Tiger felt immense relief at Jinbe's progress, but he knew now was not the time for casual greetings.
Jinbe, standing proudly behind him, was still waiting for praise, but Tiger turned toward the Right Minister of Ryugu Kingdom and said,
Right Minister, this is Admiral Black Dragon of the Navy. You have shown too little respect.
What!?
The Right Minister froze at this declaration, staring at Lloyd in disbelief.
Lloyd simply smiled and said with calm composure,
As I said, I am merely a traveler for now. There's no need for worry.
Although startled, the Right Minister's mind tried to reconcile the words with Lloyd's presence. Even if Lloyd claimed to be just passing through, the title of Admiral was not something to be taken lightly. If this unusually young man truly was an Admiral of the World Government Navy, then as the Right Minister, he was not worthy to receive him.
With great respect now guiding his actions, the Right Minister quickly stepped aside, clearing a pathway and, under the astonished stares of those around him, bowed deeply toward Lloyd.
Your Excellency the Admiral, if you would kindly accept our invitation, may we escort you to Dragon Palace City?
Now speaking with reverence, the Right Minister's voice carried authority — and awe.
The citizens of Fish‑Man Island had little exposure to surface world affairs, so many did not truly understand the significance of "Admiral of the Navy." But they felt the weight of it in how their leader spoke.
Lloyd considered the invitation for a moment, then nodded.
Very well, I would like to see this Dragon Palace City as well. Please, lead the way.
At this, the Right Minister breathed a small sigh of relief and immediately ordered the palace guards to form two lines, surrounding Lloyd as he walked.
The crowd dispersed around them, watching as the Admiral and his company moved toward the heart of Dragon Palace City.
As they walked, Jinbe leaned in close to Tiger and quietly asked,
Tiger Big Brother, is he truly an Admiral? How did you come to meet him?
Tiger turned and shot Jinbe a sharp glare.
If you have something to say, say it outright! If he weren't an Admiral, then who would he be? If it weren't for him, you might never have lived to see me again!
Jinbe shrank his large fish head and fell silent.
Lloyd glanced in their direction, finding the interaction quietly amusing. He hadn't expected Jinbe to be so simple in youth; the composed and steady leader Jinbe would become later seemed a completely different person compared to this carefree young merfolk.
Jinbe, for his part, watched Lloyd curiously. He could not fathom how someone who appeared so ordinary could unleash such overwhelming power.
At only eighteen years old, about the same age as Lloyd, Jinbe felt a spark of competitive curiosity in his chest. His lack of understanding about the true meaning of "Admiral" only fueled his desire to witness Lloyd's unmatched strength firsthand.
But sensing this was not the proper moment, he suppressed that thought.
Before long, the group reached the royal residence in Dragon Palace City.
To the common eye, Dragon Palace City was magnificent and awe‑inspiring, though perhaps still less opulent than the grand estates of the Figarland Family on the surface.
Only the enormous golden dragon sculpture crowning the central palace caused Lloyd to pause and take a second look.
Inside the main hall, King Neptune was engaged in discussion with the Left Minister, until the sudden entry of Lloyd and his entourage brought the meeting to a halt.
Neptune's face went from mild surprise to absolute disbelief when he saw Lloyd.
As ruler of a World Government affiliated nation, Neptune had access to Marine records and intelligence. The Navy was the strongest military force under the World Government's command, and Neptune was well acquainted with the highest ranked names.
Within that information, Lloyd was ranked only after Fleet Admiral Kong, marking him as one of the most important figures in the Navy.
More than that, Lloyd had been central to the world‑shaking battle recently fought against Roger and Whitebeard's forces.
At the sight of Lloyd, Neptune could only exclaim in shock,
Admiral Black Dragon?!
Neptune's voice confirmed Lloyd's identity without question.
The Right Minister, already a respected seahorse Fish‑Man, bent even deeper in Lloyd's presence.
At that moment a young Fish‑Woman in luxurious attire emerged from a side hall.
Hearing Neptune's shout, she asked in confusion,
Neptune, what has happened?
Yet when King Neptune did not answer her and instead moved swiftly toward Lloyd, the seriousness of the moment became clear.
Her expression turned to shock, worry replacing confusion. This Fish‑Woman — Queen Otohime — immediately understood the significance of Lloyd's arrival.
Neptune's nervous demeanor was understandable. Lloyd was believed to be the Admiral who led the World Government's forces in the climactic clash against Roger and Whitebeard, a conflict that reshaped the seas and reverberated throughout the world.
Just last year, Roger had visited Fish‑Man Island, and Neptune had become an unexpected friend of the Pirate King.
At that time, Otohime had been alarmed by the king's actions, knowing any sign of alliance between Neptune and Roger could jeopardize the Ryugu Kingdom's status as a World Government affiliate.
If Fish‑Man Island lost that protected status, slave traders and oppressive forces would ravage both Fish‑Men and merfolk without restraint.
So the fact that Lloyd had now appeared — recognized as the Black Dragon Admiral — filled Neptune and Otohime with unease and anticipation in equal measure.
Lloyd, for his part, was unaware of the swirling psychological currents around him. He was simply here to visit.
If he had any interest beyond that, it was in Sea King Poseidon's power, which he considered part of his Figarland legacy.
His gaze briefly flicked to Otohime.
Despite her elegant features, her decorated tail and sophisticated clothes marked her as no more than thirty years old, a woman shaped by grace and courtly life.
King Neptune, in contrast, was visibly older, his massive body showing decades of ruling wisdom.
But regardless of their age differences and royal concerns, they both recognized something undeniable in Lloyd's presence — a power and authority far beyond the ordinary.