Fish-Man Island was struck by a massive disaster.
The seawater that surged through the giant bubble encasing the island rolled up gigantic waves hundreds of meters high.
Not only that, due to the immense pressure of the deep sea, the waves were terrifying not just in size but also in speed. In an instant, they had swallowed the outlying areas on one side of Fish-Man Island and were sweeping towards the Ryugu Kingdom with an all-consuming ferocity!
"Wha—what is that?!"
Waterwheel Town, located on the western side of Fish-Man Island, was famous for its numerous large waterwheels. The forge workshops powered by these waterwheels were the beating heart of the small town.
Yet, at this moment, all the Merfolk and Fish-Men living here froze, their pupils trembling as they looked into the distance.
The earth-shattering roar sounded like the entire ocean was collapsing.
A gigantic wave, like a mountain range, was bearing down on the town.
"Are you kidding me... A tsunami? How can this island have a tsunami!?"
"Did the giant bubble break?! The seawater, the seawater is flooding in—!"
"Run... Run for your lives!!"
Although they were a race born and raised in the sea, moving as easily in water as on land, everyone knew one thing clearly—in the face of such destructive, world-ending waves, all swimming techniques were meaningless.
Once hit head-on by that raging surge, they would be instantly pulverized!
Escape!
The only thing they could do now was run!
But... where could they run to?
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!—!!!
The giant wave gave them no time to think.
It was like a ruthless primeval beast, swallowing the entire Waterwheel Town in one gulp.
The iconic large waterwheels were torn to shreds like fragile toys the moment they touched the waves.
Next, the town's houses, streets, and bridges—everything—was instantly flattened and smashed into debris.
And the town's residents...
Whether Merfolk or Fish-Men, no matter how elegant and nimble they once were in the water, they were now swept into the torrent like ants, without even time to let out a scream.
They tumbled and crashed within the raging waves.
In just a few breaths, their bodies were already contorted, or even torn apart instantly after colliding with some sharp object, then quickly disappeared into the surging, enormous wave.
Waterwheel Town was just the beginning. The wave continued relentlessly, roaring as it pressed towards the main city of Fish-Man Island!
The area of Fish-Man Island wasn't vast, and this giant wave was simply too terrifying—it rolled up hundreds of meters high, and its mere roar sounded like a massive thunderstorm exploding. Thus—
The bustling prosperity of the main city was first shattered by a sharp shriek.
"What is that thing?!"
A female Merfolk pointed fearfully into the distance, her face pale, her voice distorted by extreme terror.
The clamor was cut short as if by a sharp blade, instantly descending into a deathly silence.
All residents, whether pedestrians on the street or customers in shops, stopped what they were doing and looked in the direction she pointed.
The next moment, an indescribable chill instantly froze every heart.
The distant sea area was no longer the familiar open space, but had been replaced by a boundless "darkness" connecting heaven and earth!
Carrying the wreckage of Waterwheel Town and endless mud and sand, the hundreds-of-meters-high wave of destruction was like an all-consuming primeval beast, surging towards the main city at a speed that looked slow but was utterly irresistible!
The light cast down by the Sunlight Tree Eve dimmed before it, and the gigantic shadow, like a curtain of death, engulfed the entire city first!
"A... a tsunami... It's a tsunami!!!"
"Impossible... The bubble membrane hasn't broken! How can seawater..."
"Run! Run for your lives!!"
Just like what happened in Waterwheel Town moments ago, panic exploded and spread like a plague in an instant.
The once lively and bustling street instantly plunged into extreme chaos.
People scattered like headless flies. The beautiful tail fins of the Merfolk flapped frantically, and the Fish-Men's strong bodies pushed through the crowds, only hoping to be faster, even faster.
In mid-air, Jinbe, who was sitting on the back of a large flying fish, also noticed the giant wave surging with irresistible momentum. He practically screamed, "Tai-ge! What on earth is going on!!"
"..."
Tiger's red face was now somewhat drained of color.
They had originally come to Fish-Man Island under Gaban's instruction to prevent Shirley's prophecy from spreading.
They had just finished and were preparing to return to Fish-Man Island.
But—
"Roa!!"
Tiger shrieked in terror. "Roa has arrived! Shirley's prophecy—"
Coral Hill.
Outside the Merfolk Cafe.
