124 Shirahoshi's Guilt #124

As the eight massive sea kings emerged from the depths, a collective gasp swept through the citizens of Fishman Island. Their faces reflected shock, awe, and a hint of fear at the sight of these majestic creatures. The bustling chaos came to a sudden halt as all eyes turned towards the colossal beings, their sheer presence commanding attention.

Kieran found himself unable to maintain his usual composure. His eyes widened, his jaw slackened, and a flicker of surprise danced across his face as he alternated his gaze between Shirahoshi and the sea kings, instantly connecting the dots.

Under his breath, he muttered, "I've heard the stories... but that's a hell of a sight..."

Fukaboshi, the eldest prince of the Ryugu Kingdom, glanced at his sister, who still wept uncontrollably. He drew a deep breath, his voice resonating with disbelief and recognition. "She did it again... these sea kings... I've only seen them once before..."

Den and Chuchun, who had been tirelessly aiding the royal guards in evacuating the injured, stopped as their eyes fell upon the sea kings.

Den's ever-present cheerful smile faltered momentarily, quickly replaced by a rare look of astonishment. "Look at the size of those creatures! It's like they've emerged straight from the depths of folklore."

Her eyes wide in amazement and concern, Baby Five commented, "I never thought I'd see eight Sea kings in one place. They're colossal! But they seem gentle somehow, don't they? Like they're here to help."

Indeed, despite their immense size and formidable presence, the sea kings exhibited a surprising gentleness in their actions. Their movements were deliberate, their focus unwavering as they effortlessly took hold of Noah's chains, their jaws gripping them with an iron resolve.

As the sea kings dragged Noah away, the people of Fishman Island couldn't tear their eyes away from the awe-inspiring sight. Whispers of astonishment rippled through the crowd, mingling with the still-pervasive sound of Shirahoshi's heart-wrenching sobs.

Some citizens gathered closer to Shirahoshi, their expressions filled with concern and confusion. They exchanged glances, unsure how to comfort their princess in such a tumultuous moment.

Fukaboshi, sensing the growing unease in the crowd, raised his voice, "Everyone, please disperse. Give us space. My sister needs some quiet." His words carried a note of authority, compelling the citizens to reluctantly step back and resume their duties, knowing that their presence might only exacerbate Shirahoshi's distress.

As the crowd dispersed and returned to aiding with the wreckage and tending to the injured, Fukaboshi turned his attention back to his sister. He approached her with gentle steps, his tone laced with concern. "Shirahoshi, it's going to be alright. The sea kings have saved us. Please, calm down."

But Shirahoshi's tears continued to flow, her cries seemingly uncontrollable. The weight of the overwhelming events and the burden of her responsibility had taken its toll. She clung to Fukaboshi, seeking solace in his presence, but her sobs persisted.

Suddenly, a loud thud broke through the chaotic atmosphere. All heads turned to witness Cedric, who had just landed on the ground, transforming back to his human form. As the cheers and applause erupted again, Shirahoshi's attention shifted away from her own sorrow.

She noticed the blood gushing out of Cedric's eye socket, staining his face crimson. The sight shocked her, momentarily halting her tears as concern and worry washed over her features.

Fukaboshi, sensing the change in his sister's demeanor, followed her gaze and gasped in alarm. He rushed to Cedric's side, his tone filled with urgency. "Your eye, it looks bad..."

Still smiling despite his exhaustion and pain, Cedric waved off Fukaboshi's concern. "Oh, this? It's just a scratch. Nothing a good night's rest won't fix..." He said, shaking his head as he gestured at his injured eye.

Shirahoshi, however, couldn't share Cedric's carefree attitude as she remembered Deckens' words. Her voice trembled as she spoke, her words heavy with guilt and self-blame. "I-it's all my fault. Decken's rage, the destruction he caused, and the injury you suffered! It's because of me."

Cedric sighed and tried to lighten the mood with a joke. "Come on, princess, don't be so hard on yourself. If anything, I'd say I've finally achieved the perfect pirate look. Now I only need to lose an arm and a leg and get a parrot..." He said, getting an angry chirp in response from Chuchun.

