Before the Giant Sea Kings could arrive beneath the Red Line, Lloyd had no intention of remaining idle in the sea with Shirahoshi.
Since Shirahoshi could communicate with the Sea Kings at any time, Lloyd brought her back to Mary Geoise. During the wait, he had lunch with her.
Given Shirahoshi's immense size, her meals consisted of massive portions. Only someone of Lloyd's standing as a Celestial Dragon could afford to sustain such an appetite. For ordinary nobles, it would be utterly impossible.
As Shirahoshi happily ate her favorite sea grape spaghetti, Lloyd asked casually,
"Shirahoshi, have you ever felt troubled by your size?"
Caught off guard, Shirahoshi choked slightly on her food.
With a faint sigh, Lloyd raised his hand and drew a massive white handkerchief toward her, one large enough to resemble a carpet.
Shirahoshi accepted it, quickly taking a sip of water before wiping the purple juice from the corner of her lips. Lowering her head shyly, she said,
"I am sorry, Saint Lloyd, I was eating too quickly..."
Ever since hearing that Lloyd would bring Queen Otohime to her, the gloom that had weighed on Shirahoshi had completely disappeared. Her improved mood naturally led to a stronger appetite.
Lloyd waved his hand dismissively.
"It is not a problem. Eating more is good. You are still growing, after all."
Shirahoshi placed her hands gently on her pink tail, her upper body swaying slightly with the movement.
"Saint Lloyd, my body is indeed too large. It is often very inconvenient."
"Then would you like to become smaller?" Lloyd asked.
"For example, to be the same size as Monet and the others."
Shirahoshi's eyes widened in surprise.
"Really? Of course I would! If that were possible, I could play with Sister Monet and the others more easily. Even entering your quarters is difficult for me now."
She looked at Lloyd expectantly.
"Saint Lloyd, do you have a way to make me smaller?"
Lloyd nodded slightly.
"I do."
"That is wonderful! I knew Saint Lloyd could do anything. What is the method?"
"There exists a Devil Fruit known as the Mini Mini Fruit. Its user can freely alter their size, growing or shrinking at will. Are you interested?"
Shirahoshi hesitated, her expression turning uncertain.
"It sounds amazing... but Saint Lloyd, if I eat a Devil Fruit, I will lose my ability to move freely in seawater. I am a mermaid..."
"You live primarily on land now, and that will likely continue," Lloyd replied evenly.
"Even when you were at Fish-Man Island, you did not spend all your time submerged."
Despite his reasoning, Shirahoshi still seemed conflicted. The thought of losing her natural affinity with the sea was not easy to accept.
Lloyd continued, his tone steady.
"You need not worry excessively. The limitation placed on Devil Fruit users in seawater is not absolute."
Shirahoshi blinked.
"That is because of your sword, Muramasa, correct? Sister Monet told me about it. Are there other weapons like it?"
"Unfortunately, no. Muramasa is unique," Lloyd said.
"However, I believe I will soon be able to eliminate this weakness entirely. Whether you choose to believe that is up to you."
He paused briefly before adding,
"I will not force you to eat the fruit. Acquiring the Mini Mini Fruit will require effort regardless. The decision is yours alone."
Shirahoshi fell silent for a moment, thinking carefully. Then she nodded firmly.
"I believe you, Saint Lloyd. And I truly wish to become the same size as everyone else. Please, grant me the Mini Mini Fruit!"
"Very well," Lloyd replied.
"After the war with Joy Boy concludes, I will have the CP Organization locate it. Do not burden yourself with this decision. If you regret it later, the fruit can simply be stored."
Shirahoshi's face lit up with joy.
"Long live Saint Lloyd!"
She instinctively spread her arms, wanting to embrace him, but quickly realized the impossibility due to their size difference. Her expression froze in embarrassment.
At that moment, her desire for the Mini Mini Fruit deepened even further.
If she could shrink, she could embrace those she cherished, like Lloyd and her mother, just like a normal person.
Unable to hug him, Shirahoshi found another way to express her gratitude. She gently cupped her hands and placed them beside Lloyd.
Understanding her intention, Lloyd stepped onto her palms.
She lifted him carefully and pressed him lightly against her smooth cheek, rubbing gently with affection.
Lloyd let out a quiet chuckle.
"Shirahoshi, are you treating me like a pet?"
Startled, Shirahoshi shook her head frantically.
"No, no, never! Please do not misunderstand, Saint Lloyd!"
Seeing her flustered reaction, Lloyd reached out and pinched her cheek lightly.
"You are far too timid. Perhaps Cowardly Star would suit you better."
Her face flushed red as she lowered her gaze.
"Please do not tease me, Saint Lloyd..."
Lloyd continued to toy with her reactions for a while longer until Shirahoshi suddenly sensed something.
"The Sea Kings are about to arrive," she said quickly.
Lloyd nodded and immediately activated his ability once more, bringing Shirahoshi back into the deep waters beneath the Red Line.
They descended to a depth of nearly eight thousand meters. Lloyd released his innate flames, illuminating the pitch black surroundings with a steady glow.
Within the flickering light, several enormous shadows could be seen approaching rapidly from the distance.
Shirahoshi pointed ahead.
"Saint Lloyd, they are here!"
Lloyd narrowed his eyes, observing silently.
Soon, powerful currents surged as several Giant Sea Kings arrived, encircling both Lloyd and Shirahoshi.
Their massive forms loomed in the depths, their attention fixed entirely on Shirahoshi.
To an ordinary person, such a sight would inspire overwhelming terror. Yet Shirahoshi remained composed, showing no fear at all.
At that moment, the voices of the Sea Kings echoed within her mind.
"King, have you finally awakened?"
Shirahoshi blinked in surprise. Then, turning to Lloyd, she relayed their words.
Only then did the Sea Kings notice the tiny figure standing beside her.
They focused their immense gazes, finally recognizing him.
In unison, their voices thundered through the depths,
"It is you! Why are you beside the King!?"
===
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