The world's lack of logic is starting to show—this is a world where a lost tooth can be restored just by drinking milk, and two emaciated people are devouring that fish clean.
Even the crispy scales were chewed up and eaten; apart from the hard bones, not a trace of the fish was left.
Their round bellies indicated that they had survived.
In the next moment, Nereus scooped Sanji and Zeff into her large hand and swam them to safety, along with the large bag of treasure that Zeff had.
With Zeff's physical strength, he initially tried to rescue Sanji himself, but couldn't determine direction in the sea, unsure where nearby islands were. If they swam the wrong way, it would be disastrous.
Not to mention the terrifying Sea Beasts in the deep sea—missing a leg, he was no match for those sea monsters, so they decided to wait for rescue.
The dangers Zeff worried about were not issues for Nereus. Only an ultra-large Sea King Type could challenge her; she was the undisputed ruler of the East Sea's waters.
Her fingers bent slightly to form a barrier, and in a single day, she transported them to another island.
"This island has ample water and food, and human ships frequently pass by for resupply. You'll get rescued here."
Nereus placed them at the shore and then drew a Plate-shaped pattern in the sand.
"The natural stone in this shape is what I need. Finding it will bring you immense wealth, and most of your wishes will be fulfilled. If you're interested, take care of it, and we'll meet again."
Saying this, Nereus left the Magikarp by the sea and retreated to the deep ocean. Even the pilgrimage had its perils.
Individuals too weak would be left in the Four Seas, and Nereus deemed this Magikarp unsuitable for entering the Grand Line, assigning it the task instead.
She didn't leave immediately; observing from the depths, she only departed after seeing Sanji and the Magikarp interact friendlily.
Sanji, while interacting with the Magikarp with his fingers, turned to Zeff and said:
"Old man, is this what you call trouble? This is good fortune, isn't it?"
"Heh, your luck is really something. But regardless, we're saved."
He even saw sails approaching from the distance—Nereus wasn't lying.
"But old man, was that beautiful lady a legendary Mermaid?"
Besides Reiju, even Sanji's theoretically unemotional brothers held keen interest in beautiful women—perhaps a trait inherited from the Vinsmoke family.
A strange savior and a beautiful woman combined left a more lasting impression on Sanji.
"Who knows? She might not even be human. This sea is more mysterious than you think, kid. My leg's gone, and I can't chase the All Blue dream anymore—it's up to you now."
"Mm."
He called Zeff an old man, but Zeff, who shared all his food with Sanji, was far more important to him than his biological father.
From then on, using Zeff's saved treasure as a foundation, they established a Sea Restaurant in the East Sea, and gathered many unruly chefs.
The Magikarp stayed with them, and Zeff's view of Magikarp changed; they even formed a Magikarp protection group, treating each Magikarp kindly at sea.
They wrote stories akin to restaurant culture; specifically, like the story of the Grateful Koi, where the protagonist became a thankful Magikarp.
As the Sea Restaurant's reputation grew, such stories spread through patrons' tales and became a famous fairy tale in the East Sea.
Of course, these were future events—for now, the Sea Restaurant was merely budding.
...
Nereus, with her clan, resumed the pilgrimage, while Tiger was preparing to depart. Yet, at Ghost Island, new news returned.
"Sacred Beast sir, from Scotch's report, someone wants to join us."
"Anything special about them?"
This kind of event happens regularly; every year, new members join the Hundred Beasts. Due to its complex rules, the vetting process is stringent. They even have a trial period, and only those who pass it can become a Hundred Beasts pirate.
During the trial period, breaking rules results in severe penalties and being blacklisted. Except for extraordinarily talented individuals, most endure the trial. The unwilling usually quit at the first step.
The current system is well-optimized; unless someone is exceptionally gifted, they don't ordinarily contact Ghost Island directly.
"This pirate is a former CP9 member, captain of the Who Pirates, Whom's-Whisper' Who's-Who."
"CP9, huh?"
"Heard he defected after a mission failure. Scotch couldn't make a judgment, so he reported back."
The CP Agency has strict policies, usually one way—once in, there's no leaving. Who's-Who's defection certainly incited pursuit, and the pursuit's intensity must match the World Government's assessment of him.
Escaping to the New World proves he's quite capable.
"Sacred Beast sir, they're still World Government dogs. Shall I deal with him? I'll extract everything he knows; I've grasped a little of Abel's knowledge."
Only when no one's around would Shaina bring up that name—not even with Queen present.
She still harbors no goodwill towards the World Government. True, Who's-Who defected, but he was a Government enforcer before, giving Shaina no remorse.
"No need; he's merely a tool. If useful, he's just as good kept on hand."
"Understood. However, Sacred Beast sir, he doesn't have a self-introduction letter."
"An introduction letter… call Queen; let him handle it. That past matter needs closure, and being CP9, he should know some secrets."
"Understood, I'll call him right away."
Shaina knew what Arceus meant by that matter—a year and a half ago, Queen and Yamato took on a mission. Later, they inexplicably encountered CP0 in Kogia Kingdom, and that incident remains unresolved.
Seizing this opportunity to probe the other side, even if Who's-Who knows nothing, it's no problem since Queen himself is bait.