Shiraoshi carried Luffy and (Y/N) over to her bed as set them down in front of her. Luffy smiled up at the Mermaid Princess. "So? Are you gonna get ready or not? We're wasting time. Let's go!"
"Wait, uh. You want us to leave right now?" Shiraoshi spoke with nervousness in her voice. "But, I mean— This is happening so fast. I need to think."
"What's there to think about?" Luffy questioned her back.
Shiraoshi quickly replied. "Well, I've never done anything like this. So... I'm nervous." (Y/N) looked away from everyone in though. 'Geez. This is reminds me of my first time I had se—' Megalo locked eyes with her, tilting his head in confusion when blush grew on (Y/N)'s face. (Y/N) awkwardly laugh and attempt to innocently whistle away her thoughts. Megalo grew more suspicious, but his attention was stollen by Shiraoshi speaking. "I haven't been outside in so long. Can you give me a moment to decide?"
Luffy frustratedly sighed. "We're just talkin' about goin' for a walk. It's no big deal." He plopped himself down on the bed. "Sure, you can have a minute. But only a minute, 'cause I don't like you." Shiraoshi whined before sobbing. "Okay, fine! Take all the time you want, sheesh." Luffy irritated spoke as he laid back on the bed.
(Y/N) sat down, looking up at Shiraoshi. "Actually, if you could hurry up and decide, I would greatly appreciate it. I still want to check on the others sometime today."
Luffy waved (Y/N) concerns off. "Ah. They'll be fine, we both know that."
"Yeah, yeah. But you know how worried I can get." (Y/N) sighed and laid next to Luffy.
After a while of waiting for Shiraoshi's decision, Luffy sat up. "C'mon! Aren't you ready yet? Let's get going!"
"I'm sorry. I can't, though I'd like to." Shiraoshi softly spoke with sadness in her voice.
(Y/N) frowned at the mermaid as Luffy replied. "Then why not? You said there was somewhere you wanted to see, didn't you?"
Shiraoshi looked down at Luffy. "I did. But if I leave my room, it'll cause a lot of problems. And not just for me, but for everyone in the palace, too."
(Y/N) sat up with a light sigh. "Very princess like to look out for the safety of her people."
"Look, I'm not tellin' ya how to live your live," Luffy stood up, placing his hands on his hips. "...but I'd be going crazy if I was stuck in one room for ten years. I'll made sure you're safe. It's my thanks for all that food. So where do you wanna go?"
Shiraoshi gasped at the captain before lightly blushing. "Uh... Well..." She struggled to speaking making Luffy and (Y/N) stare at her in confusion. Shiraoshi placed her hand on her chin as she softly spoke. "The... The Sea.... The Sea Forest!" Shiraoshi had tears pouring from her eyes, she wiped them away as she continued. "Sorry. I suppose it's a foolish dream. I could never forgive myself for doing something so selfish. Just forget about it."
(Y/N) stood up, smiling at the mermaid. 'She's so sweet, even if she's a big crybaby.' Luffy threw his arms up in the air, yelling in frustration. "We're just standing here talking! What are you apologizing for?!"
"Because. I can't stop crying. Just saying that look all of my courage. Please! Don't get angry and start yelling at me again! If really frightening when you do that." Shiraoshi covered her eyes with her hands and began sobbing.
(Y/N) groaned in defeat. "Then stop crying." Luffy added in. "You're such a pain in the butt." A loud thud was heard behind them making (Y/N) and Luffy look back at the door. Luffy yelled out. "What the hell?! What's all that noise!" The Hard Shell Tower began to shake and cause rubble to fall from its ceiling. Luffy spoke again after seeing the destruction. "He's not throwing axes again, is he? This guys got real issues."
(Y/N) stared at the door with a serious expression on her face. 'I could swear I heard voices before the thuds. What the hell is he throwing?' Shiraoshi picked up both (Y/N) and Luffy in her hands. "I'm sorry to burden you two, but it truly is my dream to go to the Sea Forest. And these ten years, I couldn't. Whenever I talked about making the trip, everyone goes out of their way to tell me how dangerous it would be for me to leave. So I've never pushed the issue because I'm too afraid. Tell me the truth. Are you really willing to take me to the Sea Forest despite the trouble you'll face?"
"Absolutely, Princess." (Y/N) smiled up at her. Luffy groaned in frustration. "Yes." His smart-ass reply earned him a smack on the head by (Y/N).
Shiraoshi continued. "And you.. promise to protect me no matter what happens, right?"
Luffy rubbed his head because smiling up at Shiraoshi. "Of course we will. Count on us!" Shiraoshi happily smiled before her bottom lip began to quiver and she began to sob once more. Luffy's smile dropped at the sight. "Woah, hold on. I'm not gonna do it in you keep crying. And if I'm being honest here, you'll be the one taking us. Since we can't swim and all."
"I mean, I can, but using my Armament Haki takes a lot out of me and I don't know the way to the Sea Forrest." (Y/N) lightly shrugged at Shiraoshi and her captain.
Shiraoshi wiped her tears away. "Don't cry? But that'll be hard because I'm so happy."
"Is there anything that doesn't make you cry?" Luffy sassed back. "Well, anyway. When we go to leave this place, everyone's gonna recognize you, aren't they?"
Shiraoshi quickly replied. "Yes. That will be a problem."
"No it won't, cause I got the perfect idea to get you outta here!" Luffy happily exclaimed making (Y/N) turned to Luffy with a shocked expression on her face. 'Did you actually plan something?!" Luffy giggled before looking over a Megalo.
(Y/N) sighed in defeat. "Not another one of 'Luffy's Brilliant Ideas'." Megalo looked at the two Straw Hats in concerned confusion.
Luffy turned to the door that was once banging with whatever Vander Decken was throwing at it. "Hey, it sounds like it finally stopped! You ready, scared-cat?"
