"Father! Don't worry! I already asked someone to confirm with Shirahoshi. Kaito is indeed here!" Fukaboshi replied respectfully, though a flicker of doubt lingered across his face.
"He came to get Shirahoshi's agreement for a request, in exchange for capturing Daken IX and leaving the resolution to her. It's a fair deal."
"Are you certain?" Neptune's expression tightened. Memories of Shirahoshi summoning the Sea Kings as a child were still vivid. The idea of Kaito being involved in any matter concerning her was unsettling.
Locking Shirahoshi in the Hard-Shell Tower had been both to control Daken IX and to protect Shirahoshi, who might be Poseidon — one of the three Ancient Weapons. Should word spread, the revelation could devastate Fishman Island.
"Father? Is something wrong?" Ryuboshi asked.
"It's nothing," Neptune said, shaking his head and dismissing his troubling thoughts.
"Yo! Long time no see, King Neptune!"
Kaito appeared before Neptune, standing between reality and movement.
"Kaito! I fail to understand what your interest in my little girl is! Why intervene?" Neptune frowned, scrutinizing him.
"It's a simple deal. Don't worry." Kaito waved his hand casually, revealing Daken IX's corpse at his feet.
"Here! This is Daken IX, who terrorized Shirahoshi for years. He's now dead. My deal with Shirahoshi is fulfilled!"
A single head exchanged for Poseidon's favor — Kaito considered this highly cost-effective.
"Can you clarify the deal between the two of you?" Neptune asked, curiosity overcoming concern for Daken IX.
"It's nothing complicated. Shirahoshi owes me a favor," Kaito said indifferently.
Neptune frowned. Debt among humans was always difficult to settle, and involving Shirahoshi made it even more delicate. Yet now, with Daken IX dead, the transaction was complete. Even the powerful Jinbei of the Shichibukai would be no match for Kaito.
He sighed. "Your deal with Shirahoshi is settled, but as a father, I still thank you for eliminating Daken IX. We had combed every guard in Dragon Palace City to find him and failed. Your assistance is invaluable."
"I will host a banquet in the palace to honor you," Neptune added. Internally, he resolved that strengthening ties with Kaito was wise.
"So! Excuse me!" Kaito nodded politely, and the banquet proceeded smoothly until evening. Later, he claimed a room to sleep, reflecting, The advantage of strength is indeed remarkable.
Early morning, fully rested, Kaito arrived at the port after attending to the Dragon Palace City's internal affairs.
On deck, Issho waited patiently. Meanwhile, Kaguya tried on stacks of clothes, perfumes, and accessories in the sealed space, prompting a wry smile from Kaito. Letting her shop freely may have been a mistake.
"Captain! You're back!" Issho greeted.
"Hm, looks like you've been waiting long."
"Not long, just got up!" Issho smiled.
After brief conversation and farewells to Neptune and the others, Kaito set course for the New World, specifically the Expo Island. Jinbei was absent from City, having visited Whitebeard, which mildly disappointed Kaito.
Kaito mused as the currents rose around his vessel.
Guided by the Eternal Pointer, they reached Recart in just half a day. The island was surrounded by water channels, with a central arena resembling an ancient Roman Colosseum and audience seats packed around it.
The island's economy thrived, surpassing even Sabaody Archipelago, with abundant food, drink, and supplies. Pirates roaming the island barely noticed Kaito's arrival; after all, it was a pirate paradise.
Docking the merchant ship, Kaito and Issho disembarked.
"Captain! It's lively here!" Issho said, impressed.
"Yes. Legends say pirates here easily hold fortunes exceeding ten billion Berries… maybe even twenty," Kaito replied.
"What now? Should we help Bullet?"
"Not yet. The World Expo hasn't begun. We stay low for now. If danger arises, we intervene. Let him have his moment; no need for unnecessary interference," Kaito instructed.
"Let's rest at a hotel first."
They entered, footsteps echoing amidst cheers and the hum of air-conditioning.
"No way… they actually sent someone!"
"This Expo is intense! The Four Emperors sent people here!"
"Alas, what a pity… we could have claimed this reward!"
Kaito noticed two massive pirate ships approaching. Their size mattered less than the flags fluttering in the wind: Whitebeard Pirates and Big Mom Pirates, Four Emperors Part 2.
Figures stood prominently on deck: Marco of Whitebeard, Katakuri of Big Mom with the Mochi Paramecia fruit, along with their deputies. Behind them were the faction leaders and powerful sons of the Big Mom Pirates — notable among them were Diamond Jozu, Whitebeard third division captain, and Cracker, one of Big Mom's Dessert Generals.
The arrival of the Four Emperors' elite silenced the island, underscoring the prestige and stakes of the Expo.
"Captain, things may have exceeded Bullet's expectations," Issho whispered.
"Indeed. Two of the Emperors' crews… this complicates matters," Kaito observed, walking further into the island.
"Don't worry. Find lodging first," he instructed, eyes scanning the bustling pirate haven.
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