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One Piece: The Dragon All-Star - 121
🕑 Added 2025-09-27 14:27:45 +0000 UTCChapter 121: Educating Shirahoshi
"Ah, Brother Kai, did you kill him?"
Shirahoshi looked at Vander Decken IX's limp, lifeless body on the ground, her little pink mouth trembling as her huge eyes instantly filled with tears that seemed ready to fall like pearls the next second.
A living person suddenly disappearing before her eyes was too shocking for her. Even though this person had harassed and terrorized her for three whole years and had just tried to take her life.
"Don't cry!"
But Kai suddenly changed from his previous gentleness, his voice becoming stern as he scolded loudly.
This sudden reprimand startled everyone, not understanding why Kai suddenly changed his demeanor.
Shirahoshi's massive body visibly shuddered like a frightened small animal. She forcefully sniffled her pink little nose and actually managed to hold back the tears that were about to burst forth, though her eyes remained red and pitiful.
Kai's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained serious and earnest.
"Shirahoshi, I know you're scared. This isn't a bad thing—it shows you have a kind heart. But you must understand that weakness only gives enemies opportunities to exploit and hurt your family and friends."
Shirahoshi quietly lowered her head.
She was young, but not unreasonable. She knew how much effort her father, brothers, ministers, and soldiers had spent on her because of Vander Decken IX's harassment, and how much risk they had undertaken.
That's why she chose to seal herself away in the Hard-Shell Tower for so long, fearing her willfulness would bring everyone greater trouble.
"You must become strong and train hard. You're Dragon Palace Kingdom's princess, bearing your family's love and the hopes of Fish-Man Island's five million citizens. A crybaby cannot shoulder such heavy responsibilities."
Kai gave Shirahoshi some motivational speech.
As Poseidon, though Shirahoshi had the ability to summon and command Sea Kings, if her main body was too fragile, she would be too easily targeted for assassination.
At minimum, she needed to train to survive crises until reinforcements arrived.
Shirahoshi raised her head, her cute little face tense as if making a huge resolution.
She clenched her small fists, using a voice still somewhat tearful but trying to be firm: "I—I understand, Brother Kai. I—I won't cry anymore."
"No."
Unexpectedly, Kai shook his head.
He reached out, gently patting Shirahoshi's huge, bright red fishtail, smiling encouragingly: "When you want to cry, you can certainly cry. Tears aren't the only sign of weakness. True bravery means that even after crying, you can still wipe away your tears, find ways to face difficulties, and protect yourself and others."
"Really?"
Getting an affirmative answer, Shirahoshi's eyes immediately brightened as she showed a brilliant, warm smile like sunshine after rain.
Then she solemnly extended her huge but childish little finger: "Brother Kai, I promise you—I won't cry carelessly from fear and weakness anymore! I'll work hard to become strong!"
Kai also extended his little finger, lightly touching Shirahoshi's giant fingertip, making a solemn promise: "I also promise you, Shirahoshi. Someday in the future, I will definitely give all Fish-Man Island's people—every fishman and mermaid—the right to freely bask in sunlight and step on solid ground!"
So in the future war, lend me your power, little sister Shirahoshi.
Just then, an exceptionally gentle, bright beam of sunlight fell precisely on Kai and Shirahoshi making their promise, like a stage spotlight.
Light particles slowly floated in the beam, outlining their determined faces with unusual clarity.
"A promise between a human and the mermaid princess?"
King Neptune stared mesmerized at this shocking, beautiful scene, his heart greatly moved.
This painting-like scene inevitably reminded him of the royal family's centuries-old legend. Even the promise's content was nearly identical.
Kai, will you be the next Joy Boy?
Unaware of the royal legend, Jinbe was similarly frozen in place.
Wasn't this exactly what Brother Tiger had dreamed of achieving? Humans and fishmen, mermaids breaking down barriers, understanding each other, finally coexisting peacefully—
But could it really be achieved this time?
Jinbe didn't know the answer, but he clearly felt this man named Kai had already taken a solid first step.
