Chapter 328 Taking Shirahoshi on a Journey
Shirahoshi was a very, very good child.
This was beyond question, naturally.
Kind, sincere, and her originally timid personality had even improved through these years of schooling. She possessed nearly all the qualities a good child should have.
Any parent with such a child would feel gratified.
But Shirahoshi couldn't be just this.
As Poseidon, being only this wasn't enough for Shirahoshi.
"Eh?"
Fish-Man Island's little princess blinked her innocent eyes. She said with considerable confusion, "Brett-niisan, are you saying I should control the Sea Kings to fight?"
"Though it's shameful to ask, and probably very difficult for you—"
In Ryugu Palace's throne room, Brett spoke very solemnly to the little princess. "But Shirahoshi, your power is absolutely indispensable!"
If they wanted to defeat the World Government, Poseidon's power would naturally be a crucial and irreplaceable part of that.
"Brett..."
Neptune, sitting to the side, felt somewhat conflicted. Shirahoshi was only nine years old. Wasn't it too early to discuss such things with her?
Brett knew what Neptune was thinking, but he wanted to say—it wasn't early at all.
This world had become completely unrecognizable due to his arrival. He could no longer predict future developments based on the original manga's plot.
Brett could guarantee that as long as the government found an opportunity, the final battle would erupt immediately.
Though saying this was unfair to Shirahoshi, under current circumstances, there simply wasn't much time left for her to grow up slowly.
"But why must there be war?"
Little Princess Shirahoshi looked very puzzled. "Wouldn't it be better if everyone got along peacefully?"
A nine-year-old child no longer knew nothing.
Shirahoshi had seen in textbooks what war meant—mutual slaughter.
It meant many people would lose their lives.
A kind child didn't want to see such things happen.
"Mama said if people at sea understood Fish-Man Island, they could live peacefully with us!"
Her Highness declared confidently.
That's exactly it. The little princess hadn't just inherited Queen Otohime's Observation Haki—she'd also inherited Otohime's beliefs along with her personality.
Though many years had passed, Queen Otohime hadn't abandoned her dream.
Rather, if she'd given up so easily, she wouldn't be Queen Otohime.
She still hoped for mutual understanding between fish-men and humans, leading to peace.
Her reason for participating in the auditions and now being All Stars' lead vocalist was also this.
She hoped to become a role model, letting humans further understand fish-men and merfolk, further understand Fish-Man Island.
And now this ideology had made the little princess who'd mastered Poseidon's power develop the same thoughts.
This was what left Brett most helpless.
Neptune also felt helpless about this.
In fact, Otohime hadn't deliberately transmitted her beliefs to the children.
But as a mother greatly loved by her children, they would naturally and inevitably adopt her colors.
"If the world were truly that simple, I naturally wouldn't go to such great lengths."
Brett sighed. He looked at the bewildered little princess. "But regrettably, this world isn't as beautiful as you imagine, Princess Shirahoshi."
"Neptune!"
Brett turned back. He looked at Neptune—both his expression and tone extremely solemn.
"Ah? What?"
Neptune felt somewhat confused.
"I'm taking Shirahoshi out for a trip." Brett said.
"Out? That's fine."
Neptune nodded knowingly. "Where? Fish-Man District or somewhere else?"
"Neither."
Brett shook his head. Then he said seriously, "I'm taking her to the New World."
"Oh, the New World—"
Neptune's calm expression suddenly froze. Then his eyes nearly popped from their sockets. "Brett! You said the New World?! Are you serious?!"
That was the New World!
The most chaotic waters in this world—bar none.
Even if Brett was one of the world's strongest people—actually, Neptune thought that "one of" could be removed—
But Shirahoshi was only nine years old! She was still a child.
She understood nothing, had no ability to protect herself, and aside from her massive size had no difference from other ordinary children—
Well, there were still differences.
Shirahoshi could now use Observation Haki and had awakened the ability to summon Sea Kings.
But ultimately she was still just a child. Taking her to the New World now—wouldn't that be too dangerous?
"Leave it to me with confidence."
Brett turned to meet the still-confused little princess's eyes. "I want to show Shirahoshi the real world."
...
"So Neptune ultimately agreed to this?"
At the Mermaid Café, the proprietress Shyarly lazily sketched on paper, asking without lifting her head.
"It took quite a bit of persuasion."
Brett smiled. "But fortunately, the result was good."
"But is this really a good thing?"
Shyarly set down her pen and looked up at Brett. "When you were nine, you were still running around Fish-Man District with a runny nose, trying to stuff anything resembling food into your mouth to taste it."
"Please don't make me recall such things."
Brett waved his hand. Such memories were too cruel for someone reincarnated.
Then he sighed. "I know. Children should do what children should do. Shirahoshi should have grown up happily with her friends."
Brett had never liked those so-called mature, precocious children.
Kids should just be like kids.
"But now I'm afraid we don't have much time left."
With his variable presence, the problems the government now faced were probably more severe than in the original story two years later when Luffy defeated Kaido.
So what would they do?
Would that Lord Imy's lights-extinguishing operation be delayed until then?
Though it was unfair to Her Highness, since her ability had already awakened, there was no longer any reason to hesitate.
"Do whatever you want to do, Brett."
A hand rested on Brett's—somewhat cool, but very soft.
Brett looked up, meeting Shyarly's eyes directly. "After all, I already made that prophecy, didn't I?"
Right.
Shyarly had already made her prophecy long ago.
All actions would only lead to a beautiful future.
"That's true."
Then he'd take Princess Shirahoshi out for a look around.
"By the way, have Nana come along too."
The little princess was a girl, after all.
"Nana? She'll definitely be thrilled."
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