One Piece: Talent Copy System!

Chapter 168: Neptune’s Feast

Chapter 168: Neptune’s Feast

With Jinbe, their local guide, leading the way, Noir and his crew finally had a clear path.

A large group of fish-men swam ahead of the Ark Maxim. After some time, the contours of Fish-Man Island came into view.

A massive, semi-circular bubble barrier enveloped the entire island, a fantastical paradise nestled on the seabed.

As Noir knew, the bubble barrier consisted of two layers, with a layer of air trapped between them.

If they had attempted to enter Fish-Man Island via an incorrect route, their bubble coating would have automatically peeled off and merged with the island's barrier.

Some ships might even have plummeted from the air layer in between, crashing onto the island’s surface and leaving no trace.

Even if they successfully breached the barrier, the intruders and their vessel risked being swept away by the powerful currents within.

However, Fish-Man Island's defenses ended there. If anyone tampered with the barrier itself, the island would be left utterly defenseless.

As they drew closer to Fish-Man Island, Enel stared in awe at the magnificent sight, murmuring, "Fish-Man Island is even more dazzling than Sabaody! It's like an underwater paradise!"

"If we were to occupy this place..."

Enel’s mind raced with possibilities. Wyper rolled his eyes. "But how can there be sunlight ten thousand meters under the sea?"

Noir paused, realizing he couldn't recall the explanation. Did Fish-Man Island have an artificial sun...?

Conis pointed towards the sky within the bubble. "There's even a sky and clouds!"

Jinbe, overhearing their conversation, offered an explanation. "Although we are deep beneath the sea, a giant tree called the Sunlight Tree Eve grows near Fish-Man Island.

It channels sunlight from the surface down to us, giving us day and night. We call this phenomenon the 'Sun's Blessing.'"

"Because of this, the closer a house is to the sunlight, the more desirable and expensive it is."

Wyper nodded in understanding.

The citizens of Fish-Man Island yearned for sunlight, just as the people of Skypiea longed for soil. The more elusive something was, the more precious it became.

Having Jinbe as their guide made the journey all the more enjoyable. Finally, they reached the gates of Fish-Man Island.

Inside, the water level was much lower. The crew could finally leave their bubble, and they all jumped out.

...

In the spacious hall, Noir held a crab leg in one hand and his Underworld mirror in the other.

Starlight shimmered within the palace. As the light faded, numerous figures materialized.

Neptune stared in surprise. The light had revealed a large group of fish-men and merfolk.

Then, he spotted a familiar face among them – Puff, his old steward.

Puff smiled and approached Noir, addressing Neptune. "Your Majesty, it's been a while..."

Neptune's lips curved into a smile. "Your safe return is the best news I could have asked for."

He then turned to Noir, his gratitude evident. "Thank you again for bringing my people back, Mr. Noir!"

Noir shook his head. "Just take good care of them."

"There's one more thing."

He raised the Underworld Mirror. The Spade Pirates materialized, Ace lying on a makeshift bed, looking around in confusion.

Noir gestured towards Ace. "He's a friend of mine. He's quite seriously injured. I was hoping he could recuperate here for a while."

Neptune readily agreed, his voice booming as he patted his chest. "Of course! Fish-Man Island will take good care of him."

Though Noir's friend was likely a pirate, and Fish-Man Island harbored a deep resentment towards humans, especially human pirates, Neptune couldn't refuse.

He was a king, after all. Protecting a single pirate was a small matter.

Ace, realizing he'd been "Sold" to Neptune, rolled his eyes.

But the sight of the feast before him quickly dispelled any lingering resentment...

As Ace joined the fray at the table, Enel protectively guarded his food, then asked curiously, "Neptune, why are there always weapons flying over the palace?"

...

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