Fish-Man Island, Immigration Dock.
"Why don't you go to the Revolutionary Army? Many of our comrades would very much like to meet you!"
The large ship with a dragon-shaped prow slowly set sail. Dragon raised his hand in farewell to Sakura and Tiger.
"No, I still plan to learn a few things from the mermaids." Sakura shook her head, "Besides, I'm just a pirate who does as she pleases. Things like revolution... forget it."
Seeing Sakura refuse, Dragon didn't insist further.
Because he knew, as long as the World Government maintained its current disgraceful state for one more day-
People on the seas unwilling to accept domination and oppression would eventually raise the banner of rebellion. Then, an even greater force would gather them together, forming a torrent that would wash everything away.
"Then, may we both achieve what we desire!"
Dragon pulled down his hood, hiding his face.
As the coating enveloped it, the underwater currents pushed the large ship out of the port, heading towards the deep sea.
"Let's go. Come with me to Ryugu Palace. Someone is waiting for us there."
Fisher Tiger withdrew his gaze and patted Sakura's shoulder, motioning her to follow.
Behind them, a massive sea creature pulled a shell-made boat floating in the air.
Stepping onto the sightseeing boat, they followed the current into Ryugu Palace above Fish-Man Island.
The guards around them all looked at Sakura and Tiger with reverent gaze, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Passing through the palace corridors separated from the seawater by coating, escorted by the honor guard, the two entered the main hall of Ryugu Palace.
Suddenly, a figure leaped out of the crowd at an extremely fast speed and promptly pulled the girl into an embrace.
"Finally, finally, you've appeared!"
Sakura opened her eyes and looked towards the direction from which a faint fragrance came. A compassionate face came into view.
The two women's Haki, which could also perceive emotions, seemed to converse with the other's. In an instant, the two seemed to become incredibly familiar.
"Hello, Mermaid Princess, Otohime-sama. And long time no see, Neptune-sama."
"Hello to you too, child of humanity… Haruno Sakura!"
Otohime's emotions were surging. After lengthy speeches, she had finally found a suitable human to take the first step towards reconciliation between humans and Fish-men.
At this moment, she wished she could immediately take Sakura to participate in the speeches on Fish-Man Island.
Unfortunately, her husband's words the next second brought back some of her restraint.
"The little girl from back then has now grown into an outstanding great pirate."
Neptune's eyes held a trace of reminiscence, as if the scene of Roger bringing his crew onto the island was still fresh before his eyes.
'However, hasn't this young lady grown a bit too slowly?'
Once this similar thought emerged, it took deep root in Neptune's mind, making him glance repeatedly at Sakura beside him.
"Thank you for your concern."
Sakura wanted to make a polite response, but Otohime held her tightly, unwilling to let go. Finally, led by her, Sakura entered the hall.
A banquet had been prepared in Ryugu Palace to welcome the two.
Amidst the light songs and graceful dances, Sakura looked back at the regrettable Princess, pondering her passing.
No matter what, for a person striving for peace to ultimately die by the gun of a despicable person... such an ending is far too tragic!
Thus, having made up her mind, she spoke up to warn, "Princess, it would be best to scale back your activities for a while."
Hearing Sakura's words, Otohime's red lips parted slightly, revealing a sense of fragility.
Clearly, through the exchange of Haki, she could feel their mutual willingness to understand each other's hearts.
'But why?'
"The current situation of Fish-Man Island... the three of you must already be aware of it, right?"
Before the two, Fisher Tiger fell into silence, while Neptune nodded helplessly.
"The World Government has already refused our participation in the Reverie. Wanting to see you is also because of this matter."
The more she sensed the frustration in Neptune's words, the heavier the guilt on Fisher Tiger became.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, Princess. I have trampled on your intentions."
"In a while, I will leave Fish-Man Island. I won't bring disaster to my homeland."
The red Fish-man raised his head, his eyes filled with a certain resolve.
