Chapter 232 – The Identity of the Thief
"What exactly was stolen?"
Although Ace had already guessed what might be missing from Fish-Man Island, he still asked with feigned ignorance. "And do you know who took it?"
That was what Ace truly wanted to know.
Shark Star hesitated for a brief moment before shaking his head. "I'm afraid I can't say, Lord Entei. If you wish to know more, you'll need to ask my father personally."
"King Neptune himself, huh?" Ace's brow furrowed slightly as he studied Shark Star's expression.
He could sense that the prince knew more than he was letting on, but refused to say it outright.
That was... interesting.
"Could it be because the thief's identity is too sensitive?" Ace thought. "Was it someone connected to the World Government?"
His suspicion wasn't baseless.
Back on Totto Land, Stussy from CP0 had already shown interest in Big Mom's Poneglyph.
If the Government knew there was another one hidden here, they'd definitely send someone to retrieve it—by any means necessary.
"That's right," Shark Star suddenly added, as if recalling something. "When the thief broke into the Sea Forest, he encountered Jinbe. They fought… and Jinbe was injured."
"Oh?" Ace's eyes widened slightly in surprise, his expression turning grave.
As one of the former Seven Warlords of the Sea, Jinbe's strength was beyond question—especially here, beneath the ocean where he could fully unleash his Fish-Man Karate.
Even a Marine Admiral would have a hard time defeating him in such an environment.
For Jinbe to be injured… meant that whoever did this possessed power on that same level.
"To defeat Jinbe under the sea… that's no small feat," Ace thought. "The culprit must be at least Admiral-class."
Outside the World Government, only the Four Emperors and the Revolutionary Army had individuals that strong.
"Who could it be?" Ace mused, then chuckled quietly to himself. "Well, no point guessing. I'll just ask Neptune directly."
"I'm quite interested in this," Ace said aloud. "I'll meet with King Neptune later. But first, I'd like to visit Coral Hill. I heard there's a famous mermaid prophet there—I'd like to see her."
"Ah, you must mean Madam Shyarly," Shark Star replied with a polite smile. "If you wish to meet her, there's no need to go to Coral Hill. She's currently a guest at Ryugu Palace."
"Jinbe is there as well," the prince added.
"That so? Then I suppose our next stop is Ryugu Palace," Ace said with a grin. "I'll be counting on you to guide us, Prince Shark Star."
"It would be my honor," Shark Star replied, gesturing for them to follow.
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The Ryugu Palace sat above Fish-Man Island, a magnificent structure carved from coral reefs and giant shells, its towers wrapped around a massive dragon-shaped sculpture that seemed to guard the entire castle.
It was a breathtaking sight.
Transported by a massive flounder, Shark Star led Ace and his companions into the enormous bubble housing the palace.
The moment they entered, Yamato, Tama, and Carols gasped in awe.
"Whoa, this place is beautiful!"
"It's so big—and that dragon, it looks alive!"
"It really is the palace of royalty!"
Even Ace couldn't help but admire the grandeur of it all.
"Yamato, Tama, Carols—go explore for a bit," Ace said with a grin. "I'll meet with King Neptune first."
"Understood!" the trio replied cheerfully.
"Guards," Shark Star commanded, "please accompany Lord Entei's companions and treat them as honored guests."
Then, turning to Ace, he said respectfully, "This way, Your Excellency."
Ace followed Shark Star through the coral corridors to the great reception hall of Ryugu Palace.
There, waiting for them, were King Neptune, Jinbe, and a large mermaid woman wearing a sea-green hooded top.
The woman had short black hair, calm blue eyes, and a pipe in her hand. Before her floated a large crystal ball that shimmered faintly with seawater light.
She was none other than Madam Shyarly, the famed fortune teller of Coral Hill—one whose prophecies rarely ever failed.
"Father, Lord Jinbe, Madam Shyarly," Shark Star announced formally. "I've brought Lord Entei."
"Brother Ace!" Jinbe greeted warmly, standing despite the bandages that wrapped around his torso and arm. "I heard about your adventure in Big Mom's territory. You nearly gave me a heart attack! Thank the tides it didn't turn into a full-blown war."
Ace chuckled. Jinbe was as cautious as ever—always worrying about others, especially when it came to the safety of Fish-Man Island.
If Jinbe ever learned that Ace had fought Kaido in Wano before heading to Totto Land… he might just faint on the spot.
"It's fine," Ace said with a smile. "Big Mom and I came to an understanding. No need to worry."
He walked forward, taking a seat casually on the coral steps before the throne. "But Jinbe… for you to end up bandaged like that, even underwater? Your opponent must've been something else."
Ace's gaze sharpened. "Who was it that injured you?"
The air in the hall turned heavy. Neptune and Jinbe exchanged a silent glance before Jinbe finally spoke, his voice solemn.
"The one who broke into the Sea Forest, took Fish-Man Island's treasure, and injured me…"
He paused, his jaw tightening.
"…called himself Edward Weevil. A very… strange man."
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