[~1200 Words]
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"No," Neptune said firmly.
Seeing the doubt in Jinbe and Namur's eyes, he added calmly, "I don't have his Den Den Mushi number. He came and left in such a hurry that there wasn't time for that."
It wasn't a lie—but it wasn't the full truth either.
In reality, Neptune had received James's number from Madam Shyarly not long after the Sky Emperor's departure.
Jinbe, sensing Neptune's reluctance, didn't press further. He rose from his seat and gave a courteous nod. "In that case, Your Majesty, we'll find Mr. James ourselves. If he returns, please inform this old man."
"You two…" Neptune sighed deeply. Both men were unyielding in their own ways—Jinbe out of duty, Namur out of anger. There was no stopping them. He could only offer one final warning.
"No matter what happens, do not provoke James," Neptune said gravely. "You cannot imagine the wrath that man carries. His heart is cold and unshakable—he will seize what he desires, no matter the cost, and any who stand in his way… he destroys without hesitation."
His sharp gaze flicked to Namur. "If you plan to insult or attack him, be ready to face death."
Namur scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Exaggerating, old man. I've been a pirate for years—Young punk don't scare me easily."
With that, he turned on his heel, storming out of the room.
Jinbe lingered just long enough to bow respectfully. "Forgive us, Your Majesty," he said softly, and followed after him.
Outside the palace, Namur's steps echoed sharply against the coral floor. "Boss Jinbe," he said with a sneer, "you feel the same, don't you? You can't stand that brat trying to take what belongs to Pops."
"Ah… yes, yes, of course," Jinbe replied absently, not wishing to provoke Namur further. The last thing he needed was to fan those flames any higher.
Namur, blinded by anger, took Jinbe's vague answer as agreement. He straightened proudly and quickened his pace, a dangerous confidence swelling inside him.
Back in the palace, Neptune watched their auras disappear through the reach of his Observation Haki. The moment they were gone, he let out a long sigh—and then quietly took a Den Den Mushi from his robe.
The old king may have seemed hesitant, but his years of rule had taught him when to choose a side. He dialed James's number without hesitation.
"Purururu… kacha~"
"Hello? Who's this?"
James's smooth, unhurried voice came through the receiver. He was currently returning to Fish-Man Island, Shirahoshi seated beside him on the flying carpet.
"This is Neptune," came the reply.
"(Shirahoshi: Father!)"
James smiled faintly. "Oh? So it's Father-in-law. How did you get my number, old man?"
Neptune couldn't help smiling when he heard his daughter's cheerful voice. "I received it from Madam Shyarly. Listen, Captain Jinbe has returned—he's brought along the Whitebeard Pirates' Eighth Division Commander, Namur."
He paused before continuing. "They've heard about tomorrow's announcement. I tried to dissuade them, but they wouldn't listen. They're already on their way to find you."
James's expression darkened, though his tone remained casual. "Namur, huh… that oversized shark?" He chuckled lightly. "Heh. Let them come, Neptune. You've chosen the right side."
Then his smile softened as he handed the receiver to Shirahoshi. "Here, Shirahoshi. Talk to your father for a bit."
As he watched her cradle the Den Den Mushi and call out, "Father!" in that gentle, melodic voice, James couldn't help feeling a strange twinge of guilt. Why does this feel like I've kidnapped the old man's daughter?
Neptune's eyes softened at the sound of her voice. "Aye… Shirahoshi," he said warmly, his old features breaking into a fond smile.
The conversation that followed was tender—Neptune's concern for his daughter, his reminders to stay safe and listen to James. Shirahoshi's laughter rang through the line like music.
When she finally handed the Den Den Mushi back, James was smiling too.
By then, they had already returned to Fish-Man Island. Through his Observation Haki, James sensed Jinbe and Namur moving swiftly through the water below, their auras sharp and focused.
He sighed softly. "It's getting late. Let's get you back to sleep, Shirahoshi."
But just as he guided the flying carpet toward Shyarly's coral mansion, he saw two figures racing toward them at full speed.
Of course—they weren't hard to spot. Shirahoshi's massive frame was visible from miles away, and any competent warrior using Observation Haki could sense them easily.
"Husband, what's happening?" she asked, noticing their sudden slowdown.
"There are two… small troubles we'll deal with tonight," he replied calmly. "Best to resolve them now before they grow into larger problems tomorrow."
As the carpet hovered in place, James's sharp mind analyzed his opponents.
Namur, he thought, Eighth Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. A veteran fighter, likely possesses both types of Haki… but his actual strength? Underwhelming. At Marineford, he barely made an impression.
Jinbe, though… he's harder to measure. Respected, honorable, and powerful, but not on the level of the Four Emperors. Strong enough to fight Ace to a draw, yes—but he couldn't withstand Mihawk, fell to Akainu's flames, and even his strongest Fish-Man Karate only managed to knock back Big Mom for a moment.
Still… respectable.
A moment later, two shadows broke through the water, stopping in front of them.
"Electric brat!" Namur roared, baring his shark-like teeth. "I heard you're planning to take over Fish-Man Island! You got a death wish? This is Whitebeard's territory!"
James blinked slowly. Electric brat?
He smiled thinly. "Oh? So that's how it is…"
Even Jinbe flinched, inwardly cursing Namur's lack of restraint. Why provoke him right away!?
James's eyes narrowed. "It seems you two didn't come to talk."
Lightning began to dance across his arm, bright and crackling with divine fury.
"⚡El Thor — God's Judgment!⚡"
The sky above flashed white, and a column of lightning descended like the wrath of heaven.
Namur's eyes widened—but he never had the chance to react. The thunder struck him head-on. The air itself exploded, and a blinding flare filled the sea.
When the light faded, Namur was a broken silhouette, half his body charred and blackened.
For a brief second, he groaned weakly… then collapsed, blood clouding the water around him.
Namur was dealt in a single hit.
"Divine Lightning Emperor… James!" Jinbe's voice shook as he dropped into a fighting stance, disbelief flashing across his face.
James smirked. "Heh. That's the right way to address me."
Jinbe's mind raced. I've fought monsters before—but this… this isn't something I can match.
He glanced at Namur's motionless body, guilt and frustration twisting in his chest. You fool… why didn't you just hold your tongue?
For the first time in years, Jinbe felt utterly powerless.
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