Saint Nasujuro looked at King Neptune, who had just spoken, and instead of showing any displeasure, he smiled warmly and nodded at the Sea God.
"King Neptune, do you have any suggestions? Please, speak freely."
The moment he said that, the other kings from the World Government's member nations all showed shocked expressions.
What's going on here?
What's this supposed to mean!?
Isn't it just that the Ryugu Kingdom made a fortune by establishing a neutral trade zone with the cooperation of the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates!?
Aren't you Celestial Dragons, the so-called most noble beings in the world!?
And now you're acting all subservient like this? Then what does that make the rest of us!?
Truly, this was the definition of heartbreak — not when you become someone's lapdog, but when the god or goddess you worship turns around and becomes someone else's lapdog.
"It's merely a few immature suggestions... The World Government wishes to increase the Heavenly Tribute, and our Ryugu Kingdom has no objection. However, at the same time, we hope that the money we contribute will be properly spent — used only for the intended purpose. That's not a problem, is it?"
Neptune's voice echoed through the grand hall.
"If that can be guaranteed, our Ryugu Kingdom is willing to contribute three times the Heavenly Tribute."
Three times.
This wasn't merely a matter of wealth anymore — it was outright domination.
Many nations had to scrape every corner of their lands, draining the blood and sweat of their citizens, just to barely gather enough Heavenly Tribute for their annual tribute.
But the Ryugu Kingdom just offered three times that amount!
Nasujuro Saint's proposal was to increase the tribute of Heavenly Tribute. None of the countries dared voice opposition, but in their hearts, many were grumbling…
Though the Five Elders said it was for "war preparation," who really knew if that wasn't just another convenient excuse?
After all, many royal families loved nothing more than to imitate the Celestial Dragons' tyranny and indulgence.
Did they really not know how despicable the Celestial Dragons were?
Of course they did — but right now, that no longer mattered.
The rich had spoken.
Even those kings who had always looked down on Fishmen and Merfolk couldn't help but glance at Neptune with envy in their eyes.
Damn, having money really makes all the difference!
Why wasn't that neutral trade zone between the Marines and Whitebeard Pirates established in their countries!?
Naturally, they ignored the fact that Fishman Island was already overflowing with wealth and resources.
To these people, the most valuable thing on Fishman Island had always been the Fishmen and Merfolk themselves.
"All the kings present need not worry about this matter… Since I proposed the increase in Heavenly Tribute for the sake of war preparedness, then of course, it will be used exclusively for that purpose."
Saint Nasujuro nodded calmly.
Because this time, the Five Elders truly did intend for the funds to be used properly.
As for those obese, brain-dead Celestial Dragons living in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise — not to mention outsiders — even the Five Elders and the God's Knights, the elites among the Celestial Dragons, looked down on them.
But they still had to be maintained, and their spending habits were ridiculous.
In fact, when Fisher Tiger had liberated the slaves of Mary Geoise, the Five Elders had already received word about it — and deliberately turned a blind eye.
Sure, their reputation took a small hit, but it was worth it to cut off all expenses related to slavery from those bloated parasites.
After all, ever since the Secret Special Force led by Michael had nearly eradicated the slave trade, the cost of buying a slave skyrocketed tenfold, sometimes dozens of times — and the quality had plummeted.
Even the World Government couldn't afford that anymore!
"If the Five Elders can ensure that the funds are used exclusively for war preparations, then our Ryugu Kingdom fully supports the proposal."
"Thank you very much, King Neptune."
Saint Nasujuro nodded to Neptune and then turned to the other kings.
"Next, we shall proceed to a vote."
"Starting next year, we will increase the Heavenly Tribute by thirty percent! The extra funds will be reserved exclusively for war preparations!"
After he spoke, Neptune was the first to raise his hand in agreement.
Even so, many kings still hesitated.
The truth was simple… they just didn't have the money.
At that moment, from the side gallery, Michael suddenly began coughing violently, as if water had gone down the wrong pipe.
Then, Neptune spoke again.
"Everyone, there's no need to hesitate. If your concern is financial difficulty, our Ryugu Kingdom is willing to purchase resources your nations have for sale — or even lend you funds directly. The interest will be minimal, and repayment can be made in installments."
After saying this long statement, Neptune instinctively glanced in Michael's direction.
Michael, still coughing lightly, nodded with a faint smile and cleared his throat.
This… was something Neptune and Michael had planned beforehand.
Since the World Government — along with those same member nations that had once kicked the Ryugu Kingdom out — now wanted to bring them back in, they weren't about to let them off so easily.
Michael had reasoned: if the World Government wants more Heavenly Tribute, some countries will surely want to stay in the alliance to enjoy its privileges.
But what if they can't afford it?
Then they'll sell their lands and assets — or take loans!
And from this day onward, Fishman Island would become the single greatest creditor nation in the world.
It would tower above every other country.
Even Neptune, who was usually the picture of honesty and goodwill, couldn't help but give Michael a thumbs-up, praising him for being "even craftier than I imagined."
Michael just smiled.
This was nothing yet.
He hadn't even brought out the small loans and cutthroat interest tricks.
In short, with Neptune's declaration, all the hesitant nations raised their hands.
The first agenda item passed unanimously under Neptune's proposal.
Michael sat in the observer's seat, looking solemn and dignified — almost saintly.
"Hey, brat, if you wanna laugh, just laugh already!"
Garp nudged Michael in the shoulder with his massive elbow and whispered,
"The day those kings remember this scene, they'll be beating their chests and wishing they could tear you to pieces!"
"Tch, don't slander me for no reason, old lamp! It's not my doing — it was Neptune's idea all along..."
"Has nothing to do with me, nope, not at all."
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