The Seaweed is Always Greener

What's this here? It's a weird shape for a boat. But it floats, so...

Hoh hoh hoh! You have sharp eyes, my friend.

Just as you say, it is a small boat, known as a canoe.

This is the boat I always use when I go out fishing.

Fishing! That takes me back. I used to go fishing with Darunis when I was little.

Wh-Wh-What's that? You're a skilled angler, you say?

Th-Th-Then you must come sea fishing with me immediately!

I didn't say I was skilled! And I've only fished in ponds and stuff...

Oh, don't sweat the details! The important thing in fishing is knowing the pleasure of waiting for a fish!

Now, now, jump in the canoe. The fish are waiting for you, you know!

What, right now?! But I've got things to...

No worry, no worry. Time flies when you're having fun. You must have heard that before? Now, in you get, in you get! A life of you, me and fish is about to begin!

Who are you, anyway? You don't look like you're an everyday angler!

Me? I know some who call me the master angler as if I am some sage, but I'm just an old man who loves fishing.

Now, now, never mind that, we are going fishing, fishing! Off we go a-fishing!

Sheesh! How'd I end up doing this?!

What's that there? Is it a barrel? I dunno who threw it away, but it's disturbing our fishing! Honestly...

Heave ho...

Now, where shall I throw this?

What the?! A person?! Stuffed in the barrel tighter than a sardine! I'll get you out!

Are you all right? Do you need a doctor?

Uh?

Ha?

Are you the one who attacked me in my sleep?!

Ahhh, ow, ow! What are you talking about?! Help!

Intruder detected in the Dragon Palace. All units, hurry to the Inner Wall.

Repeat. Intruder detected in the Dragon Palace. To the Inner Wall, ASAP!

The Inner Wall... An intruder has made it here?

The Inner Wall... An intruder has made it here?

Otohime is in danger!

Otohime is in danger!

All units in the guardroom, come to my room.

All units in the guardroom, come to my room.

Otohime...

Otohime...

......

......

You're awfully well-behaved today. You never follow my orders.

......

Whatever. Where's the vice-captain?

No, I'm just about to give my orders.

Let's take the intruder in a pincer movement. You troops follow me. You, follow the vice-captain!

......

The Central Keep is in an uproar. Come on, let's hurry!

Take that!

Ouch! Why, you! If you don't stop, I'm gonna get serious!

Waaaaaaaaaaaagh!

Stand in my way, will you? You'll pay for that!

I'm out of my depth here! I'm gonna get myself killed!

No, I won't go as far as killing you.

What? Am I really that frightening to look at?

Aaargh!

It's okay, you're safe now.

Y-You...

What have you come here for?! I'd rather die than be spared by you!

No, look, I won't go as far as killing, I said!

You should place a little more value on your life.

Stand down. We will defeat the intruder.

Who's an intruder?! Bring it, if you think you can!

I'm going in. Back me up.

Urgh...

Intruder neutralized.

You two... Why didn't you follow my orders?

......

This isn't very cool... But I'm gonna have to retreat.

Pointless. The vice-captain is...

What's the deal?

......

It's not your fault. My orders weren't clear enough.

......

My apologies, Otohime... The intruder got away.

I see... That is unlike you. There must be some reason?

Well...

What are you...

How dare you!

Nagi... I am surprised that you of all people could do such a thing. I had thought your attitude was somewhat rebellious, of late, but...

That was for your sake, Otohime...

Enough! I never want to see your face again. Go wherever you please. But never darken my doors again!

Otohime!

Enough! Be gone!

......

This search for Pandora's Box... It consumes my every waking moment. I don't even have the time to think. Suspicion alone is grounds for punishment. You too would do well to beware!

Wow, that whitewater bit was great! Canoes can be so much fun!

Hoh hoh hoh! What are you talking about? The real fun starts now. I'm going to teach you the real pleasure of fishing, like a grandpa teaches his grandson!

