An unprecedented "Admiral sightseeing tour" officially began, carried out in an extremely leisurely and pleasing-to-the-eye manner.
Renzo walked at the very front, both hands tucked into the pockets of his gray justice coat, his steps slow, as if strolling through his own backyard.
Half a step behind him were the five mermaid guides who had just received an "astronomical deposit." Leading them was the dignified and elegant dark-green-haired mermaid, Ishilia.
They suppressed the excitement and nervousness in their hearts and strictly followed Renzo's order to "stay quiet."
They were no longer as frightened as before; instead, they showed the professionalism of people determined to do their job well.
After all, the weight of those five gold bricks was extremely persuasive.
They didn't need to speak much. Whenever they encountered a landmark, Ishilia would simply extend a delicate finger and gently point in its direction.
Kizaru walked behind them with his hands behind his back, a half-beat slower, still wearing that lazy "everything is interesting" expression as he looked around, as if watching a novel play.
Monet, Rehn, and Sanji automatically followed at the very back of the group.
It had to be said, the scenery of Fish-Man Island was truly unique.
Through the massive bubble dome, the light cast by the Sun Tree Eve fell like sacred daylight, bathing the entire island in a dreamlike glow.
Huge coral forests rose from the ground, colorful and far more dazzling than any forest on land.
All kinds of bubble transport vehicles traveled through dedicated waterways, and most buildings were shaped like shells or coral, filled with fairy-tale charm.
Most importantly…
"Where is everyone?"
After walking for quite some time, Renzo noticed a problem.
From the harbor to Ryugu Palace, and then back out again, on this wide "King's Avenue"… there was not a single person.
"R-reporting to you, sir…"
Hearing Renzo's murmur, Ishilia gathered her courage and softly replied in a voice as clear as spring water:
"His Majesty Neptune… in order not to disturb your 'vacation'… has… temporarily cleared the entire royal district…"
"Oh?"
Renzo raised an eyebrow.
"This Neptune knows how to handle things."
He nodded in satisfaction.
No noisy crowds, no pointing fingers, no panicked screaming…
This was a vacation.
This was sightseeing.
"Waa," Kizaru slowly added from behind, "His Majesty 'efficiency'… is frightening~."
Thus the group toured under a complete "clear-out," and soon arrived at Fish-Man Island's most famous place, the Mermaid Café.
This was the area with the highest concentration of desserts and food on the entire island.
Naturally, the café had also been cleared.
King Neptune had arranged everything in advance, turning it into a private restaurant for Renzo's party.
The moment they sat down, Sanji's eyes sparkled and he rushed into the kitchen, he intended to inspect the kitchen of this holy land and have a "friendly exchange" with the chefs.
Meanwhile, Renzo's table was soon filled with the island's finest specialty desserts.
"Coral Mousse,"
"Starfish Frosted Cookies,"
"Deep-Sea Pearl Jelly,"
"Bubble Cocoa Milk"…
Not only were these desserts exquisitely shaped, perfectly recreating ocean life, they also released a unique aroma not found on land, a mixture of sea salt and floral nectar.
"Lord Renzo, please."
Monet picked up a small silver spoon and scooped a bite of pearl jelly for him.
Renzo glanced at it and opened his mouth.
The jelly melted instantly upon entering his mouth. A refreshing sweetness exploded across his taste buds, carrying a trace of seawater's crispness.
"Mm…"
For once, surprise appeared on Renzo's eternally expressionless face.
"This is good."
He then pointed to the pink coral mousse.
Monet immediately understood and served it.
"Mmm…"
Soft texture, rich creaminess, and the fragrance of an unknown flower.
"This… is acceptable too."
Renzo's version of "high praise" was simply "good" and "acceptable."
But that was already extremely high for him.
He ate bite after bite while Monet dutifully fed him.
The five mermaid guides stood quietly nearby. Kizaru, at another table, leisurely drank Bubble Cocoa Milk and let out a satisfied "Mmm~."
