People all over the world were talking about Fishman Island.
But at this ti, Fishman Island was filled with sorrow.
After all, the death of King Neptune and Queen Otohi had deeply wounded the hearts of the people. Their grief quickly turned into hatred for the Celestial Dragons. If the Celestial Dragons hadn't opened fire on Otohi, the royal couple wouldn't have died.
Today, all of Fishman Island was united in mourning, preparing for the royal couple's funeral. Plans were already in motion to bury them in the Sea Forest.
Inside Ryugu Palace.
The ministers were now assisting the eldest prince, Shark Star.
Although still young, Shark Star was the only remaining heir who could take up the mantle of king. The ministers had no other choice—they had to support Shark Star as the new monarch, even if it ant forcing the burden onto his shoulders prematurely.
If they didn't, Fishman Island would soon collapse—either from civil strife or external threats like pirates and even the World Governnt.
"Your Highness, from this mont on, you are the king of Fishman Island. You must now begin learning how to handle the island's affairs," one minister said quietly.
"I—I understand," Shark Star responded, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I still don't know much..."
"It's all right. I will do everything I can to assist you," the minister reassured.
The next day.
Thanks to the efforts of the ministers, Shark Star was officially crowned as the new king of Fishman Island.
The citizens cheered and pinned their hopes on Shark Star. But behind their cheers, many hid their concerns.
Pirates had already begun arriving at Fishman Island.
Especially the slave hunters.
At this vulnerable ti, slave-catching groups weren't about to miss the opportunity to abduct rmaids.
In just a single day, over a dozen young rmaids had gone missing.
It was obvious they had been taken by slave hunters.
Inside Ryugu Palace.
Shark Star frowned and addressed the minister. "Send out all Ryugu guards. Tighten security and find our people—no matter what."
"We're already working on it, Your Majesty," the minister said, sighing. "But our resources are limited. Most of the groups leave as soon as they make a capture."
"Fishman Island is closed off for now. Hopefully, that helps."
But just then—
A soldier burst into the chamber and saluted. "Report! A pirate has arrived at the palace gates claiming to be under orders from the Black Crow. He... he also appears to have captured a group of slave hunters."
"What? A Black Crow pirate?" The minister's expression changed.
"What should we do?" Shark Star looked to the minister, clearly uncertain about how to proceed.
The minister, however, felt no strong hostility toward the Black Crow Pirates. Thanks to years of quiet influence by Renee, the Black Crow's reputation among the Fishman Island populace was quite favorable. After a mont's thought, the minister nodded. "Bring him in."
"Yes, sir."
The soldier quickly returned.
Monts later, a group entered behind him.
Leading the group was Araki, now boasting a 600 million bounty. In one hand, he dragged a bloodied and broken man behind him.
Standing before the king and ministers, Araki grinned. "Your Majesty Shark Star, honorable ministers—I've co on behalf of the boss. He heard Fishman Island was in a tough spot, so he sent to help out. Not long after I got here, I ran into a bunch of slave hunters. Caught them, freed the captured fishn, and brought this one back for you to deal with."
With that, he tossed the man onto the ground like trash.
The man was barely alive—beaten to a pulp.
"Take him to the dungeon. Imdiately," the minister commanded coldly.
The palace guards responded with equal hatred and swiftly dragged the man away.
Then the minister turned to Araki. "Mr. Araki... may I ask, what are Lord Black Crow's intentions regarding Fishman Island?"
"No idea," Araki said honestly, shrugging. "The boss just told to stay here for now, keep order, and deal with anyone who tries anything funny. He said he'd be back from the New World soon—and that he'd be staying on Fishman Island for a while."
He wasn't lying. That was all Mio had told him.
"I see." The minister nodded, his expression unreadable—but inwardly, he felt relieved.
Maybe the Black Crow wanted to take Fishman Island as his own territory—but that was fine.
The current situation was already on the edge. Having a powerful pirate claim Fishman Island might actually protect them from worse dangers.
And with the reputation Mio had here, the people likely wouldn't resist. On the contrary—they might even welco it.
As for Otohi's dream...
The minister sighed internally.
He had always admired Otohi's vision, but he knew it was no longer realistic. Expecting young Shark Star to push Fishman Island into the World Governnt was naïve at best. Even if it worked, the World Governnt might devour them whole.
So perhaps... this was the better outco.
But everything would depend on what Black Crow chose to do once he arrived.
The minister exhaled and smiled. "Mr. Araki, do you have a place to stay? If not, I'll make arrangents."
"I've got a place. But if you don't mind, I'd like to try so Fishman Island wine," Araki chuckled.
"Of course. I'll have so sent over right away," the minister replied warmly.
Soon after, Araki departed.
...
Sabaody Archipelago.
At that ti—
The Black Glory and the colossal imitation Pluto docked at the shore.
Mio ordered Kongo and the others to stay aboard while he stepped off onto the port.
Asuka and others followed close behind, flanking him.
"Bai Feng, go find soone to coat both ships. Fast. We leave for Fishman Island as soon as they're ready," Mio instructed.
"Understood, sir," Bai Feng replied and rushed off.
Mio turned toward the others. "I'm heading to Xia Qi's place. Anyone want to co, or would you prefer to look around the island?"
"Robin and the others will take a walk," Lilith replied after a mont.
" too," Hei Yan added with a nod.
"I'll go with you, sir," said Asuka without hesitation.
"Alright, let's go then."
Mio shrugged and walked toward his destination.
Along the way, so Navy units appeared, keeping a cautious distance.
They didn't move recklessly—just watched.
They hadn't co to fight Mio or challenge Hei Yan. Unless two Admirals were deployed, nobody here had the nerve to take them on.
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