The Great Voyage: The Props Master on the Straw Hat Ship

Xiao Ba, who had been away from his hometown for a long time, couldn't hide his excitement when he saw his hometown so close at hand.

Under Franky's control, the group quickly moved towards the giant bubble dome ahead.

~~~~~~~~~

The Fishman Island beneath the sea is completely surrounded by a huge double-layered semi-circular bubble membrane shield, with an air layer between the two shields.

If ships that have been coated on the Sabaody Archipelago illegally enter Fishman Island via unconventional routes, the coating will automatically peel off and merge with the island's protective shield.

This caused the ships that tried to force their way in to be unable to withstand the enormous air pressure, resulting in their destruction.

Furthermore, it is possible that it will fall to the ground in the middle of the air layer during its journey.

Even if they manage to overcome these two obstacles and successfully break through the shield, the invading ships and crew will still be swept away by the seawater inside the shield.

It can be said that the three major checkpoints ensured that Fishman Island could only be entered through normal entry methods; otherwise, if other measures were taken, the destruction of the ship and loss of life would be a basic operation.

Only a chosen one like Luffy could have forcefully barged in like that in the original story and gotten away with it completely unscathed.

This time, under Xiao Ba's leadership, the group naturally refrained from doing anything foolish.

Instead, they obediently drove straight in through the main entrance.

However, there was a small incident during the journey.

Currently, there are many soldiers loitering at the entrance to Fishman Island. As soon as the Going Merry arrived, soldiers immediately approached.

"You guys are the Straw Hat Pirates, right?"

However, upon seeing the flag aboard the Going Merry, the visitor immediately changed his expression, his gaze and tone becoming very friendly.

"Oh, what's wrong with us?"

Luffy replied.

"Then there's no problem~"

Upon hearing Luffy's reply and seeing the faces of everyone on the ship's deck, the soldier breathed a slight sigh of relief, and the faint wariness on his face completely disappeared.

“When Jinbe came back earlier, he told us about your deeds.”

The soldiers laughed and said, "He specifically instructed us that if the Straw Hat Pirates come, we must treat them well."

"Even King Neptune personally instructed that he would personally come to greet you when you arrive."

At this point, the soldier was looking at Luffy and his crew with the same eyes one would use to look at one of their own.

"Really? Jinbe?! He's back already~"

Thinking of that familiar blue fat guy, Luffy grinned and said:

"He's the helmsman I value, and we really did get along very well before!"

He also recalled their first meeting in Impel Down, and Jinbe's chivalrous act when facing Moria during the Marineford War.

Unconsciously, the smile on his face became even brighter.

The soldier then made a gesture of invitation.

"Come, please come this way with me."

The soldiers led the way, heading in a certain direction.

As he moved forward, he said with a slight apology:

"His Majesty Neptune is out on tour today, so we'll have to ask you to wait at the Dragon Palace for now."

“We have already notified him, and he should be on his way back after receiving the news.”

"No need to be so polite~"

Luffy waved his hand dismissively, "As long as it doesn't interfere with our meal, it's fine."

"Shall we have a meal? His Majesty Neptune said that he has already instructed the chefs of the Ryugu Palace to prepare a banquet as soon as Mr. Straw Hat Luffy and you arrive."

"banquet?!!"

Upon hearing those two words, Luffy's eyes lit up.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

His mouth was wide open, and drool was almost dripping from it.

"Banquet, cuisine, meat from Fishman Island... Slurp!!"

He was so pathetic, wiping his drool there.

"Speaking of which..."

At this moment, Link was observing the surrounding situation from the side.

"You're managing the entry point very strictly now."

"Yes, there's nothing we can do about it."

The soldier there gave a wry smile.

"It's just that since that war ended, there have been quite a few pirates flooding into the New World recently."

"Therefore, we have to strengthen our defenses here."

"Ordinary pirates are alright, but we can't handle those overly powerful ones. We can only try to compensate by having as many people as possible."

"Those pirate crews we passed before, such as the Hawkins Pirates, the Flame Tank Pirates, and the Kid Pirates, were all lawless pirates, and their strength was exceptionally formidable."

"Fortunately, they didn't linger on the island for long. They just replenished their supplies, looked around at the island, and then hurriedly headed to the New World."

He explained the situation truthfully to everyone there.

He also glanced almost imperceptibly at Law's submarine, which was hanging behind Luffy and the others.

Yes, he's a supernova too.

"That's it~"

Luffy felt a little regretful, "It's a rare opportunity to come to this island, and instead of properly exploring and enjoying the local cuisine, we just left in such a hurry."

Do you think everyone is as heartless and carefree as you, only thinking about eating...?

Upon hearing this, everyone else gave Luffy deadpan looks.

And don't you think about it? All of them, the most dazzling pirates of this year, were given the title of "Supernova".

Deep down, everyone harbors a proud and ambitious pirate spirit.

However, because you suddenly appeared in the same year, the upper limit of the bounty for supernovae was greatly increased~~~.

Chapter 417: The adventure within the Dragon Palace! A truly unforgettable experience! Luffy's fantastical journey to the Diner is back!

It would be strange if those people could still sit still under such stimulation.

Regardless of how others feel, at least the Straw Hat Pirates have no burdens.

With longing for Fishman Island and a desire to explore it, the group followed the soldiers of the Dragon Palace and slowly sailed through the gates of Fishman Island.

