Queen Otohime's invitation was undoubtedly due to Doflamingo's ideology. From his perspective, she believed she had found a kindred spirit and hoped to gain something from him.
As for Queen Otohime herself, Doflamingo had to admit, she was a good person. But people like that... they really had nothing to do with him.
Her fate was sealed. She had to die. Such a naive person, with such naive ideas. A world of mutual understanding? It was never that easy.
Queen Otohime was like someone living in a fairy tale, holding onto a beautiful vision of the future—a world of light, love, peace, and universal understanding. Unfortunately, such a world could only exist in the imagination.
"Fine. You can arrange it," Doflamingo agreed. He was curious to see what kind of sparks would fly when he collided with such a naive person.
Pleased with his answer, Jinbe's face broke into a wide smile.
"Excellent, Mr. Doflamingo. I won't disturb you any longer. I will arrange the meeting between you and Her Majesty immediately," Jinbe said gratefully.
Doflamingo simply nodded, unconcerned.
After Jinbe left, Shyarly broke the silence. "I can't believe even Queen Otohime wants to see you. You must be a big deal."
"You don't know how big I am?"
"You're terrible!"
Shyarly fled back into the cafe in a fluster.
Doflamingo gave a deep look at the magnificent Ryugu Palace in the distance, then followed Shyarly inside to enjoy their time alone.
Jinbe returned to the Ryugu Palace and reported the news to Queen Otohime. She was overjoyed and immediately ordered her staff to prepare a banquet to welcome Doflamingo.
The members of the Donquixote Pirates, meanwhile, had scattered across Fish-Man Island, each on their own adventure.
Robin had been with Ibes, Monet, and Baby 5, but the rich history of the island had awakened her archaeological instincts. After letting the others know, she set off alone with her bag to explore the island's past.
In the Sea of Trees on Fish-Man Island, there was a Poneglyph. After some searching, Robin found her way there. Seeing the giant stone monument ahead, her heart leaped, and she rushed toward it.
"Just as I thought! There's one here too," she murmured, a satisfied look on her face.
The Sea of Trees, a great stone monument, and a beautiful woman. Accompanied by the colorful coral, the two seemed to gaze at each other for a long time.
Robin sighed. The Poneglyph was merely an apology from Joy Boy, a figure from the Void Century, for being unable to fulfill his promise to Fish-Man Island. Beyond that, she found nothing. It seemed her journey was still long and arduous.
Soon, she composed herself. Today's chance encounter was a pleasant surprise, and it was better than finding nothing at all.
"Time to head back," she said, taking one last look at the Poneglyph. Without any lingering attachment, she set off with new hope.
While Robin was searching for the Poneglyph, Ibes, Monet, and Baby 5 were browsing the shops, taking in the local products and scenery. As for Enel and the others, they were happily splashing around in the bay with the beautiful mermaid ladies. Although they were all landlubbers and a bit afraid of the water, with beautiful mermaids right in front of them, nothing could stop them. Armed with floaties, Enel and his men were very brave indeed.
Fish-Man Island truly was a man's paradise. A rare and happy time.
At the Ryugu Palace, Doflamingo, led by Jinbe, arrived for the banquet.
King Neptune, Queen Otohime, and their children were all there to welcome him.
Well now, he's certainly big, Doflamingo thought upon seeing Neptune's family. He couldn't help but wonder how big Shirahoshi would be in the future. At the thought of her, he curiously sized up the young princess. Shirahoshi, in turn, looked back at him with curiosity, her large eyes sparkling beautifully.
"Mr. Doflamingo, welcome!" Neptune, as the king and head of the family, took the lead in greeting him.
"You're too kind. It is an honor to be a guest at the Ryugu Palace," Doflamingo replied politely.
Queen Otohime studied him carefully, and at the same time, her Observation Haki instinctively reached out to probe him. Unfortunately for her, in front of Doflamingo, she was just a little lamb. Her weak Haki, despite its unique properties, was useless against him.
The smile on Otohime's face faltered for a moment in shock. She couldn't believe she was unable to read his heart. Her excellent composure, however, allowed her to quickly regain her smile.
Doflamingo, of course, noticed the change. To be honest, being probed like that was very unpleasant. If it weren't for the sake of his larger plans, he would have already eliminated her.
With a false smile, he took his seat at their invitation.
As he sampled the local delicacies, Doflamingo's mind was focused on the young Shirahoshi, though he was careful not to let it show.
"Mr. Doflamingo, I wonder, what are your views on the relationship between fish-men and humans?" Queen Otohime was the first to break the silence.
Doflamingo gave her a deep look, sighing inwardly. This woman was certainly persistent.
"Whether it's fish-men, merfolk, humans, or any other race, in my eyes, we are all equal," he stated directly.
Hearing his words, Otohime's smile deepened.
"Then... do you believe we can all live together in equality?" she pressed, like a student seeking confirmation.
"Of course. With enough will, anything is possible. However, the path will be fraught with hardship," he gave a positive answer, but offered no concrete solutions.
Otohime frowned slightly. Although his answer was affirmative, it felt as if he hadn't said anything at all. It was just empty rhetoric, as if he were merely placating her.
"Where there's a will, there's a way. Your Majesty, don't you already have the answer in your own heart? Why do you need to ask me?" Doflamingo said, not giving her a chance to speak.
"Where there's a will, there's a way," Otohime repeated the phrase, as if in a trance.
Doflamingo went back to his meal, ignoring them. Neptune looked at his wife with concern, while their children glanced curiously between Doflamingo and their mother.
"Mr. Doflamingo's words are truly insightful!" Otohime's mood suddenly lifted, her worries gone. "You are right. I already have the answer in my heart. I just need to walk my path with conviction."
In truth, Otohime was just looking for more support. But reality would be her best teacher. A lesson she, unfortunately, would not live to see.
Neptune and the others were happy to see her spirits restored. They treated Doflamingo with even more hospitality. But while some were happy, others were worried. Jinbe did not share Otohime's optimism, but not wanting to spoil the mood, he said nothing. He knew it would be useless anyway. He was, however, curious as to why Doflamingo's words contradicted what he had said earlier—that even humans couldn't understand each other, let alone humans and fish-men.
The banquet was a great success. Doflamingo was not a difficult guest, and he gave Neptune and his family face. Both sides parted on friendly terms.
Outside the Ryugu Palace, Jinbe was waiting for him. Doflamingo glanced at him, knowing the fish-man had something to say.
Before Jinbe could speak, Doflamingo said, "She lives in a naive fairy tale. If you tell her about the harsh reality, she won't accept it, no matter what. Reality will be her best teacher. Queen Otohime already has her convictions; nothing I say will change them. Opposing her would just make things awkward for everyone, a thankless task for me. Isn't it better for us all to just get along?"
The words caught in Jinbe's throat. Seeing that Doflamingo had already given a detailed explanation, he had no choice but to let it go. A deep worry settled in his heart. Fish-Man Island... what does the future hold?
Doflamingo didn't care about any of that. He was off to find his own fun.