Land Fish Island
Land Fish Island --
This land, which once existed only in dreams and agreements, is now finally shining in the sunlight.
This island, which was officially allocated to the Fish-Man Race and Merfolk to live on land, was spearheaded by Roy, secretly coordinated by the Navy and the Revolutionary Army, and jointly recognized by dozens of countries.
A gentle sea breeze caresses the azure bay, filling the air with the fragrance of sea salt and flowers.
The houses on both sides of the street are built with seashells and corals, their shimmering scales intertwining with the sunlight, creating a dreamlike scene.
On that silvery-white beach, children played and ran.
There are Fish-Men and humans;
Their laughter mingled with the waves and the wind, creating a harmonious melody.
The boundaries that once separated the two races are now quietly melting away under the sunlight.
This was a scene that was once unimaginable.
Since Jinbe was ordered to secretly restore order on the island, those radicals who were extremely hostile to humans and advocated xenophobia have long been quietly Purge.
Today, with the exception of a very small minority who still choose to remain in their deep-sea home, the majority of Fish-Men Merfolk have made the same choice—
Live in the sunshine.
--
Beneath the dome of deep-sea coral at the Royal Palace on Land Fish Island, the atmosphere was unusually solemn.
The Reverie was held ahead of schedule...
Neptune sat hunched over his desk, his brow furrowed, his voice low.
"I always felt there was something fishy going on behind this."
Fukaboshi frowned, his strong arm resting on the table. "Father, are you implying that the World Government has ulterior motives?"
Neptune sighed, looking up at the enormous pearl lamp embedded in the dome above, its light reflecting off the orange curls at his temples.
"Perhaps. But things have come to this, and the royal family must attend."
He paused, his tone becoming firm. "I've decided—this time I'll only take Shirahoshi with me to Holy Land Mary Geoise."
"Father!!" the three princes exclaimed almost simultaneously.
Ryuboshi stood up excitedly. "This is too dangerous! The Holy Land is Celestial Dragons territory; they don't even consider Fish-Men human!"
The voice of the Manboshi was urgent. "Let the three of us brothers accompany you!!"
Fukaboshi nodded emphatically. "If there is any danger, the three of us will protect Shirahoshi!"
But Neptune simply waved his hand slightly, his tone calm. "The three of you will remain on the island to guard the country. Land Fish Island has only recently been stabilized; it cannot afford to fall."
"I have already communicated with Admiral Roy via Den Den Mushi-- "
"The Navy will send strong warriors to escort us to Mary Geoise."
His eyes, weathered by time, shone brightly. "This journey may be unsettling, but it's safe and secure."
The three brothers looked at each other, unwilling but speechless under their father's gaze, and could only bow their heads in obedience.
Shirahoshi listened quietly, her long eyelashes trembling slightly.
She pursed her lips and whispered, "Roy... is he... Big Brother...?"
Her voice was as soft as the waves lapping against the shore, tinged with shyness and unease.
She clasped her hands together over her heart, a blush rising on her cheeks.
I wonder if he'll come along this time?
As she spoke, her eyes softened, sparkling with anticipation and longing.
That light was warmer than the sunlight streaming through the window.
Neptune looked at his daughter's expression, smiled slightly, and said gently:
"If he were here, he would definitely protect you."
Just then, a loud horn sounded outside the Royal Palace, accompanied by the clanging of armor and the long wail of a conch shell.
"Report--!"
The messenger rushed into the hall, his chest heaving slightly, his voice loud yet filled with excitement:
"Naval escorts have arrived at the Royal Palace!!"
Everyone in the hall was taken aback.
Neptune slowly rose, about to ask a question, when suddenly—
"Ha ha--!"
A familiar and unrestrained laugh boomed in like ocean waves, echoing beneath the coral dome.
The laughter was hearty and passionate, full of vitality, as if it could bring the entire hall to life.
Then, the door was pushed open with a "bang".
Sunlight streamed in, illuminating a burly figure.
A figure draped in a white Coat of Justice, with gray hair and a radiant smile, strode in.
It is none other than the Navy Hero, Monkey D. Garp!
"Long time no see —Brother Neptune!!"
Garp grinned and waved as he walked, munching on a half-open bag of Senbei as he went, looking every bit the tourist.
Neptune was taken aback for a moment, then his expression brightened with delight, and he quickly stepped forward to greet him.
"Vice Admiral Garp! I never expected you to be leading the team yourself this time!"
"Haha! That kid Roy specifically asked me to come~" Garp laughed while scratching his head, his tone full of hearty joy.
"They said it was so I could bring the two little ones out to broaden their horizons and maybe even share in the Mermaid Princess's good fortune~ Haha!"
"Little guy?" Neptune looked at him in confusion.
Garp chuckled and pointed back.
Behind him, two teenagers were curiously peeking in.
"Wow--!"
When their gazes fell upon the dreamlike figure before them, they widened their eyes almost simultaneously.
She was a gentle giant—long pink hair cascading down like waves, clear blue eyes like the sea, and fair skin shimmering softly in the sunlight.
It is indeed -- the Mermaid Princess, the Ancient Weapon "Poseidon" Shirahoshi.
"Wow, what a huge and beautiful mermaid--!"
Luffy's eyes were practically sparkling, his face filled with pure wonder and amazement.
"She's even prettier than in the stories! Ace, look!"
He was so excited he almost jumped up, just like a child witnessing a miracle for the first time.
Ace was also stunned by the sight before him. He crossed his arms, a smile playing on his lips, "Indeed... truly unbelievable."
But his eyes held no ulterior motives, only pure respect and amazement.
Shirahoshi was taken aback by the brothers' innocent and sincere gazes, as pure as sunshine.
She then gently covered her lips, revealing a sweet smile.
Hehe... Thank you all.
Her voice was soft and warm, like ocean waves caressing the heartstrings.
In that instant, the entire Royal Palace seemed to brighten.
Neptune watched this scene, a gentle light flashing in his eyes.
A slight sense of relief washed over him, and he couldn't help but sigh, "Perhaps... this is the true future."
Laughter echoed again in the hall, and warm sunlight refracted through the glass windows, illuminating the figures silhouetted against the water.
The atmosphere of the old and new eras quietly blended under the sunshine of Land Fish Island.
At the same time--
Around the world, the sea routes to the Holy Land Mary Geoise have become busier than ever before.
Ships of the kingdom, adorned with golden emblems, set sail from Harbor across the East and West Blue Seas, the North Blue, and the Grand Line;
On either side of them, escort fleets flying "Navy" flags were running alongside them.
Everyone understands--
Whether we like it or not, this voyage is an inescapable path of fate.
"The Holy Land Mary Geoise..."
A king murmured, gazing at the distant, cloud-shrouded city in the sky, his eyes filled with both awe and a hint of inexplicable fear.
On the masts of each escort fleet, the banner of Justice fluttered in the wind.
The world's attention is refocusing on that high ground that symbolizes "divine authority".
Reverie
The journey has officially begun.