Solo Pirating - Chapter 95

Chapter 95

9th of May 1522,

Fishman Island

Moria emerged from the grand castle, the sound of distant waves providing a soothing backdrop to the stillness of the moment. He paused at the entrance, a satisfied smile spreading across his lips as he watched his flag being hoisted beside the Kingdom of Fish-Man Island's banner. His crew's Jolly Roger—a white skull with two purple wings and a white flame on each side—fluttered proudly in the gentle underwater currents. It symbolized their newfound alliance and his expanding influence. A King had sworn fealty to him…was he technically an emperor, now ?

Turning back, Moria saw King Neptune following him out, the king's massive frame moving with a dignified grace. "Thank you again for the advantageous terms of the protection, Lord Moria," Neptune said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Moria inclined his head slightly. "It was a pleasure, King Neptune. I believe this alliance will be mutually beneficial."

Indeed, Moria had intended to demand more from this arrangement—more wealth, more power. But that was before he met Shirahoshi. His eyes drifted back to the castle, where the mermaid princess stood watching them from a balcony. Her pink hair flowed around her like a silken waterfall, her large eyes wide with a mixture of hope and gratitude.

Shirahoshi's heart fluttered as she saw Moria looking at her. She clasped her hands together, a shy smile spreading across her face. Her cheeks, already flushed from the earlier excitement, reddened further. There was something undeniably enchanting about her innocence, her purity in a world so often marred by darkness and cruelty.

[Neptune Shirahoshi]

Class: Mermaid

Job : Sea King Whisperer

Dourikis: 912
Potential: SS(?)
Fate: SSS

Again, this interrogation mark…He had seen them only for Nami and Vivi. What did it mean ? Moria's mind wandered back to the ancient texts of the Poneglyphs and the mysterious boxes he had encountered. The cryptic inscriptions hinted at a power long forgotten, a treasure hidden in plain sight. The knowledge contained within those stone monoliths was vast, and Moria's ambition burned with a renewed intensity. He recalled the text vividly:

"In breast of nymph, the power confined,

In land condemned, where fate is twined.

A voice of sea, a heart so pure,

To guide the waves, and tempest endure.

A maiden fair, with destiny grand,

Holds ocean's power within her hand."

Did it mean…was Shirahoshi linked with an antique weapon ? He also remembered the text from the [Random Box] he earned in Impel down…

Will of D: Deluge or Drought - Dreams? Dawn.
Nami, Vivi (of Old?) and The Siren Princess.

What did that mean ? The three were princesses…he had already deduced it from Nami's old name, though she did not seem to know it herself. Were Nami and Vivi also linked to Antique Weapons ? No, it couldn't be the case…

Moria sighed. His gaze went back to the colossal form of the Noah Arch. The enormous ship, half the size of Fish-Man Island itself, loomed over the Sea Forest, its ancient wood weathered by centuries underwater. The ship's sheer size and the intricate craftsmanship hinted at a time long forgotten, a relic from the Void Century. Barnacles clung to its hull, and a layer of sludge and moss covered the railing and figurehead, adding to its mystique.

Neptune, noticing Moria's gaze, stepped beside him. "It is beautiful, isn't it?" he said, his voice tinged with pride and reverence.

Moria nodded slowly, his eyes tracing the massive structure. "What is its purpose?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Neptune's deep voice echoed in the stillness. "Noah, also known as the 'Ship of Promise,' was created during the Void Century by the denizens of Fish-Man Island. Its exact origins and purpose are shrouded in mystery, but it is said to be of great importance for an appointed day that is coming soon."

The king's words hung in the air, adding weight to the already significant presence of the ship. Neptune continued, "Noah was designed to be pulled by Sea Kings and has several winches jutting from its hull to facilitate this. Despite being submerged for hundreds of years, it has survived the immense pressure at 10,000 meters underwater without any strain."

Moria's interest piqued further. "A ship of such resilience and design must hold a powerful secret."

Neptune nodded. "Indeed, it does. The giant ship is part of a long-forgotten promise made by Joy Boy to the people of Fish-Man Island. He intended to use Poseidon's powers to raise the ship to the surface, but after breaking the terms of the agreement, he left Noah for another to fulfill. Our people have guarded it, awaiting the day it will finally fulfill its destiny."

Moria's gaze shifted from the ship to Neptune. "And that day is approaching?"

Neptune sighed. "So the legends say. It is a promise we have kept for centuries, a testament to our faith and endurance."

Moria turned his eyes back to the colossal ark, contemplating its significance. He was drawn to its mystery, sensing that the secrets it held could be a key to his own ambitions.

The silence stretched, filled with the weight of history and future possibilities. Finally, Moria broke it, his voice low and contemplative. "A ship built for a promise, awaiting its time. It seems we both have our destinies intertwined with ancient powers and promises."

Neptune looked at him, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it appears so. And now, with our alliance, perhaps we can help each other fulfill those destinies."

Moria nodded, the shadow of a smile crossing his face. "Indeed, King Neptune. Together, we shall see what the future holds."

Sensing the princess approaching from behind them, Moria turned slightly, his voice lowering to a softer, more intimate tone. "Yes, it is beautiful. But not as beautiful as your daughter."

Shirahoshi, hearing his words, blushed deeply. She kept a few steps behind, her massive form almost trembling with shyness. Her enormous pink hair flowed around her like a shimmering waterfall, accentuating her delicate features. She stammered, her cheeks turning a deep crimson. "Th-thank you, Lord Moria," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Moria stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. "Why so shy, Princess?" he teased gently, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Surely, you must be used to compliments."

Unable to fully face him, Shirahoshi hid her face behind her hands, which only served to push her ample breasts forward, drawing even more attention to her voluptuous figure. The pearls adorning her halter top glinted in the underwater light, adding to her ethereal beauty.

Moria leaned in, his voice a low murmur. "You know, hiding only makes you more enchanting."

Shirahoshi peeked through her fingers, her wide eyes filled with a mixture of embarrassment and intrigue.

"I... I'm not used to such attention," she admitted softly.

Moria chuckled, the sound deep and resonant. "Then allow me to be the first of many, Princess. Your beauty deserves to be celebrated."

Neptune observed the exchange with a mixture of pride and curiosity. "Shirahoshi, Lord Moria has just been admiring the Noah."

Shirahoshi's eyes widened with interest, and she peered through her fingers at the colossal ship. "The Noah... it's been a symbol of hope for our people for so long," she said, her voice tinged with reverence. "It's said that one day, it will rise and fulfill its purpose."

Moria's gaze followed hers. "And what do you believe that purpose is, Princess?"

Shirahoshi's blush deepened, and she clasped her hands together, her delicate fingers entwining nervously. "I believe it is to bring our people together with the world above. To fulfill the promise made by Joy Boy and to ensure peace and unity."

Moria's eyes softened slightly as he regarded her. "A noble belief, Princess. One that aligns with our shared goal of a better future."

He did not know how she was linked to the weapon, but Poseidon would be his.

Turning back to Neptune, Moria's demeanor shifted to one of resolute determination. "I will accomplish my part of the deal, King Neptune."

With a flourish, he extended his hand, and the shadows around him swirled and coalesced into a dark portal. "This portal will connect the Main Plaza here to the center of my Boat, itself linked to other kingdom for easier commerce," Moria announced. "It will facilitate commerce between our kingdoms. Of course, it will be guarded by my Shadow Soldiers."

[Shadow Portals]

The User can anchor two-way portals between different locations. Anyone with a Shadow Implemented through them, or within one of your Four Armies, can use these portals without your presence. Maximum number of portals: 4 two-way portals (8 doors).

1 : Thriller Bark - Dressrosa

2 : Thriller Bark - Alabasta

3 - North Blue - East Blue

4 - Thriller Bark - Fishman Island

As the portal stabilized, its edges shimmering with dark energy, Moria dispatched ten Ushabtis—towering, stone-like warriors—to patrol the streets. Their imposing forms, etched with ancient runes, exuded an aura of unyielding strength. Alongside them, he sent four Shadow Soldiers, each with a douriki of two thousands, to ensure the peace and security of the area.

Moria turned back to Shirahoshi, his expression softening once more. Leaning down, he kissed her gently on the cheek. Her already deep blush intensified, and she looked at him with wide, appreciative eyes.

"Until we meet again, Princess," Moria said, his voice a low, intimate murmur that sent shivers down her spine.

Shirahoshi managed a shy smile, her heart racing. "Th-thank you, Lord Moria."

Hidden Quest 1 [?] : 0/3 (1/3, 2/3, 2/3) → Hidden Quest 1 [?] : 1/3 (1/3, 2/3, 3/3)

Interesting…

With a final nod to Neptune, Moria stepped through the swirling shadows of the portal, disappearing from sight. The presence of his guards and the promise of the portal left the Fish-Man Island residents in awe, marking the beginning of a new era of cooperation and security.

King Neptune watched the portal with a mixture of relief and anticipation. The alliance with Moria had solidified their safety and opened doors to unprecedented opportunities. Turning to his daughter, who still blushed furiously, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Our future looks brighter already, thanks to Lord Moria," he said softly.

Shirahoshi nodded, her thoughts lingering on Moria's parting words and the warmth of his kiss. "Yes, Father. I believe it does."

Neptune hesitated, and continued. "But, my daughter…Do not forget : he was a pirate, though he is now a King. And we cannot trust pirates". 

But she did not look like she listened.

— — — —

9th of may, 1522
Thriller Bark

Nojiko sat in the eerie twilight of Nami’s tower, the shadows dancing on the walls like silent specters. She was growing restless, the monotony of her new existence gnawing at her sanity. When she had voiced her boredom to Nami, she hadn't anticipated her sister’s response.

Now, she stood before a grand, ornate mirror, her eyes widening in disbelief at her reflection. The nurse outfit Nami had crafted for her was scandalously tight and overtly erotic. The pristine white fabric clung to her voluptuous curves, accentuating every contour of her body. The top struggled to contain her generous breasts, the plunging neckline revealing a tantalizing expanse of cleavage. Each breath made her chest rise and fall provocatively, the fabric stretched almost to its limit.

The material wrapped snugly around her slender waist, emphasizing her flat, firm stomach and the faint outlines of her abs. The skirt was scandalously short, barely covering her shapely hips and leaving her long, toned legs almost entirely exposed. White stockings ran up her legs, ending just above her thighs with delicate lace garters that hinted at the soft, smooth skin beneath. Her ass, perfectly rounded and firm, was highlighted by the tight fit of the skirt, every movement causing it to sway seductively.

A small, red cross adorned her left breast, stark against the white fabric. Completing the ensemble was a tiny nurse’s cap perched jauntily atop her head, adding a surreal, almost playful touch to her provocative attire.

Nami stood behind her, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction and a hint of madness. "You look perfect, Nojiko," she purred, her voice a silky whisper. "Now you can be my assistant. We’ll have so much fun together."

Nojiko turned, her expression a blend of discomfort and resignation. "Nami, I… I’m not sure about this," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She couldn't refuse her sister’s commands—her resurrection had seen to that. But the outfit, the role—it all felt so alien.

Nami’s smile widened, her excitement palpable. "Nonsense, Nojiko! You said you were bored, and this is the perfect solution. You’ll help me with my experiments, and you’ll look stunning while doing it."

Nojiko glanced down at herself, the tight fabric pressing intimately against her skin, her breasts pushed up and out, the skirt barely covering her modesty. The outfit was undeniably erotic, designed to showcase her body in the most provocative way possible. A shiver of conflicting emotions ran through her—embarrassment, a strange thrill, and a sense of resignation.

Nami stepped closer, her hands sliding down Nojiko’s arms. "You’re mine, Nojiko," she whispered, her breath hot against her ear. "You’ll do as I say, and you’ll enjoy it."

Nojiko’s heart pounded, her mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. She wanted to protest, to reclaim a piece of her former self, but she couldn’t. The compulsion to obey was too strong, her will subjugated by the dark magic that bound her. She was trapped, both by the tower and by her own resurrected nature.

As Nami guided her toward a makeshift operating table, Nojiko felt a strange sense of acceptance wash over her. This was her reality now, and she would have to find a way to endure it.