"Husband-to-be, those are Father King and my three older brothers!" Shirahoshi covered her mouth, staring at the scene on the light screen.
She couldn't believe her father, once invincible in her eyes, was now bound and helpless.
The main culprit was none other than Hody Jones, the murderer of her mother.
Her mother had taught her not to hate enemies, but seeing the killer with her own eyes ignited a surge of anger she couldn't suppress.
"Husband-to-be, we have to save Father and the others immediately."
Rolan studied the screen, his expression unreadable.
According to the original timeline, Hody Jones's coup shouldn't happen for at least three more years. Why was it happening now?
And he was still on Fish-Man Island. How dare Hody act with such audacity?
Rolan's eyes hardened. If Hody dared threaten his father-in-law—cough, cough—he would be eliminated without hesitation.
He nodded to Shirahoshi. "Alright, let's move."
Placing an Electromagnetic Barrier around them, Rolan and Shirahoshi vanished from the Sea Forest, leaving no trace.
---
Gironcaud Plaza was already packed with Ryugu Kingdom citizens.
They had heard Madam Shirley's prophecy but had no time to flee. Now, witnessing the scene, fear rippled through the crowd.
"King…"
"Will King Neptune die?"
"Madam Shyarly said Emperor Rolan would destroy Fish-Man Island… could Hody Jones be acting on his orders?"
"Will Hody destroy Fish-Man Island? Will he kill us?"
Seeing the royal family bound in the plaza, the citizens murmured anxiously.
Hody Jones's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Jahahaha, that's right! This Fish-Man Island, with no self-respect, will be destroyed, and I will build a Fish-Man empire in its place."
He raised his trident toward Neptune's neck. "Executing this incompetent King is crucial. The Great Pirate Era will belong to the Fish-Man!"
His expression turned darker. "But before that, I must eliminate the future enemies of my nation."
Hody reached into his coat and pulled out a folded sheet of paper. "Do you know what this is?"
"A letter from the Celestial Dragons," he announced to the crowd.
Everyone gasped. This was the peace agreement Queen Otohime had painstakingly secured. If destroyed, it could never be replaced.
Neptune glared at Hody. "What do you intend to do?!"
"Jahahaha, what use is this? We are noble Fish-Man!" Hody laughed cruelly and tore the document to pieces.
Neptune coughed, spitting blood in rage.
Hody sneered. "Old man, your incompetence has brought Fish-Man Island to this state. It's absurd that humans still protect you. As the new King, I will lead Fish-Man to conquer the seas. You will not witness it."
He waved at a subordinate. "Bring it out."
A Fish-Man servant carried a box of papers to Hody. He grabbed a handful, showing the crowd. "Do you know what this is?"
The citizens squinted at the documents. "Some kind of responsibility statement?"
"Inside are signatures of over half the nation," Hody said, shaking his head. "Fools hoping to coexist with humans. Truly pathetic."
He stomped on the papers. "Humans are the most despicable species. Don't expect them to live peacefully with Fish-Man!"
Hody's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Those who signed are rebels to my new kingdom. Now, I will punish them one by one. First… Jinitaime from Coral Hill."
A Fish-Man in overalls stumbled back. "No… what are you doing?"
Hody's eyes locked on him. Just as he advanced, two figures appeared in the center of the plaza.
The crowd gasped.
"Is that… Rolan and Princess Shirahoshi?"
"Why is Shirahoshi with Rolan?"
"Could he be holding her hostage?"
"No, they… they seem close."
Hody's pupils constricted as he saw Rolan and Shirahoshi. A wave of pressure unlike anything else hit him, stronger than even Jinbe's presence. He glimpsed a small box beside him. With the ES steroids, he could surpass Rolan, but he didn't dare underestimate him.
Shirahoshi's gaze fell on her bound father and brothers. "Father!" she cried, running toward Neptune despite the surrounding New Fish-Man Pirates.
"Shirahoshi, don't!" Neptune struggled in his chains.
Hody Jones hesitated for a fraction, wary of Shirahoshi's ability to summon Sea Kings. Killing her now could be dangerous.
Shirahoshi reached Neptune and the princes.
"Run, Shirahoshi! You must run! Hody is insane; he will kill you!" Neptune cried, struggling.
Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi glared at Hody. "She is still a child! Take Ryugu Castle if you want, just let her go!"
Hody frowned. "Tosu, tie Shirahoshi for me!"
_____
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