As the turtle swam deeper beneath the waves, Urashima Taro clung tightly to its shell, his eyes wide with wonder. Sunlight faded above him, replaced by a shimmering glow below. Fish of every color darted past, coral reefs bloomed like underwater gardens, and seaweed danced like ribbons in the current.
Soon, a magnificent palace appeared in the distance — its towers glittered like jewels, and its gates shimmered with pearl and gold. This was Ryugu Castle, the legendary Dragon Palace of the sea.
The turtle brought him to the entrance, where elegant sea creatures bowed and welcomed him. And then she appeared — Princess Otohime, dressed in flowing robes that moved like waves themselves. Her voice was soft and warm.
“Welcome, Urashima Taro. I’ve heard of your kindness. Please, stay as our guest.”
Urashima was overwhelmed by the beauty and peace of this world. Inside the palace, everything was magical — banquet halls filled with delicious food, music that seemed to float through the water, and laughter that never echoed. Time felt different here, like a dream.
Urashima forgot about the world above. He laughed, feasted, and explored wonders he had never imagined. Days passed like moments, and the sorrow he had once known drifted away with the tides.
But deep in his heart, a quiet memory remained — of a village by the sea, and the life he once knew.