539 Extra 13: We are Pirates ~! (42)

A week had passed since the [Marineford] incident, a time in which the marines had used to solve the remaining problems.

Akainu had been locked up after fighting Sengoku, Garp, and the other two admirals for treason.

[Shirohige], Edward Newgate, had retreated with his forces after seeing that Ace was safe. He had let Teach go for the time being, after all, it was better not to risk further the safety of his family who had just come out of a war.

The [Shichibukai] had returned to their domain, with Moriah being the only one to contact Kurama because the two had a contract.

The [Shichibukai] of the shadows, quickly began implementing changes to his ship to turn it into a tourist attraction to pay off the money he owed, something that quickly began to take effect, after all, [Thriller Bark] was the perfect place to create a horror-themed amusement park.

The [World Government] was on alert because they knew that at any moment, a huge meteorite could appear above them, that's why they summoned all possible architects to create countermeasures.

For his part, Kurama was standing next to Hancock and the others, watching how Rayleigh was kicking Luffy's ass during his training.

"Come on, that's all you got?" - Rayleigh said disdainfully - "Where was the courage you had when you stood up to the marines and [Shirohige] to save your brother?"

"I'm not giving up!" - Luffy exclaimed as he stood up again.

He was currently wearing black bandages over his eyes to block his sense of sight. He was doing this so he could train his other senses as well as his natural aura perception.

"Remember, Haki is part of us, it is the manifestation of our will, that's why you have to keep a firm heart" - Rayleigh said as he looked at his young apprentice, only to throw a glance at the man standing next to the most beautiful woman in the world and sigh.

He had planned to join the battle to save Ace, but after hearing the transmission from his [Den Den Mushi], he realized that he had better stay out of the way, not when his presence would cause far more trouble than necessary.

With Kaido's death, the balance among the remaining [Yonko], was gone.

[Big Mom], Charlotte Linlin, was on the ropes in the face of growing pressure from the alliance between Shanks and Edward Newgate.

She had no choice but to reduce the radius of her territory to prevent the two voracious enemies from continuing to attack her.

* * * * *

Kurama at this time was navigating alone in the area around the [Sabaody Archipelago] because he had received a message from Jinbe.

"Thank you for coming" - Jinbe said as he gave a small bow seeing how Kurama had used some of his time for him.

"It's not like I have much to do" - Kurama replied as he shrugged his shoulders - "But well, let's get straight to the point, what is it that you wish, Jinbe?"

"I would like to talk to you about a serious matter, it has to do with the royalty of [Gyojin Island]" - Jinbe answered seriously.

"Royalty?" - Kurama repeated in surprise when he heard this, only to become extremely curious - "Please continue."

"The truth is that I have been in contact with King Neptune" - said Jinbe seriously - "And he, seeing that I had a little contact with you, asked me to contact you."

"I see, go ahead" - nodded Kurama calmly.

"Please follow me" - said Jinbe as he started swimming towards the bottom of the sea.

Kurama raised an eyebrow before following him without worries.

He didn't need to worry about oxygen because his physiology meant that he could survive even in the vacuum of space.

The two continued swimming for a few more minutes until they came to a strange cave covered in multicolored glowing stones.

The cave was huge, though this was somewhat obvious knowing who was waiting for them.

Kurama slowly walked into the cave and saw a huge orange-haired Merfolk.

He stood imposingly with a serious look on his face, and a golden trident in his hand, but what surprised Kurama the most, was to see how behind him, a huge girl was looking at Kurama with surprise and curiosity.

Kurama frowned at the sight, and in the process, scaring the huge pink-haired girl.

"It is a pleasure to be in your presence, Kurama-dono, Jamon" - said Neptune as he looked carefully at the white-haired man - "I have seen what you have done in [Marineford], and as the leader of [Gyojin Island], I am happy to see how someone else is doing something against those parasites of the [Celestial Dragons]."

"Ou-sama," Jinbe muttered earnestly.

"No, old friend, you're not going to stop me from insulting those monsters, Jamon" - Neptune said neutrally while narrowing his eyes - "I approve of your vision that humans and the inhabitants of the sea, can live together and in harmony, because that was my beloved wife's vision, but my hatred for the [World Nobles] will not desist even if I die."

Jinbe sighed with regret when he heard his king's words.

He knew about the enormous hatred Neptune had against the [Celestial Dragons], after all, they took away the love of his life.

The young and huge mermaid behind Neptune started to cry when she heard this.

Kurama thought for a few seconds before speaking - "Not to be rude, but I'd like to know why I was called."

"Sorry for showing an attitude that is not worthy of a king, Jamon" - Neptune said as he sighed with regret.

"No, the pain of the loss of that special person is something that destroys the soul of those who saw her leave, more so when it was not a natural departure" - said Kurama while frowning.

"Thank you for your words of understanding, Jamon" - murmured Neptune while shaking his head - "Anyway, I would like to start by thanking you for eliminating one of the many tumors in the world, as well as declaring war on the [World Government]."

"I don't think you just called to congratulate me" - Kurama said as he raised an eyebrow and saw how the young pink-haired girl, was looking at him again with curiosity, only to blush and hide when she noticed how he was looking at her.

"She is my youngest daughter, Shirahoshi" - Neptune said as he looked fondly at the youngest of his offspring, after all, she was the last fruit of his love with his deceased wife - "I would like to ask you to take her as your wife"

"?" - Kurama opened his eyes in surprise when he saw this, only to shake his head, after all, she was too young.

"We, Merfolk, grow much faster than normal people, that's why at 14 we are already considered adults in our culture" - Neptune said while looking at his daughter - "And as you can see, Shirahoshi is a special case, when she entered adolescence, her body developed rapidly, you could say that it was an instinctive reflection of her true identity."

"True identity?" - Kurama repeated in surprise.

Shirahoshi again poked her head out from the back of the cave as she analyzed every faction of her soon-to-be husband, only to blush at how fine his face was, not to mention that she had heard from her father that he was strong and could help keep her safe and protected from the man who wanted to hurt her.

The only problem for Shirahoshi was that she would have to move away from her father and brothers, but after talking it over with them, she could only sigh and accept her fate.

As royalty, she had been inculcated that she would have to accept certain responsibilities, arranged marriage being part of them, though if she was honest, she was happy that the chosen man was at least someone young and handsome.

"She is [Poseidon]" - Neptune said earnestly.

Kurama opened his eyes in surprise when he heard this, only to understand what was going on - "I see, you want to use me as protection for your daughter."

"Right, but her marrying you, is a form of alliance and respect between us" - Neptune said as he looked affectionately at his daughter - "I have heard some things you have done from the sea dwellers, so I know you will take care of my daughter with dedication."

"It's not good to trust rumors, King of the Merfolk" - said Kurama as he frowned.

"It's not rumors, it's truthful information from my vassals, Jamon" - replied Neptune as he crossed his arms.

Kurama was silent for a few seconds, but his expression changed slightly as he watched Shirahoshi swim over to where the two men were conversing.

"Etto, Kurama-san?" - Shirahoshi said with her eyes clouded in tears - "Aren't I good enough?"

"That's not the point" - replied Kurama as he shook his head.

If he was serious, the innate beauty of Mermaids was impressive, and Shirahoshi being of royal blood, had far greater destructive power, and it didn't help that her breasts were exaggeratedly large even for her size.