Imu indifferently put away his longsword.
Although there was no trace of sweat on his body, he instinctively went into the bathroom to shower as soon as he returned to the residential area.
Once he was done, he put on a clean robe and sank down onto the plush sofa, suddenly feeling a pang of loneliness as he looked out at the emptiness around him.
That initial rush of euphoria—born from gaining unmatched power, supreme authority, the riches of enemy nations, and the right to call himself the ruler of this planet—had long since faded. He had gradually grown accustomed to both his strength and his identity.
But deep down, he was still just an ordinary person who had crossed over into this world less than two years ago—without the cold, unfeeling heart of the original Imu, who was as ruthless as forged steel.
As a normal human being, he genuinely wished he had someone to keep him company. Someone to chat with from time to time, to share some warmth and help ease the weight on his mind.
And yet, he was also well aware that with his current status, it wasn't something he could allow so easily.
This place—though it appeared to be the most exalted and mysterious location on the entire planet, a place above all others—was, in another sense, nothing more than a spacious prison. True, he could leave whenever he wanted, but still...
Back when he first realized he had transmigrated into the body of Imu, he thought it was the luckiest start imaginable—far better than those poor souls who had ended up as pirates, civilians, slaves, or even prisoners. He felt like the ultimate winner of the cosmic lottery.
But on second thought, at least those people could still sail across the seas, explore stunning landscapes, and experience all sorts of thrilling adventures.
But none of that was something he could casually go out and try.
If he ever truly wanted to venture out, he'd have to carefully consider every aspect of the situation. Then again, with his current power, there likely wasn't a single being on this planet that could pose a threat to him.
Even so, Imu knew all too well that this world's oceans were far more mysterious and dangerous than those of his previous life. The supernatural ran rampant here—unexpected and bizarre events were the norm.
As for Devil Fruits, to be honest, aside from that one fruit he was still searching for, he didn't care about any of the others in the slightest.
Which meant... the only thing left to do was find someone to keep him company.
And by someone, he naturally meant a woman.
Given his identity, acquiring a beautiful woman would be as easy as breathing. Even the maids currently serving him—if placed outside—would be considered top-tier beauties.
If this were before he transmigrated, he would've treasured any one of them as a goddess if she became his wife.
But now, things had changed.
If he was going to start a harem, then the quality of the women within that harem had to be nothing less than perfect.
Unfortunately, the timing was a little awkward. Most of the beauties destined to become legends in the future either hadn't been born yet or were still far too young—so young, in fact, that calling them 'lolis' would be a stretch. And he had absolutely no interest in raising anyone from childhood.
On the other hand, some women who had been stunning in their youth were now far too old—like Vice Admiral Tsuru of the Navy Headquarters, for example.
All in all, for the next decade or so, he would have to endure the loneliness and isolation that came with standing at the summit of the world.
Sigh—
...
At the same time, at a depth of 10,000 meters beneath the red earth continent, in the depths of the sea, Neptune was surrounded by a cloud of pink happiness. He gazed dotingly at the blue-skinned infant lying in his wife's embrace on a luxurious bed.
"Otohime, let me hold him for a bit. I want to touch little Fukaboshi too."
Neptune looked at his delicate queen with longing in his eyes.
Queen Otohime still looked visibly exhausted, but her eyes shone with unusual brightness. Upon hearing her husband's request, she glanced at his towering frame—12 meters tall—and his massive hands. Then she looked down at the tiny baby in her arms and finally shook her head with determination.
"No. Fukaboshi was born less than five hours ago. He's still too small, too fragile. Please wait a few more days."
"Ah… right."
Hearing her refusal, King Neptune immediately looked crestfallen. But he adored the woman before him too much to insist. Just then, a beautiful mermaid maid entered the room.
"Your Majesty, the Minister of the Right has arrived. He says he has urgent matters to report."
"Hmm? Let him in, then," King Neptune replied casually.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the mermaid maid replied respectfully and turned to leave.
Soon, the Minister of the Left entered.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Your Highness!"
Queen Otohime gave him a gentle nod. King Neptune, more straightforward, simply asked, "What is it?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Just now, the Minister of the Right sent word that a ship from the World Government is currently waiting for entry at the air reservoir gate," the Minister of the Left said calmly.
King Neptune instinctively turned to look at Queen Otohime. The queen paused to think and then said, "Could it be for this year's World Summit?"
"That's likely the case."
King Neptune agreed and immediately instructed, "Tell the Minister of the Right to welcome them in. Also, have someone tidy up the main hall—we'll meet them there!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Minister of the Left accepted the order and departed at once to carry it out.
"Your Majesty, may I sit in and listen later?" Queen Otohime asked softly.
"Hmm…"
King Neptune hesitated. Of course, he knew what she was concerned about.
Back when he had first become King of the Ryugu Kingdom, he'd already heard rumors about how his newlywed queen had begun working tirelessly for her dream—peaceful coexistence between the Fish-Man race and humans.
But to be honest, he had never fully agreed with that ideal. He thought it was far too unrealistic. He knew all too well the true nature of the World Government. Still, he couldn't stop her, so he simply let her be.
"Your Majesty~"
Queen Otohime's voice turned even gentler—such naked affection and pleading instantly melted King Neptune's resistance. Scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin, he said, "Alright, alright!"
...
Thirty minutes later, the king and queen—now dressed in full royal attire—were seated at the head of the banquet hall.
Not long after, a calm-looking young man in a black suit and leather boots arrived outside the hall, riding a giant flounder enclosed in a bubble. Two capable attendants in similar outfits followed at his side.
At this moment, both inside and outside the grand banquet hall, a large number of armored soldiers of the Royal Neptune Army stood guard.
Three representatives from the World Government, led by the Minister of the Right, entered the hall.
Soon, the four of them reached the center of the hall.
The Minister of the Right stopped and solemnly reported to King Neptune, who was seated on the throne, "Your Majesty, the officials from the World Government have arrived."
Meanwhile, Queen Otohime, seated beside the throne, was quietly observing the three men in black below. A sense of anticipation welled up in her heart.
"Thank you. Take your place," King Neptune said with a nod.
The Minister of the Right stepped to the left side of the hall, standing opposite the Minister of the Left.
"Honorable King Neptune, I am Coulson, Senior Councilor of the Administrative Department under the World Government Cabinet." The leading official in black stepped forward and introduced himself.
His demeanor was gentle, and his tone full of respect.
"Very well. And these two?" King Neptune looked at the other two men in black. One of them was holding a black briefcase, which had caught his attention.
Coulson smiled and replied, "They are members of CP7, responsible for security."
"I see."
King Neptune nodded in understanding and no longer paid them any mind. "Then let's hear it. What brings you to Fish-Man Island? I'm quite curious."
"I've come on behalf of the World Government for three main matters. The first concerns the World Summit scheduled for June of this year."
As he spoke, Coulson turned and took the black briefcase from one of the CP7 members.
He then took out a white scroll bearing the emblem of the World Government and handed it to the Minister of the Left. "Please present this to His Majesty for review."
The Minister of the Left first looked to King Neptune, and upon seeing the latter nod in approval, he accepted the rather heavy scroll with both hands and ascended the steps.
"Your Majesty."
"Good. Thank you."
King Neptune took the scroll with one hand. Under the gaze of everyone present, he untied the golden ribbon and slowly unfurled it to read.