So, what are we going to do? I don't even have a fishing rod.

Hoh hoh hoh! Fishing rod? I've always got one, ten, or even a hundred on me. Let me give you the best o' the lot.

Actually, that rod is imbued with the souls of past master anglers. The more you use it, the easier it gets to use; just like your hands and feet. It's one-of-a-kind.

I-I see...

Hoh hoh hoh! A fisherman's tale it may well be... But it's yours, all yours. Make good use of it.

It's a gift, from me to you! So treat it like you'd treat me. As long as you have that fishing rod, the fishing spirit will always be with you!

Th-Thank you... I'll cherish it...

And hey. I'll give you some of this fishing bait, too.

If you run out, I'll give you more, so drop by whenever you need some.

Ahhh!

Huh?

A scream?! It came from over there!

Come to think about it, I overheard a story about some girl going missing on this beach recently...

An abduction, you mean?! Let's go and see what's up!

Come on, darlin'. Just for a little bit. You know you want a ride on me back.

Stop it, no! I've got to go home to Acteul!

Don't be like that, darlin'. Come on, put yer pinkies on me back and come with me.

Help me, someone!

I won't overlook this!

Wh-What the?!

Take that!

Owwww?!

Oh, Prai, when did you get here?!

You're safe now!

Take that!

Owwww?!

That's...that priest I've seen around somewhere before!

You're safe now!

For Prai shall chastise this scoundrel of a turtle!

Who on earth are you?!

People say I'm the guy who's as hot-blooded as Salamander.

I am the priest that doles out salvation to those in need! Take this fiery hammer of judgment upon your...

Hey, stop abusing that turtle!

Wha, ?!

If you wanna do bad things to turtles, you're gonna have to go through me, Lady Sheila!

What are you talking about?! This turtle was trying to abduct this fair lady...

Waaaah, this old guy was bullying me.

Old guy?! I'm still in my twenties, I mean. I was protecting this lady from the turtle...

Liar! Turtles are fine, upstanding creatures; beyond reproach!

Umm, actually, this one was making unwelcome advances...

Wait, what?! You haven't been threatened by this old guy into saying that, have you?

I witnessed it, too! This turtle was definitely trying to abduct that woman!

Huh?! Then, did you really...?

......

Well, she looked like easy pickings, so I thought I'd trick her! But you've found me out! Guess I'll have to take her to the Dragon Palace by force now!

*whine*

I don't believe it! A people-pinching turtle!

I'm sorry, I was only following orders, guv! It was Otohime who made me do it!

Wow, he really doesn't know when to give up...

Of course you were! There's no such thing as a bad turtle! It's Otohime who's the villain here! Hold on a sec, Otohime?!

Oh, boss, how understandin' you is! I've made up me mind! I'm gonna follow you now, boss!

It didn't take much for you to turn, did it?!

Umm, what about me? What do I do?

Due to public order issues we've recently added this area to our priestly patrol routes. My confrere should be over at the pier. Let me take you there. I'll be right back, Aldo.

I will guide you back to Acteul myself. Now, if you would please excuse me. This way, madam.

Thank you, everyone!

Please accept me apologies, miss! I promise I won't do it again!

So, what is your story then?

I want to go to the Dragon Palace.

The place this turtle was trying to take that woman to?

Yeah, I got kicked out... But you'll help me, won't you?

Well, if this Otohime is ordering abductions, then we really have to stop them.

Huh? Oh, yeah, I suppose we do...

Well now, if you 'op on me back, I'll take you right there!

Let's do that, then. I'm Aldo, by the way. Nice to meet you.

My friends call me Sheila. Nice to meet you too, Aldo.

When yer ready, just have word in me shell-like. I'll have you at the Palace in a swish of me flipper!

You lot ready then? All right, let's go! Me shell's the finest under the sea, so 'urry up and 'op on!

Right, we're goin' underwater now! 'Old on tight!

Underwater? You mean the Dragon Palace isn't on an island?

