Chapter 26 New Mission

Neptune led Namor, Enel, and Arlong deeper into Ryugu Palace, into a grand chamber lined with coral and shells that glittered like jewels. As they entered, Neptune gestured for them to sit at the large table in the center of the room. Namor wasted no time, leaning forward with purpose.

"I need your help, Your Majesty," Namor said. "The slaves I freed from Sabaody have no place to go. I'm asking if Fishman Island can provide them sanctuary—a chance to rebuild their lives."

Neptune frowned, stroking his beard in thought. "You ask much, Namor. Housing so many people would strain our resources. Humans, no less—while our people strive for equality, there are still deep scars among the fishmen."

Namor's expression didn't falter. "If you can house them, I'll ensure they become an asset to your kingdom, not a burden. They'll work to help Fishman Island grow stronger."

Neptune regarded him silently for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will allow it—but only if you complete two tasks."

Namor arched an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

"The first," Neptune began, his voice grave, "is to protect my daughter, Shirahoshi, from Vander Decken IX. His obsession with her is dangerous, and I fear for her safety."

"Your daughter?" Namor asked.

"She's the princess of this kingdom and our greatest treasure," Neptune explained. "But Vander Decken has been relentless in his pursuit, and I need someone strong to guard her."

Namor nodded slowly. "Fair enough. And the second task?"

Neptune hesitated, then leaned forward, his voice lowering. "The second task is optional. I would ask you to defeat Charlotte Linlin."

The room fell silent. Even Enel, who had been casually leaning back, straightened in surprise.

"Charlotte Linlin…" Namor repeated, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "One of the Yonko."

Neptune nodded. "She has declared herself the protector of Fishman Island, but it's a relationship built on fear and debt. We pay tribute to her to keep our people safe. If you were to defeat her, it would free us from her grasp."

Namor leaned back in his chair, considering the challenge. A slow grin spread across his face, and his trident tapped against the floor. "Consider it done," he said confidently.

"Namor," Neptune said, his tone serious, "I must warn you: Linlin is no ordinary foe. She commands an army and possesses power beyond imagination. Do not take this lightly."

"I don't," Namor replied, his grin unwavering. "But if she's standing in the way of my goals, then she'll be dealt with."

Enel smirked, electricity crackling faintly around him. "Finally, someone worth fighting."

Neptune sighed heavily but nodded. "Very well. If you succeed in protecting Shirahoshi and choose to take on Linlin, you'll have my full support for your kingdom and the slaves."

Namor stood, extending his hand to Neptune. "You have my word, Your Majesty. I'll protect your daughter and prove that I'm worthy of your trust."

Neptune shook his hand, his large palm dwarfing Namor's. "I hope you are as capable as you seem, Mckenzie D. Namor. For all our sakes."

With that, their discussion turned to logistics, planning where the freed slaves would stay and how Namor and Enel would begin their tasks. As the meeting concluded, Namor's mind burned with determination. Not only would he fulfill Neptune's requests, but he would also take the first steps toward reclaiming his legacy.

…

Namor walked alone through the winding coral pathways of Ryugu Palace, Each step echoed faintly, a reminder of the solitude he now faced after sending Enel and Arlong to aid the freed slaves.

As he moved closer to the tower where Shirahoshi was kept, his thoughts drifted. He replayed the events that had led him here—the battles, the bloodshed, the alliances forged in fire. From the chaos of Sabaody to the refuge of Fishman Island, the journey had been relentless. And yet, despite it all, here he was, entrusted with the protection of a princess.

"The future," Namor muttered to himself, his voice low. "What does it even look like?"

He imagined Atlantis, not as a memory but as a thriving kingdom once more. He envisioned its cities rising from the depths, its people flourishing under his rule. The dream felt closer than ever, but there were still so many obstacles—so many enemies standing in his way.

Namor's hand tightened around his trident. He thought of Arlong, the once-proud and arrogant fishman reduced to a prisoner. He thought of Enel, a god in his own mind, now an ally who had shown some loyalty here and there. And he thought of the slaves, whose freedom had come at the cost of countless lives.

Each of them had their roles to play, their own battles to fight. But why did Neptune trust him—A stranger—to protect his beloved daughter?

Namor's brow furrowed as he turned the question over in his mind. Neptune had seen his trident, recognized its connection to the sea, but was that enough? Surely the king knew of the blood on his hands, the chaos he had unleashed at Sabaody.

"Perhaps it's desperation," Namor muttered. "Or maybe he sees something in me that I don't."

The thought lingered as he approached the tower. Namor couldn't deny the weight of the responsibility Neptune had placed on him.

For all his arrogance, Namor understood the stakes. Shirahoshi was more than a princess—she was a symbol of Fishman Island's future. If he failed here, it wouldn't just be his name on the line. It would be everything he had fought for, everything he hoped to rebuild.

As he reached the base of the tower, Namor paused, glancing back at the palace in the distance.

"I've come too far to fail now," Namor said, his voice firm. "Neptune trusted me, and I'll show him he was right to."

With that, he stepped into the tower, his thoughts sharpening into focus.

Arriving at the top, he stepped into the large room. His eyes instantly widened in surprise as he took in the sight of Shirahoshi.

She was massive.

The room, which would have been large for any other person, felt almost small in comparison to her size. The princess lay peacefully asleep, her long pink hair fanning out behind her, her gentle breathing almost serene against the silence of the room. For a moment, Namor was stunned, unable to tear his eyes away from the sight of her. Despite her incredible size, there was an air of fragility about her. He couldn't shake the thought of how much she meant to Fish-Man Island and, perhaps, even to the world.

After a moment's pause, Namor shook himself out of his thoughts. This was not the time for awe. He had a job to do. Stepping carefully, he took his place by the door, his sharp eyes scanning the room, every sound in the distance putting him on edge. His mind was always alert, ever watchful, the instinct to protect those he cared about and those he had sworn to defend still fresh.

As time passed, the stillness of the room began to settle around him. Namor remained ever-vigilant, his keen senses honed to detect even the smallest of movements. No one would get past him, not without a fight. Not while Shirahoshi was under his protection.

He stood there for hours, the thoughts of his own people, of the Atlanteans, and the battles to come slowly but surely creeping back into his mind. Yet, even with all that weighed on him, Namor couldn't help but feel a sense of resolve.

The silence of the room was finally broken by a soft rustling. Namor's keen ears immediately picked up the sound, and he turned to see Shirahoshi stir from her deep sleep. Her eyelids fluttered open, and as soon as her gaze fell upon him, her eyes widened in terror.

"W-Who are you?!" she screamed, her voice filled with raw panic.

The sound of her scream reverberated throughout the room, and before Namor could even respond, Shirahoshi's face contorted in fear, her trembling hands clutching the sheets as she recoiled in the corner of the room. Tears began to stream down her face, and her breathing grew erratic. The princess, despite her immense size, looked utterly helpless as she cried hysterically.

Namor froze in place, his mind scrambling for a way to calm her down. This wasn't part of the plan. He had no idea how to comfort someone like her—someone so vulnerable and yet so important. The sight of her distress felt like a punch to the gut, and his instincts screamed at him to do something. Anything.

"Princess, please! I—I'm not here to hurt you!" Namor stammered, his voice uncharacteristically tense as he approached cautiously, trying not to frighten her more.

But Shirahoshi's sobs only grew louder, her panic worsening as she tried to make herself smaller in the corner of the room. Namor's hands were shaking now, unsure of how to act. He had been in many situations—fighting, leading, commanding—but this? This was unlike anything he had ever dealt with.

"Please, calm down!" he urged, stepping closer. "I'm not your enemy, I swear. I was sent to protect you—King Neptune sent me—"

But his words seemed to have the opposite effect. Shirahoshi only cried harder, her wails piercing through the air, echoing off the walls. Namor's heart raced. What was he supposed to do now? How could he help her?

Panic began to take root in his chest. This wasn't going how he had imagined. His mind raced through every possible course of action, but nothing felt right. He stepped closer, instinctively reaching out toward her, but as soon as his hand hovered near her, she flinched and let out another cry of fear.

"Please, please stop crying! I—I can't help you if you don't calm down!" Namor pleaded, his voice cracking slightly as he tried to think of something—anything—that would soothe her.

But nothing worked. Shirahoshi was beyond terrified now, her sobs coming in violent waves. Namor stood frozen, completely at a loss for what to do next. He never had to deal with something like this. With all of his strength, his willpower, and his skills in battle, he had never had to face the helplessness of being unable to comfort someone in distress.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! I'll do anything, just please—stop!" Namor's words came out rushed and desperate.

He stepped back, trying to figure out the best approach, but his anxiety only made things worse. He felt a surge of frustration that only added to his confusion. What kind of protector was he if he couldn't even calm the princess down? It was a mess, and it felt like everything was falling apart, despite his best efforts.

Finally, in a last-ditch attempt, Namor took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm his racing heart. He knelt down in front of her, keeping his distance, and spoke in the gentlest tone he could manage.

"I'm not here to hurt you. I swear. I'm just here to protect you," he said, slowly lowering his hand, showing her he wasn't a threat. "You can trust me. Please."

The room remained tense, but slowly, just barely, Shirahoshi's cries began to lessen. She sniffled, wiping her tears, though she still looked at him with wide eyes, unsure.

Namor stayed where he was, watching her carefully, giving her the space she needed. He could still feel the weight of his failure to soothe her completely, but at least, for now, the worst of the storm seemed to have passed.