Creed had no perfect plan for Shirahoshi. One thing was certain—she could not stay on Fish-Man Island.
Once he left, the World Government would definitely send people. Shiki might also make his move. Creed would warn Neptune about all this, but how to arrange Shirahoshi's future would ultimately be Neptune's decision.
Besides, with Fish-Man Island unexpectedly raised to the surface, it now sat close to the entrance of the undersea route and the Red Line landing port. From now on, hordes of pirates, marines, and all kinds of people would pass through, bringing unprecedented complications. That, too, had to be considered.
Although Fish-Man Island was still under Whitebeard's protection, the old man's worsening health had kept him from leaving the New World in recent years, and that deterrent had clearly weakened. Because of this, upstarts like the New Fish-Man Pirates and second-rate scum such as Van der Decken IX had dared set their sights on Princess Shirahoshi.
Inside Ryugu Palace, soldiers hurried about repairing the damage, yet the rest of the halls were decked for celebration. With the island safe, King Neptune decreed three days of national festivities, and the whole island throbbed with joy.
In the banquet hall, everyone was present. Even the timid Shirahoshi had come; curious about the man who saved the island, her wide, water-clear eyes kept drifting back to Creed.
After several rounds of drink, Creed signaled Neptune to dismiss unrelated retainers and officials—and even Shirahoshi—before discussing the matter.
"You… how do you know?" Neptune stammered, tongue-tied when Creed named Shirahoshi's true identity.
The others in the room—Redfield, Robin, and more—were even more shocked. They'd all heard of the three Ancient Weapons; and Robin, versed in Poneglyphs, had seen fragments hinting at them time and again.
Neptune's reaction was within Creed's expectations. Calmly, he continued: both Shiki and the Marines already knew this secret. As for how Neptune would arrange the princess's protection next, Creed wouldn't interfere. He was about to leave Fish-Man Island for the New World and had no time to handle it himself.
He had crushed Big Mom—best to seize the moment, take over her territory, and give his people a stable base. Standing firm in the New World was only step one. Next, Creed would defeat the other Emperors and unify the seas.
The rainbow treasure chests possessed by the remaining Emperors—and the world-level chest that would only appear once all Poneglyphs were gathered—were prizes Creed was determined to claim. With those rewards in hand, the final war against the World Government and the Celestial Dragons would be fought from a position of absolute advantage.
But before he left, there was one more matter.
Ain.
That was the one thing giving Creed a headache.
There was no denying it: after all they had been through—dangers and difficulties shared—the two of them had forged feelings. And since Ain hadn't returned with Kuzan but stayed by Creed's side, he knew she'd made a decision that was painful for her.
He was still far from his ambitions and had little space in his heart for romance. Even so, if Ain truly chose to follow him, Creed would not let her down.
After the banquet, Creed found a chance to be alone with her. Feeling the atmosphere shift, Ain's cheeks flushed pink; her eyes, as soft as spring water, held shyness—and a touch of hope.
"In two hours, I'm leading everyone back to the New World," Creed said.
"So soon?!" Ain had thought he'd stay a day or two, especially with Neptune's three-day celebration underway. Hearing he was leaving so quickly, she panicked a little. She was a girl, after all; confessing first made her hesitate. And she wasn't fully sure of Creed's heart. Liking someone wasn't the same as loving them.
In the years since Creed left the Marines, many great beauties had appeared around him. In looks alone, neither Perona nor Robin lost to her… How could she not feel uncertain?
Creed didn't give her time to spiral. "Ain, will you come with me?"
Ain blinked—then tears shimmered in her eyes. She covered her mouth and nodded. "I will!"
As long as she still lived in Creed's heart, that was enough—no matter how many women had crossed his path. Even if it meant wandering the seas at his side, being hunted by the World Government, losing any chance at a quiet life, even risking death…
Because her days in the Marines had already taught her the torment of longing.
Creed drew her into his arms. They held each other, feeling the drum of the other's heartbeat, wordless for a long time. A subtle, unspoken tension grew between them, layer upon layer, drawing them closer…
Until King Neptune arrived and shattered the moment.
"Lord Creed, may I beg a favor?" Neptune hurried in and dropped to his knees. Creed caught him before he could kneel fully. "Your Majesty, please—there's no need for this. Just tell me what you need."
Only after Creed's assent did Neptune speak. "Could you escort Princess Shirahoshi to Edward Newgate—and ask him to protect her?"
Creed was startled. Whitebeard was a pirate. His "sons" were loyal and loved their old man, but there were rotten apples among them—like Blackbeard, already plotting something grand, and the Great Whirlpool Spider Squard, who later stabbed Whitebeard after being manipulated by Sakazuki. Secrets were hard to keep unless Whitebeard had some special arrangement. And Shirahoshi's peerless beauty was itself an unstable factor.
Neptune sighed. "I have no choice left. I must rely on my brother-in-cup Edward Newgate—and on you, Lord Creed."
He hated to send Shirahoshi away, but the times left him no choice. If she didn't leave today, the future would be unpredictable.
"No problem. We'll depart in about two hours," Creed answered readily. Escorting the princess to Whitebeard was a simple favor.
"So soon? I must prepare at once." Neptune hadn't expected such speed and rushed off to arrange things.
"This will also let me see Whitebeard in person and thank him for his aid," Creed thought to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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