Chapter 128: Neptune!

To legally land on Fishman Island, one must follow the correct route and pass through a constructed passage within the double-layered bubble surrounding the island.

However, for illegal entry, one has to break through the island's outer bubble and continue forward without falling into the ventilation space between the layers to reach the island safely.

Asa's current ship was stolen, and unlike Luffy's Thousand Sunny, it didn't have a wind cannon capable of breaking through the layers in quick succession to ensure a safe passage.

Without sufficient power, the ship would fall straight into the deep sea between the bubbles.

"It seems legal entry is no longer an option," Asa muttered, frowning as he scanned the island. However, he couldn't spot a proper landing port anywhere on Fishman Island.

"It's just a scrap ship—I'll grab another one after this crashes," he said nonchalantly, taking two sips from his wine gourd before storing it in his Fortified City Bracelet. Then, he looked up at the Sunlight Tree Eve, which radiated infinite brilliance overhead.

Even after witnessing it several times, this miracle remained awe-inspiring. Despite the 10,000-meter depth, Fishman Island thrived thanks to this magnificent tree, which transmitted sunlight from the surface.

Few creatures could survive without sunlight—whether mermaids or fishmen.

Thus, those who lived at the top of Fishman Island were either the island's wealthy elite or the ruling class of Ryugu Palace.

...

Asa circled the island in search of a landing point. Though illegal entry might trigger a pursuit, he wasn't the least bit concerned.

Surprisingly, after a full circle, Asa discovered a passage within the massive bubble encasing Fishman Island. It was a circular opening—just large enough for a giant ship to enter or exit.

Stationed at the entrance were soldiers of the "Sea King Army," each bearing features of various marine species.

"The man on the bow…"

Fishmen could see further than humans underwater. They instantly spotted the slowly approaching ship and recognized the figure on the bow. He matched the descriptions of the recently rumored visitor—"Thunder God" Hippolyte D. Asa.

"He's the notorious criminal who plundered the Celestial Gold! The only man to escape from Impel Down in history!"

A fishman soldier with a ten-centimeter protruding lip and dead fish eyes was stunned, nearly popping his eyeballs.

Despite its depth, Fishman Island wasn't isolated from the outside world. Located on the only route to the New World, it maintained a fairly high level of intelligence—second only to the Sabaody Archipelago.

Pirates frequently passed through, and Asa's two world-shaking exploits had spread far and wide.

His fame now rivaled that of the world's strongest pirates—even before entering the New World.

"Oh? So that's the legal entrance?" Asa muttered to himself, steering the ship in that direction.

The guard at the entrance, frightened stiff, didn't even dare to ask questions or collect tolls—he let Asa pass directly.

"'Thunder God' Hippolyte D. Asa… What's he doing on Fishman Island?"

"He must be heading into the New World!"

"Should we inform His Majesty the King?"

The guards exchanged nervous whispers and decided to report the matter.

...

Asa's ship slowly entered Fishman Island, successfully landing. An octopus fishman, who had been waiting for him, immediately approached.

"Lord Hippolyte D. Asa, His Majesty Neptune invites you to Ryugu Palace!" The octopus fishman wore a gentleman's hat and respectfully placed one of his tentacles over his chest in a salute.

"Neptune is already king?" Asa asked with mild surprise.

As the father of Poseidon—the future King of the Sea—he was a significant figure. It wouldn't hurt to meet him.

"His Majesty Neptune ascended the throne two years ago, taking over control of Ryugu Palace from the previous monarch," the octopus fishman replied respectfully.

"Lead the way," Asa said calmly, straightening his blue cloak.

It was just a meeting. There was no danger, and Asa didn't believe anyone on Fishman Island posed a threat to him. Fisher Tiger, Jinbe… even the island's future guardians weren't on his level yet.

He boarded a whale-pulled fish cart and ascended to Ryugu Palace, the highest point on Fishman Island where the sunlight shone brightest.

Located atop the island, Ryugu Palace was a majestic sight made of giant coral reefs, shells, and other grand structures.

From a distance, Asa saw four figures waiting in front of the palace as the fish cart approached. The leader was tall and broad, with bright orange-red curly hair and beard, wielding a Poseidon Trident.

He was the King of Fishman Island—Neptune.

Standing to his left was a beautiful goldfish mermaid with blond hair, blue eyes, and a round face. Asa's eyes naturally focused on her. She was the mystical woman born with innate Color of Observation Haki—capable of hearing the hearts of others.

Behind them stood two more figures. One was a red-skinned fishman with a large mouth and a turban—Fisher Tiger, the true leader of Fishman District. Beside him was Jinbe, a whale shark fishman in a samurai robe, wearing black gloves and a pipe.

"Are they trying to intimidate me? Afraid I'll cause trouble on Fishman Island?" Asa mused with a wry smile.

It was understandable. Any leader would feel uneasy with an unpredictable powerhouse within their borders. Neptune was no exception.

To the outside world, Asa was considered temperamental and difficult to communicate with—arrogant and domineering at first glance.

"Mr. Asa! Ho ho ho ho ho ho! Welcome to Ryugu Palace! I am Neptune, King of Fishman Island. This is Princess Otohime! These two are Ryugu Palace's guardians—Tiger and Jinbe!" Neptune introduced with his signature booming laughter.

Asa didn't bother to hit a smiling host. His reasons for coming were simple: enjoy himself, admire the rare sights, and see what kind of aura this Princess Otohime possessed.

"Oh?" Asa replied blankly. "So, why exactly did you call me here?"

He already knew the answer.

Neptune didn't trust him—after all, Asa had dared to steal the Celestial Dragons' heavenly gold. Leaving him unmonitored on Fishman Island would be like keeping a time bomb ticking in your living room.

"Ho ho ho ho ho ho! I invited Mr. Asa simply to offer hospitality!" Neptune declared warmly, glancing discreetly at Otohime.

Though he bore the title of king, Neptune couldn't afford to offend humans too greatly. Fishmen held low status in the world. In the eyes of humans, mermaids were akin to slaves and currency—prime targets of slave-trading crews.

Upon meeting Asa, Princess Otohime immediately read his inner thoughts with her Haki. When she met Neptune's gaze, she slowly nodded.

(End Of Chapter)

Gimme Powerstones :)))

Also Check out my Patreon at [Patreon.com/GGFanfiction]