A Challenge from Mihawk

And so the matter was settled amicably.

With Shirahoshi's consent.

Lin Yan's purpose in coming to Fish-Man Island this time can be considered to have been perfectly achieved.

There's not much to say about what will happen in the next period of time.

As planned, the group intended to stay on Fish-Man Island for about a week, and then depart once the palace was fully restored and there were no remaining issues.

That day.

As usual, Lin Yan lay on the rocking chair in the courtyard, admiring the dome of Fish-Man Island while sipping her special cold drink.

The past few days have been uneventful and without any major events.

As long as you are not at the center of the event.

Fish-Man Island is indeed a great place for relaxation and vacation.

The scenery was exceptionally beautiful and very peaceful.

Lin Yan thought to herself with a sense of contentment.

Then, as we all know, generally speaking, when nothing unexpected happens, something unexpected is bound to happen.

"Um?"

At a certain moment, Lin Yan's eyes flickered slightly, and she stretched out her palm like Inazuma, steadily catching something that was flying towards her at high speed.

They're too lazy to even move.

Because this thing has absolutely no killing intent.

Even if you leave it alone or don't realize it, it will just stay firmly stuck on the table.

The other party is not an enemy.

They came specifically to deliver this.

Realizing this, Lin Yan didn't bother to investigate or pursue, but instead squinted her eyes and looked at the object in her hand with great interest.

This is a sword-shaped ornament.

It was impossible to tell what materials it was made of, but a piece of paper was tied to the end of the hilt.

OK.

It has that feel of a message carried by a flying arrow.

Without the slightest hint of tension on her face, Lin Yan opened the note and began to read it with great interest, a hint of amusement appearing on her face.

"This is really interesting... Indeed, judging by the time, it should be about time."

A slight smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

Lin Yan stood up from the rocking chair, and then, in a flash, disappeared from the spot without warning.

About five minutes later.

The council hall of the Fish-Man Island Royal Palace.

"Uh, Brother Lin, you mean you're going to the appointment alone?"

Fisher Tiger looked at Lin Yan with some disbelief and asked.

Isn't this decision a bit too hasty?

After all, that was a challenge from Dracule Mihawk!

Yes, it's time to fulfill the agreement Lin Yan made with Dracule Mihawk.

In other words...

This time, it's a battle for the World's Greatest Swordsman!

This is precisely what Fisher Tiger is wondering about.

Even a fool could imagine the unprecedented spectacle that would follow; to go to the appointment alone like this, isn't it a little...?

In fact, it wasn't just Fisher Tiger; the others couldn't help but frown as well.

However, Lin Yan had her own reasons for saying that.

"Hey, have you all forgotten our current mission?"

Lin Yan spoke to her crew members with a hint of helplessness.

"Our mission now is to defend Fish-Man Island, not to fight off those small fry, but... you should understand, right?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions immediately turned serious.

"Lin Yan, what do you mean?"

Even Neptune was taken aback and couldn't help but ask.

Lin Yan simply chuckled and shook her head at this.

"All I know is that if I were a decision-maker in the World Government, I wouldn't let this opportunity slip by."

"..."

To be honest, that's true.

Fish-Man Island has now become the center of the entire incident, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, most people who need to know about Sea King's presence here already know.

Especially those five old guys.

Then the matter becomes quite obvious.

If Lin Yan were Five Elders, she would have launched a surprise attack on Fish-Man Island without hesitation when the competition for the World's Greatest Swordsman began!

Therefore, sufficient combat power needs to be maintained here.

And frankly speaking, even our own side isn't necessarily safe.

After all, Lin Yan knew very well.

Sea King's existence is a thorn in the side of the World Government, and they will not allow Shirahoshi to grow stronger under any circumstances.

Therefore, action will definitely be taken.

The worst possible outcome.

Not only will those who remain on Fish-Man Island face powerful enemies, but even I, who am going to keep the appointment, will likely encounter them.

"... How about we take Shirahoshi with us?"

Boa Hancock said somewhat unwillingly.

But Lin Yan simply shook her head slightly.

"No, that would only make her a bigger target. Besides, it's safer for Shirahoshi to stay on Fish-Man Island right now; it's her home turf."

You should know that Shirahoshi is the Sea King!

Moreover, they have already begun to Awakening.

The vast Fish-Man Island is the perfect battlefield for Shirahoshi!

"I will try my best!"

Although she couldn't fully understand what everyone was saying, Shirahoshi couldn't help but speak up when Lin Yan mentioned her.

So cute, but brainless.

Seeing Shirahoshi's adorable appearance, everyone wore a relieved smile.

"In that case, I won't say any more. Lady Lin Yan, I wish you great success in your martial arts endeavors!"

It seems the matter has been more or less decided.

Neptune didn't hesitate and immediately smiled at Lin Yan.

Fisher Tiger and Jinbe are both quite strong, plus the three girls whose strength is unknown, and Shirahoshi as their last trump card.

There's not much to worry about regarding the safety of Fish-Man Island.

As for Lin Yan...

That would be even more of a joke.

This man before me is none other than the fifth emperor of the seas!

Their strength is beyond comprehension.

How could there be any threat?

In the end, apart from Boa Hancock who seemed somewhat disappointed at not being able to continue being with Lin Yan, everyone else remained calm.

It's only natural for crew members to trust their captain.

Then things became very simple.

Lin Yan chatted with the others for a while longer before leaving Fish-Man Island.

It's worth mentioning that Lin Yan left her own boat here and only borrowed a small boat from Neptune when she set off.

Anyway, the destination is quite clear.

Even without Ain's guidance, one can easily find their destination.

Small boats are actually more convenient.

With Lin Yan's formidable strength, she naturally has no fear of the storms at sea.

The rest of the journey was uneventful.

It took Lin Yan about five days to reach the destination of this decisive battle by boat.

Looking at this bustling, isolated island before me.

A smile involuntarily crept onto Lin Yan's lips.

"They certainly know how to pick a location..."