Chapter 415 - 254

Chapter 254: Conspiracy, Dreams, and Banquets!Deep in the gloomy Fishman District, the seawater was saturated with the smell of rust and decay.A ghost ship with a nearly rotting hull settled shakily onto the silt like a dying behemoth, low murmurs seeping from between its planks.The cabin door creaked open, and four slender limbs stepped out of the shadows.Vander Decken IX dragged his wet hem, his green trousers shimmering faintly in the gloom."Hody Jones, what business do you have with me?!"Opposite him, a tall shadow nearly blocked the path.Gray-blue shark skin covered knotted muscles, a scarf hung around his neck, and under a tricorn flat cap, his pupils narrowed into two pale slits, overflowing with undisguised fanaticism.Hody Jones grinned, his sharp teeth cold and grim."Long time no see, Decken!!"He took a step forward, the ground trembling slightly."I've come to you this time because I want to borrow your ability!!""Hmm?!"Vander Decken froze for a moment, his two arms unconsciously curling up."That emperor of the sea..."Hody's voice suddenly rose, echoing through the alley."Straw Hat... the'savior' placed on a pedestal by those fools of Fish-Man Island, has already arrived here!!"He spread his arms as if to embrace the entire dark district."I need your ability to help me tear through the barrier of Ryugu Palace!! I want to personally execute that Four Emperors in front of everyone!!"A low laugh rolled from his throat, gradually becoming frenzied."I want those idiots of Fish-Man Island to open their eyes and see clearly... humans have always been an inferior race crawling at our feet!!"Vander Decken remained silent for a moment."Tsk tsk, Hody Jones, you're truly insane."He spat, the saliva disappearing into the murky water."That's a figure standing at the pinnacle of humanity... besides, he is this island's benefactor after all—""Shut up—!!!"A roar exploded like a blast of water pressure.Bloodshot veins spread in Hody Jones's eyes, and the veins on his neck bulged."Fishmen do not need a human savior!!""The weak ideology left behind by that old fool Neptune and that stupid woman Otohime should have been thoroughly purged long ago!!"He stepped forward, almost pressing against Vander Decken's face, every word reeking of blood."Fishmen are born with ten times the physical strength of humans! Fishmen are the true chosen ones of this sea!!""Once I crush Straw Hat, I will lead the New Fish-Man Pirates to trample the ocean!!""I will become the Pirate King, trample the Holy Land Mary Geoise under my feet, and turn all humans into slaves!!"The alley fell into a brief, dead silence.Vander Decken quietly watched the other's frenzied eyes for a long time, then slowly turned around."I'm sorry."He moved his four legs and walked toward the ghost ship, his voice as cold as deep-sea currents."I have no interest in accompanying you in such a life-risking deal."The sound of footsteps dragged a greasy echo across the slippery ground. Just as he was about to touch the rusted hull of the ship!"What if..."Hody Jones's voice suddenly drifted from behind, not loud, but piercing his eardrums like a poison needle."...I can make Princess Shirahoshi 'fall in love' with you?"Vander Decken's footsteps suddenly froze.He turned his head bit by bit.In the dim light, the corners of Hody Jones's mouth were raised high. It was a smile mixed with mockery, temptation, and cold control.The wind in the alley seemed to have stopped.Only the silence between the two men rippled slowly across the dirty water... Meanwhile, above the blue waves of Mermaid Cove, a brilliant scene was unfolding.Mermaids of all kinds emerged from the clear water, the scales on their tail fins shimmering with pearly light in the sun, small shells and coral adorning their hair, and their smiles brighter than the sea breeze.They waved their arms toward the blonde chef by the beach, their voices as crisp as crashing waves:"Sanji-san, come here—!""Waaa!! This is practically the entrance to heaven!!"Sanji's eyes had already turned into beating hearts. Without any hesitation, he tore off his black coat and leaped into the swaying blue.The moment the water splashed, he seemed to see a holy light blooming behind him."Beautiful ladies... here I come!!"Thump—!His face was instantly buried in a mass of ultimate softness.'This touch... is it marshmallow? No, it's softer than that...''It feels like sinking into a sweet-scented cloud. Is it freshly boiled caramel milk? Or fluffy whipped cream in the sun?''Incredible... this feeling makes my heart feel like it's floating... my soul is about to melt!'"I've decided..."He suddenly lifted his head from the water, his face overflowing with an unprecedented glow of happiness, his nostrils flaring exaggeratedly, looking completely lightheaded."