Rolan fully supported Zoro's decision to become Hawkeye's disciple.
First, Rolan had no swordsmanship skills of his own; he couldn't teach Zoro anything.
Second, and more importantly, Zoro training under Hawkeye would inevitably be noticed by the media. Even if Zoro eventually claimed the title of World's Greatest Swordsman, Hawkeye would surely have no objections — after all, Zoro would have been trained personally by the greatest swordsman alive.
With Shanks now allied with Peach Garden, it was possible that, by appealing to Hawkeye's sense of reason and honor, Zoro could even become a formidable asset for Peach Garden when the time came to face the World Government.
Watching Rolan fly off toward the horizon, Hawkeye glanced at Zoro. "I feel like I've been played by your captain."
Hawkeye had always felt something unusual in Rolan's demeanor. Now, it seemed he had been subtly manipulated. But after a brief pause, he shook his head. He was Dracule Mihawk, the World's Greatest Swordsman. Nothing in this world could intimidate him. Strength was absolute; manipulation held no sway over him.
Rolan had already set his course for Fish-Man Island. He left the Ship behind at Kuraigana Island, its flag still bearing the emblem of Rolan and the Ion Tempest crew — too easy a target for curious eyes to photograph.
He had previously promised Shirahoshi a visit to a real forest. More than a year had passed since then, and he wondered how she was now.
With his speed, he reached the Red Line in no time. Enveloping himself in a ring of electromagnetic force, he plunged into the sea.
As he descended, the scenery unfolded exactly as he remembered. He had no desire to admire it; his focus was elsewhere. He accelerated toward ten thousand meters beneath the waves.
"Reporting to Prince Fukaboshi, Lord Rolan has arrived at Fish-Man Island."
The three Shark Stars froze, then their faces lit up with excitement. If Rolan hadn't arrived, their ears would almost have grown calluses.
Every day, they endured countless questions from Shirahoshi: "Three brothers, has my Husband-to-be arrived?" "When will he come to pick me up?" "Husband-to-be, Shirahoshi misses you so much."
The Shark Stars had expected that after such a long time, Shirahoshi's longing would fade. Yet her devotion had only deepened. Whenever the Shark Stars suggested contacting Rolan via Den Den Mushi, Shirahoshi refused politely, insisting he must be busy.
For a while, the Shark Stars had feared Rolan had forgotten Shirahoshi — and perhaps even Fish-Man Island. But now, their fears were dispelled: Rolan had arrived.
Suddenly, a huge pink figure shot past them like lightning, her face radiant with excitement.
"What? Has Husband-to-be come to pick me up?"
The guard confirmed her excitement. "Yes, Princess. Lord Rolan has appeared at the entrance of Fish-Man Island."
Shirahoshi dove through the bubble wall, racing toward Ryugu Castle and the main city below.
Rolan stepped onto Fish-Man Island, unhidden, unbothered, moving openly along the streets. The Fish-Men and Merfolk watched in awe.
"That's… Lord Rolan!"
"Lord Rolan has actually come to Fish-Man Island!"
"Papa, is that Lord Rolan? The hero of Fish-Man Island?"
"Yes, he is the one who saved our home."
"Lord Rolan, I want your child!"
"Mama, is that your male god?"
"Xiao Ming, hush, don't let your papa hear."
"But Mama says Lord Rolan's name every night while she sleeps. Papa knows!"
"Nani?! No wonder he's been acting strange!"
Rolan heard it all, but he showed no reaction. He had heard similar discussions countless times.
Within Rolan's Super Heart Net, a rapid electromagnetic signal approached. In the distance, a small black dot expanded, gradually forming the pink figure of the Mermaid Princess — Shirahoshi.
Even dozens of meters away, her voice rang clearly: "Husband-to-be, you've finally arrived."
Reaching him, she cupped Rolan in her hands, pressing his face gently against hers.
Rolan barely flinched, noting the Princess's enthusiasm.
"Ah… Princess," he said casually.
"Princess!"
The murmurs around them reflected astonishment and admiration:
"The relationship between Princess and Lord Rolan seems unusual."
"Didn't you hear her? Shirahoshi calls him Husband-to-be."
"Nani? Lord Rolan is actually her Husband-to-be? Amazing!"
"They're far too intimate."
"I'm genuinely envious."
Shirahoshi's face flushed a deep, rosy red, and Rolan quietly vanished from public view with her.
"Lord Rolan, you've finally arrived. You don't know, Shirahoshi has been talking about you constantly," said Fukaboshi, watching the scene.
Rolan scratched his head. "Sorry I'm late."
Shirahoshi shook her head. "No! Shirahoshi will wait for you, no matter how long."
Rolan frowned. "Shirahoshi, don't call me Husband-to-be."
Shirahoshi burst into tears, huge, basin-sized drops flowing freely. "Does Husband-to-be not want Shirahoshi anymore?"
Rolan rubbed his forehead. "No, I want you, Shirahoshi. I do."
She wiped her tears and asked softly, "Then why won't you let me call you that?"
"Have you ever seen couples in the streets call each other 'Husband-to-be' and 'Wife-to-be'?"
Shirahoshi tilted her head. "Then what should I call you?"
"Just Rolan. I'll call you Shirahoshi."
She pouted. "Then there's no difference from being ordinary friends."
"As long as we have each other in our hearts, the name doesn't matter."
Her voice was soft, sweet, flowing like a mountain waterfall hitting the rocks — impossibly clear and pleasing. Each word touched Rolan's heart, and the Shark Stars and Neptune watched enviously, teeth nearly grinding.
Rolan quietly sighed inwardly. Shirahoshi's innocence was remarkable.
He reached into the system space and retrieved the Transformation Pill awarded by the system. A strong intuition told him this was meant for Shirahoshi. He handed it to her.
"Shirahoshi, this is the Transformation Pill. It lets you switch between human and mermaid form."
Shirahoshi held it delicately between her fingers.
Neptune reached out. "Wait—"
But before he could finish, Shirahoshi swallowed it.
Immediately, a soft purple light enveloped her body.