All of this seemed to stem from the decisions made by the royal family in recent years.
When forced to yield, they showed just enough weakness to avoid provoking others.
By following this strategy, the Fish‑Man Kingdom had found its place in the Grand Line and boarded the fast track of development.
Between the World Government and the Marines on one side, and the Pirate Emperors ruling the New World on the other, the kingdom had managed to walk a fine line—like dancing on the edge of a knife.
Indeed, while officially a member nation of the World Government, Fish‑Man Island also stood under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Rumor had it that King Neptune, the Knight of the Sea, maintained good relations not only with Whitebeard but also with the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
The moment the El Pirates set foot on the island, their arrival was reported directly to King Neptune.
"Are you certain… it is the El Pirates?"
The aged Knight of the Sea rose abruptly from his throne.
As a Merfolk, he relied on a ring‑shaped air bubble around his waist to stand upright.
"It is confirmed, Your Majesty. The El Pirates have just entered our waters."
King Neptune was nothing like the wandering outcast Vander Decken.
He was determined to lead his people and his nation toward prosperity.
As such, he kept himself fully informed of events unfolding across the human world above the waves—including the rise of the El Pirates, who had recently become the talk of the pirate world.
"To think they would arrive so soon…"
Neptune had long kept a close watch on the most powerful young pirates.
Ruling Fish‑Man Island—the gateway and crossroads between the first and second halves of the Grand Line—was no easy task.
Countless ships passed through every year, bound for the New World. It required great skill to ensure they did not cause chaos or destruction while docked.
Through diplomacy, alliances, and careful deterrence, Neptune had maintained peace.
If he had failed, his reign would have ended long ago.
His success came largely from balancing relations between the World Government and the Four Emperors.
To survive, one must always stay well‑informed.
"Send word immediately to the Whitebeard Pirates."
The moment he learned of their arrival, Neptune reached for his strongest ally.
He knew little of the El Pirates' temperament, and he dared not gamble the future of his people.
If they proved to be like the slavers and raiders of old, Fish‑Man Island might not stand against their strength.
Whitebeard's name alone had kept many threats at bay.
Ideally, simply invoking his protection would be enough—but from what Neptune had learned, El and his crew did not seem the type to be intimidated by reputation alone.
If possible, it would be best to have the Whitebeard Pirates come in person.
For now, however, the El Pirates were to be treated as honored guests.
Keeping them calm and satisfied was Neptune's top priority.
Though his children were capable and reliable, they were still too young to face a force of this magnitude.
"Captain! Look over there—what is that?"
A lookout spotted two orderly lines of guards forming at the island's main entrance.
"No idea," El replied frankly. "I haven't visited here often myself."
"WALALALALA!"
Back in the New World, aboard the Whitebeard Pirates' flagship, Whitebeard roared with laughter and slammed his drinking gourd against the deck.
"That rascal El! So he's headed for Fish‑Man Island, eh? What's he planning? A vacation?"
Though they ruled the New World, the Whitebeard Pirates kept a close eye on events across the Grand Line—especially promising young crews.
For an Emperor's fleet, it was vital to watch new rising powers; otherwise, they risked being overtaken.
Whitebeard had sailed the seas for decades. He knew well that a crew without fresh talent would eventually fade.
"Pops… what do you intend to do?"
Marco the Phoenix, commander of the First Division and also the ship's chief doctor, stood ever at his captain's side.
His Devil Fruit ability allowed him not only to regenerate himself but also to heal others.
"What else can we do?" Whitebeard waved a hand casually.
"Have you forgotten? Fish‑Man Island is under our protection!"
Marco had not forgotten.
Among all their territories, Fish‑Man Island was unique—it offered no valuable resources, but its location was strategically priceless.
Pirates and Marines alike kept their eyes fixed upon it.
By claiming it as his own, Whitebeard had taken a great risk, even as the strongest of the Four Emperors.
And now, that risk had arrived in the form of the El Pirates—a crew that had drawn Whitebeard's attention long before.
They were powerful, young, and full of potential.
Whitebeard could already see it: they were destined to leave their mark on the future of the seas.
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off