Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Jinbei’s Gratitude
Everything that needed to be said had already been said. Kaito walked back to his seat, brushing past Hancock on the way.
Hancock turned around, staring at the word "Justice" on Kaito's back in a daze. After a moment of silence, she quietly followed behind him and returned to her seat. She looked much more subdued now.
Moria, who was struggling to get up from the rubble, looked at the two of them with a face full of despair.
That's it!?
All I did was say one sentence—no, I didn't even finish—and I got beaten like this!
That Boa Hancock even threw a punch, and all she got was a scolding!?
Why the blatant double standard!?
Is it because... I'm ugly?
Moria lowered his head and looked at his now bloated body.
Well... maybe that's really the reason.
He shot a wary glance at Kaito, then slumped his large head and silently returned to his seat without a word.
After witnessing Moria and Hancock both getting thoroughly humbled, the remaining Shichibukai all went completely quiet.
There was nothing to be done—might makes right.
...
Kaito returned to his seat. Kalifa immediately leaned over and began massaging his shoulders with a thoughtful touch. Her pressure was just right, and under her massage, Kaito narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.
Ain, on the other hand, remained on high alert, eyeing the people below. In her view, not a single one of them could be trusted. Kaito was enjoying himself now—she wasn't about to let anyone interrupt that.
It had to be said—Kaito's secretary and personal guard were both extremely dutiful.
Hancock noticed the two women sitting beside Kaito and couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. After a quick glance, she lowered her head and fixed her eyes on the tabletop, clearly trying to avoid looking and getting upset.
Kaito glanced over at Hancock again and said,
"I didn't like what you did just now. As punishment, the number of pirate crews you need to eliminate this month will be doubled."
Hancock's body trembled.
She wasn't particularly fazed by the idea of punishment—but hearing the words "didn't like" struck a nerve and made her feel deeply uncomfortable.
Still, she nodded silently, showing that she accepted Kaito's punishment.
Moria nodded as well. In his opinion, this kind of punishment was nothing—he would've preferred getting beaten again instead. After all, he was a genuine shut-in slob.
Kaito swept his gaze around the room. Seeing no one else speaking up, he waved his hand.
"That's enough. If no one else has anything to say, you can go. We're short on supplies at HQ lately, so we won't be hosting anyone."
As soon as Kaito finished speaking, Kalifa pulled out an orange from who knows where, peeled it, and brought a slice up to Kaito's lips.
Momonga and Corazon both broke out in cold sweat.
Vice Admiral Shikiryū's excuse was simply flawless. He may as well have said outright that he didn't want to deal with any of them.
The Shichibukai were already used to Kaito's attitude. Hearing this, none of their expressions changed.
Crocodile, Moria, Doflamingo, and Kuma slowly got to their feet, ready to leave.
If they stayed here any longer, they were afraid Shikiryū might suddenly snap and take them all down on the spot. That would turn their visit into a literal death march.
Hancock, however, remained seated as if she hadn't heard Kaito at all.
Mihawk lowered his crossed arms and looked at Kaito. He opened his mouth, seemingly about to say something—
But then Jinbei suddenly spoke up.
"Vice Admiral Shikiryū, I have something I'd like to say!"
Mihawk paused mid-motion, deciding to hold his tongue for now.
Kaito turned toward the serious-looking blue-skinned man and said coolly,
"You're talking about that fishman Arlong, right? He's already dead. What, are you looking to seek justice for him?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a terrifying pressure descended on Jinbei.
Cold sweat immediately broke out across Jinbei's forehead. He quickly waved his hands.
"No, not at all! You've misunderstood. Arlong got exactly what he deserved. The fact that you spared Hachi was already more than merciful!"
"Mm. At least you know what's what. So what did you want to say?"
The crushing pressure vanished, and Jinbei instantly felt lighter.
He wiped his forehead and let out a long sigh of relief, then said respectfully,
"I wanted to ask, what is your view on the Fishman and Mermaid races?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow.
He's asking how I view those two races?
He thought for a moment, then replied,
"The mermaids are fine. But the Fishmen... your race seems to have a pretty hostile attitude toward humans. You should know that yourself, right?"
"That's true. But the reason for that hostility is the increasing number of kidnappings and pillaging that have plagued Fishman Island over the years. Some Fishmen developed hatred toward humans because of it. Even so, there are still many Fishmen who want to live in peace with humanity."
"Then maybe you should go ask Roger about how this so-called 'Great Pirate Era' started. Also—doesn't Fishman Island have Whitebeard's protection now? Why are you coming to the Marines for an opinion?"
Jinbei lowered his head, nervous.
Fishman Island was under Whitebeard's protection due to the friendship between King Neptune and Whitebeard.
Whitebeard was certainly reliable... but at the end of the day, he was still a pirate.
What the Fishmen and Mermaids truly needed was official recognition from the Navy—legitimate authority. That's why Queen Otohime was willing to give her life for the cause.
She wanted her people to be able to live on land and coexist peacefully with humans.
If the residents of Fishman Island could truly let go of their prejudices... what a beautiful sight that would be. Jinbei yearned for that vision.
Now, having come to HQ and witnessed Kaito's power and potential, he clearly understood—
This man was destined to become the Navy's supreme commander.
His stance on Fishman Island... could very well determine the island's fate.
With that in mind, Jinbei braced himself and cautiously said,
"It's a shame, but Fishman Island's own power is limited. We've had no choice but to rely on outside protection. But please believe me—many of our people do wish to receive recognition from the World Government and live on land alongside humans!"
"Alright. I understand your point. I know a bit about Fishman Island's situation. I'll go there myself one day. Remember this: wherever the Marines hold sway, I treat all equally. But if I see someone I find detestable—don't blame me for being too harsh."
Jinbei was overjoyed.
Though Kaito hadn't exactly shown much friendliness, he had said he would visit Fishman Island himself!
Jinbei had heard of Kaito's deeds. This man didn't tolerate scum and would personally wipe out the worst criminals without hesitation.
But unlike Akainu, Kaito treated ordinary civilians well and always tried to avoid collateral damage. He was someone with principles.
Most of the residents on Fishman Island were kind-hearted.
If Vice Admiral Shikiryū really did visit, he would likely feel no disgust—and his presence would serve as an overwhelming deterrent against those criminals running amok on the island.
Jinbei also knew that when Kaito said "detestable people," he didn't just mean thugs and criminals. He also meant those like Arlong, who held deep hatred toward humans.
But compared to Kaito's attitude, that detail didn't matter anymore.
Even if Kaito chose to eliminate every extremist Fishman, Jinbei wouldn't complain.
If it meant Princess Otohime's dream could come true—then what did it matter?
For Jinbei, Kaito's statement—barely even a promise—was the greatest reward of this entire trip to Marine Headquarters.
Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Jinbei sprang up from his seat. His massive figure bowed deeply toward Kaito.
"I'm truly, deeply grateful! Vice Admiral Shikiryū!"
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