After a while, Shirahoshi calmed down and gently released Caelan from her embrace.
"I'm sorry, I was just so excited."
Shirahoshi looked at the small Caelan apologetically.
"It's okay, I understand how you feel."
Caelan recalled the feeling just now, like floating among the clouds. Honestly, he didn't dislike it.
Nearby, Neptune and the three princes were also smiling, relieved by Shirahoshi's liberation.
Shirahoshi, you finally don't have to hide in the Hard Shell Tower anymore or live in fear like a prisoner.
"So Caelan, could you please take me out for a walk?"
Shirahoshi looked at Caelan expectantly, her eyes sparkling like starlight.
With Vander Decken's threat gone, she was eager to see the world outside.
Originally, she could've asked her father or brothers to take her, but for some reason, she wanted Caelan to do it.
"Of course."
Caelan agreed without hesitation.
Seeing Caelan agree, Shirahoshi beamed, her smile blooming like a flower.
She turned to look at her father and brothers and said, "Father, brothers, I'm going out to play with Caelan!"
"Alas~"
"You two go on."
Neptune sighed weakly.
"Yay!"
Shirahoshi cheered and left the Hard Shell Tower with Caelan.
To make conversation easier, Shirahoshi let Caelan sit on her shoulder.
"Phew! This is amazing!"
Shirahoshi took a deep breath of the outside air. It was so sweet and intoxicating.
For someone who had finally cast off her shackles, everything outside seemed beautiful.
Soon, the two of them arrived at the streets of Fishman Island.
Shirahoshi, towering at 11 meters tall, instantly drew the attention of everyone as she appeared.
"Whoa, that's Princess Shirahoshi!"
"She was just a tiny thing eight years ago. Look how much she's grown!"
Many fishmen stared in curiosity at Shirahoshi, who hadn't been seen in years.
"But isn't it dangerous for her to be out now?"
"What danger? Her Highness has Caelan-sama on her shoulder!"
The mermaids sighed in awe.
Caelan had done two major things upon arriving at Fishman Island.
He not only dealt with that unruly group of fishmen, but also freed Princess Shirahoshi.
He was truly a great benefactor of Fishman Island!
"Princess Shirahoshi! Long live!"
"Caelan-sama! Long live!"
As they passed, mermaids and fishmen alike cheered.
"What enthusiasm! Everyone…"
Shirahoshi was a little nervous at first, but as she saw the fishmen's warm welcome, she gradually relaxed.
She waved her arms in response to their cheers.
"Let's go. I'll take you to meet some friends," Caelan said, using his Observation Haki to sense the location of Nami and the others.
They were enjoying afternoon tea at the Mermaid Café.
"Friends? Are they your companions?" Shirahoshi asked curiously.
She had always been envious when Caelan told her stories about the people he journeyed with.
"Yes, they're all great people. You'll definitely get along with them," Caelan said with a smile.
Soon, the two of them arrived in front of Nami and the others.
Caelan jumped off Shirahoshi's shoulder and introduced both sides to each other.
All the girls looked at Shirahoshi with curiosity and quickly struck up a conversation.
Nami patted Caelan on the shoulder and sighed.
They hadn't been apart long, and he had already "abducted" someone else.
And this time, it was someone else's princess.
"It's all personal charm," Caelan said proudly, taking a sip of his drink.
"Hmph, how full of yourself."
Nami rolled her eyes, then turned back to join the conversation with Shirahoshi.
Everyone was very curious about the beautiful mermaid princess.
"There were zombies in the Florian Triangle too?"
"Yes, and the one who could create zombies was defeated by Caelan."
"Then is there really an island in the sky?"
"Of course. We even found a lot of gold there!"
…
The girls chatted with Shirahoshi, sharing their adventures and experiences.
"That sounds amazing! I want to see the outside world too!"
Shirahoshi looked up toward the sky, yearning for the world above the ocean ten thousand meters high.
"Shirahoshi, since you're so eager to see the outside world, why not come out to sea with me?"
Caelan said casually while sipping through a straw.
"Eh!? Go to sea with you?"
Shirahoshi was tempted at first, but quickly shook her head when she thought of the consequences.
"No… My father and brothers won't agree. Besides, if I follow you, I'll only cause you trouble!"
"How could you be trouble? I already know your strength," Caelan said with a smile.
Shirahoshi was the current Poseidon, capable of commanding super-giant Sea Kings. Each of them, measuring five or six kilometers in length, was a strategic-level combat force.
With them, even warships were like toys.
"Really? But father and the others won't allow it…"
Shirahoshi said hesitantly.
She knew her father and brothers wouldn't let her take such a risk.
"In fact, they already agreed. How could I invite you without getting their permission first?" Caelan said seriously.
"In that case…"
Shirahoshi bit her lip, still a little hesitant.
She longed for the outside world and the adventures with Caelan. Since her father and brothers had agreed, there was nothing left to stop her.
"I want to go too!"
"Then Caelan, everyone, please take good care of me from now on!"
Shirahoshi bowed deeply to everyone.
"Welcome aboard! We're all family now."
Caelan smiled. Mission accomplished.
Compared to Caelan's joy, Nami was frowning slightly.
Does Nami not welcome me?
Shirahoshi looked at Nami, her expression pitiful.
Nami noticed Shirahoshi's gaze and quickly explained, "Of course you're welcome aboard! It's just… our ship might be a bit small."
Actually, the Wind Rider was quite large, about 100 meters long, with plenty of space for a dozen people.
But Shirahoshi, standing 11 meters tall not including her tail, was a different story.
"Is that so?"
Shirahoshi looked disappointed, and tears began welling up in her eyes.
Is my dream of sailing about to end before it starts?
"That's not a problem. We'll just build a bigger ship."
Caelan said calmly.
The remaining members of the New Fishman Pirates were now laborers.
Their first task was to build a ship large enough for Shirahoshi.
With the strength of tens of thousands, it could be done in just a few days.
"Woohoo, that's amazing!"
Shirahoshi cheered and lowered her head, rubbing her soft face against Caelan.
"Alas~"
Caelan sighed as he felt her silky smooth skin.
This size… is too much. That's not necessarily a good thing.
(To be continued.)
***
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