Racism—the ruling class classifies people's social and legal status based on race, ethnicity, and even regional characteristics. Acts of hostility, persecution, and unequal treatment towards other races all fall under this ideology.
Sakazuki sat in his chair, listening to Lindemann's report. There was no doubt—they were dealing with a highly organized, well-planned, and sizable human trafficking syndicate, disguised as a maritime shipping company to evade suspicion.
The intelligence that the fox had brought back pointed to the source of the hatred festering within Fish-Man Island—the infamous Fish-Man District.
The restaurant was filled with the sound of slurping, as every member of the Marine squad that had returned with Sakazuki held a large, plump oyster in hand.
Oysters, also known as the "milk of the sea," are rich in protein and zinc, essential for the human body. Consuming oysters prevents dry skin, promotes skin metabolism, and, most importantly—it enhances virility!
These deep-sea oysters were said to be unparalleled in flavor. The natural mineral aroma from the seawater and their salty umami taste—sometimes as soft and creamy as butter—made them an unforgettable delicacy.
Sakazuki reached into the bucket and picked up an oyster. "Finish eating first. Once you're done, have the communications officer prepare for deployment. Ask if the Neptune Army has any members who were born in the Fish-Man District—we need a more detailed source of information."
In truth, the best way to enjoy high-quality oysters while preserving their original flavor was to eat them raw. The moment the shell was opened, the oyster's subtle sweetness would immediately spread.
Sakazuki took a lemon slice from Onigumo's plate at the neighboring table and gently squeezed it. The sharp, refreshing citrus juice dripped onto the oyster meat, enhancing its flavor to perfection.
Tilting his head back, he swallowed the oyster whole. The salty freshness of the minerals, blended with a trace of the sea's natural sweetness, glided down his throat—an unforgettable taste.
"I serve under the Neptune Army's Ryugu Palace Guard Unit."
Before Sakazuki stood an exceptionally burly Fish-Man. His wild, wind-swept eyebrows and thick sideburns, along with the two large fangs protruding from his lower jaw, made his already imposing features even more rugged.
This whale shark Fish-Man, clad in the uniform of the Neptune Army, was no stranger to Sakazuki. In his past life, this man had played a significant role in various events—from before the Summit War to the conflict between the Straw Hats and Big Mom.
Jinbe, the second captain of the Sun Pirates, a former Warlord of the Sea, and a chivalrous warrior of the deep—"Knight of the Sea" Jinbe.
"Were you born in the Fish-Man District?" Sakazuki asked, already knowing the answer.
Jinbe nodded without hesitation. "That's correct. I, Jinbe, was born in an orphanage within the Fish-Man District."
Onigumo, standing at Sakazuki's right, raised an eyebrow in confusion. "An orphanage? I've heard the Fish-Man District is a lawless area beyond the island's governance. There was actually an orphanage there?"
"Yes, General, there was." Jinbe's voice was deep and solemn. "The Fish-Man District actually began as an orphanage—a refuge for homeless children."
"Can you give us detailed information on the Fish-Man District?" Lindemann, standing to Sakazuki's left, held a notebook in his hand.
The elite warrior of the Neptune Army lifted his head and met the gaze of the much taller Marine officers. "Of course. Ever since you all set foot on Fish-Man Island, we've been watching your actions closely—and we remember them."
For the first time, he lowered his head in a sincere gesture, performing a kneeling sword salute.
"The fact that the three of you are lending a hand in Fish-Man Island's greatest time of crisis is something we will never forget."
Sakazuki frowned and waved off the gratitude. "You're Jinbe, right? While you may see the Marines' support as a lifeline, I'm not here for your thanks."
The burly Fish-Man remained firm in his stance. "Vice Admiral, your sense of duty is admirable. However, I must acknowledge the truth—Fish-Man Island has indeed become more stable since your arrival. The human pirates and vile traffickers have been executed in droves, reigniting the people's hope for life."
Standing with his hands behind his back, Sakazuki shook his head. "You're wrong again, Jinbe."
Jinbe, usually calm and composed, was momentarily stunned. He scratched his head, uncertain of what he had said incorrectly.
Born in the Fish-Man District, he had never felt particularly fond of humans. However, his commitment to loyalty and justice led him to join the Neptune Army when his older brother left the island to explore the world.
Yet, despite the Neptune Army's best efforts under King Neptune's leadership, the number of reported missing Fish-Men and merfolk only continued to rise.
Even when pirates were beaten to a pulp, they would still dare to return a second and third time.
And so, Jinbe had little hope for the Marines' arrival.
If the vast forces of the Neptune Army couldn't solve the problem, what could a single Marine warship, carrying merely a thousand men, possibly accomplish?
But these past few days had proven him wrong.
These Marines—accustomed to dealing with pirates daily—were natural-born hunters. They always knew where to find the pirates' hidden dens.
Day after day, pirate heads rolled, and the Neptune Army found themselves scrubbing bloodstained streets in the Marines' wake.
Though they were fewer in number, the Marines had instilled a fear that the so-called elite Nautilus Corps of the Neptune Army could never hope to match.
Not a single pirate had managed to escape their watchful eyes.
Kill. Kill. Kill.
Jinbe found himself wondering—had he been too soft all along?
And yet, during his patrols, he witnessed something undeniable—the people of Fish-Man Island smiling in relief.
Even when a single Marine soldier stood alone on a street, under a flag bearing the seagull emblem, criminals no longer dared to act.
In the past, even a full squad of Neptune Army soldiers couldn't prevent robberies in broad daylight.
But now, for the first time in two years, the Fish-Men and merfolk were experiencing a brief moment of peace.
Why?
Jinbe asked himself.
Sakazuki gazed toward the distant cityscape of Fish-Man Island, his tone laced with fury.
"The Marines are responsible for ensuring the safety of the allied nations under the World Government's protection. That is our duty. And that is why—you were wrong, Jinbe!"
There was a fire in his eyes, as if his very gaze could scorch the horizon.
"To stand by while innocent people suffer and perish, while the World Government turns a blind eye—that is the failure of the military! It is the shame of a soldier!"
The Vice Admiral slowly turned, looking up at the Marine flag hanging from the mast.
"We are merely cleansing ourselves of that shame—fulfilling the responsibility and duty that the Marines have long neglected."
Jinbe was dumbfounded.
He stared at Sakazuki.
The Marine Vice Admiral's fists were clenched tightly.
Behind him, on his Justice coat, two bold kanji characters stood tall—
Absolute Justice.
At that moment, Jinbe understood.
He finally realized why these few Marines had accomplished what even the thousands-strong Neptune Army could not.
Beyond their raw strength, it was something far greater that made criminals tremble and civilians feel safe.
It was that flag, billowing in the wind.
It was that will, manifested into reality.
A conviction to uphold justice and equality—a hatred for evil as deep as the abyss, and a thirst for righteousness as insatiable as hunger.
Sakazuki's voice was low, yet to Jinbe's ears, it was deafening.
"I came here to tell Fish-Man Island—Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent!"