CHAPTER 189: CHAPTER 189 – THE NAME OF PARTNER!

Chapter 189 – The Name of Partner!

After experiencing what was likely Joy Boy’s final resting place, Ryuunosuke now carried a new title—Joy Boy.

A name, yes, but more than that. A burden, a mystery. And with the system declaring he’d been recognized by Poseidon as Joy Boy, calling him a "critical node in this world," and assigning him the "name of God"... even Ryuunosuke, who knew the world of One Piece inside and out, was left disoriented.

"System," he muttered, frowning. "What exactly is the Name of God? And wasn’t I already considered a person of this world?"

[The host’s level is too low. High-level information is locked.]

The cold, mechanical voice cut through his thoughts.

"Level too low?" Ryuunosuke repeated, narrowing his eyes.

He was strong—strong enough to face anyone in this world. His crew was formidable. He had four unlocked division members, each capable in their own right. And still, it wasn’t enough?

He sighed.

He couldn’t expect the system to just hand him all the answers. And he doubted anyone alive could explain this to him either.

Turning toward Shirahoshi, he offered her a reassuring look. "From now on, Shirahoshi, I’m counting on you."

She blinked, surprised, then nodded with a soft smile. "Mm!"

Being trusted meant everything to her. She was no longer just a sheltered, helpless princess. She was someone others depended on. It made her chest feel light.

Unbeknownst to either of them, their physical auras had begun to shift.

"Grgll..."

Ryuunosuke’s stomach rumbled loudly.

He scratched his cheek awkwardly. Seven days of unconsciousness. Of course he was starving.

Shirahoshi giggled and quickly brought over a tray filled with pastries and a generous slab of meat.

"This is mine, but please eat, Lord Ryuunosuke."

He didn’t hesitate.

"Thanks, Shirahoshi!"

He devoured the food with impressive speed. After finishing, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and stood up.

"Let’s go outside for a bit. You don’t have to stay locked up anymore."

He looked her in the eyes.

"Because from now on, you’re my important partner. Whatever happens, whatever danger you face—I’ll be there."

He leapt to her shoulder effortlessly.

Shirahoshi hesitated. "But... Father said if I go outside..."

Of course, she wanted to go. Her last outing with Ryuunosuke had been to the root of Eve. Even if it had been dangerous, it felt exhilarating.

But Neptune’s warnings still rang in her ears.

Ryuunosuke smiled. "Don’t worry. I’ll talk to King Neptune. Just tell me... do you yearn for the sea?"

That did it.

Shirahoshi’s heart surged.

"Yes!" she said, without hesitation.

"Then let’s go." Ryuunosuke grinned and patted her shoulder.

As they exited, Neptune watched from a distance. Seeing the two together, the king smiled faintly.

He’d known, deep down, that keeping Shirahoshi isolated was never the right choice. He had told her that Sea Kings were monsters just to keep her safe—but that lie had become a shackle.

And if not for the Whitebeard Pirates, Fishman Island would’ve fallen long ago.

"Thank you, Lord Ryuunosuke," Neptune whispered.

Just then, a blur rushed toward them.

"Brother Ryuunosuke! Where are you going?"

Akame came skipping up, a lollipop in her hand.

Ryuunosuke laughed. "This is Akame, my crewmate—and my partner."

He gestured toward Shirahoshi. "This is Princess Shirahoshi, and also my friend."

"Partner?"

Shirahoshi’s eyes sparkled. "Hello, Lady Akame! Lord Ryuunosuke is taking me out to play!"

Akame beamed. "I want to go too! Oh, and... Brother Ryuunosuke, why didn’t you tell Sister Machi you woke up? She’s going to be so mad."

Ryuunosuke visibly paled.

Machi.

He had forgotten.

As if summoned by her name, a low voice echoed behind him.

"Captain... why didn’t you contact me the moment you woke up? Am I so useless as the ship’s doctor?"

Ryuunosuke flinched. "I—thank you for your hard work, Machi, I—"

"Don’t move."

Without waiting, she inserted silk threads into his body to examine him.

She wasn’t really mad. In fact, her lips curled into a smile.

Only Ryuunosuke got this kind of leniency. If anyone else had pulled this stunt, she would’ve gone berserk.

"Captain’s vitals are normal," Machi announced. "Nutrient levels stable."

She turned and walked away, but Shirahoshi stared after her.

"She’s your partner too? You’re so lucky to have so many people you can trust."

But that envy quickly softened.

Because now she had a partner too.

Ryuunosuke.

Together, they dove into the sea.

Everything was new to Shirahoshi. She’d rarely ventured out before. Even the darkness didn’t scare her—not with Ryuunosuke and Akame by her side.

"Brother Ryuunosuke! A pirate ship!" Akame shouted.

Ryuunosuke immediately activated his Observation Haki.

He scanned the ship—and his expression darkened.

"Charlotte Linlin’s flag?"

He focused.

"Perospero. Baron Tamago. Pekoms..."

He blinked.

That was Big Mom’s crew.

Why were they here? This was the border of the New World. The Four Emperors didn’t usually roam this close to Fishman Island.

Still—

"Ignore them," he said. "Let’s head back. Don’t want to make King Neptune worry."

This wasn’t the first time he’d encountered an Emperor’s crew.

And it wouldn’t be the last.

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