On Fish-Man Island, on a grand platform near Ryugu Palace, stands King Neptune. Below him are tens of thousands of fishmen. There's a fire in King Neptune's eyes, and he shouts loudly:
"You will not lose your honor by working for humans, but Fish-Man Island needs this!"
Voices of approval from supporters and scornful cries from opponents echoed, merging into a wave of loud shouts.
The three Princes were stunned; they genuinely didn't understand what was happening.
"Father, have you lost your mind?"
They looked at Jinbei, whose face remained calm.
What happened on that day, and why has Neptune suddenly become more proactive than Jinbei?
Jinbei glanced at the three idiots, feeling frustrated by their lack of understanding.
In truth, he was once relatively content with Fish-Man Island. Compared to other countries in the world, Fish-Man Island was quite good. After all, by paying a large amount of the Heavenly Tribute, they could still afford their people a good life. Although there were areas such as the Fishmen District…
However, Fish-Man Island, which essentially depends on the sea, is much wealthier than humans, though differences in habitat and race significantly limit the interaction between fishmen and land inhabitants.
It can be said that they now have not only an opportunity to earn wealth but also to achieve significant progress for the country. This also signifies that the fishmen have taken the first step toward establishing friendly relations with humans in the truest sense. If not for this reason, Neptune would not have spoken with Jinbei after two days and nights of struggle.
Of course, the 1 trillion Belli also deeply shocked him, but the primary reason for his agreement was the hope of establishing peaceful relations with humanity.
In fact, the same is true for the Revolutionary Army. Simply having wealth would not have made Dragon decide to relocate almost the entire Revolutionary Army to Alabasta. Ultimately, the truth that an enemy's enemy is a friend is understood by everyone.
Even if the World Government believes that the Revolutionary Army is closely tied to Alabasta because of money, it is a strategic victory for the Revolutionary Army.
Jinbei was shocked and headed towards the shuttle station.
There's no point in staying here any longer. He wants to return to Alabasta to fulfill his duties.
Now that he has accepted this assignment from His Majesty, he must bear the responsibility. As for His Majesty's "Underwater City" plan, there is still much ahead.
...
Ezekiel was rarely away from work in the administrative hall, though sometimes he would stroll in the garden behind the palace with Cobra, accompanied by Fujitora.
This backyard garden had become much more beautiful than before, when it was overgrown with weeds and thorns. Initially, Nami took care of the garden, and now Robin does.
Cobra smiled at Ezekiel as he sipped his tea.
Maidy, now the head maid, stood nearby.
Cobra no longer inquired about state affairs. He used to ask several questions about the Revolutionary Army and Fish-Man Island, but now he has relaxed; there is no need for it anymore. His son's abilities far exceeded his own.
"How is Vivi doing?" Cobra asked.
"Big Mom no longer sends people to pursue her. Vivi has made a good friend." Katakuri is someone to admire, Ezekiel smiled. He was almost not worried about his sister anymore, at least not now. He had ensured she had enough strength and even sent the Sea King with her.
Although Big Mom is one of the Four Emperors, she could not force Katakuri to use Bri's power to navigate the boundless sea.
It was evident that Big Mom gave up on such exhausting efforts in this regard. After all, even Charlotte Lola was more than ten times weaker than Katakuri and was not found by Big Mom.
"Hmm..." Cobra sighed slightly, "If she had been born into a regular family, Vivi might have been able to stay at home and forever remain a happy little girl, but she is a Princess of Royal Blood, all the more your sister..."
Fujitora's eyes slowly opened, and that was exactly what he had been thinking.
If Princess Vivi remained in Alabasta forever and maintained an innocent and harmless demeanor without any development, she would eventually become His Majesty's and Alabasta's weakest link.
In this sea of countless wonders and opportunities, Princess Vivi can certainly become a unique individual. After all, her brother is so magnificent.
Fujitora places certain hopes on Vivi, who shares the same bloodline.
And he also knew that Ezekiel had endowed her with enough strength, a strength that can be used to make a name for herself at sea.
Ring-ring-ring! - Ezekiel's mobile phone rang at an inopportune moment, and he glanced at it.
Smoker.
"Hehe, state affairs," Cobra waved his hand, not planning to get involved in Ezekiel's matters, and he didn't want to know what issues Ezekiel was handling.
"Sorry, Father," Ezekiel stood up.
Fujitora also slowly got up and followed him, followed one by one by the impassive guards who had been standing at a distance all this time. This is the first batch of results from Germa's training. Compared to the palace guard of the past, they are simply unmatched in professionalism.
Seeing the resolve and dignity of his son far surpassing his own, Cobra sighed slightly.
"Your Majesty, the young man from Fuuya Village you took an interest in has already set sail and declared that he's going after One Piece. However, it seems he's not sufficiently prepared. Should I continue to keep an eye on him?" Smoker's somewhat puzzled voice came from the receiver.
"There's no need, head straight to Loguetown. If he needs a little help there, you'll assist him," Ezekiel said with a smile, then hung up the phone.
Under the right circumstances, he would not help Luffy. In fact, too many people underestimated this young man, who seemingly has only "meat" on his mind... Luffy is undoubtedly the MC of this world.
At least in this world called One Piece, no one can underestimate the future King of the Pirates.
Even if all his legendary adventures are just beginning.