—I'm going to live here forever!!!""Sanji-san is so funny~!"The mermaids burst into laughter, their tail fins gently slapping the water, splashing crystalline ripples.They were always like this, wrapping every visitor in their innate enthusiasm."No wonder this place is called the 'Island of Dreams' for men..."Usopp lay on the beach, his eyes staring blankly as if stars were about to pop out of his sockets."This isn't an island, it's a dream! A beautiful dream you can't wake up from!!""But, speaking of which..."Brook rested his chin on his finger bones, his empty eye sockets seemingly filled with doubt and deep envy."Isn't Sanji-san a Devil Fruit user? How can he still be so energetic after touching seawater?""Who knows?" Usopp curled his lip, his tone so sour it could pickle lemons."Maybe this guy's 'love' for mermaids is strong enough to temporarily block the sea's curse..."He looked at Sanji in the water, surrounded by laughter, then looked down at his own body that couldn't touch water, a wave of grief and indignation rising in his heart.Heaven was right before his eyes, yet he could only be a bystander... such a cruel reality!"Damn it... it's all Luffy's fault!!"Usopp tilted his head back, two broad streams of tears streaming down his face."If it weren't for him back then... maybe I could..."...Fish-Man Island, deep inside Ryugu Palace.The banquet hall was filled with flowing light and vibrant colors. The giant crystal dome filtered down the soft glow of the deep sea, reflecting the night pearls embedded in the hall.The rectangular coral dining table was like a work of art. On it were delicacies rarely found in ordinary waters:Giant clams as white as jade, oysters the size of fists, and whole deep-sea beast legs sizzled on special seaweed charcoal, releasing a mesmerizing aroma.There was also the amber-colored nectar secretively brewed on Fish-Man Island, served in clear glass cups, with bubbles slowly rising like stars.The Straw Hat crew's eyes were already firmly locked on the food, the sound of their Adam's apples bobbing up and down echoing one after another.From their eyes burst a nearly tangible, green light of desire, as if they were hungry wolves ready to pounce on the table at any moment."Um... can we really start eating?"Yamato suppressed her excitement, her gaze shifting between the boisterous Luffy and the majestic King Neptune, her tone carrying a cautious expectation."Ah—! Don't be polite, just act like you're on your own ship!"Luffy's mouth was already stuffed with food, and he shouted unclearly. Before he finished speaking, his arm stretched out like rubber, accurately wrapping around a whole grilled deep-sea fish and swallowing it with a "gulp," his face full of satisfaction.On the other side, Zoro had already lifted a wine barrel half as tall as a person with one hand and was drinking deeply. The amber liquid flowed down his chin and across his sturdy chest, but he didn't care, only letting out a hearty sigh:"Good wine!"The guards of Ryugu Palace standing on both sides watched in stunned silence, their hands holding the silver trays stiffening slightly."Truly... informal."The Seahorse Right Minister twirled his beard and whispered to himself, his tone mixed with astonishment and a hint of helplessness.Seeing this, a broad smile appeared on Jinbe's round face. He turned to King Neptune, his steady voice carrying apology and familiarity:"King Neptune, please forgive us. Brother Luffy is naturally like this; he has no intention of disrespecting Ryugu Palace."He looked at Luffy's complete immersion in the food, his eyes like looking at a troublesome but truly beloved younger brother."Guhahaha! No matter, no matter!"King Neptune's booming laughter echoed in the hall, his huge body trembling slightly with the laughter."They are the heroes who protected Fish-Man Island, the honored guests of Ryugu Palace!""A banquet should be enjoyed to the fullest!"His gaze fell on Luffy, who was trying to stuff a whole piece of roast meat into his mouth, and a very complex emotion flashed in his majestic eyes.Curiosity, sentimentality, and deep disbelief."It's just that I never expected,""That 'Four Emperors' who stirred up the world's winds and clouds and ascended to one of the pinnacles, the legendary Monkey D. Luffy..."He paused, seemingly searching for the most appropriate words, which finally turned into a soft laugh containing everything,"...would be so'special' in person. Seeing him with my own eyes is far better than any rumor."In the hall, the aroma of food, the boisterous clamor, and the tranquil glow of the deep sea intertwined, forming a noisy and warm picture unique to this azure secret realm.