As soon as they stepped into the Mermaid Cafe, Doflamingo and his crew curiously took in the decor.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Mermaid Cafe. How may we serve you?" several beautiful mermaid ladies greeted them warmly as they entered.
"This is a great place," Enel and the others remarked.
Aside from the large group of mermaids they had seen playing in the bay, the Mermaid Cafe had the highest concentration of them. Most were here helping out because of their connection to Shyarly.
Pirates were frequent customers at the cafe, so the mermaids weren't afraid that these humans would cause them harm. With the protection of Whitebeard, the Ryugu Palace guards, and the intimidating presence of Jinbe, no human dared to cause trouble. As for the fish-men and other merfolk, not many of them patronized Shyarly's shop.
"We'll have some coffee," Doflamingo said to the enthusiastic mermaid beside him.
"Of course. Please wait just a moment, it will be ready soon," the server replied. Her attitude was excellent—beautiful, with a sweet voice, and perfectly courteous.
"Young Master, I don't see that Shyarly person anywhere," Baby 5 said, craning her neck to look around the cafe.
"She's the owner, after all. Of course she wouldn't be standing around out here," Robin explained, forgoing her usual teasing.
"Oh, right," Baby 5 nodded.
Soon, the coffee arrived. Doflamingo and his crew sat together, sipping the drinks the mermaids had brought them.
After a small sip, Robin began to question the mermaid server. "I heard your owner can tell fortunes, is that true?"
"I'm sorry, miss, but we can't discuss the owner's personal affairs," the mermaid replied with professional discretion, not one for gossip.
"Then where is your owner now? I would very much like to meet her," Robin pressed.
"I'm sorry, but the owner is busy right now. We can't disturb her," the mermaid said apologetically.
Being refused twice, Robin felt a little helpless. It seemed these mermaids, while friendly on the surface, were still quite guarded.
"Robin, are you really that curious?" Ibes asked, having overheard the conversation while sipping her coffee.
"Sister Ibes, I'm an archaeologist. Of course I'm interested in an ability that I've only ever read about in books," Robin replied after taking a small sip of her own coffee.
"Alright, to be honest, I'm a little curious too," Ibes whispered, leaning closer to Robin's ear.
"Hehe," Robin giggled, and the two of them shared a smile.
For a rare moment, Doflamingo and his crew enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the coffee served by the beautiful mermaids.
However, fate had other plans. Arlong and his crew made their grand entrance.
The thugs from the Fish-Man District were infamous among the residents of the island. The sight of Arlong, who had only recently returned, heading for the Mermaid Cafe made the fish-men and merfolk in the area sense that trouble was brewing. They all knew how much Arlong hated humans. He wasn't here to enjoy a family reunion with his sister; he was undoubtedly here to cause trouble for the humans who had just entered the cafe.
"Flora, this is bad!" a mermaid rushed into the cafe in a panic, speaking to the mermaid who had been serving Doflamingo's table.
"What is it? What's happened?" Flora asked, taking her sister mermaid's hand to calm her down.
"It's terrible! The Fish-Man District... people from the Fish-Man District are here!" the messenger mermaid panted.
"What?" Flora was shocked, her face filled with anxiety. "Quick, Ishilly, go and inform the owner! I hope it's not too late!" she said, quickly composing herself.
"I'm on my way!"
Flora watched Ishilly leave, her heart heavy.
"Fish-Man District? What's that?" Baby 5 asked, breaking the tense silence in the cafe.
"Honored guests, you should leave quickly!" Flora explained. "The fish-men from the Fish-Man District despise humans! They're probably here for you!"
"Here for us? Well, that's just perfect. I couldn't ask for more," Enel said with a relaxed expression.
"That's right! We're not afraid of them, Flora. You don't have to worry, we're here," Baby 5 added reassuringly.
Her and Enel's words, meant to be comforting, only made Flora more nervous.
Owner, when are you going to get here? she prayed, hoping Shyarly would arrive in time.
"Don't worry, Flora. Would you like a cup of coffee? My treat," Robin said, taking Flora's hand.
"N-no, thank you," Flora forced a smile, declining Robin's offer. In her mind, she was screaming. What is wrong with these people? They have no idea how terrifying the Fish-Man District is, and they're still in the mood for coffee!
Arlong's crew arrived with an intimidating aura, surrounding the Mermaid Cafe. Arlong himself entered with only Hachi and Hody Jones to meet Doflamingo.
