Chapter 13: Strength Above All, Prince Neptune

Words : 1162 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

"There are lots of smart people who've become pirates. Why can't I be one too?" Roy found it a little strange. "I think you have great talent in business. You should be a merchant instead; becoming a pirate is a waste of your skills," said Blue. "You're overthinking it. In this world, what really matters is strength. Take our captain, for example, don't you think he's strong? If I didn't rely on him, no matter how much money I had, I wouldn't be able to hold on to it. Like you, for instance, you have millions of Berries. If someone threatened your life right now, would you hand it over?? "You're lucky you ran into me. I follow rules, and you're still useful to us." "But if you weren't useful? I wouldn't bother with rules. I'd just have our captain kill you and take the Devil Fruit." "So yes, there are plenty of smart people in the world. But true power comes from strength. Without enough power, no matter how smart you are, you're just someone else's pawn." After hearing Roy's words, Blue laughed and turned to Newgate, saying, "This crew member of yours doesn't talk like a kid at all. He's way too clever. He may not be that strong, but he knows who to rely on. With him by your side, things will be much easier for you." "Of course," said Whitebeard with a deep voice. "He's my first real companion." The coating process took time, and during this period, a few overconfident fools tried to challenge Whitebeard. But those newcomers didn't even need Newgate to deal with them; Marco and the others finished them off with ease. "Newgate, like I said before, no one sees the rainbow without weathering through the storm. They need to grow. The sea is dangerous. They can't rely on you forever. I certainly can't be counted on." "They'll become your pillars one day. You can protect them now, but what about the future? You can't babysit them forever," Roy said, watching Whitebeard clench his fists. "...You're right. Sigh." Whitebeard was overly protective. Watching Marco and the others fight, he nearly rushed in to help several times. If Roy hadn't stopped him, he would've done it. Letting Marco and the others fight, even if they got hurt, helped them understand how important strength truly was. "Newgate, he's more mature than you," Blue commented from the side, sipping his drink. After seven days, the ten craftsmen took their pay and left. Blue inspected the ship, patched a few issues, and then set off with them toward Fish-Man Island. "This is where I'm important," Blue said smugly. They had agreed from the start: he'd travel with them to Fish-Man Island, and if anything went wrong, he'd die with them. "Namur and Aruwan, you two don't mind leading the way, right?" Roy asked the two young fishmen. "No problem, Big Bro!" Aruwan thumped his chest. After a week together, they had fully integrated into the Whitebeard Pirates. In fact, they had officially joined and become part of the crew. The two had been abandoned by their parents in the Fish-Man District. Curious about humans, much like Camie, they snuck up to the surface, saw Sabaody, only to be captured by slavers. Having two fishmen guide them made the journey smoother. Everyone was excited to dive into the ocean depths. But once they entered the dark, deep sea, fear began to set in. The deep sea was full of dangers. If their bubble coating broke, the ship would be crushed instantly by the immense pressure, and everyone aboard would die. The ocean is harsh. Surviving here isn't easy. Roy respected the ocean's dangers far more than the others. The entire descent, he was tense. Thankfully, with the guidance of their fishman companions, they made it to Fish-Man Island safely, without experiencing the kind of crises the Straw Hats once faced. When they reached the island and saw the dreamlike crystal spheres, everyone was briefly stunned by the beauty. "Hurry up and dock. I need to check the coating. Once it's secure, you can head to the New World," Blue said. "No problem," Whitebeard nodded. The ship approached the entrance of Fish-Man Island. The entire island was within a giant bubble, half-submerged, half dry land. The entrance was a metal tube that acted like a straw inserted into the bubble. Ships could enter from there without losing their coating. "Halt! Identify yourselves!" shouted the guards of Fish-Man Island as they surrounded the ship. If they confirmed the group was hostile, they wouldn't hesitate to pop the ship's protective coating Roy couldn't fathom it. Fish-Man Island had such a unique geographical advantage, yet the place was crawling with slave traders. How inept was the royal family at governing? Pathetic. You could understand if they were being bullied on land, but down here, the fish-men and merfolk were practically unbeatable. Who could fight them in the sea? They had such strong racial advantages, yet they wasted them like garbage. "We're the Whitebeard Pirates. I'm friends with your Prince Neptune," said Whitebeard as he stepped forward. "You know His Highness?" a guard asked skeptically. "Wait! Why are there fish-man kids on your ship?" another soldier demanded loudly. "We were captured by slavers, they rescued us," Aruwan answered. "You were captured by slavers?" "Yes. We sneaked out and got caught by traffickers. Pops saved us." "Do you really know Prince Neptune?" Whitebeard shrugged. "Just call him. Tell him Newgate's here to see him." "Wait here. I'll go inform the prince." The guard entered the island, and a few minutes later, Prince Neptune arrived riding a shark and holding a golden trident in his hand. Young, muscular, and radiating authority, this was a far cry from the bloated king he'd become decades later. "It really is you, Newgate!" Neptune greeted Whitebeard happily. "Gurararara! Neptune, long time no see." "It really has been a long time! This must be your new crew. I heard about what happened to you. I knew you'd be okay. I ran into Roger a while back, he said you were alright." "Oh? When was Roger here?" "A few years ago, I think." "That guy's still alive?" "Hahaha! You were hoping he'd be dead, huh?" "Gurarara, of course." "Come inside! I've got drinks ready. And thank you for saving our people." "No need for thanks. They're my family now." "What do you mean?" "They've joined the Whitebeard Pirates. From now on, they're my sons." "Huh? That's why your crew is full is kids. Wait, you consider them your sons?!" "That's right, Neptune. I have a family now." "Congratulations, Newgate."

Chapter 13: Strength Above All, Prince Neptune

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