78. Amazing Beauty, Mermaid Princess

Luffy's calm demeanour caught Neptune off guard. Despite his carefree nature, there was a confidence and Haki about him that rivalled Whitebeard and Shanks. The aura of a sea emperor emanated from him, stronger even than that of the king of the merfolk.

It was evident that Luffy's Haki, though sporadically displayed, was concealed beneath his carefree facade. It wasn't a matter of how deep Luffy's character was but rather his innate lack of hierarchical consciousness. He treated everyone equally, a trait that earned him praise from those who met him.

"You'll always be a friend to the Ryugu Palace Kingdom, Straw Hat Boy," Neptune declared solemnly.

"Of course!" Luffy grinned broadly.

"You're welcome to stay on Fish-Man Island for as long as you like, including Ryugu Palace City," Neptune chuckled. "There's much to explore and enjoy here."

"Thank you, Uncle Mermaid. You're a good guy," Luffy remarked, sensing Neptune's warmth.

In Luffy's eyes, kings like Cobra and the Mermaid King were all kind-hearted uncles.

"I wonder how Vivi's doing now," Luffy mused, his thoughts drifting. "I'll visit her after travelling around the world for a bit."

"Nami asked Jinbei, "Won't you join us?"

"No, not this time. I have some matters to attend to," Jinbei declined with a hearty laugh.

Sanji and Robin exchanged puzzled glances. They couldn't shake the feeling that Jinbei had distanced himself from them since arriving on Fish-Man Island. However, they sensed no ill intent, so they brushed it off.

As Luffy vanished into the distance, Sanji couldn't help but groan in frustration. "That idiot, always disappearing like that."

"Don't worry, we'll find him soon with our resources. Enjoy your time on Fish-Man Island," Neptune assured them, suggesting they visit attractions like the Mermaid Bar and Fisherman Bay.

"Mermaid Bar?" Sanji's eyes sparkled with excitement, envisioning a sunny beach and beautiful mermaids waving at him. Without a second thought, he declared, "I'm going to Mermaid Bay!"

Nami sighed in resignation, deciding to go shopping with Robin instead. "Let's head to Mermaid Shopping Street for some clothes."

As the Straw Hat Pirates departed, Neptune cast a sideways glance at Jinbei. "Hey, Jinbei, what's on your mind?"

"Joining the Straw Hats, unlike Fire Fist Ace, I believe Straw Hat Luffy has the potential to become a king and change the world," Neptune murmured softly. Having ruled the Fishman kingdom for many years, Neptune had encountered countless exceptional individuals on Fishman Island, including Whitebeard, Roger, and Shanks. His keen eye could discern something special about Luffy beyond his carefree demeanour. With his monstrous strength, Luffy had the capacity to alter the course of history.

"Brother Luffy possesses qualities that surpass Brother Ace's. After spending time with those rowdy fellows, even an old man like me feels compelled to join," Jinbei remarked, his gaze unwavering. However, he acknowledged his duty to the Sun Pirates, who were entrusted to him by Fisher Tiger. He was committed to continuing their journey.

"I urge you to consider carefully, Jinbei. Whether it's for your ideals or to honour Tiger's legacy," Neptune urged solemnly. "With your strength alone, you'll struggle to fulfil Tiger's will. Luffy embodies tolerance and equality, qualities that align with your own principles."

Neptune reminded Jinbei of the regret he might face for missing out on another opportunity, emphasizing that he was no longer a Warlord.

Jinbei pondered in silence, torn between his loyalty to the Sun Pirates and his admiration for the Straw Hat crew. Neptune's words struck a chord, highlighting the importance of his decision.

"Don't be too self-important, Jinbei," Neptune advised firmly before leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Luffy found himself exploring Ryugu Palace City's vast corridors, marvelling at its grandeur. Utilizing his Gommu Goomu no mi Fruit powers, he ascended to a high vantage point to get his bearings.

