Deep beneath the sea, ten thousand meters below the surface—
Inside the cabin of a hidden vessel, the black-clad man stared coldly at the Soul Society as it sailed farther away.
From the insignia of the World Government emblazoned on his clothes, his identity was obvious.
A member of Cipher Pol, directly under the command of the Five Elders.
"So the Shinigami Pirates showed up at a time like this… This is going to complicate the plan." His expression darkened. "I need to report this to the Five Elders immediately."
He picked up the red Den Den Mushi and dialed.
The line connected.
A deep, aged voice came through.
"Seberu… how is the situation over there?"
"Five Elders, the E.S. drug obtained from Saint Mjosgard has proven highly effective," the black-clad agent reported respectfully. "If deployed in large quantities, it can instantly trigger a mass uprising of Sea Kings in the deep sea."
"Good." The voice on the other end lowered. "Then proceed as planned. Use the Sea Kings' rampage to locate the 'Poseidon' hidden within Fish-Man Island."
"Understood… but something unexpected has occurred," the agent said, frowning.
"What is it?"
"The Shinigami Pirates appeared at a critical moment. I personally witnessed them obliterate dozens of rampaging Sea Kings in seconds."
Even recalling the scene made his scalp tingle.
Dozens of Sea Kings—frozen solid and wiped out without resistance.
That level of power was beyond imagination.
"…The Shinigami Pirates."
For once, the Five Elders fell silent.
The recent defeat of the Marine expedition fleet was still fresh. They could not ignore this force.
"Should we alter the plan?" the agent asked cautiously.
"No."
The answer came cold and decisive.
"Continue with the original plan."
The Five Elders continued, their tone sharp:
"But there is no need to waste the E.S. drug for now. Monitor the Shinigami Pirates closely. If they make any unusual moves—release all remaining doses of the E.S. drug into the deep sea."
"All… of it?!" The agent's face changed drastically. "If we deploy everything, the entire deep sea could descend into chaos. The enraged Sea Kings might even attack Fish-Man Island—"
"Fool."
The Five Elders cut him off mercilessly.
"Do you really think Fish-Man Island would be destroyed so easily?"
"Only through large-scale chaos will the 'Poseidon' hidden there reveal itself."
"All you need to do… is find her."
"…Understood." Cold sweat formed on the agent's forehead as he nodded.
"That is all."
The call ended.
The Den Den Mushi fell silent.
The agent stared out into the dark ocean, his eyes narrowing.
"The one who can control Sea Kings… Poseidon… I will find you."
Meanwhile — Fish-Man Island
Near the harbor, under Tiger's guidance, Ren Kuro and his crew finally entered Fish-Man Island.
"After two years… it's still the same as I remember," Tiger said softly, looking around at the familiar surroundings.
"Tiger, I bet you're feeling a lot right now," Ren Kuro smiled.
"I'd like to visit Fish-Man District and reunite with my brothers… but the E.S. drug comes first." Tiger steadied himself. "Come. Ryugu Palace is just ahead."
He quickened his pace, leading the way.
With Tiger guiding them, the group passed through without obstruction.
Soon—
they arrived.
Ryugu Palace.
Situated at the upper layer of Fish-Man Island where sunlight reached, the palace was a magnificent structure built from massive coral, shells, and marine materials. A grand dragon-shaped design coiled around its architecture, exuding majesty.
It was the royal residence of Fish-Man Island.
"So pretty!" Yachiru exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she stared at the towering palace.
"To think something like this exists ten thousand meters under the sea… I'm starting to like this world more and more," Gin said with a faint smile.
"Compared to the monotonous Seireitei, this place really does feel like paradise," Hitsugaya added calmly.
"Let's go. King Neptune is inside. He'll definitely welcome you," Tiger said with a grin.
Just then—
a gentle voice drifted out from within the palace gates.
Everyone turned.
A graceful figure slowly approached.
She had long, flowing golden hair styled in soft waves, adorned with orange ornaments. She wore elegant garments patterned like fish scales, her presence radiating warmth and kindness.
The Queen of the Ryugu Kingdom—
Queen Otohime.
She was known as a compassionate and passionate ruler, though physically frail. Even striking someone lightly could injure her own body. Yet despite that, she never stopped striving for peace.
Together with Tiger, she was one of the two central figures seeking to change the fate of Fish-Man Island.
But unlike Tiger—
her path was one of coexistence with humans.
She advocated for migration to the surface, encouraging Fish-Men to understand humanity rather than fear it. She personally educated children, rescued shipwreck survivors, and worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between races.
"Your Majesty, it's been many years," Tiger greeted her respectfully. "Your Observation Haki is as sharp as ever."
"I sensed your presence from within the palace," Otohime replied with a gentle smile.
Her gaze shifted from Tiger—
and settled on Ren Kuro.
"You must be the infamous 'Shinigami,'" she said softly.
Her eyes met his.
There was a brief pause.
Then—
"I can hear your voice… the voice of your heart."
She studied him quietly.
"…Your heart is filled with kindness."
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