But Shirahoshi remained adamant, her eyes brimming with tears once again. "Y-you lost your eye because of me. And you're still standing here, making jokes to make me feel better! I really am pathetic..."

Kieran, perceptive as ever, stepped forward with a mischievous grin. "You know, this guy is as persistent as a cockroach. He'll bounce back once he gets some rest. He's a genuine monster, this one..." He added, familiarly patting Cedric's back.

Cedric couldn't help but roll his eyes at Kieran's remark. He glanced at Kieran and replied, "Well, gee, Thanks for the vote of confidence. But I guess a little rest won't hurt."

"But--" Shirahoshi interjected, only for Cedric to cut her off halfway through her sentence.

Cedric turned to Shirahoshi, his voice calm and reassuring. "It's fine, princess. I suffered worst injuries while training with my teacher back in Marine HQ..." He explained, his mind wandering back to his training with Vice Admiral Garp.

"It might not look like it, but my body is especially resilient. I'll be as good as new after some rest, eye included," Cedric continued with a careless shrug. "Besides, I only did what I wanted to do, and you shouldn't blame yourself... It's all Deckens' fault and no one else's,"

Shirahoshi's eyes searched Cedric's face, still filled with concern. She bit her lip, torn between her guilt and Cedric's words. Ultimately, she relented, realizing that Cedric was trying to ease her burden. "I-if you say so... I'll try not to blame myself."

Fukaboshi, silently observing the exchange till now, stepped forward once again. "In any case, on behalf of the people of Fishman Island, I want to express our deepest gratitude to you and your crew, Cedric,"

He took a deep breath a continued. "You and your crew risked your lives to protect us. We are forever in your debt. Please, allow us to offer you a place to rest in the royal palace. It's the least we can do..."

Cedric nodded gratefully. "Thank you. We'll gladly accept your offer."

Tired and weary from the intense battle, Cedric's companions agreed. Shirahoshi's eyes softened as she looked at the crew, her voice filled with gratitude. "T-thank you all for everything you've done. Please take the time to rest and recover."

With a mix of exhaustion and relief, Cedric and his crew followed Fukaboshi as they made their way toward the grand entrance of the royal palace. The citizens of Fishman Island, recognizing their heroes, lined the streets, offering words of thanks and admiration. The cheers and applause echoed in the air, blending with the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.

...

As the sea kings continued to drag Noah away, their massive forms cutting through the water with powerful strokes of their tails, a telepathic conversation unfolded among them. Their deep, rumbling voices resonated in each other's minds, their thoughts intertwining in an ethereal connection.

Sea King A, his voice filled with curiosity, initiated the conversation. "Am I imagining things, or did the human who held up the ship just now hear our voices?"

Sea King B, slightly skeptical, responded, "It can't be."

Sea King C replied, voicing out its agreement, "It can't be, indeed."

Sea King D, his memories stirring, interjected, "I remember something similar happening once before. A human who could understand our thoughts."

Sea King E, joining the conversation, affirmed, "I remember, indeed,"

Perplexed by the situation, Sea King A declared his thoughts, "How strange... I wonder why?"

Echoing the sentiment, Sea King F interjected, "Indeed, I wonder why..."

Sea King G, observing the state of Noah and the wreckage, remarked, "The ship is in tatters."

Sea King B, contemplating the ship's condition, wondered aloud, "Does it still work?"

Sea King C, considering the possibility of restoration, added, "Can it be fixed?"

Sea King D, expressing his hopes, trailed off before adding, "I hope it can be fixed... before the promised time."

The other sea kings paused, their collective gaze shifting towards Noah. The once majestic vessel now bore the scars of the recent chaos, its structure compromised and broken.

As the sea kings continued their steady progress, their thoughts intertwined in a symphony of deep contemplation. They couldn't shake the curiosity surrounding the human who seemed to have heard their telepathic conversation. It was a phenomenon beyond their comprehension.

With a final rumble of agreement, the sea kings swam away into the sea depths, their colossal forms disappearing from view. The telepathic conversation faded, leaving a sense of intrigue lingering in the depths as they carried Noah to a place of safety.

...

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