In the upper palace of Fish-Man Island, tables were neatly arranged as graceful mermaids swayed their tails and carried platters of Fish-Man delicacies to the tables.
Zhong Hao, Garp, and Bogart sat together, chatting quietly. Every mermaid who passed by would cast them a curious glance, a faint, interested blush appearing on her face. There were humans on Fish-Man Island, but most were crude pirates. Where had they ever seen Marines? Those imposing white coats, with the word "Justice" emblazoned across their backs, looked fascinating no matter how one looked at them.
The Marines specialize in catching pirates! That makes them good people! the innocent mermaids thought.
Unfortunately, the mermaids' gazes received no response.
Garp had never understood romance, Bogart was stone-faced, and Zhong Hao was a child who could see Zhong Yunxi, the person who best matched his tastes, anytime he wanted. Thus, the three of them merely found the mermaids unusual; none had any intention of flirting with them.
In the royal palace's rear garden, King Neptune and Queen Otohime spoke in low voices.
Neptune said, "Otohime, why did you bring them into the palace? That's Garp! Not long ago, Tiger caused such a commotion at Mary Geoise by freeing slaves. He could have come early or late, but he came at exactly this time. Not only are we failing to stand on guard and monitor him closely, we even brought him into the palace."
Queen Otohime explained, "I think this is an opportunity."
Neptune said, "An opportunity?"
Queen Otohime said, "Yes, an opportunity. Your Majesty, think about it. As a Marine hero, what sort of standing does Garp have within the Marines?"
Neptune said, "Since he is a hero, he must naturally be highly popular."
Queen Otohime nodded. "And not just within the Marines. Among ordinary civilians,