No, mate, don't be daft! The Dragon Palace's right at the bottom o' the sea! Don't worry though, me magic bubbles'll keep yer safe! Now, off to the Dragon Palace, where Otohime's word is law!

W-Wait! I'm not ready yet!

I thought I was gonna drown!

But this really is the bottom of the sea! And people live here?

People? Well, the fishfolk live here. But, I guess if yer asking if someone lives here, the answer's yes.

So, where do they keep the abducted girls?

Dunno, I specialize in the abductions and kidnappings. I don't know where they keep 'em after I bring 'em 'ere...

Then I guess we've just got to search everywhere on our way to the Central Keep.

Central Keep?

The Dragon Palace consists of a Central Keep, Inner Wall and Outer Wall. This is the edge of the Outer Wall, and the Central Keep is right in the middle. So let's go!

Otohime...

What's that, Nagi? Did you say something?

No... It's nothing.

I still can't believe you snuck into Aldo's party, though.

......

I haven't forgotten what happened.

We were enemies back then. But now I have no reason to fight you.

Hmm, I wonder... Try anything funny, and I won't let you get away with it!

......

Why have you gone quiet all of a sudden.

I think she has her reasons.

What do you wanna do, Nagi?

I don't know yet. But...

......

Are you all right? Your face is all pale. And you look a bit shaky...

You...

Stay back, Aldo. This girl is an agent of evil. Be careful!

......

I no longer have any reason to fight you.

What does that mean? As if I'd believe yo...

I'm not "you." I'm Nagi the Squid. It's a name I got from someone special.

......

H-Hey... Why have you gone quiet all of a sudden.

I think she has her reasons.

If you've got nowhere to go, how about you come with us?

I don't know what to do. But...

I want to eat the Otohime's homemade pasta again!

Are you talking about food?!

I'll have you know that food is very important.

I've got to get to the Central Keep and speak to Otohime.

I'm going there to meet Otohime, too.

Otohime, is it?

We're much closer to the Central Keep now. I wonder where the kidnapped women are...

Abducted women? If you're talking about the women from the world above, I've seen some in the Central Keep.

Really?! Then we'd better get to the Central Keep!

Do you always believe what you're told, Aldo?

This girl's an enemy captain. Or at least she was. If it's a trap, what're you gonna do?

But...

In any case, let me lead from here!

Umm...just here! Turn left, it's a shortcut!

No, not there.

She's gone.

Huh?

Calm down, Sheila. Stop being so hasty! Let Nagi show us the way.

This way... Come on!

What? Wait, how did this happen?

......

I was told to go wherever I wanted by Otohime!

They didn't tell me to leave the Dragon Palace.

......

Tell me one thing. Why did you plot against me?

Okay, now I get it! But I have something that I have to tell Otohime.

So... You have to let me past.

I promise not to take your lives... Just step aside.

......

Nagi, are you okay?

It's okay, I'm fine. I was prepared for something like this to happen. Let's move on.

What are you doing, pretending not to care. You can't fool me!

Who is this Otohime they're talking about?

*huff* *puff**huff* *puff* *huff* Slow down, will ya? Ya movin' too fast...

Still no stamina, I see!

But, I sure am glad I'm walkin' round the Dragon Palace with you again. I'm so happy. I thought I'd never get back here.

Yeah, I'm glad you're here, too, Chiyo. I don't know anyone around here anymore...

Anyway, we've made it to the Inner Wall.

Lady Sheila!

That voice! Is that...Chiyo?!

Hah, hah, I'm all tuckered out...

Still no stamina, I see... But I'm glad to see you anyway! I don't know anyone around here anymore...

I'm happy, too! Can I come with ya again?!

Of course! You're really reliable, Chiyo!

Oh, you're Sheila's friend! Nice to meet you.

I'm Lady Sheila's retainer, Chiyo! Real nice to make yer acquaintance, too!

We've arrived at the Inner Wall, so the more allies we have the better.

