Meanwhile, on Fish-Man Island, the Phoenix Pirates had already received a challenge letter from the Blackbeard Pirates. Under Marco's lead, the main force had entered the Grand Line and was currently resupplying.
With time still remaining before the scheduled confrontation, Marco showed no urgency. He understood how cunning Blackbeard was, and heading to Demon Valley Town too early would only invite unnecessary risks.
At the same time, the Phoenix Pirates were already in conflict with the Marines and even the World Government. Entering the Grand Line prematurely could lead to interception or even a full-scale battle. Marco's objective this time was clear, eliminate the Blackbeard Pirates and deal with that nuisance once and for all. He had no intention of wasting strength on the Marines.
Fish-Man Island served as the perfect resting point. It was the closest location to the first half of the Grand Line within the Phoenix Pirates' territory, making it an ideal place to prepare.
There was another reason Marco chose to remain here.
He intended to bring Shirahoshi under his protection before the battle.
With his current strength and the system backing him, he did not truly need her power. Even so, Marco preferred to keep potential risks under control rather than leave them to chance.
At the Ryugu Palace banquet, Neptune raised his glass.
"Lord Marco, on behalf of my daughter, I thank you. For nine years, she has suffered under the threat of Vander Decken IX. Thanks to you, she can finally leave the Hard-Shell Tower."
Marco lifted his own glass slightly. "You give me too much credit, King Neptune."
Seated below Neptune, Shirahoshi, enormous in size, lowered her head shyly.
"Thank you for taking me to the Sea Forest, Lord Marco."
Marco smiled faintly. "The Sea Forest is nothing. I can take you to see a real forest on the surface. You have always wanted that, haven't you?"
"I have… but…" Shirahoshi hesitated, her eyes drifting toward Neptune and her three brothers.
Marco turned to Neptune directly. "King Neptune, I plan to take Shirahoshi out to sea. You do not object, do you?"
Neptune stiffened slightly. "This…"
Marco continued, "Jinbe and Namur will personally protect her. If that is not enough, you can assign additional guards."
Even with those assurances, Neptune remained uneasy. He knew better than anyone what power Shirahoshi possessed. If discovered by the wrong people, the consequences would be disastrous.
After a moment, he sighed. "Lord Marco, Shirahoshi has not left the Hard-Shell Tower since she was six. The outside world…"
"I will guarantee her safety," Marco said, his tone firm.
Around the hall, members of the Phoenix Pirates spoke up as well.
"King Neptune, let her come with us."
"We will protect her."
Neptune's hesitation deepened. Fish-Man Island relied heavily on the Phoenix Pirates' protection, making refusal difficult.
In the end, he looked toward Jinbe before making his decision.
"…Very well. If Shirahoshi wishes to go, and Lord Marco is willing to take her, I will not stand in the way."
He turned to Jinbe and Namur with a serious expression.
"Her safety is in your hands."
Jinbe nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, King Neptune. As long as I still draw breath, no harm will come to Princess Shirahoshi."
Namur gave a firm nod as well. "You have my word."
Neptune then faced Marco once more. "I entrust my daughter to you."
Marco simply nodded.
At that moment, Yamato raised a cup high.
"Alright everyone, welcome Princess Shirahoshi to the Phoenix Pirates!"
"Cheers!"
The hall erupted with voices as cups were raised. Shirahoshi, overjoyed by her father's approval, joined in the celebration, her earlier hesitation replaced with excitement.
Just then, a member of the Second Division rushed toward Portgas D. Ace.
"Commander Ace, the transponder snail in your bag has been ringing for a while!"
Ace, slightly flushed from drinking, blinked. "Huh? What is it?"
The crew member handed him his shoulder bag. "One of the snails keeps calling. It seems urgent."
Ace opened the bag and quickly found the Den Den Mushi that was vibrating nonstop. His expression sharpened immediately.
Only two people had this number.
Monkey D. Luffy and Sabo.
Without hesitation, he answered.
"This is Ace."
"Ace…" Luffy's voice came through, strained and uneven.
Ace's expression changed instantly. The alcohol in his system seemed to vanish.
"Luffy? What happened?"
On the other side, on Amazon Lily, Luffy was running at full speed, his breathing ragged.
"Ace, help! Silvers Rayleigh and I were training here, but the Marines found us somehow. Now Rayleigh, Boa Hancock, and everyone on the island are under attack!"
Ace's grip tightened around the Den Den Mushi.
"There is also a Celestial Dragon here," Luffy continued urgently. "He looks just like Shanks, and he might be an Admiral!"
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