One Piece Space Fruit - Chapter 57

“To prevent foreign invasions and unauthorized entry, the Ryugu Palace is surrounded by water currents and bubble membranes, acting as natural barriers that require internal activation to connect with the outside world,” Tiger explained.

“No wonder Ryugu Palace is so grand,” Evan remarked, appreciating the majesty of Fish-Man Island.

Fish-Man Island’s isolation would have been impossible for centuries without significant resources and strength.

The royal ship, the Phoenix Tail, was naturally granted passage as they approached. It traversed the bubble membrane, following the currents to reach the entrance of Ryugu Palace.

The palace was a breathtaking sight: magnificent buildings adorned with gold and bright colors, large red wooden pillars, and intricately carved structures reminiscent of the Forbidden City from his previous life—grand yet delicate.

Familiar with the palace from countless visits, the Tiger led Evan toward the throne room, leaving the three princes behind.

The throne room doors were wide open.

A bright red carpet stretched out as they stepped inside, leading to a majestic throne where the robust Fish-Man King and his petite, indistinct queen sat.

On either side of the carpet, Fish-Man soldiers stood at attention, armed with spears and swords, creating a solemn and oppressive atmosphere.

This setting made Evan feel uneasy, and even Tiger frowned slightly.

“This doesn’t seem very welcoming,” Evan remarked with a light laugh, glancing at Tiger.

“Indeed…” Tiger’s face darkened.

He had expected a cordial invitation, but it seemed more like a setup for an interrogation or ambush. Such an array wasn’t for a friendly banquet; it was either a hostile reception or a display of power.

“What is the king thinking?” Tiger wondered aloud.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Evan shrugged, unfazed by the stern soldiers, and began walking down the red carpet.

He maintained a casual, almost leisurely pace with each step, as if taking a stroll.

But then, his demeanor shifted. His eyes sharpened, and his gaze became piercingly intense.

Thud!

With a single heavy step, Evan transformed from a cheerful, handsome young man into a formidable presence exuding supreme confidence and strength.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Though his steps remained slow, an invisible force emanated from him, rising like a tangible power and spreading outward, oppressing everything around him.

A breeze began to stir the sheer white curtains inside the enclosed throne room.

Thud.

One of the Fish-Man soldiers suddenly collapsed without warning, his limp body and weapon clattering to the ground with heavy and sharp sounds.

Then, as if triggered by this, other soldiers began to drop one by one, fainting in succession.

Evan walked calmly, reaching the midpoint of the red carpet, leaving all the soldiers unconscious and sprawled along the sides in a bizarre and comical display.

He stopped, and silence fell over the throne room.

“Now this is a show of strength,” Evan chuckled, looking up at the serious Fish-Man King, Neptune.

Neptune, wearing a crown, was much larger than the average Fish-Man, with a thick mane of orange hair and a full beard covered in dense body hair.

Neptune, the King of Fish-Man Island, is also known as the “Great Knight of the Sea.”

At that moment, the ruler of Fish-Man Island, wielding ultimate authority, scrutinized Evan, who had brazenly exhibited his power in the throne room.

“So, you are the human, Evan?” Neptune said in a deep voice, showing no anger despite what had just transpired.

“Of course,” Evan nodded, his gaze shifting from Neptune to the striking mermaid beside him.

She had long, wavy golden hair, blue eyes, and delicate features and wore an orange headpiece. Dressed in a robe adorned with golden-red scales, she was a stunning mermaid, rivaling Shyarly in beauty.

One was gentle and elegant; the other was noble and aloof.

If Evan wasn’t mistaken, this should be Queen Otohime. Her robe couldn’t conceal her bulging belly, indicating she was pregnant.

“Shirahoshi hasn’t been born yet,” Evan mused.

“Indeed… your reputation precedes you,” Neptune said, offering a compliment.

“Eh?”

Evan was momentarily taken aback, wondering if this was a prelude to further actions.

“Neptune, it’s been a long time,” Tiger stepped forward, greeting his old acquaintance casually.

“I didn’t expect you to return,” Neptune said, surprised. He had been focused on Evan and hadn’t noticed Tiger.

“This is still my home,” Tiger said with a sigh.

“It’s good to have you back,” Neptune nodded in satisfaction.

“But I will be leaving soon. You should know from the news that I’m one of the main perpetrators who freed the Celestial Dragons’ slaves. Staying here poses a significant risk. If the World Government uses this as an excuse to attack Fish-Man Island, it won’t be good,” Tiger said solemnly.

Neptune thought for a moment and then said, “You can stay without worry. As long as you hide in Fish-Man Island, they won’t be able to search every corner.”

Tiger shook his head gently, looked at Evan, and then smiled, “No need. I’ve decided to join Evan’s team and sail with him.”

“What?!” Neptune exclaimed, looking at him in shock, unable to believe his ears.

To think that the hero of Fish-Man Island, the former great leader of Fish-Man Street, the adventurer Tiger, would join Evan’s team was beyond his imagination.

“Are you sure?” Neptune asked seriously.

“I’ve made up my mind,” Tiger confirmed firmly, bringing a smile to Evan’s face.

During their last private conversation over drinks, Tiger hesitated but now seemed fully committed to joining Evan’s organization, aligning himself completely with Evan.

Regardless of being a resident of Fish-Man Island, he was now also a member of Evan’s team.

Neptune, hearing this shocking news, fell silent, contemplating the situation.

Finally, Neptune sighed and addressed Evan, “After all, you rescued some of our citizens among the Celestial Dragons’ slaves. As King, I owe you my sincere gratitude.”

“But…” Neptune hesitated, then continued seriously, “Yesterday, Fish-Man soldier Arlong reported to me that his sister Shyarly used her fortune-telling abilities to foresee an event related to the future of Fish-Man Island.”

“What event? Does it concern me?” Evan asked, remembering his visit to the Mermaid Cafe and requesting Shyarly’s fortune-telling.

“According to Arlong’s report, the foretold future showed Fish-Man Island being completely destroyed, with not a single remnant left.”

“In the prophecy, the person responsible was—you, Evan.”

Neptune’s expression was stern, leaving no room for doubt or jest.

Evan and Tiger both looked stunned.

Become a Patron to read chapters ahead of public release and support me 😉

Read up to 40 chapters ahead on p atreon.