Bonus 25
---------
Several weeks later.
At the exit of Fish-Man Island.
The massive, see-through protective bubble gradually revealed an opening, spacious enough for multiple individuals to move through.
Atlas halted at the exit. In front of him stood the royal family led by Neptune and the residents of Fish-Man Island, their eyes filled with anticipation.
Oh, and just so you know, Mjosgard is also there, nearly fully recovered.
However, in contrast to his demeanor when he initially arrived at Fish-Man Island, he now exuded a more tranquil and composed vibe.
Clearly, Otohime's influence and teachings have started to take effect.
"The Marine branch on Fish-Man Island is nearly complete. Now, the remaining tasks are in your hands. As for him..."
Atlas paused, his gaze fixed on Mjosgard, before resuming.
"The summons have arrived from the Five Elders. I intend to personally accompany him back to Mariejois."
However, Otohime, who had maintained silence until now, suddenly spoke up, "Your Excellency Hakuryu, may I accompany you to the surface?"
"Otohime, you..."
A hint of concern crept onto Neptune's face. "I cannot allow you to do this. If you insist on going, let me join you!!"
"If the king goes there, he won't get caught by humans, right?"
"Tsk, who'd bother with an old fish-man like you?"
Mjosgard sneered under his breath, muttering in a voice he believed to be hushed, "Besides, we're not interested in mermaids without tails either."
"..."
Without engaging in an argument with Mjosgard, everyone present chose to silently overlook his words.
"...No, you're too powerful. It wouldn't make sense for you to go."
"If someone weaker than the average person, like myself, can return unharmed from that world, it can serve as proof to the citizens of Fish-Man Island that the surface is safe!!"
"Mother!!"
"Princess Otohime, where are you headed?!"
The fish-men trailing behind them caught snippets of the intense exchange, growing a bit concerned for Princess Otohime.
"Believe in the spouse and the human you've chosen..."
Otohime flashed a bright smile. Despite her concerns, she sought to comfort Neptune and the others.
'whispering sound'
As if unable to endure the conversation any longer, Mjosgard scoffed and strode past Atlas without a backward glance, heading towards the direction of the Ryu-Sen.
In the end, he cast a gloomy glance backward.
"You're quite audacious. Remember this. A domesticated creature daring to aim a gun at its master... I'll make sure you regret it!!!"
"...Fine, since you're so insistent, let's go together."
Atlas, looking at the somewhat aggrieved Mjosgard from behind, nodded in agreement with Princess Otohime.
Is this guy speaking so loudly out of fear that others won't hear him?
It seems that the impact of Otohime's ability to perceive thoughts, emotions, and desires is not yet sufficient and will require some time.
Pere~Pere~Pere~Pere~
At that moment, Atlas suddenly heard the urgent buzzing of a Den Den Mushi.
Click——! ! !
He reached into his coat pocket with a puzzled expression, pulling out a sea-blue Den Den Mushi. Sengoku's deep voice resonated:
"Moshi Moshi, is that Atlas?"
"It's me."
"Are you still on Fish-Man Island? Or have you begun escorting Mjosgard back to Mariejois?"
Through the microphone, Atlas could distinctly sense the gravity in Sengoku's tone.
"...Has something occurred?"
Upon hearing this, Atlas also adopted a more serious demeanor.
"Byrnndi World."
Sengoku enunciated the name almost syllable by syllable, "Recently, the Marine's intelligence department has detected his movements. This guy has been in hiding for quite some time. Given his nature, he must have prepared some formidable trump cards."
"The recruitment order for the Shichibukai has been issued, and your task is to bring Jinbei back to Marine Headquarters."
"Isn't he just an old-timer? Why make such a fuss about it?"
Atlas questioned with a furrowed brow.
Although Atlas didn't have extensive knowledge about the pirate Byrnndi World, he could glean some insights from the words of Sengoku and Garp.
That individual possesses remarkable abilities, combined with a carefree personality.
This is how he earned the title of the World Destroyer.
In essence, this pirate is undoubtedly formidable, but at best, he's just someone who fled from the clashes among the three legendary pirates: Shiki, Whitebeard, and Roger.
"That guy's Devil Fruit ability, along with his inclination to annihilate everything in his path, is excessively perilous. Now that Garp and the others have shifted their focus to the New World, recruiting Shichibukai is the only option."
"Tracking his whereabouts is challenging; we must eradicate him promptly!!"
It was evident that Sengoku harbored a profound fear of Byrnndi World, and there was a distinct urgency in his tone.
"...Alright, Jinbei is my responsibility."
"Then I'll be expecting updates from you at Marineford."
Snap—! !
After ending the call, Atlas looked up at Princess Otohime and the others, gesturing with open hands. "You heard it too. Jinbei, come to the surface with us."
"...Given the Marine's recruitment order, I'd rather comply than show disrespect. I'll entrust your well-being to Sir Hakuryu."
Jinbei, wearing sturdy wooden sandals, approached Otohime's side with steady steps, his voice calm and unruffled.
"How about this? We still have the escort of Jinbei, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea appointed by the World Government."
Otohime asserted with a resolute expression.
Evidently, her resolve to venture to the surface remained unshaken.
Though she may appear fragile externally, her inner strength surpassed that of anyone else.
"This..." Neptune glanced at Jinbei and then addressed Atlas firmly, "During this time, I entrust Otohime's well-being to Lord Hakuryu."
"Hey!! How much longer are you all going to dawdle? I've grown tired of sharing the same air with you low-class individuals!!"
As if growing impatient with the delay, Mjosgard, already aboard the Ryu-Sen, shouted loudly toward Fish-Man Island.
He had grown thoroughly disgusted with this wretched place.
In this location, he felt none of the privileges associated with being a Celestial Dragon.
Particularly that Marine, serving as the Marine Admiral.
Not only did he address him by his first name, but he also consistently disregarded his commands as a Celestial Dragon! !
"..."
'It appeared that this guy couldn't return too swiftly. On the journey, Princess Otohime would need to instill in him more about the fundamental principles of cooperation and mutual respect.' (T/N: RIP)
----------
Read 35 chapters in advance in Patr*on: patr*on.com/Cosmic_Kaminari