When they arrived at the palace, Neptune had arranged a magnificent feast that reflected the grandeur of his underwater kingdom. The portions were enormous - fitting for hosts whose smallest member towered over their human guests - with platters large enough to serve as beds for ordinary people.
Having spent several years in the One Piece world and developed into a formidable fighter, Gustave had no trouble managing the generous servings. However, the happiest diners at the table were undoubtedly Luffy and Tom.
Luffy's joy was straightforward - he simply loved delicious food in any form. Tom's delight ran deeper, as every dish featured the ocean's finest offerings. As a cat, his attraction to such premium seafood was practically instinctual.
While the palace chefs were certainly skilled, Gustave had to admit their techniques couldn't quite match his own culinary artistry. However, the quality of ingredients was exceptional - many were unique to Fish-Man Island's deep-sea environment, and superior raw materials rarely disappointed.
Though if I were preparing these dishes, Gustave mused, the results would be extraordinary.
At the beginning of the banquet, Princess Shirahoshi appeared somewhat nervous and reserved. Neptune had impressed upon her that these were distinguished guests of the highest importance, which made the young princess uncertain about proper protocol.
But Luffy's infectious enthusiasm quickly melted her shyness. Combined with Po and Tom's naturally appealing appearances - both characters seemed designed to charm children - Shirahoshi gradually relaxed and began engaging with their visitors.
"Luffy-sama, Ace-sama, what is the surface world truly like?" she asked with wide, curious eyes. "Is it as mother described - filled with sunshine and flowers and adorable creatures?"
Princess Otohime's influence had instilled a deep fascination with the world above in her daughter, despite Shirahoshi having never seen it herself.
"Eh? Shirahoshi, why are you calling me 'sama'? Just 'Luffy' is fine!" Luffy protested after taking a large gulp of juice, clearly uncomfortable with such formal address.
"That's right, Shirahoshi. You don't need to use honorifics with us - we're friends!" Ace added supportively.
"But... but..." Shirahoshi fidgeted with uncertainty, having used such respectful language since childhood.
"Luffy, Ace," interjected Manboshi, "our sister has called people that way since she was very young. Using 'sama' is actually her way of showing respect and affection."
"Oh, I see!" Luffy nodded with understanding.
"Then Ace and I will tell you all about the outside world!" Ace declared, noticing Shirahoshi's shy but eager expression.
The two brothers launched into enthusiastic descriptions of their adventures, from their peaceful hometown of Windmill Village to Zoro's Shimotsuki Village, from the exotic islands they'd explored in the New World to their recent experiences at Marineford and Sabaody Archipelago.
Shirahoshi listened with rapt attention, nodding like an eager student absorbing every detail. Her yearning for the surface world was obvious in every gesture.
Neptune watched his daughter's animated engagement with deep satisfaction. He hadn't seen Shirahoshi this genuinely happy since her mother's tragic death.
While Ace painted vivid pictures with his words, Luffy's limited vocabulary forced him to rely on elaborate gestures and sound effects. His dramatic reenactments of their adventures had Shirahoshi covering her mouth to stifle delighted giggles.
Finally, growing increasingly excited, Luffy jumped up and ran to Tom, who was contentedly working through a massive seafood platter.
"Tom! Tom! You gotta show Shirahoshi some of the flowers and plants from outside!" Luffy pleaded, hugging the cat's leg with shameless desperation.
Luffy understood Tom's abilities perfectly, and his desire to make his new friend happy overcame any pride he might have about begging.
Tom recognized Luffy's manipulative tactics immediately - this was the same leg-hugging strategy the boy had used when they'd first met. But looking at Shirahoshi's hopeful expression, the cat sighed, stood up, wiped his paws clean, and gently kicked Luffy away.
Walking over to the princess, Tom executed an elaborate bow before reaching behind his back and producing a crimson silk cloth from thin air.
Even this simple gesture amazed Shirahoshi, who had never witnessed such impossible magic.
Neptune, Jinbe, and the three princes turned their full attention to Tom's performance, sensing something special was about to unfold.
