As Liu Qing left, over in the Fish-Man District...
"Boss Hody Jones... the person you told us to watch left Ryugu Palace and headed toward the ruins in the north of Fish-Man Island."
The man reporting paused to catch his breath, then continued, "Also, the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates are all attending the banquet. Neptune went to see Princess Shirahoshi. Right now, only Neptune, Princess Shirahoshi, and Liu Qing's woman are at the Hard-Shell Tower."
"Ahahaha!"
Hearing his subordinate's report, Hody Jones's eyes immediately lit up, and he burst out laughing. "Here's our chance! Hurry, gather all our fighting forces! Drive all the human slaves into Gulun Kaude Square and have them cause chaos."
"We'll use the confusion to capture Neptune and Princess Shirahoshi. Ideally, we'll grab Liu Qing's woman too, so he won't dare attack for fear of hurting her."
Although he didn't know what Liu Qing was going to the northern ruins for, his departure from Ryugu Palace was an opportunity. As long as he captured Shirahoshi and Liu Qing's woman, he could use the woman to threaten Liu Qing, forcing him not to intervene, or even making him injure himself until he could no longer fight.
Shirahoshi, meanwhile, could be used to threaten Neptune's Royal Army. As long as they had Shirahoshi, Ryugu Palace's guards would be afraid to act.
Thinking this, Hody Jones couldn't help declaring confidently, "All right! The advantage is mine. After today, I'll be the new king of Fish-Man Island."
Seeing that his underling still hadn't left, Hody Jones's gaze turned cold. "What are you waiting for? Go spread the word! Be quick."
The underling hurriedly stammered, "Y-yes... yes, Boss Hody Jones."
With that, he hurried off at a run to notify everyone to begin moving.
Within just minutes, Hody Jones's