As Dudu Dire Miralis dove into the deep sea, Xie Wen and the others returned to Fish-Man Island once again, following the now-familiar route.
Just like last time, King Neptune and the three princes were waiting at the entrance to Fish-Man Island well in advance. This time, Jinbe was there too.
When he saw Shirahoshi disembark from the Dudu looking perfectly normal, Xie Wen could clearly sense King Neptune and Fukaboshi and his brothers quietly breathe a sigh of relief.
Tch! It was only because everyone thought repeating an old prank would be boring.
Xie Wen curled his lip, then quickly broke into a smile, ready to enjoy the show.
Because...
Wasn't there more "good news" waiting for King Neptune?
Xie Wen didn't even need to steer things in that direction. After they followed King Neptune and the others back to Ryugu Palace, Shirahoshi immediately pushed Dellinger in front of her father and brothers and began talking endlessly about this new friend of hers.
Even without Xie Wen doing anything, the expressions on King Neptune's and the others' faces shifted from pleased smiles to wary looks.
Besides, how could the Sapphire Star, who had wanted to enjoy the show all along, possibly resist getting involved?
So Xie Wen picked the right moment and casually chimed in-
"That's right. This kid barely even pays attention to our adorable cats. He only likes spending time with Shirahoshi."
At those words, not only King Neptune and Neptune's Three Brothers, but even Jinbe and the Left and Right Ministers standing nearby instantly changed expressions.
They had watched the kind, adorable Shirahoshi grow up. To these senior figures of the Ryugu Kingdom, she was no different from their own daughter.
Neptune's Three Brothers immediately gathered around "enthusiastically," discreetly separating Dellinger from Shirahoshi.
"You're a Half-Fish-Man