Tom bowed to his entire audience before beginning his show. He asked Shirahoshi to extend her hand, then draped the red cloth over it. With a flourish, he pulled the cloth away to reveal a perfect rose resting in her palm.
"That's a rose!" Ace provided helpful commentary, earning an approving nod from Tom. At least one of these boys is useful, the cat thought with mild exasperation.
Tom shook the cloth again, and it grew larger and larger before his eyes. With a dramatic gesture, he threw the expanded fabric into the air, and when it settled, a magnificent potted sunflower taller than Tom himself appeared before the astonished princess.
"And that's a sunflower in a decorative pot!" Ace continued his role as narrator.
For the next several minutes, Tom conjured an entire garden's worth of surface flora - daisies, tulips, cherry blossoms, and dozens of other species that existed only in Shirahoshi's imagination. The princess clapped with delight while Neptune and his sons applauded enthusiastically.
As his magical flower show concluded, Tom produced an acoustic guitar and positioned it upright against the floor. Faced with such an appreciative audience, he felt compelled to showcase his musical talents as well.
Tom strummed a gentle introduction that gradually built in intensity. When he began singing, his voice carried a weathered but compelling masculinity that contrasted sharply with his cartoon appearance:
"On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair..."
While the One Piece natives couldn't identify the song, Gustave immediately recognized Tom performing "Hotel California". Despite the barrier, music's universal power transcended words, and the entire audience was captivated by the haunting melody and Tom's surprisingly sophisticated performance.
When the song ended, Tom bowed gracefully as his audience erupted in thunderous applause.
"Tom-sama, you're absolutely incredible!" Shirahoshi exclaimed, clasping her hands together with pure admiration.
Another Tom fan is born, Gustave observed with amusement.
After the banquet, Shirahoshi and her brothers carefully transplanted Tom's magical flowers throughout the palace gardens, with Ace and Luffy eagerly helping. Meanwhile, Gustave, Po, and Tom followed Neptune and Jinbe to a more private location.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable. This is my personal study," Neptune said, leading them into a chamber lined with ancient texts and artifacts.
"Some time ago, Jinbe mentioned that Tom-san possesses knowledge of the ancient Sea King language. Would it be possible for him to demonstrate this ability?" Neptune requested with barely contained anticipation.
Tom nodded and began speaking in the deep, resonant tones that had so impressed Jinbe. As the strange syllables filled the air, Neptune's excitement grew visibly, his face flushing with emotion.
"Yes! Yes, that's exactly it! This is the long-lost Sea King language of Fish-Man Island!" he exclaimed, rushing to a cabinet and retrieving an ornate conch shell.
When Neptune pressed the shell, it emitted sounds remarkably similar to Tom's demonstration, confirming the authenticity of the cat's linguistic abilities.
"You must be wondering why I'm reacting so strongly," Neptune said after carefully storing the artifact.
When his guests nodded, the king's expression grew serious.
"What I'm about to share is one of Fish-Man Island's most closely guarded secrets..."
Neptune explained that the ocean's largest inhabitants - Sea Kings exceeding 500 meters in length who dwelt in the deepest waters - possessed intelligence far superior to their smaller, beast-like cousins. To distinguish themselves from common Sea Kings, these giants had developed their own sophisticated language.
In ancient times, Fish-Man Island's scholars had mastered this language, enabling communication and even cooperation with the massive creatures. This alliance had made Fish-Man Island a formidable power, capable of commanding Sea King armies in times of conflict.
However, as centuries passed, wars and various catastrophes had gradually erased this knowledge from the island. Only fragments preserved in ancient artifacts remained, leaving the current generation unable to communicate with their potential allies.
If Tom could teach this language to Fish-Man Island's people, it would restore a crucial advantage that might help them overcome their current vulnerable position in the world's power structure.
Of course, Neptune didn't mention that beyond the Sea King language, there was another being called "Poseidon" who could communicate with and even control Sea Kings directly - but some secrets were better kept to oneself.
Gustave understood Neptune's diplomatic omission and had no interest in pressing the matter. After all, everyone was entitled to their carefully guarded secrets.