Chapter 354: Divination, Crack!
With the addition of Shirahoshi and Kun, the overall strength of the Dragon Hunter Pirates had taken yet another leap forward.
In fact, even Shirahoshi herself seemed to grow stronger under the influence of the Dragon Hunter Pirates' aura—an unconscious response to being part of a crew that defied fate.
A sudden beam of light descended from above, enveloping Shirahoshi's body.
She transformed—right before everyone's eyes—into a cocoon of glowing light.
"…What's this?"
Ryuunosuke's eyes widened slightly, his tone calm but tinged with surprise as he gazed at the mysterious cocoon. In all his knowledge, mermaids didn't possess this kind of transformation ability.
"Captain Ryuunosuke!"
Neptune approached in a hurry, flanked by a small group of royal guards. Although he had known of their arrival, he hadn't expected them to reach the palace so soon.
If Shirahoshi hadn't informed him in advance, Neptune likely wouldn't have noticed their presence until after the feast was halfway through.
"King Neptune," Ryuunosuke greeted. "This... is something I didn't expect. What exactly is happening to Shirahoshi?"
Neptune followed his gaze and only now noticed the large cocoon of radiant light floating beside them. His expression stiffened.
"Is… is that Shirahoshi?" Neptune muttered, concern clouding his voice. At first glance, he thought it was some other fishman's transformation. But now—he realized—this was his daughter.
"She was already in that state when we arrived," Ryuunosuke said. "Is she in danger?"
A serious glint flashed across his eyes. Shirahoshi wasn't just a powerful ally—she was the Poseidon of this generation. If something happened to her now, it would be an unimaginable loss. And if this change was somehow triggered by her joining the Dragon Hunter Pirates, Ryuunosuke would bear full responsibility.
"There's no danger," Neptune said after a deep breath, though his brows remained furrowed. "But… it seems she's beginning her transformation. She's going to gain her own legs."
"…Her own legs?" Ryuunosuke echoed, momentarily caught off guard.
He had heard whispers of this legend—that mermaids could transform and grow legs when they encountered someone they truly wished to follow, or someone they fell in love with. But until now, he'd dismissed it as folklore.
To see it with his own eyes?
"King Neptune," Ryuunosuke said, regaining his composure. "From today onward, Shirahoshi will be a full-fledged member of the Dragon Hunter Pirates. If you ever need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us."
With that, he handed Neptune his personal Den Den Mushi.
Previously, despite his friendly ties with Fishman Island, Ryuunosuke hadn't shared his contact information so freely. But this time—he was taking away the king's daughter. Some form of compensation was the least he could offer.
"Perhaps… this is her destiny," Neptune murmured, reluctantly taking the Den Den Mushi. "Still, Captain Ryuunosuke, I entrust Shirahoshi to your care. She's never left this place before…"
"I understand," Ryuunosuke nodded solemnly. "I'll protect her."
Then, with a simple motion, he summoned a burst of energy that gently lifted the glowing cocoon into the air.
Without warning, he tossed it straight into Kun's gaping mouth.
"Oi! Ryuunosuke! What are you doing throwing a princess into a giant sea beast's mouth?!" a voice shouted from the background—likely Sanji's.
But Ryuunosuke ignored him.
The truth was, Shirahoshi was undergoing a transformation. If she emerged without any clothes—Sanji might really die from blood loss. Better to let her complete it somewhere private.
With that handled, Neptune announced that food and drinks were prepared. The pirates were invited to rest and enjoy themselves.
---
Three days later, the Dragon Hunter Pirates had mostly recovered from their training and celebrations.
In particular, Tatsumi and Mine had experienced a surge in strength—nearly doubling their previous power levels. The others, too, had gained considerable benefits from their time on Fishman Island.
"Najenda, get ready," Ryuunosuke said. "I have something to take care of."
Najenda nodded and immediately began gathering supplies. Whenever Ryuunosuke used that tone, it meant they were about to leave.
Given how much they'd consumed during the banquets, it was about time to replenish supplies—and move on.
Meanwhile, Luffy had eaten so much over the past three days that he was now completely immobilized, sprawled out like a beached whale. The rest of the Straw Hat crew were busy chatting with members of the Dragon Hunter Pirates, exchanging stories and techniques.
---
Soon, Ryuunosuke arrived at a small, quaint café tucked away in a quiet corner of the island.
It was Shyarly's shop.
"Captain Ryuunosuke," Shyarly greeted calmly, as if she'd been expecting him. "Welcome."
There was no one else inside. Just her—sitting beside a polished crystal ball, waiting.
"Madam Shyarly," Ryuunosuke said with a faint smile. "You knew I'd come."
"Would you like a divination?" she asked directly, skipping all pleasantries.
"Yes," Ryuunosuke replied, taking a seat.
"I tried to divine your fate once before, back when you first came to Fishman Island," Shyarly said, her voice quiet. "But I couldn't see anything clearly. You were surrounded by a strange mist… something impenetrable."
She paused. "But this time… I saw something."
"A crack."
Ryuunosuke's eyes narrowed slightly. "A crack?"
"Yes," Shyarly nodded. "You were there… and so were all your crew members. Even Princess Shirahoshi was present. But there were others too—people I don't recognize."
That gave Ryuunosuke pause. The rest of the Fourth Division hadn't assembled yet. Could this vision be pointing toward the future—a gathering of all members?
"What does the crack mean?" he murmured.
"I don't know," Shyarly admitted. "It's dangerous to delve deeper. The more powerful the person I divine for, the greater the backlash. You especially... strain the very threads of fate."
Just as she finished speaking, a strange vibration surged from Ryuunosuke's chest. It was faint—like the echo of a deep, ancient resonance.
He stood up and bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Madam Shyarly. This is your reward."
He left behind a drop of shimmering life essence and a sealed box of treasure before vanishing without another word.
"…Ryuunosuke, Captain of the Dragon Hunter Pirates…"
Shyarly whispered, staring at the place where he'd stood.
"This world will change because of you."
"I saw it. But I didn't dare tell you…"
Even though she hadn't revealed the full truth, the toll on her body was instant. Her skin cracked and dried, wrinkles appearing as her youth drained away. In mere seconds, the beautiful fortune teller had withered into an old woman.
Such was the cost of peering too deeply into Ryuunosuke's fate.
But then—something stirred.
The vial of life essence pulsed beside her, emitting a radiant glow.
Trembling, Shyarly opened it. The overwhelming vitality wrapped around her like a tide, soaking into her pores.
Her skin smoothed rapidly, her vitality returning at an astonishing pace. In moments, she was not only restored—but more youthful than before.
"…So, you knew about my hidden illness…"
Her eyes softened.
"Thank you, Captain Ryuunosuke."
With a gentle smile, Shyarly put away the crystal ball, shut the café doors, and headed to rest.
---
Meanwhile, Ryuunosuke had already returned to Kun.
Having fully inherited the power of Poseidon even the crushing pressure of the deep sea no longer posed a threat to him.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Want to know what happens next? You don't have to wait....chapters ahead are already live on Patreon 👉 [email protected]/FanficLord03
And don't forget: every +500 power stones = 4 bonus chapters for everyone!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
https://discord.gg/MntqcdpRZ9