Ten thousand meters under the sea, beneath the Holy Land of Mary Geoise—
Mythical Sky.
Kairos Flint had finally arrived at this place:
Fish-Man Island.
Much like Sky Island, this place required strict entry inspections for outsiders. Without proper procedures, one could be arrested by the Ryugu Kingdom's Royal Navy.
Fortunately, Fish-Man Island had a designated port for incoming visitors. Kairos Flint had no intention of barging in. He came prepared to comply with regulations. After all, this place was unique, and missing the chance to explore and purchase its specialties would be a shame. One couldn't say they'd truly been to Fish-Man Island otherwise.
However—
The moment the port staff saw his face, they went pale with fright.
To those unaware, it might've seemed like Kairos had assaulted the mermaid staff.
"L-Lord Kairos Flint! Please, come this way! King Neptune has already issued orders: if you ever arrive at Fish-Man Island, the best accommodations shall be prepared for you. You may check in at any time!"
"Do... do you need me to make the arrangements now?"
The mermaid attendant stammered in fear, clearly recognizing him.
Understandable.
The news that Kairos Flint had slain a Celestial Dragon shocked the world. The story had been published widely by the World Economic News, and the public's awareness had fermented over time.
Maybe not 100%, but at least 60% of the world population remembered his face—the man who had killed a Celestial Dragon and continued to roam free despite the World Government's wrath.
"Then go ahead and arrange it," Kairos replied calmly.
After all, this was King Neptune's goodwill. Given Kairos's growing notoriety, special treatment from the locals was no surprise. Accepting it wouldn't be impolite—refusing it, however, might be.
"Lord Kairos Flint, this way please."
The mermaid attendant managed to collect herself under his gentle demeanor, her voice less shaky now. She no longer appeared ghostly pale or trembled in fear.
With a nod, Kairos stored the Mythical Sky into his personal space.
"Let's go," he said.
The mermaid was startled by this move, but quickly accepted it. For the God-Slayer who had killed the Celestial Dragons, such abilities were to be expected.
She informed the other port staff and led the group of six into Fish-Man Island.
Meanwhile, at Ryugu Palace...
King Neptune had already received word from the port.
"He really came, just as Jinbei predicted."
Two days earlier, after the World Economic News printed its headline story about the slain Celestial Dragon, it spread across Fish-Man Island as well.
90% of the island's fish-people and mermaids had heard the news.
Jinbei, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and a former commander of the Sea King Army, immediately sought out King Neptune. Having long served to protect Fish-Man Island, Jinbei had contributed greatly over the years.
He easily guessed Kairos's next destination after the Sabaody Archipelago would be Fish-Man Island. Acting quickly, he and Neptune decided to treat Kairos as a top VIP guest.
Fish-Man Island, under the protection of Whitebeard's flag, had regained its former peace. However, Whitebeard's presence didn't stop everyone from desiring the island's most valuable treasure—the mermaid people.
Mermaids fetched astronomical prices on the underground market. Few pirates could resist that temptation.
But Whitebeard's warning was enough to deter 99% of them.
Still, King Neptune was no fool.
Everything he offered to Kairos Flint was a calculated gamble. He knew little of the man's character. Perhaps he was arrogant enough to ignore even Whitebeard's name and attack Fish-Man Island.
If Kairos turned out to be dangerous, paying a small price to avoid disaster was worthwhile.
If he turned out to be an ally, then it was even better.
A man capable of destroying a Buster Call, defeating an admiral, and earning the title of God-Slayer was certainly worth befriending.
So, Neptune set out himself—riding his crown-wearing whale mount—toward Yufuli Villa, a residence he had arranged in advance for Kairos.
It was the most luxurious and exclusive property on Fish-Man Island, a clear sign of high respect.
He wanted to meet Kairos personally. To see with his own eyes the man who dared to kill a Celestial Dragon.
If Kairos was a good person, Neptune might even invite him to Ryugu Palace.
If not, he would simply smile, offer to cover all expenses, and politely see him off.
At Fish Beverly Hills...
Kairos and his companions settled into their extravagant new lodging without spending a single coin.
"Did King Neptune really say he'd cover all our expenses?" Nami asked the mermaid guide eagerly.
Nothing thrilled her more than the word "free."
"Absolutely," the mermaid confirmed with a cheerful tone. "His Majesty has ordered that if Lord Kairos or any of his companions want anything, they may take it freely. He will pay."
Nami's eyes sparkled.
She would not let this golden opportunity slip away. Everything she fancied on Fish-Man Island would end up in her possession.
"Uta, Vivi, Robin—let's go shopping! I need more cosmetics and beautiful clothes!"
She rallied her fellow adventurers.
They eagerly agreed.
Who could resist a shopping spree on someone else's dime?
"What about me?" Perona piped up. Normally, she wouldn't dare ask. As a maid, and one with limited funds, she wouldn't accept charity from her companions.
But this time was different.
King Neptune was footing the bill.
"You've done well lately. You can come," Nami said casually.
She didn't mind. Perona had worked hard as their maid. Letting her join and pick out some cosmetics and clothes was a reasonable reward.
"You can take them shopping," Kairos said to the mermaid guide.
"And you, sir? Should I assign someone to assist you? So we can serve you more conveniently if needed?"
The mermaid was concerned about leaving him unattended.
"No need. Didn't you inform Neptune already? He should be on his way."
Her heart skipped a beat.
She worried Kairos might be upset about her notifying the king without his consent.
But her fears were unfounded.
Kairos didn't mind. This was trivial. And besides, it was Neptune who had arranged everything—it was only natural that he be informed.
"Relax. I'm not upset. Just do as I said. Take Nami and the others shopping."
"Understood," the mermaid nodded.
"Lady Nami, Lady Uta, Lady Vivi, Lady Robin, and Lady Perona, please follow me. I will be your guide to Marin Shopping Center—the largest shopping district on Fish-Man Island. Everything the island offers can be found there."
Uta's cheeks flushed at the respectful title.
Robin, with her worldly experience, showed little emotion, though her heart was content.
Nami and Vivi didn't blink. As Kairos's acknowledged women, the title was accurate.
Perona, however, turned bright red.
Being called Kairos's wife instead of maid startled her.
Though she'd once resented him, everything changed after she witnessed him destroy the Buster Call. Since then, she had secretly admired him.
He was a man of charm and strength few women could resist.
Though too proud to say it aloud, she secretly wished to be called his wife again.
With that, the mermaid guide led the ladies to Marin Shopping Center for a lavish spree.
Back at the villa, Kairos remained.
Not long after, King Neptune arrived with the Ryugu Royal Guard.
Alongside him was Jinbei.
They were surprised to arrive at the same moment.
"King Neptune, please go first," Jinbei offered.
"Let's go together, Jinbei," Neptune replied.
Not a man of pride or pretense, Neptune pulled Jinbei along as they entered Fish Beverly Hills together.