The act of inscribing the agreement on the Poneglyph did not hold meaning in itself, but rather carried a ritualistic significance.
It is like when a man and a woman marry, and the woman wishes the man to give her a diamond ring.
The act of engraving everything on the Poneglyph grants the agreement a certain sacredness and strengthens its binding force.
Of course, it is also a little romantic.
As one of the Three Ancient Weapons, Poseidon, it was only natural that Luffy wanted Shirahoshi.
But Shirahoshi is not a weapon, so some influence must be added.
The problem now was that there was already an agreement.
How should it be concluded?
At present, the easiest one to secure was Noah, the Ship of Promise.
This massive vessel was comparable to half the size of Fish-Man Island.
Eight hundred years ago, Joy Boy and the mermaid princess made a promise to use this ship to carry the inhabitants of Fish-Man Island to the surface.
Currently, the ship lay dormant in the Fish-Man District, and it was not difficult to find.
The problem was: how could such a giant ship be piloted?
It required the power of the Sea Kings!
Not ordinary Sea Kings, but colossal ones—beings several thousand meters in length.
Communication was not an issue. With Luffy's ability, he could converse with those super-giant Sea Kings, and it was possible to gain their help.
The issue was… how to summon them.
That still depended on Shirahoshi's own strength.
With this in mind, Luffy told the three:
"Let's go. Things are fine here, let's take a walk elsewhere."
"Wait a moment, Luffy, I'm still transcribing the Poneglyph's text."
Robin took out her notebook and finished copying the inscription. Then she nodded and said, "All done. Where should we go next?"
Luffy turned his gaze toward Shirahoshi.
Shirahoshi thought for a moment before softly suggesting: "Gyoncord Plaza."
It was there that Princess Otohime had delivered her speech—and it was also the place where she was assassinated.
Soon after, the group of four left the Sea Forest and headed to Gyoncord Plaza.
Shirahoshi's sudden appearance caused a stir among the crowd. After a brief stroll, they went on to Mermaid Cove, the Marine Shopping Mall, and other places.
As the sun above their heads gradually dimmed, the four returned to the palace.
Neptune sighed in relief upon seeing Shirahoshi safely home.
"I brought your daughter back unharmed. Why are you still so nervous?"
Luffy rolled his eyes. Neptune truly didn't trust him. Did Neptune think he would kidnap Shirahoshi?
Although… he did have such a criminal record already.
"Luffy, thank you so much!" Neptune said with a heavy sigh. "I also want Shirahoshi to live freely, but that Vander Decken…"
"Speaking of which, it's a pity we didn't run into any trouble along the way."
Luffy shook his head. Things would've been simpler if the enemy had appeared.
Just then, Bartolomeo hurried over and reported:
"Luffy-sama, Franky sent a message earlier. After we left, a group of fish-men claiming to be the New Fish-Man Pirates attacked. They've already been defeated by Rob Lucci and the others. What are your orders?"
New Fish-Man Pirates?
What's the captain's name again?
Luffy frowned, trying to recall, but nothing came to mind.
"Come to think of it, doesn't the captain of the New Fish-Man Pirates know Vander Decken?"
With that thought, Luffy immediately ordered:
"Bartolomeo, you and Moria take some men and wipe out that crew. Bring me their captain alive."
"Yes!"
Bartolomeo rushed off to issue commands to his forces.
Once the others departed, Luffy followed Neptune into the living room.
A mermaid servant brought in tea.
Neptune asked: "Luffy, are you prepared?"
"Don't worry. I'll deal with Vander Decken."
There was no need for him to personally handle everything he ordered.
Luffy took the tea and sipped it slowly.
At that moment, Mr. 5 came rushing into the living room.
"Luffy… I'm sorry!" He dropped to his knees nervously. "I tried every method, but that man simply won't talk."
Hearing this, Luffy couldn't help but be a little surprised.
"My apologies."
Neptune immediately stood up and left, unwilling to remain and hear the rest.
Luffy nodded. Once Neptune was gone, he said:
"It's not easy to break someone who has no fear of death. I don't blame you."
"Yes! But I did manage to get this from him."
Mr. 5 let out a sigh of relief and pulled a Den Den Mushi from the outer pocket of his coat.
"This should be how he contacts Big Mom."
Before he could finish speaking, the snail-phone began to ring.
Puru puru puru puru
Luffy said: "Answer it. It must be Big Mom."
Answer a call from a Yonko?
Mr. 5 grew even more nervous. Once, he had only been a lowly agent of Baroque Works. He never imagined that one day he would have to speak directly with a Yonko.
He must not disgrace the reputation of the Straw Hat Pirates!
After a brief moment of self-hypnosis, Mr. 5 solemnly picked up the receiver.
{"Brother Katakuri, have you finished with Fish-Man Island?"}
A woman's voice came from the other side.
Mr. 5 couldn't help but glance at Luffy.
Luffy didn't intervene, only gesturing for him to go on.
So, Mr. 5 sneered and replied:
{"Your brother Katakuri is now our prisoner!"}
Silence.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."