After discussing the relationship between the two races, the banquet returned to a relaxed atmosphere.
During the conversation, Roy also inquired about the connection between Neptune's Fish-Man Island and the Sky Island.
Neptune stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Well... it is indeed mentioned in the ancient texts of the Ryugu Palace that Fish-Man Island and Sky Island seemed to belong to the same ancient civilization a long time ago."
"However, it's been too long, and I don't know much about the specifics."
Upon hearing this, Roy turned to look at Queen Otohime beside him.
"Your Highness, your Observation Haki is quite unique, allowing you to sense and influence the emotions of others. I wonder if there is a unique method for cultivating this Observation Haki?"
"Lord Roy is indeed astute. Indeed, my Observation Haki is different from ordinary Observation Haki."
This question startled Otohime slightly. She gently put down her wine cup and explained:
"This ability is less a skill that can be cultivated and more a talent. From as far back as I can remember, I've been able to vaguely sense the emotional fluctuations of others. As I've grown older, this perception has become clearer, to the point that I can even transmit my emotions to others."
Neptune added, " Otohime's ability is unique throughout the entire Fish-Man Island; there is no similar record in any historical documents."
"I see..."
Roy seemed thoughtful. "It seems to be an innate talent."
Roy was slightly disappointed. He had thought that Queen Otohime's frail body, with such special Observation Haki, must have some special training method!
After the banquet, he politely declined Neptune and Otohime's invitation to stay.
The group left the Ryugu Palace and entered the main street. Fish-Man Island seemed even more dazzling at night, as they walked along the glowing coral reefs...
Roy arrived at a desolate and dilapidated area.
"Boss, this place is so desolate!" Tesoro's hand lit up with a ball of lightning.
Roy didn't answer, but continued forward, guided by his Observation Haki.
After passing through a dense underwater forest, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before us—countless enormous coral trees stood tall.
"This is... the Sea Forest?" Stella recognized the place. "It's said to be the burial ground of Fish-Man Island."
Just as everyone was marveling at the beauty of this underwater forest, Roy's gaze was drawn to two huge stone tablets deep in the forest.
The stone tablet was made of a special material and was covered with ancient characters.
" The Poneglyph..." Roy stepped forward slowly, "Are there two here?"
"Boss, this is the same as the Sky Island one, but why is this one red?" Tesoro asked curiously, touching the red Poneglyph.
"Humans, this is not a place for you."
An old Fish-Man holding a cane slowly emerged from behind the coral tree.
Everyone turned around and looked at the Fish-Man warily.
"Who is this senior?"
"I am the guardian of the Sea Forest."
The old Fish-Man pointed his cane at the Poneglyph, "These two stone tablets have slept here for hundreds of years; you should not disturb their peace."
"What we need to do is none of your business..."
"Bang!"
Before Bullet could finish speaking, a figure suddenly darted behind the old man, throwing a straight punch at Bullet's face.
However, Bullet didn't even move his feet; he simply raised his hand and caught the punch.
"Hmph, is that all the strength you've got?"
Bullet scoffed and flicked his wrist, tossing the Fish-Man boy away.
"Stop, Charon!"
They are not the enemy.
The old Fish-Man quickly stopped him.
The Fish-Man Charon nimbly flipped in mid-air and landed, glaring defiantly at Bullet.
"Grandpa Dan, these humans have trespassed into the Sea Forest; they definitely have ill intentions!"
Roy sized up the impetuous Fish-Man boy and found that he was about the same age as them and quite agile, clearly having received professional training.
"We were invited by the Ryugu Palace to be their guests, and we just happened to come here while taking a walk after dinner."
Upon hearing Stella's explanation, old Fish-Man Dan lightly tapped Charon's head with his cane.
"I told you not to be so impulsive. This is ' Heavenly Dao ' Roy; even Queen Otohime treats them with respect."
"Humans are just humans, who knows what they're up to..."
The old Fish-Man looked at the two sides locked in a standoff and sighed.
"Come with me, everyone. This isn't the place to talk."
"Boss, should we go with them?" Tesoro asked worriedly.
Why didn't you follow them?
"I'm quite interested in that boy!"
Roy took the lead and followed the old Fish-Man Dan, and the others followed suit.
Although Charon looked reluctant, he still stood protectively by Dan's side, watching Roy and his group warily.
After passing through a dense forest of bioluminescent corals, a breathtaking view suddenly opened up before us.
"Please sit down."
" Charon, go and get some seaweed tea to serve our guests."
Charon pursed his lips, but still obediently did as he was told.
"Young people are impatient, please forgive them."
"I've been guarding this tomb for decades, and I've rarely seen such extraordinary people as you."
The old Fish-Man 'Dan' pointed to the stone benches by the campfire and invited everyone to sit down.
Roy sat down opposite Dan, his gaze sweeping across the camp.
"Gravekeepers... you're not just protecting those two Poneglyph, are you?"
A strange light flashed in Dan's eyes, and he slowly nodded.
"Yes,"
"What we are truly protecting is the foundation of Fish-Man Island — Noah's Ark."
" Noah?" Stella exclaimed, "That legendary giant ship?"
"Little girl, it seems you know quite a lot."
Just then, Charon returned with the tea and, upon hearing the topic, immediately said excitedly,
"Grandpa Dan, how could you tell humans Noah's secret!"
" Charon, they are honored guests of the King and Queen Otohime, there's no problem."
"Is it right?"
"Certainly!"
Roy took the seaweed tea, took a small sip, and calmly met Dan's scrutinizing gaze.
"We have no interest in Noah's Ark, but I am very interested in this Charon brother."
"What do you mean."
Charon immediately looked at Roy warily.
"Mommy, Mommy, don't be nervous,"
Roy waved his hand, stating his purpose directly.
"Our ship is basically full of Devil Fruit User, so having a partner who's an expert in naval combat is very important. How about it, want to join us?"
"Are you kidding me!"
Charon and the others suddenly stood up, glaring angrily at Roy.
"I'm destined to be the guardian of Noah's Ark, how could I possibly join a human pirate crew?"
Bullet scoffed dismissively, "Tch, you think you can take me?"
"You!" Seeing that Charon was about to lash out again, Dan quickly grabbed its arm.
Seeing Charon being held back by Dan, Roy immediately gave Bullet a look. Having been together for so many years Bullet naturally knew what Roy meant.
He immediately stepped forward, looking at Charon defiantly.
What, you're not convinced?
"What guardian? Any one of our pirate crew members could defeat you."