When Neptune heard that Shirahoshi was going out with Chiga, he readily agreed, and Otohime also gave her consent after offering a few simple instructions.
Shirahoshi, overjoyed, hurried to find Chiga and shared the good news.
Chiga smiled gently and said,
"In that case, you should get a good sleep with your mother tonight, and we'll set off tomorrow."
Shirahoshi nodded eagerly. It had been ten years since she last saw her mother, and there was much she wanted to say. Chiga had intentionally stayed one night for this very reason.
That evening, Neptune led a group of ministers to see Garp and the others off. He intended to offer Chiga his room, but Chiga politely declined, saying he could rest in his God Realm if he wished.
Neptune also tried to assign two Fish-Man maids to serve Chiga, but Otohime swiftly intervened, pinching Neptune's waist in a playful yet painful grip.
Neptune's face turned green with discomfort, yet he dared not resist. Weakly, he asked,
"Otohime, why are you pinching me?"
Otohime rolled her eyes and said sharply,
"I finally understand why the sons remain single for so long. With a foolish father like you, they'll probably stay single for another ten years!"
"Ah? What does that mean?"
"Shirahoshi already has a good impression of Chiga. You even arranged maids. Isn't that just complicating things for your daughter?"
"But wouldn't it be neglectful if we didn't provide for him?"
"Neglect? We've entrusted our daughter, so there's no holding back. As parents, we can't interfere with her happiness."
Otohime's usual gentle grace gave way to the formidable presence of a strong woman. Neptune, naturally, became a completely obedient husband, following her commands without question.
He bowed deeply, waiting until Otohime had finished scolding him before daring to ask,
"Then Shirahoshi tonight..."
"Of course, she's sleeping with me tonight. Chiga is far too considerate!"
Neptune sighed quietly. As a father, he couldn't compete with his daughter's presence, but he simply wished to converse longer with Otohime.
Meanwhile, in another room, Chiga sat on a luxurious bed, the night still young, with no intention of sleeping. He decided to use the time to tidy the Dragon God Realm for Nerona and the others' future arrival.
With a thought, he entered the Dragon God Realm. Colorful weapons swirled around him, forming shapes at his will.
When the mist dissipated, several green mountains surrounded him, a crystal-clear stream ran beneath his feet, and tiny fish swam freely. A classical-style building appeared behind him, completing what looked like paradise on earth.
Chiga even added seasonal changes to the realm, preferring a natural progression of seasons over a perpetual spring, adding a touch of realism.
Though this was merely a prototype, he looked forward to Nerona and the others enhancing it further. The process gave him a sense of creative satisfaction.
Exiting the Dragon God Realm, Chiga rested briefly, allowing the peaceful night to pass quietly.
Early the next morning, a knock sounded at the door. Chiga waved his hand, and it opened automatically. Shirahoshi burst in, jumping onto his bed.
Chiga, pretending to sleep, watched her settle next to him. Shirahoshi squinted at his profile, and when Chiga finally opened his eyes, he smiled warmly.
"Haven't seen enough? Are we leaving today or not?"
Shirahoshi smiled shyly,
"Chiga-sama, if you wish to sleep, go ahead. I'll wait here by your side."
Chiga propped himself up, patting her shoulder gently.
"Alright, time to go. Have you told your parents?"
"Yes. Should I bring anything else, Chiga-sama?"
"No need. I already have everything you might want."
He took her hand, and a ball of colorful light enveloped them, transporting them instantly from the room.
---
The Island of Women
Hancock sat on her throne, chin resting on her hand, her expression distant. Elder Nyon approached, cane in hand, and said,
"Hancock, there's something requiring your attention..."
Hancock frowned, annoyed,
"Tasks, tasks, tasks. Why are there so many lately? Don't you know Chiga has returned to Marineford?"
"I understand you want to see him, but supplies are low due to the increase in expectant citizens. You're not going out to sea again..."
"Enough! I'll handle it, and afterward, I need to see Chiga immediately!"
Hancock strode out. Suddenly, Chiga and Shirahoshi appeared beside Elder Nyon. The elderly woman dropped her cane in shock.
Hancock blinked, confirming it was indeed Chiga, and her face lit up with joy. She hurried toward him, exclaiming,
"Chiga! You came to see me?"
Chiga stroked her long, flowing black hair, smiling,
"Of course. I also brought someone for you to meet."
Shirahoshi peeked out shyly from behind Chiga. Her first long-distance travel left her feeling slightly timid. She admired Hancock quietly, thinking,
"What a beautiful sister..."
Hancock, seeing Shirahoshi, was impressed by the young princess's grace and beauty. Noticing her pink tail, she asked,
"Chiga-sama, who is this?"
Chiga introduced her,
"This is Shirahoshi, Princess of Fish-Man Island, well, part of the family!"
Understanding Chiga's meaning, Hancock stepped forward, offering her hand with a gentle smile,
"Hello, Shirahoshi. I am Hancock, you can call me sister."
Shirahoshi returned the greeting softly, beginning their acquaintance.
Elder Nyon, observing quietly, was awed by the presence of two world-class beauties in the same room.
---