The nearly shattered talks at Ryugu Palace had the impact of a massive depth charge, exploding within the seemingly calm waters of Fish-Man Island. It didn't just create a splash; it sent a surging undercurrent through the sea that began to tear the entire society apart.
The news could not be contained. Takuro's arrogant declaration of Fish-Man Island as his "property," and his undisguised contempt for Queen Otohime's ideals, spread like a virus to every corner of the island. It traveled through the whispers of the palace guards, the pale faces of the officials, and the memory of the terrifying aura Takuro had released—a power that felt like a Tier 7 divine ruler.+1
Coral Hill and the Mermaid Cafe
In Coral Hill, the Mermaid Cafe was usually a place filled with laughter. Now, it was shrouded in a suffocating panic. Several young mermaid girls sat together, their bright smiles gone.
"It's too horrible... Did that Takuro really say he wanted to conquer us?" a pink-tailed mermaid asked with a trembling voice. Her seashell cup almost slipped from her hand.
"I heard the guards say that just by standing there, he made it impossible to breathe," another added. "It felt like the entire palace was about to collapse! Even His Majesty King Neptune couldn't do anything to stop him!"
"What about Queen Otohime? She's been working so hard to take us into the sunlight," a blue mermaid said, on the verge of tears. "Why would such a bad person come to destroy our hope?"
These were the most steadfast supporters of the Queen's ideals. They believed love and understanding could resolve hatred. Takuro's appearance was like a brutal giant hand popping their dream bubbles, leaving behind only cold reality and fear. They prayed for a miracle, but the unease felt like the permanent chill of the deep sea.+2
The Fish-Man District
In stark contrast, the Fish-Man District felt like a lit powder keg. While Arlong was still in the hospital receiving treatment, his influence and Takuro's goal of "attacking Mary Geoise" acted like a potent stimulant for the frustrated Fishmen.
"Did you hear that, brothers!" a Fishman with two horns shouted, jumping onto a discarded coral reef. "Lord Takuro is a God of War from the stars! His goal is the same as ours—to destroy Mary Geoise and kill all the Celestial Dragon swine!"
"Boss Arlong has already followed him! What are we waiting for?"
"That's right! The Queen's way won't work! Peace from begging is just charity!"
The crowd was agitated. Countless Fishmen brandished weapons, their eyes burning with revenge. In their eyes, Takuro's power was an absolute guarantee for their ultimate goal. To them, "flattening the Red Line" was far more satisfying than collecting signatures. A radical faction was rapidly expanding with Takuro as its spiritual leader.
Gyoncorde Plaza
Gyoncorde Plaza became the most intense battlefield of words. Fishmen and mermaids supporting the Queen engaged in fierce arguments with those leaning toward Takuro.
"You are inviting a wolf into our house! Takuro is more dangerous than any human! He will destroy our home!" an elderly Fishman cried out in anguish.
"Destroy it? Is the island good now?" a young radical retorted. "We hide ten thousand meters deep while our people are taken as slaves! Lord Takuro brings us real power!"
"Power? That is the power of destruction! The Queen's path is the right one!"
"The right path? By the time you get enough signatures, we'll all be dead!"
The arguments quickly turned into pushing and shoving. The Ryugu Palace Guards were overwhelmed. They were ordered to keep the peace, but they felt powerless against such a divided public. The entire island was plunged into unprecedented chaos.
Ryugu Palace Side Hall
Jinbe stood alone by a huge glass window, looking at the commotion below. His broad face was etched with worry. He understood the Queen's ideals—they were as warm as sunlight—but he also knew that fragile communities couldn't be protected by words alone.
Takuro's power defied understanding. He was easily a Tier 5 or higher threat, someone who could stand at the absolute pinnacle of power. He had torn apart the Queen's dreams and offered a plan for revenge that the Fishmen were already embracing.+2
"Submit, or I will replace your king."
Those words echoed in Jinbe's mind. It wasn't a joke; it was a statement of fact. King Neptune had contacted Whitebeard, a Tier 4 Yonko, but could distant help arrive in time? Even if Whitebeard fought Takuro, the collateral damage would be devastating. Jinbe felt trapped between a dream that might be crushed and a reality that was humiliating but "safe".+3
The Mermaid Cafe Interior
Inside her private room, Shyarly secluded herself with her crystal ball. The noise outside seemed far away, but her heart was turbulent. She placed her hands on the glass, trying to see the future of the island. This time, she saw nothing but chaos.
Just as she tried to look deeper, a loud crack echoed through the room. The crystal ball shattered into pieces!
"The future... where will it go?" she murmured with empty eyes.
Her prophecy could no longer point the way. She didn't know who to tell or what she could possibly change as the world around her began to break.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion