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Sky Kingdom, Hot Spring Among the Clouds.
Nestled high in the heavenly expanse above Flower City, the hot springs were aptly named for their location, perched nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with the clouds. The steamy mist rising from the springs created an almost ethereal atmosphere.
"It's getting bigger and bigger," Alex remarked, his youthful appearance—eternally fixed around the age of thirty—giving him an air of timeless authority as he looked at Princess Shirahoshi. His hand gently brushed through her flowing pink hair.
"Lord Alex, my hair…" Shirahoshi stammered shyly.
Though her stature had grown to match the grandeur depicted in legends, Shirahoshi still lowered her head humbly whenever she was near the Sky Kingdom's inhabitants—especially in the presence of Alex. Her closeness to him carried a blend of trust and affection, her demeanor soft and endearing.
At only 14 years old, Shirahoshi's beauty already rivaled that of Hancock and Robin, yet her innocence and sweet nature stood in stark contrast to Hancock's bold pride. An angelic face paired with a striking figure, Shirahoshi embodied a gentle allure that made her a unique presence in Alex's circle.
In the warm, misty hot springs, her charm shone even brighter. The setting often brought Shirahoshi and Maria closer to Alex, their kindness and affection creating moments of tranquil connection.
"After all, wet hair is unavoidable in the hot springs," Alex said, running his fingers through her damp locks. "Let Maria help you with it later."
"Um…" Shirahoshi nodded bashfully, her cheeks flushed as she clenched her fists. The mix of nervousness and joy from Alex's kindness left her visibly flustered.
Having straightened her hair, Alex leaned back against the smooth rocks, his gaze steady. "In the coming days, you'll begin your first official task. How is your ability control coming along?"
"I've been communicating well with everyone in the sea," Shirahoshi replied earnestly. "They all listen to me."
Her confidence in her powers as Poseidon shone briefly before nerves set in again. With trembling hands, pale as jade, she pressed them to her chest. "But… it'll be my first time leaving the Sky Kingdom. Is that really okay, Lord Alex?"
The thought of venturing beyond the kingdom visibly unsettled her.
Across the hot spring, Hancock adjusted her gold earrings with a calm elegance. Raising her chin slightly, she looked at Shirahoshi, who occupied nearly one-fifth of the spacious bath, and smiled with rare warmth.
"Don't worry," Hancock said, her tone uncharacteristically soft. "I'll guide you when the time comes."
Hancock's reassurance carried a hint of pride. Among Alex's many retainers, she had a particular fondness for Shirahoshi, whose gentle demeanor posed no competition and whose abilities were treasured by Alex himself.
"No matter what mistakes you make, it's fine," Alex added, his tone steady and comforting. "This first mission is about gaining experience with your abilities. It's better to ease into it now than to start at the final battle in two years."
Reassured by his words, Shirahoshi smiled shyly as Alex lifted a wine saucer from the water. Robin, always attentive, stepped forward to pour him a drink from the jar.
Taking a long sip, Alex allowed the warmth of the hot spring and the strength of the wine to seep into him. This life—this calm amidst the storms—was something he cherished. Even if he were to become king of the world, he hoped to maintain moments like these.
But that throne was a necessity, not a luxury. For now, he remained the greatest threat to the World Government.
Shirahoshi's gaze lingered on him, her eyes filled with a longing that mirrored the ideals instilled in her by her late mother, Queen Otohime. "Lord Alex," she said hesitantly, "if I do well in two years… will it really be possible for everyone on Fish-Man Island to live under the sun, just like the people here?"
Her question carried the weight of Otohime's dream—a vision Shirahoshi had embraced fully, even in her youth.
Alex chuckled softly, his confidence unwavering. "Of course. Once the obstacles are cleared, the dream of Fish-Man Island living under the sun will be easily realized."
Shirahoshi blinked with joy, her expression glowing with determination. Clenching her fists—each the size of Nami and the others—she declared earnestly, "Then I'll do my best to help everyone in the sea get rid of those bad guys! I'll drive them away!"
Her words, pure and straightforward like white paper, carried a certain awkwardness for the others present. Shirahoshi's innocent demeanor made such bold declarations feel out of place. Toki and the others exchanged glances, rolling their eyes at Alex, whose influence seemed to be steering Shirahoshi into a role akin to that of a precocious child trying to imitate their mentor.
Alex, however, simply smiled, clearly pleased. As a Poseidon, Shirahoshi needed to take a firm, hostile stance against enemies, unclouded by her natural kindness. This training—sending her out to sea to use her abilities—was as much about her growth as it was about honing her power.
Shifting the conversation, Alex said casually, "Speaking of which, preparations for the operation in Zou are underway. Shinobu mentioned some good news recently."
Gion, reclining in the hot spring, stretched out her long legs, playfully breaking the bubbles that rose to the surface. Her black spider and letter tattoos, etched along her skin, shimmered and seemed alive beneath the water's surface.
"Is that so?" she said, tilting her head lazily. "When you bring up Zou, I can't help but think of another interesting idea."
Alex, swirling the wine in his glass, turned his gaze to a younger woman in the group, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. With a knowing smile, he addressed her. "Nojiko, your ability… how about using it to make creatures like Zunesha obey your commands?"
"Me?!" Nojiko exclaimed, pointing to herself in surprise. She paused to consider the suggestion, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"Well," she said hesitantly, "in theory, as long as it's an animal, I can control it with my dumplings. But… I've never tried it on something as big as Zunesha before."
"Perfect," Alex said, nodding approvingly. "You'll join the expedition, then. If it works, your ability could bring us a weapon of immense destructive power."
Hearing this, Gion shifted her gaze to Alex, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. "Oh? Are you planning to take charge of this mission yourself this time?"
"Of course," Alex replied with a smirk. "If I just happened to leave at the right moment, how else could we lure those CP agents into moving recklessly?"
He toyed with his wine glass, his playful expression betraying a sharp edge of strategy. "When the time comes, Robin, you and Stussy will handle them with your Flower-Flower powers. As for those so-called God's Shields, we'll use the weaknesses Stussy uncovered to trap them. None of them will leave the Sky Kingdom alive."