Meanwhile, those thugs still arguing in Fish-Man Street over Beast Pirates recruitment slots had no idea they had unconsciously become the vanguard for all fishmen and mermaids moving toward sunlight and stepping on land.
Dragon Palace.
A secluded meeting room.
Kai privately sought out Neptune and Jinbe.
Kai got straight to the point: "The mermaid princess who will fulfill Joy Boy's prophesied promise is Shirahoshi."
Jinbe looked somewhat confused, while Neptune felt understanding mixed with deeper concern.
Ever since Shirahoshi demonstrated the ability to summon Sea Kings at age six, he had vaguely understood his little daughter was probably that Sea King ruler who appeared every 800 years.
Jinbe looked between Kai and Neptune, suddenly feeling he shouldn't be here—he should be somewhere else entirely.
How did he, a fishman, seem to know less than Kai, a human?
Kai briefly described Joy Boy and the mermaid princess's story to him.
After listening, Jinbe suddenly understood: "So Kai-san, you're the prophesied man who inherited Joy Boy's will."
No wonder Kai showed goodwill toward Fish-Man Island and actively proposed helping them achieve their dreams. So that was it.
Everything seemed to connect!
However, Kai shook his head: "No, I'm not Joy Boy, nor have I ever wanted to become him."
Perhaps impersonating Joy Boy's heir would make it easier to gain natural favor and support from powerful races like Buccaneers, fishmen, and even giants across the seas.
But that wouldn't be him—Kai.
Who said only Joy Boy could defeat Im and liberate the world? If Im could sit on the throne of the World King, why couldn't he, Kai?
Neptune and Jinbe didn't argue but secretly decided Kai was this era's Joy Boy.
Otherwise, why would a notoriously fierce Emperor crew boss show such friendliness specifically toward Fish-Man Island? And why did his timing appear so perfect?
Ignoring their subtle expressions, Kai continued with his second bombshell: "Shirahoshi is the legendary Poseidon. For her safety, you can't just think about protecting her—you need to teach her self-defense and help her master her abilities."
"This power will play an important role in the coming upheaval destined to sweep the world!"
Neptune and Jinbe's expressions grew serious as they nodded, obviously realizing Shirahoshi's importance.
"I understand."
Neptune took a deep breath, looking at Jinbe: "Jinbe, I entrust you with teaching my daughter self-defense."
In the current Fish-Man Island, Jinbe was the strongest and most trustworthy person available. Who else but him?
Jinbe nodded solemnly: "I understand. I'll create a training plan starting tomorrow."
Kai's gaze swept over both men before his final warning: "Also, absolute secrecy is essential. No one else can know Shirahoshi is Poseidon—not even the three princes."
"Once word leaks and the World Government learns—dispatching Marine Admirals for encirclement would be the lightest consequence. I'm not exaggerating."
Seeing Kai's extremely serious expression with no hint of joking, Neptune and Jinbe felt chills down their spines, nodding gravely once more.
After bidding farewell to Neptune, Kai and Jinbe left the room together.
"Kai-san."
Jinbe stopped Kai in the corridor, somewhat hesitantly: "Why—why tell me something so important? You should know my relationship with the Whitebeard Pirates..."
Due to Whitebeard's years of protecting Fish-Man Island, Jinbe often visited Moby Dick, maintaining close relationships with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Yet now Kai from Beast Pirates directly revealed Shirahoshi's special nature to him.
Kai stopped, calmly extending two fingers: "First, I need you to truly understand Shirahoshi's importance and give her the highest priority. Even if Fish-Man Island is destroyed, Shirahoshi cannot be harmed."
He paused, his lips curving: "Second is simple. I trust you!"
Jinbe was a man of extreme principles and bottom lines, valuing loyalty and righteousness.
No matter how good his relationship with Whitebeard Pirates, regarding matters of Fish-Man Island's survival, he would never reveal a single word even if it meant death.
