Two days later, Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 60.
The public security in the jurisdiction was in good condition, everything was in order, and Taro was in a good mood.
This place was truly his lucky land. Since joining the Marines, it was only after arriving at Sabaody that he had a continuous vacation for several days. So comfortable!
"Good morning, Vice Admiral Taro!" George's adjutant saluted Taro.
"Mm. Good morning." Taro returned the salute casually, then frowned. "Where's George? And Mike? I feel like I haven't seen them in a long time."
Taro asked as he stepped outside. After taking two steps without hearing a reply, he looked back and saw the adjutant standing there with a conflicted expression.
"Hm? Did something happen?"
Taro's heart skipped a beat; he had an ominous premonition.
The adjutant saluted again. "I'm sorry, Vice Admiral! Major Mike was taken hostage by Fish-Man Island. Colonel George went to rescue him yesterday and also lost contact. I'm afraid..."
Taro was stunned for a moment. "Fish-Man Island? What did Mike go there for?"
"To set up security markers under your orders, Vice Admiral!"
"When did I ever..." Taro stopped mid-sentence as he realized the problem, nearly coughing up a mouthful of blood.
Holy crap, those two idiots!
"Hurry, to the base!"
Grove 66, the garrison base for the Sabaody Garrison.
Only his flagship remained lonely in the channel of the entire Marine dock. It seemed all the other warships had been taken out and wiped out.
"How long does the Coating take?" Taro's good mood had completely vanished, his tone turning cold.
The adjutant shivered and replied quickly, "Vice Admiral, the Coating for your flagship has already been completed. It was Colonel George's order; he instructed that if he didn't return today, I should report to you!"
Taro nodded. Not bad, the guy wasn't completely brain-dead yet.
"Set off!"
The warship sailed out of the dock. The Marine Soldiers released the Coating bladder at the bottom of the ship. Air instantly filled the Coating that enveloped the entire vessel, and the warship then began to sink.
Taro stared blankly at the seabed and the massive roots of the Yarukiman Mangroves.
Although the Ryugu Kingdom was a member of the World Government, the relationship between Fishmen and humans was not harmonious. The Marines had always left Fish-Man Island to its own devices.
Mike must have lost his mind. Why go to Fish-Man Island to set up a Marine security post? They might end up losing their lives there.
"Vice Admiral, we'll reach the Deep-sea Currents soon. It will be very cold; please put on some winter clothes!" the adjutant said, bringing a thick coat.
Taro was snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. With Internal Skill protecting his body, his ability to adapt to temperature changes was very strong, so he didn't really need external items.
"No need. How much longer until we reach Fish-Man Island?"
"Once we enter the Deep-sea Currents, the descent will accelerate. It won't be long now."
Taro nodded and stopped speaking.
Although Fish-Man Island was located ten thousand meters below the sea and was relatively isolated from news, even so, Taro's flagship caused a stir when it arrived at the main entrance.
The "black dragon steps on four emperors" flag and Taro's title of "ink dragon" were still very intimidating.
The people of Fish-Man Island were in a state of panic. Because the island had been under Whitebeard's protection for over a decade, and now that Whitebeard was dead, the subordinates of "ink dragon" Taro had immediately come to set up security, making everyone feel like disaster was imminent.
"I am Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Taro. I request an audience with King Neptune. Please pass on my message!"
Taro jumped down from the bow and shouted to the "Sea King Army" who were on high alert opposite him.
The guards were in a commotion, but soon, several Fishman soldiers left the ranks and headed into the island.
Taro was in no hurry and waited patiently. He had only come this time to rescue the Marine Soldiers and truly had no interest in Fish-Man Island.
Something like racial discrimination was hard to solve even in his previous life, let alone in this pirate world.
But then again, ten thousand meters under the sea, with blue skies, white clouds, and bright sunshine—it really was magical!
"Toot, toot, toot, toot, toot, toot!"
A fanfare of ceremonial trumpets sounded. "The Three Princes of Ryugu have arrived!"
Taro snapped out of it and looked at the dragon turtle ship in mid-air.
At the bow of the dragon turtle ship, the First Prince, the "Shark Merman" Shark Star, looked at Taro and spoke coldly.
"Taro, as a Marine, you should know the consequences of intruding into a member nation without cause!"
Taro nodded. "I know that. I've come this time, first, to explain the situation to King Neptune, and second, to take back the Marines who are currently guests on Fish-Man Island. I wonder..."
The Second Prince, the "Oarfish Merman" Huang Star, interrupted Taro.
"Go back. Our father will not see you."
The Third Prince, the "Red Sunfish Merman" Ryuboshi, spoke immediately after, "The World Government must provide a reasonable explanation for this matter."
Taro felt a headache coming on. He rubbed his forehead helplessly and turned to instruct the adjutant.
"Go back to the ship and wait for me first!"
"Vice Admiral, if you're going to fight, we can help at least a bit..."
"I'm not here to fight!" Taro waved his hand to stop the adjutant.
Then, he loosened his collar, took a deep breath, circulated his Internal Energy, and shouted loudly.
"Marine Taro requests an audience with Your Majesty King Neptune!"
A powerful surge of Internal Energy gushed out, carrying Taro's shout as it spread throughout the island.
For a moment, whether it was the nearby Sea Beasts, Merfolk, or Fishmen, everyone was shaken and stumbled by Taro's roar. The sound seemed to explode in everyone's ears.
Taro didn't know how to perform the "Secret Voice Transmission" martial arts technique, so he could only rely on his Internal Energy to perform a "Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission."
As long as my voice is loud enough, I don't believe you won't hear me!
"Taro, you..."
Shark Star was furious, pointing his Golden Trident directly at Taro.
Taro wasn't worried at all. He took another deep breath, preparing for another shout!
"Ho ho ho ho, don't shout, I've already heard you! Neptune!"
A kind voice came through, followed by a whale swimming over. Sitting on the whale's back was a massive merman with orange hair and beard and a red, bulbous nose—it was King Neptune.
With his arms crossed over his chest, he looked down at Taro from mid-air. "Follow me. A banquet has already been prepared at Ryugu Palace. Please! Ho ho ho, Neptune!"
Taro breathed a sigh of relief. It would be easy to handle things as long as he could see this enlightened monarch.
A gentleman uses his words, not his fists. Everything can be negotiated!
Taro transformed into a Falcon and slowly followed behind Neptune's whale, flying toward the royal palace located at the highest point of Fish-Man Island.
Neptune was actually quite surprised. He had previously thought that Taro's great strength was more of a government propaganda strategy.
Especially with the many recent reports about the Marineford War and Taro, it made him find it even more unbelievable. A young Marine who could rival Whitebeard? How could that be possible?
But Taro's boldness in "Going to the Meeting Alone" made him take notice.
"Catch this. The palace corridors are filled with seawater; you'll find it useful."
Neptune pulled a Bubble Coral out of his beard and tossed it to Taro.
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