One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

"Who exactly are you? Why did you want to talk to me alone? And what's your connection with Tiger?"

Jinbe was utterly perplexed. Why would Fisher Tiger speak on Karl's behalf?

Fisher Tiger's willingness to vouch for Dragon made sense; Dragon's unique identity garnered the respect of most fishmen. But Karl? That was a different story.

Karl, however, didn't answer Jinbe's questions immediately. Instead, he waited until the other fishmen had followed Fisher Tiger off the deck. Only then did he remove his mask and glasses.

"You're that Marine, Karl?!"

The moment Jinbe saw Karl's face, he immediately recognized him.

This revelation explained everything—why Fisher Tiger would defend Karl. Back when Fisher Tiger freed the slaves, their escape would have been nearly impossible without outside help. Karl had provided critical assistance, allowing them to flee with ease.

"Well, since you know who I am, that makes things easier. I have two requests for you."

"Go ahead. As long as it doesn't go against my principles, I'll agree," Jinbe replied solemnly, his tone serious. Yet, there was a hint of admiration in his eyes as he looked at Karl.

Many fishmen revered Karl for his actions, and Jinbe was no exception.

"Before we get to that, how about a handshake first?"

Jinbe was puzzled by the unexpected request but didn't refuse. He extended his hand and shook Karl's outstretched arm.

[Successfully bonded with Jinbe, the First Son of the Sea. Gained mastery of Fishman Karate.]

The new ability was satisfactory and would enhance Karl's physical combat techniques. However, Fishman Karate, when used by humans, lacked the devastating power it held in the hands of fishmen.

This was evident even in the original canon, where the Fishman Karate techniques used by Hody Jones paled in comparison to Jinbe's. Moreover, Jinbe at this stage hadn't yet reached his peak strength, so his skill level was only at the "mastery" stage.

"Mr. Karl, now can you tell me what you need from me?" Jinbe asked as he released Karl's hand.

Karl snapped his fingers, activating the powers of the Calm-Calm Fruit.

Jinbe, however, didn't notice anything unusual. While Rosinante's use of the Calm-Calm Fruit in the original series came with an apparent visual effect, in reality, the ability created a transparent, soundproof barrier, undetectable to anyone but the user. Even Karl could only sense the barrier's reach by intuition.

To Jinbe, it merely seemed like Karl was showing off with a flashy finger snap.

"Jinbe, my first request is simple: don't mention to anyone, aside from Fisher Tiger, that you've seen me here."

"Rest assured, Mr. Karl. I won't speak a word of this. What's the second request? Is it more complicated?"

"The second is straightforward as well. I'm planning to recruit certain pirates to form a group under the Navy's command—the Seven Warlords of the Sea. This organization will serve to counter the pirates in the New World and the Yonko.

"You're a perfect candidate for this role, so I'm inviting you before the plan is officially launched.

"If you choose to decline, that's fine, but I urge you to give it serious thought. This arrangement benefits both you and Fish-Man Island without any drawbacks.

"Fish-Man Island's location is uniquely strategic, and as fishmen, you've suffered relentless discrimination. Changing that reality will take more than the efforts of Queen Otohime and Fisher Tiger alone.

"This is your opportunity. If you become one of the Seven Warlords, I'll have a legitimate reason to visit Fish-Man Island openly and provide assistance."

Jinbe was clearly tempted by Karl's proposal. However, he was rational enough not to make a hasty decision out of admiration for Karl.

"Mr. Karl, would it be alright if I discussed this matter with Tiger first?"

"Of course. This plan won't be implemented for some time, so you have plenty of time to think it over.

"I've said all I needed to. You can leave with Fisher Tiger now.

"But one last thing—be cautious. Someone may attempt to assassinate Queen Otohime. I've already mentioned this to Fisher Tiger, but you should stay vigilant as well. The culprit will most likely be one of your own kind."

"A fishman would harm Queen Otohime?!" Jinbe was visibly shocked by Karl's warning.

His reaction mirrored Fisher Tiger's initial response, but after a moment of thought, Jinbe realized Karl had no reason to lie.

With a mix of skepticism and belief, Jinbe nodded, clasped his fists in a respectful bow to Karl, and then leapt into the sea, leaving Dragon's ship.

Karl watched the Sun Pirates depart, sighed, and discarded his mask and sunglasses onto the deck.

"Dragon, I'm heading out. Good luck."

After a brief farewell, Karl left the ship.

Staying with Dragon any longer wouldn't have been an issue, but if reporters caught wind of it, who knew what kind of rumors might spread.

After parting ways with Dragon, Karl made his way to the G-8 Branch, intending to meet Aokiji (Kuzan).

To his surprise, G-8 was temporarily under the command of Enel, who had taken up the role of acting commander. Aokiji had returned to Marine Headquarters.

When Karl asked why, Enel couldn't provide specifics but speculated that Aokiji's promotion to Admiral was imminent. Sengoku was on the verge of becoming Fleet Admiral, and Aokiji, already possessing the strength of an Admiral, was naturally summoned for advancement.

Another surprise awaited Karl—Perona wasn't at G-8 either. Aokiji had taken her with him.

With neither person he sought present, Karl lost interest in lingering at the branch. After resting for a night, he left the base.

Before returning to Marine Headquarters, Karl decided to stop by the Sabaody Archipelago, hoping to capture a few more pirates.

However, much to his astonishment, the archipelago and the surrounding seas were devoid of pirates—or even slave traders. The absence was uncanny.

After casually asking around, Karl learned that Kizaru (Borsalino) had been patrolling the Sabaody Archipelago recently. Any pirates who appeared were promptly apprehended.

Karl speculated that Kizaru might be working overtime to earn a promotion to Admiral.

He was wrong, though—Kizaru wasn't chasing a promotion. He was simply trying to secure his monthly bonus.

"Well, at least it's peaceful. Saves me the trouble of hunting them myself."

Karl strolled leisurely through the archipelago, though his steps were not aimless. He was heading toward a certain bar.

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