At this point, he turned toward Robin, a strange glint flashing through his eyes. "As it happens, I also want to know what's written on that Poneglyph that's been standing in the Sea Forest all this time."
"No problem. Go ahead."
Ace spat out the toothpick in his mouth and waved casually at Jinbe.
And so the group split up. Ace continued sightseeing with Ahua and the others, while Jinbe led Kuta and the two women to the Sea Forest.
Chapter 326: The Sea Forest, an Apology
As they went farther, the buildings around them grew fewer and fewer.
Meanwhile, the coral and rotting ships became increasingly plentiful.
The Sea Forest was an underwater forest northeast of the Fish-Man District. Because the currents carried so many sunken ships there, it was also known as the Ship Graveyard.
Few fish-men normally came here.
It was also the burial place of someone respected throughout Fish-Man Island.
Jinbe stood outside a stone pavilion, gazing at the gravestone within, memories flickering in his eyes.
"Otohime."
Robin softly read the name on the gravestone.
"Someone important must be buried here."
Looking at the fresh bouquet before the gravestone, Robin continued, "And someone greatly respected by the people of this island."
Jinbe withdrew his gaze and turned to Robin. "This is the grave of King Neptune's wife, Queen Otohime."
"The queen?"
"Yes." Jinbe nodded and looked up at the artificial clouds overhead, recalling the past. "The queen was a great person, just like Brother Fisher Tiger. She devoted herself to achieving peaceful coexistence between Fish-Man Island and humans. But..."
"But what?"
"A few years ago, just when she was about to succeed, a human murdered her during her final speech."
As he spoke, a rare trace of killing intent emanated from Jinbe.
"She was assassinated?" Robin