"Uh. Sure." Shiraoshi nervously replied while laying in Megalo's mouth. "We're counting on you, Megalo!"
Luffy giggled, turning to the (h/c) haired woman next to him. "And you, (Y/N)?"
"Let's get this show on the road!" (Y/N) happily laughed, pointing towards the door. "Go, Megalo!"
Megalo began ramming his body against the locked doors, over and over again, until it finally gave way and busted open. (Y/N) stared down at the men below her when she heard them gasp in shock. She locked eyes with her skeleton crew mate and simply waved at him as Megalo swam into the sea. Luffy stood up in the air bubble he was in, pointing forward. "Let's go! Break through! We're off to the Sea Forest!"
"Yeah!!" (Y/N) happily cheered, also standing up in the air bubble she was in. (Y/N) looked back at Brook when he yelled out. "Hold on, Luffy! (Y/N)! What are you guys doing?!"
The sea horse Fishman, who was now tied up, joined Brook's desperate yelling. "Stop! Megalo, some back here now! Stay in the palace!"
(Y/N) shouted back. "Goodbye, boys! We'll catch up with you later! Brook, check on the rest of the crew for me, would ya?"
Luffy happily exclaimed. "We're on an adventure!"
Megalo made it out of the Ryugu Palace and flew over Fishman Island just like before. After a while of traveling to the Sea Forest, Luffy spoke down to Shiraoshi. "You can come out of the shark now, ya know."
"Oh. That's okay, I think I'd rather stay inside for now." Shiraoshi quickly replied. Megalo grunted in pain from having such a large mermaid inside his mouth.
"Must be nice, after being cooped up for ten years." Luffy happily spoke. (Y/N) added in. "I can't imagine how you feel when you left that tower."
"Yes, my heart is racing! They're probably worried sick about me." Shiraoshi spoke with worry in her voice.
Luffy looked back down towards Shiraoshi. "You've been out five minutes! Have a little fun, would ya? Geez, what a weirdo!"
(Y/N) glared at Luffy, holding up her fist to his face. "You want another 'Fist of Love'? Or should I say 'Hate' this time?!" Luffy nervously put his hands up in defense, shaking his head 'no' at (Y/N).
Shiraoshi giggles before speaking. "Now I know how it feels. This is a real adventure, huh?"
Both (Y/N) and Luffy laughed before Luffy spoke. "It sure is! If your heart's racing, it counts as an adventure! You mentioned a thing called 'the Sea Forest' right? So what is that? Is it a pretty cool place?" (Y/N) joined in. "It sounded like you badly wanted to go there. Any reason why?"
A few moments of silence lingered before Shiraoshi spoke. "It's a graveyard." (Y/N)'s smile dropped from her words. 'Ouch.' Shiraoshi continue. "Or rather, there's one grave that I never got to visit, because I was locked away. Ten years, I've wanted to go, and now my only dream can finally come true."
'I wonder who she could be speaking about. They must be someone dear to her... Man, I'm so going to give that old, stinky grandpa a piece of my mind for not letting his daughter go to the graveyard. What a cruel man.' (Y/N) held up her fist in front of her as her eyes burned with rage from her thoughts. Luffy looked over at her in confusion. "Uh. (Y/N)? Are you okay?"
(Y/N) shook off her rage before turning her head to her captain and giving him an innocent look. "Yep, I'm fine. How about you?" Light blush grew on Luffy's face before he quickly looked away from her. (Y/N) tilted her head in confusion from her captain's actions, but shrugged it off and went back to looking down at Fishman Island. 'This place is so beautiful. It never fails to amaze me.'
Shiraoshi spoke up. "Look at that cloud! It's so cute!" (Y/N) looked down towards the princess' voice as she continued. "I've only read about them in books, of course, but doesn't it look just like a raccoon?"
(Y/N) looked up at the cloud. "Ha! That definitely reminds me of someone!" Luffy chuckled at the cloud. "Oh, yeah! That's funny! It's totally Chopper!" The two Straw Hats laughed together.
"Who's Chopper?" Shiraoshi questioned up to the Straw Hats.
"A friend. Part of our crew. He's a doctor." Luffy happily replied. (Y/N) joined in. "One of the best doctors on the seas. You should totally meet him while we're here." Shiraoshi just replied with how confused she was at the comments.
Luffy looked up to the sky, holding his hand above him eyes. "Are those giant flying fish?" (Y/N) squinted her eyes at the seven sea creatures flying miles above them. Luffy stared at the sight for a second before standing up and following the creatures with his gaze. "Darn it. They're too far away to tell."
"Is something wrong?" Shiraoshi nervously spoke. "I can't see from in here."
"It's probably nothing. Don't worry about it, Princess, Luffy just spotted something that peaked his interest." (Y/N) waved the scene off and pulled Luffy down on her lap and resting her chin on his shoulder.
Luffy continued to look up to the sky where the sea creatures went off in. "I'm still thinking about those huge fish."
"Luffy." Shiraoshi called out making Luffy look down a bit. "How did you get so strong? You weren't born that way, were you?"
"No, but I've been training since I was real little." Luffy calmly replied. "I have to, 'cause they're always somebody stronger."
Shiraoshi gasped in awe. "Wow. Someone strong than you? That can't be! Are you strong, too, (Y/N)?"
(Y/N) lifted her head off Luffy's shoulder. "Me? I guess you can say that. I've also trained since I was little, but I wouldn't compare myself to Luffy."