The fortuneteller Shirley stared blankly at the giant wave sweeping toward them in the distance. Her already exceptionally pale face was now twisted with pain. "It's come, it's still come! I still, couldn't stop anything!"
As a prophet, one of the most painful things was that she could see the future and foresee the coming of disaster.
However, no matter what she did, she couldn't change that future. At a certain moment, the disaster would always arrive as promised.
Once the future was seen, it was already set. All her actions were only pushing the world towards that predetermined future.
She had only seen the future one step ahead of everyone else.
At the same moment.
Above, at Ryugu Palace.
"Roa!! What did you do?!"
Gaban, the third-in-command of the Roger Pirates, had turned incredibly pale.
"Oh, because Neptune just threatened me,"
Roa, however, wore a relaxed and comfortable expression. Fish-Man Island was quite livable now. "So, now I'm threatening him back. That's what you call fair, isn't it?"
He looked at the somewhat stunned Neptune with an easy-going expression. "Aren't you going to take a look? Neptune, the disaster Fish-Man Island is about to experience is because of your refusal just now."
"You bastard!!"
The anger caused even an old hand like Gaban to momentarily lose his mind. He instinctively swung his giant axe and lunged at Roa.
But.
"To be underestimated like this."
A pitch-black Dao blade, wrapped in powerful Haki, suddenly tore through the air.
Gaban's pupils instantly constricted.
Damn it!
The dark blade instantly pierced Gaban's right shoulder. This was only because he managed to twist his body at the last second. Otherwise, his lung would have been pierced!
Gaban didn't hesitate, swinging his large axe, crackling with pitch-black Haki, directly at King in front of him.
King showed no intention of dodging, casually throwing a punch at Gaban's axe, which was also wrapped in Conqueror's Haki.
The coating of Conqueror's Haki was indeed the strongest move only mastered by top-tier powerhouses, absolutely a symbol of a peak existence.
But that didn't mean this move was truly unrivaled.
At least at this moment, King's fist, which was only wrapped in Armament Haki, sent Gaban's axe flying!
Along with the third-in-command of the Pirate King's ship, who was also sent flying.
"Ugh!!"
Gaban landed awkwardly, tumbling twice on the ground. Blood was already spurting from his shoulder wound, leaving a crimson trail on the floor.
This brat!
A black blade?
And how could he be so tough!
The body of a Lunarian shouldn't be this tough, should it?
Now, let alone stopping the disaster brought by this fellow Roa, I can't even handle this Lunarian kid!
Before Gaban's sudden attack, Neptune had already stumbled to the edge of Ryugu Palace, fearfully looking down.
Thus, he saw the giant wave that threatened to swallow everything.
"..."
Neptune was utterly dumbfounded.
"Thi—this—"
Fish-Man Island was going to be engulfed!
It was going to be reduced to ruins by this giant wave!
"It's truly spectacular! Although I've created many calamities, this is the first time I've made a giant wave swallow a city."
Roa walked to Neptune's side, also looking down.
But unlike the horrified and desperate Neptune, the young man's face was full of pure wonder and admiration. "A wave of this scale is rare even in the New World, only seen perhaps once in a decade! I'm truly amazing!"
His Majesty, the King of Ryugu Kingdom, merely stared blankly at Roa.
Roa also looked up at him. "But don't worry, being able to witness a sight like this is worth it even in death. The residents of Fish-Man Island certainly won't blame you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Neptune."
"Hm, although everything did start because of you."
Because of me?
"Stop it! Roa! Stop it now!!"
Neptune shrieked hoarsely.
All the numbness and despair on his face instantly turned into pleading and regret.
Why, why did I say those harsh words just now?!
Hadn't Shirley's prophecy made it clear?
As long as I refused this man's demands, disaster would strike!
"I beg you! Please stop!"
Neptune's enormous head slammed dong, dong against the ground, actually creating a dent in the hard floor.
The King of this nation shed all his dignity, pleading with Roa to spare his country.
But.
Roa merely looked at him calmly. "Neptune, no, that's not what I want to hear."
"..."
Neptune's body visibly stiffened.
Then.
"I agree! I agree!"
Neptune's body was visibly trembling.
His face was contorted by extreme pain, tears and snot blurring his features.
Shirahoshi was his most beloved little daughter, a treasure he had cherished and protected since she was small.
