(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"Don't want it? Then give it back to me."
Seeing the bewildered look on Perona's little face, Colt couldn't help teasing her.
"Who... who said I don't want it anymore? I just think it's too little!" she retorted, her tsundere energy rising.
"Moria-sama gave me way more Berries in the past!"
In truth, Perona hadn't used money to buy anything for years—everything she needed was typically taken by her.
Still, she tried to hold her pride, stiffly defending herself.
Colt smiled and gestured for her to follow Nami and Robin, who were ahead of them.
Perona flicked her ponytails, clearly more flustered than her words let on.
After purchasing several sightseeing carts from a shop, Colt and his group embarked on their vacation.
Their first stop was Island No. 30, the largest shopping district in the Sabaody Archipelago, bustling with endless streams of people.
"Wow, so many shops!" Nami exclaimed, stars lighting up her eyes.
Knowing that Colt was footing the bill, she saw this as a golden opportunity not to be wasted.
"Buy whatever you want! If you can't carry it, just give it to me," Colt declared with enthusiasm.
Shopping wasn't just for women—Colt enjoyed it too, but for different reasons.
While others might relish browsing and spending, Colt found joy in acquiring unique treasures.
Soon enough, Nami and Robin noticed that Colt was buying far more than they were.
"This doll will be perfect for Hanabi," he mused.
"And this set of cosmetics, made entirely from Sea Kings' pearls—perfect for the girls."
With every interesting find, Colt bought without hesitation. Word spread quickly among the merchants, and soon the whole street knew of a "big spender" among them.
"I mean... how many wives does he even have?" Nami asked, staring in shock as Colt bought nearly ten different outfits in a variety of styles.
Robin chuckled.
"Looks like our captain has a soft spot for the ladies."
While the women and Colt shopped, Colt and his party's movements did not go unnoticed.
Their activities were being watched by keen eyes.
****
Wano Country
For the first time since defeating Kaido, Uchiha Madara left Wano Country.
His partnership with Kaido was progressing steadily, producing weapons such as seastone kunai, shuriken, and ninja swords.
Much of Kaido's armory was now working to fulfill Madara's demands.
Colt had promised to help Madara further enhance his strength when they met in the New World.
However, Madara was impatient—he saw no need to wait.
Sabaody Archipelago was close enough, and the earlier he met Colt, the better.
As Madara departed, Hiyori—formerly known as Komurasaki—watched him with concern.
"If Madara leaves, will Kaido try to take over the Flower Capital?" she asked.
"Don't worry, Hiyori-sama," Kyoushirou reassured her.
"As long as Kaido cannot defeat Madara, he won't act recklessly. We are safe for now."
****
Fish-Man Island: Ryugu Palace
Within the palace, King Neptune was hosting a feast for the new Shichibukai, Hoshigaki Kisame.
After the Marines' clash with the Whitebeards pirates, Fish-Man Island had fallen under Kisame's dominion, becoming his territory.
Though unfamiliar with ruling, Kisame was all too familiar with violence.
Any who dared resist him were swiftly dealt with, their punishments were made public to serve as warnings.
Over time, resistance dwindled, and submission grew.
At the banquet table, Neptune eyed Kisame, who sat calmly, eating only vegetables and refusing alcohol.
"Kisame-san, is the wine not to your taste? I can have some fine selections brought in from other lands."
Neptune's feelings toward Kisame were conflicted—a mix of gratitude and fear.
While Kisame's presence had made the island significantly safer, his methods were ruthless.
Pirates, bounty hunters, and even World Government forces no longer dared approach Fish-Man Island.
Furthermore, Kisame had eliminated Vander Decken IX, who had long tormented Princess Shirahoshi.
Yet, Kisame's treatment of fishmen and mermaids remained harsh.
His cruelty was intended to deter rebellion, and it worked.
Shirahoshi, timid despite her enormous size, spoke up softly, "If you don't like the wine... We can offer you some milk or juice instead."
Though towering over most, Shirahoshi's gentle demeanor always evoked a desire to protect her.
She was grateful to Kisame for eliminating Vander Decken IX, allowing her to reunite with her family, but his presence still frightened her.
Holding a piece of pastry, Kisame shook his head.
"No need. As a ninja, I don't drink alcohol. As for any juice or milk, there also no need for that"
"You're very disciplined," Neptune commented, forcing a smile.
"Did you train in Wano Country, Kisame-san?"
Kisame let out a low chuckle. "I've never been to Wano. Those people aren't worthy of being called ninjas."
Neptune fell silent, unsure how to respond.
Thankfully, his eldest son, Fukaboshi, intervened.
"Kisame-san, what brings you here today? If there's anything we can assist with, please let us know."
(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
****************
Neptune's expression grew solemn, a sharp contrast to his usual composed demeanor. Previously, Kisame had subtly alluded to the possibility that the Ryugu Kingdom might be called upon to assist him in the future. Now, with the arrival of an official visit, the purpose of it was unmistakably clear, leaving Neptune with a growing sense of unease.
In the past, Kisame had been far less formal, often dismissing Neptune's thoughts and imposing his own will without regard.
Now, as all eyes in the hall turned toward him, Kisame casually placed his hand on the hilt of the Samehada, his fingers gently caressing it.
A brief, tense silence hung in the air before Kisame's slightly hoarse voice broke it:
"This matter is of utmost importance. I trust King Neptune will treat it accordingly."
