The influence of religious thought is still significant, especially when someone's beliefs collapse or they experience a mental breakdown, a seemingly reasonable concept can become their lifeline.
When the other party believes that this idea is their pursuit, the spread of religion becomes particularly swift, especially in impoverished areas, where a bag of grain is enough to change someone's faith, though such belief is insincere and many only seek a meal.
However, over time, there will always be changes happening among the large numbers.
The current situation is especially unique, as Tiger seems to have undergone some changes. Instead of aimlessly sailing, he now has more ideas.
"Big Brother! Are you okay now?"
Seeing Tiger walk out, Ah Long's spirits visibly rose.
"Yes, I'm alright now, feeling wonderful."
Due to Tiger's appearance, the celebrations aboard the ship continued for another full day. Many carefree fishmen were already drunk, but Tiger sought out Jinbe.
"Jinbe."
"What's up, Brother Tai?"
"I still remember what that Navy soldier said. I'm afraid the World Government is now watching me. If I return to Fishman Island just like this, it will cause trouble for the Dragon Palace Kingdom.
Leading you all further would also be a threat. To the World Government, my death is the best result."
"Wait! Brother Tai, you're not going to do something foolish, are you?!"
Hearing Tiger speak as if he were giving final instructions, Jinbe suddenly had a bad feeling.
"You've misunderstood, Jinbe. Only you know about my life and death, so I need the outside world to hear that I've already died. I need you to attack a group of Navy forces and spread the word that I died from excessive bleeding."
"But Brother Tai, what about Fishman Island? You've heard the reason they came to rescue you..."
"I know, we've discussed this. It's a concession to the World Government, all they care about is saving face. If I don't 'die' once, they'll never let it go.
As long as I show up on Fishman Island, the people will believe I'm alive, and that will be enough."
"But if the news gets back to the World Government...."
"It doesn't matter if it does. Their mission is considered successful, and I've already 'died.' As long as I keep a low profile afterward, they will not waste resources on a 'dead man.'
All the World Government needs is an outcome. Even if they later find out I'm alive, they won't make a big fuss because it would make them look bad."
"So Jinbe, the Sun Pirates will be under your command from now on."
"What about you? If you're not returning to Fishman Island, where are you going, Brother Tai?"
"I've heard there are a lot of fishmen living on Mandfeish's turf. I'll check it out first, and if I get the chance... I'd like to see the New World."
Jinbe thought Tiger meant entering more dangerous waters, but the New World Tiger mentioned was entirely different from Jinbe's understanding of it.
Thereafter, under Jinbe's leadership, the Sun Pirates conducted their 'revenge operation' against the Navy. As they sank several warships, news of Tiger's death was reported.
And Borsalino considered his mission complete, though the casualties were somewhat significant.
After being nagged by Sengoku for an hour, Borsalino went to the Navy hospital to visit his injured subordinates.
In a word about Strawberry now, not dead but did undergo some reconstruction.
"Hmm... Strawberry, you might want to get a new hairstyle."
At the moment, Strawberry seemed a bit shorter, as his once upright head now bent backward like a sleeping cap. Chinjao could deeply relate to such pain from the past.
"Vice Admiral Borsalino, you must be joking...."
"Can your head not be fixed?"
"The doctor says the curvature compresses a critical nerve, maintaining it like this is the best condition."
"Get well soon. Oh, by the way, based on feedback from the fishmen, Tiger should be dead, and the credit goes to you."
After a few pleasantries, Borsalino left the place. Strawberry, at the cost of having his head crooked, gained new merits, and the Navy now had a twisted-headed officer. Meanwhile, Mandfeish had just reached near Fishman Island.
As the ships underwent coating, the fishmen returned to Fishman Island in advance, as they had no hard requirement for coating. But Ah Long clearly had strong opinions about Tiger's fake death.
"Big Brother, was this really necessary? Are we truly afraid of those Navy guys?"
"Ah Long, after sailing for so many years, haven't you noticed the gap in strength? Set aside your arrogance; this world is more vast than you imagine. This incident also proves the Navy's military power, and making a big deal could drag all of Fishman Island into the abyss for no good reason.
But I must commend you on one thing."
"Hmm? What did I do?"
"At least now you refer to them as Navy and not humans."
Reducing the scope from an entire race to a few specific enemies was already a rare improvement for Ah Long.
"Oh, and Ah Long, after this, come out and see the world with me."
"Alright! Big Brother, compared to following Brother Jinbe, I'd rather stick with you."
He thought this was Tiger valuing him, but in truth, Tiger was worried that Jinbe couldn't control Ah Long, leading to him acting out, so Tiger decided to take Ah Long along.
No matter how much what Tiger said contradicted Ah Long's thoughts, Ah Long would still choose to consider it. Only Tiger could achieve this on the entire Fishman Island.
Afterwards, they returned to Fishman Island. Initially, the fishmen were deeply saddened to hear the news of Tiger's death, yet Tiger appeared alive again before them.
Tiger used the reason that he wanted to continue exploring and thus faked his death to escape, telling the other fishmen not to publicize it too much, just to keep it in mind.
Now his death information had spread, and as long as he didn't go dancing at the Navy Base, even if news got out, it would at most lead to dispatch of small assassination squads.
After staying briefly on Fishman Island for two days, Tiger left with several fishmen alongside Mandfeish. Jinbe waited for the new ship to be built before heading out again, but Mandfeish felt somewhat odd, as strange individuals seemed to be increasingly appearing on his private territory.
Meanwhile, in the seas of the Grand Line, the Red Gyarados was still present, now leading its group towards Wano Kuni. It headed there early due to the Plate entwined beneath its massive body at the moment.