Chapter 236 Princess Shirahoshi
Dragon Palace Kingdom — Outside the Hard-Shell Tower (correct canon spelling: Hard-Shell Tower / Hard Shell Tower → Hard-Shell Tower).
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"This is where Shirahoshi lives," Neptune said, pointing at the entrance of the Hard-Shell Tower. "Because of a certain villain, she was forced to stay hidden here. Only inside this tower can she stay safe."
"Curse?"
Ace pretended not to know the truth, though he was perfectly aware that the attacker was Vander Decken IX, user of the Target-Target Fruit (Mato Mato no Mi).
"That was a so-called curse placed on her by a criminal named Vander Decken IX," Neptune explained. "He claims it's the 'Target Curse,' but in reality he ate a Devil Fruit that allows him to mark someone as his target—no matter the distance."
"Because Shirahoshi rejected his absurd marriage proposal, he targeted her with that ability. For years now, he has launched various weapons at her from anywhere on the sea."
"As long as he can 'throw,' he can hit her. We never know when or where the attacks will come, so Shirahoshi has been forced to stay inside this Hard-Shell Tower for eight years."
Neptune's face twisted with guilt.
He had tried everything—hunting Vander Decken IX, even contemplating killing him to force the mark to vanish. But the man was slippery, constantly disappearing into the sea, all while continuing to attack the princess from afar.
What made Neptune's blood boil most:
Vander Decken IX proposed to Shirahoshi when she was only six years old.
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"Vander Decken IX…"
Ace's eyes flashed with killing intent.
Even though he understood why Neptune brought him here so readily—hoping Ace could handle the threat—Ace had already made up his mind.
He would hunt Vander Decken IX down and erase him.
A man who stalked and targeted a child deserved no mercy.
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"Father, are you outside?"
A gentle voice came from inside the Hard-Shell Tower.
"It's me," Neptune answered quickly, pushing open the massive door.
A huge, pale, delicate hand—several times larger than a human's—extended through the doorway, followed by the shy peek of an enormous, beautiful face.
Long flowing pink hair…
Shell-shaped earrings…
Bright blue eyes…
Features delicate enough to rival the "Most Beautiful Woman in the World," Boa Hancock…
Though only fourteen, she was already more than ten meters tall, her youthful beauty combined with her mermaid heritage creating an overwhelming impression.
Princess Shirahoshi — Mermaid Princess of the Ryugu Kingdom.
Shirahoshi's eyes sparkled with joy at seeing her father, but the moment she noticed Ace, she squeaked and pulled her head back.
A moment later, she peeked again through the crack like a timid child.
"F-Father… w-who is that person…?"
Neptune hesitated.
From Whitebeard's perspective, Ace was a junior — Shirahoshi could call him "big brother."
From Neptune's perspective, Ace was an ally and equal — meaning she should call him "uncle."
Ace solved the dilemma himself.
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"I am a nephew of King Neptune's close friend," Ace said warmly. "Are you Princess Shirahoshi of Fish-Man Island? My name is Portgas D. Ace. You can call me Brother Ace."
Shirahoshi looked to Neptune for confirmation. He nodded encouragingly.
"W-Well… I'm Shirahoshi…"
She gently touched Ace's hand with her fingertips, then quickly pulled away.
"H-Hello… Brother Ace…"
Ace blinked—then burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha! Shirahoshi, you're so huge, but so timid!"
"P-Please don't say that…" she whimpered, lips trembling. "I-I know I'm timid already… hic… hic…"
"Mr. Ace," Neptune coughed awkwardly, leaning closer. "Shirahoshi has barely interacted with anyone for eight years. She's shy… please don't tease her too directly."
"Alright, alright."
Ace raised his hand gently. "I'm sorry, Shirahoshi. I shouldn't have teased you. Please forgive me."
"…I forgive you."
She sniffled and wiped away her tears.
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Whoosh—!!
A long sword shot from the distance like a bullet, aimed straight at Shirahoshi's face.
Ace's eyes sharpened.
In the next instant, he vanished—
—and reappeared in front of Shirahoshi.
His arm snapped up, catching the weapon effortlessly.
Fwoom—!!!
White flames erupted from his palm. The heat instantly melted the blade, vaporizing it into nothing.
"Wow… amazing!! A flame in your hand!"
Shirahoshi's fear melted into awe as she stared at the fire.
Her gaze sparkled with admiration.
"Heh, this is my ability." Ace smiled. "I'm a fire user who ate the Flame-Flame Fruit (Mera Mera no Mi). I can control fire freely."
He snapped his fingers.
A small flame burst from his fingertip—shaping itself into a fiery little fish, swimming happily in the air around Shirahoshi.
Her eyes widened in wonder.
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