"Don't say stuff like that! You're plenty strong! I would even say you're stronger than me!" Luffy glared back at (Y/N) making her stare at him in awe. 'Is that how Luffy thinks of me?' Light blush ran across (Y/N)'s face and so did Luffy's as they stared into each other's eyes. Magalo started to loudly grunt taking Luffy's attention. The captain looked down at the shark. "What's wrong, shark? Don't tell me you're sick. You're acting weird. Do you need to take a break?" Megalo coughed up Shiraoshi making Luffy and (Y/N) fly forward to his snout. The shark quickly swallowed Shiraoshi back up as Luffy and (Y/N) fell back and landed next to each other. Luffy quickly spoke up. "Awe, man, that was a close one! You gotta be more careful, shark!"
(Y/N) huffed from the adrenaline rush she felt. "Don't ever... scare me like that again! I thought I was a goner!" Megalo nervously sweated from the (h/c) haired woman's yelling.
Luffy giggled and pulled her into his lap. "We'll be fine. Hopefully we'll get there soon."
(Y/N) sighed and leaned back into Luffy's chest. "I sure hope so. I think Megalo needs a break and soon."
After a while of traveling, (Y/N) looked up at Luffy as he prepared to sneeze. Quickly, she held up a small air umbrella above her, just in time, when Luffy sneezed below him. (Y/N) threw back the, sneezed on, air umbrella behind her as Luffy rubbed his nose and placed his straw hat back on his head. "Dang it, shark, you've got me sneezing now." (Y/N) sighed and went back to resting in his lap.
"Sharks make you sneeze? I didn't know that." Shiraoshi curiosity spoke up to the captain.
Luffy quickly replied. "They don't, but sometimes I sneeze outta nowhere." Luffy looked up to the sky in ponder. "Wonder why."
(Y/N) opened her left eye, smiling up at Luffy. "It's a superstition, but some people believe, when you randomly sneeze, someone is talking about you."
"I don't believe in stuff like that." Luffy poked (Y/N)'s face making her giggle. "Plus, who would want to talk about me anyways?"
(Y/N) and Luffy talked about the adventures they've been on to Shiraoshi making the three share laughter as they traveled to the Sea Forest. (Y/N) was now sitting up next to Luffy as Shiraoshi pointed at more clouds. "Oh, that one's an octopus! And that looks like a blowfish! And look! There's a killifish over there!"
Luffy crossed his arms with a large grin on his face. "That's lame. Do all clouds look like fish to you?" Luffy happily gasped at he looked at the clouds. "That's a rice ball! And that one looks like a giant doughnut!" He stood up with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. "A chuck of meat!!"
(Y/N) irritated stood up and lightly smacked the back of Luffy's head. "And all clouds look like food to you."
Luffy giggled and rubbed the back of his head. "Guess so." Shiraoshi giggled at the two on top of the shark, but her joy ended quickly and her whimpering was heard. Luffy peaked over Megalo's snout. "Hold on. What's the matter with you now?"
"There's no need to cry, Princess." (Y/N) frowned as she peaked over Megalo's snout.
Shiraoshi was out of view since she hit in Megalo's mouth, but she was clearly in distress. "My poor father! He's surely found me missing. He must be worried sick by now!"
"Ah, geez, is there anything that doesn't make you cry?" Luffy sassed the mermaid.
(Y/N) stood up on Megalo, looking back at Luffy. "Go make her laugh or something."
"Huh?" Luffy stared at (Y/N) in confusion before pouting. "Why do I have to do it?"
"Because you're the goofy one here. Now go." (Y/N) grabbed his cheek and stretched it a bit before pulling him in front of her. Luffy lightly 'tsk'ed before jumping down to Shiraoshi. (Y/N) sat back down, placing her head in her hand. 'After two years, he's still the childish man he's always been. But for some reason, it's kinda enduring. I can't stop thinking about what he said, does he really see me as strong? No one has ever told me that before except, maybe, Zoro. But he's my sensei... I dunno.' Megalo nearly spat up Shiraoshi again, snapping (Y/N) out of her thoughts and making her catch herself before she fell off.
Luffy yelled at Megalo. "Hey, I'm not tryin' make you laugh! Swallow her back up, shark!" Megalo struggled to hold Shiraoshi in, but managed in the meantime.
(Y/N) lightly sighed, petting Megalo's back. "Hopefully, we'll get there soon." (Y/N) flew in front of the shark and landed next to Luffy. "Are you feeling a little better, Princess?"
Shiraoshi lightly nodded her head. "Yes, I am. Thank you, both. I'm not sure how I could ever do this without you."
(Y/N) smiled up at her before an idea popped in her head. "Oh! I have something that will make you feel even better. Let me see." (Y/N) dug through her bag until she found her vision dial. "Take a look at this." Shiraoshi's face lit up with excitement and awe over the small sea shell. "It's called a Vision Dial. I got it when my crew and I traveled high into the clouds to a place called Skypiea! It's a long story, but I'm willing to share if with another time."
"Oh, yes, please! That sounds incredible!" Shiraoshi happily smiled. "But what does it do? Is it like one of these TDs?"
"Yes, sort of, but this one can capture moments on a small piece of paper, like a picture! Here, let me show you." (Y/N) handed her dial to Luffy before scooting next to Shiraoshi. "Luffy, could you take the shot?"
"Sure, no problem, but let me get in on this!" Luffy happily giggled before rushing up on the other side of Shiraoshi's face and stretching his arm out in front of the three. "Now say... A big chunk of meat!" Shiraoshi and (Y/N) giggled at Luffy's antics as the dial snapped.
Luffy handed (Y/N) her vision dial bag, just before the photo was produced. "See, Princess, it makes a small photo of whatever the camera is set on." (Y/N) happily held up the picture. Shiraoshi and Luffy started to laugh making (Y/N) tilt her head in confusion. When she looked back at the photo, she saw the palm of Luffy's hand blocking a corner of the photo. "Aw, c'mon, 'Capt! Why'd ya have to ruin this one! I was going to scrap book it!"
"Sorry..." Luffy rubbed the back of his neck, still giggling at the situation.
