Chapter 68 New Year
Following the conclusion of the call with Brett, the Five Elders remained somewhat perplexed.
Saint Ju Peter expressed his surprise, asking, "Are there minerals located at the ocean floor? "
Human understanding of the deep sea is limited. The only seabed area that humans have accessed is Fish-Man Island; however, there have been no previous reports of seabed minerals in that region.
"Get in touch with the Science Corps,"
Saint Mars asserted, stating, "We require expertise to provide us with guidance. "
The term "expertise" pertains to Vegapunk. While his primary focus does not include geology or mineral resources, as the foremost scientist in the world, he possesses a broad base of knowledge across various fields.
"Mineral? "
Vegapunk's voice came through the line, stating, "Isn't that natural? The so-called mineral deposits are merely various sediments. They exist both on the ocean's surface and, of course, at the seabed. "
"There are, in fact, many more reserves and types than those found on the surface. "
The call ended.
"In other words, the fishmen have now begun the extraction of seabed mineral deposits? " Saint Mars remarked.
"Only they have the capability to extract them. "
Saint Valcurie expressed his surprise, stating, "Fish-Man Island is about to gain significant attention. "
"We could devise a means to seize control of Fish-Man Island," Saint Ju Peter responded with astonishment.
"That is unfeasible. As Neptune mentioned, they merely need to obliterate the bubble surrounding Fish-Man Island. The fishmen and mermaids can continue to thrive in the ocean, while humans would be rendered unable to survive. "
Saint Vulcarie shook his head, asserting, "Rather than focusing on Fish-Man Island, it is more prudent to concentrate on Vegapunk. "
"Didn't he previously develop a fish-man serum that enhances the human physique? He has already trained an elite unit within the scientific division. Therefore, is it not possible that he can advance further to endow humans with certain traits of the fish-men? "
The Five elders exchanged glances, appearing somewhat taken aback.
"Very plausible! "
Saint nodded slightly, indicating, "However, at least until he successfully achieves that objective, we should maintain communication with Fish-Man Island. "
The government's interests are substantial, thus the need is even greater.
"Reach out to the representatives of Fish-Man Island, and also inform the navy to ensure they must maintain order. "
Brettt's significance to the world government varies greatly.
Fish-Man Island, Port.
"Leave now and do not return to Fish-Man Island, or I will end your life! "
As a ship completed its standard inspection while departing from Fish-Man Island, a fish-man coldly warned the crew as they disembarked.
Bastiu remained silent, clutching a small box in his arms.
Behind him, the remaining crew members carried three additional boxes.
Inside those boxes were their companions.
As an assassin, he now had no choice but to surrender to the Navy Headquarters.
Bastiu quietly exhaled as he watched the fishmen depart.
I never anticipated that an action I deemed to be a certainty would culminate in this manner.
If given the opportunity to revisit the situation, it seems the government must have made significant sacrifices.
Those wretched Fishmen!
He clenched his jaw in frustration.
Yet, ultimately, he refrained from uttering a word.
Let us prioritize sending everyone back first.
The vessel departed, finalized the necessary processes at the port, and then embarked towards the island referred to as Marineford.
Concurrently, at the Navy Headquarters.
"Are you serious? ! Is the five elders's mind consumed by nonsense? "
The individual known as Sakazuki was so infuriated that he appeared nearly to melt, emitting a sulfurous odor, "Is this how it ends? "
"Did Hager and Balian die for nothing? That despicable fishman even received treatment akin to that of a Warlord? "
"Please remain calm, Sakazuki. "
Admiral Sengoku, seated on the sofa to one side, replied with composure, "Didn't Kong already journey to Mary Geoise? "
Despite his words, the veins on the back of his hands were slightly bulging, indicating his inner unrest.
Shortly thereafter, the office door swung open, and the Fleet Admiral entered. Both individuals present in the room glanced in his direction.
His once upright mohawk was now slumped.
