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Auguro didn't pay any further attention to the matters of the Fish-Man District.
The residents from that area certainly couldn't be relocated directly into the main Fish-Man Island. They would be split up and dispersed across several zones, where they would live under surveillance for a period before slowly being integrated into the main society.
Undoubtedly, some resentful individuals would try to stir up trouble during this time. But a few severe examples of 'killing the chicken to warn the monkeys' (an idiom for making an example of someone) should quiet things down.
The specifics would be handled by Jinbe and the Neptune Army (Royal Guard).
At the Ryugu Palace, Neptune was all smiles as he hosted Auguro.
With the Fish-Man District gone, his biggest worry was also gone. Truly, it was nice to have a large tree to lean against and enjoy the shade!
"Your Majesty Auguro! You simply must honor us by attending our Fish-Man Island banquet!"
Neptune's old face was practically blooming with smiles. Honestly, the old fox truly loved throwing banquets.
The palace's banquet hall was spacious and magnificent. Since he had nothing else going on, Auguro naturally accepted the invitation.
During the feast, food unique to Fish-Man Island was continuously served. Especially the exquisite desserts—even Auguro, who wasn't overly fond of sweets, couldn't help but have several servings.
No wonder that old hag, Big Mom, was constantly obsessed with this place and rushed to claim the territory the moment Whitebeard died.
Speaking of which, since he had taken over Fish-Man Island's territory, shouldn't he inform Ace?
Although Neptune had already notified Ace that he intended to change the flag, Auguro couldn't completely disregard their past relationship.
With this thought, Auguro made a quick call to Ace.
Upon learning that Fish-Man Island had come under Auguro's control, Ace's reaction wasn't too intense. Although Neptune's change of allegiance annoyed him, he still had to give Auguro some respect. After all, Auguro had helped him quite a bit.
Most importantly, Auguro had snatched the territory right out of Big Mom's hands.
Ace figured that if the island couldn't stay under their banner, it was better for Auguro to have it than that repulsive old woman!
Soon, the unique Mermaid Dance Troupe of Fish-Man Island arrived in the banquet hall, and a grand song and dance performance began.
The mermaids in the water were like graceful little sprites, their scales adorned with sparkling sequins that reflected a dazzling, enchanting light. Their arms danced gently like swaying waves, and their slender waists twisted into captivating curves.
Utilizing the buoyancy of the water, the mermaids performed countless dance poses that no ordinary person could ever achieve.
In this moment, a scene from a fairy tale was completely realized before Auguro's eyes.
"No wonder Neptune loves throwing banquets; who wouldn't be captivated by this sight?" Auguro glanced at the cheerful Neptune, thinking to himself.
At this time, Neptune's sons, led by the eldest prince, Fukaboshi, raised their cups to toast Auguro. Auguro accepted every toast, draining his cup each time. His bold demeanor immediately won him a great deal of favor from the onlookers.
Then, Auguro suddenly remembered that Fukaboshi's little sister, Shirahoshi, was still confined to the Hard-Shell Tower!
So, he took the initiative to ask Neptune, "Lord Neptune, I recall you have a daughter! Why hasn't she been brought to such a grand banquet?"
Neptune was momentarily stunned, then looked a little awkward.
"Your Majesty Auguro! Shirahoshi's situation is rather sensitive; she can't safely attend the banquet!"
Neptune then explained to Auguro that Shirahoshi had been 'cursed' by Vander Decken years ago. It began with flying love letters, but after Neptune's forces pursued him, the attacks escalated to actual flying weapons like axes!
Because he was powerless to stop it, he had no choice but to keep Shirahoshi locked up in the Hard-Shell Tower for her safety.
Auguro, who knew the story well, understood that this was no 'curse,' but merely the power of the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, the Target-Target Fruit. Anything thrown could track the person marked by the user's hand.
It wouldn't stop unless it was shot down or obstructed by an object. And because washing the hand would remove the mark, Vander Decken hadn't washed his right hand for years!
Tch!
That pervert Vander Decken!
To target a girl that young!
Soi Fon (Sui-Feng) and the others who heard the explanation were instantly outraged. How could such a disgusting scumbag exist?
Auguro smiled at Neptune.
"Lord Neptune, don't worry! With me here, no one will be able to harass Shirahoshi!"
Neptune's eyes immediately lit up.
That's right!
He wasn't alone anymore! He had a powerful backer!
If His Majesty Auguro was willing to lend a hand, dealing with a mere Vander Decken would be effortless!
"It was my oversight! I will immediately have someone bring Shirahoshi here!"
Neptune chuckled and instructed Fukaboshi to go fetch Shirahoshi.
To avoid any mishaps, Auguro had Soi Fon accompany them. Neptune's words had also reminded Auguro that Vander Decken was a problem that needed to be dealt with quickly! Not just because he was a pervert, but also because he knew the secret of Shirahoshi's identity as Poseidon, making him a huge hidden danger!
Before long, Soi Fon's group returned. Trailing behind them was a massive figure with long pink hair.
Princess Shirahoshi, hailed as one of the world's greatest beauties, comparable only to the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock!
In all honesty, this Mermaid Princess truly embodied every element of a fairy-tale beauty!
The moment Auguro saw her, he couldn't help but marvel at the greatness of the Creator!
However, Auguro quickly noticed a startled expression on Shirahoshi's face. Soi Fon's expression was also quite grim!
"Lord Soul King!" Soi Fon immediately reported.
"Shirahoshi was just attacked by a flying axe. I managed to knock the axe away, but Princess Shirahoshi was still a little startled!"
Seriously!
It was a good thing he had sent Soi Fon along; otherwise, someone might have been hurt today!
A hint of coldness flashed in Auguro's eyes.
"It seems this Vander Decken needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible!"
Auguro had zero moral qualms about killing a pervert like that.
"Um, excuse me, are you Lord Auguro?"
At that moment, a soft, sweet voice reached him.
Auguro looked up to see Shirahoshi floating beside him, her large eyes blinking and sparkling as she looked at him.
Aww!
She really was too adorable! Who could possibly refuse such a gentle and cute girl? Especially one who was a legendary mermaid princess!
Auguro gave her a gentle smile.
"I am! Hello, little Shirahoshi!"
As he spoke, Auguro reached out, intending to gently pat Shirahoshi's head.
But he'd forgotten—Shirahoshi was nearly 12 meters tall!
His hand couldn't reach her head at all!
Coughing slightly to cover his embarrassment, Auguro subtly withdrew his hand.
Shirahoshi looked at Auguro with eager, wide eyes.
"Lord Auguro, do you like Shirahoshi?"
Hmm?
Auguro was bewildered, and everyone nearby was equally confused.
That "like"—was it the kind of liking she meant?
"Cough, little Shirahoshi, why do you ask that?" Auguro forced himself to ask.
If this wasn't clarified, he worried his reputation would be ruined!
Shirahoshi immediately explained.
"My Elder Brother said that if I could get Lord Auguro to like me, he would definitely be able to help me solve the problem of being attacked!"