Fisher Tiger was one of the most respected figures on Fish-Man Island.
Places like Fish-Man District were rarely peaceful.
But as its leader, Fisher Tiger stood apart from the rest, maintaining a relationship of mutual respect with King Neptune and Queen Otohime.
Fisher Tiger always kept Neptune informed, and Neptune never held Fish-Man District's reputation against him.
In fact, the tensions between Fish-Man District and the rest of the island were largely eased—if not resolved—because of this connection.
One could even say Fisher Tiger single-handedly forged peace and unity within Fish-Man Island.
Not only was he beloved by the people, but Neptune also consulted him on all major decisions.
This alone proved how deeply Fisher Tiger cared for Fish-Man Island.
And precisely because he cared, he knew...
This dreamlike, beautiful island now teetered on the brink of total collapse.
One misstep, and the entire island could become as lawless as Fish-Man District once was...
"Whoever you are... please save this island..."
Fisher Tiger murmured these words as he swam toward the surface.
"This is Ryugu Castle—the royal palace of the Ryugu Kingdom! State your business here!"
When Michael and Garp arrived at the castle's perimeter with their Marine squad, they were immediately stopped by several fish-man and merman guards.
Though their tone was neutral, their eyes brimmed with wariness and suspicion.
"Tell Neptune that Garp is here to see him!"
"Ahem, old man, if you don't know how to speak properly, step back a bit."
Michael pinched the bridge of his nose and pulled Garp back slightly.
The marines behind them covered their mouths to stifle their laughter.
Aside from Admiral Sengoku, this was the only person who dared to treat Garp with such casual tone.
Looking at it this way, the ones who could best restrain Garp were indeed from Admiral Sengoku's household.
And Garp wasn't angry, just slightly surprised.
Michael's physical strength was becoming increasingly terrifying.
Truly worthy of being the monster he held in highest regard.
"I am Rear Admiral Michael of Marine Headquarters," he nodded to the soldiers and continued.
"Vice Admiral Garp and I have come to the Ryugu Kingdom to help resolve the issues on Fish-Man Island. Therefore, we request an audience with the King Neptune and Queen Otohime."
Michael's polite demeanor slightly improved the soldiers' attitudes.
They nodded in response.
"Please wait a moment, Marines. After we report, we will escort you into Ryugu Palace."
The guards hurried off.
Michael couldn't help but shake his head.
Judging by the guards' reactions, other marines must have come before.
And their attitudes must have been quite poor, otherwise the guards wouldn't have reacted that way initially.
Still, fortunately, the chaos on Fish-Man Island hadn't yet fully affected Ryugu Palace.
In other words, though Fish-Man Island was teetering on the brink of collapsed, Michael had arrived just before complete collapse.
However, even Michael found Fish-Man Island's situation quite troublesome.
Theoretically, the status of a World Government-affiliated king should be higher than that of marines.
Yet a group of Regional Justice Faction marines dared to lord it over the Ryugu Kingdom, and the kingdom hadn't even retaliated.
Queen Otohime had always advocated for peace and the right to live under the sun—her goals were correct, but her methods were all wrong.
As the saying goes, 'A weak state has no diplomacy'—an absolute truth.
When you're powerless and still try to negotiate terms with powerful forces that have harbored ill intentions toward you from the start...
Isn't that just preparing to take your hands off the keyboard and sign various treaties amid cheers and laughter?
A path to certain doom!
Soon, the soldier who had gone to report returned.
He gestured for Michael and Garp to follow.
"King Neptune and Queen Otohime welcome your arrival."
Hearing this, Michael nodded to the soldier and then dragged Garp forward.
At the same time, he gave a light cough as a reminder.
The marine soldiers behind them paused, then bowed slightly to the fish-man soldiers as a gesture of respect.
Only then did they follow Michael and Garp.
The remaining fish-man guards at the gate exchanged bewildered looks.
"Did they... just return our salute?"
"Uh, if I'm not mistaken, yes?"
"...They're completely different from those vicious guys who came before."
The soldiers' eyes were filled with disbelief.
Yet faintly, something called "hope" took root and sprouted in their hearts.
The structure of Ryugu Palace resembled that of Fish-Man Island, with a double-layered bubble membrane as a protective shield.
Except the middle protective layer was replaced by a vast amount of seawater.
Passing through the long corridor of the entrance and looking up, under the sunlight brought by the Eve Tree...
Schools of fish swam back and forth, while stunning corals and various marine creatures formed a fairytale-like dreamscape amidst the shimmering seawater.
Michael finally allowed the tension in his lips to ease slightly.
This was probably the most heartwarming sight he'd encountered since arriving at Fish-Man Island.
Kids would surely love a place , wouldn't they?
Michael thought of the three little girls from Amazon Lily, then of Nojiko and Nami, as well as his five nephews...
Once everything here was settled, he'd bring them all for a stroll in this place.
As he walked further, the full grandeur of the Ryugu Palace came into view.
Just the main gate alone stood dozens of meters tall.
Upon entering the palace, two figures were already waiting on the throne.
They were none other than King Neptune and his wife, Queen Otohime.
"Ahahaha! Neptune! It's been so many years!"
In such a formal setting, it was Garp who took the initiative to speak first.
To be honest, this approach to social interaction was rather rough around the edges.
But sometimes, such a straightforward method—one that didn't even attempt to feign familiarity—could be surprisingly effective.
Especially when used by someone of Garp's reputation.
"That's right, Garp. The last time we met was when you were chasing Roger," Neptune laughed heartily, clearly reminiscing about the past.
"Come to think of it, that was over a decade ago now!"
"Ahem, old man Garp… perhaps we could save the reminiscing for later?"
Michael's light cough interrupted Garp's small talk.
Queen Otohime's gaze, however, remained fixed on Michael.
She could sense that this young Marine was the true decision-maker this time
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