Was he born earlier than expected?
Luffy looked at the three giants in surprise and asked thoughtfully:
[What do you mean? 800 years ago, did you all predict this day? Who made the prediction? The Queen? Joy Boy? The mermaid princess of that era?]
The three Sea Kings communicated among themselves, and after a moment, a voice resonated in their minds:
"None."
None?
Luffy suddenly thought of Shyarly. The mermaid had the power of foresight, and it was 100% accurate—the future she saw would definitely come to pass.
At least, it used to be that way.
Since there is a Mrs. Shyarly in this era, perhaps there was a mermaid with similar powers during the Void Century, 800 years ago.
Maybe she was even stronger.
Able to foresee the future 800 years ahead.
"Do not worry, King Neptune. When you reach the final island, all doubts will be resolved."
Luffy thought for a moment and asked again:
[Have you lived from more than 800 years ago until the present?]
"Yes, we have long lifespans."
[Who named the three Ancient Weapons?]
"Lili."
The answer surprised him a little.
Luffy had thought it was Joy Boy.
Joy Boy, Nefertari D. Lili, Imu… What is the connection between these people?
[Forget it, let's put that aside for now. I called you for your help. Can you bring the Fish-Man Island to the surface of the sea?]
Among the three giants, the one with a beak and long neck responded:
"We can help you tow Noah to the surface. That was the original agreement."
Noah can only transport people, and there are five million people currently living on Fish-Man Island. It is true that Noah can carry them all in a single trip.
But the question is: what happens to the island when the people ascend?
Would we need to find another habitable island?
[And what about Fish-Man Island?]
"First, the people must be moved, and then the island can be transported. Towing an island is a very dangerous process."
Hearing this, Luffy thought deeply.
The Sea Kings were right, but it would take a long time.
He didn't plan to stay on Fish-Man Island for long.
Instead, it would be better to find Shiki, the Golden Lion, directly, take his Devil Fruit, and use the power of his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi to personally relocate the Fish-Men from the island.
[Understood. Then please take Noah to the Sea Forest first.]
"Piece of cake."
The next day.
When the roots projected sunlight onto the seabed 10,000 meters below the surface again, Fish-Man Island began its day.
Luffy met Neptune and briefly explained what had happened the previous night.
In short, Noah had been taken to the Sea Forest by the Sea Kings. Fish-Man Island has a direct passage to the Sea Forest? Whether or not the people are sent there is up to him, the king, to decide.
"Has Shirahoshi's power truly awakened?" Neptune asked in surprise.
"Yes, she has fully mastered this zone of power."
This is Shirahoshi's innate ability. She had used it unconsciously at the age of six. Before, she had just lacked the opportunity.
Last night, Perona's negative spirit gave Shirahoshi a real understanding of how to wield her powers.
Hearing this, Neptune didn't know whether to be happy or have a headache.
"If this matter comes to the world's attention—be it the World Government, the Marines, or the Pirates—everyone will be watching Shirahoshi. I really don't know whether to feel happy or concerned."
Luffy smiled. "Don't worry. I'll take care of her when the agreement is fulfilled."
Hearing this, Neptune looked at him angrily.
"I don't know the specific details of the agreement between Joy Boy and the Mermaid Princess, but it has long been our family's wish for the citizens of Fish-Man Island to live freely under the sun. That's why we're waiting for the agreement. The day will come."
After a pause, he nodded deeply. "Luffy, no matter what happens, I am very grateful for what you have done. You are the hero of Fish-Man Island!"
He wasn't sure if Luffy was Joy Boy.
He knew nothing of the specific contents of the original agreement, passed down from generation to generation within the royal family.
Yet, things had come to this point, and Noah had been transported to the Sea Forest. As the king of Fish-Man Island, he would not back down now.
"I'll inform everyone, so it will take some time to prepare!" he decided.
"How long?"
"Maybe a month, or even more."
Neptune paused and gave a vague answer.
Luffy could probably figure out the specific preparations needed.
After all, this is a major transformative event, and ideological groundwork must be done.
"Then prepare first. When I return to Fish-Man Island, you will be able to live freely under the sun."
At that moment, Jinbei, Moria, and Bartolomeo arrived.
They reported to Luffy about the mission from the previous night.
The New Fish-Man Pirates had been annihilated—except for their captain, Hody Jones; all others were killed.
Hearing this, Luffy nodded. "Neptune, you might need to cooperate in a performance."
"Acting?"
Luffy smiled and said to Bartolomeo, "Bring their captain."
"Yes, Lord Luffy!"
Soon, a very strong fish-man was escorted into the hall.
Hody Jones was bound in iron chains and fell to his knees with a thud after Bartolomeo kicked him forward.
He glared fiercely at the king. "Neptune…!"
"Got you."
Luffy walked toward the other group, glanced around, and said with a laugh, "So you're an admirer of Arlong and an extreme Fish-Man supremacist?"
"Straw Hat Luffy!" Hody Jones gritted his teeth.
"Eight years ago, it was you who killed Otohime?"
At the sudden revelation, Hody Jones' expression changed. He didn't know how he had been exposed.
Neptune's eyes widened. "It's you? You're the killer?"
"Hmph, Otohime was begging for mercy from the humans, but I bought the human pirates and shot her myself while she was giving a speech!" Hody Jones sneered. "You're all too weak, Neptune! Otohime and you, Jinbei, you surrendered to humans! But I won't! I…"
Bam!
Bartolomeo kicked him, cutting off his speech.
"Lord Luffy asked you something. Answer honestly: who told you to talk so much nonsense?"
Damn humans!
Hody Jones banged his head against the ground, bleeding from his forehead.
He slowly raised his head, staring at Luffy with murderous intent.
This is the man who had stopped Arlong in the East Blue and now, on Fish-Man Island, had stopped him before he could enact his revenge!
"You know Vander Decken, right? That guy's been harassing Shirahoshi." Luffy said. "Give me his contact information."
"Vander Decken?"
Hody Jones looked ugly.
He finally realized something was wrong.
This human wasn't after him. It was Vander Decken; he had only been a collateral victim.
"You think I'm going to tell you? You inferior human!"
"Bartolomeo, make him talk."
Luffy was tired of talking nonsense, so he asked directly.
"Leave it to me, Luffy-sama!"
As a former Mafia boss, Bartolomeo is professional at getting people to talk.
He grabbed Hody Jones and beat him violently; the floor became covered in blood. When only a single breath remained, he finally got the contact information.
Luffy nodded in satisfaction, turned to Neptune, and said, "Now, please, let's prepare the act."
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."