The ark maxim traversed layers of dark currents and successfully arrived at Ryugu Kingdom.
At the entrance.
Several mermaids were chatting.
"Your Highness, more pirates have arrived," a Fishman soldier reminded, and everyone immediately became vigilant.
After Whitebeard's death, many ill-intentioned pirates came to Ryugu Palace.
In just a few days, they had already driven many away.
Beside them, a blue Fishman with a stern face, holding a trident, frowned and looked over.
Those people seemed a bit familiar.
The next second, with a whoosh.
Roux flashed to the magnificent entrance, and the women followed closely behind.
"That fast?"
First Prince Fukaboshi was startled.
"You are Roux?!"
A Fishman recognized Roux, and the expressions on everyone's faces gradually turned to terror.
Although Fish-Man Island was located ten thousand meters deep in the sea, Roux's name was already known to everyone on the sea.
"Are they mermaids?!" Conis's beautiful eyes gleamed as she carefully observed everyone.
"Indeed, the world is vast and full of wonders," Kaya also exclaimed.
The other girls also cast curious glances at Fukaboshi and the others.
Roux scanned the Fishman soldiers, finally resting his gaze on Fukaboshi.
After recognizing the newcomer's identity, Fukaboshi subconsciously swallowed, gathering his courage to step forward.
"Lord Roux, what brings you to Ryugu Palace?!"
He tried his best to calm himself down.
"Don't be nervous."
Looking at the Fishman soldiers who were as if facing a formidable enemy, Roux smiled faintly.
"I have something to discuss with Neptune; lead the way."
Fukaboshi looked at Roux with caution, remained silent for a moment, and finally nodded, saying, "Alright, I'll take you to see Father now."
There was no other way; with Fish-Man Island's strength, rashly offending Roux was not a wise move.
After speaking, Fukaboshi turned and walked towards Ryugu Palace, subtly giving a look to a nearby Fishman.
The soldier understood and quickly departed... "963."
Inside the magnificent Ryugu Palace hall.
Charlotte Perospero sat with his legs crossed, extending his long tongue, and said in a deep voice:
"Neptune, as long as you contribute all your sweets, the Big Mom Pirates will protect Fish-Man Island."
"No one will dare to trouble you again."
Upon hearing this, Neptune was overjoyed.
Without Whitebeard's protection, Fish-Man Island was in peril.
He could even foresee the darkness and turmoil Fish-Man Island would face in the near future.
Perospero's arrival was simply a godsend.
Moreover, what Big Mom wanted was just a large quantity of sweets.
For him, it wasn't precious.
This deal was worthwhile!
As for the Marine?
Heh heh.
If the Marine were reliable, Fish-Man Island wouldn't have sought Whitebeard's protection before.
"Yes, I agree to your terms."
"Your Majesty!"
Neptune had not even finished speaking when a Fishman soldier burst in, urgently saying:
"Your Majesty, the Reno Pirates have arrived, and Prince Fukaboshi is currently leading them to the Ryugu Palace hall."
"What did you say?!" Neptune was greatly surprised.
Roux's formidable reputation had long preceded him.
A man with a bounty of 5 billion Berries, a person who kills without batting an eye.
What was he doing at his Ryugu Palace?!
"Roux?!" Perospero was equally startled.
The Roux that Mama had been yearning for, had actually come here too?!
His Observation Haki immediately spread out.
On the street several hundred meters from Ryugu Palace.
Prince Fukaboshi silently led the way for everyone.
Roux suddenly frowned.
"It's him!"
After sensing the other party's identity, a cold smile played on Roux's lips.
"It really is Roux."
Banquet hall.
Perospero immediately retracted his Observation Haki, his mind racing.
Before long, Fukaboshi led Roux and his group into the hall.
As soon as he entered, Roux saw a tall, thin man with a pointed mouth and heavy makeup.
Most striking was his tongue, which reached his chest.
He was the Big Mom Pirates' Candy Minister, and also Big Mom's eldest son, Charlotte Perospero.
A Paramecia-type Lick-Lick Devil Fruit Ability user.
His bounty was 700 million Berries.
"You were the one who released Observation Haki just now, weren't you?!" Roux stared at Perospero with a half-smile.
Upon hearing this, Perospero's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly explained:
"Roux, I have no ill intentions, I just want to be friends with you."
"Kill him." Roux waved his hand, as if speaking of a trivial matter.
"Light Bullet Baptism!"
"Tempest Kick: Hundred Blade Slash!"
As soon as his voice fell, Doll and Kalifa simultaneously charged out from the crowd.
They needed no reason.
Roux's command was the direction of their blades and the will they followed.
Perospero's pupils contracted, and he roared, "Roux, are you crazy?!"
"Are you going to be an enemy of the Big Mom Pirates?!"
"If you kill me, Mama won't let you off!"
Perospero's expression changed drastically, his eyes shadowed with dread.