After the desserts were finished, King Neptune's ultimate hospitality was ready.
"Admiral Haiiroyo, Admiral Kizaru."
Prince Fukaboshi arrived respectfully as a messenger.
"Father has prepared a royal hot spring at the Ryugu Baths for you both, hoping to wash away the fatigue of your journey…"
'A hot spring?'
Renzo paused.
Full after food and drink, soak in a bath, then take a nap…
This…
…was practically a heavenly script.
"Lead the way."
Renzo stood up without hesitation.
...
Ryugu Baths, Royal Moonlight Spring
This was a private hot spring built inside a natural submarine volcanic cavern.
Steam filled the air.
The spring water was not transparent but a pale milky white like moonlight, said to be rich in deep-sea minerals with excellent restorative effects.
Glowing shellfish embedded in the rock walls emitted soft light, making the bath feel dreamlike.
Splash-
Renzo and Kizaru were soaking leisurely in the enormous bath.
"Ah…"
Leaning against smooth rock, Renzo released the most comfortable sigh he had made since arriving on Fish-Man Island.
"The temperature… perfect."
"Truly an incredible enjoyment~," Kizaru said, relaxing in the same way.
The two greatest combat powers of the Marine Headquarters now looked like retired old officials stealing a moment of leisure.
And in front of them…
The highlight of this enjoyment was only just beginning.
The five beautiful mermaids had also entered the hot spring, in a separated central area with slightly cooler water, designated as a performance area.
The mist tinted their already charming faces with a faint blush.
"My lord, please allow us to offer you a song…" Ishilia softly said.
"Sing."
Renzo closed his eyes to enjoy.
An ethereal, melodious singing voice slowly rose.
The mermaid song seemed magical, penetrating the soul and washing away all fatigue and irritation.
As they sang, the five mermaids danced gracefully in the water.
Their tails traced elegant arcs in the milky spring water, droplets sliding from their smooth skin like pearls.
Dark-green hair, golden curls, pink short hair…
Five incomparable beauties formed a breathtaking, almost sacred painting within the mist.
This was true eye-pleasing beauty.
"Lord Renzo…"
Monet, wearing a light bathrobe, knelt on a rock at the pool's edge. She didn't bathe; she guarded a floating wooden tray.
On it were chilled fruits and delicate snacks.
She picked up a ruby-like sea cherry and gently brought it to Renzo's lips.
"Please."
Without opening his eyes, Renzo instinctively accepted it.
Sweet and sour juice burst in his mouth.
In his ears, heavenly singing.
Before his eyes, if opened, dancing mermaids.
On his body, perfectly warm spring water.
In his mouth, sweet fruit fed by a devoted secretary.
Renzo slowly exhaled a long breath.
At that moment, he felt spiritually transcendent.
Pirates, the Revolutionary Army, Celestial Dragons…
To hell with all of them.
In a dreamy tone, he sincerely sighed:
"Ah… this is truly corruption."
"Yeeeaa~…"
At the same moment, Kizaru lifted a cup of floating Sea-King wine and sighed dreamily:
"Truly… corruption~!"
The identical sighs met in the steam.
Both were stunned.
Renzo opened his gray eyes. Kizaru narrowed his own.
They looked at each other through the mist.
Next second-
"Heh…"
A faint smile appeared on Renzo's lips.
"Hehehe…"
Kizaru's sleazy chuckle followed.
No words were needed.
At that moment, the two admirals reached a deep spiritual resonance, in enjoying "corruption."
Renzo closed his eyes again and rested his head on Monet's soft palm, formed from her wing-hand.
He thought:
He had been to many places.
But none compared to here.
No fighting. No thinking.
Beautiful scenery, delicious food.
Most importantly, five, possibly more in the future, paid, well-behaved, extremely pleasing mermaids providing constant enjoyment and mental spa.
"Fish-Man Island…"
In his heart, Renzo gave his highest evaluation.
"Coming here was the right choice."
"This… is the vacation I have always dreamed of."
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu