Chapter 10 : The tears of an island(6)

One more day passed and like every prediction Madame Shirley made in her entire life came true once again. In a grand manner Otohime arrived on the ship she left on and through the tearful cries of her people the queen revealed to them a piece of paper signed by the Tenryuubito and the Gorosei themselves.

But on that day a tall slim build Japanese bullhead fishman with a prominent hunch that put his head on equal level with his shoulders, cat-like whiskers wearing a yellow fedora wit a purple band covering his black hair that was rounded into dreadlocks. He was wearing a broadly red and white horizontal-striped shirt under specialized green overalls for his four lanky legs.

"The Tamatebako?" He asked in glee as he revealed his sharp teeth.

"That's right Cap'n Vander Decken!" An unremarkable fishman replied. "A month's worth of waiting finally paid off, the guard that we paid off has confirmed that it's hidden somewhere in the palace."

"And it can cause anyone to age?"

"That's what our Intel says!" Another unremarkable fishman boasted.

"Could it, say," Vander Decken gave them a creepy face, and brought his right arm to waist level. "Turn a teensy little brat…into a fully grown, sexy lady?"

"I don't doubt it for a second." The first one nodded at the Captain of The Flying Pirates.

Letting out a laugh of glee the extremely odd-looking fishman began to prance around in some sort of victory dance. "That's it folks!" He proclaimed. "Our little problem is solved! With that box, I can marry Princess Shirahoshi right away I know it!" Pointing at a random crew member he barked out the order. "Steal me that Tamatebako right away!"

"Captain, the palace is impenetrable. But if you were to marry Shirahoshi first you would be able to get into the palace no problem, right?"

Gaining a shocked look Vander Decken reeled back before laughing a unique laugh. "Bahohoh! Man, you guys are smart! I'm lucky to have guys like you!" Placing his freakishly right webbed hand on his chin smiled about his future. "Yes, give that little cutie-patotie ten or twenty more years she'd grow into a proper beauty."

"She'll grow even more gigantic, though." One of the crew members deadpanned.

"So what! She's big-boned all right! I ain't got nothin' against large ladies! Besides, the ole saying the bigger the better is singing quite true for this situation!" The Captain spat back at him. "And once I'm Shirahoshi's husband…it will finally be mine! The power and wealth of the Royal Family my clan has sought after for generations!" Pulling a pen and some paper he then proclaimed, "All right! Let's start with the wedding invitations! On the double men!"

"Aren't you supposed to propose first, Captain Decken!" The crew screamed out in response before he could even start.

Meanwhile in the Gyoncord Plaza Queen Otohime was once again preaching to her people for what was hopefully the final time. Standing on the stage that she usually preached at she held up the paper high above her head signed by the World Nobles and the Gorosei.

"The word of the World Nobles and the Gorosei hold great sway…even at the Reverie of The Council of Kings!" She began her speech with noticeable relief in her voice. "And this is an official letter from them. This is what it says. 'For the sake of improving relations between humans and fishmen we support the proposal of the attached petition.' In other words if we gather enough signatures to submit at the next Reverie, then this piece of paper, will grant our proposal to put strength to be realistically put into action! Our relocation to the surface is no mere dream!"

Her words that were always worth their weight in gold stunned the residents of Fishman Island speechless. The Tenryuubito, possibly the most evil human beings in existence with the help of the Gorosei, though many never heard of them granted their support to their queen's long awaited proposal. In all honesty none of them knew what to think.

Clearing her throat Otohime finished off her speech that would wither make or break all her efforts at the coexistence with mankind. "All that we need now is to gather more signatures. I can only wait for all of you to make your decisions. And I beg of you to reach out for a life of harmony for a life on the surface, where we can achieve true peace!"

For several long seconds no one dared to move, time just seemed to stall, waiting for the proper response to a seven year long struggle. Otohime's smile began to fade slowly. Then it was finally broken when several children rushed to the stage and deposited their slips of paper into the crate that Otohime always had with her when she made her speeches. And almost immediately the gathered merfolk at her rally began handing in their own forms.

The goldfish mermaid was shocked. Touched by what the kindness of a few children can bring. Overjoyed that her ideal may one day soon be achieved!

Soon the small crate began overflowing with papers. And to Otohime's joy the Minister of the Right; a seahorse merman, her bodyguard and loyal supporter to her cause came floating to her rescue with a gigantic wicker basket in his sturdy hands. Seeing Otomime literally shedding tears of joy he gave her a thoughtful smile.

"Your majesty I see you are overcome by emotion. Please, take a seat and rest." Raising his arms in immense joy the merman bellowed to the people. "Come, everyone! This is the place to show your support to our queen's passionate endeavor!"

So overcome with emotion Otohime had to be escorted by the Minister of the Left and another guard to the castle, crying tears of joy all the way. And when she arrived at the palace she was bombarded by her family, Neptune with tears in his eyes and their biological children gave her the greatest and most loving hug that she ever received in her entire life. Even Naruto, who out of all of them had the best reason to oppose everything she worked for couldn't help but feel immense happiness for her accomplishment.

Little did they know that their happiness would be shattered by the glaring eyes spying on the happy family.

_________________________________

there is 8 chapters ahead of the public release in p atreon for only 5$

my p atreon is :

https://www.p atreon.com/Huvnn

or search my name : Huvnn

________________________