Upon hearing Chiga's question, King Neptune's expression shifted. He thought Chiga was displeased that Shirahoshi hadn't been brought to him.
Imagining the consequences of upsetting Chiga, a wave of fear surged through Neptune's heart.
If he'd once underestimated Chiga's power, that was no longer the case—not after witnessing the sea split apart and warships descend from the sky. Now, he didn't dare question Chiga's strength in the slightest.
He was genuinely afraid that if Chiga got angry, he might make Fish-Man Island vanish from the world. At that point, all hopes of peaceful coexistence with humans would be meaningless. What use were ideals if no one was left to live them?
Neptune quickly explained:
"Admiral Kirin is referring to Shirahoshi, right? She's been targeted by Vander Decken IX's Mark-Mark Fruit. As soon as she steps outside the Hard-Shell Tower, she's attacked by flying weapons. I swear, I didn't deliberately prevent her from meeting you!"
Seeing Neptune's nervous face, Chiga realized the king was overthinking and couldn't help but wonder if he had really become that intimidating.
Most people now treated him like some sort of ancient beast.
But he was a partner of justice—a Marine Admiral, no less!
Shaking his head, Chiga put on a surprised expression and asked,
"You haven't tried tracking down this Vander Decken guy?"
Neptune gave a bitter smile.
"You're mocking me, right? The Mark-Mark Fruit is bizarre. Anyone he touches becomes a permanent target. He can hide anywhere and attack without warning. We haven't been able to find him."
"Is that so? Heh… That is a troublesome ability."
Chiga nodded seriously before continuing,
"Then take me to Princess Shirahoshi's residence. Maybe I can come up with a solution."
"Nani?!"
Neptune's eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn't expected Admiral Kirin to personally help resolve the threat that had haunted his daughter for years.
Jinbe, standing nearby, was moved. He felt that reaching out to Chiga during the Marine Headquarters meeting had been one of the wisest decisions of his life.
Chiga offered a polite smile, then turned to Kalifa and said,
"Kalifa, you and Ain go rest at Ryugu Palace. I'll handle this."
Kalifa nodded and immediately led the Marines toward Ryugu Palace, following Chiga's instructions.
Chiga then followed Neptune and Jinbe to the Hard-Shell Tower, the stronghold built to protect Shirahoshi.
When they arrived, the door was covered with embedded swords and axes.
The three stood at the entrance for a moment. Just as Neptune raised his hand to speak, another projectile whooshed through the air—a spinning axe.
But the axe never reached its target.
With a mere glance from Chiga, it disintegrated into dust mid-air.
Neptune swallowed the words he was about to say, astonished once again by Chiga's power.
Jinbe had told him that Chiga possessed more than one Devil Fruit ability, but even that wasn't what made him truly terrifying.
What stood out more were his Rinnegan eyes. It was said that a deep-purple giant resided within them, and one strike from that entity could destroy mountains and split seas.
Chiga glanced toward the direction the axe had flown from but didn't act further. Neptune stepped forward and explained quickly:
"Admiral Kirin, that attack was from Vander Decken. It wasn't meant for you."
Chiga waved a hand nonchalantly.
"Mm. I know. No need to explain."
Without waiting for Neptune to open the door, Chiga activated his ROOM technique and instantly teleported inside the Hard-Shell Tower.
Neptune and Jinbe exchanged glances.
"Your Majesty… should we still go in?" Jinbe asked cautiously.
Neptune looked at the door and hesitated.
"No. Let's not disturb him."
He wasn't sure why Admiral Kirin was so interested in his daughter, but it was clear he had his reasons. It would be best not to interfere.
Besides, Neptune wasn't worried about Shirahoshi's safety. Chiga had a strong reputation among civilians, and with his terrifying strength, even if he did want to do something… there was nothing Neptune or Jinbe could do to stop him.
Better to provide a peaceful environment.
---
Inside the Hard-Shell Tower—
Chiga appeared directly in Shirahoshi's room. She was lying on the floor when he arrived.
Though only about twelve years old, Shirahoshi's body was already over five meters long. With her long, wavy pink hair and delicate features, she looked no less beautiful than Boa Hancock.
Most striking was her overwhelming bust—far beyond normal proportions for her age. Among the women Chiga knew, none could match her in that regard.
At the moment, Shirahoshi was idly playing with a large shark dressed in red clothing—her pet, Megalo, and likely her only companion.
Unaware of the newcomer, Shirahoshi rested her head in one hand, while her other hand fiddled with Megalo's fin.
"Megalo," she muttered, "my brother said Father's personally welcoming an important guest today. I really want to see him… but I still can't go out. Sigh…"
She sighed again, her lips pouting slightly as mist formed in her big, light-blue eyes.
She didn't blame her father—she knew he was only trying to protect her. It wasn't fair, but it wasn't his fault either.
If anyone was to blame, it was that awful Vander Decken!
Thinking of him made her puff up angrily.
"If I catch him," she said, voice trembling with frustration, "I'll lock him up in here too—see how he likes it!"
Despite the threat, Shirahoshi's heart was kind. Even with her life constantly in danger, she never thought of executing Vander Decken.
Still, her fingers squeezed Megalo's fin a little too tightly, making him squirm.
Realizing her mistake, she quickly let go and began apologizing profusely—both hands on her waist in a flustered pose, looking adorably sincere.
Chiga, watching from the side, couldn't help but laugh softly.
The sound startled Shirahoshi. She froze mid-apology and turned, eyes widening as she spotted Chiga for the first time.
And so began the first meeting between Poseidon and Uchiha Chiga.
---
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