"Open!"
With a low shout, Kei activated the power of [Wanderer of Countless Worlds], opening the world gate before him.
A torrent of ocean water, bursting with the violent pressure of the deep sea, gushed forth.
The passive defense mechanism of the Labyrinthian Circuit instantly activated.
It immediately blocked the terrifying high-pressure water jet erupting from the world gate.
Glancing at the starfish beside him, over ten meters in diameter and almost as big as a small tugboat, he couldn't help but have a giant question mark pop up in his mind.
That's... a starfish, right?
Its genetic structure was highly similar to the starfish from the Marvel Universe. That shouldn't be wrong!
But why was it so huge?!
"A world with special powers?"
He briefly sensed the strength of the world gate, and a knowing look appeared in his eyes.
Using the Labyrinthian Circuit, he formed a protective shield of warp energy around himself to block the seawater, then stepped through.
Shing~ Shing~ Shing~
A series of weapon-drawing sounds echoed around him.
Within the deep, dim blue seawater, a group of oddly shaped beings clad in uniform, somewhere between merfolk and fish-men, stood with weapons in hand: rifles, swords, spears… They stared warily at the unexpected visitor who had just emerged outside the air membrane of Ryugu Palace.
"You there! If you wish to enter Fish-Man Island, use the proper route! We don't welcome smugglers!"
The leading guard, whose face resembled a seahorse, had two arms on his shoulders, and a lower half similar to a human's, looked solemnly at the human who stepped out of the "gate."
Though he didn't understand why the man could use a power resembling the "Door-Door Fruit" ability while underwater, this was clearly someone powerful, definitely not someone they could deal with.
Fish-Man Island, Devil Fruits, Shirahoshi, Neptune, Otohime?
As Kei read the subconscious thoughts of the guard, he quickly grasped the world and the time period he was in.
One Piece.
Fish-Man Island arc.
Princess Shirahoshi was only ten this year. Queen Otohime wouldn't die until next year. Luffy was only six.
The One Piece world had once deeply moved him in his past life, but after the New World arc began, all he ever wanted to say to this world was: "Give me my emotions back!"
Also, this particular moment in time...
He thought for a moment, then looked toward Ryugu Palace.
The next moment, his voice echoed in the ears of everyone inside palace.
"I am the God Who Denies Fate, the Eternal God. The gate to all worlds lies here. All beings who cherish peace and light are welcome to visit, to exchange, to find sunshine and land, everything you long for."
As his words faded, a map indicating the current location of the world gate appeared in the minds of all those in Ryugu Palace.
Seeing yet another fully formed Cosmic Fruit appear on the World Tree, Kei raised one hand, and using the Labyrinthian Circuit's power, transformed the air membrane surrounding all of Fish-Man Island into a concept-level protective barrier!
Any creature harboring malicious intent could no longer enter the barrier!
As for those already inside, he glanced briefly, those who had turned to dust without even a scream, his gaze remained unchanged.
No longer interested in the future developments of the One Piece world, he turned and re-entered the Marvel Universe, continuing his search for the next world gate node.
At this point in time, the Celestial Dragons of the One Piece world still tightly gripped the reins of global power.
If the world gate were to be made public to the entire world, the result would inevitably be that the Marines and Celestial Dragons would swiftly break through Fish-Man Island and completely seize control of the world gate, guarding it strictly against all other races.
In the short term, Imu, the one who holds dominion over the world, would indeed invest massive resources and manpower to develop the Cosmic Fruits inside the Divine Kingdom.
But in the long run, this would choke the life out of this vibrant and colorful world.
So, Kei established a powerful barrier around the outer edge of Fish-Man Island.
Those Marines and pirates able to enter would not be able to harm the people of Fish-Man Island.
Those who couldn't enter, due to how close the world gate now was to Fish-Man Island, would also be unable to ignore its presence.
The final outcome? The world gate becomes an opportunity for everyone!
He disliked the chaos and lawlessness of pirates, and equally detested the arrogance of the Celestial Dragons who looked down on others.
But the former create more possibilities, while the latter hold more resources.
If both shared the world gate, not only would the Celestial Dragons drive their subordinates to develop this location rapidly, but those pirates would definitely not fall behind!
A win-win situation!
...Or rather, he won twice!
"The restrictions on [Arena of the Gods]… should be toned down a bit," he muttered to himself.
He made a small adjustment to the rules of [Arena of the Gods] he had just set up, and added a series of special clauses to the newly issued laws of the Divine Kingdom, further patching any loopholes in its legal framework.
Whether they were pirates or Marines, if they were scum, they'd better tuck their tails and behave in the Divine Kingdom.
If not, then they had no business existing at all!
---
Inside Ryugu Palace, Shirahoshi, playing with her father and mother, blinked her big, watery eyes in confusion.
Just now... It seemed like someone had invited her to go outside and play?
"...Did you hear that?"
Neptune was stunned for a few seconds before urgently turning to ask his most trusted advisors.
"We must go take a look!"
Queen Otohime didn't wait for the others to respond. With a flick of her fish tail, she darted toward the exit of Ryugu Palace.
Startled, Neptune jumped up and blocked his queen's path.
"Otohime, calm down!"
"Your Majesty, this is an opportunity. We were previously unable to bypass the World Government, but now..."
"Report!"
A soldier's shout came from outside the palace.
A seahorse-type Fish-Man guard burst into the main hall in a hurry.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, Princess, the membrane surrounding Fish-Man Island just transformed into an unknown energy-based defense shield! Of the prisoners in the dungeon, 70% were instantly reduced to ashes! Also, among the citizens on the streets, incoming pirates, and our guards, many were also..."
The soldier breathlessly reported the chaotic events that had just happened outside in the span of a few moments.
"What?! How many casualties exactly?!"
Neptune's face changed drastically upon hearing this. He hurriedly followed the guards out of the main hall, staring at the barrier now covering all of Fish-Man Island.
"Mother…"
Shirahoshi, pale-faced, tugged gently on the sleeve of Queen Otohime's robe.
"The dungeon?"
Queen Otohime closed her eyes.
Using her Observation Haki, capable of sensing the thoughts and emotions of others, she expanded her awareness across the island.
Panic. Fear. Unease…
But one emotion was missing, malice.
Those who had just been reduced to ashes were, apparently, all individuals who harbored malice toward Fish-Man Island!
Though she did not approve of such absolute execution-style justice, she could also clearly sense the benevolence emanating from that so-called "Eternal God."
Was this… a gesture of protection for Fish-Man Island?
Realizing this, her heart began to burn with hope and resolve.
She had to go see, she must!
This could be the opportunity to change the fate of everyone on Fish-Man Island!