"We've arrived! This is Ryugu Castle. Welcome as our guests!"
Prince Fukaboshi turned his head and gestured toward the colossal palace.
Rolan and the others looked up in awe.
The palace was built into the coral reef, designed to harmonize with its surroundings while remaining impressively grand.
Jade green and golden yellow dominated the color scheme, with a golden dragon coiled around the structure, lending an air of majesty.
Schools of fish swirled around, creating a dreamlike scene.
"It's… enormous. From below it looked big, but up close, it's even more massive," Lina whispered, eyes wide.
Nami nodded, equally astonished.
"It's beautiful… living here must feel incredible."
Robin, ever observant, remarked, "The architecture suggests a long history. It blends seamlessly with the reef; I wonder how many years it has stood."
Rolan recalled the original Straw Hat events.
They had been invited to Ryugu Castle for saving Megalodon, Shirahoshi's pet, from the Kraken.
Because of a prophecy and Luffy's previous encounter with Shirahoshi, the crew had been mistakenly branded as kidnappers.
But now, Rolan was here merely passing through, and the invitation seemed to stem from his status as one of the Five Emperors.
He didn't yet know Neptune's exact intentions.
As the gates opened, palace soldiers lining the path called out in unison:
"Welcome back, Prince Fukaboshi! Ryuboshi! Prince Manboshi!"
Fukaboshi nodded to the soldiers, then gestured to Rolan's group, signaling them forward.
"Wow! There's no water here!" Lina exclaimed, spinning and spreading her arms as if exploring a forest.
Nami laughed, following suit, while Robin walked gracefully beside Rolan, observing quietly.
Rolan subtly nodded, appreciating the care taken by the palace to welcome them.
"Please, this way," Fukaboshi said, leading them into a grand banquet hall.
The hall featured a long dining table laden with delicacies from both land and sea.
"Wow… it smells amazing!" Lina dashed toward a lobster, drooling with delight.
Rolan shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Lina was a chef, but also a true foodie.
The best cooks often had the biggest appetites, he thought.
Nearby soldiers watched their behavior with thinly veiled disapproval.
Pirates… no manners at all.
Rolan's expression remained calm; he knew their thoughts were accurate yet trivial.
A voice called out politely, "Hohoho, Miss Lina, please enjoy. Lord Rolan, Miss Nami, Miss Robin, please, take your seats."
Lina noticed a Fish-Man seated at the head of the table with bright orange hair and a golden crown—King Neptune himself.
She sheepishly withdrew her hand from the lobster.
Rolan, Nami, and Robin naturally recognized him.
The soldiers pulled out chairs, and the group sat down.
Fukaboshi and his brothers remained nearby, neatly tying napkins around their necks.
"Lord Rolan, may I ask the purpose of your visit to Fish-Man Island?" Neptune's tone was polite yet cautious.
Rolan understood immediately.
An arrival of someone of his power could easily alarm the island, and Neptune was ensuring that everything was handled diplomatically.
"I'm just passing through to reach the New World. No need for concern," Rolan replied casually, spreading his hands.
"Oh… that's a relief," Neptune said, visibly relaxing.
He had feared Rolan might be after Shirahoshi, given rumors of his affection for beautiful women.
Rolan rolled his eyes internally.
Why is everyone assuming I'm some pervert?
Nami interjected, "Uncle, just before entering the castle, a massive axe flew over. If Rolan hadn't stopped it, it could have struck the palace. The consequences… unimaginable."
Neptune's pupils contracted.
"It appeared again? Its frequency is increasing. The Hard-Shell Tower might not hold much longer."
He looked gratefully at Rolan.
"Thank you, Lord Rolan."
Lina, chewing seafood, asked, "Uncle, what was that? And what is the Hard-Shell Tower?"
Neptune realized he could no longer keep the truth hidden.
Judging by Rolan's demeanor, he was not the malicious type the rumors suggested.
"That Vander Decken… he is utterly despicable. Love should be mutual. If Shirahoshi does not return his feelings, he should leave her in peace. Instead, he becomes violent when refused."
Lina's fists clenched in indignation.
Nami turned to Rolan.
"The Mark-Mark Fruit… disgusting. With your Observation Haki, you should be able to locate him, right?"
Lina chimed in, "Please help Shirahoshi. She's been trapped in that tower her whole life and has never seen the outside world."
Rolan rubbed his temples.
He knew these two women couldn't tolerate seeing another suffer, especially not a mermaid princess.
Fukaboshi's eyes gleamed with hope, silently urging Rolan to help his sister.
Rolan nodded calmly.
"I've already sensed his location."
Neptune, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, stood and bowed deeply.
"Lord Rolan, please protect Shirahoshi."
The three princes bowed alongside him.
---