In the New World, there existed an island similar to the Sabaody Archipelago, offering coating services for passing ships.
However, the entertainment industry there was far less developed than that of Sabaody, so Black had no interest in lingering.
After confirming that the coating was complete, the ship descended into the deep sea.
The people of this world seemed to possess an innate affinity for the ocean; even the usually timid Perona and Koala showed no fear.
The two excitedly discussed the schools of fish swimming past with Hiyori, who had only recently come aboard.
Black stood at the bow, his gloved hand gently brushing over the gilded decorations along the railing.
Kozuki Toki stood quietly a short distance behind him.
Since that day, she seemed to have completely lost the will to resist, her demeanor gradually becoming as subdued as Mandy's.
Only when she was near Hiyori would any trace of emotion surface on her face.
Black paid it no mind. He had no intention of extending the same leniency to Kozuki Toki as he did to the others.
The ship descended rapidly, and before long, Stella approached with a telescope.
"Your Highness, the welcoming procession from Ryugu Kingdom has already assembled."
With Black's strength, he had no need for such a tool.
He didn't even glance at it, his gaze sweeping across the neatly lined formation of whale shark riders at the port below.
"The mounts of the Fish-Man race are certainly unique."
When the gangplank was lowered, Neptune stood waiting alongside Queen Otohime and a number of Ryugu officials.
"Saint Black's visit is a great honor for Fish-Man Island."
Neptune lowered his gaze, masking his true emotions.
Yet it was obvious if given the choice, he would never wish for a Celestial Dragon to step foot here.
Black chuckled softly.
"How honored?"
Neptune faltered, momentarily at a loss for words.
Queen Otohime stepped forward smoothly.
"As honored as a pearl touched by moonlight. To encounter you is the closest Ryugu has come to such radiance."
For a brief moment, Black felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity stir within him.
A faint trace of crimson lightning flickered in his eyes.
He raised a brow, thinking to himself
So this was her innate Observation Haki… impressive. Even he had been affected for an instant.
Black shifted his gaze to Otohime.
"Is that so? I, however, feel that the pearls upon the Queen seem somewhat dim today."
As he spoke, he casually lifted the pearl necklace resting against her chest with the tip of his scepter.
Otohime's tail fin shifted uneasily.
"Thank you for your concern, Saint Black. It is merely that our pearl farms have encountered some recent difficulties."
"What a pity."
Black sighed lightly.
"I had thought pearls were formed from the tears of mermaids."
"I had intended to have the Queen create a special one for me."
As he spoke, his fingertip brushed lightly across the corner of her eye.
Otohime stiffened, yet did not dare to retreat.
Behind them, the ministers of Ryugu lowered their heads in unison.
Neptune's fist clenched then slowly loosened as he forced a smile.
"Saint Black, a welcoming banquet has been prepared at Ryugu Palace. Please, this way."
He extended his hand in invitation.
Black did not press further, leading his growing retinue toward the palace.
Though his domineering nature had resurfaced since Wano, he still had matters to attend to here.
Moreover, the Otohime before him was still young, and Neptune was not the type to grovel without dignity.
Black's actions were nothing more than casual provocation.
At the banquet, amid the clinking of glasses, Black refrained from pushing further, which allowed Neptune to relax slightly.
Swirling the wine in his glass, Black remarked:
"The brewing techniques of the Fish-Man race are quite distinctive."
Neptune nodded.
"It is made from coral unique to the Sea Forest. Naturally, its flavor differs from surface wines."
"Sea Forest?"
Black repeated thoughtfully.
"It sounds like… a place worth visiting."
His gaze turned to Otohime.
"Your Majesty, how about guiding me there tomorrow?"
The chandelier overhead swayed slightly whether from ocean currents or a sudden surge of tension, it was unclear.
But by the time Black looked back, Neptune had already composed himself.
"As you wish, Saint Black."
He cast Otohime a brief glance.
She understood there was no room for refusal.
Between sending himself or Otohime, the choice had already been made.
After all, Black had no interest in being guided by Neptune.
…The next morning, Otohime led Black and his party to the Sea Forest.
Her pearl-adorned waist chain shimmered softly in the water as she slowed her pace, introducing the island's customs along the way.
In truth, she was probing testing Black's attitude toward Fish-Men and mermaids.
So far, he was far less volatile than most Celestial Dragons.
Black, however, grew impatient with the roundabout approach.
He suddenly placed his gloved hand against her shoulder.
"The Queen's scales are more dazzling than the corals themselves…"
Otohime stiffened briefly before forcing herself to relax.
"You flatter me, Saint Black. It is merely a natural trait of our kind."
Black's fingers slid lower, tracing along her back.
"I would say it is the result of careful maintenance."
Otohime abruptly accelerated, subtly breaking free from his touch.
She pointed ahead.
"That is the Glowing Coral Zone."
Black followed her gaze as though his attention had shifted.
…After nearly an entire day exploring the Sea Forest, they returned to Ryugu Palace by evening.
Another banquet followed, and once it concluded, they retired to their quarters.
Black beckoned Koala closer.
"Did you notice? When Otohime guided us today, she deliberately avoided a certain area."
Koala hesitated, then nodded.
"It… did seem that way."
Black handed her the tools needed for making a rubbing.
"Go take a look. There should be a Road Poneglyph there similar to the one in Wano."
"Record everything."
PLEASE GO BACK TO CHAPTER 78 TO READ CHAPTER 79... IT'S UPDATED ALREADY.