"It's not ruined." Shiraoshi rubbed her hands nervously, looking away from (Y/N). "If you don't mind, I would like to keep it."
(Y/N) looked back at the Mermaid Princess in awe before sweetly smiling and holding the photo out in front of her. "It's yours." Shiraoshi looked up at (Y/N) with a shocked expression on her face. "I'll just have to take another one with you and the rest of my crew, later. If you're okay with that, of course."
Shiraoshi happily took the photo and placed it in her coral bra. "Absolutely! Thank you, so much, (Y/N)! You can't imagine how grateful I am for this!"
(Y/N) smiled back at Shiraoshi before Luffy started yelling as he stood on Megalo's shark teeth. "Oh, hey! Sanji! Chopper!" (Y/N) jumped up on a tooth as Luffy continued. "Hey, Sanji! Get your nose under control?"
"Luffy! Is that a blowfish?" Chopper called back up to his captain.
"Hey, you two!" (Y/N) waved down at her crew mates before noticing the group of Fishfolk surrounding them. "Whatcha doin' down there?"
"(Y/N)~swan! Is that you? You're such a goddess up here!" Sanji spun around the hearts in his eyes. "Why don't you come down and I can cook you a nice lunch? Hmm?"
"Who is that human gentleman? And is that... a raccoon! It looks just like the picture I saw!" Shiraoshi happily exclaimed before looking down at the two Straw Hats. "You know them, Luffy? (Y/N)? You're friends?"
Luffy answered for the two. "Yeah, those guys are our crew members."
"Wow. Interesting crew." Shiraoshi calmly replied, but her tone shifted to worry when Megalo started to chock again. She quickly spoke to her shark pet. "We can't let all of the people down there see me. Hey! Shut your mouth, hurry!"
Megalo chocked more and began to rapid shaking making (Y/N) and Luffy wobble back and forth on his teeth. Luffy quickly spoke up. "I'm gonna go check things out on the ground."
"Alright, 'Capt. I'll watch Shiraoshi for you. Be back soon." (Y/N) hopped back inside Megalo's mouth, so she wouldn't fall of the wobbling shark. 'I think I saw Hachi down there. He looked pretty hurt, but there's no way he could still be recovering from Sabaody, could he?' (Y/N) lightly bit her right thumb's fingernail in thought.
Shiraoshi looked down at (Y/N) with a sad expression on her face. A few seconds past of the mermaid's gaze before (Y/N) finally 'huh'ed her. Shiraoshi quickly and nervously looked away from (Y/N) and went back to watching Luffy as she spoke. "How are you so sure he'll be back? What if he gets hurt from those citizens down there, or worse, what if he hurts them? They might fight because—"
"I'm gonna have to stop you right there, Shiraoshi." (Y/N) sternly spoke making Shiraoshi look back at her. "Luffy isn't the type to hurt innocent people, even if what they believe is a lie. All we need to do is sit here and wait from Luf—" Megalo closed his mouth on (Y/N) and the Princess and began descending down making (Y/N) fall on her ass.
Shiraoshi caught (Y/N) from sliding down Megalo's mouth and held (Y/N) in her large hard. The Mermaid Princess looked out Megalo's opening and closing mouth, lightly gasping in shock. "No..."
A few moments of Megalo struggling to keep his passengers inside his mouth passed before both Shiraoshi and (Y/N) were spat out. (Y/N) slowly stood up, covered in shark spit. "Eww... I should have never got in his mout— Princess!" (Y/N) quickly turned to look up at the revealed Shiraoshi.
The Fishfolk in front of them screamed out in sheer shock. "Princess Shiraoshi?!"
"Um... I, uh— Well, um, y'see..." Shiraoshi nervously held her hands in front of her face before innocently smiling at her citizens. "Uh, good job, you found me!"
Chopper held up his hooves in shock. "She's huge! Oh, no. Is she..." The little reindeer covered his mouth and turned back to look at Sanji in nervous shock.
Sanji, who hasn't turn around to see the Princess yet, calmly spoke back to Chopper. "Hey, what's up? Something going on behind me?"
Chopper jumped on Sanji's back, lightly hitting his chef with tears in his eyes. "No, it's nothing! No matter what you hear, please don't turn around!"
"Huh? Why, what's the big deal?" Sanji slightly looked back at Chopper. "I could have swore I heard (Y/N)."
Chopper continued his yelling. "Don't do it! I don't want you to die, Sanji!"
"Ah, geez." Luffy put his hands on his hips, looking up at the crying and sweating shark.
Shiraoshi innocently smiled down at her citizens making them scream in shock once more. "Huh?!! The Pirates! They kidnapped the princess!"
Luffy irritatedly turned to Shiraoshi and (Y/N). "Hey! What the hell? Why'd ya get outta the shark, ya big baby?! And why did ya let her?!"
(Y/N) put her hands up in defense. "Hey! It's not like I pushed her out or something. Megalo just spat us out!" Shiraoshi started to weep, but tried to wipe the tears from her eyes. "I'm ever so sorry, Luffy! Please don't get mad at me. I promise, it wasn't our fault!" (Y/N) flew up in front of Shiraoshi face and tried to calm her crying.
One of the Fishmen yelled. "That monster made her cry! He's pure evil!" Another one added in. "Oh, how could he?! Poor Princess Shiraoshi!"
"Please, Shiraoshi. You're worrying your people. Try to calm down, Princess. I can show you more photos if you want. Please just stop crying..." (Y/N) placed her hand on Shiraoshi's face.
Shiraoshi continued her sobbing. "I'm sorry, (Y/N), I can't! You know how I get when someone yells at me, I just can't take it! It's not my fault we fell out. I'm sorry!!"
