144. Ryugu Palace

Shape Fishman Island's future?

Leo was bewildered when he heard her. He couldn't help but ask.

"How would I do that? And, why me?"

Shirley shook her head and said, "I don't know how. Looking into the future isn't simple, all I can get are some vague impressions. But I am sure about one thing, you are the opportunity we have been waiting for."

Leo was so confused right now. He was just a guy travelling around the world to see interesting stuff. What's this about deciding a country's future?

"Sorry, I think you have got wrong man."

Shirley didn't cling to the topic and said to Camie, "Show them around the island. I am sure they will really like it here."

Camie nodded enthusiastically, "Leave it to me madam Shirley!"

Shirley had a deep look in her eyes as she watched their receeding figure.

After leaving the cafe Camie led them around the island and introduced them to Fishman Island's peculiar products.

As they were strolling around several merman and mermaids gasped.

Leo looked around and found them looking up into the sky. A shadow was coming down from above.

With his excellent eyesight Leo made out the appearance of that shadow. It was a huge merman, he had a grizzly beard and wore a crown.

Shinobu narrowed her eyes, "That should be the king of Fishman Island, right?"

Her question was directed towards Camie who was standing beside her stunned.

Camie mechanically nodded her head.

Although they were surprised by the king's appearance, it had nothing to do with them. They were about to be on their way when a voice interrupted them.

"Vice admiral Leo, vice admiral Shinobu, I hope both of you can accept my invitation and come to Ryugu Palace as my honoured guests."

What??

The crowd was stunned when they heard their kind.

Their king Neptune was inviting these humans to the Ryugu Palace? Who were they?

Leo found no reason to reject a sincere invitation so he agreed.

"Ok."

The crowd was again stunned. That's it? Do you not know who this was? Shouldn't you atleast show a humble expression before a king?

Neptune was surprised for a second and laughed it off. He liked honest straight forward people.

He took out a coral stick and blew it. An air bubble flew out and encased Leo and Shinobu.

They were lifted off from the ground and flew away with Neptune, leaving a stunned Camie behind.

Leo was again fascinated by these peculiar trinkets from Fishman Island. A stick that looked like a coral could blow out bubbles that had the same function as their ship's coating.

Fascinating.

They rose through the air and went through a passage connecting the Ryugu Palace and the Fishman Island.

A majestic palace appeared before them. Neptune brought them inside and ordered his subordinates to prepare a feast.

Just as he stepped into the palace Leo raised his head in astonishment. He looked in a particular direction and found a pair of eyes peeking out from behind a wall. When their gaze met that pair of eyes panicked and hid.

Neptune who was leading them saw Leo halting his steps and followed his gaze. When he saw who it was he showed a gentle smile.

"It's alright, Shirahoshi. Don't be afraid."

Neptune's words seems to have some effect as a figure came out from the shadows. It was a huge mermaid, she was very beautiful.

Shirahoshi rushed to Neptune's side and hid behind him, though Neptune was unable to hide her massive figure.

"Haha, this is my daughter, Shirahoshi."

Leo and Shinobu bowed slightly and greeted Shirahoshi. After all she is a princess.

Shirahoshi yelped and hid her head behind Neptune.

Leo and Shinobu were amused when they saw such a huge girl being so timid.

"It's alright, we don't bite."

Shinobu walked over and said with a smile. Maybe because they were both girls Shirahoshi raised her head and looked at Shinobu.

"He-Hello."

She stammered.

Shinobu smiled sweetly and said, "Hello to you too."

Seeing her beautiful smile Shirahoshi calmed down and said sincerely, "Your smile is so beautiful."

Leo laughed when he heard her. His abrupt laugher scared her and she immediately shrunk her head.

Shinobu stared at him to which he raised his hand.

Like coaxing a child Shinobu said some sweet words and comforted her. Not long after Shinobu was sitting on Shirahoshi's shoulder, they were speaking about irrelevant matters and laughing from time to time.

Neptune was surprised when he saw them.

"Your companion is truly gentle. A great woman."

Leo smiled and accepted the compliment. He was proud inside.

Soon a grand feast was placed before them. Leo no longer stood on ceremony and tried every dish on the table. Though he was trying everything his actions looked calm and refined.

Neptune secretly nodded to himself when he saw Leo's bearings.

After having their fill Neptune ordered his men and they brought out what looked like cotton candy.

"This is our islands famous cotton cloud candy. Only a limited amount is made every year, have some."

Leo took some. The candy was soft and looked like a cloud. He took a bite and his eyes widened.

So sweet!

Shinobu was also addicted by the taste. Shirahoshi was beside her and nibbling on a huge piece of candy as well. She had pure bliss written all over her face.

While Leo and Shinobu were having a feast and enjoying candy, the New World was in chaos.

Two of the Yonko were on the move!

Big Mom pirates led by Katakuri and Beast pirates led by Jack The Drought sailed with a full fleet towards the exit point of Fishman Island.

They surrounded the entire sea area.

"Katakuri-sama, we don't know how long that marine will stay in Fishman Island."

A man with a shawl covering the lower half of his face was seated on Big Mom's pirate ship. He had his eyes closed at the moment.

Hearing his subordinates report he opened his eyes and said, "He is a marine, three days max. He will come out."