Vander Decken IX

"Say, Neptune, what's with this grand welcome? Aria and I came here for our honeymoon, and now it seems like the entire Fish-Man Island knows of our arrival."

Giotto looked at the massive crowd of Fishmen and Merfolks around them with a somewhat helpless look on his face. He hadn't notified Jinbe that he'd come, but Jinbe already knew that Giotto was coming. Then again, it wasn't a surprise; some Fishmen could've spotted him in the sea. Besides, he didn't conceal his identity this time.

Even if he did conceal his identity, how many people could he really trick considering how famous he was?

It was only upon arriving at Fish-Man Island that he realized the welcoming reception was so grand. In addition to Ryugu Kingdom's soldiers, King Neptune and Queen Otohime also brought the ministers and the princes. Jinbe was also there to welcome Giotto. If that was all, Giotto would have found it acceptable, but there were countless other Merfolks and Fishmen surrounding them.

It seemed like his visit had alarmed the entire Fish-Man Island.

"Boss, these people didn't gather at King Neptune's order. They came here to welcome you out of their own will. Over these years, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this peace if it weren't for you and Vongola Family. Therefore, all of us sincerely respect you. Besides, Boss, you're a hero just like brother Tiger."

At this moment, Jinbe bowed respectfully before Giotto. As a member of External Advisor, Giotto was his boss, but as a resident of Fish-Man Island, Giotto was his hero.

Just like Fisher Tiger, Giotto had freed slaves. However, Giotto didn't see himself as a hero, so he felt a bit embarrassed by Jinbe's words.

"Alright, let's drop the serious talk. Aria and I are here for a vacation. You guys can go back to your activities. We feel bad that you have to gather here for our sake."

Giotto didn't want to be treated like some big shot. He and Aria came here for a honeymoon, so they preferred things to be as peaceful as possible.

"Very well, I understand. In that case, please join us at Ryugu Palace. We feel bad if we don't hold a banquet for you. The people of Fish-Man Island would also complain if we don't hold a banquet for you."

Neptune smiled. Although Giotto had said that such a grand welcome wasn't necessary, as the king of Fish-Man Island, he had to show some hospitality.

Giotto didn't refuse. Hence, they headed toward Ryugu Palace.

Ryugu Palace was already prepared for the welcome banquet, with a variety of exquisite dishes and wines served. For Fish-Man Island, Giotto and Aria were the most honorable guests.

After watching Giotto being lifted to the air by the Fishmen, Aria asked Neptune, "King Neptune, I've heard that Princess Shirahoshi is considered the most beautiful woman in the world. May I ask why she isn't attending this banquet today? I was looking forward to meeting princess during our visit."

Shirahoshi, despite her young age, was quite famous as her beauty was known worldwide. Aria was no exception. 

Hearing this, everyone abruptly stopped, and Neptune and Queen Otohime's expressions changed slightly.

Seeing this, Giotto furrowed his brow and immediately thought of what happened in the manga. He then asked, "King Neptune, Queen Otohime, is there a certain reason why Princess Shirahoshi couldn't attend the banquet? If I can help in anyway, please feel free to tell me. I'll do my best to help."

At first, Neptune planned to bring up this matter at a later date. Still, now that Giotto had asked, Neptune sighed and proceeded to explain the situation.

The situation was completely identical to what Giotto remembered; Vander Decken IX was Mark-Mark Fruit's, allowing him to attack Princess Shirahoshi from basically anywhere.

"Jinbe, can't you deal with that guy?"

After listening to Neptune's explanation, Giotto turned to Jinbe and inquired.

"If it were a head-on battle, I could deal with Vander Decken IX no problem. However, he always hides whenever I look for him. By the time I return to Fish-Man Island, he resumes his attacks on Princess Shirahoshi. It's like playing cat and mouse, and it's really annoying."

Jinbe was very powerful, but since the enemy refused to fight him, it was no use.

No matter how strong one was, it was of no use if they couldn't find the enemy.

"Hiding, huh? That's quite troublesome, but it's not impossible to solve."

Giotto turned to his wife. It was obvious that Aria was the one who could resolve this situation. With her Color of Observation Haki and her unique abilities, Vander Decken IX wouldn't be able to escape once he tried to attack Princess Shirahoshi, and locating him would be a simple task.

"Such a disgusting guy must be purged immediately."

Aria slowly stood up and continued, "Let's go, my dear. Don't you want to see what the world's most beautiful mermaid princess looks like?"

Upon hearing this, Giotto instantly became alerted. Should he say yes or no? Why did he feel chill down his spine even though Aria was smiling?

If he answered incorrectly, he felt like it could lead to a major issue.

"Ahem..."

After clearing his throat, Giotto gently embraced Aria and said, "Who wouldn't want to meet the Mermaid Princess? But no matter how beautiful she may be, she is clearly no match to my Aria. After all, my heart belongs to you..."