Belisa nodded vigorously, using the bubbles for support, and swam away through the air.
Meanwhile, the Rex sailed slowly into the bay, heading toward the port where it was to be moored.
At that moment, Hades, who had been conversing with the gate guards of Fish-Man Island, returned to the ship. His mood was noticeably cheerful.
"This time, since we're visiting Fish-Man Island, I'll act as your guide! I'll take everyone around and introduce you to the island's most famous dessert!"
"Oh? The most renowned dessert on Fish-Man Island? I definitely want to try it! If I can learn how to make it, my skills will improve greatly, hahaha!"
As soon as Yakexi heard the mention of delicious food, his eyes lit up, and he burst into laughter.
"Hades, looks like you're the tour guide this time."
"If there's anywhere interesting, let's visit them all!" Brad added eagerly, sensing that this trip to Fish-Man Island would be highly enjoyable.
"Of course! I know this place like the back of my hand. I'll make sure to show you all the best spots!" Hades patted his chest with confidence.
As they spoke, far above them, at Ryugu Palace, King Mars had already made his preparations. Accompanied by Prince Neptune, several ministers, and a group of elite soldiers, he set out toward the Rex.
To display his sincerity, he had brought only his most trusted ministers, emphasizing just how seriously he regarded the Caesar Pirates.
On one hand, he knew they were not to be provoked. On the other, he had heard that the Caesar Pirates were not a crew that engaged in the indiscriminate slaughter of the innocent.
Moreover, with Hades—a Fish-Man—among their ranks, Mars believed that forming a good relationship with them was the wisest course of action.
Before long, Mars and his delegation reached the Caesar Pirates' ship, meeting them on the inner sea of Fish-Man Island.
As the Fish-Men observed the pirates, their gazes eventually settled on Caesar himself. Mars, maintaining a polite yet cautious demeanor, greeted them first.
Caesar and his crew responded with equal politeness, which somewhat eased the tension in Mars' heart. At the very least, their courteous behavior suggested they had no hostile intentions.
After a brief moment, Mars addressed Caesar.
"In honor of the Caesar Pirates' visit to Fish-Man Island, I have prepared a grand banquet at Ryugu Palace. Please join us as our honored guests."
However, Caesar glanced at his crew, particularly at Lily and the other women, who were clearly eager to explore the island. After a moment of thought, he politely declined.
"King Mars, we appreciate your generous offer, but we would like to spend a few days on Fish-Man Island first before visiting Ryugu Palace."
Before Mars could respond, Neptune's face darkened, and several ministers immediately voiced their disapproval.
"His Majesty personally invited you, yet you refuse? How rude!"
Even some of the soldiers glared, gripping their weapons as if they were prepared to fight over this perceived insult.
Caesar's expression turned cold. His crew followed suit, meeting the hostility with unwavering gazes, unfazed in the slightest. The atmosphere grew tense in an instant.
Although Caesar did not unleash his Haoshoku Haki (Conqueror's Haki), his sheer presence—honed over years of dominance—was enough to send a chilling sensation through the Fish-Men around him.
The ministers who had been glaring just moments ago suddenly felt a suffocating weight press upon them. Their voices wavered, and some even fell silent, their fear growing as an oppressive aura loomed over them.
Several ministers couldn't help but think to themselves:
"This man is terrifying... it feels as though death itself is staring at me..."
Even the captain of the royal guard, an experienced warrior, was stunned.
"This is true power... he doesn't need to do anything, yet I feel completely outmatched. This is the presence of an absolute ruler..."
Prince Neptune, too, was shaken. Compared to his father, King Mars, Caesar's presence felt overwhelmingly dominant.
"Father's presence intimidates me, but this man... he makes me feel as though I should submit..."
Realizing the growing tension, King Mars let out a hearty laugh to defuse the situation.
"No problem at all!"
"If Captain Caesar wishes to enjoy Fish-Man Island first, then let it be so! Once you've had your fill of the island's wonders, you can visit Ryugu Palace at your leisure!"
"In fact, having a banquet after fully enjoying your stay makes perfect sense. We'll do things step by step, hahaha!"
"This is also the greatest compliment to the beauty of our island, after all!"
Hearing Mars' words, Caesar's expression eased slightly. He noted that, while some of the ministers were troublesome, Mars himself was rational and composed.
Seizing the opportunity, Mars added, "Captain Caesar, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest! All of your expenses will be covered by Ryugu Palace."
After saying this, he turned and shot a sharp glare at the ministers who had nearly escalated the situation. Then, in a hushed but firm voice, he scolded them.
Though he didn't raise his volume, the ministers could clearly hear the frustration in his tone. Having already been overwhelmed by Caesar's aura, they dared not protest and merely stood in silent obedience.
Recognizing Mars' sincerity, Caesar nodded in agreement. Without a word, but with a clear understanding between them, the tension in the air dissipated.
Seeing that Caesar had agreed, Mars took this as his cue to leave. With Neptune and the others in tow, he swiftly returned to Ryugu Palace, not wanting to risk further confrontation.
With that matter settled, the Caesar Pirates docked the Rex, and Hades, now in high spirits, led the crew off the ship.
"I'll take you to the most famous and entertaining places on Fish-Man Island! Let's get familiar with the area first!"
As they walked, Hades enthusiastically described the wonders of Fish-Man Island—the exquisite wines, delicious cuisine, breathtaking sights, and, of course, the legendary beauty of mermaids.
His stories captivated the crew, filling them with anticipation.
Excitement filled the air as they set off toward Fish-Man Island's most famous landmarks, eager to experience its unique attractions.
Meanwhile, news of the Caesar Pirates' arrival spread rapidly across the island.
Reactions among the Fish-Men varied.
Some were hostile.
"Hmph! Another group of despicable humans! No doubt they're here to deceive or capture us, planning to sell us into slavery like so many others!"
"They're a powerful pirate crew—clearly up to no good! We must be cautious and prevent whatever scheme they have in mind!"
Others were indifferent.
"A pirate crew visiting? Who cares? This is being blown out of proportion. It's not like we've never seen pirates before."
"It's just another crew. Some people are making a fuss over nothing."
Yet, there were also those who viewed the Caesar Pirates more favorably—especially because of Hades' presence.
"Hades joined their crew, and he seems to be doing well. That means they can't be all bad, right?"
"The Caesar Pirates are one of the world's strongest crews. Hades making a name for himself among them is actually a source of pride for Fish-Men."
"I've heard they recently rescued a mermaid named Belisa…"
"I know her! She just returned home to assure her family of her safety. If they saved her, maybe they really aren't so bad."
While the island's inhabitants debated, the Caesar Pirates continued to enjoy themselves, embracing the wonders of Fish-Man Island.
New sights, unexpected surprises, and thrilling experiences awaited them.
And as time passed, the sun began to dip toward the horizon, marking the end of a day well spent.
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