Of course, even in his dreams, Ezekiel could not have thought about this. His careless words led Fujitora to make a certain decision.
Conquer the world!
In the past, Ezekiel merely wanted to overthrow the World Government and make Alabasta the center of the world. As for forming a new Government, it wasn't unimaginable, although it was extremely complex, and something Ezekiel was not planning at that moment.
It's not an easy task. It's easy to overthrow the world, but difficult to rebuild it anew.
It's even more challenging to unite over 200 countries into one.
Unless... they believe they will become part of a vast new country.
This is reminiscent of the "D" country, which may have existed in a distant era.
...
Fish-Man Island, Ryugu Palace.
Jinbei is face-to-face with the King of Fish-Man Island, the great knight Neptune.
On the side stand the three Princes, unsure of what to say; they can only stare.
After all, one of them is their father, and the other is the greatest figure on Fish-Man Island—Jinbei, who holds the title of Shichibukai.
These two refused to yield to one another. Neptune's crown was askew, he held a trident in his hand, and his face was flushed and burning as he looked at Jinbei's black attire and sarcastically said:
"Boy, by wearing Alabasta's clothes, have you forgotten that you're a Fish-Man?!"
"Neptune! Don't think that you're great, you have truly fallen far behind this King! - Jinbei also did not back down; his eyes turned red, and he shouted, completely losing his usual calm.
These two argued the entire day...
"Ah," sighed the eldest shark son, "I wish my sister were here."
"I can agree to establish diplomatic relations with the humans' country, to help each other and not invade one another! But to allow Fish-Man Island fighters to go to Alabasta as labor force?! Are you insane?!! Jinbei! Have you forgotten Tiger?" Neptune was very angry and lowered his trident.
Jinbei immediately coated his hands with dark-colored Haki, blocked the trident, and pushed it away.
"If Boss Tiger could hear us, he would definitely agree! You don't understand Boss Tiger's will at all! Even Otohime..."
"Shut up!!!" Neptune heard Otohime's name and became furious.
The two were enraged to the limit. The guards of Ryugu Palace were confused and trembling. When would they come to an agreement?
This confrontation lasted two whole days and nights. Only God knows how a great knight, almost 70 years old, could hold on for so long. Of course, there was no real fight; otherwise, even two current Neptunes would not have been sufficient. A stronger Jinbei could have defeated him.
Ultimately, they both grew tired and lay down in the main hall of the palace.
Neptune looked at Jinbei, remaining silent for a long time. It was time to seriously consider the issue. If he were only responsible for himself, he would undoubtedly be ready to agree, but he represents a population of more than 5 million on Fish-Man Island.
Such a deal would have been impossible even if Otohime were alive.
"How many people does their King need?" Neptune asked slowly.
After all, there are still several fishmen on Fish-Man Island who are friendly towards humans. Perhaps they wouldn't mind such work if King Ezekiel treats them kindly.
"At least half a million for two years," said Jinbei.
In reality, Ezekiel needs 300,000 people. Ultimately, the strength of the fishmen differs from that of humans, but Jinbei hopes that more fishmen will be able to leave Fish-Man Island, to truly understand the country of Alabasta, and His Majesty King Nefertari, to learn that there is another life in this world.
Veins bulged on Neptune's forehead. How much is he willing to pay?! Our Fish-Man Island is very wealthy, and at least that amount is required annually for half a million people! Plus food, accommodation, and work clothes!
Ultimately, if you work with food and accommodation provided, you will earn only 50,000 belli per month on Fish-Man Island, totaling 600,000 belli per year. Five hundred thousand people will receive only 30 billion.
King Neptune stated it as 50 billion belli.
He thought that King Ezekiel would never agree to that amount.
Jinbei remained silent.
For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
"50 billion belli... heh-heh... If it were someone else in front of me instead of you, I fear I would be tempted to give you 50 billion belli to work, and keep the remaining 950 billion for myself!
You're useless. Neptune!"
And is this the same Fish-Man King he once admired?
Is this the great knight who left his name in the history of the Fish-Men?!
He remembered Ezekiel, the contrast was too harsh.
Neptune noticed that Jinbei had been silent for a long time and seemed a bit embarrassed, then coughed and said:
"But, after all, King Ezekiel is a friend of Fish-Man Island, 40 billion is also acceptable..."
Jinbei indeed could no longer bear it. A king with trillions of belli, and a king who reduces the price from 50 to 40 billion. Fortunately, Jinbei is the one conducting the negotiations. Otherwise, if the two Kings were discussing the matter personally, regardless of how generous His Majesty Ezekiel is, it would be a disgrace to Fish-Man Island.
This is no longer a matter of comparison; it's difficult to simply maintain the dignity of Fish-Man Island in front of Alabasta.
"One trillion belli," Jinbei sighed.
This King promised 1 trillion belli?! - Neptune asked with a slight tremor, his pupils suddenly narrowing.
One trillion belli! - Jinbei's temples throbbed with blue veins; why on earth did they play games for two days and two nights?!
How is that possible?! - Neptune couldn't believe it and even thought Jinbei was deceiving him. As a King, he had never encountered such an amount of money in his life. It's too unbelievable! How could this be possible in this world? Is it such a wealthy Kingdom?!
Jinbei said nothing more, but silently pulled out a gold check. It was slightly crumpled from their battle, but the bank would still accept it...
This is an advance payment of 500 billion belli. If you don't believe it, you can take it to the Royal Bank of Alabasta yourself to exchange it.
Neptune's question got stuck in his throat for a long time, and he couldn't utter it. Since Jinbei had already answered it. Is this true?!
He looked straight at the check, which amounted to 500 billion belli. Isn't Ezekiel afraid that he might just take the money and not do the work?
Although he knows that any trust based on money is unreliable, it also depends on how much money!
We're talking about 500 billion belli in cash!
With a groan, Neptune took the check, and Jinbei could clearly see his hand shaking continuously.
...….
Half a day later, at the Royal Bank of Alabasta in Alubarna.
A tall man, wrapped in a linen cloak, stepped through the mirror designated for Fish-Man Island and approached the registration counter. Seeing his appearance, the surrounding guards stared at him.
The cashier of the Alabasta Bank, an elegant lady, smiled sweetly at this Fish-Man-like giant. She wasn't surprised, as the bank received not only Fishmen but also various races, even giants.
"Good evening, how may I assist you?"
Neptune blushed slightly; he was genuinely afraid the check was fake. He feared embarrassment and thus tried to hide his identity.
"Um... I want to check if I can cash this check?" Neptune asked impatiently.
The woman behind the counter took the check, her face momentarily froze, her pupils slightly narrowing, and she said in a trembling voice:
"500 billion belli?!! This is a special check that can only be issued by His Majesty the Emperor. There is no technology that could counterfeit it... Moreover, the Royal Bank has corresponding documents for this check. It can only be used for payouts here in Alabasta. You must be King Neptune?"
In an instant, everyone stared at him, and the figure of 500 billion belli froze the atmosphere in the bank…
Neptune was stunned, his mind completely blank, shocked by the reality that 500 billion belli were real.
"King Neptune, you're an idiot," he thought