Chapter 67: This is an Order
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When Shirahoshi saw the enormous 10,000-meter-long sea dragon looming outside Fish-Man Island, her face turned pale, and she collapsed to the ground.
"This is it... Fish-Man Island is truly going to vanish from history this time!"
Madam Shyarly's prophecies, known to always come true, added to the despair that weighed heavily on everyone. Her words left the people with no room for hope, and panic quickly began to spread.
The oppressive atmosphere of fear and despair thickened. Roja, however, remained calm, quickly creating a powerful illusion to conceal the sea dragon from the people of Fish-Man Island. The illusion cloaked the crisis, ensuring the citizens would not see the terrifying scene outside.
King Neptune, standing beside Roja, glanced at him with a serious expression. "What is this?" he asked, gesturing toward the illusion.
"If the people see the sea dragon, it will only fuel panic," Roja replied. "This way, we can focus on resolving the crisis without mass hysteria."
Meanwhile, the sea dragon's immense presence was suffocating. Its glowing scales reflected an eerie light, and its cold, piercing eyes seemed to scan for weak points in Fish-Man Island's protective bubble, preparing for a devastating strike.
Madam Shyarly, trembling with fear, clutched her crystal ball tightly. "My predictions are never wrong. There's no way we can withstand the attack of this sea dragon!"
Her voice wavered, laced with despair. But Roja turned to her, his calm demeanor radiating confidence. "So what if your predictions are 100% accurate?" he said firmly. "As long as I'm here, that prediction is meaningless."
His unwavering words silenced the room momentarily, though the tension remained palpable. Everyone's faces reflected the gravity of the situation. No one could fathom a way to defeat a creature of such colossal size and strength.
In stark contrast, the citizens of Fish-Man Island were blissfully unaware of the impending catastrophe. They celebrated in the square, believing the crisis had passed. Hidden behind Roja's illusion, the massive sea dragon lurked ominously, its presence signaling the most dangerous moment in Fish-Man Island's history.
Amid the despair, Shirahoshi, silent until now, finally spoke up. "Should I try to communicate with it?" she asked tentatively.
Neptune's face darkened, and he immediately objected. "Shirahoshi, don't even think about it! Do you understand what's at stake here?!" He was clearly reluctant to let Shirahoshi's identity as an Ancient Weapon be exposed, even in such dire circumstances.
But Shirahoshi stood firm, her usual timid demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristic determination. "Father, we don't have time to argue! If my identity is revealed, so be it. If I can help save Fish-Man Island, isn't that what matters most?"
Neptune hesitated, conflicted but unable to counter her logic. Roja, noticing Shirahoshi's resolve, smiled warmly and spoke up. "Ain, Stella," he said, addressing his subordinates, "take the princes and return to Ryugu Palace. Shirahoshi will need space to act."
Though surprised by the command, Neptune quickly understood Roja's intention. He echoed the order, urging his sons—Fukaboshi, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi—to leave as well.
"Father, we should stay and help!" Fukaboshi protested.
"No," Neptune said firmly. "This is an order. Go!"
Reluctantly, the princes, along with Ain and Stella, retreated. Only Roja, Neptune, Shirahoshi, and Madam Shyarly remained to confront the sea dragon.
Shirahoshi swam forward, stopping at a safe distance from the creature. She began to use her ability to communicate with Sea Kings. "Excuse me," she called out gently.
The sea dragon's response was immediate—and terrifying. It unleashed a deafening roar, its voice reverberating through the ocean like an ominous thunderclap. The people of Fish-Man Island, though shielded by the illusion, could still hear the roar.
"What was that sound?!"
"Mom, I'm scared!"
Fukaboshi and his brothers, now at the square, worked to calm the citizens. "Don't worry! That's just some harmless noise from the King's experiments," Fukaboshi said, his voice steady. "Look at the sky. Everything is fine!"
Though their words soothed the Doved, the reality was far more grim. Outside, the sea dragon's fury continued to mount.
"I don't think it's willing to talk," Shirahoshi said, her voice tinged with sadness.
Roja stepped forward, exuding calm confidence. "Some beings don't respond to reason, Shirahoshi. But if it's strength it respects, I'll give it a demonstration."
The sea dragon, seemingly understanding Roja's defiance, roared once more, its massive form surging forward to strike Fish-Man Island's protective bubble. The bubble held firm, its tenacity impressive, but the sheer force of the impact left no doubt—the next attack might break through.
"Admiral White Dove," Neptune said urgently, his voice trembling. "Do you have a plan? Can you stop it?"
Roja smiled faintly, his expression serene despite the dire circumstances. "A plan? Of course, your Majesty. After all," he said, his eyes locking onto the massive sea dragon, "this is just a small matter."
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