In the throne room, A giant merfolk with a crown was sitting on a throne. The place is submerged underwater, Lucky for me, I am wearing a bubble suit.
He is King Neptune! The man who rules Fish-man Island. He's a formidable man. Although he's quite old.
I am currently in the hall for the audience with the king. A lot of important people are within the hall. The princes are also there to hear our discussion.
The Firstborn son was the first to open his mouth in the hall.
"Sir Shikage, We're sorry for not welcoming you the moment you entered the Island... We didn't expect a Shichibukai to come unannounced."
"Akkamanbo! Shake! Shake! That's right, And you ended up seeing the problem of the Island. We are at fault for not suppressing the pirates."
What the hell? Why's he dancing around?
Woopsie, I better show some dignity here.
"Princes, You don't have to add the sir. Call me Kage... It's not my habit to announce my location. And for that, I'm sorry too. But it seems that it was a good thing since the pirates didn't know that we are here." (Shikage)
After exchanging the pleasantries, It's time to move the conversation to the main topic. I hope I can convince this doting father.
"So, Kage-kun, What do you want to talk about?- Jamon"
"King Neptune, How much are you willing to give if that Vander Decken would stop threatening your daughter?" (Shikage)
The water trembles due to the anger of the King and the Princes. Looks like the name Vander Decken really ticks them off.
"Kage-kun, Are you doing what I'm thinking of? Will you hunt that accursed man?!"
Fukaboshi was hoping he's correct. And sure enough, he was right.
"Yes prince, I'm willing to hunt him. But I require all of your permission." (Shikage)
"Father! We shouldn't trust him this quickly, Who knows if he's in cahoots with Decken. No offense, Kage-san. Do~Re~Mi~"
Hmm... That's a good attitude, 2nd prince. It's not good to trust someone right away. The only one who can do this is Luffy.
"None taken, Prince Ryuboshi-san... But I'm really here for a vacation. And when I saw the request on my Guild hub, I can't ignore this. You guys have been searching him for so long right?" (Shikage)
"Hmm... But if Shirahoshi can be free from that man, I would do anything. Oh, my poor daughter! She couldn't even leave her room because of that damn Decken..." (Neptune)
Yup, A really doting father. Too bad the royal family is being terrorized by that scum.
"We should first discuss this ourselves, Kage-kun. We already prepared a meal for you to eat. We'll be in contact after we finish talking." (Fukaboshi)
The Firstborn is really a good man.
"I understand, Prince Fukaboshi. Then, I'll see you soon."
I bowed to the royalty and followed the head of the Ammo knights who will guide me to the dining hall.
And I couldn't help but ask this guy about the Island's status.
It is like what I thought, the situation on the island is in chaos, Some of the places had turned into a battlefield between the pirates, the ammo knights, and the bounty hunters.
This guy also informed me that Boss Jinbei is at the New World right now. It seems that he's coming soon since he contacted the royal family.
Oh, I wonder what happened in the New World?
After arriving at the dining table. I started to eat with respect and filled up my empty stomach.
And in the middle of my meal, The royal family came to join me at the table. We all ate the prepared food.
Shortly after, The King started talking.
"Hoh hoh hoh, Kage-kun, I accept your aid. I would do anything for my daughter. Tell me, What do you want?" (Neptune)
Here it is~!
I hide my smirk and was thinking about what to reply to. To be honest, I don't know what I want on this Island.
I was originally planning to have a vacation here and enjoy the time here before going to the New World.
"Ehem... King Neptune, I... I want a vacation house in the Island." (Shikage)
*Pfft*
The princes sprayed the tea they have been drinking. They were clearly disturbed.
Man, You really have to know that I don't have a problem with money anymore. A property would be better nowadays.
And this Island is one of the most beautiful Islands in the world.
"Excuse us. We really didn't expect for you to ask that. It seems we have a wrong impression of you..." (Fukaboshi)
Huh? Did they think that I'm a money-hungry?
Damn, I guess being a bounty hunter is also a sign of being greedy. Ahahaha Well, It's okay!
"Also, Before you agree, King Neptune. Please prepare yourself when I'll tell you the plan." (Shikage)
"What?- Jamon, Is it something that endangers my daughter?" (Neptune)
"Uhm... A little bit. But you really should trust me. and if you can't, At least trust the title I have. I'm a Shichibukai. I won't back down on my word. I promise that I will hunt Vander Decken." (Shikage)
I can see the King pinching his brows. He's really taking his time deciding what to do.
Meanwhile, The rest of the princes were watching me. I know what they meant. I'm sure they wanted to join the hunt.
Hah...
I look at the eyes of Prince Fukaboshi and nodded to him. Making them smile and happy. Too bad for them, I'm planning on doing it alone.
Well, It's better to have them joining me and persuading their father.
They would be the ones protecting the mermaid princess.
And so, Neptune agrees and wanted to hear my plan.