This was evident from how future Jinbe, to uphold promises and principles, willingly accepted Charlotte Linlin's soul curse rather than betray his commitment to leave Big Mom Pirates.
"Trust... me?"
Jinbe quietly repeated these two words.
These simple words might be the most precious thing on these treacherous seas.
When he recovered from his sentiment, he saw Kai casually waving while walking away down the luxurious corridor without looking back.
"Kai... truly a magnanimous man who commands respect."
Jinbe murmured.
The next morning.
Kai, who had stayed overnight in Dragon Palace's luxurious guest room, woke refreshed and properly dressed, pulling open heavy curtains with one swift motion.
Brilliant sunlight immediately poured into the room, seemingly taking concrete form as it traced bright, warm paths through the air.
"Another beautiful day!"
Facing the sunlight, Kai stretched and commented cheerfully.
"Mm, what time is it?"
A pair of pale, delicate arms emerged from messy down covers, followed by smooth pink short hair and distinctive curled eyebrows.
Kai grinned mischievously as he walked to the large bed, lightly patting the tempting curves under the blanket.
"Wake up, little lazy pig."
"How annoying." Reiju coquettishly glared at him, lazy yet slightly seductive: "It's all your fault—you were too energetic last night."
Just then, a tall, vigorous, energetic figure burst through the door.
"Kai, let's go play!"
Today's Yamato seemed to have specially changed from her usual unchanging kimono for upcoming activities.
She wore a loose, comfortable white cropped hoodie that her impressive figure made look tight despite its loose cut, paired with denim shorts exposing long, pale, powerful legs.
"Where do you want to go?"
Kai asked curiously.
"That big ship, of course!"
Yamato answered without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.
Ever since glimpsing that island-sized giant ship from Fish-Man Street yesterday, her curiosity had been completely ignited.
If not for being too late yesterday, she definitely would have rushed over immediately.
"Let's go then." Kai agreed with a smile.
By then, the freshly groomed, radiant Reiju also walked over, smiling.
The three were led by respectfully waiting mermaid attendants to Dragon Palace's dining room for breakfast.
After Kai leisurely finished his abundant breakfast, his companions woke one by one, gradually gathering in the dining room.
"Everyone gets a day off today—go explore Fish-Man Island properly."
Good leader Kai not only generously gave everyone a day off but also allocated ample spending money for enjoying Fish-Man Island.
Kai's kindness was endless.
He then distributed detailed Fish-Man Island tourism maps specially prepared by Neptune yesterday.
The maps clearly marked famous attractions like "Mermaid Cove," "Coral Hill," and "Marin Shopping Center."
Soon Kai's group divided into small teams of twos and threes.
Violet and Reiju formed one group, Robin and Kozuki Hiyori another, Kuma and daughter their own group, and Ace, Zoro, and Sanji were together.
They excitedly planned their respective routes with maps in hand.
Kai naturally paired with Yamato, their goal clear—heading to Fish-Man Street to visit the great ship Noah.
Leaving Dragon Palace through luxurious corridors and plazas, Kai saw Shirahoshi wearing training clothes.
She was in a spacious plaza, following Jinbe's instruction while methodically learning Fish-Man Karate's basic stances.
Perhaps for camouflage or convenience, Kai also spotted the three merman princes training seriously nearby.
"Brother Kai!"
Seeing Kai, Shirahoshi immediately called out happily, though her hand movements never paused as she maintained her punching posture.
"Keep it up!"
Kai smiled and waved encouragingly at Shirahoshi.
Fish-Man Street.
When Kai and Yamato returned here, they received a tremendous welcome and enthusiastic attention.
"Kai-sama! Yamato-sama!"
"Boss!"
Fishman thugs along the way, whether registered or not, respectfully or enthusiastically greeted them.
Those who had completed registration and officially become Beast Pirates members stood especially straight with proud expressions.
After Kai dealt with his subordinates, they headed directly toward Fish-Man Street's depths without delay.
Before them stretched the massive hull of Noah - the ship of promise that had waited centuries for its destined day.
