Things Change, Survival of the Fittest

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At the Marine Base in the Sabaody Archipelago, near the coastline, warships are undergoing coating. Ye Chen plans to visit the Fish-Man first.

Ye Chen spent the afternoon shopping with Hina. Hina did all the buying for Ye Chen, all sorts of odds and ends.

Of course, he also took care of some things he didn't like, which caused many people in the Sabaody community to curse him out, because God Ye Chen had only been gone for a short time and had already returned.

As Ye Chen and Hina emerged from a men's clothing store, they spotted a tall figure not far away, holding a book, as if waiting for someone.

It was Bartholomew Xiong who had arrived.

Seeing Ye Chen come out, Xiong closed his book.

"One month from now, Marineford. No exceptions."

Ye Chen pulled a stack of documents from his sleeve, resembling a travel permit, tossed it to Xiong, then ignored it and headed towards the Marine Base. Judging by the time, it should be about time.

However, before leaving, Ye Chen's gaze sharpened as he looked at a secluded mangrove tree.

Their eyes met, reflecting the light from their glasses. Ye Chen's lips curled into a smile, while on the mangrove tree, a blurry figure also smiled faintly.

They passed each other by; Ye Chen glanced at him briefly before looking away, while the person on the mangrove gradually disappeared.

Back at the Marine Base, the coating was complete. As the seawater pressed down, the coating slowly began to dissipate, and the warship disappeared from the surface of the sea.

"What a nice view."

As the ship sank to the bottom of the sea, Hina stood on the railing, gazing at the scenery outside with a mesmerized expression. She realized she hadn't yet visited the Fish-Man's Island.

"I've seen it once, but I don't feel anything the second time!" Ye Chen said calmly, standing next to Hina.

Accompanying them was a base Rear Admiral, who was currently tidying up various items on the deck under Bai Doudou's command.

For example, reclining chairs, fruit, snacks, etc.!

"Really, Brother Ye Chen, you should smile more."

Pouting, Hina tiptoed and affectionately pinched Ye Chen's cheek before pulling it away, revealing a smiling expression.

Without saying a word, Ye Chen reached out and took Hina's slender hand, then embraced her, admiring the colorful scenery outside.

This time, it doesn't feel so oppressive. Is it because she's by my side?

Looking down and inhaling the fragrance of her hair, Ye Chen gazed at Hina and unconsciously felt a sense of peace wash over him.

The last time Ye Chen went to Fish-Man's Island, because he was in the deep sea, he felt a heavy sense of oppression, which was not a pleasant feeling.

But this time, I didn't feel that way anymore, simply because I had someone with me.

And so, inseparable, Ye Chen and Hina spent most of their deep-sea date, eventually entering the Fish-Man's Den by following the ocean currents.

"It's so beautiful."

Looking at the magnificent island in the deep sea, Hina was completely captivated.

Not long after, the warship docked. Standing in the Fish-Man's ditch, everyone disembarked. Holding Hina's hand, Ye Chen could feel their excitement.

"If you want to go have fun, then go! I'm going to the Ryugu Palace." Smoothing Hina's messy hair, Ye Chen looked at the Rear Admiral behind him. "Stay by Rear Admiral Hina's side."

"Yes, Admiral God!"

His figure was ramrod straight, Rear Admiral's face was serious.

"Come with me!" Hina wanted Ye Chen to come along.

"Let me finish up first! Then you can play for as long as you want!"

"All right!"

Watching the two leave, Ye Chen turned around, intending to call out to Bai Doudou, but in the blink of an eye, the idiot had already disappeared. Without even thinking, Ye Chen was certain that the guy had gone to the casino.

That's right, just as Ye Chen expected, it was the same casino as before.

This time, Bai Doudou received different treatment; she was recognized as soon as she appeared.

"Hey! Isn't that Rabbit Lord?" A sharp-eyed guard spotted Bai Doudou at a glance.

"Quick, go tell the boss, the Rabbit Lord is here."

Because of Bai Doudou, this casino has expanded considerably. The owner even regarded Bai Doudou as a god of wealth, and even put up a picture of him at the entrance.

Surrounded by admirers, Bai Doudou puffed out her chest, feeling a little smug.

Meanwhile, Ryugu Palace also received the news, and Neptune, along with his three sons, personally came out to greet them.

"Admiral God, it's been a long time."

Neptune remained unchanged, but Ye Chen could sense that the Merfolk king was somewhat sorrowful, while his three sons beside him had grown considerably.

"It's been a long time. I hope you can find solace in the aftermath of Queen Otohime's passing!"

Ye Chen had heard about Queen Otohime in the Navy; Queen Otohime had died six months ago.

From the moment Ye Chen appeared in the Fish-Man's territory, he could feel many hostile gazes directed at him, even more so than when he last came.

"Thank you for your concern, Admiral God. Sharkstar, you three, why don't you bow?"

Neptune smiled, then gently reprimanded his three sons beside him.

"Greetings, Admiral God."

"There's no need to be so formal. I still owe Queen Otohime three favors. I originally only agreed to help the Fish-Man in danger three times, but I didn't expect Queen Otohime to forgive and forget so quickly. If you need anything in the future, you can let me know, and I will take care of it for you."

"Thank you so much."

Actually, Neptune was also a little uneasy. He knew about the promise between God and his wife, but people's hearts are fickle. Now that Otohime Neptune gone, Neptune was worried that Ye Chen might go back on his word.

Seeing that Ye Chen hadn't forgotten, Neptune breathed a sigh of relief.

Keep in mind, this is a promise from Marine Admiral. If we make good use of these three promises, things will be much easier for Fish-Man Da.

"Admiral God, I have prepared a banquet in the Ryugu Palace."

"It's been a long time since I've tasted the Fish-Man's specialty. Oh, and by the way, I should also inform Jinbe the Straits. I came here specifically for him."

On the way to the Ryugu Palace, Ye Chen gave Neptune a reminder.

"Admiral God, has Jinbe gotten into some trouble?" Neptune's face changed, and he was somewhat at a loss. Was God here to arrest Jinbe this time?

"No, but this is actually a good thing for you Fish-Man! I'll be here when he arrives!"

Neptune let out a heavy sigh, still shaken.

"Sharkstar, go and call Jinbe here."

"Yes, Father!"

However, when everyone arrived at the Ryugu Palace, Ye Chen frowned as he looked at the flags floating above Ryugu Palace.

"Is Fish-Man Da currently under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates?"

Ye Chen was somewhat surprised to see the conspicuous pirate flag.

Neptune's heart leaped into his throat once more. "There's no other way. With the advent of the Great Pirate Era by One Piece, we Fish-Man have been greatly impacted and can only seek protection from the strong."

After a moment of silence, cold sweat poured down Neptune's forehead, and he kept swallowing hard.

"Survival of the fittest, weakness is a sin!"

With an indifferent expression, Ye Chen uttered a sentence that made Neptune ponder, and Neptune couldn't help but recall what Otohime had said to him back then.

Watching Ye Chen's retreating figure, Neptune's eyes flickered, and he followed.