But now, he, this useless father, could only surrender her to the monster before him.
And the Fish-Man Island countrymen—Roa wanted them to become his army to fight the World Government.
How many would return from that campaign?
But, there was no choice.
At this point, there was no second option!
"I will organize a Fish-Man army for you, and Shirahoshi can also be handed over to you, so Lord Roa, please stop!"
Neptune's head heavily hit the floor.
Fish-Man Island, too, bowed before Roa.
"Neptune—"
Gaban, who was being constantly pushed back by King, watched the kneeling Neptune, his expression turning bitter.
Did it ultimately come to this?
However, he understood.
As a king, Neptune had to be responsible for his country.
To the side, Queen Otohime was already covering her mouth and weeping.
But the woman said nothing. She knew, too, that there was no choice left.
"Alas, humans are such strange creatures. Even though they know the final outcome, they always think they can change it."
The young Roa shook his head with some emotion. After glancing at Neptune, he seemed to remember something and quickly corrected himself, "Ahem, of course, Merfolk are the same. It's all the same, don't mind the details."
"But anyway, abandoning the darkness for the light is a good thing."
He sniffed. Gotta say, so delicious!
Then, he waved his hand casually.
Below, on Fish-Man Island,
On the edge of the main city, near the giant wave.
The area was a scene of total chaos.
Fish-Men and Merfolk were fleeing frantically, screams and shouts ringing incessantly.
However, their speed was pathetic compared to the giant wave. The all-consuming tsunami was right upon them.
Just as everyone screamed and closed their eyes, bracing for death.
Boom!!
The giant wave, which was about to destroy everything, suddenly stopped.
"Eh?"
The Fish-Men and Merfolk stared blankly at the scene before them.
The surging giant wave was frozen stiff right in front of them, as if a pause button had been pressed! A large deep-sea fish, caught in the wave, flew out of it due to the sudden brake.
"Ehhh!!!"
Everyone was in confusion.
What on earth is happening?
How can a tsunami suddenly stop?
And not just that. In the next moment, the wave became as docile as a kitten, rapidly retreating in the direction it came from!
"Ehh!! What, what on earth is going on??"
Is this a proper tsunami?
The tide doesn't go out like this, does it?
Accompanying the bewilderment of everyone on the island, the giant wave began to return to the deep sea through the massive hole in the bubble.
However, even so, all the destruction along the way was irreparable. The area from the west side of Fish-Man Island to the main city was now nothing but ruins.
In mid-air.
Jinbe and Tiger looked on blankly.
After a long time, Tiger said painfully, "Jinbe, Fish-Man Island seems to have completely surrendered to Roa."
Jinbe was speechless.
Ryugu Palace.
Neptune stared blankly at Fish-Man Island below again.
Roa's ability was simply shocking.
He was a Devil Fruit user, yet he could control the sea itself!
In that case, even the deep sea posed no threat to him!
And he could destroy Fish-Man Island with just a snap of his fingers.
How could a monster like this exist in the world?
"You should be happy now, Neptune."
Roa said with a light chuckle. "You protected your country."
Neptune forced a smile that was uglier than a cry.
"Smile a little happier,"
Roa said. "Everyone in this world will have to make a choice eventually. No one is an exception. Fish-Man Island, at least, is in on the ground floor now."
"..."
Neptune was unable to speak.
It was at this moment.
"Mommy! Daddy! I'm scared!"
A girl's crying voice was heard.
A large shark flew out of the palace. On the shark's back lay the pitiful, crying Princess Shirahoshi.
Enel floated nearby, showing no sign of guilt for capturing a twelve-year-old girl.
Roa examined the little girl closely.
She was giant-sized.
Bigger than Auntie Linlin, almost the size of a giant of the same age.
She was quite cute, but too young, not conforming to Roa's aesthetics.
However, she possessed a beautiful kind of intensity.
"Shirahoshi!!"
Queen Otohime instantly burst into tears. She was already an emotional person, and seeing her crying daughter now, thinking of her future, the sorrow in her heart was indescribable.
The frail Queen staggered toward the little princess.
Enel glanced at Roa. Seeing no reaction, he didn't stop her.
The large shark obediently lay on the ground, allowing the little princess to slide down.
