One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

Looking at Carl's outstretched hand, Tiger hesitated momentarily before reaching out to shake it. His physical condition was terrible, even trying to use his hand for support to board the speedboat was futile. Embarrassment and helplessness flashed across his face.

Carl noticed Tiger's struggle, and with a bit of force, he pulled the five-meter-tall Fishman aboard.

Tiger, astonished by Carl's strange strength, sat in the cabin, dazed. Carl, thoughtfully stroking his chin, studied the red-skinned Fishman before him, quickly deducing his identity—the respected Fishman leader, Fisher Tiger, a true warrior.

Tiger's later audacious climb up the Red Line to challenge the Celestial Dragons would cement his legend. Yet even in death, betrayed by humans, Tiger held on to the hope of peace between humans and Fishmen—something others failed to grasp.

Carl mused that in the original tale, Tiger had once been a slave. If not for their encounter, the tragedy might have unfolded once more.

Tiger, struggling to sit upright, seemed to want to show respect by bowing to Carl. But Carl held his shoulder, saying,

"Better take it easy and rest for now."

Tiger, with a grateful smile, replied, "Thank you for saving me. You're a true friend. I'm Fisher Tiger. May I know your name?"

"Oh, my name is Carl. Now, tell me what happened. You're pretty strong—how did you end up captured by slavers and put on a ship?"

Tiger recounted his ordeal, his anger rising as he spoke, until he finally exclaimed,

"Humans can be vile!"

Carl suddenly asked, "And you think I'm any different?"

Tiger paused, surprised, then responded earnestly, "Of course! You saved me!"

Carl smirked, "You really don't learn. What if I was here to rob you? Jebber mentioned Fishmen like you fetch a high price."

Carl's mouth curled into a mischievous smile, a strange red light glinting in his eyes as a chilling pressure emanated from him.

Tiger gulped, feeling himself shrinking back under the intense pressure, but Carl burst into laughter.

"Just messing with you. Thought I'd leave a lasting impression."

Tiger's body relaxed, and he wiped the cold sweat from his brow, a look of horror still on his face.

The experience brought back memories. Last year, while on Fishman Island, he'd glimpsed a human named Roger beside King Neptune—a "petite" figure beside the towering Neptune, yet exuding an aura of unimaginable power. Even from afar, Roger's presence was overwhelming.

King Neptune had later told Tiger about Roger. This human was a pirate but one of the strongest on the seas, capable of leveling entire nations single-handedly.

But the shock Carl just gave him was more intense. He had faced Roger's aura from a distance; here, Carl's pressure was real and close.

Thinking that such powerful people might know each other, Tiger asked,

"Carl, do you know Roger?"

Carl's eyes flickered at the name, but he quickly resumed his calm expression. "I wouldn't say I know him. We crossed paths a few days ago."

Tiger, who hadn't caught news of the recent Roger-Whitebeard battle with the Navy, sensed from Carl's tone that they were on opposite sides.

Tentatively, he asked, "Carl…are you in the Navy?"

Carl yawned, looking slightly drowsy. Lately, he found himself unusually sleepy, despite his typically boundless energy.

Rubbing his temples, he murmured a casual "Hmm," confirming Tiger's guess.

Recalling Jebber's terrified expression before his death, a realization dawned on Tiger. Jebber had only managed to utter the word "black" before fear overtook him. And "black" was linked to a notorious Navy code name—Black Dragon, the youngest, most formidable Navy Admiral.

All signs pointed to it: Carl was Navy Admiral Black Dragon.

The realization left Tiger staring at Carl with newfound awe.

Meanwhile, Carl, already too tired to notice, lay back, pulling a black-covered Bible over his face, muttering,

"I'm really getting sleepy… stay here for now."

Tiger watched in astonishment as a burst of fire flared from behind Carl's neck, powering the speedboat's engine. Before Tiger could react, the boat shot forward like an arrow.

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+115 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg