Chapter 124: Acting? Exercise! Fooling Big mom
After telling Big Mom that Fishman Island would be reclaimed, Brett couldn't simply pretend nothing had happened. He had to make sure Big Mom knew he was taking action.
No doubt, a little bit of noise would quickly reach the Charlotte family's ears - their intelligence network, while not as extensive as the World Government's, was still formidable.
Though he didn't fully understand Brett's plan, Arlong immediately gathered a force of a thousand warriors and several sea beasts at Brett's request.
When Brett stood before them, one captain couldn't help but ask, "Director, are we really going to the Dragon Palace?"
"Yes," Brett replied simply. Explanations could wait - for now, he just needed them to play their part.
The captain seemed to grasp the gist of it. He gritted his teeth and nodded firmly. "Very well! Give the order, Director Brett, and we'll be ready!"
"That's right!" the others shouted in agreement.
Brett suppressed a wince. He'd have to clarify things later, lest these eager soldiers truly believe they were about to defy the royal succession laws.
"In any case, let's go," he said, boarding the leviathan at the head of the group.
The sea beasts, their coating rings already prepared, took to the skies toward the Dragon Palace above Fishman Island. The residents below watched anxiously, already speculating about the conflict between Brett and King Neptune.
In the Mermaid Cafe, the mermaids surrounded Shyarly in distress.
"Shyarly, why aren't you stopping that fool Brett right now?! Only you can get through to him!"
Shyarly rolled her eyes. "You idiots, I don't need to do anything. Brett won't let you down."
"Eh?"
At the gates of the Dragon Palace, Fukaboshi stood ready, trident in hand. His Armament Haki was visibly coiled around the weapon.
"Director Brett, what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
Brett couldn't help but feel a touch of pride. "I simply wish to have a word with Neptune."
"Bringing so many in such an aggressive manner is hardly the proper attitude for a discussion!" Fukaboshi chastised.
"So, you intend to stop me?" Brett sneered.
"Let him come," Neptune's voice boomed as the gates opened. The king floated out, Jinbei at his side. "If you wish to talk, then come inside."
Brett nodded and turned to his subordinates. "Wait for me here."
Alone, he followed Neptune and Jinbei into the palace.
The soldiers outside tensed, weapons at the ready - just waiting for Brett's order. Fukaboshi sighed, knowing this was all just an act, even if the citizens didn't realize it.
Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the palace, blowing away a sizable portion. Both the Dragon Palace and Immigration Bureau soldiers gripped their weapons, poised to strike.
But inside, Brett and Jinbe were sparring in earnest, electricity crackling around the former.
"Not bad, Brett," Jinbei laughed. "You've really improved!"
"I haven't even gone all out yet, brother Jinbe," Brett grinned, his arms darkened by Armament Haki. "Can't you keep up?"
"Don't be so arrogant, you brat!" Jinbei charged forward.
Neptune watched anxiously from the sidelines. "You two, please be careful! This palace has been passed down for generations!"
"Consider it a renovation," Brett quipped, trading blows with Jinbei.
Eventually they broke apart. "That should be enough. It's time for Queen Otohime to take the stage," Jinbei said.
"Are you sure there won't be any problems?" Neptune fretted.
"You have to trust your Queen" Brett assured him. "As long as Otohime cries, everyone will believe her."
Jinbei nodded in agreement. "Otohime has that kind of power."
Outside, the tense soldiers heard the commotion cease, then watched as Brett, Neptune, and Jinbe emerged smiling.
"Haha, you can all stand down! Today's drill was a success!" Brett announced.
"Yes, this was merely an exercise that Brett and I agreed upon," Neptune confirmed.
The soldiers relaxed, though doubts lingered. Was this truly just a drill?
Meanwhile, Otohime rushed to the Square, her emotional speech putting the residents at ease. Brett's and Dragon palace's harmonious relationship was reaffirmed, the "fake news" dismissed.
Most were willing to believe, though a few remained skeptical. But that didn't matter - Otohime's sincerity would eventually win them over.
Back at Immigration HQ, Brett received a call from Perospero.
"So Jinbei won't let either of us bring the Whitebeard or Charlotte forces to Fishman Island, huh?" the sweet executive mused. "Looks like you'll have to win the people's support through peaceful competition."
"Exactly," Brett said, suppressing a smile. "He said he'll back whichever side the people choose. Otherwise, he'll ask the government for assistance as a Warlord."
Perospero sighed. "I'll inform Mother right away."
As the call ended, Brett's smile finally broke free. 'My acting skills still hold up, it seems.'
Time to gather the captains and debrief them.
On Cake Island, Charlotte Linlin fumed. "Damn Jinbei, how dare he interfere?!"
Perospero shook his head. "It's difficult for us to directly intervene in Fishman Island. Even if I wanted to eliminate Jinbei, I doubt Brett would allow it."
"Well, we'll just have to see how that brat Brett performs," Charlotte Linlin growled. "If he needs any help, I'll be sure to provide it!"
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