Koala quickly located the Road Poneglyph, and the entire process went unnoticed.
This made Black even more satisfied with her. Given a few more years, she might truly be able to stand on her own.
Although recruiting someone like Kizaru was out of the question, cultivating his own user of the Glint-Glint Fruit was entirely feasible.
After completing the rubbing, Black spent the second day touring the legendary Noah under Queen Otohime's guidance.
He held considerable interest in this ancient, colossal ship rumored to have been built under the will of Joy Boy and tied to promises made eight hundred years ago.
Moreover, its scale and craftsmanship inevitably reminded him of Pluton and the shipbuilding prowess of Water 7.
Black had originally hoped to uncover some clues within Noah that might satisfy his curiosity.
However, after thoroughly exploring it, he found nothing of value.
Then again, Noah had remained there for centuries. If anything noteworthy had existed, it would have long since been discovered.
Realizing this, Black lost interest in prolonging his stay on Fish-Man Island.
The deep sea always left him with a subtle sense of unease.
Thus, on the third day, he chose to depart.
Neptune was visibly relieved.
If Black had stayed any longer, he genuinely feared the Celestial Dragon might abduct Otohime.
For the first time, he felt grateful that mermaids did not gain legs until the age of thirty.
Seeing Neptune's expression strikingly similar to King Riku's back in Dressrosa Black felt slightly displeased.
Was he truly so unwelcome?
With that thought, he repeated what he had once said before:
"Fish-Man Island has left quite a favorable impression on me. I'll be sure to visit again when I have time."
Neptune's expression stiffened instantly.
Only then did Black feel his mood improve.
Behind him, Robin cast a sidelong glance and muttered:
"Childish."
Black casually flicked her on the forehead, forcing her to clutch her head and crouch down defensively. Only then did he feel satisfied.
Neptune personally escorted Black to the port.
Just before boarding, Black paused and turned back.
"By the way… have you ever seen an enormous Sea King shaped like an anglerfish?"
Neptune was taken aback by the sudden question. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head.
"Since I ascended the throne, I have not received any reports of such a creature near Fish-Man Island."
"Due to the presence of the Sun Tree Eve and the surrounding currents, Sea Kings rarely pass through this area."
Black nodded, saying nothing further, and stepped aboard the ship.
The Red Line encircled the entire world, and Fish-Man Island served as the sole passage beneath it.
If that anglerfish had never appeared here, then its range could be narrowed to the New World and the other Blues.
Not particularly useful…
But still progress.
As for Pure Gold, the World Government's lack of urgency toward it was telling.
They only knew that the island associated with it had vanished, unaware of its connection to the giant anglerfish.
Finding it would not be easy.
Furthermore, ordinary Celestial Dragons lacked the authority to mobilize large-scale resources like CP agents for such a search.
As for the true rulers the Five Elders and the God's Knights
They already possessed a form of immortality granted by Imu.
There was no need for them to seek another method.
In fact, the disappearance of Pure Gold worked in their favor.
As long as no one else obtained it, the World Government's rule would remain unchallenged within the limits of mortal lifespan.
Black, however, sought something different.
If he could obtain eternal life independently…
Then he would no longer be bound.
And that was precisely what made it dangerous.
Imu granted immortality but also retained the power to take it away.
If one escaped that control…
Would they still be tolerated?
…After leaving Fish-Man Island, the ship surged upward, bursting through the surface like a Sea King.
This time, Black did not stop at Sabaody.
He returned directly to Mary Geoise.
At Red Port, the guard on duty was still Oswede.
The moment he saw Black, the man nearly burst into tears, sliding across the ground and clutching his leg.
"Saint Black! You've finally returned!"
Black's expression darkened.
A grown man clinging to his leg utterly disgraceful.
He kicked Oswede several meters away.
"Enough nonsense. Arrange maintenance for my ship immediately."
"Y-Yes, Saint Black!"
Oswede sprang to his feet and saluted exaggeratedly.
"I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
Black ignored him and led Stella and the others back into Mary Geoise.
…After a thorough bath, Black finally sat down for dinner.
As expected, Rosward quickly sent an invitation upon hearing of his return.
A banquet, supposedly in his honor.
In reality, just another excuse to flaunt his possessions.
Black declined under the pretext of fatigue.
Rosward, undeterred, simply found another reason to host his gathering.
The dining hall was lively.
Black pushed a plate of spinach toward Mandy.
"Eat this. It'll make you stronger."
For once, Mandy's expression showed clear resistance.
Just as she was about to slip away, Koala pressed her back into her seat.
Mandy shot her a look clearly questioning her loyalty.
Koala smiled sweetly.
"His Highness is right, Sister Mandy."
Mandy fell silent, inwardly grumbling.
"Don't think I didn't notice you using that ability…"
Still, she reluctantly began eating.
At that moment, a hand suddenly sprouted from the table and replaced Black's wine with juice.
He turned to see Robin calmly swirling his glass.
"Alcohol damages what little brain you have left."
Black narrowed his eyes.
"Oh? Then perhaps I should"
Before he could finish, his dessert had been swapped out for a bitter melon pie.
His gaze instantly locked onto a flash of pink hair retreating behind Scarlett.
He reached out and grabbed Perona.
Before she could protest, he shoved the pie straight into her mouth.
"Water! Water! Water!"
Perona ran off, face twisted, grabbing a cup and gulping it down frantically.
Nearby, Rami helped Stella distribute pudding.
Kozuki Toki sat silently, mechanically eating.
Only when she saw Hiyori cream smeared on her lips, smiling faintly
Did a brief glimmer of life return to her eyes.