(Y/N) sighed in defeat and looked back at her crew mates. She tilted her head in confusion when Chopper was examining a statue that looks just like her love sick cook. 'I wonder where he got that statue of Sanji.' (Y/N)'s attention was quickly grabbed by the sight of Luffy helping up Hachi. (Y/N) flew down and landed next to them. "What happened to you, Hachi? There's no way you can still be recovering from what happened with the Navy."
Hachi struggled to breath making Luffy reply for him. "No. This is something new. Chopper said that he refused to tell us, but someone definitely did this to him." Before (Y/N) could reply, she felt herself get grabbed and a rope tying down her arms to her stomach and one around her feet. Luffy glared up at his kidnappers. "What the hell are you guys doing?"
A few Fishmen happily cheered. "We caught them! We actually did it! We got the Straw Hats!" Another few joined in. "Of course! Guys like us hunt Sea Kings for a living, so what are a couple of wussy pirates gonna do? Those punks are outta their league down here! That's what ya get for messin' with sea hunters, you jerks! And here I thought the army was our only hope! Huzzah!"
"You guys are fishermen! You realize we're not fish, don't you?" Chopper yelled out.
A Fishman approached Hachi, snuggly grinning and pointing at him. "Hey, I remember this lowlife! That's right! You used to be one of Arlong's goons, huh?" (Y/N) quickly glared at him with a death aura surrounding her. "I would back off, bud. That's my friend you're talking to." The Fishman gulped and quickly backed away from Hachi and (Y/N).
Hachi looked down at the (h/c) haired woman next to him. "You can let them talk. It's not like I deserve any better."
"Stop that foolish tongue of yours." (Y/N) looked away from Hachi. "No one deserves to be reminded of a stupid mistake they've made in their past. And I refuse to let people make a mockery of my friends, especially not in front of me."
The Fishfolk continued their yelling about the captured pirates as Shiraoshi tried to calm them. Luffy looked up into the sky. "Hey, what is that? They're somethin' flyin' at us! Look!"
(Y/N) followed her captain's gaze when one of the Fishmen sassed Luffy. "Really? You think we're dumb enough to fall for the oldest trick in the damn book?!"
"No. He's right, there's definitely something flying at us." (Y/N) smiled up at the Fishman.
Finally, the Fishmen turned around before one of them pointed up. "What the—? There really is something up there!"
"It looks like coral." A Fishman spoke up. Another one quickly replied. "Yeah. But there's someone on it. Oh, no. Not good! It's Vander Decken!"
(Y/N)'s eyes widened in shock when she heard Decken yell. "I found you, Princess! I suspect! Bahohoho! C'mere, sweetie!"
Shadows covered (Y/N)'s eyes when she heard the Fishmen's conversation around her. "I bet he was in cahoots with these pirates! He's turned on his own people! Run, Princess! We'll handle this! Just get out of here!"
Decken chucked. "It's time for an answer, Shiraoshi! It's either a 'yes' or death! Bahahaha! If you truly wish to live... then you'll marry me!!" The Fishmen questioned Decken's marriage proposal. 'I guess the Royal Family has kept the reason for Decken's pursuits away from their people. I wonder why though? I'm also curious as to why they know who's attempting to attack her, but do nothing to apprehend him. This whole situation is strange.' Decken ignored the mob's angry yelling and continued to shout at Shiraoshi. "Now, let's hear it! Although, I do suspect that it's a yes! Bahohohoho!"
Decken laughed more and more until Shiraoshi finally responded. "Uh... Ye... You're just not my type!"
Utter silence fell upon the scene for a few moments. Decken yelled in distraught. "What?! NOOO!!"
"WHAT?!! THAT'S YOUR ONLY REASON?!" The Fishmen yelled out.
(Y/N) fell on her back, giggling up a storm. Hachi looked over her. "This isn't a time to laugh!!"
(Y/N) sat back up, joyful tears in her eyes. "I know, but look at his face. Honestly, I was really to beat the crap out of him, but this is waaay better." Hachi looked up at the heart-broken Decken before responding with a small chuckle.
(Y/N)'s laughter was cut short when Decken yelled. "You tramp! Then who is your type, huh?! After you've led me on for ten whole years! If you refuse to love me, I refuse to let you exist! Drop dead, my darling!!"
The Fishmen started pleading with Shiraoshi to turn tail and run, but was interrupted by Luffy's shouts. "Don't you move, you big baby! And don't cry!"
Shiraoshi, (Y/N) and all the Fishmen looked back at Luffy. A few of the Fishmen began to angrily shout at the captain. "Haven't you caused enough trouble? Stop telling her what to do, ya jerks! You're one of Vender Decken's lackeys, aren't you? You probably want the princess to die!"
Luffy ignored the Fishmen and spoke directly to Shiraoshi. "Look. I can't protect you if you run away!"
"O..Okay! I'll stay!" Shiraoshi quickly replied making a smirk run across (Y/N)'s face.
The Fishfolk began to beg the princess to run before a group of Fishmen surrounded Luffy with broomsticks, bats, anything they could use as a weapon or even just their fists. One of them yelled at at the captain to leave Shiraoshi alone, but Luffy just looked around at them. "Real sorry 'bout this, guys. It's nothin' personal, but you're.. in my way." (Y/N)'s eyes widened in shock when she saw the ability Luffy used. 'He can use it, too?' As soon as the Fishmen were knocked out, Luffy hopped to his feet and used his Second Gear to propel himself to Decken.
(Y/N) vanished into thin air and allows her ropes to fall on the ground before reappearing. "Couldn't you have done that from the beginning?" Chopper sassed the (h/c) haired woman.
"Uh, duh. But I wanted to see where things were going. Now don't question my choices, unless you don't want to be untied?" (Y/N) glared down Chopper.
"Ah! I'm sorry! Please help!" Chopper whined back, kicking his hind legs up and down.
(Y/N) snickered and walked over. "Don't worry, I got you."
