Ten Years

Imai formed a bubble around herself using the coral before entering the tunnel leading to the palace. The fish-man had left her with a seahorse, which carried her through the tunnel, aided by a swift current.

"This thing's fast," she muttered, holding on tightly.

Ahead loomed Ryugu Palace—a marvel of the underwater world. The shimmering structure was filled with vibrant colors, sea water, and magical creatures. Its artistic design set it apart, making it a true underwater wonder.

"Man, no mansion on the surface could ever compare to this," Imai murmured, admiring the grandeur. "The amount of space I could use for training here… I'm envious."

However, her awe faded when her gaze landed on the entrance. In stark contrast to the rest of the palace, the wooden door before her was decrepit—mold-covered, rusted, and emanating a foul odor.

"Well, this is one way to sneak in without dealing with guards," she mused, gripping the rusty doorknob. "Let's see where this leads."

The door creaked open, revealing a pitch-black room. The scent of food lingered faintly in the air, but no light illuminated the space. Imai's hand instinctively moved to her katana as she heard a faint rustle. Her senses sharpened, ready for an attack—when suddenly, the lights flickered on.

Before her was a mermaid, trembling on a lavish bed with tears streaming down her face.

"W-Who are you?!" the mermaid stammered, her wide eyes fixed on the katana. "You're here to kill me, aren't you? Please don't!"

Imai blinked in surprise, then slowly sheathed her weapon. "I'm not here to kill you. I didn't think I'd find anyone here, let alone a mermaid lying in bed. I'm just here for the banquet."

The tension was broken by a surge of killing intent. Imai spun on her heels, her blade flashing out as an axe hurtled through the air toward the mermaid. With a single motion, she deflected it, sending the weapon clattering into the wall. Her sharp eyes darted toward the source, catching a glimpse of two fish-like eyes in the shadows before they disappeared.

"Ahhh!" The mermaid's piercing scream reverberated through the room, drawing immediate attention.

Guards burst through the door. "Princess Shirahoshi-sama! Are you safe?!"

The mermaid quickly stepped in front of Imai, shielding her from view. "I'm fine! I'm sorry—I think I just had a bad dream."

"But the door was open…" one guard began, his eyes narrowing.

"No, it wasn't. I must have left it ajar earlier. Please don't worry," Shirahoshi replied with forced calm.

The guards exchanged uncertain glances but ultimately backed away. "Understood, Princess. However, we must inform you—Straw Hat Luffy and a new crewmate with dark blue hair and red eyes are wanted for the kidnapping of mermaids and the murder of a fish-man. If you see them, alert us immediately."

Imai stayed silent as the guards filed out. The accusations swirled in her mind, but she knew her crew would manage. If anything, they'd likely cause even more chaos.

Once the door shut, Shirahoshi turned to Imai. "You must have questions. I can answer them… but only if you answer mine first."

"Fair enough," Imai said. "Who are you?"

"I'm Princess Shirahoshi of Fish-Man Island. My father is King Neptune," she replied, bowing her head slightly.

"I see. So, you're royalty," Imai said with a nod. "But why were you attacked just now? Are there assassins after you?"

Shirahoshi hesitated before answering. "It's a man named Vander Decken. He's not exactly an assassin—he's a pirate who's been harassing me ever since I rejected his marriage proposal. He has a Devil Fruit power called Mark-Mark. It lets him strike me with weapons from anywhere since he marked me. That's why I've stayed in this room for ten years."

Imai sighed. "Marriage proposals, grudges, and assassinations… Love really does stir up all sorts of trouble. Honestly, being single sounds a lot better."

Her words carried a hint of melancholy, though she quickly masked it. "Anything else I should know?"

Shirahoshi nodded. "The guards might be after you because of Madam Sharley. Her predictions are famous for being incredibly accurate, so she may have foreseen something involving your crew."

"Predictions, huh?" Imai rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Are they always right?"

"Yes," Shirahoshi replied. "She's never been wrong."

"I see. That explains the hostility. I'll have to visit her soon. The banquet's probably canceled anyway."

"Wait!" Shirahoshi's eyes sparkled. "You're a pirate, right? You must have gone on amazing adventures! Have you seen the sun? What about the stars?"

Imai chuckled. "Yes to all three. The sun is bright, but don't stare at it too long—it'll hurt your eyes. The stars are beautiful, especially with a telescope. As for adventures… I've had my fair share."

"Wow…" Shirahoshi's awe turned to curiosity. "You've been to the surface, haven't you?"

"Of course. I've even been called the 'Empress of the Blade,' the Fifth Emperor of the sea," Imai admitted casually.

"E-Emperor?!" Shirahoshi gasped. "You're one of the strongest pirates in the world?!"

"Was," Imai corrected. "That title comes with a cost. I've lost count of the lives I've taken… and the people I've lost."

"I'm sorry," Shirahoshi said, her voice soft. "I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," Imai interrupted with a faint smile. "That's just how it is. Keep this a secret, though."

"I promise," Shirahoshi said, nodding earnestly.

"Good." Imai stood, her expression firm. "Now, I'm getting you out of this room."

"Eh?!" Shirahoshi's jaw dropped. "What did you just say?!"

"You've been stuck here for ten years, haven't you?" Imai smirked. "That's about to change."