After deciding to take Shirahoshi with them, Xie Wen was in no hurry to leave. After all, this would be the young girl's first trip away from home, and she had only just emerged from the Hard-Shell Tower after so long. They ought to let her enjoy a few more days in her hometown.
Of course, Xie Wen and the others did not sit idle either. After asking Jinbe, they soon found Tom's younger brother on Fish-Man Island, an Eastern Wolf Fish-Merfolk named Dan.
With his help, Xie Wen and the others expanded the Toot Toot Forward, and Meowrah added some new features along the way.
As for materials, Xie Wen had even less reason to worry. Ryugu Palace could certainly provide that much.
Only after the expansion of the Toot Toot Forward was complete did Xie Wen and the others leave Fish-Man Island with Shirahoshi.
"If you can't bear to leave, there's still time to go back."
Xie Wen spoke to Shirahoshi, who had pressed her entire face against the protective barrier at the stern and was gazing longingly toward Fish-Man Island.
For the Merfolk Princess, who had stayed inside the Hard-Shell Tower ever since she was six, this was her first time leaving Fish-Man Island. Feeling anxious, or even regretting her decision, would have been understandable.
But Shirahoshi withdrew her gaze, then rubbed her eyes hard with her arm and said firmly, "I'll miss Father and my brothers terribly, but I won't regret this!"
Like most people in the world of One Piece, once she had found a goal, the formerly meek and gentle Shirahoshi had grown stronger too.
"Since you've made up your mind..." Xie Wen rubbed his chin, then turned to Shalmeow, who was controlling the Toot Toot Forward with her ability. "Then let's not rush