Still no sign of the abducted women...

That's my house over there... I need to get something from it.

Ah, wait a mo...

That's odd... I was sure that someone else lived there?

Hey, you guys...

I haven't seen you around here before. But I like the cut of your jib, young lady!

Hey, who are you? Yes, Chiyo is really cute, but don't you go hitting on her!

Hmm, yes, she'd make a fine figurehead too. But I was talking to you just now.

Huh, me?

Indeed! The passion that lurks deep within your eyes...

The beautiful power that brims within your body...

You are without fault. A delight to behold...

(Not another oddball...)

Ahh, people who get it just get it, I guess! People always tell me I'm a woman to sigh for!

More importantly, we came here because we'd heard that people had been abducted and brought here.

Abduction? Kidnapping? Monstrous, the work of brutes.

Yeah, and it's not just one or two abductions.

Can it be true?! That something like this has happened under my lady's pert and delicate nose?

They will pay for doing such violence in the Dragon Palace!

Muahahahaha!

No, not "in" the Dragon Palace...

Wha, he's gone. What can I say? I'm surrounded by people who won't listen.

You've got a point! I thought we'd get along, but, unlike me, he's just too hasty.

*sigh*

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Have you learned anything?

No. Nothing at all.

We've got no choice. Let's ask around.

What did you get from your house, Nagi?

Jar-pickled sea grapes. I just can't get going without them.

Wait, the something important you needed was food?

...?

We haven't found any good leads yet...

I've been telling you from the outset. The women are in the Central Keep.

Lady Sheila, I think there's somethin' goin' on. We should get to the Central Keep.

Yeah. I want to find out what sort of person this Otohime that everyone's talking about is.

Okay. I don't wanna do what this girl says, but let's go to the Central Keep.

Recently, when I've been fishing, I've been catching legendary fish that're supposed to be extinct. But not just anywhere, only at the fishing spot near the Central Keep. Human women? Ah, the ones the turtles have been bringing... They kidnap them on Otohime's orders. Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that. I don't know where they are.

There's a friend I haven't seen of late. She's scatterbrained, and often slips and falls in the water, so I'm quite worried. Human women? I haven't seen any around here. I don't think they're in the Inner Wall.

Otohime rewards those who've done them a good turn with a box that turns you decrepit if you open it. I don't know why they do that... I guess tradition is favored over common sense at the Dragon Palace! But I haven't seen it since the current Otohime came to power. Human women? Why would I be interested in humans?

So, this is the Central Keep.

Look at all these women! Are these the ones who were abducted?

Have you people been sent from the world above, by any chance?

Yes! Quick, get to the turtle at the Outer Wall. He'll take you back to the world above!

Aw... Is our life here over already? The scenery's beautiful, the food's delicious, what's not to like? But I guess we can't leave our families alone. Thanks, I suppose...

I've got to go back to my blockhead of a husband, have I? Well, I've been gone for a while, so maybe he'll have learnt how much he needs me around. Thanks. See you around.

This is really weird... Maybe we shouldn't have freed them...

I know! This is what my Gramps wanted to do! Harum deboochery, he called it!

Well, your grandpa's a bit weird, isn't he?

Weird? Well, he was always nice to me! And Gramps always said! You've got to be really, really nice to women!

So I'm going to take those women to Mr. Turtle! I'll be right back!

Well, I suppose we saved the women...

But still no sign of this Otohime...

Everyone's disappeared! Where did they go?

Um... They said they're going back to the world above.

Can we go now? There aren't any cats here, and I was getting lonely! Hooray!

At least someone's genuinely happy!

I'm Lele. I really like cats. I heard a meow at the beach, so I went to investigate but then I ended up here.

A meow on the beach? That sounds more like a catfish.

Erm, yeah, anyway, thank you. I'm going back to my training, just as Gramps said to!

Well, I suppose we saved the women...

But still no sign of this Otohime, who had them kidnapped in the first place...

Is this what I think it is?