Thus, the matter was settled.
After the Beasts Pirates paid the ransom and took their crew away, the major event that had caused such a stir recently finally came to an end. The result was a comprehensive victory for the Whitebeard Pirates.
After this incident, their position as sea emperors was unshakable. Even two of the Four Emperors and the Navy had suffered significant losses. From now on, anyone who dared to trouble the Whitebeard Pirates would have to reconsider.
As expected, news of how this matter was handled spread like wildfire from Fishman Island to all corners of the world. In just two or three days, everyone knew about it. Those who had been closely following the event eagerly bought newspapers and read the updates with great interest.
In taverns and news offices worldwide, exclamations could be heard everywhere.
"Wow! Thirty billion? They really paid it?!"
"The Beasts Pirates are so cowardly?"
"Of course! What else could they do? The captain of the Seventeenth Division of the Whitebeard Pirates is recognized as a super strong fighter, not to mention they have Green Bull and others. How could the Beasts Pirates stand a chance?"
"The world is really changing..."
The whole world was shocked. Although many had mentally prepared for the outcome when the Beasts Pirates sent a negotiation team, seeing that they actually paid thirty billion still left everyone stunned. The Beasts Pirates had, quite literally, embarrassed themselves in front of the whole world.
But at the same time, everyone realized one thing: the New World was truly about to be stirred up.
Meanwhile, King Neptune of Fishman Island personally invited Lin Yan to attend a banquet at the Dragon Palace. Naturally, Neptune wanted to build connections with such a powerful figure. Lin Yan attended the celebration banquet on Fishman Island with a somewhat helpless expression.
This was to be expected. For Fishman Island, which had always been under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates, they had often received many benefits from the Whitebeard Pirates. It's no exaggeration to say the peace and prosperity of Fishman Island today was entirely due to the Whitebeard Pirates. Their fortunes were tied together. Driving away the three forces that coveted Fishman Island was akin to defending their home, not to mention the huge ransom they collected.
"Today is truly a day worth celebrating! Drink! Everyone, drink!" Neptune, with a broad smile, raised his glass and drank with everyone, his recent worries forgotten.
Seeing this, Lin Yan felt a bit exasperated yet amused. But with such enthusiasm, refusing would seem ungrateful. And as he put it, who doesn't like a freebie?
"Captain, let's have a drink!" Ain, dressed in a deep blue evening gown, smiled brightly at Lin Yan, holding a glass of wine. She had deliberately dressed up today to prevent someone's gaze from wandering to the mermaid ladies. Seeing the hint of amazement in Lin Yan's eyes, Ain felt even happier, her smile becoming sweeter.
Women remember grievances. She had dressed up specifically to flaunt in front of Lin Yan, and it seemed to be working. Ain raised her glass with a smile.
"Aren't you going to join everyone in celebrating?"
"Give me a break," Lin Yan shrugged helplessly, saying, "Having just finished the War of the Best, I'm exhausted. I'm not used to such occasions, and we have to leave tomorrow."
"That's true..." Ain's smile faded a bit. With the matter of Fishman Island resolved, it was unlikely anyone would dare to cause trouble here soon. Considering the state of the Whitebeard Pirates, it was time to return.
But before that... Ain tilted her head, deliberately twirling in front of Lin Yan without saying a word, just staring at him.
"Uh, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Lin Yan glanced at her, puzzled by her expectant look.
"Do you notice anything different about me today?" Ain squinted at him, a bit annoyed.
"Different? How?" Lin Yan scratched his head, wondering if something was wrong with Ain.
"Hmph!" Ain was clearly displeased. She had agonized over choosing this dress, and all she got was a lukewarm response? Can't you just give a compliment? Her smile vanished, and she stomped her foot in frustration before turning and walking away, not even bothering to send a glance back.
Lin Yan stood there, bewildered, watching her leave, thinking that women's hearts were indeed unpredictable. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Zephyr, shaking his head, sighed as he patted Lin Yan's shoulder.
"You really don't understand women at all."
Lin Yan: ?
After spending a pleasant night on Fishman Island, the next day, the group prepared to leave, bidding farewell to the residents and setting off to return to the Whitebeard Pirates. It's worth mentioning that Ain, still upset about the previous day, gave Lin Yan the cold shoulder all day. No more usual warmth. Seeing Lin Yan, she would either huff or glare before walking away. Lin Yan could only sigh.
Of course, he wouldn't hold a grudge over such a small matter. Fortunately, the journey was smooth. Without much trouble, they returned to the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates, with the Moby Dick appearing before them.
"Captain Lin is back!" From a distance, members of the Whitebeard Pirates waved enthusiastically. By now, Lin Yan had become the hero of the Whitebeard Pirates. Without him stepping up at the War of the Best, not to mention solidifying their status as sea emperors, whether they could have even returned was uncertain! As a hero, receiving such treatment was only natural, wasn't it?
Lin Yan remained calm. With an indifferent expression, he nodded in response and prepared to lead everyone back. But in the next moment, Lin Yan's expression changed to one of pleasant surprise. The reason was simple.
"Captain Lin, Dad is awake and has been asking to see you!"