Seeing that Caelan had agreed to accept the treasure, Neptune finally felt relieved.
"Caelan, may I tell them about your identity?"
Neptune looked at Caelan, seeking his approval.
He wanted to reveal to his three sons Caelan's identity as the Sun God Nika.
At present, the three naïve princes were still somewhat dissatisfied with Neptune's decision to align with Caelan.
"Identity?"
Caelan was puzzled at first but quickly understood that Neptune was referring to the Sun God identity he had fabricated.
"No problem. It's fine if they know, just don't let it spread to outsiders."
After all, there were still many people in the world who believed that the Nika Fruit had been eaten by Luffy.
The three princes also felt a little confused. Caelan, the famous God Slayer, had another identity?
"Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi, let me formally introduce him to you."
"This is the inheritor of freedom's will, the new Sun God!"
Neptune spoke solemnly to his three sons.
"Could it be... the legendary one?"
"He really exists?!"
The three princes were stunned at first, then their eyes lit up in understanding.
This man was actually the legendary Sun God who would one day lead Fishman Island to the surface!
They had no doubts whatsoever.
The two blinding beams Caelan had used to obliterate Hody Jones and the New Fishman Pirates were clearly divine.
The brilliance that burst forth in that moment had felt like staring directly into the sun itself.
If that wasn't the power of the Sun God, then what was?
"No wonder, Father. No wonder you insisted on siding with Caelan-sama!"
Now that they understood Caelan's true identity, the three princes immediately grasped Neptune's reasoning.
From that moment on, the three gazed at Caelan with awe and reverence, practically worshiping him.
This man was the hope that could lead Fishman Island out of its predicament.
Seeing that his sons had finally understood, Neptune nodded in satisfaction.
"But..."
As he thought of his daughter, still trapped in the Hard Shell Tower, Neptune hesitated over whether or not to ask Caelan for help.
They had just sworn allegiance to Caelan, and he had already dealt with Hody Jones. If he were to help them with Vander Decken as well, wouldn't that be asking too much?
How could someone of a Yonko-level status be expected to keep cleaning up their mess?
Seeing Neptune's troubled expression, Caelan smirked inwardly.
The biggest threat—Hody Jones—was already gone. The princes' distrust had vanished too. At this point, the only thing that could make Neptune this nervous had to be related to Shirahoshi.
"King Neptune, I still haven't met Poseidon. Why don't you introduce Princess Shirahoshi to me?"
Caelan pretended to be displeased.
Taking the initiative allowed him to control the conversation.
Neptune, who had still been caught up in indecision, was startled by the question and flustered.
It wasn't that he had no intention of introducing Shirahoshi. He just felt awkward asking Caelan for help again.
As for how Caelan knew—well, in Neptune's mind, it made perfect sense.
As the Sun God Nika, it was only natural that Caelan would be aware of Shirahoshi's identity as Poseidon.
"Caelan, it's not that I didn't want to introduce you to Shirahoshi. I just have my reasons!"
"The year Otohime died, my six-year-old daughter was targeted by a lunatic."
"That guy, Vander Decken, actually proposed to my six-year-old daughter. Of course we rejected him."
"As a result, he used the powers of the Mark-Mark Fruit to constantly harass and threaten her. To protect Shirahoshi, we had no choice but to keep her locked inside the Hard Shell Tower. She hasn't stepped outside in eight years."
Neptune spoke bitterly, rage flashing in his eyes as he cursed Vander Decken.
Because of that scumbag, his daughter had been trapped in isolation for eight long years and hadn't even been able to attend Otohime's funeral.
They had searched for Vander Decken many times, but he always remained hidden without a trace.
"You couldn't even protect your own daughter? That's just pathetic!"
"If you can't do it, then I will!"
Caelan acted 'shocked' and snapped angrily.
In truth, he understood the situation. It really wasn't Neptune's fault.
The Mark-Mark Fruit was simply too broken.
Once someone was marked by touch, anything the user threw would automatically home in on them.
Unless obstructed mid-flight, it would always hit the target.
Even an island—if it could be lifted—would fly toward the marked person.
"Then I'll leave it to you." Neptune looked ashamed of his inability to protect his own daughter.
Hearing Caelan's offer, he felt relieved once again.
Compared to Hody Jones and the New Fishman Pirates, Vander Decken was a small fry.
"Urm Caelan, it's just... we don't know where he is, so we haven't been able to do anything." Neptune said hesitantly.
"Spread the word that I'm going to take Shirahoshi away. He'll definitely show himself."
Caelan looked at Neptune with confidence.
He already knew Vander Decken was hiding inside Noah, but after everything Caelan had done, if Vander Decken hadn't fled by now, he'd be an idiot.
"What if he doesn't show up?"
Neptune asked cautiously.
"Then I'll still take Shirahoshi with me and keep her safe."
"Prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
Caelan rubbed his chin and chuckled.
"That's true. It's foolproof."
Neptune nodded in agreement, though he felt something was off. After a moment, it hit him.
Caelan's ship was filled with beautiful women. All the male crew members were on a different ship.
Are you trying to abduct my daughter?
Still, considering Caelan's identity as the Sun God Nika, maybe he really was just concerned...
Neptune looked at Caelan, uncertain of his true intentions.
"What, you're hesitating?"
"Even if I kill Vander Decken, I'll still take Shirahoshi with me."
"It's too dangerous for her here. I'm better suited to protect her."
Caelan met Neptune's gaze and said seriously.
"It does make me feel better to have Shirahoshi under your care, but..." Neptune replied, expression stiff.
Yep, he was definitely here for his daughter.
This so-called Sun God had impure thoughts!
But Caelan was right. They really couldn't protect Shirahoshi.
So, is his daughter really going to be taken away by Caelan?
For a moment, Neptune didn't know whether to feel relieved or worried.
"Then it's settled. You spread the word that I'm taking Shirahoshi, and I'll go see her now."
Caelan patted Neptune on the shoulder with satisfaction.
"Understood. We'll get it done."
Neptune agreed and arranged for a maid to escort Caelan.
As Caelan left the palace, the three princes couldn't stay silent any longer.
"Father, are we really letting him take our sister away?"
"What choice do we have? Caelan is right. We really don't have the power to protect Shirahoshi. Her identity as Poseidon is far too dangerous."
Neptune sighed helplessly.
Only a man like Caelan could truly guarantee Shirahoshi's safety.
They couldn't even defeat Hody Jones.
They were powerless. Caelan could do anything.
The contrast was crystal clear.
(To be continued.)