Lara's POV;

Jimbei led us through the crowds of people towards the fish-buses. The onlookers were greeting him cheerfully and with respect. Some recognised us, some just assumed we were friends with Jimbei. All of them were wondering why Lia and I had the Sun Pirates tattoo on our back, with a few knowing the most likely reason.

Once we were in the middle of boarding the fish-bus, Noa noticed something that the rest of us hadn't yet. “Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the bus for our ship a different one?”

Jimbei laughed and nodded. “Yes, but we aren't going to your ship, neither are we going to mine.” Now that he mentions it, the bus is empty with the exception of our group. “I only said that we are going to your ship because the walls have ears in the Mermaid Cafe. In reality, we will go to the palace, the King wishes to meet you.”

Most of us were shocked, most evidently Nami, Nojiko and Jo. They were the ones who knew that meeting a King isn't normal. Well, it shouldn't be. So far we had met King Cobra, Haribo and Mrs Chicken Wing's brother, hence why Jonny, Noa, Yosaku, Inari and Fiara weren't as surprised.

“Why would the King of this nation want to meet us? Is it because of our bounty?” Nojiko asked with a small frown. She must remember Haribo, who liked to speak with high 'ranking' pirates.

Jimbei tried to smile mysteriously, but it didn't come over right on his fish-like face. “Yes and no, I can't speak for him.”

I scoffed. “As if you don't know. Just because you wouldn't speak for the King doesn't mean you don't know why he wants to see us. I don't like surprises like these Jimbei. My crew and I can't leave this island as easily as most others. I have to be a bit more careful here, especially when the King is taking an interest in us.” Half a lie, we should be able to raise the whole island, but that would be a massive headache later on.

Jimbei didn't believe me when I said that we couldn't leave easily. He knows our strength already too well. “Well yes, you are right. I hoped to make it a surprise, see you shocked for the first time, you know?” He left it there, but my flat stare told him that I wouldn't budge. “Okay, okay, sheesh. Very well, the King wants to place this island and its surroundings under your protection. With the death and subsequent disbandment of the Whitebeard Pirates, his territory was left undefended as well. Usually, we can protect ourselves on our own, however, that only works as long as none of the truly big shots is eyeing us. My crew does not have the reputation it once had.”

“But ours has one?” Jonny questioned in slight disbelieve. For him we are still the same as we were in the East Blue, our behaviour hasn't changed. Only the numbers of our crewmembers. I smiled slightly, the fact that our fights have increased in scale and political importance has flown right over his head.

“Come to think of it, how has the world taken our actions during the war and in Impel Down? We were kinda off grit for the last month and haven't gotten our hands on many newspapers lately. ” Jo questioned.

Noa nodded as well and looked thoughtful for a moment. “Now that you mention it, Hanibal did look fearful when he first learned who we were. I thought it was because we are pirates and mostly known by now. You know, the usual.”

“You really don't know?” Jimbei looked at us as if we wouldn't know something basic like water will stop a Devil Fruit users power. When he saw our shrugs or blank looks he started to explain. “At first everyone was in quite a panic. That Lara could fight an Admiral on her own was already bad enough for the Marines, but that she then somehow managed to eat a second fruit, Whitebeard's on top of that has made them afraid of your capabilities.

The newspapers began to throw around their own ideas of what happened and what your reasons were, as well as what you all will be doing from now on. Some thought you would leave for the New World right away. Some people inside the New World thought you would rule over Paradise and others began to call you the new Yonko.

When you all vanished for the last month the rumours died down somewhat but weren't forgotten. Again, a few think that the Marines have gotten you, others think you are hiding or preparing. Say, what have you done in the last month?”

With a shrug, I told him about Poultry and our fight against Fujitora and the small armada of Marine ships. Then a bit about our training and alliance with Poultry.

Jimbei seemed extremely happy. “So you already have an island under you? That makes things easier, even if this Poultry isn't well known right now.”

