Whitebeard was the benefactor of Fishman Island, this was something most of the island's residents kept firmly in their hearts.
Therefore, the moment his flagship appeared in sight, Fishman Island instantly erupted in excitement.
That massive warship was like a moving castle upon the sea, shining brilliantly under the sunlight as it slowly sailed toward the waters surrounding Fishman Island.
King Neptune personally led his three princes, along with a large force of Ryugu Palace guards, to welcome him. The scale of the ceremony was on par with the highest-level royal reception.
The great ship docked, and Whitebeard's towering figure stood at the bow.
"It's been a long time, old friend. I hope my sudden visit didn't frighten you."
Saying this, he raised his head and let out a booming laugh, his voice like thunder, loud enough to deafen.
Though his body carried no hostile intent, the sheer force of his presence was enough to make the weaker fishmen turn pale, their breathing quickening, unable to even summon the courage to look at him directly.
———
"No wonder he's called a former Emperor of the Sea!"
From the shadows at the edge of the crowd, Hody Jones and his subordinates stared at Whitebeard in the distance, their eyes full of dread.
Although they had long heard tales of Whitebeard's fearsome name, actually facing such overwhelming pressure made their very souls feel as if struck by a heavy hammer.
However, their leader Hody Jones showed no fear at all. Instead, his expression was sinister, his mouth curling into a ferocious, twisted grin.
"Yes… Emperor of the Sea. But if we could personally sever this old man's head, then the entire world, those so-called noble but lowly surface races, would tremble in terror!"
His manner was crazed, his eyes filled with flames of ambition and hatred.
"The position of Emperor of the Sea should rightfully belong to us fishmen, who are born stronger than humans!!!"
———
Neptune smiled warmly, his voice full of respect and excitement. "Your arrival is the highest honor of Fishman Island! We can only feel gratitude, how could we possibly be frightened?"
Fishman Island's special geographic location doomed it to be a place where peace was hard to obtain.
As the only passage into the New World, this undersea kingdom located in the deep ocean would, every year, receive countless pirate crews attempting to pass through.
Without the deterrence of a powerhouse like Whitebeard, once order collapsed, this place would surely fall into chaos and plunder.
"Old friend, this isn't the place for conversation. Let's continue our talk in Ryugu Palace."
Neptune did not want to further disturb the common people of Fishman Island, so he took the initiative to invite Whitebeard as a guest to Ryugu.
Whitebeard did not immediately agree. Instead, he turned to look back at Jotaro, who stood silent, clearly seeking his opinion.
Because the one behind him was now their true leader.
Seeing Jotaro's stern expression nod slightly, Whitebeard finally grinned, accepting the invitation.
That single, subtle gesture made Neptune's heart quake.
As one of the Four Emperors, why would Whitebeard ever need to ask another's opinion before acting?
For him to show such deference, across the whole world, there was likely only one man who could make him do so…
"This young man… could he be Kujo Jotaro, the one who saved your life in the war?" Neptune asked in a low voice, suppressing the shock in his heart.
After the Paramount War, "Sea Knight" Jinbe had returned to Fishman Island, ensuring Whitebeard's survival before leaving, and had personally reported the details of the battle to Neptune.
As King of Fishman Island, that war had filled Neptune with deep unease.
After all, if Whitebeard had fallen, Fishman Island too would have been thrown into turmoil.
In his report, Jinbe had emphasized one person, the man who had turned the tide of the battle, Jotaro.
If not for him, the Whitebeard Pirates would have surely suffered total defeat.
The old generation called the new one the center of the storm.
Now, seeing Jotaro with his own eyes, Neptune felt far more shaken than when he had only heard his name.
"That's right. It's him."
Receiving Whitebeard's confirmation, Neptune took a deep breath and bowed slightly, speaking solemnly,
"You are the benefactor of our benefactor. Which means, you are our benefactor as well."
"For Fishman Island to enjoy its current peace, it is truly thanks to you, Lord Jotaro."
After Neptune lowered his head in gratitude, the eldest prince, the second prince, and the third prince all bowed in succession. Immediately after, all the Ryugu guards bowed in unison.
Seeing this, the gathered citizens on the shore also took on the same respectful posture.
Being treated as such a great benefactor, Jotaro truly felt uncomfortable with this atmosphere, so he urged Neptune to quickly lead the way toward Ryugu Palace.
Watching the backs of the departing figures, Hody Jones's face turned dark as iron.
"To actually bow to a human… these fishmen are nothing but disgrace! They cannot even be considered our kin!"
If the opportunity ever arose, he would never forgive these traitors to their race, he would slaughter every last one of them.
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