Chapter 38: Royal Meeting – The Depths of Reverence

Chapter 38 - Royal Meeting – The Depths of Reverence

The colossal bubble-enclosed island of Fish-Man Island gleamed beneath the sea like a jewel cradled by the ocean. Coral palaces, glowing sea flora, and floating jellyfish shimmered in the distance. The Voidreign ship, an immense black vessel adorned with the infamous panda-with-a-cowboy-hat flag, gently docked at the gates of the kingdom.

As the mist of seawater parted, Jessie, the "Void King", stepped forward with measured calm. His tall frame exuded confidence, and his signature black cowboy hat cast a sharp silhouette. He looked toward the Fish-Man royalty and gave a respectful nod to King Neptune, who stood tall in full regalia, his eyes filled with complex emotion—equal parts fear, reverence, and duty.

Just beyond Neptune stood the radiant and towering figure of Shirahoshi, the Mermaid Princess and Poseidon, the Ancient Weapon. Her ethereal beauty was rivaled only by her sheer size.

The moment Jessie caught sight of her, his eyes widened subtly.

"Whoa..." whispered Vash, eyes gleaming with amazement. "She's... massive."

"She's the largest mermaid in the world," Kuina said softly, standing beside Uta.

Vash took a few enthusiastic steps toward Shirahoshi, a bottle of coral wine still in hand, grinning like a child. "This is incredible! I gotta talk to her—"

Before he could even finish the thought, Uta appeared in a flash, her fist crashing down on his head.

Whack!

"Respect the royal family, idiot!" she barked, puffing her cheeks in frustration.

"Oww! I was just gonna say hello," Vash groaned, holding his head.

Despite the comical scene, Neptune's observant eyes lingered on the crew. He didn't see pirates. Not the kind that pillaged or plundered. There was a strange harmony about them—an aura more akin to wandering adventurers than criminals. And yet... outside this tranquil bubble, the world shook at the very mention of their names.

The defeat of CP0, the obliteration of the Holy Knights, and the collapse of an Admiral at the hands of Meruem—it had already reached the sea below. Fish-Man Island, once remote and safe from world affairs, could no longer ignore the tides of change.

But King Neptune—despite everything—stood his ground.

He stepped forward and bowed his head lightly. "Captain Jessie of the Voidreign Pirates... we welcome you and your crew to Fish-Man Island. We've heard of your exploits. Despite what the world says, you're our guests. I hope you'll accept our invitation to a royal banquet."

Jessie, still calm and unreadable, simply nodded. "Sure. That sounds nice."

Behind him, his crew gave mixed reactions. Vash gave a lazy salute, Blackeye the panda continued chewing bamboo like he didn't hear anything, Uta crossed her arms with a faint smirk, and Meruem didn't even lift his head—his cold gaze scanning the coral streets with distant disinterest.

As the royal escort turned to lead the way, something stirred far away...

Elsewhere in Fish-Man Island...

Madame Shyarly, the renowned fortune teller of Fish-Man Island, stood behind the large glass panels of her shop. Her eyes, sharp and deep like the sea, were locked on Jessie.

She had felt it. An omen, a ripple in the tide of fate unlike any before. Her trembling fingers brushed across her crystal ball.

"I must see it," she whispered. "The future of this man..."

Her mind focused. Mist swirled inside the orb—visions forming from her will. But instead of images, instead of prophecy, there was nothing. A blank canvas. Pure white mist.

It was as if fate itself refused to speak.

Her breath caught in her throat. Her body stiffened with dread. "What... is this? Why... can't I see anything?"

And then... he turned.

From afar, amid the streets of Fish-Man Island, Jessie looked directly at her.

Not in a passing glance. Not by coincidence.

But as if he knew she was watching.

Their eyes locked across the distance. A long, silent gaze between prophet and enigma. Then Jessie smiled softly—warm, mysterious, and yet impossible to read—and turned back, following King Neptune and his crew toward the royal palace.

Madame Shyarly's hands trembled.

"That man..." she whispered, "is a blank slate in the flow of time..."

Thirty Minutes Later – Inside the Ryugu Palace

The banquet hall glowed with underwater lanterns and coral chandeliers. Tables filled with exotic foods, sparkling drinks, and sea delicacies lined the hall. Musicians played gentle harp melodies using jellyfish strings, and mermaids served dishes with elegant grace.

The Voidreign crew entered, and the atmosphere shifted.

Jessie, now without his coat but still donning his hat, took a seat beside Neptune.

King Neptune raised his goblet. "To peace... and understanding."

Jessie nodded, then calmly said, "We're not here to cause trouble, King Neptune. Two of my crew—Kuina and Uta—they're both friends of Monkey D. Luffy, the one you helped before. I owe him."

Neptune's eyes softened. "Straw Hat Luffy... that boy helped save this kingdom. If your people are his friends... then we are allies for now."

The two nodded in mutual respect.

Around the room, laughter and life blossomed.

Vash was already on the dance floor, swirling with mermaids and occasionally spilling his drink as he shouted: "Fish-Man Island is the best vacation spot ever!"

Blackeye, unbothered, sat cross-legged on a cushion, happily munching on a stack of bamboo he had brought himself.

Meruem sat at the far end of the table, his cold eyes never blinking, his fingers slowly picking apart each dish with eerie precision. Despite the food in front of him, he ate like it was war—never relaxed, never at peace.

Uta sat with Seraphim Hancock, laughing softly at Vash's clumsy dancing, while Kuina watched the hall with a warrior's discipline, though even she couldn't hide a soft smile.

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Seraphim Mihawk, ever the loner, stayed at the corner of the hall, a glass of deep-sea wine in hand, his eyes closed as he imagined new blade techniques. The Supa Supa no Mi had awakened something in him—something metallic, refined, and dangerous.

For two hours, the void of war was filled with food, laughter, and uneasy peace.

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