman, you seem very interested in this 'Joy Boy' person?"

Thinking for a moment, Roman replied:

"Joy Boy... Because this person from 800 years ago is closely related to the 'Pirate King,' I have to gather information about him." 

To be precise, it's highly likely that Luffy is 'Joy Boy'!

"Phew, I was worried Roman might be interested in the 'ancient weapons'."

Hearing Robin's words, Roman waved his hand dismissively.

"Who cares about ancient weapons, I'd rather make myself stronger!—I still have that pride, and..."

The real ancient weapon is right here in front of me—Shirahoshi is the legendary Sea King! But still, if I ever need to rely on a little girl's power, I might as well go back to East Blue and fish for a living.

Why go out to sea and risk my life?

"Roman!"

At that moment, a white paper flew over with Luffy's voice coming from it.

"Come back quickly, the banquet's starting!"

"Got it, we'll be right there—"

That said, Roman didn't immediately head to Ryugu Palace. Instead, he chose to go:

"Mermaid Café?!"

Nami, with sparks of electricity flickering in her hair, looked at Roman disdainfully, "I don't believe there's any 'business' to do in a place like this!"

"But the truth is, there's someone here I really want to visit."

Madam Shyarly a big blue shark mermaid. And also:

"Arlong's sister?"

"Yes, but they were separated when they were very young. They don't really have much contact. You guys wait here—"

Telling Nami and Robin to wait outside for a moment, Roman opened the door to the 'Mermaid Café'. Unfortunately, since Fish-Man Island had just experienced a battle that nearly destroyed it, this recreational spot was empty. The only thing inside was:

"This guest, there are no girls working today."

"Everyone is preparing for the banquet for the heroes—"

In the hall, there was only a mermaid with black short hair covering one eye, revealing another eye with cold blue eyeshadow, pale skin, purple nails, wearing a hoodie, and smoking a pipe.

Though she had a large figure, her cinched waist, her impressive bust, and her cold, stunning aura made it clear she was a great beauty. However, in Roman's eyes:

"I'm here to see you today, Madam Shyarly."

"Oh? I wonder what brings such a distinguished guest?" 

The mermaid set down her pipe and gestured for Roman to sit.

"Marine's star, the candidate Admiral White Dove"

As the owner of the 'Mermaid Café,' she was naturally well-informed and a skilled information broker. It was no surprise that she recognized Roman's 'true identity,' especially since Roman hadn't been hiding it much on Fish-Man Island. However, Roman wasn't here for information. Instead:

"I want to know the 'future.'"

"The future..."

"I know Madam Shyarly is a famous fortune-teller, or perhaps calling you a 'fortune-teller' doesn't do justice to your abilities."

This cold mermaid's predictions were incredibly accurate, with a success rate of 100%. As a child, she had foreseen the arrival of the Great Pirate Era and even predicted Whitebeard's fall before it happened, making her almost like a human cheat code.

"So, I want to know my own 'future.'"

"…Aren't you afraid that knowing the future might only leave you more confused?"

Roman smiled proudly at the words of the great shark mermaid Shali.

"When it comes to steering the future toward my 'benefit,' I do have some confidence."

...

Creeeak,

A few minutes later:

Roman walked out of the room and waved at Nami and Robin, who were waiting outside.

"Let's go~~ Luffy must be waiting anxiously at the banquet."

"Roman, you seem in a good mood?"

"Yeah, I got some good intel. — Or should I say, it was expected intel..."

As the three of them left, the mermaid known as 'Madam Shyarly' looked at the shattered crystal ball in front of her and sighed.

"What a terrifying man,"

"Even knowing his 'death date,' he remains this confident?"

---

"Hahaha~~~ Roman, Nami, Robin, come over!

As the three arrived at Ryugu Kingdom and sat at the 'feast' set up with silk fish and flatfish, the entire Fish-Man Island celebrated and gave their blessings to the 'heroes' and Satoshi color. Of course, there was also fine wine and food!

"This is our pride on Fish-Man Island, the top singer: Maria-Napra Lay!"

Tsk, tsk, tsk, a real dolphin voice...

"And our special guests, the girls from 'Mermaid Café!'"

So these mermaids were here...

"Enjoy the food!"

"Sing and dance to your heart's content!"

"Send our sincere blessings to our heroes!"

"May this day become every day from now on!"

Humans, fishmen, and mermaids living in peace was the greatest wish of Fish-Man Island. Everyone was eating Satoshi, everyone was celebrating! Only:

"Jinbe, are you planning to cut ties with 'Big Mom'?"

Roman and Jinbe casually sipped tea and chatted.

"Has Roman already found out?"

"It would be strange if you didn't, considering there's such a huge 'Big Mom' pirate symbol hanging in your dessert factory."

"Yes, though 'Big Mom' is a bit... troublesome, thanks to her, Fish-Man Island has stayed safe amidst the chaos of the past two years. But since Captain Luffy invited me personally, please allow me to settle things before joining the Straw Hat crew!"

"Sorry, but when you're in that position, you don't always have a choice."

"No, it's nothing. But—"

Roman took a sip of his tea and said, "Sorry to be blunt, but Big Mom is famously known for her motto: 'Anyone can come, but kill those who leave.' As long as pirates join her crew, she accepts them all; but if you try to leave her influence, it's no longer just a matter of your life."

"I understand, but this is the only solution I can think of for my people."

Only a force like the Four Emperors can protect Fish-Man Island!

Among the Four Emperors, Blackbeard has a personal grudge with Jinbe, so he's out of the question; 'Red-Haired' Shanks is known for his free-spirited ways, showing no interest in expanding his territory; and the 'Beast Pirates'... they're great at causing destruction, but protecting a place? That's just nonsense...

Only Big Mom, with her vast influence and control over both the underworld and legitimate circles, has the power to protect Fish-Man Island. So, even if it means 'selling his life' to her, what's the harm?

But now things have changed. Someone has truly invited him aboard, and Jinbe has seen a real hope for Fish-Man Island to walk into the light from Luffy. So:

"Anyway, I need to see this for myself. After that—"

"I'll risk my life for Captain Luffy, no matter what it takes!"

"Hehehe, I don't want you to risk your life like that~~~"

Luffy's head stretched forward.

"I want everyone to walk with me to Raftel, then I'll truly be the 'Pirate King!'"

"That sounds pretty difficult, Luffy."

Facing Roman's words, Luffy grinned.

"That's why I need you all—steering the ship, cooking, healing, repairing... and Roman, you can strategize, while I'll just smash anything that gets in our way!"

"Since you put it that way,"

I'll give it my all!

————

 ----You can read 10 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu