Neptune was so stunned by Rolan's actions that he could hardly speak.
He had known Rolan was strong, perhaps stronger than Hody Jones, but he hadn't expected Hody to fall without even exchanging blows.
The sheer difference in power was incomprehensible. If he were to describe it in a single word: divine.
Rolan ignored their astonished gazes; he had seen such looks many times before.
With a blur, he vanished using Electromagnetic Instant Transmission, then reappeared in front of Neptune and the royals.
A wave of his hand cut through the chains binding Neptune and the three princes.
"I'm sorry I'm late."
He tossed a few senzu beans into their mouths. Within moments, their injuries vanished as if they had never been hurt.
Fukaboshi couldn't hide his awe.
Shirahoshi, however, cupped Rolan's face and pressed her lips to his. "You're amazing, Husband-to-be!"
"Nani!!!"
The onlookers froze. Princess Shirahoshi, whose beauty rivaled even Empress Boa Hancock, had just called Rolan her fiancée—and kissed him.
Rolan's calm façade faltered. "Shirahoshi, don't call me that in front of outsiders."
She tilted her head, puzzled. "Why?"
Neptune's face darkened. He wanted to vanish into the ground. His daughter had already proclaimed an engagement that hadn't even been acknowledged. How could the royal family preserve its dignity if they didn't end up together?
Rolan studied her innocent expression, then said with a blank look, "Calling me that in front of so many people makes me shy."
Neptune and the others rolled their eyes. An Emperor feeling shy? Unthinkable.
"Hey, Rolan."
A white cloud streaked through the sky and hovered beside Shirahoshi. Three women descended gracefully.
"We sensed trouble and rushed over," Lina said, looking at the scattered Fish-Man pirates. "Still a step too late."
Rolan turned to Fukaboshi. "First Prince, these people are just unconscious. I'll leave them to you."
Fukaboshi sighed, surveying the prone Fish-Men. "Return home, everyone. The rebels will be secured."
The citizens dispersed as Fukaboshi began directing the kingdom's army to handcuff and escort the defeated pirates to the dungeons.
Rolan said to Neptune and the others, "I'll send you back to Ryugu Castle. You likely have many matters to attend."
Neptune exhaled. "Lord Rolan, without you, Hody would have killed us. Please, allow me to thank you properly."
Rolan drained the palace of seawater with a gesture of his electromagnetic power. Neptune's shock deepened; his eyes never left Rolan.
"Who is Joy Boy?" Rolan asked abruptly.
Neptune froze. No pleasantries, no thanks, just straight to the point.
Robin, observing, pressed, "Who was he apologizing to? I read the poneglyph in the Sea Forest—he was apologizing to someone, right?"
"You can read that?"
Snap! Nami's fingers snapped, and cloud-shaped chairs appeared for everyone.
Robin nodded. "I am a scholar from Ohara; I can read ancient texts."
Neptune hesitated but finally spoke. "Joy Boy was real, from the Void Century."
"So at least eight hundred years ago?" Robin asked.
Neptune lowered his gaze. "Yes. The message was written to the Mermaid Princess of that era, apologizing for failing Fish-Man Island."
Robin raised an eyebrow. "A promise?"
Nami's eyes narrowed. "An apology?"
Neptune continued. "Though the details weren't preserved, one day someone would appear to take Joy Boy's place. This is a legend our royal family has protected for generations. When the time comes, Noah's Ark will sail again."
"And Joy Boy is the one who can command it," he added, eyes settling on Rolan, weighing his immense strength.
Robin nodded. "Then the Mermaid Princess is the Sea King, correct?"
Neptune confirmed. "Yes, Shirahoshi controls the Sea Kings."
"Madam Shyarly predicted that Lord Rolan would destroy Fish-Man Island," Neptune said softly, "but I believe it meant leading Fish-Man Island to a broader world."
Shirahoshi pouted. "Exactly, my Husband-to-be would never destroy Fish-Man Island."
Neptune's lips twitched, glancing at his daughter who, though unmarried, already sided with someone else, wearing a wry smile.
"So, Lord Rolan, I would like to fly your flag on Fish-Man Island. From now on, this island will be yours."
"What?!!!"
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