Ryugu Kingdom
Reddy, accompanied by Prince Fukaboshi, toured around the Ryugu Kingdom.
The various undersea treasures openly displayed in the Ryugu Kingdom left him in awe.
These treasures might not be considered extremely valuable on Fish-Man Island, but outside, they would undoubtedly trigger a frenzy among nobles.
"Dr. Reddy..."
Prince Fukaboshi seemed hesitant.
Earlier, Reddy had expressed his willingness to engage in deep cooperation with Fish-Man Island, which had excited him.
With the protection of the fifth Emperor of the Sea, even if his father King Neptune was unwilling to ask for help in raising Fish-Man Island, most pirate crews attempting to pass through Fish-Man Island to enter the New World would have to behave much more cautiously.
However, when Reddy mentioned that Fish-Man Island needed a thorough purge, he became conflicted.
He had inherited the kindness of his mother, Queen Otohime, and could not bear to see people mercilessly purged.
Even though he knew those people deserved it.
"Prince, what was Queen Otohime's final wish?"
Prince Fukaboshi did not expect Reddy to suddenly bring up his deceased mother. After a brief moment of confusion, he answered immediately.
"Mother's final wish was for Fish-Man Island and humans to coexist peacefully."
"What is the biggest obstacle to fulfilling Queen Otohime's wish?"
"Uh..."
Prince Fukaboshi was momentarily speechless, understanding what Reddy meant.
On the surface, it seemed that human discrimination against fish-men led to the rise of Fish-Man Supremacists.
However, from another perspective, these supremacists were undoubtedly a malignant tumor. No matter how much effort the Ryugu Kingdom put in, if humans were attacked by these extremists, all efforts would be in vain.
Because humans would never allow these extremists to continue existing.
Realizing this, Prince Fukaboshi had nothing more to say.
A thorough purge of Fish-Man Island would be immensely beneficial, whether they chose to align with Reddy or remain a World Government-affiliated nation.
Reddy did not continue discussing this topic.
Though young and inexperienced, Prince Fukaboshi was still King Neptune's favored heir. Reddy smoothly changed the subject:
"Prince Fukaboshi, the giant Sea Kings Dr. Reddy requested will take some time to deliver. I can take you on a tour of Fish-Man Island."
Prince Fukaboshi then introduced Sea Forest and other famous tourist spots on Fish-Man Island.
"I will stay on Fish-Man Island for three days."
Reddy smiled, indicating that he had too many matters to attend to and could not stay long.
The implicit message was that King Neptune had only three days to decide whether to engage in deep cooperation with Reddy.
Previously, Prince Fukaboshi had a very positive impression of Reddy, believing this man was not as evil as the World Government portrayed him. Instead, he found Reddy polite and amiable.
Now, though Reddy was still smiling, Prince Fukaboshi felt a chill, experiencing for the first time the domineering presence of the man known as the fifth Emperor of the Sea.
He did not even need to think to understand that Reddy was giving Fish-Man Island only three days.
If Fish-Man Island refused to cooperate deeply with Reddy, it would lose the opportunity Jinbe had painstakingly secured.
On the surface, Fish-Man Island would suffer no losses, and he believed Reddy would not attack them. However, in reality, they would lose the hope of the fish-man race living under the sun.
Thinking of this, Prince Fukaboshi broke into a cold sweat and forced a smile to defend his father, King Neptune:
"Father will definitely make a decision that satisfies everyone."
"You should not remain so weak-willed."
While Prince Fukaboshi accompanied Reddy on the tour, King Neptune summoned his left and right ministers, his two younger sons, and Jinbe to discuss Reddy's proposal.
Jinbe's response shocked King Neptune and the others.
None of those present were fools, including King Neptune's two younger sons.
They were all aware of the rapid spread of Fish-Man Supremacist ideology on Fish-Man Island.
However, they shared Jinbe's perspective.
After all, these were their fellow fish-men. If the Ryugu Kingdom could not secure the right to live under the sun through the Reverie, perhaps the supremacists could lead Fish-Man Island down a different path.
Yet Jinbe was now criticizing King Neptune for being too weak?
"Jinbe, you..."
The Right Minister angrily tried to reprimand Jinbe for daring to criticize King Neptune, but Jinbe firmly interrupted him.
Jinbe said solemnly:
"We can no longer hesitate. We will lose the only chance for the fish-men and merfolk to fulfill their dreams."
"I admit I once had selfish motives, turning a blind eye and even enabling those people."
"But now I understand."
"Dr. Reddy is right. Short-term pain is better than long-term suffering. A thorough purge of Fish-Man Island is necessary."
"I am willing to personally lead this mission."
"Please!"
After speaking, Jinbe performed a deep bow to show his sincerity.
King Neptune and the others fell silent.
Before Jinbe spoke these words, no one could have imagined that this man, known as the "Knight of the Sea", would have such resolve.
The third prince, Manboshi, said anxiously:
"But those people have grown very powerful now."
King Neptune and the others nodded silently.
The Fish-Man Supremacist ideology was no longer confined to Fish-Man District. It had already spread across the entire island.
Even the Neptune Army and the Ryugu Kingdom guards had been infiltrated by this extremist ideology.
A purge... The second prince, Ryuboshi, shuddered.
Countless would die.
Even those not directly affected would be terrified by the bloody scenes, causing them to distrust the Ryugu Kingdom.
With just a small spark, Fish-Man Island... Ryuboshi dared not imagine further.
It would be a disaster.
"We have Dr. Reddy."
Jinbe raised his head, his face filled with guilt.
"Though I feel deeply ashamed toward Dr. Reddy, this is the only way... I will lead the purge as one of Dr. Reddy's subordinates."
"I believe no one on the island would dare openly oppose Dr. Reddy."
"Afterward, I hope the Ryugu Kingdom can reassure the people."
King Neptune looked at the remorseful Jinbe, his expression complicated.
"Doing this will cost you your reputation on Fish-Man Island. You might even be seen as a traitor."
Jinbe straightened up and laughed heartily.
"I only wish to fulfill the final wishes of Fisher Tiger and Queen Otohime. Even if I am seen as a traitor to Fish-Man Island, it does not matter."
After a brief pause, he sighed regretfully.
"It's just a shame that Fish-Man Island cannot join Dr. Reddy's faction."
Before voicing his resolution, Jinbe had already prepared himself mentally.
The Ryugu Kingdom was indeed unsuitable for leading the purge, but Reddy, as an Emperor of the Sea, was the perfect candidate.
If such a prominent figure faced an assassination attempt without retaliation, it would only raise suspicions.
Thus, he had resolved to fully dedicate himself to Reddy, repaying his kindness to Fish-Man Island.
As for Fish-Man Island's future... Jinbe believed it would be bright, though he regretted his earlier plan to persuade the Ryugu Kingdom to invest in New Loguetown's entertainment district.
But even without investing in the entertainment district, Fish-Man Island's wealth was sufficient for its people to live well.
Moreover, unlike the violent women of Amazon Lily, the fish-men and merfolk had many means of livelihood.
He trusted that Reddy would not impose restrictions on Fish-Man Island because of this.
King Neptune struggled internally, remaining silent for a long time before finally sighing.
"Everything is in your hands, Jinbe."
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