Chapter 188: Chapter 188
Chapter 188
"Prophecy, huh... I believe Rorschach-kun would never do something like destroying Fish-Man Island!"
Jinbe murmured, then lowered his head in silence. When he raised it again, his eyes were firm.
From his observations over the past two days, Rorschach was not a bloodthirsty person. On the contrary, his temperament was quite gentle. He interacted with others without any airs and never acted recklessly.
Combined with how well they had gotten along these past two days, Jinbe simply could not imagine Rorschach doing something like destroying Fish-Man Island.
"You know I’m not saying it was Rorschach who did it."
"The future of Fish-Man Island now rests in his hands. Perhaps we will face some crisis in the future, and Rorschach can save Fish-Man Island from danger, allowing it to return to the surface from the deep sea ten thousand meters below."
"Haa... This would undoubtedly make Fish-Man Island’s future far more beautiful. Everything depends on that man’s single thought. He has the power to make it happen."
Shyarly first shook her head and spoke calmly. Then she took out her pipe, took a deep drag, slowly exhaled, and continued with a serious expression.
"If this can give Fish-Man Island a better future, then I support you. I will also report this matter to King Neptune."
Shyarly’s words convinced Jinbe. He now understood why she had suddenly become so determined to join Rorschach’s crew.
"You’ve been wronged, Shyarly..."
Jinbe fell into guilt, his voice low.
"It’s nothing. I thought I would be angry, but in truth, when I met Rorschach and the others, I wasn’t. What my idiot big brother did hurt too many people."
"They are not the perpetrators — they are the victims. We have no right to speak of being wronged. Only they do."
"Besides... I’m a bit older than Rorschach-kun. In a way, I’m the one taking advantage."
Shyarly spoke calmly at first, then winked at Jinbe and chuckled lightly.
This girlish gesture left Jinbe stunned. He had only seen her act like this when she was still a child.
After growing up, Shyarly had become more and more composed, so he hadn’t seen this side of her in years.
It also sent Jinbe into memories.
They were both born in Fish-Man Street. When Shyarly was three, her father abandoned her and Arlong there. Jinbe, being three years older than Arlong, often took care of the two younger ones.
Later, Arlong and Jinbe joined the Ryugu Kingdom army as soldiers. But after deliberately stealing the signatures Queen Otohime had collected, they were scolded and left the army.
From then on, Arlong became a pirate and often went out plundering. Shyarly was also frequently looked after by him until she grew up and opened the Mermaid Cafe on Coral Hill.
"I respect your decision. I believe Rorschach-kun can give you a more exciting life."
"You grew up under my watch. Even though we’re not related by blood, I’ve always seen you as a little sister. From now on, I hope you live happily."
Jinbe smiled gently, his gaze kind, and reached out to pat Shyarly on the head.
Shyarly lowered her head in silence for a moment, then suddenly flared up.
"You still see me as a child?! You damn big brother!"
Shyarly’s shark teeth were now visible as black aura radiated from her entire body. She shouted angrily.
Jinbe broke into a cold sweat. His hand froze mid-air before Shyarly slapped it away.
"Haa... Rorschach is the kind of person I’ve seen clearly these past two days. Joining his crew definitely won’t bring any grievances. Life will probably be much more exciting than now. Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. You’re not young anymore and you’re still single, you know?"
Shyarly exhaled a smoke ring, glanced sideways at Jinbe, and spoke with disdain.
Her words made Jinbe’s face turn bright red. Although he was quite popular, he had never thought about romance, so even in his forties he was still single.
Jinbe stammered, unable to get a single word out. This reaction made Shyarly burst out laughing.
"Alright, since we’ve finished talking, we should head out. They’re probably waiting anxiously."
Shyarly chuckled lightly and walked toward the main area of the cafe first. Jinbe stood in silence for a moment before following behind her.
...
In the main hall.
The mermaid girls had gathered together, discussing Madam Shyarly’s earlier words.
Rorschach’s group had also gathered, talking among themselves.
"Impressive, Rorschach. Without anyone noticing, you’ve already secured a mature mermaid beauty."
Kalifa nudged Rorschach with her elbow, grinning mischievously.
"If I say I didn’t do anything, would you believe me?"
Rorschach said with an innocent face.
He genuinely had no idea what had made Madam Shyarly suddenly change her mind.
She had clearly and firmly rejected him yesterday, yet today she was the one actively asking to join.
It left him quite puzzled.
However, he chose not to use his Observation Haki to eavesdrop on Jinbe and Shyarly’s conversation.
This was their private matter. Rorschach would not do something so tasteless. Although he was curious, he held himself back.
If it had been about gathering local information, he wouldn’t have thought twice. But this was a private conversation between friends, so he refrained from listening in.
"I don’t believe it. You must have done something to win her over, right? You’re really something. It’s only been one day, and while we weren’t looking, you already succeeded in conquering her."
Kalifa rolled her eyes, clearly not believing him, and continued teasing with a grin.
"I’m telling the truth. I really didn’t do anything."
Rorschach gave a helpless bitter smile. He had no idea why Shyarly had suddenly changed her attitude.
Still, he was quite happy to have recruited such a beautiful and mature mermaid big sister.
"Hehe, don’t tell me Madam Shyarly self攻略ed and fell for you? Hurry up and confess honestly."
Seeing Rorschach deny it, Kalifa rolled her eyes again. The disbelief was written all over her face.
Just like that, the group started joking and playing around again.
"Hey, do you think if Madam Shyarly joins Rorschach-san’s crew, the cafe won’t stay open anymore?"
Camie said worriedly.
"Most likely it won’t stay open, right? But being able to board Rorschach-san’s ship and travel the outside world must be really interesting."
Ishilly’s eyes showed envy as she spoke.
"I think this girl is just in heat, isn’t she? Do you also want to board Rorschach-san’s ship?"
One of her companions teased.
"If Rorschach-san is still willing to accept me, I will definitely join Madam Shyarly and board the ship together. I want to personally see the outside world for myself."
Faced with her friend’s teasing, Ishilly didn’t deny it and answered seriously.
"Eh? Seriously? You’re really going too?"
This shocked everyone. They hadn’t expected Ishilly to be serious.
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