News of Michael's execution of the 'Regional Justice Faction' Marines quickly spread throughout Fish-Man Island, carried by the words of the Whitebeard Pirates' members.

When Neptune and Queen Otohime heard the news, even they couldn't hide their shock.

"This Rear Admiral Michael..."

"He truly is ruthless."

Neptune shook his head.

He had thought that the Marines who had run amok on Fish-Man Island would, at most, be taken back to Marine Headquarters for trial.

He never expected Michael to go as far as scattering these people's ashes to the wind.

"You're mistaken, Neptune," Queen Otohime shook her head. "This is true compassion."

Hearing this, Neptune turned to look at his wife.

There was an inexplicable new firmness in Otohime's usually benevolent eyes.

Though he didn't understand the specifics, he knew...

His wife had changed.

.....

Outside Ryugu Palace, Jinbei sat atop the castle walls, watching the Marines and Whitebeard Pirates vigorously carrying out the Fish-Man Island Purge in the distance.

His eyes were filled with wavering hesitation.

Jinbei couldn't tell whether this outcome was good or bad.

While it resolved Fish-Man Island's current predicament...

From a long-term perspective, the island had now completely severed ties with the World Government.

No matter what, starting today, Fish-Man Island could only stand on the opposing side against the World Government.

Whether this was ultimately for better or worse...

No one could say for certain.

"Jinbei, so this is where you've been."

"... Tiger Aniki!"

Jinbei turned to see Fisher Tiger climbing onto the wall and sitting beside him.

"Made up your mind yet?" Fisher Tiger chuckled, patting Jinbei's shoulder. "You're not planning to keep spacing out here, are you?"

"I..." Jinbei looked up, his confusion unchanged. "I don't know."

His gaze drifted toward the vibrant Fish-Man Island, brimming with signs of prosperity.

"To be honest, even now, I still don't trust the Marines or the Whitebeard Pirates..." Fisher Tiger sighed. "But the current situation makes it crystal clear—Fish-Man Island has no choice but to place its faith in Rear Admiral Michael and Whitebeard. As warriors protecting this island, we must choose: the Marines... or the Whitebeard Pirates."

"That's not what's troubling me... I just think Rear Admiral Michael was right! Before this, I was nothing but a useless fool raging helplessly, completely powerless when our people suffered! That title 'Sea Knight'... it's a joke!"

"Bam!"

Before he could finish, Fisher Tiger suddenly threw a heavy punch straight into Jinbei's face.

The blow sent Jinbei flying several meters back.

"You damn brat! So you're hung up on something this stupid!?"

"If you know you're still unworthy of that 'knight' title, then clench your fists and get stronger until you truly earn it! That's what real men do, you idiot!"

Clutching his swollen cheek, Jinbei stared blankly at Fisher Tiger.

He was never stupid.

He just needed a little push—something to break him free from his restraints.

A friendly fist from his aniki was exactly what Jinbei needed to make his decision.

"Ahh, I really worried you, Tiger Aniki!"

...

West Blue, Mafia Island.

"Brother, the World Economic Times have arrived."

"Fufufufu! You delivered the papers personally? Corazon, something big must have happened."

Doflamingo grinned as he took the newspaper from Rosinante's hands.

"I don't like it when you call me Corazon..." Rosinante said with a cold expression.

"If possible, you'd better call me Rosinante."

"Don't get hung up on such details, little brother." Doflamingo noticed his brother's icy demeanor but didn't press further.

"Now, let's see what major news we have today."

As he unfolded the World Economic Journal, his eyes were immediately drawn to the Fish-Man Island feature spread across two full pages.

"Hmm? The World Government is revoking Fish-Man Island's status? Tch, those pigs in Mariejois have only behaved for a few years before getting restless again? Though this move is exactly what I'd expect from the World Government... Are they trying to turn the entire world into the Celestial Dragons' playground? I won't stand for that."

Rosinante rolled his eyes silently.

His brother was no champion of justice.

The only reason he said this was because he couldn't regain his Celestial Dragon status and return to Mariejois!

Adhering to the principle of "If I can't have it, no one can," the worse things got for the Celestial Dragons, the happier he became.

After his outburst, Doflamingo continued reading.

But behind his sunglasses, his eyes widened in shock.

"What!? The Marines are collaborating with the Whitebeard Pirates!?"

"A Neutral Trade Buffer Zone!?"

"The Fish-Man Island Purge!?"

"Is this... actual news? Or just Morgans writing nonsense while drunk?"

Seeing Doflamingo's stunned expression, Rosinante pointed to a name in the newspaper.

Doflamingo followed the gesture.

The Marine representatives signing the treaty were 'Marine Hero' Garp and Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral Michael...

Doflamingo suddenly understood.

"So it's that bastard Michael..."

"Then it's not surprising at all. Not surprising at all."

With that, he tossed the newspaper aside and headed out.

"Rosinante, it seems we need to speed things up. After fully subduing the West Blue mafia, we'll head to Fish-Man Island's Neutral Trade Buffer Zone to get our share. This is a golden opportunity!"

...

Germa Kingdom.

"Mom! When will Uncle visit again?"

"Sanji, stop hogging Mom all to yourself!"

Sora shook her head as she watched Yonji bicker with Sanji.

She needed to find something to keep these kids occupied...

They were getting too clingy!

"My dear brother, you've really done something remarkable again..." Sora gazed out the window at the still-blue sky.

"I wonder if this was also part of your plan?"

...

Baltigo.

"Michael (munch munch) has really (munch munch munch) made waves this time!"

Ginny held the newspaper in her left hand while tearing into a large piece of meat with her right.

"That's just like him. Back when I was still a Marine, he and I were both considered outliers in the force." Dragon rarely smiled, but now he did.

"With our Chief of Staff making such big news, we Revolutionaries can't fall behind!"

"Boss! You mean..."

"Assemble the officers..." Dragon said as he walked toward the door.

"Our target is East Blue!"

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