"It's him!"
Doflamingo's gaze sharpened as he spotted the blind swordsman standing in the street.
As one of the most well-informed figures in the underworld, with connections stretching into both the light and the shadows, Doflamingo ranked among the top three in the world for intelligence gathering. He knew exactly who he was looking at.
Issho — the so-called "folk monster." A man of unwavering justice, wielding the terrifying might of the Gravity Fruit, and a swordsman whose skill could rival the strongest alive. This was no ordinary Man.
It didn't take long for Doflamingo to piece things together. If Issho was here, and Vane had been seen nearby, then something must have happened between them. But Vane himself was nowhere in sight.
Issho turned his head slightly, sensing the Warlord's presence, though there was no recognition in his expression. Likewise, Doflamingo had no interest in engaging with him now.
…
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Vane had left Dressrosa shortly after the meteorite incident, disappearing from the New World entirely. His next destination was Fish-Man Island, deep beneath the Red Line. He had come for a single purpose — to examine the Poneglyph hidden there.
Four Poneglyphs in total would lead to Laugh Tale, and Fish-Man Island was home to one of them.
Word of his arrival spread quickly. King Neptune, upon hearing that Vane had returned, was overjoyed. The ruler of Fish-Man Island owed him a great debt. Over a month ago, Vane had stormed Mariejois and freed countless slaves — among them, over a thousand fishmen.
That single act had reunited countless families and made him a hero beneath the waves.
"Your Excellency Vane!" Neptune greeted warmly, flanked by palace guards and several ministers. "We must hold a banquet in your honor."
Vane shook his head. "There's no need. I won't be staying long."
Behind Neptune, a growing crowd of fishmen and merfolk gathered, their voices filled with excitement. Shirahoshi stood among them, her wide eyes fixed on Vane with a hint of pleading, though he kept his focus on the task at hand.
"Neptune," Vane said, his tone shifting to something more serious, "I have something important to discuss with you."
The two moved to a secluded area of the palace, away from the curious eyes of the crowd.
"What is it?" Neptune asked, sensing the weight in his voice.
"The power of Poseidon — Shirahoshi's power — is awakening," Vane said plainly.
Neptune nodded grimly. "Yes. The Sea Kings have been appearing closer to the island. The signs are clear."
"Have you heard of Uranus?" Vane asked.
Neptune's expression hardened. "The King of Heaven… another of the Ancient Weapons, alongside Poseidon and Pluton. You mean to tell me it has surfaced?"
"It's always been here," Vane replied, "you just didn't know."
Neptune froze. "Always… here?"
"I saw it in Mariejois," Vane continued. "Uranus isn't a machine. She's a Celestial Dragon — a woman. Her name is Im."
Neptune's eyes widened at the name. "Im… the one spoken of in legend?"
Vane nodded. "We fought. Her power rivals Poseidon's. If she learns Shirahoshi has awakened her gift, she may move against Fish-Man Island — or kill her outright."
Neptune's grip tightened on his trident. "Then the threat is real."
"It is. And if it happens, call me immediately. I'll come, no matter where I am. Right now, I'm staying in Wano Country."
Neptune took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "You truly don't wish to stay for the banquet? The people would be honored."
"I appreciate it, but I have other matters to handle," Vane replied. "There's something else — I want it known that Fish-Man Island is under my protection."
Neptune frowned. "Wouldn't that conflict with Whitebeard's claim?"
"There'll be no conflict," Vane assured him. "I'll speak to Whitebeard myself."
With that settled, Vane turned to leave. "I'll return when I can. Keep Shirahoshi safe."
The King of Fish-Man Island bowed his head in gratitude. "May the seas favor you, Rhett Vane."
Without another word, Vane departed, setting his course for the first half of the Grand Line.
____
Read chapters in advance on patreon.
patreon.com/Zphyr