One Piece: Starting in God Valley as a Slave

Carl thought about Shirahoshi. According to Roger's visit to Fishman Island last year, Shirahoshi was still about nine years from being born.

Due to Shyarly's prophecy, Neptune already knew he would have a daughter in the future.

Thinking of this, Carl looked up at Neptune. Neptune was startled, worrying that Carl might cause trouble.

With Neptune's unease growing, Carl slowly spoke,

"Neptune, I heard..."

"Black Dragon Admiral!"

Before Carl could finish, Otohime suddenly rushed over, interrupting him. Carl wasn't angered, only smiled and asked,

"You must be Queen Otohime. How can I help you?"

Compared to Neptune, Otohime was much calmer. She first smiled softly at Carl, her expression friendly, and said gently,

"Black Dragon Admiral, you're an honored guest, I can't let you stand here unwelcomed. Please allow me to arrange for someone to receive you properly."

After saying this, Otohime turned and gave a knowing glance to Neptune, who was still somewhat dazed. Seeing her look, Neptune quickly snapped out of it, nodding repeatedly in agreement with Otohime's proposal.

Carl noticed a slight hesitation in Neptune's expression but didn't question it, agreeing without hesitation.

Otohime seemed pleased by Carl's agreement and quickly arranged for two beautiful mermaids to escort him to change clothes.

As soon as Carl left, Otohime turned to Tiger and asked,

"Tiger, are you here with the Black Dragon?"

Tiger, who respected Otohime greatly, nodded, explaining how Carl had saved him.

Otohime pondered this for a moment and said,

"It seems this Black Dragon Admiral is more compassionate than rumors say, but we still must be cautious. Neptune, summon Shyarly immediately. We need her to foresee what's to come."

Neptune and Otohime had been married for less than a year, but Neptune deeply respected his wife's wisdom. Thus, after hearing her suggestion, he immediately instructed the Right Minister to bring Shyarly to Ryugu Palace.

Once the Right Minister had left, Otohime turned to Neptune, her expression thoughtful, and said,

"Neptune, the Admiral's sudden arrival might have something to do with your connection to Roger."

Neptune nodded solemnly, and Tiger, too, seemed to realize the significance, admiration flickering in his gaze toward Otohime.

Tiger was the first to encounter Carl, yet hadn't considered this possibility.

Indeed, the Roger Pirates were mortal enemies of the World Government, while Ryugu Kingdom was aligned with it. Neptune's friendship with Roger was a serious transgression!

But Tiger recalled his journey with Carl and felt that Carl's visit to Fishman Island seemed impulsive rather than calculated.

With this in mind, Tiger frowned, looking to Otohime,

"Queen Otohime, I don't think Carl came with hostile intentions. You sending him away…is it because you're..."

Tiger left his words unfinished, but the implication was clear. He thought Otohime's purpose might be to rally forces to oppose Carl.

Tiger, a man of gratitude and loyalty, deeply respected Carl for rescuing him from human traffickers. The idea of seeing his savior in danger on Fishman Island troubled him greatly.

Otohime, understanding Tiger's concern, smiled wryly.

"Tiger, do you think I want to oppose an Admiral? Do you understand the power of an Admiral?"

Tiger fell silent. He was the only one on Fishman Island who had directly witnessed Carl's overwhelming power.

The endless darkness Carl commanded, capable of devouring enormous creatures in an instant, still haunted him.

Otohime sighed and spoke softly,

"Even if the Black Dragon Admiral is here to settle accounts, we have no way to resist. If we did, Fishman Island would face utter destruction."

In the back, Jinbe listened quietly, witnessing firsthand the power of a true top fighter, capable of intimidating an entire kingdom with just his presence.

Otohime continued,

"For now, our best course is to buy time and wait for Shyarly's foresight. Whether her vision brings hope or despair, we can prepare."

The hall fell silent after her words, an air of tense anticipation settling over them.

Thankfully, the Right Minister was swift and soon brought Shyarly. She, now barely five years old, was clad in a small purple robe and approached in a daze.

Otohime bent down, her voice gentle as she addressed Shyarly,

"Little Shyarly, once again, we ask for your help. Please foresee whether the Admiral's arrival will spell misfortune for Fishman Island."

Though young, Shyarly had an innate gift for prophecy, giving her an insight far beyond her years.

However, she had developed a fearful reluctance toward her powers, especially when the prophecy concerned Fishman Island's fate.

After a moment's hesitation, Shyarly finally extended her small hands and placed them on a shimmering crystal ball.

Everyone leaned in close, their faces tense with expectation.

Shyarly closed her eyes, her smooth brow creasing as beads of sweat appeared.

Under their gaze, the crystal ball began to change.

A black mass emerged within, filling the crystal until it was clouded entirely, dark smoke rising ominously.

Shyarly cried out in pain, pulling her hands back and clutching her head.

The crystal ball lifted into the air, trembling before shrinking to a black dot, vanishing entirely.

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+115 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg