Without Marco, there are only three people.
One of them left no impression, likely just an ordinary crew member, silent and unsmiling, both exchanged a nod as a greeting when their eyes met;
The other was a tall shark Fishman, very familiar-looking, with a somewhat pale and weak complexion;
As for the last one...
"Zehahahaha!!!"
A rugged man missing several teeth held up his glass, laughing uproariously:
"Thank you for the treat, little brother Shano... No, for a person as esteemed by the old man as you, it's more appropriate to call you Lord Shano! I'm just an old crew member under Captain Oden's command, Marshall D. Teach, just call me Teach!"
"Nice to meet you, Teach."
Shano also grinned, his smile bright and sincere.
Then he looked towards the shark Fishman.
"I am Namur, Lord Shano."
The shark Fishman gave a weak smile, introducing himself:
"Captain of Squad 8, because my body hasn't recovered, I won't drink this glass of wine, sorry for that. Actually, Marco and Teach accompanied me to Fishman Island to help with my illness."
"I can see that."
Shano nodded, glancing at the pile of medicine in the other's hand.
"Namur has a rare blood disease that seems to affect only Fishmen and Merfolk, and I've tried many methods without success."
Marco helped explain, "Luckily, Teach is quick-witted and suggested Fishman Island, a Fishman gathering place, which might have more professional treatment options."
He smiled, patting Teach on the shoulder, "See, we just arrived at the hospital and found a specific remedy, the doctor said after completing this course and a little recovery time, he'll be completely cured."
"Exactly."
Namur added, "Thanks to Teach, otherwise, I would still be tormented by the illness! I don't even know how to thank you and Marco..."
"Zehahaha!"
Teach blushed from the praise, scratching his head shyly:
"Among partners, isn't this just what's supposed to be, no need to dwell on it! It's Captain Marco who's been tirelessly helping you that deserves thanks, as for me? Just treat me to a drink like Lord Shano when we get back!"
It's amazing how his face can turn red so quickly.
Some say a born actor, those like Blackbeard might just act until they believe it themselves.
Shano, watching in awe, smiled and downed his drink, just about to say something when a commotion erupted outside:
"Hey! Seriously, am I seeing this right?!"
"A whale with a crown on its head, that vehicle... no mistake!"
"What a blessing, His Majesty the Sea God has come out of the Dragon Palace and personally appeared here!"
Shano, Marco, and others looked out the window, the Fishmen on the street have already made way, bowing respectfully.
A massive figure over ten meters tall swam towards them, it was Neptune, the current King of Fishman Island.
With a crown on his head and a trident in hand, his expression solemn, his every move indeed carried the legendary aura of the Sea God, until he slightly bent over, trying to enter the tavern—
Thud!
Neptune's head hit the door hard, swelling up a big bump, and his crown flew out.
"I mean, with your ten-meter-plus stature, you might as well forget about coming in, Your Majesty."
Marco helplessly rubbed his forehead, picking up the crown while the civilians still bowed, and handed it to Neptune.
Neptune rubbed the red swollen spot and shook his head:
"With people from Whitebeard's crew visiting, especially with you leading, Marco, how could I stay out and have you come out to greet me? That would be too rude, Neptune!"
Talking about a unique way of using one's own name as a catchphrase...
Shano was just about to make a mental jab when Neptune looked over, he was stunned for a moment, then showed surprise, placing his right hand on his chest and bowing slightly:
"So you are also on Fishman Island, what an honor to meet you, Lord Shano."
Lookee here...
This honest person's acting skills can't even hold a candle to Blackbeard.
Clearly, back at the entrance gate, Shano already saw the guards recognize him and frantically call higher-ups to report...
"Nice to meet you."
Shano smiled and nodded in return, the other's attitude was very respectful, clearly wanting to avoid offending him, this passing plague, so no need to expose anything.
Indeed!
This recently notorious Great Pirate, completely unaware!
Seems like my skill in handling people has improved, just like little darling Shirahoshi complimented, Neptune thought, happily, lightly coughing before regaining his serious demeanor:
"Lord Marco, I heard of your visit to Fishman Island, it's only right to show some hospitality, so I've personally come to invite you all to a banquet at Dragon Palace City."
He then turned to Shano, with neither arrogance nor servility:
"Meeting Lord Shano here is also a wonderful fate, seeing you and Captain Marco having a pleasant conversation, I wonder if you would also honor us by coming to my palace for a chat."
The Fishmen and Merfolk on the street were instantly in an uproar.
"Dragon Palace City?!"
"That's a place even many wealthy individuals on the island struggle to set foot in!"
"As expected of the Whitebeard Pirates' cadre and the 'World's No.1 Sword Master', even His Majesty the Sea God personally came to invite..."