Kong sighed, "Fishman Island has begun to extract seabed mineral resources, with substantial yields. Presently, the government has finalized a major contract with them. Fish-Man Island is now a key ally of the government. "
Sakazuki tightened his fists.
"To prevent diplomatic conflicts, the issues involving Hager and Balian have been temporarily shelved. "
". . . "
Sengoku inhaled deeply, "The temporary halt indicates it will resume once they become disobedient, right? "
The Fleet Admiral sighed once more, "Regardless, Sengoku, the remaining matters rest with you."
Apology flashed across his expression, "The five elder have finally decided to promote me."
"I understand. " Sengoku nodded solemnly.
At Fishman Island, within the Forest of the Sea training area.
Brett observed from the edge of the training expanse, watching Jinbei, Arlong, Fukaboshi and other experts in Fishman karate.
' I'm relieved.'
Although he had consistently maintained that he could choose to flee if necessary, it is unlikely anyone would willingly depart from their home if other options exist.
This issue is concluded here.
There were no losses incurred, but a significant contract was established with the government.
Even though the pricing is lower than what is offered to merchants, the profit remains considerable.
This will also enhance Fishman Island's standing within the World Government. If Neptune seeks to partake in the World Conference now, he should not encounter a chilly reception.
Nevertheless, the government should not be viewed as a friend.
As long as the Celestial Dragons continue to exist, the so-called world government merely serves as an instrument for this ethnic group to dominate the world.
'For the moment, let us focus on strengthening my abilities and developing Fish-Man Island.'
Brett extended his limbs.
The Fish-Man Island Mining Company is currently seeking new employees.
The initial group of miners hired could no longer meet the rapidly escalating demand for orders at this juncture.
This time, Brett did not need to deliver speeches or request assistance. The denizens of Fishman Street eagerly registered for the positions.
After all, mining jobs are well-compensated, and the majority of the mining profits are distributed among them.
They had previously been treated as cattle and horses, and Brett would never wish for his fellow countrymen to endure the same fate.
Consequently, the Fish-Man Island Mining Company embarked on its first phase of expansion.
The exploration of mineral deposits has continued unabated. The promised gold mine to Tezzolo, along with various other minerals, is set for development. Securing financial resources is the prerequisite.
An increasing number of merchant vessels are arriving at Fish-Man Island. Donald, a frequent visitor to Brett, remarked that this influx is due to the dissemination of information regarding Fish-Man Island's mineral resources, enticing many entrepreneurs to seek a share of the wealth.
Brett was undoubtedly pleased to observe the bustling port each day.
'Is this similar to what Shyarly envisioned?'
Tesoro made several visits thereafter, bringing numerous new technologies and equipment, along with skilled workers and designers. Brett became increasingly interested in the prospect of locating gold mines.
Simultaneously, Brett sensed that it was nearly time to commence the construction of the first industrial facilities on Fish-Man Island.
Time flowed slowly in this manner.
…
The site lay in proximity to the seabed beneath the vast bubble enclosing Fish-Man Island. It is uncertain when another enormous bubble will envelop it. Within this bubble stands a series of continuous structures. On the outside, fish-man soldiers are engaged in ongoing patrols.
At this moment, in front of these buildings, the scene outside the gate was illuminated by vibrant lights. King Neptune radiated joy as he addressed a gathering of Fishmen who had come to witness the event, stating,
"I hereby announce that the Fish-Man Island Steelmaking Plant has been established today! "
Brett positioned himself behind Neptune, glancing back at the newly constructed factory with a subtle smile adorning his face.
From the discovery of the first seabed coal mine, through the resolution to construct Fish-Man Island's steelmaking facility, to the official commencement of construction, and finally to the application of bubble technology for addressing technical challenges related to seabed smoke emissions, Brett observed the factory's development step by step.
These represented the inaugural industrial facilities on Fish-Man Island and established a solid foundation for the nation's prosperity and growth.
The current year is 1512 in the Sea calendar, marking the second year since Brett's return to Fish-Man Island and the second year since the island's development initiative began.
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