Three days later.
The Gyogyo Square was filled with one thousand fish-men specially selected by King Neptune from the military.
To show his respect, King Neptune held a farewell ceremony and even asked his children to dress in formal attire.
"Brother, is Lord Reddy scary?"
Shirahoshi sat on a bubble ring, tugging at her brother Prince Fukaboshi's sleeve and whispering curiously.
After her mother Queen Otohime was assassinated, she was targeted by Vander Decken IX and had to live in the Hard-Shell Tower under her father King Neptune's arrangements, rarely leaving.
It wasn't until Reddy lifted Fish-Man Island into the sky that she finally breathed the air of freedom.
However, Shirahoshi had never met Reddy in person. She could only imagine a cold and ruthless man based on descriptions from her father and three brothers.
"Why would you think that?"
Prince Fukaboshi was surprised but quickly frowned and pressed, "Did someone say bad things about Lord Reddy in front of you?"
Shirahoshi was startled and shook her head hurriedly.
He had captured over a hundred thousand fish-man rebels in one go, and their fates remained unknown to this day. Wasn't that cold and ruthless enough?
"Lord Reddy is a gentle man."
Prince Fukaboshi confirmed that it was just his kind-hearted sister's misunderstanding due to her inability to grasp the threat posed by the rebels. Relieved, he shared his own impression of Reddy.
Fish-Man Island had been somewhat isolated before, so his knowledge was limited to newspapers and what Jinbe had told him.
He went into great detail, especially about the drastic changes Loguetown had undergone in such a short time.
Even so, Shirahoshi listened intently, and even the other two princes were drawn in.
"Lord Reddy is truly amazing."
Prince Ryuboshi's face was full of longing for the current Loguetown. "I wonder when we'll get the chance to visit."
"There will definitely be an opportunity."
Prince Fukaboshi smiled confidently and turned his gaze to the one thousand fish-men lined up in formation.
These were elite soldiers carefully selected by him and King Neptune, entrusted with an important mission.
"Can I really go?"
Shirahoshi was excited but also nervous.
Through Prince Fukaboshi's account, she had gained a new understanding of Reddy. However, knowing that she would accompany her brother to Loguetown to meet Reddy, she worried that her ignorance might cause misunderstandings.
Prince Fukaboshi looked up at his sister with a reassuring smile. "Lord Reddy is always lenient with children. Someone as adorable as you won't upset him even if you make a mistake."
Shirahoshi shook her head. "But... that would affect Lord Reddy's authority."
From her brother's description, she knew Reddy was unbiased and treated everyone equally, regardless of race.
If she made a mistake but was forgiven by Reddy, it might lead others to lose trust in him.
Prince Fukaboshi was taken aback.
He had only been joking to comfort his sister, but the young girl had thought more deeply about it than he had.
"Your sister is right."
King Neptune floated over on a bubble ring and solemnly instructed the future king of Ryugu Palace. "Don't take advantage of others' kindness. It will only make them dislike you more."
"I understand."
Prince Fukaboshi nodded seriously.
Before long, a portal opened in the air.
Everyone's attention was drawn to this suddenly appearing doorway.
It was enormous, roughly ten meters tall and five meters wide.
Jinbe was also surprised.
Soon, everyone saw the reason.
Two clones carried out a massive full-length mirror through the portal.
The mirror was about eight meters tall, not the popular oval shape but more like an egg cut in half.
It resembled a door.
Reddy, followed by his secretary and maid, stepped out of the portal.
"Come with me."
King Neptune quickly called his four children and approached Reddy.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Shirahoshi."
Reddy greeted Shirahoshi with a warm smile while observing the princess who could summon and command massive Sea Kings.
The three ancient weapons possessed terrifying power, and right before him was... well, floating one.
"Hello, Lord Reddy."
Shirahoshi also studied Reddy curiously.
This man gave her a warm feeling. He didn't seem like an intimidating ruler but more like an approachable older brother.
Reddy didn't focus on Shirahoshi for long. His gaze shifted to the one thousand fish-men lined up in the square, and he was slightly surprised.
Even he could tell these fish-men carried a military demeanor.
He had seen this same aura in prisoners like Doberman.
"Are you dissatisfied?"
King Neptune noticed Reddy's frown, and his heart leaped into his throat. He cautiously asked the question.
"Not at all."
Reddy shook his head with a strange expression. "Why did you choose these people?"
King Neptune broke into a cold sweat, unsure how to answer. He glanced at Jinbe for help.
"Fish-Man Island needs to reintegrate into human society."
Jinbe, being straightforward and considering himself Reddy's subordinate, believed he shouldn't hide anything from him.
Reddy chuckled and countered, "Did you pick these soldiers just to leave a good impression on me? Aren't you a fish-man yourself?"
Jinbe froze.
Reddy sighed and pointed at the full-length mirror he had brought. "See that mirror?"
Jinbe nodded blankly.
Reddy spread his hands. "I hold no prejudice against any race. The reason I came to Fish-Man Island to recruit workers is simple: Fish-Man Island needs new job opportunities."
"Huh?"
Jinbe seemed to understand but also didn't.
On the other hand, the cautious King Neptune grasped the meaning immediately, his eyes slightly reddening.
There was nothing wrong with this statement.
Since Fish-Man Island was lifted into the sky, his biggest concern wasn't the lingering fish-man supremacist ideology among the people but the livelihood of most citizens.
Fish-men leaving the sea meant losing their primary means of survival.
If not for the wealth accumulated by Ryugu Palace sustaining them until now, another rebellion would have erupted long ago.
This was also why he placed such importance on Fish-Man Island's reintegration into human society.
"But..."
King Neptune gathered his courage to speak but hesitated, unsure how to phrase his concerns tactfully.
The bold Prince Fukaboshi had fewer reservations. Seeing his father falter, he quickly explained on his behalf. "My father is worried that randomly selecting people might give troublemakers a chance to cause chaos in Loguetown, damaging Fish-Man Island's reputation there."
"Fear stems from the unknown."
Reddy smiled easily. "Anyone who dares to cause trouble in town can just be killed. Once enough die, the humans in Loguetown will no longer fear fish-men. Curiosity will naturally lead them to interact with fish-men."
"This..."
Prince Fukaboshi felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint it.
Shirahoshi stared at Reddy in horror, thinking this man really was cold and ruthless. The way he spoke so casually about killing was terrifying.
But King Neptune understood and expressed his gratitude respectfully. "I see. I'll go and reselect..."
Reddy waved his hand with a smile. "That's too troublesome. How about I hold a recruitment fair here instead?"
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