"There's nothing to thank me for."
Shano shrugged: "I just did what was best for the interests of the territory. Not all the members of the Charlotte family are villains, some even have a good reputation among the populace. I kept them to ensure the stability of Ten Thousand Nations."
After the war ended, how to deal with the Charlotte family became a difficult problem, and the members of Endgame argued endlessly about it.
In the end, Shano took the initiative to make a decision, deal with it pragmatically, and not resort to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Those with a bad reputation, and those hostile to Endgame, were all thrown into prison, while the rest were free to decide whether to stay or leave.
Ultimately, most chose to leave.
Someone like Smoothie seemed quite dispirited, her will weakened, as she planned to find a place to retire in the South Sea.
There were also some of Charlotte's younger children who were full of ambition, thinking that their mother had previously limited them, and wanted to start exploring the Grand Line anew.
Meanwhile, Katakuri and Perospero, among the older brothers, had a unified mindset to protect these younger siblings until each found their own place.
"No matter what, I will remember your kindness."
Katakuri solemnly bowed:
"Endgame... or rather, your grand vision, I know a little. If in the future, that day truly comes, and I can catch up, I will definitely come to offer my help, to repay this kindness."
"Hearing it like that indeed makes one look forward to it, doesn't it?"
Shano was slightly stunned, a bit surprised, "Talking to smart people is satisfying, hey, you guy, saying it like this, you really don't seem to hate me at all?"
"Ultimately, it's just that mother's death was brought upon herself; it can't be blamed on you."
Katakuri chuckled bitterly, shook his head, with eyes that couldn't hide the fatigue:
"From a long time ago, I've exhausted my efforts trying to stop mother's various willful actions... I knew this day would come, I just didn't expect it to come so quickly."
Truly, from a long, long time ago, it has been very tiring...
If not for the younger siblings, the name of Charlotte or the title of the undefeated man, I wouldn't have wanted to bear them long ago.
"It's getting late."
Katakuri took a deep breath, hid his emotions, and walked towards the edge of the terrace, "Well then, farewell, Lord Shano."
Shano chuckled softly:
"Have a safe journey; if you change your mind, you're always welcome back."
Katakuri waved his hand behind him and leapt off the top of the castle.
Shano walked to the edge and watched that tall figure steadily land on a small boat at the port.
Already gathered on the boat were more than a dozen children of the Charlotte family, waving to Katakuri as he returned.
The small boat gradually sailed away from the port, becoming a small black dot on the sea surface, with Shano watching the departing vessel until it completely disappeared from view.
Only then did he return to the terrace below.
The sea breeze remained gentle, and the sunlight still bright.
Shano stretched lazily, just lifted the coffee he hadn't finished, when suddenly a deep voice came from behind:
"Your Excellency, if I may be frank, letting them go like this, is it really okay?"
"What, worried about them seeking revenge in the future?"
Shano remained unmoved, sipping his coffee casually, "That guy, after all, is Katakuri. If he truly wanted revenge, he would say it openly. Besides..."
He turned his head, looked at the blue Fishman who appeared before him, and smiled slightly:
"If one doesn't even have this bit of forbearance, then what talk is there of changing the world? And how could he forgive you, right, Jinbe?"