That night, Jinbe arranged the best hotel for Rubick and Conis.
The two sat on the balcony, gazing up at the pinpricks of starlight in the sea overhead and enjoying a sky unlike the one in Sky Country.
Conis asked, "The partnership didn't work out. Are we going back to Sky Country next?"
"I'm taking you to Marine Headquarters," Rubick said. "I need to accept the title of Shichibukai."
"Is it all right for me to come?"
"Of course. Think of it as a vacation."
Nestling against Rubick, Conis said, "Rubick, why hasn't anything happened with my belly yet?"
Rubick laughed and held her tighter. "We'll just have to keep trying. Come on, let's go inside!"
Early the next morning, Rubick was about to say goodbye, but the three princes were already waiting outside the hotel.
"Good morning, Your Majesty Rubick."
Rubick scratched his head. "Does His Majesty Neptune need something?"
First Prince Fukaboshi said, "That's right. Father thinks we're too weak. He's heard that Your Majesty Rubick is an excellent instructor, so he hopes you'll allow us to become your students."
"Yes," said Second Prince Ryuboshi. "We want to grow strong enough to protect Fish-Man Island."
"Same here!" said Third Prince Manboshi.
Rubick hesitated. "Jinbe is very strong, you know. He might be a better choice."
"Boss Jinbe fought his way out of a chaotic place like Fish-Man District," Fukaboshi said earnestly. "He's certainly strong, but teaching isn't his strong suit. He's the one who suggested we come to you."
Rubick considered it. Taking them in would leave plenty of room to revisit cooperation between their two countries, even if nothing had come of it for now. "All right, I agree. Go home and pack. I'll take you to Sky Country this afternoon."
All three princes looked delighted. Then