After the Konoha Senju departed from Loguetown, it quickly vanished across the sea, no one knew where they had gone next.
"Father, can I go play on Fishman Island?"
Yuna handed Arima a glass of iced juice, her bright, watery eyes full of anticipation. Without a moment's hesitation, Arima nodded in agreement.
When Tsunade and the others found out, they had no objections either. After all, what difference would a day or two make?
Under everyone's gaze, Arima opened the Rinnegan embedded in his brow. A massive spatial rift tore open before the ship, dark and bottomless, exuding an eerie aura.
Konoha Senju plunged straight into the rift. Darkness engulfed them for an instant, and then, brilliant light flooded their vision. The scene before them had completely changed.
The sky was crystal clear, clouds drifting lazily above. From time to time, massive Sea Kings could be seen gliding through the waters overhead.
Beneath the ship lay a breathtaking reef island formed of colorful corals, intertwined by spiraling blue tunnels that connected every part of the island.
Schools of fishmen rode special transport fish through these tubes, weaving between coral spires.
As everyone aboard the Konoha Senju marveled at the beauty of the place, the residents of Fishman Island were thrown into an uproar, the sudden appearance of a massive floating ship in the sky had startled them all.
King Neptune, ruler of the Ryugu Kingdom and known as the Great Knight of the Sea, quickly received an urgent report from his soldiers: an unidentified ship had entered Fishman Island.
Gripping his trident, Neptune immediately set out with his ministers, riding atop the whale Hoe, hurrying toward the scene.
When he arrived, sure enough, there was the mysterious vessel the soldiers had described. Yet upon seeing the Konoha emblem emblazoned on the ship, his heart tightened.
'Why would the Fifth Emperor, Arima, come here? This is Whitebeard's territory! Could it be… he intends to start a war with the Whitebeard Pirates?'
Unease flickered through Neptune's heart. He couldn't fathom why this man, whose name shook the seas, had suddenly appeared here.
But since he was already here, Neptune had no choice but to meet him head-on.
"Welcome, Fifth Emperor, to our Fishman Island!" Neptune steadied himself and bowed deeply to Arima.
"There's no need for such formality, King Neptune. And don't be so nervous, I've only come to let my family experience the sights and culture of Fishman Island. Nothing more."
Sensing the king's tension, Arima offered a calm explanation.
At his words, Neptune visibly relaxed and quickly said, "Then I'll have my men clear the way for you at once!"
"No need for all that fanfare. We're just here for a casual stroll. But… if someone foolishly decides to cause trouble, I won't show mercy.
Still, you can rest assured, I won't hold it against your people."
Arima had already sensed a malicious presence watching them. In that instant, he understood why Neptune had been so uneasy.
"You already know about it?" Neptune blurted out.
Arima nodded. "If you're facing some kind of trouble, you can tell me. I don't mind lending a hand."
"That's… that's very kind of you! There's a strange man who's been targeting my daughter, Shirahoshi.
He attacks her from afar with weapons now and then. The poor child hasn't left her Hard-Shell Tower in nearly ten years."
Neptune seized the chance to explain, unburdening the worry that had plagued him for years.
To him, Arima seemed like a gentle man who cherished his family, nothing like a cruel pirate, someone he could trust.
"Don't worry," Arima said softly. "I'll handle it soon."
Neptune was an honest, straightforward man, his sincerity only deepened Arima's respect for him. And after hearing Shirahoshi's tragic story, Arima felt even more inclined to help the girl.
"Thank you! Since you prefer to keep things low-key, I'll send someone familiar with the island to guide you."
"That would be perfect."
"I'd also like to invite you and your family to a banquet at the royal palace tonight. Would you honor us with your presence?"
"Sure. I'll come, and perhaps I can meet Shirahoshi too. Maybe she remembers something about her attacker."
"That would be a great help!"
After a round of courteous exchange, Neptune returned shortly after with a green-haired mermaid woman.
"This is Miss Camie, a server at the Mermaid Cafe. She knows Fishman Island very well," Neptune introduced.
Camie trembled nervously. "H-Hello… I-I'm… C-Camie."
Arima smiled warmly. "No need to be nervous, Camie. We'll be counting on you to guide us this time."
"N-No trouble at all!" Camie shook her head quickly.
Arima beckoned to two girls nearby. "This is my daughter, Yuna, and her good friend, Sugar."
"Hello, big sister! My name's Yuna!"
"Sugar!"
The two girls bowed politely to Camie.
"H-Hello, I'm Camie!" she stammered, bowing back.
"Camie-nee, are there any fun places on Fishman Island?" Yuna asked curiously, eyes wide.
"Y-Yes! Our Mermaid Cafe is… um… very popular with visitors!"
"Then can you take us there?"
"Of course!"
Seeing Camie gradually warm up to them, Neptune finally exhaled in relief.
"Then I won't keep you from your tour. I wish you and your family a wonderful time on Fishman Island!"
"Thank you. We'll see you tonight."
"Yes, see you tonight!"
…
After parting ways with Neptune, Arima docked the ship in a quiet spot, leaving a clone to guard it. Then, led by Camie, the family began exploring the wonders of Fishman Island.
Camie was timid at first, but as she chatted with the girls beside her, she gradually relaxed.
"Kushina-san, did you know? There's an old legend on Fishman Island!" Camie said as they strolled through the lively streets.
"What kind of legend?" Kushina asked curiously.
The others turned to her as well, interested.
Camie grew a little flustered under their gaze, but quickly composed herself.
She spoke in a mysterious whisper, "In the Sea Forest of Fishman Island, countless shipwrecks have drifted and sunk over the years.
The spirits of those ships refused to leave, and over time, they merged into what's called the 'ship of promise'
When disaster befalls Fishman Island, it is said that this ark will awaken and carry the island back to the light of the surface world."
"Where is this Sea Forest?" Kushina asked, intrigued but not entirely believing the tale. Still, she wanted to see it for herself.
"It's in the underwater forest northeast of Fishman Street! But that area's lawless, full of dangerous people. You shouldn't go there, it's too risky."
"Don't worry, Camie," Kushina reassured her. "If anyone dares to cause trouble, we'll just teach them a lesson."
"W-Well, if you say so… but even the Neptune Army can't handle that place!" Camie still didn't sound convinced.
Listening quietly to the story, Arima's mind began to stir with ideas. He decided that he would investigate the Sea Forest himself later that night.