The recent events had left the atmosphere heavy and oppressive. It was Neptune who finally broke the silence. "Lord Demon Dragon," he asked, unable to hold back any longer, "was the Queen truly assassinated by Hody?"
"Yes, he is the one who did it. There is no doubt," Bege affirmed.
"Then why not produce the evidence?" Jinbe pressed, his voice low and serious.
"This is a matter for Fish-Man Island. They should be the ones to find the truth for themselves. Only by unearthing it with their own hands will they learn the most profound lesson," Bege stated coolly.
Jinbe lowered his head in thought, then nodded slightly. "I understand your intentions."
Perhaps it was only in that moment that he truly began to believe Bege's words.
"Damn him!" Fukaboshi's face was twisted with rage. "Lord Demon Dragon, I beg you, hand Hody over to me! I must avenge my mother!" The other two princes looked equally murderous.
Bege shook his head. "This is not a personal grudge. It concerns the future of all of Fish-Man Island. The day the truth is revealed may be the day the people here finally break down their barriers, truly open themselves to humanity, and usher in a new era. For now, Hody will remain in my custody. When the truth is known to all, I will hand him over to you. But he should not be judged by you alone; he should be judged by all the residents of Fish-Man Island."
"I understand your purpose, Lord Demon Dragon. Thank you for everything you have done for our home." Neptune, grasping Bege's deeper strategy, bowed respectfully. Jinbe followed suit, then the three princes, and finally, all the ministers and royal guards of Fish-Man Island bowed a full ninety degrees in a gesture of profound respect.
Bege waved a dismissive hand. "Enough. I don't care for such formalities. If you truly wish to thank me, just make sure there's plenty of good sake at the banquet. My protégés are all drunkards."
"Rest assured, Captain Demon Dragon, there will be more than enough. I will treat you all to the finest sake Fish-Man Island has to offer," King Neptune promised solemnly.
"Excellent," Bege boomed with a laugh.
"I'm partial to Fish-Man Island's Blood Coral Sake, Your Majesty. Don't be stingy now!" Enel added with a wide grin.
"Lord Enel, you can drink as much Blood Coral Sake as you wish!" Neptune replied, his hearty laughter restoring a lighter mood to the room.
The atmosphere finally lifted. As Bege and his crew were led into Ryugu Palace, they were awestruck by its opulent architecture, marveling at the sight.
They were seated in the grand banquet hall, where a continuous stream of delicacies and fine wines were brought to the tables. Enel and the others feasted with gusto.
Bege sat with Neptune and Jinbe, chatting as they drank.
"Neptune," Bege began, "I hear you have a young daughter named Shirahoshi. I've come here with the intention of taking her on as my protégée. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
"That would be wonderful!" Neptune's face lit up with joy. He knew exactly what being Bege's protégée meant—it was akin to being his apprentice. If Shirahoshi truly became his ward, not only would she gain the protection of an Emperor, but it would also forge an even stronger bond between Fish-Man Island and the Fire Tank Pirates. It was the best news he could have possibly imagined.
But just as quickly, his expression darkened. He sighed. "Lord Demon Dragon, there is something you don't know. My poor daughter has been targeted by a pirate's curse. She is forced to remain inside the Hard-Shell Tower and has not been out for a very long time."
"You're talking about Vander Decken IX, the user of the Mark-Mark Fruit," Bege said.
At the mention of the name, Neptune gritted his teeth, his face a mask of pure hatred.
"Yes, that's him. He is a complete and utter degenerate. Shirahoshi was only six years old when he demanded to marry her. Of course, I refused. But his Mark-Mark Fruit ability allows him to lock onto her as a target. At first, he only threw love letters, but it escalated to him throwing all sorts of weapons to threaten and intimidate her. I had no choice but to move her into the Hard-Shell Tower for her safety."
"Hoh, he really is a creep. Don't you worry, King Neptune. After I've had my fill of food and drink, I'll take care of him for you," Enel declared, slamming his hand on the table, already slightly drunk.
A flash of hope appeared on Neptune's face, only to be replaced by another sigh. "I know you are powerful, Lord Enel, but Vander Decken hides somewhere in the vast sea. We can never find him. The man is incredibly cunning, and we've never been able to catch him."
"In the sea, huh? That does make it a bit tricky," Enel admitted, scratching his head.
"You might not be able to, but the Godfather can," Wiper said calmly. "If the Godfather wants him dead, there's nowhere he can hide."
Enel's eyes lit up, and he slapped the table again. "That's right! The Godfather can get him! Come on, Godfather, help Neptune out!"
Hope rekindled in Neptune's eyes. As an Emperor, perhaps Bege truly could eliminate Vander Decken IX.
Bege smiled. "Since I intend to take Shirahoshi as my protégée, it goes without saying that Vander Decken IX must be eliminated. You have my word, Neptune. He will not escape."
Overjoyed, Neptune bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Demon Dragon! Thank you!"
"Neptune, take me to see my poor little protégée," Bege said, standing up.
Neptune immediately led the way. Enel and the others followed, eager to meet the princess. They crossed through Ryugu Palace and arrived before a massive tower. Its walls were embedded with countless swords, axes, and spears—all weapons thrown by Vander Decken IX.
"That rotten Vander Decken IX! How dare he do this to my future little sister!" Enel exploded in anger upon hearing Neptune's explanation. Sparks of lightning crackled around him, zapping Fukaboshi and the others, who quickly backed away. "Godfather, when you catch him, I'm going to make him taste my divine punishment!"
The large door to the Hard-Shell Tower opened, and the group filed inside. The room was decorated in shades of pink, filled with a pure, childlike innocence.
In a corner of the room, a massive but sweet-faced little girl was talking to a small shark. The sound of the door opening startled her. When she turned and saw Neptune, her face lit up, but upon seeing the strangers with him, her expression turned to one of fear.
Enel stared, dumbfounded. "That's Shirahoshi? She's bigger than me!"
Terrified by Enel's outburst, Shirahoshi quickly hid behind her pet shark.
"Shirahoshi is a giant smelt-whiting mermaid. Her size is perfectly normal," Bege explained calmly. "She's only six or seven now. When she's fully grown, she'll be at least thirteen or fourteen meters tall."
But still, she's huge, Bege thought to himself.
"Shirahoshi, come here. They aren't bad people," Neptune said, walking over and gently scooping her up to comfort her.
With her father's reassurance, Shirahoshi timidly approached Bege, though fear still lingered on her small face.
"Godfather, Shirahoshi is so timid," Enel chuckled, amused by her shyness.
"Waaah!"
Shirahoshi's lower lip trembled, and she burst into tears, huge teardrops rolling down her cheeks.
"Hey, hey, little Shirahoshi, don't cry!" Enel froze, waving his hands helplessly. He was good at fighting and even better at taunting people. But comforting them? That was another story entirely.