Chapter 121: 121. White Lie, New Bridge Key Shirahoshi

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Tier Benefits: - Quantum Spark: 15 chapters in advance for all my fanfics! - Astral Bolt: 35 chapters in advance for all my fanfics! - Cosmic Tempest: 65 chapters in advance for all my fanfics! - Supernova Charge: 85 chapters in advance for all my fanfics, plus exclusive access to my latest work before it's available to the public for several months! --- Get ready to set sail and enjoy these fantastic perks! ????✨ ---------- Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- The enormous ship, carrying tens of thousands of people, set sail. Equipped with a waterproof membrane, it rose into the air, flying toward the exit under the power of the Float-Float Fruit. Looking down at King Neptune and her three children, Otohime covered her face, tears streaming as she cried reluctantly. It wasn't until the ship vanished from sight that she wiped away her tears and forced herself to stand tall. "Mother, do we really have to leave Father and big brother to live on the surface?" Shirahoshi asked, her voice trembling. Though she was only four years old, Shirahoshi felt the weight of leaving the home she'd always known. Despite her favorite mother accompanying her, the thought of living far from her family filled her with unease. "This is for the future of Fish-Man Island, Shirahoshi," Otohime replied softly, though her own tears glistened. She gently touched Shirahoshi's bowed head, her expression a bittersweet smile. "You promised your mother yesterday, remember?" "I'll be good," Shirahoshi nodded. Her large, shining eyes brimmed with emotion as she turned toward a figure standing on the observation deck of the ship. Last night, her mother had told her about the mysterious man who had saved Fish-Man Island from its plight. That person had not only promised to help Otohime realize her dream for the island's future but also valued Shirahoshi herself. If Shirahoshi performed well, perhaps she could earn the favor of Shogun Alex. Maybe then, one day, her father, her brothers, and all the residents of Fish-Man Island could live together with her on real land beneath the sun. Observing her daughter's hopeful gaze, Otohime felt a tangle of emotions—both joy and sorrow. She adored Shirahoshi but, as a queen responsible for the lives and future of millions of Fish-Men, she couldn't ignore her duty. For the first time in her life, Otohime told a white lie to her beloved daughter. Meanwhile, the chosen residents onboard the ship—selected as the finest candidates to represent Fish-Man Island—looked forward eagerly to their new future. The sight of the sunlit seas and the promise of life on land filled them with excitement and anticipation. At the same time, elsewhere... The extraordinary events unfolding on Fish-Man Island did not go unnoticed. Due to the island's importance, news quickly reached the upper echelons of the World Government in Mariejois through their network of spies. When the Five Elders first heard that Alex had appeared on Fish-Man Island, they were alarmed. However, they began to relax after receiving reports on the situation—the flag raised by Alex and the number of people he had taken with him. After assessing the incident, the Five Elders suppressed the news about Fish-Man Island, taking steps to prevent further escalation. They debated whether their initial measures toward the island had been excessively harsh. The Elders had no desire to remove Fish-Man Island from the World Government's member nations. Nor did they want the island to fall entirely under Alex's influence. In light of recent events, they decided to ease sanctions on Fish-Man Island. As for the Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders planned to use their authority and resources to placate them with compensation, ensuring the incident didn't spiral out of control. Among the Celestial Dragons, one figure stood out: Palazzo Lor Jabbert. After losing her husband, she had shed her once frivolous reputation and worked tirelessly over the years, leveraging her family's power and influence. Now, she was recognized as a rising leader among the Celestial Dragons. For someone like Palazzo Lor Jabbert, whose capabilities and background made her a valuable asset, the Five Elders were willing to offer further opportunities for advancement. Thus, in the following seven days of meetings, the World Government officially addressed the incident involving the Sun Pirates. After imprisoning the crew, they reaffirmed Fish-Man Island's status as a World Government member nation. With such statements made during the meeting and the Celestial Dragons stepping back, the wise kings of the member nations naturally dismissed any notion of removing Fish-Man Island's status as a member country. During the seven-day deliberation in Mariejois, Alex had already returned to the seas of Wanokuni. As his flying ship approached the region, loud cheers erupted from the shores below, drawing the attention of the Fish-Man Island residents onboard. For many, it was their first time seeing so many humans gathered together. Instinctively, they gravitated toward Otohime, as if seeking reassurance in her comforting presence. The humans below had also noticed the newcomers aboard the flying ship. Thanks to the advance reports from Toki and her advisors, the residents of Wanokuni greeted them warmly. Smiles and waves spread across the crowd like ripples in a pond, echoing the hospitality shown to previous visitors. "Are those the guests from Fish-Man Island? They look so beautiful!" "The Fish-Men don't seem as fearsome as the stories said. I heard they're ten times as strong as regular humans!" "Really? Then Wanokuni now has another race of powerful allies!" "Do you think we'll get to meet them? As long as they aren't as exclusive as the women of Amazon Lily!" Standing on the deck, Otohime listened intently, her delicate lips trembling as emotions overtook her. Born with Observation Haki which allowed her to hear the voices of others, she extended her senses to the crowd below—a feat she had rarely attempted on such a large scale. The voices she perceived brought tears to her eyes. She heard approval, excitement, and curiosity. Even the few murmurs of hesitation or unease were not because of malice. Despite her initial fears, there was no trace of hatred or prejudice toward Fish-Men and Merfolk. Even if some people find it difficult to accept them because of their appearance, Otohime considers it perfectly normal. In fact, this reality might be more genuine than unanimous praise. Moreover, the perceptions shaped solely by appearance will gradually evolve as life experiences are shared and exchanged. "Perhaps... my dream can truly become a reality!" Overwhelmed, Otohime's tears began to fall freely. The vision she had pursued her entire life—peaceful coexistence between Fish-Men, Merfolk, and humans—finally seemed within reach. For the first time, she saw the glimmer of a dawn breaking over her dream. Turning toward Shirahoshi, who was curiously peeking over the railing beside her, Otohime felt her hope swell even further. Shirahoshi, so cherished by Alex, was destined to be the key to building this bridge between races.