RNP Chapter 64: Times Have Changed
Chapter 64: Times Have Changed
Chapter 65: Times Have Changed
The Golden Dawn slowly sank into the outer reaches of the Sabaody Archipelago, where the sea surface was shimmering with vibrant colors under the sunlight.
The bubble wrap covering the hull isolates the darkness and pressure of the deep sea from the outside.
Schools of luminous deep-sea fish swam by, casting dappled, shimmering light and shadows on the bubble membrane.
Inside the ship, Oro, Lingling, and Gails had just finished their rest in the Sabaody Archipelago. In addition to having fun, they also replenished their supplies with fresh ingredients and daily necessities.
"I wonder if the Mermaid Cafe Taylor mentioned will be open when I go down this time. I hope it will be open so I can try the desserts I haven't had before."
Lingling clung to the edge of the ship's gunwale, her huge face almost pressed against the tough membrane.
She stared at the fantastical deep-sea scene outside, her voice filled with anticipation.
Five years ago, I passed through Fishman Island in a hurry and didn't have time to explore many places properly.
As Gals was taking stock of the seasonings she had bought from Sabaody, she laughed and said, "You, all you ever think about is food. But I've heard that the desserts on Fishman Island are indeed unique."
As Oro was piloting the Golden Dawn to a stable descent, he heard Lingling's words and replied without hesitation, "We're going to Dragon Palace as invited guests this time, so we have plenty of time to explore."
When the Golden Dawn pierced through the giant bubble membrane of Fishman Island's harbor and docked steadily at its berth, even the oblivious Lingling could feel the warmth of Fishman Island that was completely different from five years ago.
Five years ago, although they were treated kindly for rescuing Fisher Tiger and other mermaids, that was all. Commoners dared not express their gratitude to them, and even the prince had to come up with a reason to invite them to a meal.
This time, the port of Fishman Island was almost emptied, replaced by two rows of Dragon Palace guards standing in neat rows, each holding a coral halberd.
The entire dock was filled with guards, led by Neptune, the new king of Fishman Island.
Neptune stood at the very front of the procession, wearing a crown and holding a golden trident, his expression solemn.
The Left and Right Ministers stood respectfully to Neptune's left and right, respectively.
"Lord Orikum Oro, Lord Charlotte Linlin, Lord Gails, and everyone on the Golden Dawn, welcome back to Fishman Island!"
Neptune's booming voice echoed through the harbor, his tone formal yet enthusiastic.
Oro was the first to descend the gangway, followed by Lingling and Gails.
Oro smiled and shook hands with Neptune: "Such a grand reception from Fishman Island is truly unexpected."
"Of course! Of course!"
Neptune held Oro's hand tightly, gesturing for the group to make way: "You are all important friends of Fishman Island. As the king of Fishman Island, how can I neglect you?"
"Please come in! The banquet is ready!"
On their way to the Dragon Palace, they rode in a huge phoenix-tailed carriage pulled by docile sea beasts.
Gails and Lingling rode in one car, while Oro rode in the other with King Neptune.
Lingling leaned over the car, excitedly pointing at the schools of fish swimming below and the colorful coral formations.
Gails noticed the gazes cast by many merfolk and fish-man residents along the way. Those gazes were filled with curiosity, awe, and even fawning, a stark contrast to those five years ago.
In another limousine, Neptune glanced at the still desolate Fishman Island outside the window and said with a complex expression, "Lord Oro, to be honest, although Fishman Island is located in the deep sea, it has been paying close attention to your movements on the high seas for the past five years."
Oro remained calm, only slightly tilting his head to indicate that he was listening.
"From the moment you established the United Kingdom on Gaya Island, every step you took was amazing."
"Times have changed. Now, along the entire first half of the Grand Line, from the Spring Queen's City to Carnival City, from Water Seven to Gourmet City, there is almost no island or kingdom that doesn't do business with your Golden Grand Fleet."
Neptune, the king of Fishman Island, made no attempt to hide his flattery at this moment: "Putting aside everything else, the Jaya Security Fleet under the Golden Grand Fleet alone now has thirty-six fleets, right?"
"The total number of ships of all sizes and types has probably exceeded one hundred. This force has surpassed that of many small countries, which is astonishing."
Oro smiled faintly, not denying it: "The sea is vast, and while the United Kingdom's trade is thriving, it is also easy for parasites to breed. Maintaining smooth sea routes is beneficial to everyone."
"Yes, there are benefits."
Neptune nodded meaningfully: "I heard that in the middle of the year before last, the Navy Headquarters was very dissatisfied with your rapid development. Some admirals in Marineford even suggested that we send out a fleet to wipe you out."
Oro was naturally aware of this matter. At the time, the navy did exert considerable pressure, and several member states even temporarily suspended trade with Gaya Island under the influence of the navy.
Neptune looked at Oro's still calm face and said with admiration, "As a result, the Kingdom of Alabasta, together with most of the World Government member states of Paradise, jointly wrote to Mary Geoise to petition the Five Elders."
"Trade with the gold-caravans greatly boosted the economies of various countries, making it easier and more convenient for them to pay the heavenly gold in full."
Neptune's tone involuntarily carried a hint of sarcasm: "Then, Marineford fell silent."
"Ha, on this vast ocean, there is nothing that the World Government cares about more than the celestial gold of the member states."
Oro simply smiled faintly: "The World Government has always been like this. We, the Gaia, simply want to achieve mutual benefit with everyone."
"Fishman Island, one of the member states that submitted the petition, is among them. Your Majesty, please rest assured that Gaya will remember this kindness."
Oro's casual words made Neptune give him a deep look.
This young man, who needed to rely on information from Fishman Island just five years ago, has grown into a pivotal figure in the park in just a few short years.
His power comes not only from his own strength, but also from his vast network of business and politics spanning the seas.
The phoenix-tail carriage arrived at the Dragon Palace, where a grand welcoming banquet was already prepared.
The feast was exquisite, and the entertainment was magnificent. It was a whole level above the thank-you banquet five years ago.
During the banquet, King Neptune, his ministers, and many nobles from the Dragon Palace all expressed their flattery and respect for Oro and his power.
They talked about the use of special shellfish brought from Gaya Island on Fishman Island, and how the sophisticated instruments produced by the Kingdom of Gaya improved life in Dragon Palace.
They also discussed how, thanks to the Golden Fleet's protection, the number of pirate crews harassing Fishman Island has significantly decreased recently.
Lingling wasn't very interested in these pleasantries; her attention was entirely on the cake that Ryugujo had specially made with deep-sea fruits.
Gails, meanwhile, was casually exchanging medical insights about Fishman Island with the mermaid maid beside her.
After the banquet, Neptune invited Oro to a side hall for a more private conversation.