Half an hour later, the pitch-black seafloor gradually brightened.
Soon, Fish-Man Island enveloped in a giant bubble came into view, with the roots of Sun Tree Eve glowing beside the island.
"Truly magnificent..." Kaidou stood at the bow, gazing at the softly glowing Fish-Man Island before him, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth. The enormous bubble shimmered with dreamlike radiance in the deep sea, while Sun Tree Eve's roots coiled around the island like golden ribbons.
Queen could no longer contain himself, his obese body bouncing on the deck: "Muhahaha! We've finally arrived! Mermaid ladies, your man is here!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes nearly turning into heart shapes.
"Idiot." King shot him a cold glance, his black wings slightly folding. "Don't cause trouble for Lord Kaidou."
"Tch, you boring bastard." Queen grumbled discontentedly but quickly became excited again. "Boss, shouldn't we prepare to land?"
Kaidou didn't answer, merely squinting his eyes as he examined the approaching Fish-Man Island. The pirate ship slowly passed through the bubble film, the hull trembling slightly before steadily floating in the air inside Fish-Man Island.
"All hands, attention!" Queen shouted from the stern. "Prepare to land!"
The pirates immediately became busy—some organizing weapons, others checking equipment. Several young pirates excitedly leaned over the railing, pointing at the faintly visible buildings in the distance: "Look! Is that the Fish-Man District?"
Just then, a team of Fish-Man guards riding Sea Beasts quickly approached. "Halt! Who are you?" the lead guard captain shouted warily.
"Hmph." Kaidou snorted coldly, instantly releasing his Conqueror's Haki. The guards' Sea Beasts immediately retreated in terror, with several guards even fainting on the spot.
"Get lost."Kaidou's deep voice made the remaining guards tremble." "Don't block my path."
Queen laughed triumphantly: "Muhahaha! See that? This is the might of our Beast Pirates—"
Before he could finish, King suddenly frowned. "Someone's coming."
In the distance, the ocean currents surged as several tall figures swiftly approached. The man had red skin and a robust build—it was none other than the current leader of Fish-Man District and future captain of the Sun Pirates who would storm Mary Geoise—Fisher Tiger.
Behind him followed another with blue skin and a powerful physique—none other than the future Warlord of the Sea—Jimbei.
"Kaidou." Fisher Tiger stopped before the ship, his expression grave. "What business do you have coming to Fish-Man Island? Fish-Man Island doesn't welcome pirates."
Kaidou grinned widely: "Worororo... I go wherever I please—after all, pirates are free! And is this how you treat guests on Fish-Man Island?"
Kaidou's laughter echoed through the seabed, his Conqueror's Haki causing the surrounding seawater to tremble slightly. Fisher Tiger's face remained solemn, while Jimbei behind him had already assumed a combat stance, his blue skin particularly striking under the glow of Sun Tree Eve.
"Kaidou, Fish-Man Island is no place for you to cause trouble."Tiger said in a low voice, muscles tensing beneath his red skin." "Leave immediately, or else..."
"Otherwise what?" Kaidou narrowed his eyes, his Spiked Club lightly tapping the deck. "You think you fish-men can stop me?"
Queen laughed exaggeratedly beside him: "Muhahaha! The boss is right! Mere fish-men should just obediently hand over the mermaids!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes constantly glancing toward the distant Fish-Man District.
King coldly glanced at Queen: "Shut up, idiot." He turned to Fisher Tiger, his black wings slightly spreading. "We're just passing through, we don't want trouble. But we're not afraid of it either."
Fisher Tiger and Jimbei exchanged glances, both seeing gravity in each other's eyes. They knew their opponents' strength, especially since the recent bounty posted for the King of Beast Kaidou had directly exceeded 500 million Berry. This bounty would be considered substantial even in the future, let alone now.
Just then, commotion came from the distance. A team of Ryugu Kingdom guards swiftly swam over, led by none other than the Right Minister of Ryugu Kingdom. He stopped breathlessly between the two parties: "Please... please stop! King Neptune invites Mr. Kaidou to Ryugu Castle for discussions! Mr. Kaidou, Mr. Whitebeard Edward Newgate is currently at Ryugu Castle as well."
