Shyarly was startled and hurriedly waved her hands, saying it was nothing.
Joking aside.
This was someone truly favored by the rules themselves. Who was she to accept an apology from a figure like that?
"Your Majesty may rest and enjoy yourself in my humble shop," Shyarly said quickly. "I still have some urgent matters to attend to outside. Please forgive my lack of hospitality."
Even though she knew this might displease Oguro, Shyarly was honest about needing to leave and being unable to personally host him.
She had no choice. She had to go find Neptune and try to stop Oguro from clashing with the Big Mom Pirates.
Fish-Man Island was far too small to withstand two monsters of that level tearing it apart.
"No problem," Oguro replied casually.
He was here to sightsee anyway. It wasn't like he needed someone hovering over him.
With Oguro's permission, Shyarly wasted no time. The moment she stepped outside, she rushed straight toward the royal palace.
...
At the palace, Neptune was surprised when he heard that Shyarly had requested an audience.
Still, given her reputation as someone who could see the future, Neptune took the matter seriously and immediately had her escorted inside.
"Your Majesty! You absolutely cannot receive the Big Mom Pirates at the harbor!"
The moment she entered, Shyarly blurted it out.
Neptune's heart sank.
Judging by her reaction, she had clearly foreseen something terrifying.
"Shyarly, calm down," Neptune said gravely. "Explain everything clearly."
Shyarly quickly recounted everything she had seen.
Out of reverence for the rules, she carefully avoided mentioning Oguro's special status as someone deeply favored by them.
Even so, Neptune felt his scalp go numb.
The Big Mom Pirates alone were bad enough, and that was just a representative coming over.
But Oguro had arrived in person.
And he'd even brought one of his captains with him.
Everyone knew this was a man who could clash head-on with Marine Admirals during the Summit War.
If those two sides fought…
Neptune didn't even dare imagine the scene. Just thinking about it made his heart feel like it might stop.
This was going to kill him.
Yet despite all that, Neptune remained seated on his throne, unmoving.
Shyarly immediately grew anxious.
"Your Majesty, this concerns the life and death of Fish-Man Island. Please take action quickly!"
Neptune sighed helplessly.
"There's nothing I can do. The reason the Big Mom Pirates insist on being received at the harbor is so they can publicly replace Whitebeard's flag."
"They want to use this to proclaim their power and authority. They will never agree to cancel it."
"What about Lord Oguro?" Shyarly asked, a hint of hope in her eyes.
Neptune gave her a strange look.
"What? Do you really think Fish-Man Island has the standing to tell Lord Oguro what he can or cannot do?"
Did she think Captain Soi Fon at his side was just for show?
Neptune was certain that if they tried anything like that, they wouldn't even need to wait for the Big Mom Pirates to arrive. Soi Fon alone could flip Fish-Man Island upside down.
"Then… what do we do?"
Shyarly collapsed to the floor, her eyes vacant.
That feeling again.
Knowing everything, yet being completely powerless.
Apart from tormenting herself, what use was this prophetic ability of hers?
After a moment of thought, Neptune spoke slowly.
"There may still be one way."
Shyarly's face lit up with hope.
Neptune continued, "In the end, all we need to do is prevent Lord Oguro from coming into contact with the Big Mom Pirates."
"Didn't you say he's here to sightsee?"
"Then you take him around Fish-Man Island properly. As long as he misses the moment the flag is replaced, it'll be fine."
Shyarly thought it over.
That did sound feasible.
But would she alone carry enough weight?
After all, that man was… special.
Neptune considered for a moment, then added, "I'll have Jinbe go with you. He's Fish-Man Island's hero. That should be enough."
Only then did Shyarly nod in agreement.
...
Jinbe, who had just about reached home, was soon summoned back to the palace by the guards.
After hearing the whole situation, the Sea Knight felt his head go numb.
Seriously.
Fish-Man Island was just a small place. It really couldn't handle so many god-tier figures at once.
But since they were already here, there was no way to drive them away.
Left with no choice, Jinbe steeled himself and headed to the Mermaid Café with Shyarly.
Inside, Oguro was leisurely sipping Fish-Man Island's specialty coffee.
These deep-sea-grown coffee beans really were something else.
The aroma carried a hint of the ocean, giving it a uniquely refreshing taste.
"Greetings, Lord Oguro," Jinbe said respectfully, bowing.
"Oh, Jinbe. Long time no see," Oguro replied with a smile.
Though they hadn't interacted much, they had crossed paths during the Summit War.
Even in his previous life, Oguro had always admired Jinbe's loyalty and integrity.
Jinbe didn't know why Oguro was being so friendly, but it was definitely a good sign.
At least it meant Oguro bore no ill will toward Fish-Man Island.
Relaxing slightly, Jinbe smiled and said, "King Neptune learned of Your Majesty's arrival and specifically sent me to guide you around Fish-Man Island's scenic spots."
"He also asked me to convey his apologies. State affairs are pressing, so he cannot come in person. He hopes Your Majesty will forgive him."
The attitude couldn't have been more deferential.
Given that Oguro hadn't minded in the first place, there was naturally no reason for him to take offense now.
Oguro waved his hand and decided to continue touring the island.
Jinbe and Shyarly took on the role of guides, leading him to several famous spots around Fish-Man Island.
Following Neptune's instructions, they subtly steered Oguro farther and farther away from the harbor.
...
Mermaid Cove.
Despite being deep underwater, sunlight, blue skies, and white clouds could all be seen here. It was where mermaids lived.
Beautiful fish-men and mermaids frolicked and played about, just like something straight out of a fairy tale.
Oguro's eyes were filled with amazement.
Meanwhile, Soi Fon and the others were quietly giving off a hint of hostility.
The reason was simple.
These mermaids were far too good-looking.
Add in the fairy-tale aura that came with being mermaids, and it was almost impossible for any man to resist their charm.
Just look at Oguro. His eyes were practically dazzled.
That Jinbe… clearly up to no good.
The women shot Jinbe unfriendly looks.
Jinbe felt a chill down his spine and was completely baffled.
He was just faithfully carrying out Neptune's orders, keeping Oguro away from the harbor while showing him around.
He swore to the heavens he had no ulterior motives.
What reassured the women was that Oguro was only admiring the view and made no move to interact with the mermaids.
After all, he had come here to bring Fish-Man Island under his banner.
If he started diving headfirst into a den of beauties the moment he arrived, what kind of impression would that leave?