Neptune nodded gravely, his heart pounding as he braced himself for what was to come.
"In a few days, a distinguished guest will be arriving at Fish-Man Island," Kisame continued, his voice deliberate and infused with a sense of reverence. "This guest holds a position far beyond that of the Celestial Dragons."
Kisame paused for a moment, his gaze unwavering as he looked directly at Neptune.
"I trust that King Neptune will ensure Fish-Man Island is properly prepared to receive him with the highest level of respect."
Then, without warning, Kisame's eyes shifted to Shirahoshi.
His smile, though intended to appear friendly, held an unmistakable menace, revealing his true intent.
"And to further enhance this guest's experience," he added with a tone that sent a chill through the room, "Princess Shirahoshi should show him around during his stay."
Shirahoshi, visibly startled by his menacing presence, quickly swam behind Neptune, trembling as if she were a frightened child, seeking refuge in her father's protection.
The mention of a "distinguished guest" struck Neptune with a mixture of intrigue and apprehension.
Kisame, who had always exuded a sense of fearlessness—even in the face of formidable foes like Whitebeard's pirates—now spoke with a tone laced with a rare deference.
Neptune's mind raced, trying to comprehend the nature of this person who could command such respect from someone like Kisame.
Despite the growing concern, Neptune's protective instincts surged to the forefront.
He couldn't allow his daughter to be used in such a manner, no matter the circumstances.
"Kisame-san," Neptune began cautiously, his voice steady but laced with underlying tension, "may I ask, who is this esteemed guest you speak of?"
At Neptune's question, Kisame's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing into a sharp, piercing gaze. "If you already know it's a presumptuous question," he replied with a tone that was both cold and biting, "then don't ask."
Neptune's pride flared at the veiled insult, but he kept his composure, suppressing the urge to react.
He had to remain calm, for the sake of his kingdom and his daughter.
"Regardless of the guest's importance," Neptune said, forcing a smile that did little to mask his growing unease.
"Princess Shirahoshi is young and unfamiliar with much of Fish-Man Island. It would be unwise for her to serve as the host. As the King, I am better suited for this role and will ensure that every courtesy is extended to this guest."
Kisame let out a chilling chuckle, shaking his head in amused disbelief.
"You?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.
"That would only make things worse. I rather like Fish-Man Island and have no desire to see it ruined. Shirahoshi is far more appropriate for this task."
Neptune's frustration mounted at Kisame's dismissive tone, but there was no room for negotiation in Kisame's words.
The conversation had taken a dangerous turn, and Neptune realized that resistance was futile.
Kisame's focus shifted back to Shirahoshi, who was nervously peeking from behind her father's broad form, clearly frightened.
"Princess Shirahoshi," Kisame said, his voice firm and unyielding, "you wouldn't want Fish-Man Island to be destroyed because of you, would you?"
As he spoke, Samehada began to unravel its bandages, revealing its terrifying maw, its jagged teeth glistening in the light.
In a swift motion, the sword devoured the table before him, reducing it to splinters.
Shirahoshi gasped in horror, her eyes welling with tears as she looked to Neptune for help. Yet, all she saw was his pained silence.
"No! Kisame-sama, please don't harm Fish-Man Island! I will gladly take the guest around!" she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.
Neptune's fists clenched tightly, his rage boiling beneath the surface, but he remained silent.
His sons, equally furious at the blatant bullying, stood ready to protest, yet Kisame's cold, unyielding glare silenced them all.
"This is not a request," Kisame said, his voice sharp and commanding. "This is an order. Do not force my hand, or I will cleanse this island."
Neptune, despite the seething fury within him, bowed his head in reluctant agreement, signaling to his sons to stand down.
They reluctantly obeyed, their anger simmering beneath their expressions.
The maids quickly moved to bring new dishes and a new table, attempting to placate Kisame and ease the tension in the room.
As the meal continued, the conversation shifted to the preferences of Kisame's mysterious guest.
Neptune, desperate to bring the ordeal to an end, listened intently, trying to appease Kisame in the hope that he would soon leave.
Just then, a soldier entered the room, announcing Jinbei's arrival.
Neptune's heart sank at the announcement.
He glanced at Kisame, who remained unfazed by the news, and with a reluctant sigh, Neptune allowed Jinbei to enter.
Jinbei bowed respectfully; his voice steady but filled with concern.
"Kisame-san..." he began, his eyes focused on the shark-man with caution.
Kisame's lips curled into a smirk.
"What brings you here? Seeking revenge?" he asked, his tone dripping with amusement.
Jinbei shook his head calmly, his expression serious.
"No, I come with news for Fish-Man Island." His gaze turned to Neptune, and his voice grew grave.
"Your Majesty, Whitebeard intends to reclaim Fish-Man Island. I've returned with a request for Kisame-san to withdraw peacefully and allow the Whitebeard Pirates to raise their flag here once more."
Jinbei paused, his tone heavy with the weight of his words before adding, "I give my word—and my life—that you will not be harmed." He had negotiated that with Whitebeard.
Neptune's face drained of color as he absorbed the news.
Whitebeard was coming? The implications were disastrous, and his mind raced to find a way to navigate this perilous situation.
Kisame leaned back in his chair, his sharp grin unwavering as he regarded Jinbei with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Interesting..." he murmured, his gaze never leaving the fish-man before him.
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