A Sudden Tragedy! A Gunshot Shuts Down the Future!

Learning of the Tamatebako, Vander Decken IX orders his men to retrieve it, then chooses to hold off for several years, letting Shirahoshi grow up first. Otohime returns from above carrying a signature from the World Nobles themselves, evidence of how far their influence reaches, and the citizens at last add their names to the cause she has pursued for so long. She rejoices over the breakthrough with her husband and children.

Back at the palace, she tells her sons that those Sea Kings had been called up by Shirahoshi herself. Mermaids can converse with fish, she explains, yet only the legendary Mermaid Princess can call upon the Sea Kings, a gift capable of immense good or terrible ruin. Because the girl remains unaware of it, a single loss of composure could devastate the island, so Otohime asks her boys to grow strong enough to shield their sister, a vow the three of them readily make.

At Gyoncorde Plaza, an unseen culprit ignites the boxes holding the signatures. Otohime urges the crowd to rescue them, and in the ensuing turmoil a gunshot rings out and strikes her down. Jinbe and Aladine send soldiers after the shooter and tell them to look after her children, while Fukaboshi and his siblings rush to her side. As a stunned Shirahoshi stands frozen, Decken steps up, brands her using the power of his Mato Mato no Mi, and then slips away.

Fukaboshi vows revenge, but his mother forbids it, unwilling to let new hatred ripple across the island and admitting she let her guard slip because she was happy. When Shirahoshi begins to break down, Ryuboshi and Manboshi recall their mother's earlier lesson and start singing and dancing to settle her, promising to keep watch over her always.

In tears, Fukaboshi pledges that the family will make a fresh start and carry her dream onward so she has nothing left to worry about. Comforted, Otohime joins her children for one final touch of pinky fingers before she passes. The anime draws out the moment the citizens sign, making the result seem doubtful at first, shows Otohime trying to save the burning sheets, and alters who holds her after the shooting, the Minister of the Right first, then Fukaboshi, before she is laid on the ground. The young Camie and Pappag from the manga do not appear here.