After a few quiet days, Karl suddenly remembered something important about Fish-Man Island.
"Right—King Neptune, doesn't your island also have a Poneglyph?"
"Yes, Mr. Karl," Neptune nodded. "It lies in the Sea Forest. The stone is carved with ancient letters—would you like to see it?"
"Maybe later. I'm too comfortable lying here right now to move," Karl chuckled lazily.
"Hahaha! Then rest well, Mr. Karl. I'll see to some state matters."
"Go ahead, don't mind me."
A Walk with the Princess
Meanwhile, the women were out with Princess Shirahoshi. The timid mermaid still flinched at every gaze.
"Don't be afraid, Shirahoshi! I'll protect you!" Ann said, holding her tiny fists up. "They're only staring because you're beautiful—and you're their princess!"
"But… I'm not used to all these eyes," Shirahoshi whispered. "Ann, can we go back?"
"Shirahoshi, believe in yourself. You'll have to be brave—these are your people. One day, Fish-Man Island will need you to protect it."
"Do you really want to live hidden in that dark iron chamber forever?"
"I don't!" The thought made Shirahoshi shiver.
"Then take courage!"
"Mm… I'll try, Ann!"
With Ann's gentle encouragement, Shirahoshi began to greet passers-by. The crowd erupted in excitement—their reclusive princess was finally among them!
Every shop they entered gathered throngs outside, the streets packed wall to wall.
"Let's head back," Ellie said, glancing at the swelling crowd. "Too many people—it's dangerous for the princess."
"Agreed," Karine said. "Our Shirahoshi's charm is too powerful!"
"N-no… Karine-sister is just as charming," Shirahoshi said shyly.
"Come on, we've been out all day," Ellie smiled. "Time to go home."
Guards followed, hauling heaps of purchases behind them.
Return to the Palace
"Uncle, we're back!" Ann's voice echoed as they entered.
"Karl, don't tell me you've been lying there all day?" Ellie teased.
"There's nothing else to do," Karl said, stretching. "The view's great from here."
"Princess Shirahoshi, how was your first outing?"
"Mr. Karl, Shirahoshi had fun! I even greeted people!" she said brightly.
"Hahaha, good. You can go out more often—but always with guards. There are still bad people out there."
"Understood, Mr. Karl!"
Karl lifted a hand, intending to pat her head—then realized he couldn't even reach.
"Where are the others?"
"They went to coat the Tiger God, and Aderian's probably still shopping. You didn't see him?"
"No. Are we leaving already? We just got here."
"Not yet—just getting the ship ready. This place is too nice to rush off."
"Yay! Then I can play with Ann a few more days!" Shirahoshi beamed.
"Hahaha! Oh, Karine, that wine last night—Fish-Man Island's ingredients make it special. Think you could brew some yourself?"
"Leave it to me!" Karine said with a grin.
"And don't forget those desserts!" Ann added quickly. "Karine-sister, buy extra!"
"Haha, all right."
Even Enel doted on Ann—he'd once given her one of his apples, something no one else dared touch.
The Sea Forest
The next morning, the group set off with Shirahoshi toward the Sea Forest. Neptune was tied up with royal duties and couldn't join them.
"Shirahoshi, we'll visit your mother first," Karl said.
"Thank you, Mr. Karl. I can finally see Mother again…" Tears welled up again—no, full-sized pearls rolled down her cheeks.
"Don't cry, Shirahoshi," Ann said. "Hody Jones has been caught. When he's punished, your mother will be avenged."
"Mm… okay. Let's go." She held Ann carefully in her palm as they continued.
Before the tomb of Queen Otohime, Shirahoshi wept quietly for a long while.
After paying their respects, they turned to the great stone nearby.
"So this is the Poneglyph of Fish-Man Island," Karl murmured. "In the anime, Robin said it held Joy Boy's apology."
"This one's got way more text than the Sky Island one," Ellie said, tracing the glyphs. "If only Robin were here… I miss her."
"She's out there on her own adventure," Karl said softly. "We'll give her the rubbings when we meet again."
"Captain, do you think these stones really record that 'blank century' of history?" Aderian asked.
"Who knows. But to reach Raftel, you need the four red Poneglyphs."
"Ugh, just thinking about that makes me tired. Good thing we're not treasure-hunting," Ellie laughed.
"Let's copy the inscriptions and head back."
They took rubbings and returned to the palace.
A Peaceful Month
Days passed in ease. The women shopped daily; only Bunsen and Enel stayed behind to spar, trading blows without Devil Fruit powers. Enel always ended up bruised, but his Haki improved fast.
"Karl, look at this cheongsam I bought!" Ellie twirled before him. "Nice? I even got some for Hancock!"
"Beautiful," Karl said, grinning. "You're wearing that tonight."
"You rascal!" she laughed, cheeks pink.
A month later, the Tiger God was ready to depart.
"Uuuh—Mr. Karl, Ann—I'll miss you!" Shirahoshi wailed, scooping Ann up.
"Don't cry, Shirahoshi. When you grow up, we'll take you to see the surface, okay?"
"R-really? Promise!"
"Promise!" Ann hooked her tiny finger around Shirahoshi's enormous one.
"Mr. Karl," Neptune said, "you and your crew are always welcome on Fish-Man Island!"
"Farewell, Your Majesty!" Karl waved.
The crew boarded. The Tiger God slowly ascended through the shimmering water.
"Shirahoshi! Goodbye! I'll miss you!" Ann called from the deck.
"Ann! Goodbye! I'll miss you toooo!" the princess cried, waving through a curtain of bubbles as the ship rose toward the light.
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