Then, Otohime rushed into her daughter's arms, holding her and sobbing, "My Shirahoshi! My daughter!"
"Mommy?"
The little princess, who had been crying, was now confused by her mother's actions.
Why is Mommy crying too?
Then.
Neptune slowly turned around. Looking at his bewildered daughter, his face was also filled with sorrow.
He wanted to speak, but it was as if an entire Red Line was pressing down on his heart. He couldn't utter a single sound.
It wasn't until his peripheral vision caught sight of Roa that a chill and fear rose from the depths of his soul. The King, the Father, finally gritted his teeth,
"Shirahoshi! From now on, you will leave Fish-Man Island with Lord Roa!"
"Yo!"
Roa chuckled and greeted the little princess. "From now on, please take care of me, Princess Shirahoshi."
"Eh?"
The little princess looked at Roa blankly, then turned to look at her father, her large eyes filled with doubt and confusion.
It was only a few seconds later that she understood what her father meant. Then.
The tears that had not yet fallen from her eyes now surged down like a stream. The little princess instantly pursed her lips. "Daddy, don't you want me anymore?"
"Shirahoshi!!"
Queen Otohime cried even harder, clutching her daughter's massive body tightly, as if she wanted to merge her into herself. "My daughter! Don't blame your father. He was forced..."
"I'm sorry! Shirahoshi, I'm sorry!"
The tough man Neptune also couldn't help but weep uncontrollably, clutching his head in agony. "Your father has no choice. Everything is for the sake of this country! It's all because of me, I'm too useless!"
"It's all because of me, I'm too useless! I have to let my own daughter sacrifice herself for this country!!"
Oh...
Roa's lips curled into a slight smile.
Even more delicious.
This is great.
"Mommy... Daddy..."
Princess Shirahoshi, who was usually timid and cried easily, paused this time.
She looked down at her mother, who was almost crying to the point of fainting, and then looked up at her father, who was also sobbing hoarsely.
Suddenly.
The little princess stopped crying.
"I understand, Daddy, Mommy, I understand..."
The little princess sniffed and nodded. "I will go with this big brother. So, please, don't cry..."
Queen Otohime and Neptune were both stunned.
Then, an even greater sorrow and regret welled up from the depths of their hearts.
Their own so-called sadness had instead forced their kind daughter to make this choice!
"Waaahhh!!"
Queen Otohime cried hysterically. "Shirahoshi! My child!"
Neptune bit his lip so hard that blood dripped down. His body trembled, unable to utter a single word.
"..."
Gaban, who was watching, unconsciously tightened his grip on his axe handle.
What a kind and sensible child!
Roa!
You absolute scum!
How much more pain and despair will you bring?
How has this world hurt you, that you retaliate like this!
"That's much better."
Although Roa could easily sense the emotions of others, he couldn't truly read minds.
So he didn't know what Gaban was thinking. At this moment, he spoke with a brilliant smile. "Little Princess, try giving an order to those Sea Kings. How about that?"
"Tell them to listen to me."
"Eh—"
The sobbing little princess subconsciously looked at her old father.
Neptune nodded, his face full of pain. "Shirahoshi, listen to Lord Roa..."
Thus, the little princess looked up at the Sea Kings in the deep sea above.
She tentatively said, "You all, must listen to Lord Roa..."
"..."
Gaban gritted his teeth.
So Roa has obtained the power of the Sea Kings just like that?
But.
"Hmm?"
Roa looked up. "What do you mean, Shirahoshi's power hasn't fully awakened yet? And she can't truly communicate with you?"
This fellow, he's actually talking to the Sea Kings!
Gaban's heart tightened.
However, in the next instant, after hearing Roa's words clearly, a flicker of joy unconsciously surfaced in his heart.
It hasn't fully awakened yet?
Does that mean we can still stall for some time?
Even if it's only for a while, it's better than nothing, right?
"I see. Heh, it doesn't matter!"
Roa, however, was not anxious. Instead, he showed a meaningful smile.
"Oi, my loyal hounds, your master now belongs to me. You know what to do next, right?"
"..."
The Sea Kings fell silent.
After a long while, a reluctant voice, vast and grand, sounded next to Roa's ear.
"Demon King, do not harm the Ruler. We will obey your commands..."
Roa instantly burst into a delighted grin.
I have experienced the joy of Cao Mengde!
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