One Piece : From Slave to Fleet Admiral Chapter 279

With a sky stitched from lightning, the pressure threatened to crush everything as it descended.

The very air seemed to solidify.

All sound on the island vanished, leaving only the sharp crackle of thunder.

Jinbe observed the two hundred dragons amassed overhead, an overwhelming spectacle that almost stole his sight.

Still, his assault continued unabated.

He understood the impossibility of deflecting every single strike, but surrender was not an option.

His duty was to safeguard every fish-man inhabitant of this island.

"Fishman Karate! Ultimate Secret Technique: Oni Tile Straight Punch!"

As a tremendous force gathered within him, Jinbe's gaze fixed upon Jake, burning with determination.

"Jake-sama, I know you are not giving it your all. I also believe your current actions are for the future of the fish-men. I have read of your deeds in the papers numerous times.

I will do everything within my capability to halt your onslaught—that is all!"

A flicker in Jinbe's expression conveyed to Jake that the fish-man had understood his motives.

Jake recognized that Jinbe perceived his actions were for Fishman Island's benefit, and perhaps, deep down, Jinbe even leaned towards his viewpoint.

However, as the successor to Fisher Tiger and the leader of Fishman Island, Jinbe occupied a precarious position.

He could not openly align with any single faction, as his choice would irrevocably tip the balance.

Should he join the Fishman District faction, consumed by animosity towards humans, Fishman Island would inevitably be steered toward ruin by those who favored conflict.

Once on that path, there would be no turning back.

The ensuing wave of hatred would become an unstoppable force, rendering even the royal family's intervention useless.

The entire island would face annihilation in a catastrophic war.

Jinbe was acutely aware of the stark power imbalance between humans and fish-men.

He knew precisely the dire consequences should the fish-men foolishly instigate a war against humanity.

Yet, despite this personal comprehension, he couldn't simply embrace the peaceful faction led by Queen Otohime.

The demise of their revered leader, Fisher Tiger, had inflicted a profound wound and shock upon the inhabitants of the Fish-Man District.

His passing had instilled a deep-seated animosity that would not fade easily.

If Jinbe were to now align with the peace faction, the extremists from the Fish-Man District would likely fracture away from Fish-Man Island entirely—or worse, declare war directly upon the royal family.

To underscore their defiance, they might even descend into the senseless slaughter of humans.

And if matters escalated to such a point, do you imagine humans would take the trouble to differentiate between the factions on Fish-Man Island when seeking vengeance?

No, they would not waste precious time on such distinctions.

The most probable outcome would be the arrival of formidable human cultivators, determined to eradicate every last fish-man!

To avert such a catastrophic future, Jinbe found himself compelled to walk a solitary path, mediating between both factions, desperately striving to maintain a fragile equilibrium.

But now, Jake was abruptly dismantling that delicate balance with overwhelming force.

Nevertheless, Jinbe also grasped that for Fish-Man Island to truly progress towards a brighter future, this oppressive status quo had to be shattered.

Yet, achieving this disruption through internal efforts alone seemed an impossibility.

Jinbe possessed the strength, but he was unable to act decisively.

Firstly, he couldn't readily bring himself to do so.

Secondly, a certain measure of rebellious spirit was indeed necessary on Fish-Man Island.

The abhorrent actions perpetrated by humans against fish-men could not simply be disregarded.

The island required individuals who would remember.

As for the royal family?

They wielded significant prestige and considerable influence, yet they were ultimately incapable of forging a unified national perspective.

Now, Jinbe tilted his head upwards, his gaze sweeping across the ominous thunderclouds that enshrouded nearly the entirety of Fish-Man Island, and a silent sigh escaped him.

He knew, with certainty, that change would commence from this very day.

After today's events, the Fish-Man District might very well cease to exist.

Jinbe's final, desperate maneuver was an attempt to preserve the unyielding spirit of fish-man resistance.

With a mighty roar, his muscles strained as he launched himself skyward like a comet, his fists hurtling into the tumultuous storm.

Thunder erupted violently, bathing the world in a blinding, golden-orange light.

Jinbe was powerful—but pitted against Jake, a Logia-type Devil Fruit user endowed with fearsome abilities, he remained outmatched.

Recognizing the futility of defeating both Jake and Monet, Jinbe opted instead to openly display his unwavering convictions, hoping to influence Jake's ultimate decision through sheer force of will.

The other fish-men gathered in the plaza watched Jinbe's slow descent from the heavens, their cries filled with alarm and sorrow.

Some, tears streaming down their faces, charged towards Jake, their fists clenched in defiance.

But then, Jinbe—scorched and battered—rose from the ground.

Fixing a fierce glare upon those rushing towards Jake, he bellowed into the air.

"Everyone, stand down! Jake-sama did not hurt me. Those attacks simply disappeared on their own right before they reached me—he clearly restrained himself! None of you are to provoke Jake-sama any further!"

With those words, Jinbei took a measured breath and slowly walked towards Jake.

Then, he offered a deep, respectful bow and made his plea.

"Jake-sama, I comprehend why the Marines have arrived at this location. I am aware that the existence of Fishman Street has crossed your absolute limit. However, I implore you not to resort to such extreme brutality! If it is at all possible, I beg you right here, right now—grant us more time! I give you my solemn vow that I will change the minds of those extremists!"

Observing Jinbei lower his head before him, a subtle smile graced Jake's lips.

This was precisely the outcome he had anticipated.

While Fishman Street was indeed a bastion for extremists, he could not possibly annihilate every single inhabitant without distinction.

Numerous ordinary fishmen resided there. If he were to eliminate them all in a single, swift action, it would only sow the seeds of even deeper animosity.

For Jake, the most desirable equilibrium would be a complex blend of fear, appreciation, bitterness, and optimism.

Jinbei's present disposition aligned perfectly with Jake's calculated projections.