One Piece: sign-in to Ryujin Jakka

Although Roman had long anticipated how powerful peak-level Observation Haki would be...

He hadn't expected this level of practicality.

In terms of functionality, peak Observation Haki far surpassed peak Armament Haki.

Especially that one incredible ability—

The power to communicate with all things! This was something he truly didn't expect.

"I really didn't expect it," Roman marveled inwardly, "After reaching the peak-level in Observation Haki… I can actually commune with all things in the world itself."

Just then, the system's voice unexpectedly echoed in his mind once more.

[Ding! Reminder: Not everyone who reaches peak Observation Haki can awaken the ability to communicate with all things!]

Roman's grin grew even wider.

If that was the case...

Then, even among those rare few who reach the peak of Observation Haki, he alone would possess this unique ability—an overwhelming advantage in any encounter.

Thinking this far, Roman suddenly chuckled to himself.

He was overthinking it.

After all... how many people in the world could even reach peak-level Observation Haki?

At this moment, Roman's warship was steadily approaching the front gates of King Neptune's palace.

Roman stepped down calmly and approached the Fish-Man king.

"Pardon the trouble, Your Majesty. It is truly an honor to meet you," Roman said with a soft, courteous tone.

At his side, Ain and Stella respectfully saluted King Neptune as well.

King Neptune waved a hand with a genial smile.

"No need for such formalities. I've long heard tales of Admiral White Dove—handsome, dignified, and extraordinary. Seeing you now, it's all true!"

"It's just exaggerated rumors," Roman replied modestly. "I'm merely a slightly stronger, ordinary person."

Neptune's gaze sharpened ever so slightly.

'Humble and powerful... he either had an incredibly polite personality, or is incredibly calculating and reserved.'

But observing the warmth in Roman's smile, Neptune leaned toward the former.

After all, such a gentle expression—he had never seen it on the face of any Marine officer of Vice Admiral rank or higher.

"Admiral White Dove," Neptune said with a laugh, "Upon hearing of your arrival, I ordered a banquet to be prepared. I wonder... would you do us the honor of attending?"

A royal banquet on Fish-Man Island was no small matter. For others to witness the king's personal invitation—this was a tremendous honor in itself.

Roman never mistreated those who respected him.

He nodded gently. "I appreciate the hospitality."

With that, everyone began to make their way toward the grand Ryugu Palace in the heart of Fish-Man Island.

As Roman walked along, he glanced around curiously—but saw no sign of Fisher Tiger or Jinbe.

That struck him as odd.

"Maybe I'll use a Den Den Mushi to contact Fisher Tiger later," Roman thought. "If he's here, things will be much easier."

Unaware, time passed.

Under Neptune's lead, Roman and the others soon arrived at the magnificent gates of Ryugu Palace.

Just as they stepped through—

Ding!

[Congratulations, Host. Sign-in successful at Ryugu Palace. You've received: One dose of Side-Effect-Free Berserker Pill!]

[Effect: Doubles strength for 5 minutes with no side effects!]

Hearing the system's voice, Roman's expression froze slightly.

He hadn't expected such a… quirky reward.

A "no-side-effect berserker drug"?

It sounded weird, but if used properly, it could become an excellent trump card.

King Neptune, ever observant, caught the fleeting change in Roman's expression.

"Admiral White Dove, is something wrong? Are you dissatisfied with the arrangements?"

Roman shook his head, smiling.

"Not at all, Your Majesty. I was simply awestruck by the grandeur of Ryugu Palace."

'Heh. Mutual flattery?'

Roman could play that game, too.

Hearing this, Neptune let out a hearty laugh.

"Hahahaha! To receive such praise from Admiral White Dove is truly an honor!"

"Please, Your Majesty. Just call me Roman," he replied. "White Dove is just a title."

If you wanted to talk about terrifying titles... Roman's true identity as the "Mysterious Man" was surely more fearsome.

If Neptune found out that Roman was not only Admiral White Dove, but also the mysterious figure who shook the seas...

Who knows how he'd react?

Would he still welcome him with such ceremony and grandeur?

At that moment, Roman and his companions were treated as honored guests in the Ryugu Palace.

Sitting just below the king's seat, Roman watched as platters of beautifully arranged Fish-Man Island delicacies were brought to the table.

His expectations were high.

Especially for the desserts.

After all, even Big Mom was obsessed with the sweets of Fish-Man Island!

During the feast, Neptune raised a question.

"Roman, may I ask—did Fleet Admiral Sengoku send you here for any specific matter?"

Roman gently set down his cup and replied:

"Recently, the Navy is planning to launch the Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai) Project—inviting powerful pirates from all over to become sanctioned Warlords. In exchange for privileges, they'll act in the government's interest."

"When considering the implications for Fish-Man Island and its people, Fleet Admiral Sengoku thought of Jinbe. So he sent me here to invite the Sea Knight to join the Shichibukai, in hopes of promoting peace and cooperation between humans and Fish-Men."

Neptune nodded thoughtfully.

He pondered Roman's words, weighing the benefits the Seven Warlords system might offer their people.

Just then, Roman handed over an official document bearing Sengoku's personal signature.

After reading it thoroughly, Neptune felt this initiative truly could benefit their island.

"But speaking of, in terms of strength," Neptune said, "isn't Fisher Tiger even stronger than Jinbe?"

Roman's mouth twitched.

He had thought Neptune understood why Sengoku wouldn't invite Fisher Tiger...

Apparently, not.

With a resigned look, Roman replied:

"Your Majesty must be joking. You know as well as I do—Fisher Tiger once raided Mariejois. For someone like him, the Marines would rather eliminate him than recruit him."

"In this chaotic era of the New World, this proposal from Fleet Admiral Sengoku is already a concession. If Your Majesty can seize this opportunity—not only can Fisher Tiger's situation be eased, but human–Fish-Man relations can also be improved. Wouldn't that be a good thing?"

"That's why Sengoku sent me here personally."

Neptune fell silent for a moment. After hearing Roman's words, Neptune came to a realization.

He had to admit—what Roman said made sense.

But he hadn't expected... that even his own judgment wasn't as sharp as Roman's.