Jinbe acted as a guide and began to introduce Fish-Man Island. He pointed out key locations like the Gyoncorde Plaza, Coral Hill, and Euphoria Villa, especially mentioning the Mermaid Café in Coral Hill, which he said was extremely popular with humans.
As soon as they heard "Mermaid Café," Sanji and Brook lost all composure. They imagined beautiful mermaids serving them, and both were instantly overcome with uncontrollable nosebleeds. The rest of the crew silently distanced themselves from the two notorious perverts, pretending not to know them to avoid any misunderstanding.
Along the way, they saw many different fish-men and mermaids. The fish-men varied greatly in appearance, belonging to countless species of fish, which explained why many humans simply categorized them as "fish" due to their very obvious aquatic traits. The mermaids, on the other hand, were much easier for humans to accept. Since their upper bodies were human, they were generally considered more pleasing to the eye.
Seeing the beautiful mermaid girls finally pulled Sanji and Brook out of the trauma of meeting Kokoro.
"Ah, Miss Mermaid is truly beautiful!" Sanji exclaimed. He contorted his body toward a passing mermaid with a wave-like motion, only to be immediately struck down by an Armament Haki-enhanced punch from Nami. She then efficiently dragged his unconscious body away. Meanwhile, Brook requested to see a mermaid's panties, but the mermaids looked back in confused silence, having no idea what he meant. Brook soon followed Sanji, suffering the same fate. Nami showed no mercy to the two, using Armament Haki with every punch, a display of absolute violence that even made Jinbe shudder.
Carl quietly leaned toward the former Warlord : "Hey, Jinbe, the owner of the Mermaid Café is Arlong's older sister, right?".
Jinbe paused, then quickly bowed his head in apology. "I am sorry, I nearly forgot that detail. Madam Shyarly, the owner of the Mermaid Café, is indeed Arlong's sister. However, Madam Shyarly is a reasonable woman. I can guarantee you that she won't hold the events concerning the Straw Hats and Arlong against you.".
Carl did not comment on Jinbe's words. In truth, it would make no difference if Madam Shyarly held a grudge. Carl was simply concerned about Nami's feelings, and he also had an interest in Madam Shyarly's ability to divine the future. Still, if it wasn't necessary, he would prefer not to visit that café.
It wasn't long before the crew arrived at the base of the Ryugu Palace. Fish-Man Island was encased in a massive bubble, and the entire palace was housed within a much smaller bubble floating above it. They would need Jinbe's help to find a way to ascend.
Just then, a gigantic figure appeared before them, seemingly waiting for their arrival. Carl was stunned when he saw him. It was an enormous, crown-wearing merman with a thick, orange beard and hair, holding a golden trident. Beside him was a forty-meter-long shark, also wearing a crown, serving as the man's mount. This man appeared to be King Neptune!
Jinbe's eyes widened in surprise. "Your Majesty, why have you come here alone? I told you that I would handle the welcoming of the Straw Hat Crew. You should have waited for us in the Ryugu Palace," he scolded respectfully.
"Your Majesty!?" The Straw Hat Crew was taken aback. They had not expected the King of Fish-Man Island to greet them personally.
Many fish-men and mermaids had gathered to watch, curious about the distinguished visitors who warranted a personal welcome from their King. However, because news traveled slowly and was generally restricted on Fish-Man Island, not many of them recognized the Straw Hats.
Neptune quickly replied, "Jinbe, as a king, I cannot afford to neglect such distinguished guests! The Straw Hats are a Five Emperors crew , truly as famous as the old Four Emperors! Given the relationship between the Straw Hats and the Whitebeard Pirates , I must entertain them well. This is my sincerity as a king!".
"Your Majesty the King..." Jinbe sighed, moved by the King's sentiment, and said no more. He knew that Fish-Man Island was in a precarious situation. Whitebeard's protection had been a temporary measure , and with his passing, the island faced turmoil once more. By befriending the Straw Hats now, the island would gain a powerful new backer, ensuring its continued safety. For the peace of his kingdom, Neptune was willing to set aside his royal dignity.
Luffy, without a second thought, grinned and asked, "Uncle, so you're the king here? I heard you prepared a banquet! Are you here to invite us? Thank you very much, Uncle!".
Neptune replied politely, "Heh, it is my honor to invite the Five Emperors!".
"Shishishi, if there's lots of good food at the Palace, let's hurry! No need to delay!" Luffy said eagerly.
"Yohohoho! There must be many beautiful maids in the Ryugu Palace! The thought alone moves me, though I have no heart! Yohohoho!" Brook declared, repeating his standard joke.
"Ryugu Palace, huh? I can already smell the treasure!" Nami's eyes turned into Beli symbols.
The other crew members could only look on helplessly at their overly eccentric captain, cook, and navigator. Fortunately, this enthusiasm was a core trait of the Straw Hats, and they had nothing to be ashamed of.
Neptune was relieved to see how friendly Luffy was. He instructed the Straw Hat Crew to sit upon the massive shark. The shark then floated high into the water, following Neptune closely, and quickly reached the base of the Ryugu Palace bubble. Neptune found a button, pressed it to confirm his identity, and a water channel immediately connected the small palace bubble to the large island bubble.
"The Ryugu Palace is completely full of water, so please use this," Neptune said, handing them a piece of coral. "This is a Bubble Coral. You can use it to create bubbles at will, allowing everyone to breathe and walk underwater.".
"Wow! That's amazing!" Luffy grabbed the Bubble Coral, pressed the top of it, and instantly generated a massive bubble that enveloped the entire crew.
Seeing that everyone was ready, Neptune opened the passage above his head and led the crew through the waterway and into the Ryugu Palace bubble.
"Wow! What a beautiful palace!" The Straw Hat Crew exclaimed in awe. Carl immediately took out his camera to capture the scene.
The Ryugu Palace was resplendent and magnificent. A massive, carved dragon was coiled over the huge building, giving it a majestic appearance. Furthermore, the entire structure was truly built within the water. Corals and aquatic plants grew all around it, and schools of fish swam past, making the view absolutely mesmerizing. It was truly a Dragon Palace!
The King led the way, and the heavy gates of the palace swung open with a bang.
"Welcome back! Your Majesty the King!" Two rows of guards stood inside the palace. Their voices were loud, and they all stood at attention with their heads and chests held high, presenting an extraordinary sight. The King's elaborate reception was impressive enough to startle any ordinary person.
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