Chapter 77: Fishman Island II
"They want every hand they can get against you," Jinbe said, as Dave chuckled. "Will you fight against me?"
"No, you've freed the Fish-Man slaves; why would I fight against you?" Jinbe laughed lightly, a hint of camaraderie in his eyes. "But I may have to act—just don't kill me when the time comes."
Dave nodded with a grin. "Of course. I'll just knock you out. That way, no one will complain about you not taking action against me."
"Fair enough," Jinbe agreed, nodding as they continued toward the palace.
As they moved through the bustling city, Dave felt the watchful eyes of the Fish-Men and merfolk on them—some curious, some wary, and a few even filled with admiration. They had all heard of his recent exploits, and while some feared the consequences, others saw him as someone willing to challenge the injustices of the surface world.
Soon, they reached the grand palace gates, where guards stepped aside to let them through, acknowledging Jinbe's status and his esteemed guests. Inside, they walked through towering halls of coral, glowing with bioluminescent flora embedded in the walls, casting soft, vibrant light across their path.
Finally, they arrived at the throne room, where King Neptune stood to greet them. His towering frame and regal presence were undeniable. Behind him, his children watched with interest—especially Shirahoshi, who glanced at Dave with a mix of curiosity and nervousness.
"Welcome to Fish-Man Island," Neptune greeted them in a deep, resonant voice. "We've heard much about you, Dave. Few have dared to challenge the Celestial Dragons so openly."
Dave inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I assure you, we're here only to enjoy your island's beauty and will leave peacefully."