Imai folded her arms as she stared down at Shirahoshi.
"Anyone would be sick of staying in the same place for ten years without anything to do. If you're scared of that man, I'll kill him for you. I'll protect you, and I'll be with you at all times until you're safe," Imai said firmly.
Shirahoshi's eyes widened, and she hesitated. "B-but it's still too sudden. Leaving this place after ten years… I need some time to sort out my feelings."
Imai sighed, frustration flickering across her face. "If you want to go to a world filled with things you've never seen before, now is your best chance. But I'll let you think about it. Just don't take too long. When I come back, your mind better be made up."
With that, Imai turned and walked out of the gate. Being in the same space with the indecisive princess was making her head hurt. Still, the desire to help Shirahoshi nagged at her. Was it because she was a princess? Or was it because she'd been stuck in isolation for so long? Imai shook her head, dismissing the unnecessary thoughts.
Faint sounds of clashing blades reached her ears. The familiar sound sent a surge of adrenaline through her veins. The joy of battle filled her heart, and she quickened her pace toward the commotion.
When Imai arrived on the scene, she found Nami, Usopp, Brook, and Zoro surrounded by palace guards. At the center of it all was a large seahorse wearing a crown.
"That must be Shirahoshi's father, King Neptune," Imai thought, her eyes narrowing. "The one who kept her locked up for ten years."
Without hesitation, Imai activated her Haki and dashed forward, her blade flashing with deadly precision.
"Sovereign's Cleave," she muttered.
In a blur of speed, she pierced through one guard's stomach, her blade slicing through internal organs with brutal efficiency. Blood spilled out as the guard collapsed.
The room fell silent. The sudden attack shocked everyone, their attention shifting to Imai. All they had seen was a streak of purple sparks before the carnage.
Imai flicked her blade, the blood splattering onto the floor. Her piercing crimson eyes scanned the room.
"Now then," she declared coldly, pointing her blade at King Neptune. "If you want to live, drop to the ground and beg for mercy. You are no exception. That was an order, and my orders are absolute."
As her Conqueror's Haki flared, the air grew heavy. King Neptune's legs buckled, and he fell to the ground. Numerous guards fainted instantly under the overwhelming pressure.
The king's eyes widened in recognition. "Y-you're…"
"You remember me?" Imai asked, tilting her head.
Neptune nodded slowly. "Three years ago… I saw you on a battlefield. The Fifth Emperor… Empress of the Blade. A fitting name for someone like you."
"Good," Imai replied. "That should make things easier. Zoro, chain him up."
"Why me?!" Zoro protested.
"Because you're doing nothing at the moment. Now move it."
Zoro grumbled but complied. After seeing Imai's display, he couldn't help but respect her strength—even if she was bossy.
Nami sighed, surveying the aftermath. "No matter how I look at this, it's overkill. How did we even get here? I just wanted to enjoy some shopping."
"What's done is done," Imai said nonchalantly. "Anyway, I have somewhere to be. You guys handle the cleanup. Bye!"
And with that, Imai disappeared.
"Oi, oi, oi! She's leaving us with all this mess?!" Usopp exclaimed in disbelief.
"That's exactly what she just did," Nami groaned. "And now we have to deal with the consequences. Wait, where's Zoro?"
"Don't tell me he ran away too!" Usopp shouted.
Brook chimed in cheerfully, "Hoo! I saw Zoro heading the other way!"
The three were left to face the aftermath, chained-up king and all.
Meanwhile, Imai made her way back to Shirahoshi's room, only to find Luffy already there, happily munching on food.
"Luffy! You're here?" Imai said, startled.
Luffy's face lit up. "Oi! Imai! Good to see you! Do you know where the others are?"
"Yeah, they're in the main hall. But knowing them, they've probably moved on by now," Imai replied. "Why are you here?"
"Oh, I was starving after escaping some guards. I followed the smell of food here. And look—there's a mermaid princess here!" Luffy said, pointing to Shirahoshi.
"Yeah, I met her earlier." Imai turned to Shirahoshi. "So, did you make up your mind?"
"Y-yes, but… if I leave, I'll cause trouble for the people here…" Shirahoshi began, but Imai cut her off.
"Forget about other people. Be selfish for once. Tell me what you want, and I'll guarantee it."
"Eh? What are you two talking about?" Luffy asked, confused.
Imai smirked. "We're going to kidnap her."
"Eh?!" Luffy and Shirahoshi exclaimed in unison.
Imai chuckled. "Not literally. We're breaking her out of here. So, where do you want to go, Shirahoshi?"
Blushing furiously, Shirahoshi replied, "The Sea Forest…"
Imai nodded, then turned to Luffy. "Alright, Luffy. That's our next stop. Let's regroup with the others and head to the Sea Forest."
As they prepared to leave, Shirahoshi's heart raced. No one had ever treated her with such kindness and determination. She placed a hand over her chest, feeling its rapid beat as she gazed into Imai's crimson eyes—so intense and mesmerizing.
"Now then," Imai said with a confident smile, "let's get going."