191: Chapter 191 Attack on Dragon Palace"Ahem.Well, Jinbe, look at that cowardly princess, she hasn't left that hard-shelled tower in ten years!She's so pitiful, I brought her out for a stroll~ Besides, I've already killed that troublesome cowardly guy, so even if she encounters danger, I'm here, so there's no need to worry!" Luffy said with a grin, a confident smile on his face.However, Jinbe felt a headache coming on looking at Luffy.He sighed helplessly and said to Princess Shirahoshi, "Luffy-kun, even so, did you tell King Neptune when you brought Princess Shirahoshi out?If you didn't, you're essentially kidnapping a princess!"
Hearing this, Princess Shirahoshi anxiously tried to explain, but Jinbe interrupted her, continuing, "Even if Neptune is willing to believe you, what about the other people?Don't you know that many fish-men hate humans?They'll probably think Luffy forced you to say this." Jinbe frowned, speaking seriously to Princess Shirahoshi.Upon hearing this, a worried look appeared on her face; she realized the situation might be more serious than she had imagined.She lowered her head, pondering how to resolve the problem.Suddenly, she looked up, her eyes resolute, and said to Jinbe, "Then I'll go tell my father that I came with Lord Luffy voluntarily, and it has nothing to do with him." Jinbe looked at Princess Shirahoshi, inwardly admiring her kindness and courage.But he knew that even if Princess Shirahoshi personally explained to King Neptune, it might not change the minds of those fish-men who hated humans.
"Alright, alright, Jinbe, things will work themselves out.We'll just send Coward back before Neptune finds out, and we can also tell Neptune that I killed that guy who was pursuing Coward.Anyway, I got his Devil Fruit after he died," Luffy said with a smile, trying to comfort him.After saying that, he took out the Target-Target Fruit again and handed it to Jinbe.
Jinbe looked at the Target Fruit with a sense of helplessness, but still took it and turned his head to the side, as if to say he was done with the matter.
Seeing Jinbe like this, Luffy and Nami exchanged a smile.They both knew that although Jinbe looked very serious on the surface, he was actually very kind and warm-hearted.
Then, led by Jinbe, the group arrived at the grave of Shirahoshi's mother, Otohime.When Shirahoshi saw her mother's tombstone, she couldn't help but burst into tears, which fell like beads from a broken string.She poured out her longing for her mother, her voice filled with sorrow and pain.
Luffy and Jinbe quietly left.They didn't want to disturb Shirahoshi's emotions, but chose to leave her a peaceful space so that she could fully express her longing for her mother.
Jinbe and Luffy strolled through the sea forest, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and tranquil atmosphere.Suddenly, Jinbe stopped, turned to face Luffy, and said earnestly, "Luffy-kun, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Luffy looked at Jinbe with a puzzled expression, unsure of what he was going to say.Jinbe took a deep breath and continued, "Luffy-kun, I want to join your pirate crew.Actually, I've been thinking about this ever since the Marineford War.I don't know why, but I really want to witness the moment you become the Pirate King.So, would you let me join?"
Luffy interrupted Jinbe, excitedly shouting, "That's exactly what I wanted!Jinbe, aren't we already comrades?Hahahaha!"
Just then, Shirahoshi finished paying respects to her mother and turned to leave, only to find Luffy and Jinbe laughing heartily.Shirahoshi didn't know what they were laughing about, but couldn't resist her curiosity and went over to find out.At that moment, Robin returned from the forest.Having heard that Jinbe was joining the Straw Hat Pirates, she welcomed him.However, when she saw Shirahoshi, her smile vanished instantly, replaced by a serious expression.
"Luffy, I just discovered some important information on the Poneglyphs in the forest.According to these records, Princess Shirahoshi might be the legendary Ancient Weapon—Poseidon!If this news gets out and those with ill intentions find out, I'm afraid this Fish-Man Island will be engulfed in bloodshed." Robin said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned serious.Although Bai Xing didn't understand what ancient weapons meant, she sensed the gravity of the situation from everyone's expressions.When she realized that her existence might plunge Fish-Man Island into crisis, she couldn't help but feel extremely anxious.
"Lord Luffy, what should we do?I don't want to see Fishman Island in danger!" Shirahoshi's eyes glistened with tears as she looked anxiously at Luffy, hoping to get his help.
Luffy frowned, thought for a moment, and then comforted Shirahoshi, "Don't worry, we won't let that happen.Now that we know you might be an Ancient Weapon, we have to protect you.And whether you're an Ancient Weapon or not, you are you.Just be yourself."
Hearing Luffy's words, Shirahoshi felt immediately relieved.Luffy smiled and told Princess Shirahoshi to rest assured, explaining that Robin was probably the only one in the world who could decipher the Poneglyphs, and as long as they didn't say anything, no one would know.Just then, Uta rushed back to the settlement, shouting, "Luffy, something's happened!Princess Shirahoshi, King Neptune's daughter, has gone missing, and you've disappeared too!So some people suspect you kidnapped Princess Shirahoshi!"
However, when Uta looked up and saw Princess Shirahoshi waving at her, she instantly understood everything.She sighed helplessly, then glared at Luffy and said, "Luffy, explain yourself!Why did you do something so brainless?""
Luffy looked guilty and muttered under his breath, "It's all because I blurted out that I'd grant Cowardly Star a wish.How can I go back on my word after saying that."
Uta shook her head helplessly: "You, you still act so impulsively.Let's hurry up and send Princess Shirahoshi back.After all, Neptune treated us as guests." She knew Luffy's personality well, but the situation was urgent and could not be delayed any longer.
After listening, Luffy nodded and settled Princess Shirahoshi in the training space.Then, he and Uta went to the Ryugu Palace to apologize to Neptune and explain the whole story.
Just as they reached the gates of the Dragon Palace, they suddenly heard the sounds of fierce fighting coming from inside.The two exchanged a glance, realizing the situation was dire, and immediately quickened their pace, rushing inside.
When they arrived at the battlefield, they found Zoro wielding three swords, fighting alongside Kuina.Beside him lay the heavily wounded Neptune and three princes, while on the other side stood Hody Jones, preparing to attack Ryugu Castle and kidnap Neptune.Hody Jones, clutching his bleeding wound, glared at Zoro with rage, gritting his teeth and saying, "Damn it, damn it, damn it!Get me some more poison!I'm going to kill this human!"
However, Zoro, merely carrying the Mortal Blade, responded with a bored expression, "Is that all the strength you have?You're quite disappointing." His eyes revealed contempt and disdain for his enemy.