"I found it!" Luffy exclaimed with a grin, spotting a prominent tower-like structure in the distance. As he approached, he noticed its formidable construction and prison-like appearance, complete with heavy chains adorning the doors.

"Could this be a wrong turn? But I smell food inside. Maybe it's the Ryugu Palace Kingdom's food storage," Luffy pondered, intrigued by the possibility.

Luffy's eyes sparkled with excitement as he contemplated the delicious food awaiting him within Ryugu Palace City.

"Uncle Mermaid can go anywhere, so that means this place can also be explored," Luffy chuckled. With a twist of Armament Haki, he effortlessly snapped the heavy iron chain securing the door.

"Anyone there?" Luffy called out as he pushed open the massive door and ventured inside.

The interior of the tower was dark and devoid of windows, with seawater covering the ground ankle-deep. Luffy's curiosity piqued, especially upon sensing two emotions of fear nearby.

"Prisoners? But it doesn't feel like it," Luffy mused, following the perceived emotions.

Suddenly, he stumbled upon a large, soft surface. Its elasticity resembled a trampoline, prompting Luffy to bounce and play on it joyfully.

"This is fun!" Luffy exclaimed, relishing the comfort of the soft surface. But just as he was about to settle in for a nap, the bed began to rise and tremble violently.

"What's happening? An earthquake?" Luffy wondered, his senses tingling with fear.

In a flash of light, a massive figure lunged at him, teeth bared. With quick reflexes, Luffy blocked the attack with his Armament Haki-covered arm.

As his eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness, Luffy beheld a colossal mermaid and her shark companion. The mermaid, Shirahoshi, exuded beauty and vulnerability, her tear-filled eyes captivating Luffy's attention.

Before Luffy could react, a red light flashed, and he vanished from sight. In the next instant, a giant axe hurtled toward Shirahoshi.

Reacting swiftly, Luffy intercepted the axe with his Armament Haki-infused fist, sending it crashing to the ground.

Puzzled by the unexpected turn of events, Luffy eyed the axe warily. Despite lacking hostility, its powerful strike raised questions in his mind.

As Luffy sat comfortably, enjoying his meal, Shirahoshi watched him with a curious smile. Her presence loomed large beside him, her gentle voice filling the air.

"You are Neptune's daughter? Shirahoshi, right?" Luffy inquired between bites, his tone casual yet inquisitive. "You're as big as your dad, but you seem pretty timid, so I'll call you Coward."

Upon learning of Luffy's association with her father, Shirahoshi expressed relief, admitting she had mistaken him for a villain and nearly lost him.

"Is Lord Luffy a pirate?" Shirahoshi asked, her tone tinged with curiosity. "Did you come to Fish-Man Island from far away?"

"Yep, I'm a pirate," Luffy affirmed cheerfully between mouthfuls of food. "I've seen lots of things outside, like the sun and flowers. It's different from Fish-Man Island. If you're curious, why not go out and see for yourself?"

"Because if I go out, I'll die," Shirahoshi replied with a mix of awe and longing, her gaze fixed on the tower's gate.

Moved by her sadness, Luffy's eating slowed, and he listened attentively as Shirahoshi shared her sorrowful past.

"It's so bitter," Luffy remarked, his tongue protruding in distaste. But the bitterness he tasted was nothing compared to the sorrow in Shirahoshi's heart.

"Alright, alright, don't cry, Coward," Luffy reassured her, swallowing the bitter food in a few swift gulps. "If you're so eager to see the outside world, I'll take you out. After all, nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes."

But Shirahoshi hesitated, her fear evident. Luffy, however, remained undeterred, promising to protect her from any danger they might encounter.

"Nothing to worry about! I'm super strong. I'll keep you safe. And if any weird attacks come our way, I'll knock 'em out!" Luffy declared with confidence, grabbing Shirahoshi's shell corset and hoisting her onto his shoulder.

"Let's go!" Luffy exclaimed, ready to set out.

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