“Technically we are in a mutual alliance where one helps the other if needed,” I corrected him. Gaining the title of Yonko will lead us into a position of 'ruling' over nations, I have done that already and am not sure if I want to invest the needed time again.

Jimbei disagreed with a shake of his head. “Doesn't matter what you call it, the world will see it as it is. You, a pirate crew, has allied with a nation. If we would do the same with Fishman Island you'll automatically be seen as a contender for the position of a Yonko. Given your strength and ability to travel relatively quickly over the sea will give other nations food for thought. If you agree to the King's request you will most likely see quite a few requests in the future.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

New World crews will be out for your head, the three Yonko might want to recruit you or destroy you. And most importantly, islands that are now without protection from Whitebeard will seek a new protector, possibly you. Especially all the none human islands, like the long-ear humans or long nose humans, maybe even the Mink.”

Ah, yes... our diverse set of crew members makes it easy for others to think as if we have a soft heart for none humans. Especially Inari, her joining of our crew was quite public and people saw how I have bought her out of slavery.

I facepalmed, seems as if I have no other option than to agree. I can already see Jo's pleading eyes. And the idiot duo was also hyped up for the position. Nojiko had Belly in her eyes, probably imagining taxation on those we will protect. Inari has her chest puffed out, her mental image of me and Lia is way too saintly.

A quick look at Lia pretty much told me that this was my fault, had we made our crew out of lesser people, ones that weren't as nice, we wouldn't have to agree.

Jimbei smiled knowingly. “I see you are warming up to the idea,” he ignored my glare, “Of course I would place my own crew under you as well. There are quite a few who wish to see you two again, the months after your departure have been quite a bit less colourful.”

Urgh, again, maybe managing the position of a Yonko won't be as time-consuming as that of a King? I might ask Shanks, he is a travelling Yonko. “Well yeah, first we have to hear the proposal from someone who can decide such a thing and then we have to talk about responsibilities. This isn't like Poultry where neither of us has to do much other than help in times of need.

If we are going to go this route I want to have something out of it. Otherwise, it is just work without getting payment. I mean, we would have to come and help you out if something happens. And Oven's presence has shown that at least Big Mom has her eyes on the island. Having one of the Yonko's at our neck this early would be annoying.”

Jimbei looked uncomfortable when I mentioned having one of the Yonko after us. “What?” I asked, is one already after us? Blackbeard should be on the sidelines, for now, I have put a gigantic hole into his plans.

“There have been whispers and inquisitions about your whereabouts from Kaido's lackeys. He might already be after you.” Jimbei explained with an apologetic smile.

“What? Why?!” Nojiko almost shrieked, by now everyone, with the exception of Fiara, knew about the danger of a Yonko crew and also that we aren't yet on a level to truly contest with them. I too don't know how I would stack up against Big Mom, Shanks or Kaido, right now I don't think I would win, maybe a pyrrhic victory.

Big Mom seems to be the weakest of them, my Angel Fruit might help against her strange concept fruit. The tremor fruit in conjunction with my vibrations should also be able to harm her, somewhat, hopefully? The Yonko are a bunch of overly OP characters.

Jimbei shrugged. “Kaido is known for 'training' new New World crews. He sends his lackeys after them in the hope of making them stronger through trials by fire, if they survive he will fight them personally. These crews usually get destroyed or later join him, if they have a Zoan Fruit using captain as you do.” At least Nami's silent sobs of despair were funny.

“Yeah, fun,” Noa laughed sarcastically, most of the crew agreed. Lia and I were more indifferent, these crews are at most on the level of a couple of Vice Admirals. A danger a few months ago, but now Jonny, Yosaku, Inari and Fiara should be able to fight those rather easily. The rest might have to team up in pairs to battle them, but they would have a good chance.

Suddenly the more impressionable members of my crew began to look upwards at something with quite a bit of awe. I too looked up to see what got them this excited and saw the entrance to the second bubble atop Fishman Island. This one houses the palace of the King.

It looked like a mix between a coral reef and a pagoda. A tunnel of air allowed our bus to swim through the bottleneck between palace and island without damaging the bubbles we were currently sitting in.

