Otohime drew in a sharp breath at his words.
Were there really that many people this powerful?
Didn't that mean there were eight other people in the world who could easily destroy Fish-Man Island through their individual strength alone?
The more she thought about it, the more dangerous Fish-Man Island seemed.
Still, the situation wasn't quite as dire as she imagined.
After all, the Ryugu Kingdom was an affiliated nation, and Whitebeard had publicly declared that he would protect Fish-Man Island.
Pirates cared deeply about their pride. Attacking Fish-Man Island would be a slap in Whitebeard's face, and he wouldn't let it slide.
But that still meant living under someone else's protection.
Just then, a Ryugu Palace soldier entered with a message.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, Madame Shyarly requests an audience."
Neptune paused at the news. What brought Madame Shyarly here so late?
Still, he wasted no time answering.
"Show Madame Shyarly in at once."
At the same time, his expression grew solemn.
He might not have cared if it were anyone else, but Madame Shyarly was a renowned fortune-teller. Neptune couldn't afford to take her visit lightly.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Otohime also composed herself.
Soon, Madame Shyarly swam in, her smoking pipe in hand as always.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness."
"Shyarly, there's no need for formalities. What brings you here?"
Neptune dispensed with the pleasantries and asked her directly.
When Shyarly spoke, however, she brought up what had happened that day.
"Your Majesty, someone came to my café today. I told his fortune and caught a glimpse of the future."
Something stirred in Neptune's heart, and he blurted out:
"Vice Admiral Randall?"
Shyarly nodded.
"That's right. What I wish to tell you also concerns the future I saw."
Without keeping them in suspense, Shyarly told Neptune and Otohime that