The Blue Maria Jackson eased slowly into the harbor beneath Mary Geoise.
Reid stood at the bow, his blood mist cloak drifting gently in the wind. In the distance, he spotted a familiar towering figure.
King Neptune of Fish Man Island was laughing heartily, his trident planted firmly at his side. Several fish man guards stood behind him, standing at attention.
"Neptune!"
Reid vanished from the ship in an instant and reappeared at the harbor, arms spread wide as he laughed. "It has been far too long, my old friend!"
"Reid!"
Neptune's massive frame bent forward as he wrapped Reid in a powerful embrace. "It has indeed been far too long!"
"Oh, I have been busy lately," Reid said with a light chuckle, patting Neptune's armor. "You know, living the life of a law abiding king of a subordinate nation."
He then turned and waved casually at the Marine officers behind him. "You may withdraw now. I am catching up with an old friend."
Kizaru immediately put on a look of exaggerated relief. "Yay, freedom at last."
Almost instantly, a sunshade, fruit juice, and a small table were set up on the deck behind him. "I will wait here and escort you back safely."
Aokiji rubbed the dark circles under his eyes. "Can I keep sleeping?"
Neptune watched the scene and lowered his voice. "You really do enjoy tormenting the Marines."
"Life needs a bit of entertainment," Reid replied with a grin. "Besides, if I do not tease them, they will just come bother me anyway."
He blinked as the blood mist condensed into two goblets of wine. "Come on. Let us walk and talk."
When Neptune was asked about his wife, his expression softened. "She has been devoted to promoting exchange between Fish Man Island and the surface world. Of course, this time we chose a firmer approach. As you said, equality does not come without effort."
Reid smiled faintly. "Neptune, why did you not bring Shirahoshi this time?"
Neptune burst into laughter. "That girl is the treasure of Fish Man Island now. I cannot bring her out so casually."
He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "But she has been talking about wanting to see you."
Reid blinked. "Next time, I will take her to Sky Island."
Tesoro adjusted his glasses and spoke at just the right moment. "Captain, the conference begins in two hours. Shall we head to the lounge first?"
Vitt laughed softly. "Looks like this trip is going to be interesting."
Just as everyone was chatting happily, a sudden disturbance broke out on the far side of the harbor.
Before Reid and Neptune could move, a series of synchronized footsteps echoed across the docks. A line of CP0 agents in white uniforms marched forward. Leading them was a smiling man.
Folk Three.
"Your Majesty Reid. Your Majesty Neptune."
He bowed deeply, his forehead nearly touching his knees. "The Five Elders have specifically sent me to welcome the both of you."
Behind him, the CP0 agents dropped to one knee in perfect unison. Their movements were flawless, as if practiced countless times. Yet the voices beneath their masks sounded stiff.
"Welcome, Your Majesties."
Reid raised an eyebrow as the blood mist spun lazily around his fingertips. "Oh? Is this not Folk Three? After training Marines at Marineford, now you are serving the Five Elders here in Mary Geoise?"
Folk Three's smile did not waver. "It is my honor to serve the lords of the world."
Neptune muttered under his breath, "This fellow…"
"Please follow me, Your Majesties," Folk Three said respectfully. "The Five Elders have prepared refreshments, and the representatives of the Celestial Dragons are eager to meet you."
Before he could take another step, a figure floated directly in front of him.
Lightning crackled around Enel as he hovered in midair. "You insect. You are blocking the path of a god."
Cold sweat poured down Folk Three's back, yet his professional composure forced his smile to remain intact. "Of course. Of course. Please go ahead, mighty… god."
Moria let out a low laugh. "Fufufufu."
His shadow quietly coiled around Folk Three's ankle. "Care to visit my Thriller Bark? We just happen to need a master of ceremonies."
Folk Three's legs trembled violently. "Th this…"
It was worth noting that Reid had only brought Tesoro, Moria, Enel, and Vitt with him.
"All right, all right," Reid said with a laugh, stepping in. "Do not scare our little guide."
The blood mist spread out before him, forming a crimson carpet. "Let us go. I am curious what those old men are planning this time."
Nearby, a news bird wearing a top hat was being restrained by two CP0 agents. Its short legs kicked wildly in the air. On its head sat a smaller news bird, both of them flapping furiously.
"Caw! I am a reporter personally assigned by Lord Mist!" the larger bird shouted. "I have the right to cover the conference of the century! If you do not let me in, I will report you to Lord Mist!"
"Nonsense," a CP0 agent said coldly from behind his mask. "This is the harbor beneath Mary Geoise. Without permission from the Five Elders, no one enters."
The small bird pecked at the agent's finger. "Caw! Lord Mist said freedom of the press is a basic right! If Morgans' people can enter, why can't we?"
"Enough!" another CP0 agent snapped impatiently. "Cause any more trouble and we will roast you into dinner."
At that moment, a familiar voice sounded behind them.
"Oh? And here I thought I recognized our great reporters."
The two CP0 agents froze and slowly turned around.
Reid stood there smiling, with Folk Three behind him, drenched in sweat.
"Your Majesty Reid…" The CP0 agent's voice dropped several octaves instantly.
The news bird's eyes lit up. It flapped free and dropped to its knees at Reid's feet. "Lord Mist! Please help me!"
Tears and snot streamed down its face as it cried. "These CP0 scoundrels tried to stop me from reporting your heroic exploits! This is trampling on press freedom!"
Reid crouched down, the blood mist forming a small hand that patted the bird's head. "You are quite dedicated. You even brought a backup?"
The tiny bird on its head puffed out its chest proudly. "Caw! My name is Motor!"
Morgans stepped forward, picked up the small bird, and lightly tapped it with a wing.
"Cousin, what are you doing?" Motor rubbed his head.
"This is one of our company's major shareholders," Morgans muttered. "One word from him and our bird feed supply disappears."
Motor froze, then burst into loud sobs.
"Lord Mist, I finally get to see you in person!"
Vitt giggled and poked Motor's wing.
He ignored her.
"I hear about your heroic deeds every day from Cousin Morgans. My room is covered in your wanted posters."
Vitt poked him again.
Motor tried to swat her away, but his crying only grew louder.
She poked him once more.
Motor glanced back at her, then resumed crying.
Vitt laughed and withdrew her finger.
"I hate humans with no bottom line," Motor said angrily, his sobs breaking in between.
Reid stood up and looked at the two CP0 agents. "Gentlemen, give me a little face, will you?"
His tone was relaxed, almost casual.
The two agents exchanged glances and bowed deeply. "Since they are guests of His Majesty Reid, they may enter."
With that, they vanished toward the end of the harbor as if fleeing.
The reporter excitedly pulled out his camera. "Lord Mist! Please allow me to follow you throughout the conference! I swear I will make you look even more handsome than the Celestial Dragons!"
Reid burst into laughter. "Very well. But…"
The blood mist condensed into a pair of sunglasses and settled neatly onto the reporter's face.
"Make sure you record properly."
The little news bird snapped to attention and saluted. "Caw! Mission accepted!"