Half an hour later, the pitch-black seafloor gradually grew brighter.
Soon, Fish-Man Island, encased in a giant bubble, came into view. Next to the island were the roots of the Sunlight Tree Eve, radiating light.
"It's truly magnificent..." Kaido stood at the ship's bow, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth as he looked at Fish-Man Island glowing with a soft light. The enormous bubble shimmered with dreamlike brilliance in the deep sea; the roots of the Sunlight Tree Eve coiled around the island like golden ribbons.
Queen could hardly contain himself, his plump body bouncing on the deck. "Muhahaha! We're finally here! Mermaid ladies, I, Queen-sama, have arrived!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes nearly turning into hearts.
"Idiot," King glanced at him coldly, his black wings folding slightly. "Don't cause trouble for Boss Kaido."
"Tch, you have no sense of fun," Queen grumbled discontentedly, but quickly grew excited again. "Boss, shouldn't we prepare to disembark?"
Kaido didn't answer, merely squinting his eyes to examine the approaching Fish-Man Island. The pirate ship slowly passed through the bubble membrane. The hull shuddered slightly, then stabilized, floating in the air inside Fish-Man Island.
"All hands, attention!" Jack, standing at the stern, shouted loudly. "Prepare to land!"
The pirates immediately busied themselves—some checking weapons, others inspecting equipment. A few young pirates excitedly leaned over the railing, pointing at the faintly visible buildings in the distance. "Look! Is that the Fish-Man District?"
At that moment, a squad of Fish-Man guards riding sea beasts swiftly approached. "Halt! Who are you?" the guard captain at the front called out warily.
"Hmph." Kaido snorted coldly, instantly releasing his Haoshoku Haki. The guards' sea beasts immediately recoiled in terror; several guards even fainted on the spot.
"Get lost," Kaido's low voice made the remaining guards tremble. "Don't block my way."
Queen laughed triumphantly. "Muhahaha! See that? This is the might of our Beasts Pir—"
Before he could finish, King suddenly frowned. "Someone's coming."
They saw a disturbance in the water in the distance as several tall figures swam over swiftly. The man had red skin and a robust build. It was the current leader of the Fish-Man District and the future captain of the Sun Pirates, who would later storm Mary Geoise—Fisher Tiger.
Behind him followed a man with blue skin and a muscular build—the future Warlord of the Sea, Jinbe.
"Kaido," Fisher Tiger stopped in front of the ship, his expression grave. "Why have you come to Fish-Man Island? The island does not welcome pirates."
Kaido grinned. "Wororororo... I go wherever I please. After all, pirates are free! And is this how you treat guests on Fish-Man Island?"
Kaido's laughter echoed through the seabed; his Haoshoku Haki made the surrounding seawater tremble slightly. Fisher Tiger's expression remained heavy. Behind him, Jinbe had already assumed a combat stance, his blue skin looking particularly striking under the light of the Sunlight Tree Eve.
"Kaido, Fish-Man Island is not a place for you to cause trouble," Tiger said solemnly, muscles tensing under his red skin. "Leave immediately, or else..."
"Or else what?" Kaido narrowed his eyes, his spiked club tapping lightly on the deck. "You think you bunch of Fish-Men can stop me?"
Queen laughed exaggeratedly beside him. "Muhahaha! The Boss is right! Mere Fish-Men should obediently hand over the mermaid ladies!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes constantly darting toward the direction of the Fish-Man District.
King gave Queen a cold glance. "Shut up, idiot." He turned to Tiger, his black wings slightly unfurling. "We're just passing through. We don't want trouble. But we aren't afraid of it either."
Tiger and Jinbe exchanged a look, both seeing gravity in each other's eyes. They knew the opponent's strength, especially considering the recent bounty for "The Fierce Beast" Kaido had directly exceeded five hundred million Berries. That bounty would make him a major pirate even in the future, let alone now.
Just then, a commotion arose in the distance. A squad of Ryugu Kingdom guards swam over rapidly, led by the Right Minister of the kingdom. He stopped, panting, between the two sides. "Please... please stop! King Neptune invites Mr. Kaido to Ryugu Palace for a talk! Mr. Kaido, Mr. Edward Newgate, 'Whitebeard,' is also currently at Ryugu Palace."
