Chapter 99: Shirahoshi

Faced with a choice between the World Government and Impel Down, King Neptune leans towards Impel Down. The news Jinbei and Luo Ning brought back – that they dared to attack Celestial Dragons – paints them as clear allies, unafraid of the World Government's power. Additionally, Luo Ning's actions of killing slave traders and human traffickers upon arrival ease King Neptune's worries somewhat.

However, King Neptune remains cautious. He can't completely trust Luo Ning's motives. The king finds himself in a difficult position.

One crucial factor is Shirahoshi's safety. Staying on Fishman Island feels like a ticking time bomb. The World Government's intentions are unpredictable – seeking control of Shirahoshi might be their goal, but King Neptune fears they might even consider harming her.

Im's actions in the past, as depicted in the original work, suggest a genuine desire to eliminate Shirahoshi. Yet, they haven't acted on it yet.

"Let's see Shirahoshi first," King Neptune decided with a sigh. "She deserves to make her own choice." He planned to gather his people and consult his daughter.

"Agreed," Luo Ning concurred. "She's not an object to be bartered; her consent matters."

The group ended their meal, the weight of the situation settling in. Shirahoshi, an Ancient Weapon with the alleged power to destroy the world, was a heavy topic. The immense power of the Three Ancient Weapons was undeniable, and encountering one was a rare occasion.

"Never thought I'd meet Poseidon one day," Robin remarked, voicing a question that mirrored Luo Ning's own unspoken confusion. "But why is there a record of Poseidon on Sky Island?"

Robin's question echoed Luo Ning's own unspoken frustration. "I don't know," Luo Ning admitted, already aware of how to reach Sky Island. "It's strange, isn't it?"

"What records are you referring to?" King Neptune inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why does Sky Island come into play?"

Robin, ever the quick thinker, launched into an explanation.

"I recall you're Nico Robin, the one who caused quite a stir back then, aren't you? The only one who can decipher historical text. But the fact that Sky Island has a record of Poseidon is truly baffling!"

King Neptune shared the bewilderment. "Fishman Island lies 10,000 meters beneath the sea, while Sky Island floats 10,000 meters above. What connection could there possibly be?"

"By the way," King Neptune added, a thought striking him, "why don't we show Robin the historical text of Fishman Island as well? While it might not hold any crucial information, I'm happy to help if she's interested."

"Of course," King Neptune confirmed with a nod. "I'll take you there later." He found Luo Ning surprisingly easy to reason with, not some brute force kind of pirate. Otherwise, resisting their attempt to take Shirahoshi would have been futile.

The group soon arrived at the Hard-Shell Tower.

Nami and Robin were taken aback by the sight of the tower. It was firmly locked, and the surface bore marks of violent weapon clashes, as if countless individuals had been hacked down there.

"That's why Shirahoshi is in there–" King Neptune began to explain, but his words were abruptly cut short. An axe plummeted from the sky, startling even him. "Everyone, get out of here!" he shouted urgently.

Reacting swiftly, Luo Ning deflected the plummeting axe with a surge of Reiatsu before it reached the group.

Regaining his composure, King Neptune recounted the events of the past years. However, this time, Nami cut him off with a furious outburst.

"That man is despicable! Proposing to a mere child with such a disgusting method!" Nami raged. This behavior was beyond human decency in her eyes.

"It's all driven by Poseidon's identity," Luo Ning explained. "He wasn't truly interested in Shirahoshi's age, but rather her power as Poseidon. That's why he resorted to such tactics."

"Brainless nonetheless," Luo Ning concluded, shaking his head. Vander Decken IX's plan to marry Shirahoshi was utterly nonsensical. The man clearly lacked any sense.

"Exactly! That makes him even more loathsome!" Nami fumed.

"Don't waste your anger on trash," Luo Ning said calmly. "We simply need to dispose of the garbage. It's that easy." As he spoke, a clone materialized beside him before disappearing just as quickly.

"My clone will take care of him. Once apprehended, he'll be eliminated. Problem solved."

Luo Ning's nonchalant demeanor brought relief to Jinbei and the others who witnessed the scene.

Luo Ning's clone wasn't a simple creation. When they gathered intel on Luo Ning, there was a mention of his avatar's power. The Marines believed it rivaled an Admiral's strength.

Of course, that was an underestimation. Luo Ning's clone's strength wasn't fixed. It depended on the amount of fictional power he imbued it with. At his peak, a clone could be as strong as him. This particular clone, however, didn't require such an investment. A fraction of his power would suffice.

The clone materialized on Noah, where Vander Decken IX resided. Being a Devil Fruit user in the sea rendered him powerless. Submerged in seawater, his abilities were nullified, leaving him utterly helpless. His fate was sealed.

Meanwhile, another figure entered the Hard-Shell Tower and came face-to-face with Shirahoshi.

"Whoa..." Nami gasped, utterly stunned by Shirahoshi's immense size. "Is that really a mermaid? Are you sure it's not a Giant?"

Shirahoshi's stature was truly awe-inspiring. "That's how Poseidon's chosen mermaid princesses have always been," Luo Ning explained. "The largest among all mermaids!"

Indeed, her size rivaled the Giant, but unlike them, Shirahoshi was a mermaid. The power of Poseidon fueled their immense growth. While undeniably large, Shirahoshi remained a child. During Luffy's original visit, she was sixteen. Now, she was a mere eleven.

Shirahoshi, unaccustomed to such a large group, especially one that included humans, appeared startled and a little afraid.