~~~~~~~~~

Although Fishman Island is located deep underwater, it still has its own sky and clouds.

Because the giant tree "Sun Tree Eve" that grows near Fishman Island can transmit sunlight from the ground to Fishman Island, Fishman Island, located in the deep sea, has sunlight and the change of day and night.

Local residents even described the phenomenon as "a blessing from the sun."

The leadership of Fishman Island is the royal family, headed by King Neptune. They all live in the Dragon Palace, located on the top floor of Fishman Island where they can see the sunlight.

This is a large, luxurious palace built from large coral reefs, seashells, and other building materials. Its exterior features a giant dragon coiled around it, and it also serves as the administrative center of Fishman Island.

It is now the venue for banquets held to receive important guests like Luffy and his crew.

"Is this the Dragon Palace?"

Luffy and the others stared at their surroundings with sparkling eyes, as if it were a dreamlike landscape, their gazes flashing continuously.

They looked down at the giant flounder at their feet, which was responsible for transporting visitors from outside, and couldn't help but sigh.

"I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to be a guest in this legendary Dragon Palace!"

Usopp couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"Normally, you can only hear about things like this in storybooks."

"That's why it's so memorable when you experience the journey firsthand as the protagonist, giving people a sense of unreality."

Link agreed with deep feeling, which was also meaningful.

Others also nodded.

After the Going Merry arrived at Fishman Island, it was naturally arranged by the 827th Sergeant to take it to the dock where ships were specially moored.

However, Franky politely declined.

"I plan to go to the Sea Forest first to find my senior uncle [Dan], woof."

Franky struck a pose, "And while I'm at it, I'll also work with Uncle Dan to apply everything I've learned recently to the Going Merry."

As he said this, his eyes gleamed with eager anticipation.

"I can't wait any longer, ahh!!"

During the previous two hundred days of training, Franky did more than just strengthen himself.

He even thoroughly studied the subsequent improvements to the Going Merry, based on Vegapunk's scientific research and technology.

They also gained some insights into strengthening the Merry.

However, after he finished his training and came out, he immediately followed them to Impel Down and then participated in the Marineford War.

Then they went diving together and arrived at the Fishman Island.

It's fair to say that Frankie had absolutely no time to apply what he had learned to the Going Merry.

Now that we've finally reached the deepest point on the ocean floor, 10,000 meters below, it's a rare opportunity to relax and rest.

When I have free time, I can put all these ideas into practice on the Going Merry.

However, with the help of his uncle, a shipwright and researcher of "Sea Forest," who is also the younger brother of his master, Mr. Tom, the "World's Greatest Shipwright," Dan would be a great help.

These improvements to the Going Merry would undoubtedly make it even more powerful.

Therefore, Franky, piloting the Going Merry, bid farewell to Luffy and the others and headed to the Sea Forest.

Hachi, Camie, and Papago also bid farewell to Luffy and his crew one after another.

The former wanted to go back to his home to take a look, since he hadn't been back for more than ten years.

The latter two went back to Coral Hill to see their girlfriends and check on their companies.

Especially Papagu, after bidding a reluctant farewell to Ah Niu before leaving, he once again foolishly patted his chest and said that he was welcome to come to his company to find him.

His home is located in the most upscale area of ​​Fishman Island, "Fishman Hill Villa," and it is also the largest mansion.

Even the first floor of his mansion was specially converted into a designer clothing store under his own control.

Everyone just watched as he recklessly boasted and bragged, and Nami's eyes slowly revealed an extremely affectionate look, like she was looking at a rich dog...

Well, let him fend for himself.

As for Law and the others who followed Luffy and his crew in, they also stopped at the port of Coral Hill on Fishman Island.

They planned to explore the island on their own and enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Therefore, the only people who came to this banquet hall were the remaining Straw Hat Pirates members, apart from Franky.

"Please wait here for a moment. Unfortunately, the Left Minister, the Right Minister, and the three princes have all gone out with King Neptune. They will be back soon!"

The soldier bowed apologetically. "I'll go and tell the kitchen to prepare some appetizers, snacks, and desserts. Please wait here."

After saying that, he hurriedly ran out.

The Straw Hat Pirates were left behind in the empty Ryugu Castle.

"Strange, even with a considerable number of men sent to guard the main gate, the guards inside the palace seem far too few!"

Usopp asked, somewhat curiously.

"Moreover, even the ministers and members of the royal family are not here. They have all gone out on inspections. Has something happened?"

He was somewhat puzzled.