Chapter 326: Poseidon's Awakening
The Sea Kings were rioting.
This news swept across Fish-Man Island like a storm in an instant.
No word of mouth was even necessary.
After all, simply standing on the ground, anyone could see the continuous stream of monsters in the deep sea beyond the massive bubble.
"What's happening all of a sudden?"
Fish-Man Island's citizens grew extremely panicked. "Why are the Sea Kings rioting?"
The humans visiting Fish-Man Island were even more terrified.
The Sea Kings circling outside Fish-Man Island were each incredibly massive. If they rammed the bubble even once, the entire barrier would probably be destroyed.
If such a disaster occurred, Fish-Man Island's native residents would likely be fine, but these humans would truly be finished.
"Where's the Immigration Bureau? Where's Director Brett? Do something quickly!"
People shouted in panic.
At the Immigration Bureau headquarters' top floor, in Brett's office, he stood at the window quietly gazing upward at the Sea Kings swimming in the water beyond the massive bubble.
"Director!"
His secretary burst through the office door in a panic.
"Urgent message from Ryugu Palace!"
"No need to worry. I already know what's happening."
Brett said calmly.
The Sea Kings were roaring, bellowing.
Their massive yet chaotic voices could be heard clearly even from Fish-Man Island's surface.
Naturally, Brett heard them perfectly as well.
Though their voices sounded different from one another, they were indeed calling out the same thing.
"King!"
The Sea Kings weren't roaring in anger. They weren't bellowing in rage.
They were cheering. They were celebrating.
Something must have happened to Princess Shirahoshi. That was Brett's guess.
And it was definitely something good.
"Issue an announcement saying I'm handling this matter. Meanwhile, dispatch teams to maintain order. Don't let anyone with ill intentions take advantage."
After leaving these instructions, Brett mobilized.
He transformed directly into a crimson dragon and ascended.
Seeing the divine dragon shooting skyward, Fish-Man Island's citizens immediately felt their hearts settle.
"Director Brett's taking action!"
"So that's the ability Lord Brett possesses! This is the first time seeing it in person!"
"It's incredible—exactly like Kaido!"
"If this man takes action, then there's definitely no problem, right!"
Without question, the man named Brett was this Fish-Man Island's anchor.
Everyone believed the one called the Deep Sea Emperor could lead Fish-Man Island through any possible crisis.
What did a Sea King riot amount to anyway?
Brett flew directly to Fish-Man Island's highest point, then passed through the bubble to emerge outside, placing himself within the Sea Kings' encirclement.
"Hahahaha! My dearest friend!!"
An old friend swam over at maximum speed. The warrior shrimp—even larger than before—laughed heartily. "Let's battle after such a long time!"
Good. Alexander was as energetic as ever.
"Let's save that for later. Right now more important matters need addressing."
Brett surveyed the Sea Kings swimming all around. "So, Alexander, what happened? What are you all doing?"
"We heard the King's voice!"
His old friend's voice was very solemn, carrying indescribable joy and excitement.
"The King's voice?"
Brett raised an eyebrow.
So something had indeed happened with Shirahoshi.
Poseidon's ability was to summon and control Sea Kings.
Shirahoshi had always been able to control Sea Kings. They would absolutely obey her commands.
Only without full awakening, she couldn't call Sea Kings from great distances.
However, now things seemed different.
"The King's power has begun awakening!"
Alexander laughed loudly. "My friend, the ruler of these seas has returned once more!"
If that was the case, this was naturally good news.
Poseidon's awakening meant Fish-Man Island's strength had increased tremendously.
But—
"Could you have your kin temporarily leave, Alexander?"
Brett said. "Surrounding this island like this is causing us considerable trouble."
"Though I'm happy to help, my friend—"
Alexander said somewhat awkwardly. "By age, I'm still young among my species. These elder predecessors won't heed my suggestions."
Brett glanced at him sideways. So even among Sea Kings, the terrible custom of seniority prevailed?
Then he'd have to handle this himself.
Brett floated upward.
"Sea Kings!"
He roared. "Please hear me!"
At that moment, all the Sea Kings turned astonished gazes toward him.
Why could they understand this human's words?
But immediately the Sea Kings realized.
"I see. You must be Lord Brett."
One Sea King spoke. "The King's guardian."
Brett breathed a sigh of relief.
Seemed his Sea Minister title hadn't expired yet.
Years ago, those giant Sea Kings had entrusted him to teach Shirahoshi. In return, the Sea Kings would answer his requests.
Apparently that still held value.
"Please withdraw somewhat. Gathering here causes this island great distress."
Brett said. "I know what you're anticipating. Shortly, I'll bring Shirahoshi—your King—to meet you."
The Sea Kings fell silent, then consulted briefly among themselves.
"We understand. You are a trustworthy man. Then please allow us to meet with the King afterward."
One Sea King said. "Great power has begun gradually reviving. We must ensure the King's safety."
Brett nodded lightly. That settled matters on this end.
Next was Shirahoshi's side.
Nothing particularly significant had happened on Fish-Man Island recently. What stimulus had caused her ability to begin awakening?
Watching the Sea Kings depart, Brett turned back toward Fish-Man Island and headed directly for Ryugu Palace at the island's highest point.
The moment he arrived at Ryugu Palace, Neptune rushed to meet him with an extremely anxious expression.
"So, Brett, what's the situation?"
"What do you think could cause such changes among the Sea Kings, Neptune?" Brett asked in return.
"..."
Neptune paused. "Shirahoshi?"
Brett lowered his voice. "The Sea Kings say Shirahoshi's Poseidon power has begun fully awakening. What exactly happened to her?"
"Ah—"
Neptune froze, then his expression grew somewhat strange. "Something did happen to Shirahoshi, but I didn't expect it would produce such an effect."
"She—
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