[128] : Neptune!
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Legitimate entry to Fish-Man Island required following the proper channels, navigating a designated path through the double-layered bubble dome.
Illegal entry meant breaching the outer bubble, navigating the air pocket between the layers without falling into the deep sea, and then somehow reaching the island itself.
Arthur's stolen ship wasn't equipped with a Coup de Burst like the Thousand Sunny. He couldn't blast his way through the protective barriers. Without sufficient propulsion, he'd be stranded in the air pocket, falling into the crushing depths below.
"Looks like legitimate entry is out of the question." Arthur frowned, scanning the bubble dome. He couldn't see any designated entry points.
"Just a ship. If it's destroyed, I'll just steal another one." He shrugged, taking a swig of sake, then storing the gourd in his bracelet. He looked up at the massive Eve Tree, its roots reaching down from the surface, filtering sunlight into the depths.
It was a sight that never failed to amaze him. A massive tree, providing light and life to a city 10,000 meters below the surface—a true marvel of nature.
Few creatures could survive without sunlight—Fish-Men and merfolk included. Which was why the wealthiest residents of Fish-Man Island, along with the royal family, lived in the upper levels, closer to the filtered sunlight.
——
Arthur steered the ship, circling the island, searching for a suitable entry point. He wasn't afraid of being caught—but a little stealth wouldn't hurt.
As he circled the island, he spotted an opening in the massive bubble dome—a circular tunnel, just large enough for a ship to pass through, guarded by a group of Fish-Man soldiers, their bodies a bizarre mix of various fish-like features.
"Is that a human... on that ship...?" Fish-Men had excellent underwater vision.
They spotted the approaching vessel, recognizing the figure at the bow.
"It's 'Thunder God' Seabury D. Arthur! The one who stole the Heavenly Tribute—the only man to ever escape Impel Down!"
A Fish-Man guard, his fish-like lips protruding several inches, his eyes bulging, gripped his spear nervously.
Even at 10,000 meters, news traveled fast to Fish-Man Island.
As a crucial stop on the journey to the New World, its information network was second only to Sabaody's.
Pirates frequented the island, keeping the residents informed about current events. Arthur's exploits—two legendary feats that had shaken the world—were well-known here.
He was the Most Infamous Pirate in Paradise.
"A legitimate entry point?" Arthur muttered to himself, steering the ship towards the tunnel.
The guards, terrified, didn't bother challenging him, waving him through without even asking for the usual toll.
"'Thunder God' Arthur? What's he doing on Fish-Man Island?"
"Probably heading to the New World."
"Should we inform His Majesty?"
The guards, whispering amongst themselves, decided to report Arthur's arrival.
——
As Arthur's ship entered Fish-Man Island, an octopus Fish-Man approached.
"Mr. Seabury D. Arthur, His Majesty, King Neptune, requests your presence at Ryugu Palace," the Fish-Man said, tipping his hat, one of his tentacles gesturing towards the palace.
"Neptune's the king now?" Arthur asked, surprised.
Neptune, the father of the future "Poseidon"—he was a formidable figure. Arthur saw no harm in meeting him.
"His Majesty ascended the throne two years ago, succeeding the previous king," the octopus Fish-Man explained.
"Lead the way." Arthur nodded, adjusting his greatcoat.
A simple meeting—it posed no threat. And he doubted anyone on Fish-Man Island could challenge him. Fisher Tiger, Jinbe—those future protectors of Fish-Man Island were still years away from their prime.
He boarded a fish-drawn carriage—a massive whale pulling the ornate vehicle—ascending towards Ryugu Palace, bathed in the brightest sunlight filtering through Eve's roots.
Ryugu Palace, located at the highest point of Fish-Man Island, where the sunlight was strongest, was a magnificent structure of coral and giant shells, a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Fish-Men.
From a distance, Arthur spotted four figures waiting to greet him. The largest, a massive, imposing figure with flowing orange hair and beard, wielding a golden trident, was King Neptune.
To Neptune's left stood a golden-haired mermaid with kind, blue eyes and a round face—Otohime, the queen. Arthur's gaze lingered on her. She possessed a rare gift—an innate ability to sense others' emotions.
Behind them stood two Fish-Men—Fisher Tiger, his red skin and wide grin unmistakable, the future leader of Fish-Man District, and Jinbe, his dark hair, black gloves, and samurai garb a familiar sight, a pipe clenched between his teeth.
"A show of force? To intimidate me?" Arthur thought, amused.
It was a common tactic.
Any ruler, facing an unknown and potentially dangerous presence in their territory, would assemble their strongest warriors. Neptune was no different.
Arthur, in the eyes of the world, was unpredictable, volatile—his arrogance and power a dangerous combination.
"Mr. Arthur! Hoh hoh hoh! Welcome to Ryugu Palace! I am Neptune, King of Fish-Man Island. This is Otohime. And these two are our royal guards, Tiger and Jinbe." Neptune's booming laughter echoed through the courtyard as he introduced the others, his demeanor jovial, welcoming.
Arthur, his mission on Fish-Man Island twofold—to experience its unique wonders and to witness Otohime's extraordinary Haki—returned the greeting politely.
"So, Your Majesty—What did you want to discuss?" He knew Neptune wouldn't be comfortable with a pirate like him—a man who'd stolen the Heavenly Tribute—roaming freely through his kingdom. Arthur was a walking time bomb.
"Hoh hoh hoh! We simply wanted to extend our hospitality, Mr. Arthur!" Neptune laughed, glancing at Otohime.
Despite his title, he was wary of offending humans. Fish-Men and merfolk held a low status in the world, often treated as slaves, their value measured in Belly—prized targets for slavers.
Otohime, having met Arthur's gaze, her Haki probing his thoughts and emotions, gave Neptune a subtle nod.
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