What a madman!
Just because he sensed him with Observation Haki, he was going to kill him?
Even the Sea Overlord Rocks wasn't this overbearing, was he?!
"Does Big Mom even deserve to be in my eyes?!" Roux sneered, unmoved.
"Bastard, Candy Armor!"
"Candy Wave!"
Perospero cursed aloud, his actions not slowing in the slightest.
His Lick-Lick Devil Fruit Ability instantly activated.
Perospero first condensed a layer of solid armor made of candy on his body, then released a syrup swamp towards the two women.
If caught by his syrup, the opponent would lose the ability to move.
"Take it outside, I still have important matters to discuss with King Neptune."
Seeing Roux's displeasure, Doll and Kalifa immediately unleashed stronger killing moves, forcing Perospero out of the hall.
Neptune and the many ministers stared at the scene before them, frozen in place.
Rumors said Roux was unreasonable and killed without mercy.
Seeing him today, it was indeed true; he was far too unreasonable.
"Wait, wait, wait." Neptune, who had come to his senses, quickly stopped them: "Roux, if you really kill him, Big Mom won't let you off."
In his opinion, even if Roux's strength was great, there was no need to needlessly offend a Four Emperors' Crews.
Of course, Neptune also left something unsaid.
Given Big Mom's cruel nature, if she knew Perospero died in Ryugu Palace, Fish-Man Island would inevitably be implicated.
He couldn't bear the wrath of the Yonko.
"You don't have to worry about Big Mom's retaliation."
"Fish-Man Island, I've protected it."
Reno savored a cup of black tea offered by Robin and said slowly.
Neptune and the many ministers exchanged glances, hesitated for a moment, then sat back in their original seats.
During the Summit War, Reno shone brightly; his strength was evident and beyond doubt.
If Fish-Man Island could gain his protection, its crisis could be resolved.
Most pirates are bullies who pick on the weak and fear the strong.
If they knew Fish-Man Island was under Reno's protection, they would not only avoid causing trouble when passing through but would rather steer clear altogether.
Even those vicious individuals would have to consider the consequences before harming the mermaids again.
But the problem was, Reno had killed Whitebeard.
"Someone, quickly bring out the finest wine and dishes."
After a period of internal struggle, Neptune quickly made a decision.
As a friend, he was grateful for everything Whitebeard had done for Fish-Man Island.
Years ago, when Fish-Man Island was plagued by countless pirates and plunged into chaos...
It was Whitebeard who stepped forward, protected Fish-Man Island, and saved countless Fishmen from the suffering of war.
But as king, he had to be responsible for the future of millions of Fishmen and had to plan ahead to find a stronger backer for Fish-Man Island.
Currently, only the other Yonko and Reno had this capability in the vast sea.
Shanks and Kaido had no interest in Fish-Man Island.
As for Big Mom...
Neptune glanced outside the hall; Perospero was already on the verge of death.
He couldn't stop it even if he wanted to.
Now, the only one they could rely on was Reno.
Hearing Neptune's command, before long, mermaid waitresses brought platters of specialty dishes to the table and moved in over twenty chairs.
Nami, Robin, and the others took their seats.
"Reno, tell me, what do you want?!"
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Neptune cut straight to the chase.
He knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Big Mom protected Fish-Man Island for large quantities of sweets and delicacies.
Reno must also have an objective.
"I like dealing with smart people."
Reno nodded, very satisfied with Neptune's attitude.
"I want Shirahoshi to join the Reno Pirates." Reno didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"What?!"
Neptune's face changed instantly, and he shot up from his chair.
It was just as he thought!
His greatest fear had come true.
When he saw the more than twenty beautiful women around Reno, Neptune had an ominous premonition.
Among the many rumors about Reno, his lustfulness and bloodlust were considered synonymous.
Shirahoshi had also been targeted.
"Reno, can you change the condition?!" Neptune looked troubled and spoke with apprehension.
He knew saying this might anger Reno, but Shirahoshi truly couldn't comply.
"No, I must take Shirahoshi with me." Reno's voice carried an undeniable tone.
The faces of the left and right ministers changed drastically, and they all made eye contact with Neptune.
Prince Fukaboshi, seeing the atmosphere was a bit off, walked up to Reno and quickly tried to smooth things over: "Lord Reno, it's not that we disagree, it's just that Shirahoshi can't leave Fish-Man Island at all."
The second prince, Yellow Star, quickly echoed: "Yes, Lord Reno, we are also forced to."
Reno immediately curved his lips into a sneer and said playfully: "Are you concerned about Van der Decken?!"
The two princes and the ministers were all astonished.
Reno even knew about this?!
Neptune nodded helplessly, sighing: "That's right."
This matter had always been a burden on his heart.
Years ago, when Queen Otohime was assassinated, the scene was chaotic.
Van der Decken took the opportunity to release his [Target-Target Fruit] ability, touching Shirahoshi...