"Hey! Wait! You guys can't just—" A Fishman yelled at the Straw Hats, but was quickly shushed by (Y/N)'s death glare.
(Y/N) sighed as she untied Chopper. "Would you guys stop, and watch my captain kick that guy's ass instead of worrying about us. It's obvious we're not apart of Decken's crew or his allies, so you can go harass another crew of pirates." The Fishfolk didn't respond and went back to watching Luffy smash Decken's head into the island ground with his Gum-Gum Hammer.
(Y/N) hopped over to Hachi and began untying him when a Fishman yelled out. "Wait... He just... He just beat Vander Decken!"
"Thanks, (Y/N). I was getting tired of those ropes." Hachi laughed as he rubbed his wrists.
"Isn't this the second time I've met you all tied up?" (Y/N) giggled at the thought.
Hachi lightly blushed from embarrassment and rubbing the back of his head with one of his right arms. "I guess you can say that."
(Y/N) looked over at Luffy when he hopped to the ground. "Hey, Sanji! You okay?" Luffy squatted next to Sanji and Chopper.
Chopper turned to his captain. "Well, he turned to stone a few minutes back, but he's all smiles now, and he's conscious."
"Okay, that's good to hear." Luffy hopped over to Shiraoshi.
(Y/N) blankly stared down at Sanji for a few seconds before yelling in shock. "Wait, that statue was Sanji?!!"
Hachi and Chopper yelled back, also in shock. "She couldn't tell?!!"
Sanji started mumbling about his dream coming true about seeing the Mermaid Princess. Chopper smiled down at his chef. "Once again. I'm sure your actual dream was to find the All Blue."
(Y/N) looked over at Shiraoshi when Luffy shouted back to her. "Hey! Hurry it up!"
"Sorry." Shiraoshi tired to hold back the tears in her eyes. "But please stop yelling. It makes it hard for me to concentrate when you do. My heart's racing."
(Y/N) flew up on Shiraoshi's tail. "I got him, Princess." (Y/N) walked up behind Luffy and began untying the ropes around him. "You couldn't have just asked me, 'Capt."
Luffy didn't respond (Y/N) as he looked down at the Fishfolk in front of them. "I don't get it. These people don't like us for some reason. We gotta hurry and get outta here!"
"And... done." (Y/N) finished untying the ropes off Luffy and stood up.
"Thanks a lot! Let's go!" Luffy hopped off Shiraoshi's tail.
"Uh, okay!" Shiraoshi picked up (Y/N) and after followed Luffy. The Fishmen yelled out for Shiraoshi making her look back at them. "Sorry for all the trouble! I'll be back home in time for dinner, I promise!" Shiraoshi placed (Y/N) on Megalo's back as Luffy grabbed Chopper, Sanji and Hachi before jumping on the shark was well.
Luffy pointed forward. "Okay, shark! Get movin'!" Shiraoshi grabbed onto Megalo's mouth, pulling his cheeks back a bit before he flew off towards the Sea Forest once more.
(Y/N) looked back at the island below when she heard the Fishmen yelling. Decken stood up and slashed Fishmen away from him with his axes before yelling. "Get back, you peasants!"
"He just doesn't know when to stay down." (Y/N) glared down at the Fishman.
"Stop them now! Wadatsumi!" Decken yelled out.
(Y/N) stared at Decken in confusion. "Who's Wadat—" She was cut off by Megalo quickly halted his fleeing, making (Y/N) fly backwards. Hachi quickly grabbed her and pulled back on the shark as loud yelling was heard in front of them. "What the hell..." (Y/N)'s eyes widened in shock when she saw the gigantic Fishman named 'Wadatsumi'.
"Oh, hey, I think I know that dude." Luffy started up at the sight. Chopper quickly added in. "That's the Sea Bonze who attacked the Sunny! He works for Decken!"
Decken yelled from the island. "Swat them down like the inspects they are!"
"You got it, boss!" Wadatsumi yelled back, throwing his arms into the air.
(Y/N) placed her hand on her chin. "Ya know, for such a big fella, I was not expecting him to have such a squeaky voice."
"Now is not the time!!" Chopper irritatedly yelled at his (h/c) haired crew mate.
"Now... Second Gear!" Luffy held out his right fist, and in seconds, his whole body started to steam red. Wadatsumi war cried as he drew back his left fist as Luffy held out his left hand in front of him, and drew back his right fist. "And Gum-Gum...Jet..." Wadatsumi started to inch closer and closer to the Straw Hats and the Mermaid Princess on Megalo's back. Luffy leaped up at incredible speeds, hovering before Wadatsumi's face. "...PISTOL!!"
Luffy's punch landed straight on Wadatsumi's mouth and made the giant Fishman fall back. "My tooth! He broke it!" Wadatsumi yelled out as he hit the sea water below him.
The giant Fishman started wailing like a baby when Luffy hopped back on Megalo. (Y/N) hopped on Megalo's fin, waving off Decken as Megalo swam away, back on course to the Sea Forest. Once Decken and Wadatsumi were out of sight, (Y/N) slid back down to her crew mates. "That was a wild side-adventure, don't you think, Princess?"
Shiraoshi giggled. "Yeah! Luffy, you're amazing! Thank you for protecting me again."
"Huh? Oh, don't sweat it. I told you I would, didn't I?" Luffy giggled up at the princess. (Y/N) placed Chopper in her lap and pulled out a deck of cards to play games with him as they traveled. After a short while, the group finally made it to their destination. (Y/N) looked over to her captain when he spoke up. "Ooh! So this is the Sea Forest, huh? I see why you wanted to come here!"
"Thank you." Shiraoshi spoke with a joyful sadness in her voice. "I've wanted to see this place for so long. You have no idea now much this means."
"Hopefully we can get some peace and quiet here." Chopper placed down his last card. "Ha! I win again, (Y/N)! Looks like you owe me your sweets for a week!"
