With the Gorosei's characterization of this matter, the Marine's crackdown on slave traders has intensified. Hera also found time to stop Rayleigh, who was about to set off.
"Don't be in such a hurry to leave. I heard you're the best coating mechanic on this island. Why don't you help me out?" Stared at by Hera's cute eyes, Rayleigh could only raise his hands in surrender.
"Alright, but my coating fee is quite expensive."
"Yay!" Hearing Rayleigh agree, Hera jumped for joy. She had long been curious about Fish-Man Island deep under the sea, and since there wasn't much going on lately, she decided to take her companions to see Fish-Man Island and see if there were any problems to solve.
In the blink of an eye, two days passed. A thin film had been applied to the argo, and Hera called her companions onto the ship.
Perona poked the film and complained, "With such a thin layer, can we really make it down to the deep sea safely?"
Hearing this, Hera replied, "Don't worry, it'll be fine. This was done by the best coating mechanic."
Kuina and Ain were also mesmerized by the underwater scenery and marveled at the sight.
Soon, they saw the entire island surrounded by a massive double-layered semi-circular bubble shield. A blue-skinned Fishman, Jinbe, waved to them and guided them to the correct gate, leading the argo inside.
The numerous Mermaids around them dazzled Hera's eyes. Although the Fishmen were all strange-looking, the Mermaid ladies were all uniquely beautiful. The sight of so many Mermaids in swimsuits made Hera's face turn red for a moment.
Kuina gave Hera a heavy blow to wake her up. "Hmph, if you're just here to look at this, don't ask me to come along." She crossed her arms, looking a bit annoyed.
Hera shook her head repeatedly. "How could that be? I'm here on official business. Besides, the underwater scenery is so beautiful, how could I enjoy it alone?"
Hearing this, Kuina finally nodded and gave a cold snort, seemingly forgiving Hera.
"Jinbe, since you're here, take us for a tour around the seafloor." Hera turned and asked Jinbe, who looked slightly awkward upon hearing this.
"I'd like to take you around, but I heard a rookie pirate has threatened to challenge Whitebeard. I have to go to Whitebeard's side to teach him a lesson, so I can't stay for long," Jinbe said apologetically.
Hera thought to herself, "Challenging Whitebeard? It must be that idiot Ace." She nodded and said, "While I don't know if Whitebeard needs your protection, go ahead if you want. We can look around on our own."
Jinbe nodded. "I've already told Queen Otohime and King Neptune about you. You can go see the King after your tour; he said he wants to host a banquet for you in honor of the liberated slaves."
Hera nodded, indicating she understood.
Meanwhile, in a dark corner of Fishman District, Hody Jones was plotting with a group of Fishmen who believed in 'Fishman Supremacy.'
Hody Jones's subordinate arrived. "Boss, I found that a group of Marines has arrived at Fish-Man Island. King Neptune wants to host a banquet for them, and Jinbe has left."
Hody Jones laughed happily upon hearing this. "Brothers, our chance has come. If we make that Marine kill Queen Otohime, humans and Fishmen will never be able to reconcile. Jinbe just happened to leave, too; what can a single human do?"
With that, he led his group out, planning to strike when Queen Otohime was collecting signatures in the park and happened to cross paths with Hera and the others.
Hera and the others weren't in a hurry to go to the palace, so they started wandering around Fish-Man Island. Suddenly, Hera's nose caught a scent. Following the aroma, she saw Hatchan making takoyaki.
Hera couldn't help but complain, "Cooking your own kind, huh? That's quite authentic." Kuina was also happy to see her old rival, Hatchan, and went forward to ask, "Why aren't you practicing your swordsmanship anymore? Why are you here grilling takoyaki?"
When Hatchan saw it was Hera, bloody memories flooded back, and his hands grilling the takoyaki trembled slightly.
Hera said, "Give me two portions to try. I could smell the aroma from far away."
Seeing Nami following behind, Hatchan apologized repeatedly. Having been lectured by Jinbe, he understood that what he did while following Arlong was wrong. He made several portions of takoyaki in a row and didn't even ask Nami for money.
Nami remembered that during her time with the Arlong Pirates, Hatchan was the only one who showed her any concern. Combined with the deliciousness of the takoyaki, she forgave him.
While walking through Fishman District, Hera suddenly remembered the Mermaid who was said to be able to predict the future and headed toward a cafe.
As soon as they entered the Mermaid Cafe, a green-haired Mermaid apprentice named Camie asked, "Everyone, what would you like to drink?"
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