Kaido's eyes suddenly sharpened. "Whitebeard?" His low voice carried a trace of excitement. "That old man is here too?"
Whitebeard was currently at his absolute peak. Kaido grew excited at the thought of testing the man's current strength.
Queen immediately leaned in. "Boss, could this be a trap? That guy Whitebeard..."
"Shut up," Kaido waved his hand, cutting him off, a ferocious grin spreading across his face. "Perfect timing. I've wanted to meet him for a long time." He turned to the Right Minister. "Lead the way."
The Right Minister wiped cold sweat from his brow and hurriedly signaled the guards to clear a path. Fisher Tiger frowned, but seeing the Ryugu Kingdom's stance, he could only step aside for now. Jinbe asked quietly, "Big Brother Tiger, are we just letting them pass?"
Tiger shook his head. "Let's see how things develop. With Whitebeard there, there shouldn't be major trouble."
Led by the Ryugu Palace guard unit, the pirate ship slowly sailed toward Ryugu Palace. The scenery along the way was breathtaking. Coral architecture shimmered with dreamlike colors under the light of the Sunlight Tree Eve; various strange marine creatures swam about. But no one on board had the mind to appreciate this; everyone's attention was fixed on the upcoming meeting.
As the ship approached, the magnificent Ryugu Palace gradually unfolded before them. Vast shell-like structures stood imposingly in the deep sea, golden decorations gleaming brilliantly in the light. At the palace gates, a line of elite Ryugu Palace guards stood in orderly formation.
When the ship docked at the designated pier, a tall figure was already waiting. He had long orange hair and held a massive naginata. It was the young Whitebeard, Edward Newgate.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard let out his signature laugh. "If it isn't brat Kaido? What, got lost and ended up at Fish-Man Island?"
Kaido jumped off the ship, his spiked club thudding heavily on the ground. "Cut the crap, Whitebeard. I go wherever I want."
The Haoshoku Haki of the two men clashed in the air. Guards around them involuntarily collapsed one by one. Invisible sparks seemed to fly in the atmosphere.
Just then, a booming voice sounded. "Gentlemen, please remain calm." They saw King Neptune striding over quickly. The young Neptune was burly and held a trident. Though wearing a smile, his eyes held wariness.
Whitebeard retracted his Haki, laughing heartily. "Neptune, don't be nervous. The brat and I are just saying hello."
Kaido snorted coldly but also restrained his aura. He sized up Neptune. "You're the king here?"
Neptune nodded. "Indeed. Mr. Kaido, you've come from afar. Why not join us inside the palace for a talk? We have prepared a banquet. Please do us the honor."
Hearing there was a banquet, Queen immediately got excited. "Muhahaha! A banquet? Excellent! Boss, let's go quickly!"
King glared at him coldly, but Kaido was already striding forward. "Lead the way."
On the way to the palace, Whitebeard walked side by side with Kaido. Though they maintained distance, their silent contest never ceased.
"I hear you've been causing quite a stir in the New World lately," Whitebeard said casually.
Kaido grinned. "What, scared?"
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard laughed. "I've lived this long and still don't know how to write the word 'fear.'"
Neptune listened to their conversation, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
Inside the banquet hall, exquisite seafood dishes covered a long table. All sorts of rare deep-sea delicacies exuded enticing aromas. The moment Queen saw the food, his eyes lit up, and he eagerly pounced.
"Hey, watch your manners," King hissed in a low voice, but Queen was already chomping on a giant lobster.
Several of the Whitebeard Pirates' commanders also attended the banquet. The young Marco sat beside Whitebeard, curiously observing Kaido and his crew.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed. Neptune raised his glass. "Thank you both for honoring us. Fish-Man Island has always welcomed visitors from all sides, but we seek peaceful coexistence."
Kaido downed the wine in his glass in one gulp and suddenly said, "Neptune, I'm just passing through this time. But since I'm here, I plan to recruit a group of Fish-Men on this island to join my crew. I trust you have no objection!"