Days passed, and Urashima Taro continued his quiet life by the sea, the rescued turtle a fading memory. But one morning, as he sat by the shore mending his fishing net, something extraordinary happened. A large turtle emerged from the waves—not just any turtle, but one that looked strangely familiar.
To his amazement, the turtle spoke.
“Urashima Taro,” it said gently, “you saved my life. I was the small turtle the children were hurting. I’ve come to thank you.”
Urashima blinked. Was he dreaming? A talking turtle?
But before he could respond, the turtle continued. “My master, Princess Otohime of the Dragon Palace, wishes to meet you. She has heard of your kindness and invites you to visit her realm beneath the sea.”
Still stunned, Urashima looked at the turtle, then at the sea. “The Dragon Palace?” he asked, unsure if he should believe what he was hearing.
“Yes,” said the turtle. “Climb onto my back, and I will take you there.”
For a moment, Urashima hesitated. He had never traveled far from home—certainly not beneath the ocean. But something in the turtle’s voice, calm and full of gratitude, eased his doubts.
With a deep breath and a curious heart, Urashima climbed onto the turtle’s shell. The water sparkled as they slipped beneath the waves, beginning a journey unlike anything he had ever known.
He didn’t know where the turtle was taking him. He only knew that something magical was beginning.