Sakazuki wasn't idle either—after all, the security and stability of Fish-Man Island had only just begun to improve. And aside from handling the island's daily law enforcement issues, he was also saddled with a burden.
Yes, that's right—a burden. With Whitebeard's arrival imminent and the Marine reinforcements from headquarters still nowhere to be seen, at this critical moment, the esteemed Sea God, King Neptune, had made a request to Vice Admiral Sakazuki—one that would have been reasonable at any other time, except right now, it was unbelievably awkward.
"Queen Otohime, while I understand that you want to systematically learn Observation Haki from me, there is really no need for you to follow me on my patrols through the streets." Sakazuki didn't even turn his head as he explained this to the persistent disciple trailing almost inseparably behind him—the mermaid queen.
MMP… Do you have any idea that your dear husband just cut my warship clean in half?!
And then he had the nerve to call me and say that my ship was "completely unharmed" over the Den Den Mushi?
The top deck may have been intact, but the keel had been sliced clean through—how the hell is that "completely unharmed"?!
Just thinking about it made Sakazuki furious. That top-tier battleship of his had braved countless storms on the Grand Line, survived the Buster Call, avoided damage at Little Garden, and even made it to Fish-Man Island safely, where he had taken every precaution, docking it in a remote harbor to avoid attacks from human pirates and sabotage from radical Fish-Men.
And yet, in the end, it was personally cleaved in two by the ruler of Fish-Man Island himself!
What kind of ridiculous situation was this? You dodge one disaster only to get hit by another?
Sakazuki let out a deep sigh. "I have indeed mentioned that training Observation Haki requires real combat experience, but your physical constitution is truly unsuitable for practicing Iron Body." Keeping his Observation Haki fully active, he constantly monitored their surroundings for any threats. Then, with a growing headache, he turned to look at his delicate disciple behind him, who was making a rather amusing attempt to flex her frail arms in an effort to show off some muscle.
"Huh?" Otohime tilted her head in confusion, but she quickly turned her attention forward again. A group of Neptune's royal guards were busy trying to persuade a family to evacuate.
King Neptune, why don't you spend more time with your newlywed wife, hiding away in Ryugu Palace making fish babies?
Instead, you send your fresh new bride to study under me at a time like this. So, what? Are you using your wife as collateral or something?
Sakazuki turned his head and glanced at the mermaid queen, who was waving kindly at the citizens lining the streets. He wasn't thinking about anything shady like "exotic beauties" or "forbidden romance." No, he was simply and purely frustrated—this woman was an absolute headache.
That said, he had more or less figured out what Neptune was aiming for.
With Whitebeard's arrival imminent, the Marines had already begun organizing an orderly evacuation of residents from the main district and public areas near the island's front gates.
After all, the Tremor-Tremor Fruit's destructive range was terrifying, and if civilians were caught in the crossfire, none of the three parties involved—Marines, Neptune, or Whitebeard—would want to see that happen.
However, if it were only human Marines going door-to-door enforcing evacuations, the trust and goodwill the Navy had painstakingly built on Fish-Man Island would undoubtedly take a hit.
Every person has an attachment to their home. Even if the evacuation was just a temporary relocation to a safe zone, it still made many residents uneasy.
So, the Royal Guards mobilized en masse, going door-to-door to disperse the crowds as needed.
As for the particularly stubborn holdouts who refused to leave no matter what? Well, if words failed, then the royal guards simply carried them out—sofas and all.
Having Queen Otohime, someone highly respected in Ryugu Kingdom, personally accompany a Marine Vice Admiral to check on the evacuees not only reassured the citizens and helped them understand the necessity of the evacuation, but also bolstered Otohime's political standing and influence among the people.
It was a win-win. The evacuation issue was handled smoothly, and Otohime gained public support for her future advocacy efforts.
And with a Marine Headquarters Admiral Candidate—Sakazuki—personally protecting her, the risks were minimal.
Plus, Otohime's natural talent in Observation Haki would get proper training.
In short: it was a foolproof plan.
Neptune was completely at ease with this arrangement.
Sakazuki, on the other hand, was anything but.
Queen Otohime's genuine and friendly attitude toward humans and the Navy made it hard for him to scold her outright.
But her natural curiosity and Fish-Man Island's isolation from the outside world meant that she spent the entire patrol bombarding him with questions—
From major political issues to specific details about Marine Headquarters.
"Vice Admiral, you must have met the Five Elders, right? Do you think their agreement with my husband will truly help Fish-Man Island achieve peace?"
Sakazuki nodded. "I believe this is a crucial opportunity, a starting point. In time, the citizens of Fish-Man Island will finally achieve the peace and fairness they've long yearned for."
Otohime suddenly smiled as if recalling something. "Vice Admiral, my husband speaks very highly of you. He calls you an outstanding soldier and the best teacher."
She turned to look at him. "He even composed a little chant about you!"
"A… chant?"
A foreboding feeling crept into Sakazuki's heart.
And then, Otohime sang it in perfect operatic cadence:
"Marine Headquarters' Sakazuki~! Body like magma, Armament strong, Observation wide, and Six Styles mastered~!"
"…!"
Why the hell does this sound so familiar?!
Sakazuki's face darkened. "What kind of nonsense… Queen, don't listen to Neptune's foolish talk."
"Vice Admiral, do you really know that many combat techniques?" Otohime looked up at him in admiration.
"…Yes."
Sakazuki sighed. Even though this was a temporary arrangement, as a mentor, he wasn't about to let himself be disrespected in front of his disciple.
But before he could steer the conversation away, Otohime eagerly asked another question.
"Vice Admiral, Vice Admiral! Is it true that Fleet Admiral Sengoku is the reincarnation of a Buddha?"
Sakazuki felt his temples throbbing.
If she wanted to talk about Fish-Man Island's political future, he could have given her a serious discussion.
But these ridiculous rumors?
MMP… That bastard Fisher Tiger must've mixed his real-life adventures with random gossip to craft some bardic tall tales.
"It's fake." Sakazuki took a deep breath and answered, feeling increasingly drained as his disciple continued pestering him.
If anyone at Headquarters dared ask him such stupid questions, he would have punched them on the spot.
But alas, this was the queen of Ryugu Kingdom, a frail mermaid, an advocate for peace, and a complete beginner when it came to Observation Haki.
"Vice Admiral, Vice Admiral! Is Marine Headquarters really that big?"
"…Yes, it's huge."
"Were Garp, Sengoku, and Zephyr really sworn brothers?"
"They're sworn sisters."
"Vice Admiral, Vice Admiral! Is the Kuzan coming to replace you as strong and muscular as you?"
"She's a woman!"