Chapter 59 Cheers and Cooperation
The final touches were swiftly finalized.
This particular conflict can only be characterized as devastating. Tens of thousands of pirates met their demise, while Brett incurred fewer than one hundred casualties, the majority being merely injuries. The unfortunate fatalities amounted to a count in the double digits.
In these deep waters, the advantage held by the fishmen is truly enormous.
Experiencing such a victory shortly after commencing their duties served as an immense morale booster.
At least the fishmen displayed considerable enthusiasm.
Nevertheless, Brett felt a twinge of regret.
Although the losses in battle were minimal and distressing, some fishmen indeed died during the conflict.
Brett understood that this was the nature of warfare; however, he felt a sense of unease upon contemplating that the comrades who once called out to him with admiration were now lifeless bodies.
Strength must be pursued.
Both in terms of himself and his soldiers.
Strengthening themselves is imperative to avoid further losses.
Thus, alongside the distant merchants, the victorious army commenced their return.
The merchant fleet found itself encircled by fish-men warriors and sea beasts, causing considerable trepidation among the merchants.
Enormous beasts and fierce Fishmen surrounded them. Although a decision to cooperate had been made, this experience was undeniably daunting.
Fortunately, Fishman Island soon came into view.
The stationed soldiers at the gate instantly became animated upon seeing their returning comrades.
"They're back! ! "
"Did we win? Did we win? "
"Of course we won! Aren't Brother Brett and Brother Jinbei atop the sea beast? "
Cheering and celebrating, the soldiers moved forward to greet their victorious comrades.
"What are you doing? You are tasked with safeguarding this nation's gateway! "
Brett, positioned at the front of the line on top of the sea beast, called out loudly, "Now fulfill your responsibilities diligently! "
The jubilant soldiers ceased their movements and became quiet.
Then Brett smirked and remarked, "If you truly wish to celebrate, you will have to wait until tonight. "
The fishmen looked taken aback.
Then.
"Long live Brother Brett! ! "
"It's the director! Long live the director! "
Cheers echoed throughout the deep sea.
"Hahahaha, let's celebrate tonight! " Jinbei laughed.
"Indeed! "
Arlong also agreed with a nod, "Today's victory indicates that we are indeed a race superior to humans! "
Brett chose not to engage in conversation with him.
"Hahaha, do you seek to throw a party? " Laughter emanated from within the gate, "I wonder if I might partake? "
Brett appeared somewhat surprised by the massive figure emerging from behind the door, "Neptune? "
"I have awaited your arrival for a long time! "
Neptune grinned and stated, "Welcome to the celebration of victory, heroes of Fish-Man Island! "
"Heroes? " Brett shook his head, "This truly is——"
He inhaled deeply and then laughed, "Do you hear that? It's time to celebrate, heroes! "
"Oh! ! ! "
The cheers, no longer containable, resonated throughout the deep sea.
"Later, do not forget to puff out your chest," Brett remarked with a grin.
Neptune personally welcomed the triumphant soldiers upon their return to Fish-Man Island.
Upon passing through the gate, the soldiers found a significant crowd of Fish-Man Island residents had gathered. As they returned, the crowd erupted in cheers.
They were celebrating the victory of the warriors who safeguarded them.
Respect, reverence, applause.
The soldiers, who had previously been gangsters on Fishman Street over a month ago, had never encountered such a moment.
They were even slightly dazzled by the excitement. Was being admired by others truly such an exhilarating experience?
Unsure of how to react, they straightened their chests.
Now they were entitled to stand proud.
Clearly, they had gained nothing tangible, yet they felt as though they had received a great deal.
"What is this sensation…? " Arlong felt a sense of discomfort and whispered to himself. This was an experience he had never encountered before in his life.
Yet, it did not seem entirely unpleasant.
"Woah! Amazing!"
As the soldiers boarded the boat heading to Fish-Man Island, Donald exclaimed in astonishment, "Now, I have become a great hero safeguarding Fish-Man Island! "
"Even King Neptune came to greet him! " Another businessman expressed his surprise, "The director's status on Fish-Man Island is far greater than we initially presumed! "
"Doesn't this simply mean we have secured an excellent partner? " Donald was thrilled.
Wouldn't it be more advantageous if the partner held a higher standing in this nation?
Tesoro observed Brett, the fish-man, from a distance and felt a singular impression.
Following Tiger and Jinbei, Fish-Man Island would likely witness the emergence of another significant figure.
Before any celebrations could commence, there remained another crucial task to undertake.
Subsequently, on the rooftop of the Entry and Exit Administration Bureau, a meeting commenced between the leadership of Fish-Man Island and the human businessmen.
The choice of the rooftop for this meeting, rather than an indoor setting, was due to the lack of available space within the building to accommodate Neptune's presence.
The representatives from Fish-Man Island included Brett, Jinbei, and Neptune, while the human contingent was comprised of businessmen led by Donald.
"We have recognized your sincerity. "
Brett voluntarily took on the role of the primary spokesperson. He stated earnestly, "Fish-Man Island does not welcome people with malicious intent, but it is always generous towards its friends. "
Expressions of joy emerged on the faces of the businessmen.
