One Piece: Reborn in God's Valley

The next morning, at the gates of Ryugu Palace.

The Helgrave Pirates, along with Neptune and his entourage, were making their way toward Fish-Man Island's Gyoncorde Plaza aboard the ship.

"Dan, I didn't expect you to be on Ashen's ship. I thought you'd spend the rest of your life buried in the Sea Forest."

Neptune stepped into the cabin and, to his surprise, found Dan already inside. His initial shock faded into a warm smile.

"But this is good. The Helgrave Pirates are a place where your talents can shine. I imagine Tom will be relieved to hear the news too."

"You've done so much for us over the years, Your Majesty."

Dan bowed his head respectfully.

"It's an honor to be part of the Helgrave Pirates. But if you get the chance, could you please talk to my brother? Try to convince him to leave Water 7. 

He's completely obsessed with the Sea Train project and won't listen to a word I say."

To be honest, Dan's biggest worry right now was still his brother, Tom. 

Yesterday in the Sea Forest, after meeting Ashen and Tesla and seeing the schematics for their ship, he'd been left shaken to the core.

After much thought, he finally made up his mind that night and sought out Ashen, formally joining the crew of the Helgrave Pirates.

Out of concern for him, Ashen had told him plainly, Tom would soon be in danger. Hearing that, Dan could no longer stay idle, which was why he was now hoping Neptune could help.

"Sigh… I'll try. You two brothers are a real handful sometimes…"

Gyoncorde Plaza, the largest square on Fish-Man Island, was a place that bustled with daily activity.

But today, it was ten times livelier than usual. 

A massive crowd of Fish-Man Island residents had gathered, all having received a message from Ryugu Palace the previous night to witness a historic event.

"Tiger, our people are all in position. We're just waiting on Jinbe and his group," a low-voiced octopus Fish-Man reported from a corner of the plaza.

"Hmph. Forget that traitor. He actually believes Neptune's lies and chooses to work with those filthy humans? I can't believe I ever respected him."

Upon hearing Jinbe hadn't come, Arlong's face contorted with rage. 

After learning what had happened at Ryugu Palace yesterday, he had gone to speak with Jinbe himself, only to be turned down.

Jinbe had actually placed his faith in those human pirates, believing they could change Fish-Man Island's fate.

"Arlong, let it go. Jinbe made his choice. We're not here to force him, we're here to stop Neptune from joining hands with the humans."

Neptune had only been king for a few months. He didn't yet have the prestige he'd gain a decade later. 

Fisher Tiger couldn't understand the king's intentions just yet. That was why he'd brought the Fish-Men from the Fish-Man District, to disrupt the event.

"Yes, Tiger. I'll follow your lead."

Fifteen year old Arlong had grown up an orphan, raised by Tiger in the Fish-Man District. His trust in him was absolute.

As they spoke, a commotion stirred at the front of the plaza, Neptune and the Helgrave Pirates had arrived.

"Citizens of Fish-Man Island. I've gathered you here today to make an important announcement."

Wrapped in a ring of protective bubbles, Neptune stepped forward, holding baby Shyarly in his arms, delivered just moments ago by the Minister of the Left.

"Many of you may have already heard the rumors. It's true. As of yesterday, Fish-Man Island has formed an alliance with the Helgrave Pirates. From this day forth, our island will fly their flag."

Gasps erupted throughout the plaza.

"What? We're teaming up with human pirates? Are we going to become pirates ourselves now?"

"I heard of them… The Helgrave Pirates. Rising stars in the Grand Line. Their captain…"

"Is this for real?"

The entire plaza broke out into chaotic murmurs. The Fish-Men and merfolk didn't know what to make of it.

"Shyarly, tell them what you saw yesterday in your vision."

Seeing the unrest, Neptune played his trump card.

"I… I saw the future of Fish-Man Island. Soon, a wave of human pirates will arrive. They'll hunt us like prey. Our island will become their battlefield…"

Shyarly trembled on Neptune's shoulder. Speaking before a massive crowd, she was clearly nervous, but she gathered her courage and continued.

"But… yesterday, something changed in my vision. I don't understand it completely, but I saw hope. 

The island's future took a turn for the better. We may even have a chance… to live on the surface."

Boom!

It was as if her words had struck thunder through the plaza.

"W-We might really get to live on land?"

"Stop crying. You don't know if it's real."

"It might be. Shyarly's predictions have never been wrong. She even foresaw the exact time of the former king's death."

"Arlong… Is that your half-sister?" Tiger asked, watching the crowd slowly turn in Neptune's favor after hearing Shyarly's prophecy.

"She's living a good life now. Probably forgotten all about this brother of hers."

Arlong scowled, but his eyes betrayed his true feelings, tender and full of love as he looked at the little girl admired by so many.

"It seems many of you have already guessed. Yes, in Shyarly's prophecy, it was Captain Ashen who will change the fate of Fish-Man Island."

Neptune stepped aside, making room.

"Now, let Ashen speak."

Ashen stepped out calmly, his presence alone silencing the entire plaza. His aura radiated strength, imposing yet steady.

"It's an honor to meet all of you. I'll keep it short, as long as Fish-Man Island flies the Helgrave Pirates flag, we will protect it."

He paused, then raised his voice slightly.

"I've already secured a place for you in the New World. If you want a life on land, join us."

There was something in Ashen's voice. Power? Conviction? Whatever it was, it stirred something in the crowd. The Fish-Men's eyes lit up with hope.

"Don't fall for it. He's just tricking us into going to the New World so he can sell us off."

An angry voice rang out, and suddenly a volley of attacks flew toward Ashen.

"I've got this, Neptune."

Ashen held Neptune back and calmly stepped forward.

Soul Intimidation!

Meanwhile, in the deep sea above Fish-Man Island, a pirate ship slowly descended.

"Oi, Rayleigh. Do you feel that? That's some unusual Conqueror's Haki."

"It's coming from Fish-Man Island. Roger… looks like Neptune's in trouble."

"Hah? All right, men. Full speed ahead."

Twenty minutes later, the rebels from the Fish-Man District had all been taken down.

Having witnessed the might of the Helgrave Pirates, the residents now cheered louder than ever, their support for Neptune solidified.

"Wahahaha…. Long time no see, Neptune. Is this a party or what?"

Roger swaggered through the crowd, leading his crew of pirates.

Before Neptune could answer, Ashen stepped out to meet them.

"Long time no see… Roger."

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