One Piece: Yujiro Hanma

The next day…

The bridal chamber of Ryugu Palace looked as if it had been the scene of an earthquake. What was once a majestic bed, specially built to accommodate the gigantic body of Princess Shirahoshi, now lay in ruins.

The support legs were broken, the upper frame that once hung with fine curtains had disappeared, and the mattress… well, what remained of it was a mix of torn fabric and scattered feathers.

And yet, in the midst of that chaos, two colossal figures lay embraced in a disconcerting peace, as if the outside world couldn't touch them.

Tiberion was sleeping deeply, completely naked, his muscular arms wrapped around Shirahoshi's figure. His chest rose and fell with a heavy rhythm, and his soft snoring reverberated through the room. His red mane, now disheveled, fell over his forehead, giving him a wildly serene air.

Shirahoshi was lying at his side, turned slightly on her side, instinctively seeking the warmth of her husband during the night. Her face was buried against Tiberion's chest, and every time he exhaled, his warm breath gently caressed her forehead.

She was completely awake.

For a while now.

And she still couldn't stop thinking about what had happened the night before.

Her face was completely flushed. Her cheeks were red, her heart racing, and every time she thought about certain moments from last night, her tail twitched slightly, uncontrollably, under the torn sheets.

She never imagined that such an intoxicating and intense sensation could exist. She never knew a heart could beat so fast, or that her husband could grow like that, or that her body could tremble like that—not out of fear, but purely out of excitement.

She had barely slept. Not from discomfort, but because her mind simply couldn't shut off the memories.

She used to think love was something distant, like in fairy tales… but what happened last night was something completely different. It wasn't a story. It was real. It was physical. It was intense.

And now, with her head nestled on his chest, Shirahoshi looked at him with tender and loving eyes.

'Husband…' she thought, touching Tiberion's pecs with the tips of her fingers.

"Thank you…" she whispered softly, her voice cracking with emotion.

For everything. For accepting her. For not rejecting her despite her size. For treating her like a woman. For making her feel like his woman.

And as she watched him sleep, with her lips curved in a silly smile, she knew something without a shred of doubt:

She was hopelessly in love with him.

…

Tiberion, now dressed in a new outfit and back in his normal state, walked with firm steps through the corridors, his hands in his pockets. His imposing figure stood out even among the massive columns and structures. With each step, his mere presence made the soldiers on either side straighten up automatically, lower their gazes, and swallow hard.

Behind him, swimming with a bit of difficulty, came Shirahoshi, wrapped in her classic displacement bubble.

Her face, though cheerful, showed a slight expression of discomfort. Her tail, normally agile and elegant, moved awkwardly, and her lower abdomen sent sharp stings every time she made an effort.

She tried not to make any noise, not to complain, and not to slow down the pace.

But inside, she feared something more than the pain: she feared disappointing him.

She feared that Tiberion would see her as a burden.

With her cheeks slightly flushed and her voice trembling, she gathered the courage to speak.

"H-Husband…" she whispered like a mosquito, "It still hurts a little, that's why I'm walking like this…"

And she lowered her gaze, embarrassed.

"But it's not that I don't want to walk properly. You're not mad at me… right?"

As she spoke, she bit her lower lip.

"But don't worry. Even so… I can keep up…"

There was a second of silence.

Then, without a word, Tiberion stopped in his tracks and slowly turned on his heels.

His expression didn't change much, but his eyes softened slightly when he saw her trying not to fall behind.

In a single motion, he stretched out his arm and lifted her as if she weighed nothing. He held her with one hand, lifting her delicately, but with unquestionable authority.

"Waaaa!"

"It really does hurt, doesn't it?" he said in a deep voice, as he adjusted her against his shoulder with firmness.

"I'll carry you."

He paused, then added in a tone that mixed tenderness with dominance:

"And don't worry too much. It's only the first time. With time, you'll get used to it."

"…"

His words left her speechless for a moment.

Then, Shirahoshi nodded firmly, pressing her lips together in an emotional smile.

"Mmm!" she let out, as if trying to hold back a laugh of happiness, "Husband… is so good to me…"

She placed her hands on his chest, in awe, as if it were the safest place in the world.

"But being so heavy… won't I tire you?"

Tiberion, without stopping his walk with her in his hand, replied with complete indifference:

"I don't feel any weight at all."

And that simple phrase made her heart beat like a drum.

…

As they moved forward, the royal guards stationed along the corridor watched everything with restrained respect.

Their faces remained serious… until Tiberion and Shirahoshi turned the corner and disappeared from sight.

It was then that several looked at each other with barely disguised expressions of amazement.

"Brother… did you hear what the princess said?"

"Of course I heard, I'm not deaf," replied the other, his eyes still wide open.

"Then… don't you think Lord Tiberion is amazing?"

"Do you even need to say it? Our princess can't even walk properly! And there she is, all happy, in his arms. Truly worthy of being Tiberion Hanma!"

