Hearing Enel’s question, Noir subtly gave him a thumbs-up and discreetly leaned in to listen.
Vander Decken IX was infatuated with Princess Shirahoshi. Consumed by possessive jealousy, he used his Mato Mato no Mi powers to target her, causing weapons to constantly fly from afar and injure her.
Noir hadn't been sure how to bring up Shirahoshi, but now that Enel had raised the question, he could inquire more naturally.
Neptune sighed at Enel’s question. "That's my daughter. She's been cursed, so weapons often fly at her, causing her harm."
Ace, having recovered somewhat, joined the conversation, curious. "Your daughter? So, she's the princess? Why haven't you dealt with the culprit? Wouldn't that solve the problem?"
Jinbe answered for Neptune. "The man's name is Vander Decken IX. He's a Devil Fruit user, and it's difficult to track him down."
Issho, listening intently, offered his sympathy. "I imagine your daughter has suffered greatly."
Neptune sighed heavily, his gaze downcast. "To protect Shirahoshi, I've confined her to Hard-Shell Tower. It's been almost seven years…"
Enel shuddered. Seven years in one place? That mermaid princess must have incredible patience.
Noir, sensing the opportunity, spoke. "Could I meet Princess Shirahoshi?"
Neptune hesitated, wanting to refuse. "But if we open the gates of Hard-Shell Tower, I fear…"
Noir scoffed. "That Devil Fruit ability? Unless he throws an entire island at us, it's useless against me."
Jinbe nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Majesty. I've returned to the palace. I can assist Noir."
With two Warlord-level powerhouses offering their support, Neptune's worries eased. He made up his mind. "Very well. Follow me."
Noir, inwardly pleased, followed Neptune to the depths of the Ryugu Palace. They arrived before an incredibly well-hidden, enormous castle.
Wyper gaped at the towering structure. "Fit for a princess, indeed! This place is huge!"
Jinbe opened his mouth, then hesitated. This place might seem large, but it’s actually just Princess Shirahoshi's bedroom…
The gates of Hard-Shell Tower were littered with swords, knives, and other sharp weapons.
And in the distance, another volley of deadly projectiles hurtled towards them.
Issho frowned slightly, about to use his abilities to stop the incoming weapons when Noir raised a hand to stop him.
"Hmph!"
A wave of crimson energy erupted from Noir, forming a barrier that repelled all the flying objects.
Haoshoku Haki couldn't be actively trained, but it grew stronger with the user's willpower. Noir's Conqueror's Haki had become so potent that it could now affect physical objects.
Jinbe, sensing the terrifying aura that had briefly emanated from Noir, looked at him with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
What a powerful Haoshoku Haki, and he has such control over it.
He really is the Devil Noir, the one who escaped the clutches of the Marine's top forces…
Seeing Noir deflect the attack without even moving, Neptune was reassured. He signaled to the mermaid guards flanking the gate to open it.
The heavy gates swung open, and Neptune entered the room. Light slowly filled the vast, dimly lit space.
The once opulent chamber had been transformed. Pink shells adorned the walls, and even the everyday objects were decorated in a charmingly girlish, pastel pink style.
On the other side of the room, beneath the soft glow of luminous pearls, lay a massive bed occupied by an equally massive mermaid.
The mermaid, awakened by the light, looked towards the entrance, her eyes widening in delight. "Father!"
Whoa…
Even knowing that Shirahoshi was enormous, seeing her in person was still a shock.
However, Noir had met Oars, so Shirahoshi's size, combined with her gentle nature, didn't faze him.
Enel's eye twitched as he looked at Neptune, who was also incredibly large. He muttered, "Like father, like daughter…"
Wyper nodded silently. However, she didn't look anything like her father.
Shirahoshi's long, wavy pink hair flowed behind her, ethereal and soft.
Her bright blue eyes and her pink tail, with its varying shades, added to her innocent beauty.
Noir had seen many beautiful women during his travels, but in terms of sheer beauty, Shirahoshi's delicate features easily placed her in his top three.
Coupled with her ample bosom, she was truly a vision of unparalleled beauty.
Noir felt a warmth rising in his face.
Shirahoshi, with a flick of her magnificent tail, was about to swim to Neptune's side when she noticed the unfamiliar humans standing next to her father.
She stopped, her hands clasped nervously in front of her chest, her voice trembling slightly. "Father, who are they?"
Uh… She's quite timid.
Neptune gently patted Shirahoshi's head, guilt tugging at his heart. "They rescued many fish-men and merfolk. They are friends, Shirahoshi."
Shirahoshi nodded nervously, her eyes darting towards Noir and the others.
When she saw them looking back at her, she quickly averted her gaze.
Noir, wanting to ease the tension, smiled gently and extended a hand. "My name is Noir. I'm the captain of the Underworld Pirates."
Shirahoshi flinched slightly at Noir's outstretched hand and looked at her father for reassurance.
Neptune gave her an encouraging nod, and Shirahoshi hesitantly extended her own hand, her "delicate" fingers brushing against Noir's.
Noir breathed a sigh of relief. It had been a long time, even considering his previous life, since he'd encountered such a shy girl.
Despite her size, Shirahoshi's gentle nature was endearing, especially to the women present.
Conis and Kalifa quickly struck up a conversation with Shirahoshi.
Though it was mostly Kalifa and Conis doing the talking, Shirahoshi listened attentively, her tense expression gradually softening into a smile. Neptune, seeing this, finally relaxed a little.
But his worry soon returned. He sighed. "I've failed Shirahoshi. I haven't been able to catch the culprit who torments her, forcing her to live in such a dangerous world, without even any friends!"
Noir tried to reassure him. "There's not much you can do. That Devil Fruit ability is truly troublesome."
Neptune nodded glumly. Robin nudged Noir's side and whispered, "Aren't you going to help her?"
Noir looked at her in surprise. "Why should I help her?"
"You specifically asked to meet Shirahoshi. Don't tell me you just wanted to chat?"
Noir scratched his head, chuckling evasively.
He'd come to meet Shirahoshi to copy her talent, of course. But he'd been a little… distracted… by her… other assets.
...
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