Schools of fishes swam all around us, shining brightly in the light that was given off by the many lights inside the palace. The occasional guard could be spotted in between the reef. This palace could be easily defended against anyone who is depended on air.

“We are almost there, I don't know if the King is back yet, he and his ministers had to meet Oven and make it looks as if we aren't downright declining their offer.” Jimbei spoke up with a shrug that told us 'what can you do, politics'. I sighed, this was already starting annoyingly.

The bus stopped and we got off of the fish. A group of honour guards, as well as three fishmen, were present to greet us. None looked similar but I knew that they were brothers, namely the three princes of this nation.

The fishman with blue hair was the first to speak, he was respectful but not submissive. “Greetings Kage Pirates, I am Fukaboshi, these are my brothers Ryuboshi and Manboshi, we are the princes of Fishman Island and welcome you to our home, the Ryugu Palace. Our Father, who has requested to meet you, is sadly not yet back from his meeting with Charlotte Oven. I'd like to invite you to dine with us if you haven't already.”

I looked at the rest of us, most were indifferent to his offer, still full from the food we had in the Mermaid Cafe. “Will there be chicken?” I asked if there is I might eat some.

He looked at bit taken aback by my rude behaviour but answered nonetheless. “If you so wish, Slicer Lara.”

The one with long orangish hair, Ryuboshi, made some wiggles and added his own part. “Our chefs are really good at cooking, so-la-ti-do.”

“Then sure, why not. I'm Lara, by the way. This is my sister Lia and my crew, Noa, Jonny, Yosaku, Josef, Nojiko, Inari and Fiara. Nami is part of the Straw Hat Pirates and only temporarily sailing with us.” I gestured at each of us and then waited for him to continue, only for Lia's head to suddenly snap to the side.

Interested in what she must have spotted I too looked and saw how something came flying at the palace from the side of the sea. “It's an axe,” Lia informed helpfully. This must be an attempt at Shirahoshi's life. She then flicked a pebble out of the air bubble and directly at the flying weapon, it got hit and lost its momentum, before then falling downwards.

Fukaboshi sighed sadly. “That was an attempt on the life of our younger sister. A man named Vander Decken IX has gotten into his head that he has to marry her, that was more than a decade ago. Shirahoshi, our younger sister, has only been a small child then so naturally our Father declined instantly. Then Vander Decken has gotten into his head that no one is allowed to marry her if she isn't marrying him, ever since he has tried to kill her. Nowadays our sister has to live her whole life inside her room and is only able to leave if someone with the strength of Jimbei or our Father guards her.” His two brothers were hanging their heads in shame and sadness.

Welp, if we're going to get Fishman Island under our protection we might as well do it right. First I turned to Fukaboshi. “Do you have a picture or wanted poster of him?” I asked. He hesitated, not understanding what I am going to do, but handed me one nonetheless. Then I turned around to the one who will be most effective in solving this particular problem. “Inari, please look into that. If we're really going to do this then we will do it right.”

Inari looked pleased by her orders and bowed deeply. “Of course Lara-sama, am I only to find him or also take him out?”

“Question him about his reasons, but I don't see the need for him to stay alive, someone who wants to marry a child and then tries to kill that child just because he got rejected has a very good reason or isn't needed in our society. Ask a few guards about his most likely hiding place, maybe one of the princes wants to help you.” At my questioning look, all three of the brothers looked stunned and hopeful.

It was the thin one, I think Ryuboshi was his name, who spoke first. “I would gladly support you if it means our sister can live freely again I would even offer my own.” Both vanished further into the palace, while the rest of us was led into a large dining hall.

Food was already in the process of being served and Fukaboshi told us, after a short leave, that his father was soon to be back. While we waited we got to eat some local dishes that were quite a bit better than what we got in the Mermaid Cafe, but the chicken was a bit lacking. Understandable, chicken is quite rare under the sea. Maybe there is a sea-chicken? If not, what other use would Fishman Island have for us?