"Let's start then. First of all, The way you handle that guy is definitely wrong." (Shikage)
Their eyebrows raised since I reprimanded them. Especially the head of the Ammo Knights.
But I ignored them and continued.
"It's because you all were taking a passive step against him. Locking the mermaid princess had made that guy more confident and arrogant. And when you guys started to be aggressive, He chose to hide and used his ability to terrorize her. If only you guys trailed the letters he sent, You would surely find him. Tsk tsk." (Shikage)
I clicked my tongue and was done teasing them. Their heads were looking down and were reflecting on my words.
"Now, I want you guys to let the mermaid princess explore the Island." (Shikage)
"What nonsense are you talking about?!" (Neptune)
"King Neptune, please calm down! He isn't finished yet."
A different Fishman came. Is he the advisor or something?
"Don't worry, I plan to protect her with my life. Also, Please be with her always. Princes. Just ask her to go enjoy the Island or something. I'll handle the rest." (Shikage)
"I think that's not a bad idea. We also want to be with our dear sister and she really wants to go to our mother's grave... We can do it." (Fukaboshi)
"Oh, Shirahoshi... *Sniff* Fine. But increase the amount of security to the highest for my daughter! Fukaboshi! I'll leave it to you..." (Neptune)
Looks like it's progressing well. I also mentioned that they didn't need to tell Shirahoshi about me. They need to be genuinely enjoying the act.
It's also my way of helping that poor princess.
I took out the Shadowfall and armed myself. I look at it and couldn't help but mutter to myself.
"Looks like we have another character to devour..." (Shikage)
Someday, I hope my dagger would turn into a Black blade.
◇◇
Vander Decken was relaxing in his ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman.
It's almost time to send a love letter to his dear wife. How long it will be until that Old man would kick the bucket?
He's really in the way of his love life. That hateful Neptune should just die!
He got himself a double-edged ax with a rose painted on it.
"Shirahoshi~! Take my lovely ax! This is the proof of our marriage!"
*swoosh*
He thought it was just the same direction as always. heading for the steel tower and the room of Shirahoshi.
But he was proven wrong. The direction it went to was different from usual!
"Bahohoho, Finally! finally! Shirahoshi isn't at the Ryugu Palace! Men! Let's get my bride!"
Then he destroyed a large coral and used it as transportation to go towards the mermaid princess.
Following him were the flying pirates!
◇◇
At the same time, I was quietly following the smiling mermaid princess.
There wasn't a problem at first until something was headed to the mermaid princess.
I quickly willed my [Doppelman] to intercept it.
And when the ax made contact with my shadow. It disappeared immediately.
[Shadow bag] is successful!
I smirk, That Vander guy really doesn't know how Haki works. Or else, My shadow couldn't devour it.
I knew that it won't be long until that guy would be impatient and will be coming for the mermaid princess.
And so, I slowly entered a shadow portal under my feet.
It isn't a [Substitute]. This time, I made a doorway between my own dimension and the real world.
After a period of darkness, I saw the inner world within my shadow.
This is... My separate space!
The [Niflheim]!
I was really curious back then about the Items that my [Doppelman] absorbed.
And so, I came up with this technique. It's like the separate space of Blueno's [Air Door] and Brulee's [Mirror World]. A Shadow world!
The Interior is wide enough to make a civilization inside of it. Just like the [Mirror World], All the shadows in this world that were implanted by my shadow are connected with the real world.
This allows me to travel between those shadows at will without using [Substitue]. Allowing me to travel from one place to another. I can also transport a limited number of people through the shadows with them.
Many things like coffins, weapons, and items are already present for someone to use and a small house was built in the center. The ax a while ago was also here. Then I took a seat at a spare chair.
I'm quietly waiting for someone to enter this world. This place would be the stage for a deathmatch.
◇◇
The coral was really not moving in the direction of Ryugu Palace.
"Bahohoho! I don't know what's going on but I'm coming for you Shirahoshi! It is either Death or Marriage!"
*Swoosh*
It continues to flies in the direction of the coral hill. A heavily populated place and a crowd was forming due to the sudden appearance of the mermaid princess.
Finally, The townspeople could see the flying coral.
"Look! Someone's riding on it."
"!!!"
"It's Vander Decken!!"
"Damn him! After hiding for so long, he's finally showed himself on this Island!"
"Princess! Please escape! We'll hold him here!
The onlookers could now identify him. Everyone is tensed. The Ammo Knights have taken their position to defend their mermaid princess.
"Shirahoshi~! I've found you~!"
Shirahoshi was definitely scared. A small tear could be seen in her eyes but because of her brothers, she chooses to stay strong and met with her stalker.
"Finally, You've come! How come we didn't think of this plan sooner!"
"We're going to protect our precious sister! fa~so~la~"
"Akkemambo! Don't worry Shirahoshi! We are definitely protecting you!"