(Y/N) hung her head in defeat. "Why was I way better at this in that gambling house."
"What's gambling?" Chopper innocently looked up at (Y/N).
(Y/N) quickly shuffled the deck of cards back into their sleeve. "Ya know... That's enough games for now, don't you think?" Nervous dread ran across her face. 'Robin will kill me if I teach Chopper gambling, not to mention Zoro.'
Chopper whined up at (Y/N) for more games back his attention was quickly stolen when Sanji was sleep talking about mermaids. Chopper stared at his cook for a few seconds with a frown on his face. "Awe man..." (Y/N) peaked over Chopper, adding in. "He's so uncool now, isn't he?" Chopper sighed a 'yep' making the two Straw Hats giggled together.
"Look, it's the Sunny!" Luffy yelled out, making both (Y/N) and Chopper crawl up next to him with smiles on their faces. Chopper happily added in. "Hey, you're right! And I see Franky, too!"
"Hey, what's up! I didn't know you were here! Cool place, huh?" Luffy yelled down at his cyborg.
"Woah! Look who it is!" Franky lifted his sunglasses up when he saw Shiraoshi. "Woah. Is that your new girlfriend? You always did like to aim big."
Luffy chuckled as (Y/N) yelled down at Franky. "What is that supposed to mean, robo-boy?!" Franky just laughed in response.
When Megalo landed, (Y/N) flew up on to Franky and took a seat on his shoulder. "Let's introduce you." Luffy put his hand up to Shiraoshi. "This here is 'Crybaby'."
"Doesn't look like a crybaby to me." Franky looked up at Shiraoshi. "Tell me, sister, do you live up to your name?"
Shiraoshi lightly giggled. "Maybe a little bit. You may call me Shiraoshi, if you please."
"So, uh, you're the only one here?" Luffy questioned. Franky replied with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "'Fraid so. Robin stopped by earlier, but she had some Robin business to attend to. She went into that big forest of coral over there. Who knows when she'll be back."
"She'll be fine on her own and pop up when she wants to, like she always does." (Y/N) giggled, but her attention was stolen when she heard footsteps clicking behind her.
"Luffy!" An unfamiliar voice called out.
"It's, Jimbei! Awesome! You're here too!" Luffy threw up his arms as he looked behind Franky and (Y/N).
"I'm so pleased that you made it." Jimbei spoke back making (Y/N) turn her head to him.
(Y/N)'s eyes slightly widened in shock. "Hold on. I know you."
"Huh? Im afraid we've never met before." Jimbei looked at (Y/N) with a confused expression on his face.
(Y/N) hopped off Franky's shoulder, placing her hands on her hips as she glared down the Fishman before her. "I could have swore you were the one I saw with Luffy back at Marineford. You looked terribly injured, along side my captain, so I'm glad to see you're alive and well. Now, I don't know the relation between you and Luffy, but I'll assume it's a good one based off the way he greeted you." (Y/N) held out her hand to Jimbei. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm (Y/N) (L/N)."
Jimbei's eyes widened in shock from (Y/N)'s words before brushing it off and shaking her hand. "I didn't know you were at the great battle."
"It's one I'll have to share over a few drinks." (Y/N) nervously laughed. "Now, allow me to let you and 'Capt catch up." (Y/N) happily smiled at Jimbei before walking back to Franky and throwing her arms in the air. "Give me my seat back." Franky chuckled before picking (Y/N) up and setting her on his shoulder.
Jimbei chuckled as he walked up to Luffy. "You've grown even stronger than before. I can tell!"
"People said you couldn't come to town, so I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you." Luffy spoke with a wide grin.
"I thought you came here because you received my message." Jimbei looked slightly confused by Luffy's words.
Luffy frowned, dropping his arms to his sides. "Hm? What message? I didn't hear anything."
"Hm. Most peculiar." Jimbei started to dig in his shirt.
"A pleasure to see you, Jimbei." Shiraoshi smiled down at the Fishman. "It's been ever so long!"
"Yes. What an unexpected meeting, but a welcome one. To what do I owe the— WHAAAA—?!" Jimbei's eyes nearly popped from their sockets at the sight of Shiraoshi. "What are you doing here?!! Shouldn't you be in the palace?!" (Y/N) giggles at his reaction. 'Jimbei would make a great addition to our crew just by that face he just made.'
Chopper peaked around Megalo's fin. "Do you have a sec, Franky? I need some help getting Sanji and Hachi off this shark."
"You got it." Franky sat (Y/N) down on the ground before walking towards Megalo.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Chopper! I should have help!" (Y/N) burried her face in her hands from embarrassment. Chopper quickly replied. "It's okay, (Y/N)! I rather Franky help move Sanji to avoid any more nose bleeds." Both Chopper and (Y/N) sighed in disappointment.
Chopper gently tossed Hachi to Franky. "Woah! It's the octopus guy! Looks like you took a beating, brother!"
Jimbei's eyes popped even further from their sockets. "Hachi?! What?!!" Jimbei rushed up to Hachi. "You're injured! What happened? Scratch that! What are doing on Fishman Island? I heard that Arlong was captured, so I assumed you were as well."
(Y/N) walked up behind Jimbei as Hachi struggled to reply. "Nyuu. Long story. Maybe later."
"Franky! Let's get Sanji, too!" Chopper yelled down making Franky and (Y/N) look up at him.
Sanji's voice was heard, groaning lightly. "That's all right. I'm feeling better." Sanji calmly walking into view, with his eyes closed, and leaped off Megalo. He did a multi-spin front flip in the air before landing all the way next to the Sunny.
(Y/N) wore a bored expression on her face. "That was so unnecessary." Franky, Chopper, Hachi and even Jimbei 'Uh-huh'ed her words.
