Chapter 18: Imu's Loneliness and Troubles!

Im casually thrust his longsword into the lunar-like gray ground.

Although he wasn't sweating at all, it was his habit to step into the shower as soon as he returned to the warm, brightly lit wooden house.

*Splash—*

The showerhead turned on, spraying warm droplets. Im lifted his face and closed his eyes, enjoying the momentary comfort.

However, once he dried himself off, changed into a clean bathrobe, and plopped down onto the soft sofa, looking at the empty surroundings, he suddenly felt a sense of loneliness.

Originally, his mood had been one of intense excitement—having suddenly gained invincible strength, supreme power, and the wealth of an enemy nation. He could even call himself the Sovereign of this planet.

After such a long time, he had actually calmed down and grown somewhat accustomed to his power and status.

But deep down, he was still just an ordinary person who had transmigrated less than two years ago; he did not possess the cold, iron-like mentality of his predecessor, Im.

As a normal human being, he actually hoped for someone to accompany him, someone to chat with from time to time to ease the pressure in his heart.

But he was also very aware that, given his current identity, he truly could not easily allow people to get close to him.

During this month, this place appeared to be the most supreme, mysterious, and noble location on the entire planet.

But from another perspective, it could also be considered a spacious prison, even if he could leave whenever he pleased.

Initially, he felt that transmigrating as Im was an incredibly lucky start—a "heaven-sent" beginning compared to other transmigrators who became pirates, commoners, or even slaves and prisoners.

But on second thought, those people could at least adventure across the seas, sightsee beautiful landscapes, and experience various thrilling events.

The most attractive part of transmigrating into this world of *One Piece* was, wasn't it, the myriad of strange islands and creatures?

Right, and the various Devil Fruit abilities—but he couldn't easily go around testing those.

If the day ever came when he truly had to go out, he would have to consider all aspects of the situation.

Still, thinking carefully, with his current strength, there shouldn't be anything on this planet capable of threatening him.

But Im also knew deeply that the oceans on this planet were far more mysterious and dangerous than the oceans of his previous life.

Supernatural phenomena occurred incessantly; it wouldn't be strange to encounter even the most incredible accidents.

As for Devil Fruits...

To be honest, aside from that one Devil Fruit he was currently searching for...

He didn't care about the others at all!

So, it seemed the only thing left was to find someone to keep him company.

By "someone," he naturally meant a woman. Logically, with his status, obtaining a beautiful woman would be easy.

Take the maids who served him, for instance; if they were placed in the outside world, they would all be top-tier beauties.

If this were before his transmigration, he would have cherished any one of them as his wife, holding them in the palm of his hand.

But the situation was different now. Im felt that even if he were to start a harem, the quality of the women in that palace had to be guaranteed at the highest level!

It was just that the current timing was a bit awkward. Those future great beauties were either not yet born or still too young—even calling them "lolis" wouldn't be appropriate.

And he had no interest in "nurturing" them.

There were also some who were great beauties in the past but were now too old, such as Vice Admiral Tsuru of the Marine Headquarters.

Ultimately, for the next decade or so, he would still have to endure the loneliness and solitude at the pinnacle of the world alone.

*Sigh—*

Just as this de facto King of the World, atop the Red Line thousands of meters above sea level, was sinking into an enviable helplessness and a jealousy-inducing dilemma...

Deep in the ocean, ten thousand meters below the base of the Red Line...

Another fifty-six-year-old king was currently radiating pink bubbles of happiness.

With a face full of doting affection, he looked at the blue-skinned infant being held in his wife's arms on the luxurious bed.

"Otohime, give me a hug. I want to touch Sharkstar too..."

At this moment, King Neptune showed none of the dignity of a ruler of