One Piece: Investing In Whitebeard At The Start.

"The great pirate god falls? Is he here?"

Madam Shyarly was visibly surprised when she heard the mermaid staff's report. She hadn't expected that Vane would come to Fish-Man Island and appear at the Mermaid Café.

Fish-Man Island, located thousands of meters beneath the sea, doesn't receive newspapers and bounty posters easily—most news is brought by passing pirates. Madam Shyarly only began paying attention to Vane after hearing the stories of his recent actions.

In fact, Vane was something of a benefactor to Fish-Man Island. Many times, the island's residents fell into the hands of the Celestial Dragons and were tragically enslaved. One of those Celestial Dragons had been killed recently on Sabaody Archipelago, and the freed slaves included Fish-Man Island citizens. One of the freed mermaids had returned and shared the story.

From this alone, Vane had earned their gratitude.

Humans from the surface have always harbored prejudice against the residents of Fish-Man Island. Very few ever offered help. Most ignored them—or worse, hunted and sold them. Acts of kindness were all but unheard of.

"I want to invite him to speak with me directly."

Shyarly's eyes were serious. "Maybe… maybe he can help Princess Shirahoshi. If he can, she wouldn't need to hide away in that narrow tower anymore, always running from that monster Vander Decken IX."

To Shyarly, Vane wasn't like other pirates. Most who visited the Mermaid Café did so with lecherous intentions—watching the mermaids and waiting for a chance to abduct them. Because mermaids were rare and valuable, selling them to nobles or Celestial Dragons could make a pirate rich overnight.

Celestial Dragons were stupid, bloated with wealth—and willing to pay anything.

Wasn't piracy just about burning, killing, and looting?

Vane was calmly sipping coffee when a blue-skinned mermaid appeared at his table. She was mature and graceful, with a cool demeanor and an air of mystique.

It was the café's owner—Madam Shyarly.

"Mr. Vane, may I invite you to a more private room?"

Her tone was polite, even respectful. Vane could hear the intent behind it.

"Sure."

The crowd outside was noisy, and Vane didn't like the constant stares. Kalifa accompanied him as Madam Shyarly led them into a more luxurious private room.

Coffee and desserts were quickly served.

Madam Shyarly gestured toward the food. "These are specialty Fish-Man Island desserts, quite famous even outside the sea. Please, try them."

These desserts were the kind that could make even Big Mom drool. It wasn't an exaggeration to call them some of the best in the world.

Then she asked, "Mr. Vane, do you intend to enter the New World?"

"I do," Vane replied.

"Sir, you've recently become a force to be reckoned with. Even in the chaos of the New World, you'd carve a name for yourself among the great pirates!"

Vane took another sip of coffee, his voice calm. "Why did you bring me here, Madam Shyarly? You want something, don't you?"

"I suppose it's… not a small matter," she admitted, a bit awkwardly.

Kalifa frowned. "Are you asking a stranger for help the first time you meet?"

Shyarly replied, "If Mr. Vane agrees to assist, he'll be warmly welcomed by the Kingdom. We're willing to pay him for his help."

"Oh?" Vane leaned back. "What kind of problem are we talking about?"

It had to be related to Princess Shirahoshi. The Fish-Men and Mermaids weren't exactly known for their strength. They couldn't even handle someone like Vander Decken IX. Their so-called royal guard—the Neptune Army—was a joke.

"It's Princess Shirahoshi. She needs help."

Vane raised an eyebrow. "What sort of help? Your princess wants me, a surface-dweller, to step in?"

"Yes, she does. Please don't misunderstand," Shyarly said. "We've exhausted all our options."

Kalifa crossed her arms. "That desperate, huh? What's going on that you'd ask a complete outsider?"

Shyarly sighed. "To be frank, Princess Shirahoshi has been tormented by Vander Decken IX, the captain of the Flying Pirates. He possesses the Target-Target Fruit. Years ago, he touched Shirahoshi and marked her as his 'target.' Ever since, he's been relentlessly attacking her—even from a distance. He hurls weapons and threats at the Hard Shell Tower where she's been forced to hide. She hasn't lived freely in years…"

She paused, then added, "Vander Decken claims it's 'love,' but he's a twisted pervert. We'd be deeply grateful if you could help. The entire Kingdom would be."

If Vane didn't intervene, Shirahoshi might be forced to remain trapped in that claustrophobic tower for the rest of her life. Vander Decken IX was like a cursed spirit—one that could never be banished.

"What's the reward?" Vane asked plainly.

Shyarly's face brightened. "Does that mean… you'll consider it?"

"I just want to know what I'd be paid. I don't work for free, Madam. I believe in fair exchange."

Shyarly smiled gently. "Of course. I'll inform King Neptune that you're willing to help. The kingdom will arrange compensation."

She had always referred to him as "Sir" despite his youth—out of both respect and caution. Vane wasn't someone she dared offend.

"What would you prefer? Jewels? Gold? Berries?" she asked.

"Devil Fruits," Vane replied bluntly. "I'm not that interested in gold or Berries."

"Devil Fruits…?" Shyarly looked troubled. Those were rare. Nearly impossible to come by—especially on Fish-Man Island.

Still, she made a mental note to consult King Neptune. If Vane was their best shot at freeing Shirahoshi from that nightmare, they had no choice but to try. Once he left, there might not be another chance.

The only real way to end it… was for Vander Decken IX to die.

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