Chapter 25 King Neptune

As Namor, Enel, and the freed slaves made their way through the vibrant streets of Fish-Man Island toward Ryugu Palace, the sea kings that had transported them gently swam off into the surrounding waters. Namor walked at the front, his trident resting on his shoulder, his gaze swept across the beautifully lit coral homes and curious onlookers.

Arlong trudged alongside him, still battered and weak from his captivity. He carried himself with a mix of pride and shame, his movements stiff as his injuries still took their toll. Enel followed behind them, sparking with faint disinterest as he occasionally surveyed the humans and fish-men they passed.

Namor glanced at Arlong, his tone firm but curious. "You've been quiet since we got here. What happened while you were their prisoner?"

Arlong's jaw tightened, his sharp teeth gritting. "You want details? Fine. Those bastards chained me up, dragged me across their decks like some trophy. They beat me, mocked me, tried to break me… but they didn't. They couldn't." His voice carried a sharp edge, but his posture betrayed the weight of what he'd endured.

Namor nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "I could tell from your condition that they tried. You're lucky to be alive, Arlong. Most wouldn't have survived what you did."

Arlong glanced at him, his pride flaring. "I'm a fish-man, Namor. We don't break so easily. And I kept fighting, every second I was conscious. You think those humans scare me?"

Namor stopped abruptly, turning to face Arlong fully. His gaze was piercing, his voice cold. "You're alive because they underestimated you. Not because of your pride or your strength. If you don't learn from this, next time, you won't be so lucky."

Arlong's fists clenched, but he said nothing. The weight of Namor's words hung heavy between them as they resumed walking.

After a moment, Namor softened slightly, his tone shifting. "You know, when I was out there… fighting to free you, I realized something."

Arlong raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"

Namor's gaze flicked to the vibrant coral structures around them, his voice low. "Strength alone isn't enough. I've always relied on my power, my heritage, to win battles. But the world doesn't bend to strength alone. It takes strategy. Allies. A clear purpose. Without that, even the strongest can fall."

Arlong snorted but didn't argue. He knew Namor wasn't wrong.

"I've also learned," Namor continued, "that the sea itself is my greatest ally. Not just the creatures, but the currents, the tides, the vastness of it all. It's alive, and it's watching. It's something humans can never truly understand."

Arlong gave him a sidelong glance. "You sound like one of those old fish-men preachers."

Namor smirked faintly. "Maybe. Or maybe I've just seen more than you have."

They walked in silence for a moment, the crowd parting around them. Finally, Arlong spoke again, his voice quieter. "I owe you, Namor. For freeing me. For not giving up."

Namor glanced at him, his expression softening for the briefest moment. "You don't owe me anything, Arlong. We're allies. I need you strong, and I need you free. That's the only way we win."

Arlong nodded, his usual bravado muted for once.

As they continued toward Ryugu Palace, the freed slaves walking behind them, Namor couldn't shake the feeling that their path was only going to get harder from here. But for now, at least, they had reached a place where hope and opportunity lingered just within reach.

When the group finally reached the grand gates of Ryugu Palace, the sprawling structure carved into the side of a massive coral hill.

Two imposing fish-man guards blocked their way, their spears crossed in front of the gate. "Halt!" one of them barked. "No one enters Ryugu Palace without clearance from the royal family!"

Namor stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. "I've come to speak with King Neptune. My request is urgent, and I mean no harm."

The guards exchanged skeptical glances, their grips tightening on their spears. "Who are you to demand an audience with the king?" the second guard asked, his tone sharp. "The palace is not a place for vagabonds or criminals."

Namor's grip on his trident tightened, his patience fraying at the insult. For a moment, his conqueror's haki flared unintentionally, causing the guards to falter and the air to thicken with tension. But Namor quickly reined it in, forcing himself to remain composed. He needed this meeting, and he wasn't about to jeopardize it with brute force.

"I am Namor D. McKenzie," he said, his voice measured but commanding. "And I seek an audience with your king. I have come to request his help in rebuilding a kingdom—one that will benefit not just fish-men, but the entire sea."

The guards didn't lower their weapons. "We don't care who you are," one of them retorted. "Without proper clearance, you won't—"

Before he could finish, Arlong stepped forward, his expression dark with frustration. "Stand down, you fools!" he snarled, his voice carrying the authority of someone who had once walked these streets as if he owned them.

The guards hesitated, recognizing him instantly. "Arlong?" one of them muttered, his tone shifting from defiance to confusion.

"Yes, it's me," Arlong snapped. "And if you don't open those gates, you'll be wasting valuable time that we don't have! Namor isn't just some outsider. He's the one who freed me and countless others from the clutches of the humans. He's here to talk about something that could change everything for fish-men. So either let us in, or you can explain to King Neptune why you turned away someone who might be our greatest ally."

The guards exchanged nervous glances. Arlong's reputation, for better or worse, carried weight. And the mention of freeing slaves wasn't something they could ignore.

Finally, one of them sighed and lowered his spear. "Fine. But you're responsible for their behavior, Arlong. If anything goes wrong, it's on your head."

"Nothing will go wrong," Arlong muttered, stepping aside as the gates creaked open.

Namor glanced at him, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well done," he said quietly.

Arlong huffed, crossing his arms. "Don't get used to it. I'm just making sure you don't screw this up."

Namor chuckled softly as they stepped through the gates, the sprawling beauty of Ryugu Palace coming into full view.

…

The grand hall of Ryugu Palace was a sight to behold. An enormous throne carved from a single pearl sat at the far end of the chamber. King Neptune, towering and regal, sat upon it, his long ginger beard flowing like a cascade. His trident rested beside him, and his small eyes were fixed on the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Namor who had told the slaves to wait outside for them to be done, flanked by Enel and Arlong, stepped forward with a bit of confidence.

"Who dares to enter my palace without clearance?" Neptune's booming voice echoed through the chamber, his tone sharp with authority. His gaze swept over the trio, lingering on Arlong with a hint of disappointment before landing on Namor.

Namor met the king's gaze calmly, but before he could speak, Neptune's eyes fell to the trident in his hand. His stern expression faltered, replaced by a look of bewilderment. The air in the room grew heavier as Neptune's connection to the ocean allowed him to sense the overwhelming presence emanating from the weapon.

"That trident…" Neptune's voice softened, almost reverent. "It carries a connection to the ocean unlike any I have seen. How is it that you, a human, possess such a thing?"

Namor raised a hand, brushing his long hair back to reveal the gills on his neck. "I am no human, Your Majesty," he said. "I am an Atlantean, a member of an ancient race that once ruled the seas. My kingdom, Atlantis, was destroyed long ago, but I seek to rebuild it and unite those of the sea under one banner. To that end, I have come to you, King Neptune, hoping for your wisdom and guidance."

Neptune stared at him in silence, his eyes scanning Namor's gills, his trident, and the determined look on his face. For a moment, the room was so still that even the faint ripples in the water could be heard.

"And these are your allies?" Neptune finally asked, his gaze shifting to Enel and Arlong.

Namor nodded. "Enel is a formidable warrior from the sky, and Arlong is one of your own. Together, we've freed many slaves and brought down those who sought to profit from the suffering of others."

At the mention of Arlong, Neptune's expression darkened. "Arlong," he said sternly, his voice heavy with disapproval. "You abandoned this island, your home, to chase your own twisted ambitions. You caused untold suffering and gave the humans more reason to fear us."

Arlong looked down, his jaw tight. But before Neptune could continue, his gaze shifted back to Namor and Enel. Recognition dawned on his face, and his hand gripped the arm of his throne tightly.

"Wait… you… you're the ones from the reports," Neptune said, his voice tinged with both awe and alarm. "Mckenzie D. Namor and Enel. Your actions at Sabaody Archipelago… the destruction, the world nobles…"

Namor held his head high, unflinching under the weight of Neptune's scrutiny. "Yes, I am. And I will not apologize for what I've done. The atrocities committed by the Celestial Dragons demanded justice. If my actions inspire fear among their ranks, so be it. My goal is not destruction for its own sake, but the creation of a better world—one where those of the sea can live free from tyranny."

Neptune leaned back in his throne, his expression conflicted. The weight of Namor's words, the undeniable power of his presence, and the trident he carried seemed to stir something deep within the king. He looked at Namor for a long moment, as though trying to discern the truth of his intentions.

"Atlantis…" Neptune murmured. "A kingdom lost to history, yet its legacy survives in you." He exhaled deeply, his gaze softening. "If what you say is true, and your intentions are as noble as you claim, then you may find aid here. But be warned, Namor. You walk a dangerous path, and the ocean's wrath is not easily forgiven."

Namor nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand the risks, but I will not waver. My people—our people—deserve a future, and I will see it realized."

Neptune glanced at Arlong, his expression still wary. "And you, Arlong. Consider this your second chance. Do not squander it."

Arlong looked up, his eyes filled with a rare mix of guilt and determination. "I won't," he said firmly.

With that, Neptune gestured for them to follow. "Come. If you are to rebuild a kingdom, we have much to discuss."