With Michael's explanation, Garp finally gave a slow nod, half-understanding.
Though Garp was the very model of wisdom hidden behind simplicity, he was never one for fine detail.
"So, you're saying not only did the Navy gain a new source of powerful recruits, but also secured extra military funding, and the external pressure has been greatly reduced?" Garp widened his eyes, a touch of disbelief in his voice. "All that from a single cooperation treaty?"
"Let's just say, we really ought to thank the World Government for this one." Michael's smile carried a trace of sarcasm. "If they hadn't decided, at this very moment, to stir up trouble on behalf of the Celestial Dragons, I wouldn't have had the chance to intervene on Fish-Man Island."
In his original plan, he had intended to step in only when Queen Otohime began her "public petition" campaign and was attacked.
At that time, he would save Queen Otohime, revive Fish-Man Island's fortunes, and ensure the entire Ryugu Kingdom was indebted to him.
But that would have taken years.
Who would've thought—just as he was dozing off, someone would hand him a pillow!
Sometimes, the help an enemy gives you is greater than that from any ally.
And Whitebeard's sudden involvement was the perfect stroke of luck.
Just as Garp summed it up: one stone, three birds.
"Of course, right now this is only the rough outline of the treaty. Discussing it over drinks is all well and good, but it's not the right time to hammer out the details." Michael smiled. "After tonight, we'll head to Ryugu Castle again to finalize the terms."
"Then is there anything we need to prepare in advance?"
Garp's question reminded Michael of something.
"There is, actually…" Michael gave a sly grin. "A three-way alliance between the Navy, pirates, and Fish-Man Island—something this unprecedented—absolutely needs the media to hype it up! For this kind of thing, media hype beats a thousand troops."
"Alright, I get it." Garp's expression lit with understanding. "I'll contact that old bird Morgans right away."
...
The next day, at noon.
After the grand banquet the day before, only the leaders from each side returned to Ryugu Castle.
Michael and Garp. Whitebeard and Marco.
On the Ryugu side, along with Neptune and Queen Otohime, Fisher Tiger and Jinbe were waiting in the palace.
"Kurararara! I know it's already a done deal, but I'm still curious…" Whitebeard bellowed in laughter when he saw Michael. "Why would the Navy so easily agree to a treaty like this? Normally, they and the World Government are of one mind, aren't they?"
"That was the past." Michael shook his head. "The Navy is going to take a path completely different from before."
"And the fact that I have Fleet Admiral Sengoku's authorization is proof enough. Once this treaty is officially signed, there will definitely be dissent within the Navy, but they're not stupid. If we don't sign, what—go to war with the Whitebeard Pirates?"
"Straightforward, aren't you?" Whitebeard's eyes gleamed with appreciation. "I could have taken all of Fish-Man Island for myself, and now I've got to share it with you."
"What would you even do with it if you took it? Develop trade? Build a stronger force?" Michael rolled his eyes. "Now you'll be getting ten percent of Fish-Man Island's future trade profits! That's real, tangible benefit."
Michael knew full well that Whitebeard himself had no interest in such profits—but he still needed to give his "sons" an explanation.
Seeing that Whitebeard had no further questions, Michael nodded and turned to the Ryugu Kingdom's side.
"Regarding the matters I mentioned before, do you have any opinions or suggestions?"
Neptune made no attempt to hide his thoughts, and looked straight to Queen Otohime.
The queen pondered for a moment before speaking.
"I have a few questions."
"Please, Your Majesty."
"Since the Navy is going to establish a base here… who will be assigned to garrison it?"
"If nothing unexpected happens, I'll be in charge of that," Michael answered calmly. "After all, the others already have their own territories to defend. If we suddenly add a new base, it's hard for them to rearrange things."
"However, I'm also the head of the Secret Special Force and the Navy's Alabasta branch, so I won't be staying in one place for long…"
"That's fine." Queen Otohime nodded in satisfaction. "As long as you're the one responsible, that's enough… We don't trust anyone else. My second question is, will the World Government…"
"The World Government? Why bother with them?" Michael's smile turned cold. "Fish-Man Island is no longer a member nation of the World Government, so why should we care about them? If they dare send people, we'll send them to the afterlife right here on the seafloor. Do they think Fish-Man Island is easy prey?"
Queen Otohime was stunned. This Navy officer…
He actually sounded like he held a grudge against the World Government!
"Hahahaha! Rear Admiral Michael, I like the way you think!" Fisher Tiger's opinion of him shot up.
"Queen Otohime, leave this matter to me. Even if we're no longer a member nation, we shouldn't let the Ryugu Kingdom get tangled up in this."
Michael and Fisher Tiger's words put Queen Otohime's mind at ease.
After all, with Fish-Man Island's natural defenses, if they truly steeled themselves, they could become an almost unassailable fortress beneath the waves.
"In that case, let's drink this cup of wine to seal our agreement!"
"…Damn it! You old man, all you ever think about is drinking, huh?!"
...
Mary Geoise.
The Five Elders sat on their sofas, waiting for news that Fish-Man Island had fallen into lawlessness.
"Sacrificing Fish-Man Island to keep the people in Pangaea Castle in line—it's worth it."
"Sengoku should have already sent someone to take over the island, right? Then we'll have the Navy hand it over to CP."
They were just about ready to pop the champagne.
But overnight—the situation flipped on its head.
"Report! Th-this is the latest issue of the World Economic News!"
A trembling attendant handed each of the Five Elders a copy.
The moment they unfolded the papers, their blood pressure spiked.
The World Economic News had dedicated two full spreads to a story that would shock the entire world!
"Navy, Whitebeard Pirates, and Fish-Man Island—forming a three-way alliance?"
"Joint garrison? Neutral trade buffer zone?"
"Mermaid and fish-man trafficking to be hunted down by both the Navy and Whitebeard Pirates?"
"What the hell is all this?!"
"Contact Sengoku immediately!"
"Is the Navy trying to rebel?!"
---
(For each review +1 additional chapter)
read +140 chapters on Patreon tambeerg