Disney princess Shirahoshi!

Late at night, in the guest room of Ryugu Castle.

Nicholas suddenly opened his eyes.

It wasn't because he sensed danger, but rather because someone he hadn't expected was hesitating at the door. The person's hand lifted several times but always fell back down, seemingly debating whether to knock. In the end, fear seemed to prevail, and the hand dropped, the person looking dejected as they turned to leave.

"Come in. If you always retreat when facing problems, you won't be qualified to lead the people of Fishman Island to the surface."

Nicholas glanced towards the door, sensing the complex emotions outside, and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Eh..."

A surprised gasp came from outside.

After a moment, the door opened, and Shirahoshi peeked in, nervously eyeing Nicholas, who was sitting cross-legged on the bed.

"Mr. Nicholas, did I wake you?"

"Not exactly. Your life force is like a beacon in my 'vision.' What's with this timid personality of yours? Neptune and Otohime aren't this timid."

"Uh..."

Hearing Nicholas mention Neptune and Otohime, Shirahoshi shrank back a bit.

"Alright, come in. You wouldn't want the guards to find you here, would you?"

With Nicholas's permission, Shirahoshi carefully entered the room and sat on the carpet, given her size made the furniture look like toys to her.

Nicholas, still sitting cross-legged on the bed, tilted his head and asked, "Why are you here so late?"

"Mr. Nicholas, I... I want to talk to you."

"Talk?"

Nicholas was a bit surprised. "About what?"

Taking a deep breath, Shirahoshi gathered her courage. "I... I still don't know what to do. I don't know what kind of power I have, but I know if everyone on Fishman Island wants to go to the surface, this power must be important. But I'm... I'm afraid I can't do it. I know..."

"Slow down, let me organize my thoughts."

Nicholas gestured for her to slow down. She had said so much at once that he couldn't follow.

Shirahoshi looked at Nicholas, her eyes filled with anxiety. "I'm afraid I can't do it, afraid I'll disappoint everyone..."

Tears started to fall like pearls from a broken string, revealing the immense pressure she was under.

"Huh?"

Nicholas looked at the crying Shirahoshi, feeling a bit helpless. "Is that all? Don't cry."

"It's just... I, I..."

Shirahoshi's voice was choked with sobs, her lips trembling as she struggled to express herself.

But Nicholas understood her message. He looked at the weeping mermaid princess, shaking his head slightly.

It's hard to imagine that such a seemingly timid princess possessed the power to summon and command giant Sea Kings.

Despite her world-destroying potential, she was still a simple girl, protected by Neptune, Queen Otohime, and her three brothers.

Maybe all the Poseidons throughout history were like her. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been driven into the depths of the ocean, enjoying sunlight only through the Eve Tree's roots.

Nicholas sighed, seeing Shirahoshi's distress.

He got off the bed and walked towards her, his body enlarging with each step, surrounded by lightning.

Shirahoshi was stunned, watching Nicholas grow like he was inflating, approaching her.

When Nicholas stood before her, he reached out his large hand.

Shirahoshi instinctively closed her eyes in nervousness.

Nicholas's large hand rested on her head, gently ruffling her hair.

"Innocent princess, don't burden yourself too much. Treat the Sea Kings as friends, like Megalo. When you become true friends, that will be the day you lead the people of Fishman Island to the surface."

Nicholas spoke softly, gazing down at her.

A blush quickly spread across Shirahoshi's face, her hands nervously gripping her clothes. She wasn't used to such affectionate gestures.

"Alright, go to sleep early. Tomorrow is your first day leaving Fishman Island. Keep up your spirits."

"I, I know. I'll try my best."

Shirahoshi bit her lip, feeling much more at ease after Nicholas's words. Treat the Sea Kings as friends like Megalo... it sounds simple, right? She kept encouraging herself in her heart. But was it really that simple? She thought about Megalo's size and then about the gigantic Sea Kings she had glimpsed before, and she felt unsure.

…

Breakfast time.

Neptune had gone to great lengths to prepare a feast for Nicholas and his companions, showcasing the finest cuisine Fishman Island had to offer. There were even special desserts from the Fishman Island pastry factory, made in collaboration with human business associations.

Nicholas picked up a chocolate mousse cake and took a bite. It melted in his mouth, with an impeccable taste and texture.

After breakfast, it was time for business.

Neptune, Princess Shirahoshi, her three brothers, Jinbe, Tiger, and Nicholas all headed out of Ryugu Castle.

For safety reasons, only a few people were aware of this operation. At the entrance to Fishman Island, the Poseidon Army was already assembled, surrounding the group and keeping a vigilant watch.

The deep sea was a dangerous zone for humans, and even for the Fishmen, it was perilous. Near Fishman Island, it was relatively safe, but venturing further could mean encountering threats.

"Nicholas, is this really alright?"

"Don't worry. Don't underestimate the Sea Kings that have existed in the depths for who knows how long. The only concern is the mindless beasts, but with Jinbe and the Poseidon Army, it should be fine."

"Your Majesty Neptune, I will protect Princess Shirahoshi with my life."

Jinbe spoke seriously, as the strongest in-water fighter in the group, their safety rested on his shoulders.

Neptune nodded, trusting Jinbe completely.

"Let's go!"

Neptune surveyed the surroundings and gave the order.

The group set off into the dark depths of the sea. The further they moved from Fishman Island and the roots of the Eve Tree, the dimmer the light became.

After a short distance, a large school of glowing fish, each as big as a ship, swarmed towards them.

Seeing this, Neptune tensed, gripping his trident. The Poseidon Army and their mounts also readied for battle.

"Father, no!"

Just as Neptune was about to give the order, Shirahoshi intervened.

Neptune held up his hand to signal the Poseidon Army to stand by and then looked at Nicholas in his coated bubble.

"If Princess Shirahoshi says so, we should trust her. After all, she's not an ordinary mermaid."

With Nicholas's reassurance, Neptune and Jinbe turned their attention to Shirahoshi.

The seemingly menacing school of fish lost all hostility as they neared Shirahoshi, instead circling her as if in reverence.

"It seems we were worried for nothing."

Neptune relaxed, seeing the once-aggressive fish playing around Shirahoshi. He smiled and nodded.

Jinbe and Tiger looked astonished. They had some idea of Shirahoshi's potential as Poseidon but witnessing it firsthand was overwhelming.

"Something big is coming!"

Nicholas suddenly spoke with a grave tone. In his observation, a Sea King over three thousand meters long was rapidly approaching.