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Lulis hesitated for a moment. It wasn't her shift today. Oh, and Melo had to head back later too!
"Sorry~ It's not my workday today~ But I can ask another waitress from the Mermaid Café to take you there~ Is that okay~?"
Hikaru thought it was a pity but nodded in agreement. "Of course!"
Lulis's pretty face lit up with a smile as she turned toward a tall coral and called out, "Melo~ Melo~ Come here~"
A blue-haired mermaid perched on the coral was adjusting a small yellow flower in her hair. Hearing Lulis's voice, she immediately poked her head out.
"Melo~ Here~!"
Hikaru's eyes brightened. Both mermaids had their own unique charm. The Mermaid Café truly lived up to its reputation—hidden beauties everywhere.
"What's up~? Lulis, you actually made human friends?" Melo swam over in seconds, her curious gaze fixed on Hikaru.
"Well..." Lulis hesitated.
Understanding the situation, Hikaru introduced himself. "My name is God Hikaru."
"God??" Both mermaids echoed in surprise.
"Don't be so shocked. You might not believe me, but I'm here to 'save Fish-Man Island.'"
"Eh? Really?" They exchanged glances.
The two mermaids saw how confidently he spoke, without even a hint of nervousness, and sensed a sincerity that made it hard to doubt him.
"It's true, but it's a bit difficult to explain. You'll see for yourselves in the next two days. For now, the question is—who can take me to the Mermaid Café?"
"Oh, right~" Lulis's eyes gleamed with an idea. "Melo, aren't you heading back to the café soon? Let's take him there together~"
Melo looked up, estimated the time, and readily agreed.
Hikaru chuckled when he noticed Lulis suddenly change her mind. It seemed she was getting more interested in him.
Since both mermaids wanted to escort him, and dragging them along with his floating ability wouldn't be very elegant, Hikaru took out a cloud shell and released an Iron Cloud large enough to fit three people.
"What is this?" Lulis curiously poked the cloud.
"A cloud? This is the first time I've seen someone create a cloud~" Melo swam above it and patted it with her tail. "It's solid… doesn't feel like an ordinary cloud~"
"This is a specialty of the Sky Kingdom. This is just the standard model. There's also the advanced Floating Cloud, which can carry people more than 100 meters high."
"Wow~ Amazing~!" Both mermaids exclaimed.
"Hop on. You two lead the way, and we'll fly there." Hikaru took the center seat.
Lulis and Melo exchanged a glance, a playful smile appearing on their lips before they swam up and sat beside him—one on his left and the other on his right.
"Hold on tight~"
With a confident grin, Hikaru activated his Floating ability. The Iron Cloud carried the three of them into the air, heading in the direction Lulis pointed.
The other mermaids nearby watched with envy, secretly regretting not being bolder. If they had spoken up, maybe they could have joined in on this cloud ride too.
Under Hikaru's control, the Iron Cloud accelerated quickly, causing Lulis and Melo to instinctively grab onto him for stability.
"Can't sit still? Let me help you."
With a thought, Hikaru altered the cloud's shape into a "V" formation, naturally pressing the two mermaids closer to him. Then, he adjusted it further, securing their positions snugly together.
"This... really is stable..." Lulis murmured, a faint blush appearing on her face. She suddenly felt like she had boarded the pirate ship of a troublesome human.
"Hikaru, did you plan this on purpose? Do you like both of us?" Melo teased, sticking out her tongue playfully.
"Ah~!" Lulis shot her a glare. "Melo, why are you so direct?!"
Hikaru grinned. With a mermaid on each side holding onto him, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he had just abducted two of Fish-Man Island's beauties.
"You figured it out. You two are the first mermaids I've met since coming here. I won't let either of you go. Be my consorts~"
"Sure~" Melo flashed a sweet smile, making Hikaru curious—only for her to change the subject right after.
"But… we'll have to wait until you 'save Fish-Man Island' and become a great hero before we officially become your divine consorts."
Lulis pouted. "Hey, hey! Melo, how can you just decide for me?!"
Hikaru observed their personalities—Melo was bold, cheerful, and spoke her mind without hesitation, while Lulis was more reserved, preferring to rely on others when making decisions.
"It's settled then," Hikaru said confidently. "Don't worry, you'll see how I save Fish-Man Island in the next two days."
After that, the three of them fell into a brief silence.
Hikaru took the moment to enjoy the soft warmth of the mermaids beside him, all while increasing his Floating ability to speed up the Iron Cloud.
He had plenty of experience flying with women, but this was the first time he had two beautiful mermaids in his arms. It was an indescribable mix of mystery and comfort.
Before long, they arrived at Coral Hill.
Lulis pointed excitedly at a stylish, upscale café in the distance. "That's the Mermaid Café! Hikaru, your flying cloud is so fast~"
"Thanks a lot~"
With a satisfied smile, Hikaru guided the Iron Cloud to descend, then dispersed it, finally releasing the two beauties from his grasp.
Lulis, once freed, quickly stepped aside, her face slightly flushed as if afraid Hikaru might pull another sneaky trick.
Melo, on the other hand, simply laughed and wrapped herself around Hikaru's arm, leading him straight into the Mermaid Café. She guided him to a private seat while other mermaids gathered around, eyeing him curiously.
"What would you like to drink? Milk, coffee, or juice?"
Hikaru shook his head and answered directly, "No rush. My main reason for coming here is to meet your manager, Madam Shyarly."
This was part of his promise to Arlong—to take good care of his sister, Shyarly, and ensure she eventually fell into his hands.
But there was another, more strategic reason. While Shyarly had no real power in Ryugu Kingdom, her prestige was undeniable. Her predictions were always accurate, and the people of Fish-Man Island trusted her even more than they trusted King Neptune himself.
If Hikaru could get Shyarly to predict the future of Fish-Man Island—or even testify on his behalf—he could then present the prophecy of the upcoming Marineford War and Whitebeard's death to Ryugu Castle.
Knowing Neptune's character, the king would have no choice but to surrender to him in order to protect the 500,000 citizens of Fish-Man Island.
Melo wasn't surprised by Hikaru's request to meet Madam Shyarly. She had already been surprised enough when he first claimed he would save Fish-Man Island.