The last demon in the One Piece world

Chapter 150: Fish-Man Island

Abandoned place on Fishman Island

Yushiro groaned softly as consciousness seeped back into his senses. His eyelids fluttered open slowly, revealing a sky painted in varying shades of tranquil blue, dotted with fluffy clouds drifting lazily above. The warmth of the sun caressed his skin, but an odd sensation tugged at his attention—something peculiar overhead.

He tilted his head upward, eyes narrowing as he took in the strange sight. Above the clouds, shimmering forms moved gracefully—creatures that resembled gigantic, translucent fish swimming effortlessly through the air, their scales glinting like jewels in the sunlight. Amidst them, an outline of bubbles floated.

 His gaze shifted downward, and he froze in surprise. Resting on his chest was Zoro, the swordsman's head nestled comfortably against him, one arm wrapped loosely around Yushiro's waist. Zoro's face was relaxed, peaceful in sleep, and the faint rise and fall of his chest indicated he was uninjured. It was clear—Zoro had been the one to save him.

A relieved sigh escaped Yushiro's lips. Carefully, he reached out and gently patted Zoro's back, the gesture calm and reassuring. "Oi, Zoro. Wake up," he muttered softly.

Zoro mumbled something incoherent, rubbing his eye with a sluggish hand. His eyelids fluttered as he slowly blinked awake, the blue sky above reflected in his one visible eye. He looked at Yushiro, blinking owlishly for a moment before giving a small, sleepy smile. "Oh, Yushiro..." he said calmly, voice gravelly from sleep, and then, without fuss, he shifted his weight and sat up, releasing Yushiro.

Yushiro took the opportunity to straighten himself, dusting off his clothes with a tense breath. His gaze was quick to scan their surroundings. Relief flooded him when his eyes landed on the familiar shape of Bella—still peacefully sleeping inside his bag, undisturbed. He exhaled a shaky breath, clasping his hands over his chest in relief. "Thank Kami... She's alright," he whispered, voice trembling with gratitude.

He and Zoro now took in the vast landscape around them. Tall, majestic coral formations, tinged with a blue hue, stretched endlessly in every direction, creating an undulating maze of vibrant, otherworldly structures. The ground beneath their feet was soft, almost sponge-like.

Yushiro sighed heavily, frustration evident in his expression. "Great... No idea where we are," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "We're just gonna have to walk around until we find something familiar—or at least something that can tell us where we are."

Zoro, ever confident, placed a hand on his sword's hilt and straightened up. "I'll take the lead," he declared, stepping forward with purpose.

But before he could take a step, a firm hand shot out, stopping him in his tracks. Zoro's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the hand gripping his shoulder—Yushiro's hand, firm but not aggressive.

Yushiro's expression darkened as he leveled Zoro with a sharp glare. "You... You'll just get us lost, idiot," he said, voice edged with irritation.

Zoro, sweat forming at his temple, scratched the back of his head and offered a sheepish smile. "Huh? Well, we're already lost anyway," he admitted, voice slightly trembling under Yushiro's glare.

Yushiro's gaze sharpened. "We both know how terrible you are with directions," he deadpanned, voice cool. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if your sense of navigation makes us lose our way out of this island entirely."

Zoro huffed, crossing his arms defensively. "Fine, then. You lead the way, since you're so confident."

Yushiro shot one last look at him, a mixture of annoyance and resolve, before turning ahead. "Already knew that," he muttered under his breath, beginning to walk with purpose.