Little cutie Shirahoshi!

"We're going to Fishman Island!?" Bonnie was stunned by the news of their next destination.

Brook explained, "Fishman Island is one of the captain's allies. Since the captain has returned, it's natural for us to visit. Besides, Vista and the others are waiting for us there."

Bonnie paused, then asked, "Is your captain's influence that big?"

It wasn't surprising for Bonnie to think so. Nicholas had been inactive for many years, and many people had forgotten him, much like Rocks, who was once a dominant figure but had faded into obscurity over the decades.

Meanwhile, on Fishman Island, Vista had already arrived. After receiving a call from Nicholas, he went straight to Ryugu Palace.

"Is Nicholas really coming to Fishman Island?" Neptune asked, his face full of excitement.

Vista replied calmly, "Yes, the captain said he will arrive soon. Neptune, you should know this is your best chance to reach the surface, so gather all the forces of Fishman Island."

Vista had developed a good impression of Neptune and Jinbei during their time together.

"Don't worry, we're always prepared," Neptune said seriously, understanding that being an ally wasn't just about words.

Soon, Nicholas and his group arrived at Fishman Island. King Neptune personally went to the corridors to greet them. This act of lowering his status displeased a few officials on Fishman Island. As Fishman Island's power grew, some officials believed that their king shouldn't lower himself so much. However, they kept their dissatisfaction to themselves, knowing they couldn't provoke either Neptune or Nicholas.

Unlike the officials, the guards and warriors of Fishman Island looked at Nicholas with reverence. They remembered the dark days of Fishman Island and knew how much Nicholas had contributed to their current peace. This respect was the main reason for their admiration.

"Mr. Nicholas, this way, please," Neptune said warmly, leading the way with Queen Otohime by his side.

Walking beside Neptune, Nicholas felt a bit uncomfortable with the enthusiastic welcome. After Fishman Island's power was strengthened and they allied with Nicholas, the island had found stability again. Although they still couldn't move freely on the surface, all the pirates coming from the Sabaody Archipelago behaved, and the human trafficking they despised had vanished.

The peaceful environment and Fishman Island's strategic position as a gateway to the New World had led to a boom in various industries. Many human trading companies had set up branches, and the island's prosperity was beginning to rival that of the Sabaody Archipelago.

For Neptune and Queen Otohime, this flourishing Fishman Island was their dream come true. It was all thanks to Nicholas, so Neptune wouldn't show any neglect.

Neptune had even arranged a banquet in Ryugu Palace to welcome Nicholas. Nicholas and his group followed Neptune to the banquet hall, where a long table was filled with a variety of dishes. The three princes and Shirahoshi, who had already taken their seats, stood up upon Nicholas' arrival.

"Lord Nicholas," the princes and Shirahoshi greeted him. The princes were natural in their manner, while Shirahoshi seemed a bit timid or curious. She stole glances at Nicholas but didn't dare to look directly at him.

Nicholas glanced at Shirahoshi.

At this moment, Princess Shirahoshi was secretly glancing at Nicholas with her bright, emerald-green eyes. When she noticed his gaze, she immediately lowered her head, pretending to know nothing.

It's often said that mermaids are extraordinarily beautiful, and Shirahoshi, though young, had already blossomed impressively. Her curvaceous figure, smooth white skin, and endearing face could captivate anyone at first sight.

It's hard to imagine she's Poseidon...

Nicholas mused silently, then said calmly, "Nice to meet you, Princess Shirahoshi."

"Hmm? You know me?" Shirahoshi looked up at Nicholas curiously when he called her name.

"You should call me godfather," Nicholas replied.

"Godfather?" Shirahoshi looked at Neptune in confusion, seeking confirmation of Nicholas's words.

Neptune nodded, "That's right, Shirahoshi. Before you were born, Nicholas and I agreed that he would be your godfather."

"Oh, I see. Godfather," Shirahoshi said with a sweet smile to Nicholas.

At this moment, Shirahoshi, who possessed the power to destroy the world, had not yet awakened her abilities. With Nicholas's presence, Queen Otohime had not been assassinated, so Shirahoshi hadn't experienced the trauma needed to awaken the power of Poseidon within her.

Soon, Neptune led everyone to their seats.

Curious, Neptune asked Nicholas, "Mr. Nicholas, is it time for war?"

"Yes, so Fishman Island must be ready to fight at any moment," Nicholas replied, glancing at Shirahoshi. She was Fishman Island's true trump card.

Neptune's eyes narrowed slightly at Nicholas's words.

In contrast, the princes were filled with fighting spirit, understanding that this battle was inevitable for Fishman Island's interests. Only Shirahoshi looked confused, not comprehending the change in atmosphere.

Seeing their reactions, Nicholas said calmly, "The outcome of this world-shaking battle won't depend on Fishman Island's military strength, but on Princess Shirahoshi."

Realizing what Nicholas meant, Neptune looked at him in disbelief.

Nicholas nodded slowly. "Yes, only the power of Poseidon can determine the direction of the battle and ensure Fishman Island's victory."

His tone was deep and powerful.

"But this child doesn't even know how to fight," Neptune said gravely. Although the royal family of Fishman Island had some records about Poseidon, they were scarce. He knew that a princess from the Fishman tribe would become Poseidon every few centuries, but how to become Poseidon and how to use its power was not documented.

"Father, Mother... Shirahoshi wants to help everyone... Shirahoshi will do her best!" Shirahoshi said earnestly, noticing her parents' worried expressions. Though she didn't understand everything, she realized she might impact Fishman Island's future.

Neptune was taken aback by Shirahoshi's words.

"Shirahoshi..."

"Father, Mother..."

Seeing Neptune's family's heavy expressions, Nicholas reassured them, "Don't worry. Awakening Poseidon's power isn't as frightening as it seems. Starting tomorrow, have Jinbei and the others take Shirahoshi outside Fishman Island."

Nicholas then turned to Shirahoshi, "Shirahoshi, try to feel the ocean's sounds and the benevolent beings within it. When you can hear the voices of the deep sea and respond to them, Fishman Island will regain its right to venture to the surface."

"Yes! Shirahoshi will try her best," Shirahoshi said, nodding vigorously, despite her fear of leaving Fishman Island.