After passing through the entrance of Fish-Man Island, Nicholas's ship, led by the Dragon Palace Guards, easily reached the vicinity of Fish-Man Island.
As they entered the waters near Fish-Man Island, Nicholas and his party slowly sailed towards the island.
"Mr. Nicholas, can you tell us why you're heading to the New World this time?" Neptune asked cautiously on the deck.
Although Fish-Man Island served as the gateway to the New World and had knowledge of events unfolding there, as the prince of the Ryugu Kingdom and the future king of Fish-Man Island, Neptune needed more detailed information to ensure the island's stability during the upcoming turmoil.
Facing Neptune's inquiry, Nicholas tossed his bottle of wine to Neptune. As Neptune looked puzzled, Nicholas replied, "This is a rare vintage, fifty-year-old Wine God. Very precious. As for why I'm going to the New World, it's to participate in the war."
"Indeed, are the Rocks Pirates planning to engage in a full-scale war with the World Government?" Neptune's face turned grave.
Although Fish-Man Island might not directly participate in the upcoming war, the aftermath of the conflict could pose a significant threat to the island. If the New World erupted into war, failed pirates would likely attempt to retreat back to the Grand Line, and many of them might pass through Fish-Man Island. These failed pirates, even in defeat, remained a considerable threat to Fish-Man Island, especially considering the high price of merfolk in the human world, tempting many to take risks during the chaos.
As Neptune contemplated how to handle the impending chaos, Nicholas's ship landed on Fish-Man Island.
"It truly is an incredible creation."
Observing the massive island before him, Nicholas marveled at the wonders of the pirate world's nature. Fish-Man Island boasted a population of nearly five million. How such a large island formed under the depths of 10,000 meters of sea remained a mystery.
Moreover, the appearance of Fish-Man Island, with its artificial sky of white clouds and the two circles of bubbles enveloping the island, did not resemble a natural formation.
"Indeed, it's an incredible creation. Legend has it that Fish-Man Island was built by a certain generation's mermaid princess and her companions, serving as the last paradise left for the merfolk."
With Nicholas's gift and some information received, Neptune explained. Building a friendly relationship with powerful figures like Nicholas was crucial for Fish-Man Island.
Meanwhile, in the Fish-Man District, some people received news.
"What? Nicholas of the Rocks Pirates has come to Fish-Man Island."
"Allowing such a dangerous person into Fish-Man Island! Is Neptune out of his mind?"
Upon hearing that Neptune had let Nicholas into Fish-Man Island, Vander Decken VIII grew furious.
"What should we do, Boss Decken?"
Spoken by an octopus fishman wearing a jacket and carrying six knives on his back.
"What can we do? Are we going to confront that guy? He's a demon who once destroyed a large island."
"Are we even a match for him?"
Hearing his subordinate's words, Vander Decken VIII became increasingly annoyed.
"Just keep an eye on him. Report to me immediately if anything happens."
After his subordinates left, Vander Decken VIII entered a secluded room where seven portraits hung on the wall.
He looked at each one before coming to the seventh portrait, touching it gently as he muttered, "Old man, what is the power you spoke of that could rule the world? Our family has been waiting for so many years. Great-grandfather, grandfather, and you all hung on the wall. I might end up there and never see the power our ancestors spoke of."
Then, staring at the portrait of Vander Decken I, his eyes filled with hostility. "Old man, couldn't you have been clearer about something? Instead, you had to be a cryptic old fish!"
After venting, Vander Decken VIII left the room, leaving the seven portraits to continue their silent vigil.
"Mr. Nicholas, how do you find the food on Fish-Man Island?" Neptune asked with a smile.
At his enthusiastic invitation, Nicholas visited the Dragon Palace for a brief visit.
Nicholas picked up a piece of seaweed quiche and made a face as he tasted it, finding it akin to eating century eggs. But soon, a delicious flavor burst onto his tongue.
"Not bad," Nicholas said.
After seeing Nicholas engrossed in eating, Neptune was at a loss for words, as he had intended to establish closer ties with Nicholas. However, Nicholas's focused attention on food left him unsure of how to proceed.
But soon, Nicholas's inquiry broke the silence.
"By the way, do you have a small, sharp-nosed, thresher shark mermaid girl named Charley?"
"Huh? Well..."
Neptune was taken aback by Nicholas's question, as he didn't expect him to be looking for someone, let alone a mermaid girl. Thinking of certain peculiar nobles among humans, Neptune's gaze toward Nicholas changed.
Nicholas, perceptive as ever, seemed to understand Neptune's thoughts.
"Stop those dirty thoughts in your mind. I'm no beast. Even if I were looking, it'd be for a big-breasted mermaid sister, or a beautiful mermaid, like a certain fiery and compassionate speaker on Fish-Man Island, perhaps."
Upon hearing Nicholas's words, especially the mention of the fiery and compassionate speaker, Neptune panicked. If he could defeat Nicholas, he would surely let him know that the trident's three prongs weren't just for picking seaweed.
To dispel Nicholas's dangerous thoughts, Neptune sent people to inquire. However, the result was that there was no thresher shark mermaid named Charley.
"Well, Mr. Nicholas, if you can't find the person you're looking for on Fish-Man Island..."
Nicholas didn't care. The disadvantage of arriving early was that one wouldn't even know where they were yet.
But that was alright. As long as he survived for long enough, everything would come in due time.