Vander Decken couldn't believe that his future brothers are hostile to him.
"What the hell?! My brothers?!"
"Don't you ever call us brothers!"
Shirahoshi had a burst of courage to say what she really feels.
"Um..."
"What?! What do you wanna say?!"
"You're no-"
Everyone was silent when something happened to the descending coral!
All the townspeople and the Ammo Knights didn't see it, but the royal family could clearly see the coral being devoured by a shadow! And that the shadow clone of the man that planned this gave them a thumbs up.
"-t my type~... Huh?"
As if everything is already in his control! Fukaboshi felt that the man called Kage is a terrifying enemy but a reliable friend.
Then the Princes discovered the charging pirates and the two forces clashed!
◇◇
Time passed until a sound could be heard. Someone was absorbed and drops in this world.
*Thud*
"What's with the place! Damn It! I was so close to my Shirahoshi!! What did she say again? Damn! Damn!"
I stood up and slowly walks to the man with a foul mouth. I saw what happened outside. I can still use my [Substitute] to swap my body part with my shadow outside the [Niflheim].
My [Doppelman] can also be the doorway to my realm and I guess that he devoured this guy.
"Hm? You! Who're you?! Did you do this?! Trash! Bahohoho, If so, I'll take your life then! And leave this place!"
Finally, he noticed me and started to threaten me. It seems he doesn't understand his situation right now.
"Oi. You better say something good... It may be your final words." (Shikage)
And when I said this, swears and curses rain down from his mouth.
Yep, There's no saving this guy.
"Well then, welcome to my World!" (Shikage)
Vander Decken charges at me with his dual wield ax. I waited for him and parried his first strike with my dagger.
He started to swing his other ax and I immediately used my free legs to kick him. Then I continued to slash at him with a mixture of punch and kicks.
We brawled and his injuries continue to build up. Even if he's a Fishman, A race that is 10x stronger than human. I can still dominate him.
I don't even have to use my abilities to fight him. I also use this chance to hone my Observation Haki to the highest level.
This man ate the Mato Mato no Mi or the mark fruit. He's especially talented in throwing anything as projectiles. I purposely got 'Targetted' by him and began to dodge the projectiles he throws.
"Get out of my way! Trash!"
"This is... Impossible!"
"What the hell are you?! How?! How can you keep dodging everything?!"
At first, he was confident in fighting me. But as the fight goes on, He finally realizes the gap between us.
I didn't even taunt him and didn't reply, I only focussed on using him!
And at last, I closed my eyes during the fight.
"Idiot! To think you would do that in a fight! Take this!!"
An ax eventually hits me. My body split into two.
The Fishman rejoiced and didn't think that this is all according to my plan! My upper body continues to float while the lower part remained standing.
"Yo~! Are you really that happy for your first hit?" (Shikage)
"..."
I could see the surprise and despair in his eyes. I ended up crushing his will.
My body rejoined together and I was back in one piece. As to how? I've finally copied the way Katakuri uses his paramecia fruit in being a semi-Logia.
Before the ax hit, I [Substitute] my hips with my [Doppelman] and successfully evaded the attack with precise and efficient use of shadows!
And the conclusion of the fight was decided!
The Fishman was on his knees and was muttering something.
"Shirahoshi... You're mine."
"T-there's no one who could love... you as I do... in all the wide world."
"This is my Love! love! love!"
I couldn't look at this monster anymore and uses the Shadowfall to devour another character!
After Vander Decken was taken care of, I was quite sad that his fruit didn't reincarnate to my fruits in the small house.
(Wait... Isn't his ship was the legendary Flying Dutchman?! I got a good idea~) (Shikage)
I cleaned myself first in the house and calmly left the [Niflheim] using [Substitute]. The place I was in was the same place where my [Doppelman] was standing. Away from the royal family and the crowd. I stayed on the sidelines of the crowd.
The pirates were all captured without their captain. It is the end of the terror for the mermaid princess
It was refreshing to see the mermaid princess playing around with the townspeople. The Princes noticed me and I thumbs up at them.
Indicating a successful hunt!
Yosh! Let's enjoy my vacation here! I hope they'll give me a nice house. Anyways, I better buy some souvenirs here for others.
◇◇
(a/n: new moves: [Niflheim] and [Spectral Thief]... I decided to name the move that steals/retain the abilities of the shadow my OC absorbed)
(a/n: The shadows in his [Niflheim] are his own shadows that he had implanted in different people. Kinda like Minato's seal and Jin woo's shadow exchange with a shadow soldier that is inside the target's shadow. But mine is part of his shadow. The [Dupplicate] of [Doppelman] can be used to implant the shadow in numerous people. And my OC can [Substitute] with that copy inside the shadows of the people I selected. Of course, That people may be zombies~ or even a new race!)
(a/n: I've never expected bleach to have a good ability about a shadow. https://bleach.fandom.com/wiki/Shadow)