Sanji held his cig in his hand as he spoke in a savvy voice. "The Mermaid Princess at last! Standing here, I see." Sanji turned to Shiraoshi and began twirling around with hearts in his eyes. "How inadequate my imagination was! Even with all the colors in my heart, I could never paint a picture as lovely as you!"
Shiraoshi 'Uh-huh'ed in confusion at Sanji's love attempts. Chopper stared at his chef with worried shock in his eyes. "No blood loss! He's being annoying, but also sort of cool!" Tears formed in Chopper's eyes. "The old Sanji is back!"
(Y/N) stared in defeat as Chopper ran around the love-sick cook, praising Sanji's miracle cure. 'This is my crew... this... is my crew.' (Y/N) was snapped out of her thoughts when a merman spoke from the deck of the Sunny. "Is something wrong? You're so noisy! Huh? What is Princess Shiraoshi doing here?"
(Y/N) tilted her head in confusion at the merman. Luffy yelled up at him. "Hey, who the hell is that guy?! That's my ship, buddy, get off!"
Franky, unexpectedly, picked up (Y/N) and placed her on his shoulder before walking up to Luffy. "Don't flip out, Captain, this guy's a shipwright. Tom's brother, actually." (Y/N) gasped in shock as looked up at the merman. "His name's Den. He's doing the recoating."
"Oh, then why didn't you just say so?" Luffy smiled up at Franky, placing his hands on his hips. "He lives in the den and he's recoating your brother for you, huh?"
(Y/N) quickly turned to Luffy in even more shock. "What?"
Franky stared at Luffy for a few seconds, creating an awkward silence between the three before giving Luffy a thumbs up. "Sure. Close enough, I guess."
(Y/N) lightly smacked Franky's head. "Don't accept his stupidity like that."
Franky chuckled before speaking up to Den. "Oh yeah, Den. This is the woman I was telling you about, the one Tom and I saved from some bastard pirates about 12 years ago."
(Y/N) flew up, landing next to Den and holding out her hand. "I'm (Y/N) (L/N). It's wonderful to meet Tom's brother."
"I've heard a lot about you, (Y/N)." Tom happily shook (Y/N)'s hand before hesitating a bit and staring at her chest. "Is that..?"
(Y/N) looked down at the golden anchor resting on her chest and gently picked it up. "Yes. Tom gave to Franky to eventually give to me, but it was years after he passed when I was able to received it." (Y/N) unclipped it from the back of her neck, handing the necklace to Den. "Tom said it belonged to your mother, so I suppose you would like it ba—"
Den cut her off, holding up his hands in defense. "My goodness, no. Ah, I'm sorry. But, if Tom gifted it to you, then it belongs to you now. That necklace is a family heirloom passed down many generations, more than I can count! And if Tom wanted you to have it, that must mean he saw you as family." Den smiled and helped (Y/N) put the necklace back on. "All I ask is for you to take great care of it, but, from the looks of it, you've already have to me."
(Y/N) happily smiled and burried her face in her hands. "Thank you. You don't know how happy this makes me." She softly sniffed, trying not to cry right then and there. Den rubbed her back, lightly chucking.
(Y/N)'s wiped her tears from her eyes when she heard Jimbei speaking to Shiraoshi. "I mean no disrespect, Princess. I know why you would come here, but—" (Y/N) looked up from her hands when she felt something flying towards Shiraoshi.
Without a second thought, (Y/N) sonic boomed through the air, pulling out both her sickles and clashed her blades with a battle axe flying straight at the Princess. (Y/N) shifted her body weight to throw the axe to the ground beneath her. Before she had time to react, another axe came flying in, heading straight at (Y/N) since she was in the path to Shiraoshi. Luffy quickly ran and leaped up into the air, kicking the battle axe right into the one (Y/N) deflected. (Y/N) and Luffy landed next to each other, both stared up at where the axes came from as Luffy spoke. "Again? Didn't I kick his ass hard enough?" Luffy placed his straw hat on his head. "How many of these is he gonna throw? Thanks for that first save, (Y/N)."
(Y/N) kept her gaze up to the sky, but walked back with Luffy. "Yeah, don't mention it, 'Capt. You saved my ass back there, too." She spun her sickles on her fingers and placed them in their sleeves. "I'm mad I can't even enjoy my bonding time with Den."
"What a mess! What were you thinking, Luffy?! The princess could have been killed!" Jimbei yelled at the captain making both Luffy and (Y/N) turn to look at him.
"C'mon, have a little faith! She's got us to save her!" Luffy smiled up at Jimbei. (Y/N) waved Jimbei off, added in. "Don't be a buzz kill, dad. We were perfectly capable of keeping her out of harms way."
Shiraoshi smiled down at Jimbei and the two Straw Hats. "Yep!"
Jimbei looked up at Shiraoshi in awed shock. "She's not scared."
Shiraoshi went off to the gravestone, or rather monument, she wanted to see. The boys watched the princess, but (Y/N) wanted to give Shiraoshi a moment of peace while she grieved. (Y/N) decided to head out to the Coral Forest in search of Robin. In awe of the forest around her, (Y/N) took photos while she walked and listening closely for Robin's presence. After a while, Robin's thoughts were heard in her mind: 'There must be a key to the void in history here somewhere. I'm sure of it.'
(Y/N) eyes slightly widened in shock. 'Is that what she was looking for? I'm not sure if she would want me to intrude, but there's no shame in asking. Plus I'm curious myself.' (Y/N) followed Robin's presence deeper into the Coral Forest.
Robin's thoughts rang through (Y/N)'s head once more. 'To think that the missing piece may have been here for several centuries, untouched. If I keep going, I know I'll find something. Bingo!'
(A/N: To be honest with you guys, I did NOT realize how long this chapter was until it was way too late. If you want longer chapter's like this, please let me know. Thanks, Suki Mara.)