"Yeah, yeah... if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, if I hadn't heard it with my own ears… I'd still think all humans are just mediocre. But Lord Tiberion… he's a total exception!"

One of the older guards, with a white mustache, chimed in with a low voice and nostalgic tone:

"Speaking of exceptions… this reminds me of His Majesty King Neptune and Queen Otohime. Just like now… with the princess and Lord Tiberion."

"You're right," replied another, crossing his arms, "King Neptune is a giant, right? And Queen Otohime… she was small like a human. And still, they had four happy children."

"Yeah, yeah… so… do you think our princess and Lord Tiberion will be able to… you know…?"

"There shouldn't be a problem, right? I heard whether or not they can have children depends on how strong the man's genes are."

"And Lord Tiberion's testosterone levels…!" exclaimed one, lowering his voice, "They're about to explode! The guy's like a bomb of pure strength!"

The younger ones looked at each other with expressions of mixed fear and admiration.

"Last night… I heard some women saying things in secret," one of them murmured.

"…What things?"

"They were saying that… if you get too close to Lord Tiberion… you might get pregnant!"

"?!"

…

Throne Room.

The great throne hall gleamed under the sunlight filtered through the water, and at the back, King Neptune's throne looked more imposing than ever.

But at that moment, it wasn't the king who commanded respect.

Tiberion Hanma was advancing down the carpet with firm steps, carrying Shirahoshi on his shoulder, who rested peacefully, blushing but happy, as if that place was her natural home.

Neptune, seated on his throne, began to laugh.

"Hahahahaha!" he laughed loudly, rising slightly, "Tiberion… how come you're up so early?"

His tone was almost conspiratorial. But his eyes, upon seeing his daughter being carried like that, widened in confusion.

"Eh…? What happened to my daughter?"

Tiberion stopped in front of the throne. His face showed no emotion, but his presence spoke volumes.

Neptune kept talking, in a softer voice, as if he were standing before someone superior.

"In truth… once I gave Shirahoshi in marriage to you, I had no intention of stopping her from going to the surface with you."

He tried to sound nonchalant.

"Tiberion, there's no need to carry her like that… over your shoulder. It looks like you're running away with her by force."

"When you leave, just let me know, so I can be at ease knowing you're heading to the surface and not fleeing in secret."

He sounded more like a subject speaking to his king.

Tiberion, unmoved, responded in a dry tone:

"Neptune, you're overthinking."

"Today, Shirahoshi's tail is in pain. That's why she can't walk."

The king blinked several times, confused.

"Pain in her tail…?" he repeated doubtfully, "How so? Why does her tail suddenly hurt?"

His face showed genuine concern.

But the ministers at his sides, more sharp and experienced, exchanged glances.

One of them leaned toward Neptune and very discreetly whispered something in his ear.

!

The king froze, his eyes opening wide. Then he lowered his gaze, and his face turned completely red.

"Oh… oh…" he coughed, "Hahaha… T-Tail pain, of course! That's… that's totally normal."

He shifted in his throne, clearly uncomfortable, laughing to cover it up.

"Ahem… Queen Otohime also said it hurt, yes. But it passed in a day or two. Nothing serious. Completely normal."

Tiberion slowly lowered Shirahoshi, whose cheeks were as red as tomatoes. When her feet touched the ground, she brought her hands to her face and looked at her father shyly.

"Father… don't worry," she said in a small voice, with a sincere smile, "Husband already explained everything to me."

"Besides… being with him makes the pain not matter at all!" she added, her eyes sparkling.

Neptune winced.

"Ugh…"

The muscles on his face tensed. His daughter spoke with such natural affection that he couldn't say anything without sounding like some backward old man.

So he cleared his throat and, not knowing where to hide, abruptly changed the subject:

"Ehh… Tiberion, tell me something… you're not planning to leave the island today, are you?"

Tiberion looked at him with the same calm as always.

"Correct."

"I've brought Shirahoshi to say a temporary farewell to you all."

Neptune slumped his shoulders, resigned.

"…Sigh… Very well then."

Then he looked at him with a mix of respect, anxiety… and pleading.

"But Tiberion… I ask you as a father."

He rose from the throne, descending the steps with heavy steps until he stood before him.

"You must protect Shirahoshi well."

His hands trembled slightly, and his voice lowered.

"She… is my only daughter. My treasure."

His eyes were even glassy.

"If something were to happen to her… I wouldn't be able to face her mother in the afterlife. I'd rather not go on living."

Until a tear slid down his cheek.

He was putting all his pride aside, playing the most powerful emotional card a father can play.

Silence still reigned in the room after Neptune's tears, when Tiberion raised his head and let out a booming laugh.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

His laughter filled the hall with the strength of someone who feared nothing.

"Don't underestimate my woman."

He turned his head toward Shirahoshi with pride.

"As the bearer of Poseidon's power, in the sea she is untouchable. And on land, I, Tiberion Hanma, am invincible."

And with a step forward, he continued.

"Do you really think anyone can hurt her?"

His smile was pure arrogance. Not empty bragging, but confidence—a presence that allowed no argument.

