"Captain, Princess Shirahoshi is only six years old!" one of the fishmen reminded.
Vander Decken rubbed his chin. "That might be a problem… six-year-olds can't get married, can they?"
Another fishman suddenly thought of something. "I've heard there's a secret medicine in Ryugu Castle. No matter who takes it, they instantly grow older."
"Really? Even a six-year-old girl could become a grown woman after taking it?" Vander Decken's eyes lit up as he imagined Shirahoshi as a mature beauty.
"Yes, Captain. Princess Shirahoshi is already so adorable. When she grows up, she'll definitely be stunning!"
Vander Decken broke into a lecherous grin. "Bahahaha! Then it's decided! First thing we'll do is—"
"Steal the medicine?" the fishmen guessed.
"Write the wedding invitations!" Decken announced proudly.
"Eh???"
Ignoring his stunned underlings, he started scribbling on paper. But when he reached the section for the guest list, he froze, suddenly realizing something. "Ah… that's right. I don't have any friends."
…
Eventually, Vander Decken still managed to make contact with Hody Jones.
Hody sought to deepen the rift between fishmen and humans, gathering followers and spreading terror. But he needed more power to back his ambitions.
That's where the "Energy Steroid" came in. According to official records, the drug doubled one's strength with a single pill. Another pill would double it again. But the price was a steady erosion of life itself.
Hody was drawn to the sheer power. Vander Decken, on the other hand, was fascinated by the part about shortening one's life.
For entirely different reasons, they saw eye to eye—only missing the chance to steal Neptune's treasured box.
As fate would have it, Queen Otohime returned to Fishman Island with several human guests.
Hody realized immediately:
If the treasure box were to disappear after tonight's banquet, before the humans departed, it would be the perfect setup.
…
Ryugu Palace, banquet hall.
It was one of the smaller halls—big enough for guests but nothing like the massive chamber that could fit entire battalions of soldiers.
Half the room was underwater, the other half above it, with tables and chairs placed on the dry side.
Fishmen homes were built the same way: always leaving some dry space. Beds and furniture went on land, since most preferred soft, shell-shaped beds over sleeping in water.
As for moving around? Fishmen simply strapped on floating air-bubbles like rings around their waists, allowing them to move freely above water. For them, it was no different from humans putting on shoes.
"Your Majesty, the other guest has arrived." The Right Minister, a seahorse merman, swam in leading a petite figure.
Camie was a little nervous at first, but the moment she saw who was inside the hall, her nerves vanished.
"Eh???" Her eyes bulged, hands on her cheeks, tongue curling in a squiggly shape—an exaggerated look of shock. "Big Brother Da Ye, why are you guys here?!"
"Hey, Camie. Long time no see. Your family still won't let you out of the house?" Zhang Da Ye greeted her warmly.
"Been a while, Camie," Rui Meng Meng and Artoria waved as well.
Before coming to Fishman Island, Zhang Da Ye had mentioned Camie to Queen Otohime. The Queen remembered and had the Left Minister invite her while they traveled to the palace.
Though who knew how much of a stir the visit had caused among Camie's neighbors?
After all, Camie came from an ordinary family in the lower district known as "the Down Ocean." To them, a trip to the palace was unimaginable.
Kings and queens might not mean much to someone like Zhang Da Ye, who grew up under a red flag, but to Camie, Neptune was a supreme figure—absolutely unquestionable.
Yet seeing familiar faces here, the scatterbrained girl forgot all about her nerves.
"Meng Meng! Artoria!" Camie dove straight into Rui Meng Meng's arms, rubbing against her affectionately.
Between the two, Rui Meng Meng seemed warmer and more approachable—not to mention, her hug was softer.
"Ahem. You still haven't greeted the King," the Right Minister reminded her.
"Eh???" Camie froze, eyes bulging again. "I forgot!"
Queen Otohime chuckled behind her hand. "What a lively child."
"Since she's a friend of Da Ye's, no need for formality," Neptune declared. His voice carried royal gravitas—but his mouth dripped with drool. "Now that everyone's here, let the banquet begin!"
He was a straightforward, honest ruler. No wonder he and Whitebeard had become friends.
At his command, several beautiful mermaids carried in trays of food.
Each one was stunning in her own way—graceful figures, daring outfits, and unique styles. As they served the dishes, it looked almost like a performance.
Their curious eyes lingered on Zhang Da Ye and his companions whenever they turned to leave.
For the first time, Zhang Da Ye understood a little of Sanji's feelings. For many men, this really was a dream.
He shot Neptune a look that said, "Your Majesty, you know how to host."
Neptune waved his hands frantically. "Don't misunderstand, Da Ye! They're the top waitresses from the Mermaid Café, brought here just to entertain you. I only love Otohime! I'd never betray her!"
Zhang Da Ye believed him. After all, in the original timeline, even after Otohime's death, Neptune never remarried—not even ten years later when he was pushing seventy and throwing out his back whenever he tried his signature Sea Current Suplex.
Meanwhile, Tom and Shirahoshi returned under Sharky Luffy's watchful eye, apparently getting along well. Tom had even allowed her to hold him, which was saying something. Surely it wasn't just the promise of shared desserts.
The banquet felt less like a state affair and more like a family dinner. No complicated rituals—just Neptune raising a glass.
"The first toast, to welcome our guests to Ryugu Palace!"
"The second, in gratitude for saving the Queen!"
"The third, to celebrate new friends of the Ryugu Kingdom!"
Of course, Neptune was the only one downing three drinks in a row.
The Queen and princes busied themselves offering dishes to the guests.
"Please try this grilled scallop."
"This seaweed salad is delicious."
"We don't eat fish ourselves, but these were specially purchased for you. They're rare on the surface."
"This tastes great." Zhang Da Ye genuinely appreciated their generosity, respecting their choice without pushing it on others.
Far better than some extremists.
Artoria quietly enjoyed the exotic cuisine. Rui Meng Meng and Camie ate and chatted happily.
Tom and Shirahoshi stuffed their cheeks, racing to see who could eat more scallops.
Only Neptune sulked in the corner, drawing circles. "They're ignoring me…"
The Left Minister, however, did not ignore him. "Your Majesty, please mind your composure. As host, you must—"
…
A/N:
Watching the anime, I always wondered—how on earth were they drinking wine underwater?
If you want to see the mermaid waitresses, check around Episode 569. Ryugu Palace hosted the Straw Hats there. Earlier, around Episode 523, Sanji almost died from a nose
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