Hearing Jinbei's report, Ezra D. Vale nodded with quiet satisfaction.
"That settles things here. I'll return for now."
The moment his words fell, King Neptune finally snapped out of his daze.
"Admiral Ezra, you did not only save my life. You saved the entire Fish-Man Island. Please stay a few more days!"
Shark Prince, King Neptune's sons, and all the surrounding soldiers quickly echoed him.
"Yes, Admiral Ezra! Stay a while longer!"
"At least let us properly thank you!"
Ezra rubbed his chin in thought. With the Five Elders in Mary Geoise, Carmichael had no chance of escaping.
After mulling it over, Ezra gave a small nod.
"Very well. I will stay three days."
A wave of joyous cheers erupted.
"Admiral Ezra, long live!"
"Thank you so much, Admiral!"
Ezra simply waved them off with a smile, amused by their excitement.
Under Neptune's lead, everyone returned to Ryugu Palace. The princes hurried away to calm the people. Even though Hody Jones was already dead, they still needed to explain it properly to avoid further panic.
Meanwhile, Neptune continued expressing his gratitude.
"Admiral Ezra, this cup is for you. Thank you for saving my life. I will drink it all. Please take your time."
He downed the cup in one gulp. Ezra lifted his own and took a sip.
"This wine... is it a local specialty of Ryugu Palace?"
Neptune laughed heartily.
"Exactly! This is a special wine crafted on Fish-Man Island. If you like it, I will have a few barrels sent to your ship."
Ezra chuckled.
"I'll accept that, King Neptune."
After eating and drinking their fill, Ezra was escorted to the top floor of the palace.
As they passed a large ornate door, Ezra stopped.
"What is this room?"
Neptune slapped his forehead lightly.
"My apologies, I almost forgot to introduce this place. This is my daughter Shirahoshi's room. Come to think of it, Admiral Ezra, you have not met her yet."
He knocked gently. A moment later, Shirahoshi appeared from behind the door.
Her long, soft pink hair flowed like silk. A taiyaki-shaped hair clip sat atop her head, and she wore delicate shell-shaped earrings. Her blue eyes widened slightly as she looked at the two of them.
"Father?"
"Shirahoshi, come greet Admiral Ezra."
Though she lived a sheltered life, she had heard of Ezra's deeds.
"Admiral Ezra... it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Shirahoshi."
Ezra was momentarily taken aback.
So this is the future Poseidon. No wonder her beauty rivals Hancock's.
"Princess Shirahoshi, a pleasure to meet you."
Since she had not yet awakened her ability to command Sea Kings, and Ezra was not here to overwhelm her with conversation, they kept it brief.
Soon after, Ezra entered the room prepared for him.
Just then, a familiar ringing sounded from his pocket. He pulled out a Den Den Mushi, raising a brow.
It was the Five Elders.
"Young Master! Carmichael is currently returning from the West Blue. Once he arrives, we will send CP0 to capture him."
Ezra nodded.
"And how is Sister Imu reacting?"
On the other end, the Five Elders visibly tensed.
"Imu is furious... but she insists that you be the one to decide Carmichael's punishment."
Ezra acknowledged the message.
"Understood. I will depart for Mary Geoise in three days."
"Safe travels, Young Master."
Ezra hung up.
"Carmichael. Maybe I can recover some memories from you. This might be interesting."
With that final thought, he drifted into sleep.
Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise
The Five Elders stood nervously outside Imu's chamber.
"Imu, Young Master Ezra has replied."
"Enter."
Her voice carried a cold edge. The five men shivered before stepping inside.
Imu sat upon the Empty Throne, her anger palpable.
The true culprit behind the recent chaos was a Celestial Dragon. And Celestial Dragons were managed by the Five Elders. Their failure was unforgivable.
"Young Master Ezra wishes for Carmichael to be brought in alive. He will handle the matter once he returns."
Imu nodded slightly. She understood Ezra's mindset. In her view, Carmichael was directly responsible for Ezra's memory loss.
"You fools. Even if Ezra wants to deal with him personally, did it never occur to you to have people capture that pig immediately? What if someone warns him? What if he escapes? Have you thought about that?"
Her fury made cold sweat trickle down the foreheads of the Five Elders.
They dropped to their knees at once.
"Our deepest apologies, Imu. This is our failure. We will send CP0 immediately!"
Imu let out a chilling breath.
"Idiots. Are there not already CP0 agents on Carmichael's ship? Order them to restrain him. Drag him here before tomorrow."
"Yes, Imu!"
They scrambled out of the chamber and quickly contacted CP0.
"Orders from the Five Elders. Report Carmichael's current location."
"Reporting. Lord Carmichael is about to enter Mary Geoise."
A cold gleam flashed in the Fifth Elder's eyes.
"Bind him immediately. Deliver him to the Mary Geoise dungeon by tonight."
"...Understood."
On Carmichael's ship, the CP0 commander gathered his men.
"Orders from the Five Elders. Restrain Lord Carmichael and deliver him to Mary Geoise by tonight."
"Yes, sir!"
Although shocked, the agents obeyed swiftly. CP0 always followed the Five Elders without question.
Moments later, Carmichael was yanked from his sleep and brutally tied up.
"What are you doing? Do you dogs know who I am?"
The masked agent answered calmly.
"Apologies, Lord Carmichael. These are orders from the Five Elders."
Carmichael trembled violently.
Discovered? Impossible... wasn't he dead already?