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Chapter 24: Arrival at Ryugu Palace! Victory Banquet
Inside Ryugu Palace.
An elderly fish-man who bore some resemblance to Neptune sat upon the throne.
Watching the approaching ships of the Rocks Pirates in the distance,
He couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"Truly a time of many troubles. I hope this time they're not here to cause us problems."
As the king of Fish-Man Island,
He had naturally received advance notice of the Rocks Pirates' arrival.
But even with prior warning from Marine Headquarters, deep in his heart he had no intention of resisting.
After all, this was the Rocks Pirates!
Not long ago, even the Marine Fleet Admiral had been forced to retreat against them!
How could such a force possibly be something Fish-Man Island could afford to provoke?!
Fish-Man Island was merely a small affiliated nation.
The entire island's population combined was only about five million—probably not even enough for the Rocks Pirates to slaughter!
Moreover, he had heard the Rocks Pirates had become even more terrifying recently!
Among them had risen a young pirate of extraordinary talent—Tree Demon Lotte.
If they offended them here,
The entire Fish-Man Island faced the risk of annihilation!
Thinking this, the old fish-man swallowed hard and glanced at Neptune standing straight beside him.
"Neptune, I hear you're friends with that Whitebeard. I'll leave the welcoming duties to you this time."
"First find out the Rocks Pirates' intentions. I hope they're not here for us."
"Provide whatever assistance they need otherwise."
The youthful-looking Neptune nodded toward his father.
"Leave it to me, Father!"
He then excitedly led his people straight toward the arriving ships.
What the old fish-man saw as disaster, the young and spirited Neptune viewed as an opportunity to reunite with an old friend.
He wondered how Whitebeard was doing these days.
Clenching his fist in excitement, he headed directly to the reception area.
At this moment,
The entire Fish-Man Island was shaken by the arrival of the Rocks Pirates.
Though Fish-Man Island rarely interacted with the outside world,
The Rocks Pirates—who had recently forced even the Marine Fleet Admiral to retreat—were known even here.
Terrified residents gathered and whispered among themselves.
"The Rocks Pirates... what exactly are they planning to do on Fish-Man Island?!"
"I heard everyone on their ship is a ruthless killer—even that new guy, Tree Demon Lotte, is incredibly strong!"
"Marine Headquarters put a 500 million berry bounty on him!"
500 million?!
Hearing this, the fish-men all widened their eyes instinctively.
In the New World, a 500 million berry bounty already marked someone as a renowned great pirate!
Bounty amounts didn't necessarily reflect true strength,
But rather the level of threat posed to the World Government!
For this Tree Demon Lotte to make the World Government fear him to this degree—could he be some cold-blooded murderer?!
He looked so young... was he pretending to be weak to devour the strong?!
The fish-men collectively sucked in cold breaths.
...
Meanwhile.
As the ships gradually docked,
The entire Rocks Pirates fleet moored inside the vast Ryugu Palace.
Whitebeard had barely stepped off his ship when he spotted Neptune coming to greet them. The two exchanged smiles and immediately embraced.
"Neptune! It's been too long!"
"You look even stronger now!"
Neptune was tall and imposing, with thick, fluffy orange-red hair and beard, flame-like tattoos on his arms, and dense body hair.
He carried an intricately carved trident on his back.
"Hohohoho! It's really been a while!"
"I heard you've become a cadre in the Rocks Pirates, Newgate!"
Neptune flashed a broad, toothy grin,
Slapping Whitebeard on the shoulder as he laughed.
Then his gaze fell on Tree Demon Lotte beside Whitebeard. As a hot new pirate currently making waves across the New World,
Neptune naturally recognized him.
He asked with some surprise.
"Isn't this Tree Demon Lotte? Don't tell me he's in your division now?"
Whitebeard laughed and waved it off.
"Gurararara! This kid is currently the captain's favorite. In terms of status, he's already on par with us cadres."
"He's just tagging along with me for the ride."
As the words fell,
Neptune's pupils contracted sharply.
The number of cadres in the Rocks Pirates was already limited—according to current Marine bounties, maybe only a dozen or so.
Yet Tree Demon Lotte had only just joined... and already held such high status?!
What kind of monster was this?!
Shock flashed in Neptune's eyes.
He immediately set aside any earlier casualness and bowed politely to Lotte with a smile.
"Welcome to Fish-Man Island, Lotte."
Then, shifting tone,
"This time—are you all here for some kind of operation?"
"It's the first time the Rocks Pirates have ever visited Fish-Man Island."
"You really gave my father quite a scare."
Neptune's tone carried helplessness.
Whitebeard simply gripped Murakumogiri and laughed heartily.
"Rest assured—we're not here to cause trouble for you."
"We'll only stay a few days before heading to the first half of the Grand Line."
"Coming here is just a stop along the way."
With that,
Whitebeard turned his gaze toward the surrounding pirates.
His naturally imposing presence alone made ordinary crew members unable to lift their heads. Even the other cadres felt a slight heaviness in their hearts.
They knew Whitebeard was serious.
If anyone dared act against Fish-Man Island,
They would have to face Whitebeard in a fight to the death.
Without Rocks intervening,
No one on the entire crew dared claim they could surely defeat an enraged Whitebeard.
Even Rocks remained silent.
Whitebeard's strength was indispensable to his plans.
No need to dwell on such a minor issue.
Seeing the atmosphere grow heavy, Neptune quickly smiled and greeted everyone.
"Since all of the Rocks Pirates have arrived, Ryugu Palace has specially prepared a grand banquet for you tonight. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
Two beautiful mermaids stepped forward beside Neptune.
They assisted with mooring the ships while guiding the group toward the seemingly luxurious interior of the massive palace.
The graceful, curvaceous figures of the mermaids caught even Lotte's eye for a moment.
Then he couldn't help but think inwardly.
Those are really big...
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