From then on, Shirahoshi's nightmare began.
At first, Van der Decken only threw love letters at Shirahoshi.
But after not receiving a response from Shirahoshi, he became even more aggressive.
He threw swords, axes, and all sorts of bizarre weapons at Shirahoshi to express his twisted affection.
Left with no choice, Shirahoshi could only live in the Hard-Shell Tower, avoiding snipers.
She lost her freedom and lived a life of solitude.
Mentioning this, the first prince, Fukaboshi, also became dejected and added: "We also led an army to pursue Van der Decken, but he always managed to escape."
"So as long as Van der Decken is alive, Shirahoshi cannot leave the Hard-Shell Tower."
"Lord Reno, why don't you choose another condition? As long as we can do it—"
"Alright, I'll take Shirahoshi after I kill Van der Decken." Reno waved his hand impatiently, interrupting Fukaboshi's chatter.
He hadn't caught Van der Decken for eight whole years, and he still had the nerve to talk.
Neptune was stunned, then his eyes lit up, "If you are willing to act, it will certainly be no problem."
Although Van der Decken was incredibly cunning and had repeatedly escaped their pursuit...
But who was Reno?!
He was a ruthless man who had killed Garp and Whitebeard; catching a mere Van der Decken would be a piece of cake!
"First, take me to see Shirahoshi."
Reno was already eager to see the beauty of one of the three great beauties of the pirates, personally chosen by Oda.
Neptune hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Fukaboshi, take Reno to Shirahoshi."
Fukaboshi quickly got up and led the way.
"Nami, you all stay here for now; I'll be back." Reno said casually, then followed Fukaboshi out of the banquet hall.
Outside, Perospero was covered in blood, his aura growing weaker.
After Reno left, Nami and the others began to enjoy the feast.
Robin looked at Neptune, her gaze burning, "King Neptune, our Captain said there's a poneglyph on Fish-Man Island, right?!"
Neptune was startled, then nodded slightly: "That's right, it's in the Sea Forest, but no one can read the writing on it."
Robin's eyes immediately lit up, and she continued to press for more information.
On the other side.
Reno followed Fukaboshi and soon arrived in front of a tall tower built of iron walls.
Looking around, the surrounding area was entirely covered with crisscrossing marks of sword cuts and axe chops.
There were even many swords, axes, and halberds stuck into it.
"This is the Hard-Shell Tower, where Shirahoshi lives."
Looking at the various weapons stuck on it, Fukaboshi let out a faint sigh.
Every time he came here, he felt very sad.
"Poor Mermaid Princess, so young, yet she has to live in such a dark place." Reno also felt a little emotional.
"You go back; I'll go in by myself."
After throwing out an undeniable statement, Reno pushed open the door and strode inside.
"Hmm?"
The sound of the heavy iron door startled the sleeping Princess Shirahoshi inside.
"Who is it? It's not mealtime yet, is it?!"
A soft, gentle voice rang out.
"Your future husband." Reno said with a mischievous smile.
Click.
The lights came on, the darkness receded 4.8, and the scene before him became clear.
Reno focused his gaze and saw a giant mermaid, nearly 12 meters long, lying on a shell-shaped soft bed.
It was none other than Mermaid Princess Shirahoshi, who was also Poseidon, one of the three ancient weapons.
A pair of sapphire-like clear eyes, a beautiful face, and a full bust wearing a lace bra—
The moment he saw Shirahoshi, even with Reno's calm demeanor, he was momentarily entranced.
"Who are you, and how did you get here?!"
Looking at the unfamiliar man in front of her, Shirahoshi was very scared, even her voice carried a hint of a cry.
"Are you... are you sent by Van der Decken to kill me?!"
It must be like this.
Shirahoshi's body began to tremble, and tears blurred her eyes.
"Don't be afraid, I'm not a bad person; I'm here to help you." Reno smiled slightly, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Shirahoshi was different from others.
This little one would cry even if the voice was a little louder.
"Help me?!"
"May I ask who you are?!"
The innocent Shirahoshi quickly believed Reno's words, her timid voice gradually subsided, turning into a tone of curiosity as she asked.
"My name is Reno, Captain of the Reno Pirates." Reno smiled and introduced himself.
As soon as Reno finished speaking, Shirahoshi responded very politely:
"I... I'm Shirahoshi."
"Lord Re... Reno, what did you mean when you said you'd help me?!"
Shirahoshi blinked her large, sapphire-like eyes, her delicate little face filled with confusion.
"Shirahoshi, how about I take you away from here to live outside?!"
"No... no."
Upon hearing this, Shirahoshi shook her head like a rattle.
"I can't leave here."
Shirahoshi seemed to recall something incredibly terrifying, and she cowered in fear.
If she went out, her life would be in danger.
---------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the story has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 chapters in advance over on my Patreon: patreon.com/TLHimejima1
Every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone and let me know.