Donald was particularly pleased, saying, "Rest assured, Director Brett, we will always be supportive friends of Fish-Man Island. "
Who would choose to abandon such a valuable ally when there were profits to be made?
"Excellent. "
Brett smiled as he added, "Then let us engage in a detailed discussion regarding the terms of our cooperation. "
Though it was said to be a discussion of details, there was ultimately little to address.
It was merely a matter of trade agreements.
Subsequently, merchants are set to transport essential goods to Fish-Man Island, which will, in turn, supply high-quality ore at affordable prices.
The two parties negotiated the ore pricing and ultimately agreed on a rate that is marginally below the market average.
The merchants expressed contentment, as the ore sourced from Fish-Man Island boasts superior quality and commands a good selling price.
Brett also expressed his satisfaction, recognizing that the ore could fetch a substantial price at sea. Additionally, extraction operations on Fish-Man Island are considerably more straightforward, with the average capability of fishman miners being tenfold that of their human counterparts. The miners can solely rely on their expertise to extract the ore efficiently, resulting in low relative costs and significantly higher profits than those realized by businessmen.
Brett further contemplates capturing additional sea beasts to aid in further cost reductions.
Once the business dealings neared completion, Donald reiterated a prior request: "Mr. Brett, for the benefit of our ongoing partnership, could you arrange for Fish-Man Island to dispatch troops to escort us to and from the sea? "
Brett replied, "I am keen to assist my friends; however, the responsibility of the soldiers stationed at Fish-Man Island is to protect their territory. I lack the authority to assign them to tasks that fall outside their designated duties. "
Donald appeared noticeably disheartened.
Brett then remarked with a smile, "Unless someone is prepared to offer a commission. "
Donald grimaced, "Mr. Brett, it seems you are quite unyielding in your stance. "
He had initially hoped to secure free security services.
Nonetheless—
"That's quite reasonable! "
Donald nodded earnestly, "Let us now negotiate the commission amount. "
Though this would lead to a reduction in profits, it would ensure safety.
Donald was willing to take risks, but he preferred not to rely on luck consistently.
The depths of the sea cannot always be accommodating.
With Donald spearheading the discussions, the remaining businessmen readily accepted the terms.
This arrangement would guarantee safe passage to and from Fish-Man Island.
However, Brett did not intend to allow his soldiers to provide an escort, deeming it as an excessive measure.
Subsequently, engage with Neptune to detach a portion of the military from the Dragon Palace, or alternatively, assemble a group of individuals to establish a new organization specifically dedicated to this purpose. In light of future prospects, there will likely be numerous merchants seeking collaboration, which could yield a significant revenue stream.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Brett articulated a request.
"Fishman Island has long been cut off from maritime connections and is quite distant from civilized society, thus I would appreciate it if, alongside the provision of essential goods, you could also deliver technological support or machinery. "
"This—"
Donald and others were momentarily taken aback, after which Donald tentatively replied, "I can make an attempt, however, Mr. Brett, the items you desire are heavily restricted at sea, presenting challenges based on our capabilities. All I can assure is that we will endeavor to do our best. "
'Is that the case?'
It appears to be valid.
Brett soon recognized that the advanced technology in this world truly is cutting-edge, yet the technologies which are actually circulated remain rather primitive.
While factors such as transportation difficulties and barriers to technology distribution play a role, it is hard to dismiss the idea that there may be influences behind the restrictions.
"Okay. "Brett nodded.
He did not aim too high initially; it sufficed to minimize external reliance as much as possible.
The discussions concluded at this point, with both parties reaching a favorable outcome. Brett also extended an invitation to the merchants to join the celebratory banquet that evening.
The merchants accepted the invitation without hesitation.
Following the arrangement of accommodations for the merchants, an individual returned and reappeared before Brett.
"Mr. Tesoro? "
Brett expressed mild surprise at the unexpected return of this person.
"I am here to deliberate on a prospective partnership, Mr. Brett," Tesoro stated earnestly.
Brett slightly raised his eyebrows, "Regarding the partnership, was it not already established just moments ago? "
Tesoro is undoubtedly a valuable ally; he is destined to become the wealthiest person worldwide in the future.
However, what causes Brett to hesitate is that he, is like a dragon slayer now but will later transform into a dragon, eventually becoming an entity similar to the Celestial Dragons.
Ultimately, Brett resolved to regard him as a standard collaborator without excessive involvement.
Yet, he did not anticipate this person returning once more.
"I am proposing a more comprehensive partnership. "
Tesoro asserted seriously, "While those guys cannot access advanced technology, I can. I am capable of supplying all the necessities of Fish-Man Island. "
Brett had no doubts regarding his assertions. In a matter of years, he would establish a golden city. Though currently in developmental stages, his methods were significantly superior to those of Donald and his associates.
"So, Tesoro, what is the cost? " Brett inquired with genuine interest.
Tesoro appeared somewhat surprised. 'Did he not question the audacity of my proposition?'
Taking a deep breath, he responded gravely, "I believe we can form a solid alliance. "
"Ultimately, we face the same enemy!"