Neptune's eyes opened wide in shock.

"Y-You… how do you know?"

His tone was no longer that of a worried father, but of a ruler suddenly on alert.

That knowledge was confidential. Even on Fishman Island, very few knew that Shirahoshi was Poseidon, one of the three Ancient Weapons mentioned in the myths of the Void Century.

And the fact that Tiberion knew was alarming.

But he didn't even blink at the question.

"To me, it's neither a secret nor a surprise."

"The power of Poseidon… is just a label. An ancient tool for an even older war."

"The power of Tiberion Hanma surpasses even that of Poseidon. I am not bound by such limited forces. I don't need them."

"..."

Shirahoshi looked at him as if seeing him for the first time.

She didn't fully understand that name, "Poseidon." She knew there was something special in her connection with the Sea Kings, that crying could cause chaos, and that her mother had once told her to be careful about it.

But now… the way Tiberion spoke of her. Of her power. As if he respected and protected her at the same time.

That disarmed her.

She couldn't stop looking at him with adoration. Her eyes sparkled like those of a girl in the middle of a romantic dream.

And in the middle of that moment, Tiberion turned to her, direct and without softness:

"Shirahoshi, say goodbye to your father and the others."

"This journey will take at least a few months before you can return to Fishman Island."

The mermaid nodded right away.

"Yes, understood, husband."

She turned immediately and swam to her father with the energy of a happy child. She hugged his neck gently, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and repeated the scene with her three brothers, who could barely hide their sadness.

Neptune, already resigned, stroked his daughter's head tenderly.

"Be careful… please."

The king raised his hand and gave an order.

"Accompany them."

His sons, Fukaboshi, Manboshi, and Ryuboshi, took the lead, ready to guide the royal fleet that would escort Tiberion and Shirahoshi to the surface.

They knew safe routes, hidden paths among dangerous currents, and World Government checkpoints. Their presence ensured that no one would interfere with their departure.

But from a discreet corner of the hall, between the pillars, a female figure watched them with the coldest expression in the room.

Shyarly.

Her pipe rested between her fingers, unlit.

But her eyes burned inside.

Tiberion's silhouette stirred feelings she had tried to bury.

She felt a sting in her chest.

Nostalgia. Desire. Discomfort. Addiction.

She had had him many times in her bed, and he had left a deeper mark than she would ever admit.

And now, seeing him leave. Taking the princess. Stealing the spotlight of the world without looking back.

Until he did.

Tiberion, just as he passed through the doors, turned his head and looked her straight in the eyes.

One second.

Two.

And then he gave her a smile.

A smile that was not arrogant or wild, it was gentle.

Just for her.

Shyarly's heart melted. Her face turned red instantly. She looked away, pressing her lips together, as a warm sensation flooded her from her chest to her fingertips.

Gathering courage, she raised her hand and gave him a slight farewell gesture.

And while the rest of the hall wasn't watching, she murmured a promise in a low voice that only she could hear:

"Tiberion-sama… I'll be waiting for you with open arms when you return to the island."

Because even if she didn't say it, she wanted it. She needed it.

Tiberion had thought about taking her.

But he knew that Shyarly was not a common woman; he knew that after so many years running her café, it would be hard for her to leave it behind.

And the world was waiting for him.

To further raise his interpretation rate, he had to imitate Yujiro: defeat the strongest in the world, and become the strongest creature on earth.

He had decided to seek out challenges, no matter if they were marines, pirates, the Gorosei, or even if he had to pay a visit to Impel Down.

But if anyone along the way dared to harm Shirahoshi… then they better be prepared to face a devastating retaliation.

…

Sabaody Archipelago.

The humidity in the air, mixed with the scent of soap from the Yarukiman trees and the constant bustle of people, filled the streets.

And there was a reason everyone's attention was drawn to them.

Tiberion Hanma walked through one of the eight main zones of the Archipelago with his hands in his pockets, his back straight, and his gaze completely relaxed.

But each of his steps was so firm that it seemed the ground trembled slightly under his feet.

At his side, Shirahoshi followed with the protective bubble around her waist and her tail partially gathered to move more comfortably. She held her hands over her chest, her big eyes taking everything in with amazement and shyness—it was literally her first time.

With every step, she moved closer to him.

And with every step, more eyes turned toward them.

"Holy crap… did you see that?"

"See what?"

"That mermaid! That beautiful, gigantic thing walking next to that human!"

"She's so pretty! And huge! She must be at least 11 meters tall!"

"And look at her… she seems shy… but even so, she's adorable!"

Some faces shifted from fascination to calculation.

Sabaody was the place where dreams were snatched and sold.

And a mermaid like that… was a walking fortune.

A group of men blocked their path.

There were five in total.

Tall, rough-looking, dressed in cheap clothes but carrying clean weapons.

One of them, clearly the leader, stood over three meters tall, with a cross-shaped scar running from his forehead down to his chin. He had a massive sword slung across his back, which he now held in one hand and was slowly licking.

________

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