Rosen felt that being with Shirahoshi allowed him to sense the brighter aspects of human nature—no longer constant strife, but instead a sense of tolerance, compassion, and gentleness.
But Rosen never anticipated that in the next moment, Shirahoshi would propose the idea of becoming his disciple.
"Is... is it not allowed?" Shirahoshi asked softly. He was so powerful. That detestable Decken had been defeated in an instant.
"Take me as your master?" Rosen's expression grew somewhat peculiar.
In all his time at sea, this was the first time he had received such a request. Truth be told, Rosen was somewhat tempted, not merely because Shirahoshi was an Ancient Weapon, but because her very nature made it hard to dislike her.
"Taking me as your master might bring a great deal of trouble," Rosen said, without agreeing, choosing instead to clarify the situation.
"But didn't you say I possess great power? Won't that also invite trouble in the future?" Shirahoshi paused, tilting her head slightly in thought. She was naive, but not foolish.
"Uh..." Rosen found himself without a retort. Indeed, once the World Government discovered certain clues about Fishman Island in the future, they would likely not let Shirahoshi go easily.
The World Government was aware of the legend of Poseidon on Fishman Island, for they knew the truth of history. The only uncertainty lay in the timing of the birth.
But as the seas grew turbulent, neither Shirahoshi nor Fishman Island could truly remain unaffected. Exposure was only a matter of time.
"Then you shall be my master! Teach me how to become stronger. I want to protect Fishman Island and master the power you spoke of." Seeing that Rosen had not refused, Shirahoshi beamed with delight.
"This power must be controlled through your will. However, physical and mental training should help you adapt to the changes brought by this power more quickly. But with your physique, how are you supposed to learn from me? How do you mermaids usually exercise?" Rosen felt there was no major issue in agreeing to take Shirahoshi as a disciple.
After all, it merely involved imparting some training methods. And, to put it selfishly, this would create a bond between himself and Shirahoshi. If she could learn to protect Fishman Island with her own strength, it would be far better than having that power misused or exploited by others in the future.
At the very least, even if she never served his purposes, she would not be turned against him.
"How do mermaids train? The same as humans—expending physical energy to strengthen our bodies," Shirahoshi replied after a moment's thought.
"And your tail?" Rosen looked at Shirahoshi's tail, glossy and beautiful, truly a sight to behold.
"Just like this." Shirahoshi gave a little hop with her tail, launching herself quite high. Because of the bubble ring around her waist, much of her weight was supported, making her remarkably buoyant.
"Is that convenient?" Rosen was somewhat uncertain. Guiding others in training was something he often did aboard the ship, but before a mermaid's tail transformed into legs, could they truly exercise like humans?
"Of course it's convenient! It's a part of our body. There's no difficulty at all," Shirahoshi said, puzzled.
Had he been overcomplicating things? Yet Rosen could hardly be blamed. The powerful inhabitants of Fishman Island he had witnessed so far were all fishmen, not mermaids. Seeing mermaids with tail fins, he had instinctively assumed their mobility was limited.
"That's good to hear. But are you really only fourteen?" Rosen looked skyward. Shirahoshi had grown far too quickly. When she had jumped just now, it was less like headlights and more like the sun itself.
He truly could not fathom how people in this world, with such vast differences in physique, managed to reproduce. After all, it was not the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
"Yes. Oh, right! Let's hurry back. I must share this wonderful news with Father. He will surely be delighted," Shirahoshi said eagerly.
"Hmm, we should inform the king," Rosen nodded. Whether the king would consent remained a question, for he might well suspect Rosen of intending to use Shirahoshi. Such a concern would be entirely reasonable.
After all, the king likely knew that Rosen was probably aware of Shirahoshi's identity. However, Rosen harbored no intention of exploiting Shirahoshi. If anything, he merely wished to foster goodwill, for Shirahoshi was indeed endearing.
"Oh, and regarding training, you must be prepared for hardship. First, you'll need to break that habit of crying easily, and then..."
"And then what?"
"First, learn to speak harshly. No more cowering or hesitating. Be confident and assertive."
"Harsh words? Does that mean becoming a pirate?"
"No, it's to build your courage. Surely you don't want me calling you 'Crybaby-hoshi'? You are a princess, and now my disciple besides."
"Master, you're so mean, calling me Crybaby-hoshi..."
"No crying."
"Mm."
...
"Say something harsh for me to hear."
"Bwahahaha, my darling little Shirahoshi, hurry up and marry me, or I'll make sure you live every day in fear... Was... was that right?" Shirahoshi imitated Decken's tone and the lines he had included with the weapons he constantly sent.
"You call that harsh?" Sweat beaded on Rosen's forehead. It seemed this was truly asking too much of her.
...
Ryugu Palace.
Baron Tamago looked at the Den Den Mushi in his hand, then repeatedly glanced at Pekoms. Pekoms, for his part, was being shrewd. "You make the call. The situation must be reported to Mama. But regarding your idea of forging an alliance with the Dawn Pirates, I doubt Mama will agree. What Mama wants is to absorb them."
"I'm aware of that. But the Dawn Pirates possess considerable potential. An alliance might allow our Big Mom Pirates to stand out among the Four Emperors in a few years," Baron Tamago said, genuinely considering Totto Land's interests.
"Then give it a try. But remember, once an alliance is declared, it effectively means the Big Mom Pirates are shielding this rising Dawn Pirates crew. That will likely lead to more friction with the Marines," Pekoms cautioned.
"I'll try anyway." Baron Tamago held Rosen in high regard, which was why he wished to broker this connection.
Buruburuburu...
Gacha!
"Mama..."
"Now that Fishman Island is secured, hurry up and send the sweets. I've been waiting a long time."
"Mama, the sweets may be delayed by a day or two. One of Kaido's subordinates released poison gas on Fishman Island, causing some unforeseen issues. But rest assured, Mama, the confectionery processing has resumed, and the quantity will be even greater—much greater..."
"Is that so? Good, the more the better. But make it quick. And as for that geezer Kaido, daring to send men to mess with my factory... There are a few of his ships passing through here soon. I'll have Smoothie sink them. The sweets must come quickly, very quickly. Otherwise, I'll be taking payment in your lifespan."
Hearing of the delay, Big Mom's face had initially darkened, the gloom palpable even through the Den Den Mushi. But upon hearing Baron Tamago promise even greater quantities, her mood instantly brightened.
"By the way, Mama, there's one more matter to report."
"What is it?"
"It concerns the Dawn Pirates."
...
A short while later.
"Is their strength truly that great? How does it compare to Jinbe? That fishman is quite formidable in the water," Big Mom asked after a moment of silence. As long as her craving illness was not triggered and her sweet tooth was not aching, Big Mom could communicate reasonably well.
"Stronger than Jinbe. And more than just one."
"Mama-mama~ Now that is interesting. Very well, have it your way. Go ahead and arrange an alliance pact with them while you're at it. By the way, is Crocodile still unmarried? Let me see who among the family might be suitable... Pudding? No, no. To bring someone of decent strength into Totto Land, we must put in some effort... Chiffon? But I heard she has her eye on someone lately. How about Custard then? Hmm... this way, Totto Land will grow ever stronger. Everyone will be family, one big family." Big Mom mused to herself, in a pleasant mood.
An alliance was one thing, but once they were family, wouldn't they have to listen to her anyway?
Totto Land, Big Mom's nation, was ruled by ministers who were predominantly her own offspring. She had forty-six sons and thirty-nine daughters. It was a vast empire built primarily upon blood ties, encompassing many races and wielding immense power.
(End of Chapter)