Kaidou's eyes suddenly sharpened. "Whitebeard?" his deep voice carried a hint of excitement. "That old man is here too?"
Whitebeard was currently at his absolute peak, and Kaidou felt excited about testing his current strength.
Queen immediately leaned in: "Boss, could this be a trap? That Whitebeard guy..."
"Shut up." Kaidou waved him off, a ferocious grin spreading across his lips. "Perfect timing. I've been wanting to meet him for a while." He turned to the Right Minister. "Lead the way."
The Right Minister wiped cold sweat from his forehead and quickly signaled the guards to clear a path. Fisher Tiger frowned, but seeing the Ryugu Kingdom's stance, he could only step aside for now. Jimbei asked quietly: "Brother Tiger, are we just letting them pass?"
Fisher Tiger shook his head: "Let's observe the situation first. With Whitebeard there, it shouldn't get too out of hand."
The pirate ship slowly sailed toward Ryugu Castle under the guidance of the palace guards. The scenery along the way was breathtaking - coral structures shimmering with dreamlike colors under the light of Sun Tree Eve, various strange marine creatures swimming around. But no one on board was in the mood to appreciate these sights, everyone's attention focused on the upcoming meeting.
As the ship approached, the magnificent Ryugu Castle gradually revealed itself before everyone. Massive shell structures stood majestically in the deep sea, golden decorations gleaming brilliantly in the light. At the city gates, a team of elite Ryugu Kingdom guards stood in perfect formation.
When the ship docked at the special pier, a tall figure was already waiting there. He had golden long hair and held a massive Naginata - this was Whitebeard Edward Newgate in his youth.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard let out his signature laugh. "If it isn't little Kaidou! What, did you get lost and end up at Fish-Man Island?"
Kaidou jumped off the ship, his Spiked Club slamming heavily onto the ground: "Cut the crap, Whitebeard. I go wherever I want."
Their Conqueror's Haki collided in the air, the surrounding guards collapsing one after another. Invisible sparks seemed to crackle in the atmosphere.
At that moment, a booming voice rang out: "Gentlemen, please calm down." Dragon Palace King Neptune strode forward swiftly. The young Neptune was burly and carried a Trident. Though he wore a smile, his eyes held caution.
Whitebeard retracted his Conqueror's Haki and laughed heartily: "Neptune, don't be nervous. Kaidou and I were just exchanging greetings."
Kaidou snorted coldly but also reined in his aura. He scrutinized Neptune: "So you're the king here?"
Neptune nodded: "Indeed. Since you've come all this way, Mr. Kaidou, why not join us in the palace? We've prepared a banquet and would be honored by your presence."
Upon hearing about the banquet, Queen immediately grew excited: "Muhahaha! A banquet? Fantastic! Boss, let's go!"
King shot him a cold glare, but Kaidou was already stepping forward: "Lead the way."
On the path to the palace, Whitebeard and Kaidou walked side by side. Though maintaining distance, their silent contest of wills never ceased.
"Heard you've been causing quite a stir in the New World lately," Whitebeard remarked casually.
Kaidou grinned: "What, scared?"
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard laughed uproariously, "I've lived this long without learning how to write the word 'fear'."
Listening to their exchange, Neptune broke out in a cold sweat.
In the banquet hall, exquisite seafood dishes covered the long table. Rare deep-sea delicacies emitted tantalizing aromas. The moment Queen saw the food, his eyes lit up and he eagerly pounced.
"Hey, mind your manners," King hissed quietly, but Queen was already tearing into a giant lobster.
Several commanders from the Whitebeard Pirates also attended the banquet. Young Marco sat beside Whitebeard, studying Kaidou's group with curiosity.
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed. Neptune raised his glass: "Thank you both for honoring us with your presence. Fish-Man Island has always welcomed visitors from all sides, seeking only peaceful coexistence."
Kaidou drained his cup in one gulp and suddenly declared: "Neptune, I'm just passing through this time. But since I'm here, I plan to recruit some fish-men from Fish-Man Island to join my crew. You got any objections!"