"Tiger, you don't have to..."
Otohime's blurted-out words were cut off as Sakura tugged on her clothes.
"Not just him, I will be leaving soon too!"
Sakura helped Otohime sit steady. Behind her, three young princes peeked out, curiously observing the young female pirate before them.
"But before I leave, there are some things I must remind you of, to prevent a greater tragedy."
The aura around the girl became profound, carrying an indescribable historical weight.
The other three straightened their postures, adopting listening stances.
"Regarding the voice of Fish-Man Island cannot reach the outside world… This isn't solely a problem of the Fish-men themselves, but also of humans!"
"A certain malice has always been obstructing your voice! Because eight hundred years ago, that Mermaid Princess took the opposite side of the current world in a massive war that has yet to end!"
Neptune's body stiffened, his face turning ashen. With a trembling voice, he uttered a name: "You mean... Joy Boy?!"
"Yes." Sakura sighed softly, "So, under the current World Government system dominated by the Celestial Dragons, Princess Otohime's long-cherished wish cannot be realized. It might even attract danger."
"How could this be?!"
The ocean currents brought a chilly breeze, dimming Otohime's spirits considerably. The arms holding Sakura went limp and dropped.
"Otohime..."
Sensing his beloved wife's low spirits, Neptune also lowered his gaze, the whiskers on his face drooping.
But the daughter in his arms, as if sensing their despondency, began to cry and fuss, causing Neptune to soothe her repeatedly, dispersing much of the oppressive mood.
"Neptune, let me say this first, I won't give up, you know!"
Otohime floated to Neptune's side, raised her hand, and gently stroked her daughter's hair. The will burning in her eyes was so pure, containing not a hint of selfish desire.
For future generations to be able to live freely under the sunlight, reconciliation with humans was necessary.
Therefore, no matter what hardships lay on this path, she would not give up.
"Mmm, I support you!"
The old couple exchanged a smile, and an atmosphere of harmony quietly grew between them.
"Have you confirmed your resolution?"
Sakura pondered, sensing through Observation Haki that Otohime's heart had become even more gentle and resolute, no longer easily swayed by external matters.
"Of course, I'm not the type to admit defeat easily. But thank you for your reminder, Sakura!"
Raising her hand to stroke Sakura's face, Otohime felt she liked the girl in front of her more and more the longer she looked.
'If I could adopt her as my own daughter, she would surely become great sisters with Shirahoshi!'
"Communication between two races is destined to be lengthy. Don't try to solve all problems in a short time. Occasionally, trust the successors, nurture them well to take over your cause!"
Pulling a funny face, Sakura joked with the princes floating in the air. The little mermen were startled by the young girl's sudden ferocity, tears welling in their eyes as they firmly hid their bodies behind their mother.
"You mean..."
As if electrified, Otohime's body trembled, and she suddenly felt enlightened.
"Mmm, a school. A place to teach the children of the Fish-men and merfolk about the complexities of humans, to learn knowledge and combat skills!"
At this moment, under the lights of Ryugu Palace, Sakura, describing the future for the people of Fish-Man Island, appeared so radiant. Her pure spirit captivated everyone, making it hard to look away.
"Only with peace in their hearts, still willing to communicate and understand after recognizing the diversity of humans, and possessing the combat power to protect themselves, will Princess Otohime's goal have taken its first step."
A light shone in Otohime's eyes, and the hand holding Sakura's trembled. In Sakura's Observation Haki's vision, the other party's excitement was like gushing magma.
After all, she had finally found a practical, feasible path that could benefit her people and allow her to realize her ideals.
At this moment, Otohime absolutely adored the girl before her, wishing she could take her home and raise her, keeping her by her side every day,
Draining her mind of all its ingenious ideas.
"Be my daughter!"
Sakura: ???
'Why does everyone want to snatch me as a daughter? Could you be the legendary... Otohige?'