The moment they stepped inside, Flora rushed forward. "Arlong! Shyarly will be here any minute! Don't you dare cause any trouble!"
"Shyarly?" Arlong stared at Flora curiously.
"That's right," Flora said, standing her ground.
"Then let her come," Arlong said dismissively, paying no mind to Flora's attitude. He then turned his attention to the leisurely Doflamingo.
"Mr. Doflamingo, it's been a long time," Arlong greeted him respectfully.
"Mr. Doflamingo, welcome to Fish-Man Island," Hachi added quickly.
Hody Jones's face was a blank slate, his dead fish eyes fixed on Doflamingo, trying to see what was so special about him that his boss would show him such respect.
Arlong and Hachi's greetings made Flora's brain short-circuit. She never would have imagined that they knew Arlong, and seemed to be quite familiar with him at that. No wonder they were so fearless. And from the looks of it, Arlong was being very respectful to Doflamingo. What in the world was going on?
"Arlong. It has been a while," Doflamingo said calmly, lowering his coffee cup.
"It is a great honor to see you again, Mr. Doflamingo," Arlong said excitedly.
Flora looked at Arlong as if she were seeing a ghost. She couldn't believe he was acting this way.
Just as Doflamingo was about to speak, a sharp female voice cut through the air from outside. "Arlong! Get the hell out of my cafe!"
The happy expression on Arlong's face instantly vanished. He turned to Doflamingo with an embarrassed apology. "My apologies, Mr. Doflamingo. My sister is here. I'll take care of this right away."
He then looked toward the entrance. A sophisticated-looking mermaid strode in confidently, with Ishilly trailing behind her.
"Arlong, this is my place. I will not allow you to cause trouble here," Shyarly said forcefully, showing no regard for the fact that he was her brother.
"Shyarly, is that any way to talk to your older brother?" Arlong said with a glare.
"Arlong, I'll say it again. This is not the Fish-Man District. You will not run wild here," Shyarly said, ignoring his words and holding her ground.
"You... Shyarly, don't think that just because you're my sister, I won't do anything to you," Arlong said, his anger rising.
The Donquixote Pirates watched the siblings' argument with interest.
"Young Master, what a strange pair of siblings," Baby 5 said with a hint of fear.
"It seems their relationship is quite terrible," Robin commented.
"Alright, let's put an end to this farce," Doflamingo said, deciding it was time to intervene.
Arlong and Shyarly were still at a stalemate, arguing back and forth.
"Arlong, I don't care what you say. This is my place, and I am responsible for my customers," Shyarly declared.
"I..." Arlong was about to retort when Doflamingo cut him off.
"You must be Shyarly," he said, stepping between them. "Arlong and I are acquainted. We were just catching up. Don't worry, he won't cause any trouble for your Mermaid Cafe."
Hearing his words, Shyarly looked at Doflamingo curiously for a few moments before turning her gaze to Arlong.
Arlong's face was grim. He felt he had lost face in front of Doflamingo. Feeling both their gazes on him, he reluctantly nodded.
"See? I was right, wasn't I?" Doflamingo said with a smile.
"Then I'm relieved," Shyarly said, her brow relaxing. Seeing Arlong's reaction, however, she was shocked. She knew exactly what kind of person he was; he would never yield to force alone. Something must have happened between them. She gave Doflamingo a deep, searching look.
"Shyarly, you have no business here. Leave at once. I have matters to discuss with Mr. Doflamingo," Arlong said, his tone harsh as he tried to drive her away.
"Heh. This is my territory," Shyarly shot back, refusing to be intimidated.
Frustrated, Arlong turned back to Doflamingo. "Mr. Doflamingo, perhaps we should find another place? Since you've come all this way to Fish-Man Island, please allow me to be your host."
Doflamingo shook his head. "This place is fine. Let's just talk here. And there's no need to play host. I'll be leaving soon. If you have something to say, just say it."
"Very well," Arlong said, giving up on his plan.
Shyarly watched the exchange in stunned silence. She could never have imagined that Arlong would be so respectful to a human. She rubbed her eyes. Was this really Arlong?
"Shyarly, leave us. I have business with Mr. Doflamingo," Arlong said, having learned his lesson. He gave Hody Jones and Hachi a meaningful look.
They understood his intention. Before Shyarly could react, they had politely escorted her away.
The Mermaid Cafe was once again quiet.