Deep within Ryugu Palace, the thick walls shut out the noise from the streets, but they could not block the heavy anxiety filling the air. The magnificent coral carvings and shimmering pearls seemed to have lost their luster. At the center of the room, a massive round table made of deep-sea glass reflected the worried faces of the royal couple.
"Neptune, was my approach really wrong?" Queen Otohime asked. Her voice, usually so full of life, now carried a noticeable tremor.
Takuro's cold, powerful words had struck her beliefs like a heavy chisel. She thought about his warnings regarding the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, and her eyes filled with confusion and pain.
King Neptune placed his large hand over his wife's to comfort her. "Otohime, your ideal is not wrong," he said in a deep, steady voice. "It is the most precious light we have. But light cannot always drive away every predator. This Takuro is not just a predator; he is a primeval beast who ignores all the rules of our world."
He remembered the chill he felt during their meeting. Even as a battle-hardened king and a Tier 3 power, Neptune had felt an absolute, crushing force coming from Takuro.+1
"We can't trust the future to his mercy," Neptune continued decisively. "He doesn't want a partner; he wants a tool. If we refuse to submit, there will be a war that Fish-Man Island cannot survive."
Otohime closed her eyes as tears fell. She knew he was right. Takuro was a catastrophic variable that destroyed the balance of their sea.
"We must seek outside help," Neptune finally said. He walked toward a hidden communication device shaped like a giant seashell. "It's time to contact Newgate."
Otohime gasped. "Whitebeard? Will he really get involved?" she asked, worried that a clash between two Yonko-level beings would destroy their home.+1
"This is our only option," Neptune replied as he activated the device. "I believe in Newgate. He is an old friend who keeps his promises." He sent an encrypted emergency message into the New World, straight to the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates.
The New World: The Moby Dick
In the New World, the giant ship known as the Moby Dick was anchored in a calm sea. A lively banquet was happening on deck, filled with drinking and singing. At the head of the table sat a man like a small mountain: "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate.
Suddenly, the commander of the First Division, "Phoenix" Marco, approached with a Transponder Snail. "Pops, we have an urgent encrypted message from King Neptune on Fish-Man Island," he said seriously.
Whitebeard raised his thick eyebrows and took the device. He knew Neptune wouldn't call unless the problem was insurmountable. As he listened to the King's heavy voice describing Takuro and his threats to replace the monarchy, Whitebeard's relaxed expression turned into a deep, dangerous seriousness.
"Gurararara!" Whitebeard's laughter rang out, but it sounded cold. "Interesting. I saw this kid in the newspaper, and now he's running wild on my territory? He even thinks he can replace a king?"
He spoke into the Transponder Snail, his voice booming with authority. "Neptune, don't worry. Since Fish-Man Island flies my flag, it's not a place for some stray dog to claim. Tell the Queen to rest easy."
He leaned forward, his massive presence quieting the entire deck. "I'm a little interested in this arrogant brat. Prepare the sake, Neptune. I'm coming to Ryugu Palace to personally meet this so-called 'Saiyan'."
The call ended. Whitebeard stood up, his colossal figure casting a long shadow in the sun.
"Marco, the banquet is over!" he ordered. "Adjust our course for Fish-Man Island. It's time to show these ignorant kids who the real 'Strongest Man' in the world is!"
The Moby Dick instantly shifted into battle readiness, turning its bow to cut through the waves.
The Private Port: The Conqueror
Back at Fish-Man Island, Fisher Tiger rushed onto the ship where Takuro was relaxing. Gion was providing a massage, though she looked a bit reluctant.
"Mr. Takuro, there's movement at the palace," Tiger reported solemnly. "King Neptune contacted the Whitebeard Pirates. Whitebeard himself is expected to arrive very soon."
Nico Robin's eyes narrowed, and Gion stopped her movements. They knew that Whitebeard was a Tier 4 Galactic-level threat, the strongest man alive.+1
But Takuro just gave a lazy hum. "Oh? The guy who calls himself the strongest?"
He didn't act like a world-class powerhouse was arriving; he acted like he was waiting for a neighbor to visit. When he opened his eyes, a fervent battle intent ignited in his crimson pupils. He stood up and stretched his neck, his joints crackling as a belligerent aura filled the cabin.
"Perfect timing!" Takuro said with a wild smile. "This saves me the trouble of hunting him down later. 'The strongest man in the world,' huh? Let me see how much strength he actually has."
He looked at Tiger and gave a simple command. "Tell the men not to be nervous. Just keep doing your jobs. Let me know the moment that old man arrives."
He sat back down and closed his eyes, looking as comfortable as if he were waiting for a game to start rather than an island-destroying showdown. Tiger wanted to warn him again, but he realized it was useless. When two men of this level met, only their fists and wills would determine the future.
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