One Piece:Becoming the King of the World from the Rocks Era

Chapter 297: Chapter 297: Sharley Joins the Infinite Pirates



"Alright, Sharley, why don't you go decide who you'd like to bring along to the Infinite Sea? I'll wait for you here," Li Yuan gently patted Sharley's little head.

Sharley, being the same age as Roz and Asuna, would likely have fun playing with them.

The Fish-Man ladies in the café heard what Li Yuan said. Previously, when the Infinite Pirates came to Fish-Man Island to transport Fish-Men to the Infinite Sea, they prioritized those who could fight, followed by others.

Many Fish-Men who wanted to go didn't get the chance, including those working in the café. So they quickly approached Sharley, hoping to use their connection with her to get to the Infinite Sea.

They had heard about Sharley's squad leader treatment, which included a salary of two million Berries a month. Having been on good terms with her, they saw an opportunity with this "little rich girl."

Sharley, with her simple mind, was happy to bring her sisters along so she wouldn't be lonely. However, she was disappointed that her brother, Arlong, didn't want to join her in the Infinite Sea. Arlong wanted to follow Boss Tiger on adventures instead.

Arlong didn't stop his sister from leaving, understanding that the Infinite Sea was a great place for Sharley—safe and prosperous, much better than Fish-Man Street.

Tiger had also taken a group to the Infinite Sea, confirming the sincerity of the Infinite Pirates in helping Fish-Man Island, which he announced upon his return. With Tiger's esteemed endorsement, the residents of Fish-Man Island trusted the Infinite Pirates even more.

"Lord Li Yuan, we're ready!"

A few hours later, Sharley and several Fish-Man ladies arrived with their belongings, faces glowing with anticipation.

"Great, let's head out."

"Kuma, prepare the ship. We're returning to the Infinite Sea," Li Yuan instructed, leading Sharley and the others from the café.

"Yes, Captain!" Kuma promptly set about arranging the ship.

The Infinite Pirates had several ships docked at Fish-Man Island for emergencies.

"Lord Li Yuan, we've prepared a feast at Ryugu Palace. Would you join us?" Queen Otohime approached with her children.

Upon hearing of Li Yuan's arrival, she hurried to meet him. As a benefactor of Fish-Man Island, Otohime felt it her duty to extend hospitality and strengthen ties with the Infinite Pirates to improve her people's lives.

"Thank you, Queen Otohime. That sounds lovely."

"This is Sharley, a talented fortune teller. I've invited her to join the Infinite Pirates. These are her friends; let's bring them along to the feast."

Initially, Li Yuan planned to decline the invitation, but seeing Sharley's eager eyes, he changed his mind. To Sharley, the palace was the most beautiful place on Fish-Man Island.

Since Li Yuan had no pressing matters, he decided to indulge Sharley's curiosity.

"Of course, little Sharley, you're adorable! Let me give you a hug!"

Otohime's maternal instincts kicked in upon seeing the cute Sharley, and she embraced her warmly.

"Hello, Queen Sister!" Sharley said shyly.

"Oh, little Sharley, you're so sweet," Otohime responded gently.

The group headed to Ryugu Palace, where Neptune had prepared a lavish feast. As Li Yuan arrived, the tables were laden with delicious food.

"Welcome to Ryugu Palace, Lord Li Yuan!" Neptune greeted him at the entrance.

Under the protection of the Infinite Pirates, Fish-Man Island had seen a decline in human trafficking, becoming safer and improving living standards, thus easing population pressure.

In summary, Fish-Man Island was visibly becoming better, wealthier, and more peaceful.

"Hahaha, Lord Neptune, it's good to see you again!" Li Yuan laughed, taking a seat and inviting Sharley to sit beside him to enjoy the feast.

"Wow, this is delicious!" Sharley exclaimed, tasting Ryugu Palace's food for the first time, far superior to anything on Fish-Man Street.

"Eat as much as you like; there's plenty," Li Yuan encouraged.

"Yes!" Sharley, reassured, ate to her heart's content, her cheeks puffed with food.

"Lord Li Yuan, may I trouble you for a favor?" Neptune asked as the meal progressed.

"Go ahead," Li Yuan replied casually.

"Could you have one of the commanders or captains stationed here train a group of Fish-Men? This would reduce the burden on the Infinite Pirates guarding Fish-Man Island," Neptune explained.

"Sure, that's no problem. I'll inform them."

"However, training depends on resources and talent. It's not a guarantee of strength," Li Yuan noted while eating.

Neptune's intention was clear—enhancing Fish-Man Island's strength.

Training was feasible, with captains or officers providing guidance when available. But individual talent, effort, and discipline determined success.

The Infinite Pirates had a structured training system for tens of thousands, yet only a few became officers.

Ultimately, strength hinged on talent and resources.

"Thank you, Lord Li Yuan. I toast to you!" Neptune said joyfully at Li Yuan's agreement.

The feast was enjoyable for both sides. Afterward, Li Yuan took Sharley and her companions to the port, sailing back to the Infinite Sea.

"Wow, what a beautiful island! Is this the Fish-Men's residence in the Infinite Sea?" Sharley marveled at the stunning Flower Island, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Though she'd seen photos and videos before, witnessing it firsthand was breathtaking.

"Yes, this is Flower Island, the Fish-Men's second home. You'll live here from now on," Li Yuan told her, gently patting her head.

"Lord Li Yuan, will you visit often?" Sharley asked hopefully.

"Of course. Let's visit my home now. You can come and play anytime," Li Yuan replied.

After settling the Fish-Man ladies on Flower Island, Li Yuan took Sharley to the Shogun's Palace in Wano Country, where they found Asuna returning with a small cage holding a beautiful butterfly.

"Daddy, hug!" Asuna shouted, dropping the cage and running to jump into Li Yuan's arms, forcing him to catch her.

"Daddy, why haven't you been home?" Asuna asked curiously after cuddling for a while.

"Daddy's been busy with work. Why isn't Roz catching butterflies with you?" Li Yuan asked, affectionately ruffling her hair.

"Is that Lord Li Yuan's daughter? She's so lucky to have him as a father," Sharley thought, watching Asuna with curiosity and envy.

"Daddy, brother Ares took Roz to play without me. I'm so lonely, with no one to play with!" Asuna pouted, her expression pitiful, as if deeply wronged.

Li Yuan knew his little daughter was quite clever, and her sad face was an act.

"Asuna, since no one is playing with you, how about a new playmate? Meet Sharley, a Fish-Man," Li Yuan suggested, setting Asuna down before Sharley. The two five-year-olds curiously studied each other.

"I'm Sharley. I just came from Fish-Man Island with Lord Li Yuan," Sharley said, a bit shyly.

"I'm Asuna. Will you play with me?" Asuna asked eagerly.

Asuna had heard of mermaids but had never left Wano Country, only seeing Fish-Men, who didn't conform to her aesthetic.

But Sharley seemed very pretty.

"What will we play?" Sharley asked.

"Come with me, and you'll see!" Asuna said, taking Sharley's hand and running off, leaving Li Yuan behind.

"Husband, it's your first time bringing someone home," Toki said, naturally taking Li Yuan's arm.

"Sharley has a special ability to tell fortunes, which is very important to us."

"Since she's getting along with Asuna, let her stay at the palace. If she wants to visit Flower Island, arrange for safe passage and ensure her protection," Li Yuan explained.

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