One Piece: The user of the Nen-Nen Fruit, who overturned the sea.

Neptune followed his gaze, a gentle yet proud smile appearing on his face.

He turned to the side, exposing the little mermaid hiding behind him to everyone's view.

White Star.

The little princess is only four years old.

Her long, pink hair cascaded down her back like silk, and her large, watery blue eyes timidly sized up the unfamiliar man in front of her.

"Father..."

Bai Xing clutched Neptune's clothes, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

Roy slowly stood up, walked to Shirahoshi, and squatted down so that he was at eye level with the four-year-old mermaid.

"You're Princess Shirahoshi?"

Bai Xing shrank her neck and hid her face in the corner of Neptune's clothes.

After a while, she peeked out with one eye to secretly peek at the man squatting in front of her.

He was very tall, but when he squatted down, he was actually a little shorter than me. And his voice was very gentle.

"Hello..." Bai Xing finally mustered up her courage and responded softly.

Roy pulled out a gift he had prepared beforehand from his pocket—an exquisite sea stone pendant with a chain made of deep-sea pearls and coral beads.

This is the craftsmanship of Beehive Island artisans; each bead is polished smooth and round, while the sea stone pendant is set in the very center.

"This is for you."

Roy handed the pendant to Shirahoshi.

"Wear it, and those big sea monsters won't bother you anymore."

Bai Xing's eyes lit up for a moment. She reached out her small hand and took the pendant, examining it from all angles, then looked up at her father. Neptune smiled and nodded.

"Thank you... thank you, Lord Roy."

Bai Xing held the pendant in her palm, her voice soft, but the joy in her tone was impossible to hide.

This unfamiliar adult gave me such a beautiful gift even though it was the first time we had met.

"No need to call me 'adult.' Just call me 'brother.'"

Bai Xing paused for a moment, then lowered her head, her voice barely audible, "Roy...brother..."

At the main table, the members of Roy's Pirates looked at Shirahoshi with some surprise as Roy treated her gently.

She didn't know why her captain was so... so special to this little fish-woman princess.

As the banquet drew to a close, the guests began to leave one after another.

Neptune and Jinbe led Roy to a secret room in a side hall.

This is the heart of the Dragon Palace, with excellent soundproofing and heavy guards outside.

Neptune sat down opposite Roy, his hands on his knees, his expression much more serious than at the banquet.

"Captain Roy, thank you for saving Lily from Fishman Island. Jinbe and I have already discussed this cooperation."

"Fishman Island is willing to establish a permanent alliance with Beehive Island."

Neptune's tone was solemn.

"Honeycomb Island provides armed protection to Fishman Island, defending it against harassment from New World pirates and slave capture by the Celestial Dragons;

Fishman Island provides Beehive Island with deep-sea minerals and seastone resources, and also engages in the exchange and inheritance of Fishman Karate with Beehive Island.

Roy didn't answer immediately. He picked up his glass of wine, took a sip, and remained silent for a moment.

"King Neptune, your terms are very reasonable."

But as an ally, I need you to consider one more thing—Fish-Man Island's stance when the World Government puts pressure on Beehive Island.

Neptune did not hesitate: "The moment our benefactor offered to shelter Fishman Island, Fishman Island was ready."

Jinbe stood up and bowed to Roy:

"Captain Roy, you saved the residents of Fishman Island and are willing to protect it."

Fishman Island will never forget this kindness.

Roy stood up. These two rulers of Fishman Island genuinely wanted to form an alliance with him.

It wasn't out of fear, nor out of self-interest, but because he saved the people of Fishman Island, because he was willing to protect Fishman Island.

"In that case..."

Roy reached out his hand,

"It's a pleasure working with you."

Two hands—one made of human flesh and blood, the other a mermaid's broad palm—were held firmly together.

Of course, the most important factor in bringing Fishman Island under its control is the future "Sea King," Shirahoshi.

................................................... .............................................

The following morning, Ark Proverb left the port of Fishman Island.

At the deepest point of the ocean, tens of thousands of meters below the surface, the ship turned around and slowly sailed toward the giant hole beneath the red earth continent.

The sunlight dimmed abruptly as it passed through the red earth continent, only to flood the deck again as it emerged at the other end.

The skies of the new world are bluer, the seas brighter, and the sea breezes stronger.

Every inch of air in this sea area is filled with the scent of danger and opportunity.

At the horizon, the outline of an island is becoming increasingly clear. Beehive Island.

Go home.

Meanwhile, on Beehive Island, which had already received news of Roy's return, the port was already filled with genetically engineered soldiers lining up to welcome him.

A thousand-strong honor guard stood in neat rows on both sides of the harbor, all dressed in black uniforms with a gold honeycomb emblem on their chests.

Everyone stood ramrod straight, their eyes piercing, like a thousand iron stakes driven into the ground.

In the very center of the port, all the core members of Beehive Island were present.

Barrett crossed his arms, his short, purplish-gray hair fluttering slightly in the sea breeze, and a rare smile appeared on his rugged face.

Count Red stood beside him, his back slightly hunched, but no one dared to underestimate this seemingly thin old man—he was the legendary figure who had single-handedly challenged Marshal Steelbone Kong.

Hawkeye carried the Supreme Grade Sword, Black Sword Night, on his back. The blade was hidden in its sheath, but the fierce sword intent emanating from it was impossible to block.

Crocodile, a cigar dangling from his lips, sported his usual roguish smile...

The Ark Proverb slowly docked, and the gangway was lowered.

Roy was the first to step off the gangway, his boots making a crisp sound as they stomped on the stone pavement of Beehive Island.

"Welcome back, Captain!!!"

A thousand genetically engineered soldiers knelt on one knee at the same time, placed their right hands on their chests, and shouted in unison.

The sound made the seawater in the harbor tremble slightly.

Roy waved his hand:

Get up.

He walked towards the group of core cadres who remained behind, his gaze sweeping over each of their faces, a smile playing on his lips.

"You're all here. Did you miss me?"

Barrett grinned. "Hey, Roy, you've really stirred things up on this trip."

"good."

Roy's smile held a rare hint of relaxation.

"I also took down a few fools who didn't know their place."

Hawkeye rarely speaks, but he did: "I heard you fought Akainu?"

"We'll talk about it later. Let's get to the island first."

The heavy stone doors of the royal palace on Beehive Island slowly closed behind Roy.

A huge stone round table was placed in the center of the hall, surrounded by thirteen high-backed chairs, each occupied by one of the most core members of Beehive Island.

This was Roy's first core leadership meeting since returning from his voyage at sea.

Crocodile spoke first, reporting on the operations over the past few months.