Two days later.
The filming of the Sabaody Archipelago portion of the movie began; this part of the plot was the story's prelude.
Except for the final shipwreck scene where seven Fish-Man Race children rescue the human princess, there were no scenes featuring the Fish-Man Race, so most of the Fishmen continued to enjoy their vacation on the island.
The Sabaody Garrison provided no excessive escort beyond the necessary guides.
This was Taro's order; on one hand, he wanted to see how much hostility actually existed between the Fish-Man Race and humans in a normal environment.
On the other hand, he also wanted to know if there were still slave traders hidden on the island; if so, he could take this opportunity to round them all up.
Judging from the situation over the past two days, aside from some humans feeling fearful and somewhat hostile toward the Fishmen due to their physical differences, the vast majority of civilians were merely cautious.
Since Taro took office as the Sabaody commander, the security situation had improved, giving the civilians a lot of confidence.
At this moment, Taro was waiting at the pier; Hina had sent word that she had reached the outer sea.
However, before Hina arrived, he instead encountered an unexpected person first.
"Uh... Gion... why are you here?"
Taro looked at Momousagi, feeling a bit awkward for a moment; the mix-up during the previous farewell was still fresh in his memory.
The corner of Momousagi's mouth curled up, "Little Taro, you don't seem very happy to see me?"
Taro rubbed his face and forced a smile, "How could that be? Take a close look at my face—see how surprised I am!"
Momousagi seemed to be in a good mood; she actually leaned in closer and scrutinized him carefully.
Watching Momousagi practically press up against him, Taro awkwardly took a step back, and his smile faded.
"Tch, hypocrite!"
Momousagi curled her lip, then sized Taro up from head to toe before saying, "This outfit of yours is really tacky!"
Taro looked down at himself; he was wearing a yellow T-shirt and a pair of capri pants—this was the trendy brand designed by the Starfish Pappag, the "Criminal" brand fashion.
Everyone from Fish-Man Island had come over wearing this brand and had been ridiculed by the residents of Sabaody Archipelago.
Taro had also changed into clothes from this brand to show his stance.
That said, while the clothes designed by Pa Pagu were flamboyant, they weren't without merit.
After all, in the original story, Nami had once cleared out Pa Pagu's entire shop in one go.
Of course, what satisfied Taro the most was that this outfit didn't go well with Marine boots.
He finally had the chance to wear the Supreme Flip-Flops that represented a "peerless master."
"How is it tacky? I carefully put this together, and it's very comfortable!"
As he spoke, he tapped his feet a few times, indicating that the flip-flops were quite spirited to wear.
As soon as Momousagi saw the flip-flops on Taro's feet, she thought of the wooden clogs that Tokikake guy wore, her face full of disgust.
"It's because you people love wearing these things that you look even more wretched!"
"Uh..." Taro scratched his hair, "Alright then!"
"Gion, you're already here?"
At that moment, Hina's warship also sailed into the pier. She was the first to leap down from the bow and was pleasantly surprised to see Momousagi.
Momousagi turned around and said irritably, "You called and urged me several times a day; how could I not be here?"
Hina's expression tightened, and she said somewhat reproachfully in a low voice, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Gion smiled helplessly, "Yes, yes, I only came out to hide because I couldn't stand that Kake guy's 88th confession!"
"Pfft—"
Taro burst out laughing upon hearing this, drawing a glare from Momousagi.
"Little Taro, is it that funny?"
Taro quickly suppressed his laughter and waved his hand, his expression turning serious.
"No, I didn't laugh. I am a strictly trained Marine; I wouldn't laugh!"
Momousagi's eyebrows shot up in anger immediately, but Hina quickly held her back.
"Gion, I heard there are many fun places in the Sabaody Archipelago. Come with me!"
Only then did Momousagi restrain herself from exploding, turning to leave.
Hina smiled at Taro and was about to speak, but Momousagi turned back to look at him, "You come too; I have something to say to you!"
Taro nodded and caught up alongside Hina, "Hina, thanks for your hard work lately!"
Hina shook her head and said softly, "I'm fine. I saw the report in the newspaper!"
Taro knew Hina was referring to this morning's paper, which carried the news of him killing Edward Weevil.
Besides the usual boasting about Taro's formidable strength, the content also recalled some of his past achievements.
Then it showcased the Marine's confidence and ability to maintain stability in the four seas, along with other inspiring rhetoric.
"It was Sakazuki's idea; it has nothing to do with me!" Taro was quite helpless.
Hina looked at Taro, her eyes shimmering, "Look at the Marine Soldiers around us; the ones on my ship are the same!"
Taro glanced at the Marine Soldiers around him who looked like they had been injected with chicken blood, casting admiring glances. His mouth twitched as he murmured,
"I'm going to be killed by the excessive praise of these guys sooner or later!"
"Huh?" Hina was startled for a moment.
"No, it's nothing!" Taro shook his head, then smiled.
"Have a good time for the next while; some special guests just happened to arrive on the island!"
On a rooftop at the Amusement Park.
Taro and Momousagi stood by the railing, watching the new friends Hina and Shirahoshi playing together.
"Sentomaru has formally applied to Borsalino to join the Marine!"
Momousagi stared at the Fish-Man Race in the Amusement Park, raised an eyebrow, and mentioned something that seemed completely irrelevant to Taro.
Taro turned around and leaned against the railing, "Hmm?"
Sentomaru was not part of the Marine establishment; his positions were leader of Vegapunk's guards and Captain of the Science Force. Taro naturally knew this.
"He applied to be transferred to the Sabaody Archipelago!" Momousagi knew what Taro was wondering.
Taro frowned, "The Science Force has always been under Admiral Kizaru's command. If he's not under Admiral Kizaru, what is he coming to me for?"
Momousagi shook her head, "I don't know the specific reason, but Borsalino has already agreed to this matter!"
Taro became even more confused.
"With Sentomaru's strength, he would need at least a Vice Admiral position to be worthy of him if he formally joins the Marine. I'm also just a Vice Admiral; once he arrives, who listens to whom?"
Momousagi shook her head again, "I know even less about those details!"
Taro curled his lip speechlessly—so you've basically told me nothing useful!
"Well, then how do you know about this? If there's an order from Marineford, I'm the commander of Sabaody; shouldn't I be the first to know?"
Momousagi finally turned her head, her expression much more solemn, "This relates to the second thing I wanted to say!"
"Oh?" Taro became interested.
"Borsalino is currently at Marijoa!"
Momousagi said as she looked back at the Amusement Park.
"Kake recommended an expert to join the Marine, and Borsalino needs to personally verify his strength!"
At this point, she paused, "Just like back then with you and Issho!"
Taro was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.
"This expert is Aramaki!"
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