In the East Blue, in the waters near Reverse Mountain, a remarkably tiny boat was sailing along.
Judging by its size, it could at most be considered a small yacht, theoretically capable of carrying only four or five people.
The boat came from the Marine base in Loguetown. Although control over Loguetown was becoming increasingly strict, there were always exceptions.
When Nereus went to the Marines to ask for a small boat, the Loguetown Marine base displayed an extraordinary level of efficiency and immediately prepared a ready-made boat for him.
The order had come from Sengoku. Although it felt strange to have a ship “borrowed” like this, compared to such a small boat, large warships were far more valuable.
Based on Nereus’s previous record, Sengoku felt there was still a possibility that he might simply seize a warship and put it to his own use.
More importantly, even if Nereus actually did that, the matter would most likely end up being quietly dropped.
A warship was expensive, but in the eyes of the World Government, that was nothing. At a time like this, they would never allow the Marines to come into conflict with Nereus over such a reason.
The more chaotic the seas became, the more important Fish-Man Island’s geographical position grew. If possible, Nereus’s territory was the ideal location for filtering out pirates.
Taking a small boat like this was merely to experience a different way of traveling. Not to mention four-year-old Chloe, even Amphitrite herself had never passed through Reverse Mountain before.
As a race born with the ability to fly, what ordinary people considered a mandatory route simply did not exist for them.
“Reverse Mountain…”
“A very peculiar mountain. The sea currents here defy gravity, flowing through man-made canals all the way to the summit. It’s also the only route into the Grand Line from the Four Seas besides the Calm Belt.
“The mountain itself is a winter island. The sea current that crashes against the rocky cliffs, except for the part that flows into the canal, will plunge from the surface down to the seabed. If one fails to find the precise current, the ship will usually be destroyed and everyone on board will perish.”
“Dad… I don’t understand what you’re saying, but this helm suddenly got really heavy…”
Earlier, out of curiosity, Chloe had obtained permission to steer the ship herself. Although the currents in this area were turbulent, the waters themselves were fairly safe. Before actually entering Reverse Mountain, there were no reefs or shoals to worry about, so it wasn’t much of a problem.
Now, the currents beneath them were growing stronger and stronger, and the handle of the ship’s helm was becoming heavier under their influence. Even an ordinary adult might not be able to control it.
But in Chloe’s hands, the thing in danger was the helm itself.
Her strength was directly competing against the force of the current. Possessing nothing but brute force, she made the wheel creak ominously from time to time, as if it might snap at any moment.
“You’re the one who said you wanted to steer by yourself.”
“I can do it! But if Dad could help a little… that would be even better…”
After estimating the ship’s course, Nereus concluded that if they continued at this speed and direction, the little boat would most likely crash into the Red Line.
Just as he was about to adjust the direction, he sensed something unusual. Something beneath the water seemed to be approaching the ship.
At that moment, Amphitrite also looked at Nereus and pointed toward the waters below.
“There’s no need to worry. This should… be a good thing.”
Chloe didn’t notice the mysterious exchange between her parents and continued wrestling stubbornly with the helm.
The idea that “it would be great if someone could help” became even clearer in her mind.
What Chloe didn’t notice was that although the helm remained heavy and hadn’t visibly changed angle, the ship itself had quietly returned to the proper course.
Whatever was beneath the water had secretly given the boat a push.
“I did it!”
The ship tilted noticeably, clearly entering the current that climbed the mountain and setting foot upon this “miraculous mountain.”
The water remained fierce, but it was much steadier than before. Stone carvings lined both sides of the canal, and square stone archways resembled height-restriction gates, limiting the size of vessels that could pass through.
Who had excavated these canals, and why the currents could flow uphill against gravity, had long become forgotten mysteries. Even historical records contained little information.
People today only knew that this was the unavoidable path for ordinary people heading to the Grand Line. Dangerous as it was, it was still far safer than the Calm Belt.
“That thing below…”
“A Sea King. She hasn’t fully awakened yet, but the signs are already there.”
Chloe was still immersed in the excitement of successfully steering the ship “by herself,” but Nereus and Amphitrite had long since shifted their attention elsewhere.
The entrance to Reverse Mountain was very close to the Calm Belt. The creature that had helped push the ship from beneath the water was, without a doubt, a Sea King that inhabited the Calm Belt.
Perhaps it had sensed Chloe’s thoughts and thus “helped” by nudging the ship back onto the correct course.
“So… this child really does possess the power of ‘Poseidon’?”
“It can basically be confirmed now. The only question is when she will truly awaken.”
There are different kinds of Sea Kings. The gigantic Sea Kings dwelling in the deep sea possess complex thoughts and intelligence. The ordinary Sea Kings of the Calm Belt, and even miniature versions like the Lord of the Coast, all belong to the same race.
But regardless of the type, as long as they are Sea Kings, they will obey Poseidon’s commands.
Those gigantic Sea Kings are more like loyal retainers, pursuing their king across generations. They only appear when their ruler truly awakens.
The ordinary Sea Kings outside are less intelligent and easier to control. Even before Poseidon fully awakens, her thoughts can already affect them.
Without realizing it, Chloe had just commanded a Sea King for the first time. It was similar to someone who had only just awakened Conqueror’s Haki—not yet capable of infusing it, and unable even to distinguish friend from foe when intimidating weaker opponents.
“Her identity is excellent camouflage. It will be difficult for the World Government to imagine that the Poseidon of this generation is a ‘mixed-blood princess.’
“But this power still requires caution. Only when she grows up will it become true strength rather than a disaster.”
“I understand what you mean.”
Ancient Weapons were among the things that made the World Government extremely nervous, ranking just below Nika in terms of concern.
Nereus alone was one thing.
Nereus plus Poseidon was another matter entirely.
Possessing nuclear weapons was a good thing. Possessing only the means to build nuclear weapons was not.
The growth Nereus spoke of was not limited to Poseidon’s awakening. It also included the growth of Chloe’s personal combat strength.
A physically weak Poseidon who could only remotely command Sea Kings would need to hide and even require a dedicated bodyguard.
But a Poseidon who was personally powerful in battle represented an army unto herself.
With the undead legion serving Nereus on land and the Sea Kings of the deep sea forming the true “Neptune Army,” even Fish-Man Island’s problem of having a relatively small population could be solved.
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