Rolan and the three women turned toward the source of a sound and saw three giant Fish-Men gliding through the water.
The one in the middle had wavy blue hair, a mouth lined with sharp shark-like teeth, a round marking on his forehead, a white robe, and a light blue ribbon floating over his shoulder.
The Fish-Man on the left had bright orange-red hair tied into a ribbon floating in the water, a beak-like mouth, and several gill slits on each side of his long neck.
The one on the right was shorter and stout, with large, sausage-shaped lips and red hair arranged like two ears.
All three wore coral bubble-made swim rings around their waists, allowing them to hover and move in the water with ease.
Rolan recognized them immediately: these were King Neptune's three sons—Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi. The voice they had heard earlier came from Fukaboshi, the one in the middle.
Rolan marveled at their speed. They had just arrived at Fish-Man Island when the royal palace had already dispatched the princes to personally invite him and his crew to Ryugu Castle.
Though Rolan didn't know Neptune's intentions, he nodded. "Alright, we'll go to Ryugu Castle."
Fukaboshi produced four sections of coral and handed them to Rolan and the others.
"What is this?" Lina turned the coral over in her hands, puzzled at what appeared to be a simple gift.
Fukaboshi explained patiently, aware that outsiders would likely not understand the utility of coral on Fish-Man Island.
Ryuboshi, in high spirits at Rolan accepting the invitation, sang lightly, "Then let us lead the way for you, Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do~~"
Manboshi twirled in place. "Manboshi at your service, let us guide you to Ryugu Castle!"
The two younger brothers led the way, playful yet earnest, while Fukaboshi walked beside Rolan and his crew, observing them carefully. His initial wariness eased slightly—Rolan was not the tyrannical, bloodthirsty figure he had feared. Perhaps the Five Emperors' passage through Fish-Man Island was truly just that—a passage to the New World.
Lina whispered to Rolan, "Ryu-… Ryugu Castle is up there, right?" She pointed toward a giant bubble suspended above the main island, through which magnificent buildings and patrolling soldiers could be seen.
Fukaboshi answered before Rolan could. "Yes, that's Ryugu Castle, the residence of the King of Fish-Man Island."
Although Fish-Man Island was nominally under Whitebeard's influence, it flew the Whitebeard Pirates' flag and operated independently. Fukaboshi knew Whitebeard was far away in the New World and unlikely to intervene over anything minor.
Rolan glanced sideways at Fukaboshi. For a prince, he was unexpectedly diligent, treating his visitors with exceptional care.
Suddenly, the voices of surrounding Fish-Men erupted in excitement.
"Ah! That's Prince Fukaboshi!" "Prince Fukaboshi, you're so handsome! I want your babies!" "Prince Fukaboshi, I want to marry you! A palace and endless riches—I'd be happy!" "Shut up! Are you dreaming?" "Prince Fukaboshi, I love you! I want to marry you!" "Ah! What about me? I'm your husband!"
Lina covered her mouth, amused and curious about Fukaboshi's reactions, while Robin stroked her chin thoughtfully. "He is indeed handsome, and a prince—no wonder they are crazy for him."
Fukaboshi, however, seemed unaffected by the flattery, continuing his meticulous introduction of Fish-Man Island to Rolan.
"Lord Rolan, this is Fish-Man Island's shopping street. You may wish to buy local specialties here later," he said, gesturing to a bustling avenue filled with colorful goods.
Rolan nodded, observing the vibrant commerce. Nami and Lina's eyes glimmered with excitement—they were struggling to resist the urge to shop.
A familiar voice called out, "Esteemed customer, you have excellent taste. This year's design is hand-stitched with golden thread."
Rolan followed the voice to a luxurious shop shaped like a five-pointed star, adorned with giant pearls. A beautiful Fish-Man woman held a strapless top, accompanied by a starfish wearing a hat.
Rolan's lips curved—this was Papaggu, the chief fashion designer of Fish-Man Island. The clothing was high-end, truly worthy of her reputation. Nami and Lina would have emptied the store long before he arrived.
Lina tugged Nami's hand. "Nami, we have to come back here! I need new clothes."
Nami nodded. "Me too. I have nothing to wear."
Rolan could only purse his lips, amused. Women everywhere shared the same problem: overflowing wardrobes, yet still claiming nothing to wear. Men, by contrast, needed barely two outfits per season, their closets often relegated to a corner, a box, or a storage bin.
Continuing under Fukaboshi's guidance, Rolan's group reached the base of Ryugu Castle.
"From here, you may enter Ryugu Castle, Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do." "Manboshi, Manboshi, we're entering Ryugu Castle now."
Rolan chose not to use the Electromagnetic Barrier, opting to experience the unique atmosphere of Fish-Man Island firsthand.
Suddenly, a gigantic axe whirled rapidly toward Ryugu Castle!