In the New World, there was also an island similar to the Sabaody Archipelago, providing coating services for passing ships.
However, the entertainment industry here was far less developed than in the Sabaody Archipelago, so Black did not stay long.
After confirming that the coating was in order, the sanctuary plunged into the deep sea.
The people of this world seemed to have an innate affinity for the ocean; even the most timid Perona and Koala showed no fear.
The two were excitedly discussing the schools of fish swimming past the ship with Hiyori, who had just come aboard.
Black stood at the bow, his gloved hand gently caressing the gilded decorations on the ship's rail.
Kozuki Toki stood quietly a short distance behind him.
Since that day, the woman seemed to have completely lost her will to resist, her demeanor growing more and more like Mandy's.
Only when she was by Hiyori's side could any expression be seen on her face.
However, Black didn't care about this; he wouldn't treat Kozuki Toki with such kindness.
The sanctuary descended quickly, and before long, Stella walked over with a telescope:
"Your Highness, the welcoming procession from Ryugu has already taken its place."
With Black's strength, he naturally didn't need a telescope.
He didn't reach for it, his gaze sweeping over the whale shark cavalry neatly lined up at the port:
"The Fishman race's mounts are truly unique."
When the sanctuary's gangplank finally lowered, Neptune, along with Queen Otohime and a host of Ryugu ministers, was already waiting at the port.
"Saint Black's presence is a great honor for Fish-Man Island."
Neptune lowered his eyes, making his expression unreadable.
But it was easy to imagine that, if possible, he would surely wish for Celestial Dragons to never visit Fish-Man Island.
Black chuckled and retorted:
"How honored?"
Neptune seemed to be choked by the question, unable to answer for a long time.
Queen Otohime quickly interjected:
"As honored as a pearl encountering moonlight; to meet you, this is the closest Ryugu has ever been to the moonlight."
Black felt an indescribable sense of intimacy well up in his heart.
A dark red lightning bolt flashed in his eyes.
He raised an eyebrow, sighing inwardly:
"As expected of the innate Observation Haki that cannot be suppressed, it is indeed formidable."
"Even I was affected for a moment."
Black focused his attention on Queen Otohime:
"Is that so? I, however, feel that the pearls on the Queen seem not so bright anymore."
As he spoke, he even used his scepter to lift the pearl necklace on Otohime's chest.
The 26-year-old Otohime swayed her tail fin, appearing somewhat uncomfortable:
"Thank you for your concern, Saint Black, but it's just that there have been some issues recently with Ryugu's pearl farms."
"That's truly a pity."
Black feigned regret:
"I thought pearls were formed from the tears of mermaids."
"I had originally planned for the Queen to create a special pearl for me."
As he spoke, Black's fingertips brushed past Queen Otohime's eye corner.
Otohime was somewhat flustered but dared not dodge.
Seeing this, the accompanying Ryugu ministers behind them quickly bowed their heads collectively.
Neptune, standing nearby, clenched his fist, then slowly released it, forcing a smile:
"Saint Black, we have prepared a welcoming banquet for you in Ryugu; please follow me."
Saying this, he made a gesture of invitation.
Black also did not continue to trouble them, leading his increasing number of maids towards Ryugu.
Although Black's "total control" attribute seemed to have been reactivated since that day, he had serious business on Fish-Man Island this time.
Moreover, the Otohime in front of him was only 26 years old and hadn't even developed legs yet, and Neptune was not like King Taya, who flattered World Nobless without bottom line.
Black was just casually teasing her a few times.
At the banquet, amidst the clinking of cups, Black did not continue to be aggressive, which slightly relieved Neptune.
Black gently swirled his crystal wine glass, exclaiming:
"The Fishman race's winemaking craftsmanship is truly unique."
Neptune smiled and explained:
"This is brewed from the unique corals of the Sea Forest, so its taste naturally differs from wines on the surface."
"Sea Forest?"
Black spoke as if hearing the name for the first time:
"It sounds like... a suitable place for a stroll."
His gaze turned to Queen Otohime, who was accompanying him in drinking:
"Queen, how about you take me to see it tomorrow?"
The crystal chandelier in the banquet hall suddenly swayed slightly, whether due to deep-sea currents or Neptune's instant burst of anger.
But when Black turned his head, the King of Ryugu had already regained his smile:
"As you wish, Saint Black."
Saying this, he also gave Otohime a look.
Otohime knew there was no refusing and could only agree.
For Black, between a beautiful mermaid and a plump merman, choosing a guide, was there even a need to consider?
Neptune could go wherever it was cool; such a large physique shouldn't be in his sight.
After staying one night in Ryugu, Queen Otohime took Black and his party to the Sea Forest early the next morning.
Her pearl waist chain shimmered in the water, and she deliberately slowed the frequency of her tail fin's sway, introducing the customs and traditions of Fish-Man Island to Black as she walked.
Otohime was actually testing Black's attitude towards the Fishman and mermaid races, seeing that he was not as irritable as other Celestial Dragons.
Black, getting a bit annoyed by the circling, suddenly placed his gloved hand on her shoulder blade:
"The Queen's scales are even more dazzling than the corals in the sea..."
Otohime's body stiffened slightly, then quickly returned to normal:
"Saint Black, you overpraise me; this is just... just the natural talent of the mermaid race."
Black, however, acted as if he hadn't noticed her abnormality, his fingers slowly sliding down, all the way to her back:
"I, however, believe it's the result of good care."
Otohime suddenly accelerated, seemingly unintentionally shaking off Black's fingers, pointed forward, and changed the subject:
"That's the Glowing Coral Zone ahead!"
Black also acted as if his attention had truly been diverted, looking in the direction Otohime pointed... After touring the Sea Forest for almost an entire day, Black and his party only returned when dinner was ready back at Ryugu.
Another round of toasts and drinks, and after it concluded, they returned to the rear palace to rest.
Black called Koala to his side:
"Did you notice? Today, when Otohime took us to see the Sea Forest, she deliberately avoided a certain area."
Koala thought for a moment, then nodded with some uncertainty:
"It seems... that might be true?"
Black handed her the tools needed for making a rubbing of a poneglyph:
"Go and check that area. There should be a red poneglyph there, similar to the one we saw in Wano Country."
"Make a rubbing of its contents."