After figuring out the limits of the prophecy, Caelan finally relaxed.
At first, it had genuinely startled him a bit.
He'd almost thought this world was under the control of so Fate-type goddesses—now that would've been seriously ssed up.
But it turned out that prophecy was rely analysis based on the world's existing information, not so sort of predestined fate.
With his doubts resolved, Caelan's mood improved considerably, and Madam Shyarly in front of him seed even more charming.
"What are you looking at? I'm not that easy!"
Madam Shyarly crossed her arms over her chest and eyed Caelan warily.
She had no idea what he was thinking, but the expression on his face made her uneasy.
Even though she'd agreed to follow Caelan—and had brought her staff along—that didn't an she was going to throw herself at him. They had barely just t, after all. They should at least develop a proper relationship first.
"Hey, I'm not that impatient."
Caelan rolled his eyes.
What happened to mutual trust?
He was just in a good mood, and everything around him looked more beautiful than usual.
Even if he wanted to do anything, he'd wait until they were aboard the ship and take his ti.
"That's debatable."
Madam Shyarly wasn't quite convinced.
The scene in the café just now—and her prediction of Caelan—had completely exposed his true nature.
"If you really don't believe , don't bla for being rude."
Caelan said darkly.
Maybe I really did accuse him unjustly...
Seeing Caelan's expression, Madam Shyarly felt slightly guilty.
She blad her foresight. In her previous predictions, she'd seen erotic visions more than once—wildly different scenes and very steamy ones. And the main characters were always her and Caelan.
Influenced by those images, she subconsciously assud that Caelan only cared about physical desire.
"I wronged you… so let make it up to you."
Madam Shyarly blushed.
Before Caelan could react, she stepped forward and awkwardly kissed him on the lips.
Though it was sudden, the ever-experienced Caelan reflexively responded, even slipping in his tongue. His hand unconsciously found its way to Shyarly's soft waist.
After a mont, the two pulled apart.
"How are you so good at this?"
Madam Shyarly's pale cheeks flushed, and she glared at Caelan.
"Nothing special. Practice makes perfect."
Caelan casually nodded at her as he answered.
He was still savoring the sensation. Even with her shark-like teeth, her tongue had its own unique charm.
Hearing that, Madam Shyarly's gaze beca more resentful.
She was known as "Madam," yet she was an older single woman with no experience.
And she'd run into a scoundrel like Caelan.
"Let's go. Let's find Nami and the others."
Realizing he might've said the wrong thing, Caelan stayed calm and changed the subject.
Afterward, Caelan led Madam Shyarly out of the rmaid Café and joined Nami and the others as they shopped.
…
Elsewhere, Caelan found the girls and called Camie over privately.
"Caelan, did you need sothing?"
Camie asked curiously.
"I heard your master Papagg is a famous designer. I want him to design a flag."
…
anwhile, at Ryugu Castle.
After much hesitation, Neptune finally picked up a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.
Bru-bru-bru!
In the New World, at Moby Dick.
Marco approached Whitebeard, who was hooked to an IV drip, holding the ringing Den Den Mushi.
"Dad, it's a call from Fishman Island!"
"Hmm?"
Whitebeard opened his eyes and took the Den Den Mushi, puzzled.
Fishman Island? Why are they calling now?
Long ago, to protect the fishn from large-scale human trafficking, he'd planted his pirate flag there.
From that mont on, Fishman Island fell under his protection, and no major slave raids occurred again.
Neptune was an old friend, and Jinbe was an adopted son. Their bond ran deep.
Even though Jinbe later left the Whitebeard Pirates and beca one of the Seven Warlords, their relationship didn't suffer.
In fact, Whitebeard respected Jinbe's decision even more.
Now that Fishman Island was calling, it could only an trouble.
"Whitebeard-san, how have you been lately?"
Neptune greeted him.
"Gurarararara! I'm still strong! I can finish off two barrels of fine wine in a single al!"
Whitebeard tugged on his IV line and let out a hearty laugh.
"Well… I have sothing to tell you."
Neptune hesitated, unsure how to begin.
He had decided to align Fishman Island with Caelan, but he didn't know how to explain it.
After all, Whitebeard had selflessly protected the island for years without asking for anything in return.
To suddenly switch allegiance now felt like betrayal.
"Out with it already. Quit stalling."
Whitebeard frowned and barked.
"We of Fishman Island have decided to follow the God Slayer, Caelan Alaric. I hope you're not upset."
Neptune spoke carefully.
Caelan?
Whitebeard was montarily stunned.
That young man who had recently shaken up the entire world?
So many major incidents, one after another. Recognized globally as the newest Emperor of the Sea.
But why Fishman Island? Was it because of the legend of the Sea King?
"That brat threatened you, didn't he? Tell him my na and wait—I'll deal with him myself!"
Whitebeard's voice was full of power.
So what if he was the new Yonko?
Even in his twilight years, Whitebeard could still fight.
"He didn't threaten us. He's the one who brought us hope—he's the one taking us to the surface. We chose to follow him of our own will."
Neptune's heart ward at Whitebeard's words.
His old friend was still just as brave and loyal as ever.
"Gurarara! Then congratulations!"
"In that case, just return my flag. But if that brat can't protect you, don't co crying to later!"
Whitebeard laughed heartily, acting as if it didn't bother him at all.
But inside, there was a heavy sorrow.
The Fishman Island he had protected for so long now had to look for a new guardian.
He knew his own condition.
No matter how much he tried to maintain his health, he didn't have long left.
Yet none of his sons had the strength to carry on his legacy.
This battered body would have to keep going a little longer.
"Thank you, Whitebeard-san!"
"But Caelan is very reliable. He's no worse than you were in your pri!"
Neptune thanked him sincerely, then praised his new patron.
Caelan had solved two of Fishman Island's biggest crises the mont he arrived.
There couldn't be a more capable leader.
"Don't be so sure. When I was young, nobody could match !"
"Nothing else to say. I'm hanging up now."
Whitebeard ended the call, his expression complicated.
He knew very well how strong Caelan was.
But co on, it's an old man's right to boast a little, isn't it?
"Already reached Fishman Island, huh? The New World is about to heat up."
Whitebeard looked toward the Red Line, a glint of anticipation in his eye.
If he were younger, he'd want to fight Caelan himself.
It was a sha that ti had passed him by.
All he could do now was place his hopes in the next generation.
(To be continued.)
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