The night in Ryugu Castle was tranquil, but it seemed to have undergone some changes compared to before.
Since the Evil Dragon incident came to an end, the atmosphere within the palace had become subtle, once again bearing the fate of a race.
Neptune, who originally only sought stability and gradual change to the status quo of Fish-Man Island, was now slowly becoming more radical.
And the fate of the Fish-Men and Merfolk was in their hands.
Jin-An stood on the high balcony, his gaze deep as he overlooked the distant ocean, where gentle waves shimmered, seemingly symbolizing the future hope and unknown challenges of Fish-Man Island.
A few days' stay was enough.
Jin-An's fingers gently tapped the railing, he knew that what he could teach and guide had already been conveyed to Neptune and Otohime.
As for the future, how they would implement it, Jin-An could only wait and see.
"It's time to leave," he muttered to himself, turning and leaving the balcony.
Meanwhile, a Marine unit led by Kuzan had already arrived at Fish-Man Island.
In recent days, they had been maintaining order on the island, also indirectly demonstrating the influence and deterrence of the Marines.
Although Sengoku had not issued a clear order to retreat, Jin-An understood that his mission here was complete and there was no need to stay any longer.
The next day, the morning sea breeze carried a hint of coolness. Kuzan stood at the edge of the port of Fish-Man Island, as always wearing his thick coat, looking lazy and indifferent, but a sharp glint occasionally flashed in his ever-calm eyes.
"Are we really planning to leave?" Kuzan asked in a low voice, his tone flat, but clearly with some thoughts in his mind.
Jin-An nodded lightly, "Yes, there's nothing more to do."
His tone was calm and composed, as if leaving at this moment was just another ordinary mission ending for him, "What Neptune and Otohime will do next is no longer up to us to decide."
Kuzan raised an eyebrow slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, seemingly agreement, yet carrying a hint of uncertainty about the future.
He also knew very well that the reform of Fish-Man Island could not be accomplished overnight. Jin-An and the others could only be guides; the real challenge had just begun.
Just as Jin-An and Kuzan were preparing to leave, two figures silently walked onto the port.
Leading the way was Fisher Tiger, his face calm, his eyes filled with determination.
He was the pride of Fish-Man Island and one of the most influential Fish-Men in this sea.
Behind him was Jinbe, burly and with deep eyes. He was a revolutionary with a progressive will.
The two had obviously made their own decisions.
"Admiral Jin-An, Jinbe and I are also preparing to leave Fish-Man Island."
Fisher Tiger said, his tone steady, but with a hint of respect for Jin-An.
Jin-An turned to look at them, his gaze sweeping over the two, carrying a faint contemplation.
He did not respond immediately, but carefully examined the two Fish-Men in front of him, their eyes containing a firm light, obviously having made all the preparations.
"Where do you plan to go after leaving Fish-Man Island?" Jin-An asked, his tone calm, as if everything was under control.
"We want to see the outside world."
Fisher Tiger said indifferently, his voice full of unwavering determination, "Fish-Man Island cannot be forever closed off in this seabed, and we also want to find more ways out for our people."
Jinbe nodded, his eyes flashing with the fanaticism and determination characteristic of a revolutionary.
"The outside world does not only belong to humans, but also to us oppressed races. Only by going out can there be hope."
Jin-An smiled slightly, he could feel the ambition and beliefs of the two.
This decision was not only about their future, but also about the future of Fish-Man Island.
The outside world was indeed full of dangers, but also full of opportunities.
"Good," Jin-An's voice was calm and firm, "Since you have made a decision, then go. The outside world is far more complex than you imagine. I hope you can stick to your beliefs."
Jinbe and Fisher Tiger nodded at the same time, they held respect in their hearts for Jin-An's evaluation and guidance.
After all, this Marine Admiral was not only a symbol of the Marines, but in a sense, he had also become their guide.
"Let's go, Kuzan," Jin-An turned, signaling Kuzan to board the warship together and return to Marine Headquarters.
Kuzan sighed helplessly, shrugging his shoulders lazily, "How boring, why is it always this kind of thing."
Although his words were light, he also knew that their departure meant that Fish-Man Island would officially enter a new period of change.
As the warship raised its anchor, their ship slowly sailed away from Fish-Man Island.
The sound of the wind whistled past his ears, and the waves on the sea gently lapped against the hull. Jin-An stood on the deck, his gaze lazily looking ahead.
And behind him, Jinbe and Fisher Tiger were still watching the departing warship, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
The sea breeze fluttered their clothes, and as the silhouette of the ship gradually receded, the future of Fish-Man Island had ushered in a new beginning.
Jinbe's gaze drooped slightly, the sea breeze whistled past his ears, fluttering his wide sleeves.
Standing on the island, his heart surged, and Jin-An's firm figure repeatedly appeared in his mind.
He felt an unprecedented desire and impulse to follow the man who ignited hope for the entire Fish-Man Island.
He took a deep breath, as if suppressing the struggle in his heart, but finally, he made up his mind.
"Tiger..." Jinbe's voice was a little low, with a hint of hesitation and other complex emotions.
He raised his head, looking at Fisher Tiger in front of him, the partner who had been leading him all along, his eyes revealing reluctance and respect.
"I want to follow Admiral Jin-An," Jinbe's voice became firm, as if these words were squeezed out from the depths of his heart.
He raised his head, his eyes filled with determination, "He is the one who pointed out the way forward for us. I have never seen a human like him, he let me see the future of Fish-Man Island - a different future."
Fisher Tiger was silent for a moment, then, he smiled slightly.
That smile was mixed with understanding and a blessing for Jinbe's future.
Tiger had always understood Jinbe's thoughts, just as he once was, constantly pursuing his beliefs and walking on the road to freedom.
"I knew you meant that," Tiger's voice was a little gentle, he raised his hand and patted Jinbe's shoulder, the action was simple, but full of brotherly care and support.
"Pursue the thoughts in your heart, Jinbe."
He raised his head slightly, his eyes looking far ahead at the warship that had become very small, as if looking forward to Jinbe's future path.
"We will always support you. No matter who you choose to follow, as long as the road you take is for the future of Fish-Man Island, we brothers will stand behind you."
Jinbe's throat was a little tight, he knew that the decision he was about to make was difficult, but he also knew that only by following Jin-An could he find a real way out for his fellow Fish-Men, even if this road was full of thorns.
"Thank you, Tiger," Jinbe's eyes were firm, and there was no longer any wavering in his heart, "I will not let you down."
The two stood in the sea breeze, their silence carrying a deep understanding and understanding.
They knew that this choice meant that Jinbe would embark on a completely different path, but equally, they both knew that this was a path of light and hope.
Fisher Tiger finally smiled slightly, "Jinbe, go. The future belongs to you, and it also belongs to Fish-Man Island. When you come back, I believe that our people will see a different world because of you."
Jinbe didn't say anything more, just bowed deeply, saying goodbye to the brother who had always supported him.
Then, he turned around, took firm steps, and walked towards the direction where Jin-An was.
The sea breeze was still blowing, and Fisher Tiger stood in place, watching Jinbe's back gradually disappear.
There was no wavering in his eyes, only longing and trust for the future.
He knew that Jinbe's choice was right, this was not just a following, but the beginning of Fish-Man Island's true liberation.
...
