Chapter 95: We Will Return in Triumph
Regarding the slave trade, whether it's the seller, the buyer, or the transporter, all share the same guilt.
And the place with the greatest demand for slaves has always been on the Red Line.
Mary Geoise, this magnificent place, is a paradise for the Celestial Dragons and a place of yearning for nobles, yet it is the root of suffering for many more.
The number of slaves who died there, or even wished for death but couldn't get it, is countless.
"You want to... liberate all the slaves on the Red Line?"
In Ryugu Palace, Amphelite found it hard to believe what she was hearing, even if the person saying it was Nereus.
She knew Nereus was cracking down on the slave trade, but whether targeting slave traders or human auction houses, compared to what Nereus was about to do now, it all seemed insignificant.
"That's the headquarters of the World Government. Even if you are strong enough, still..."
"Amphe, from the moment I decided to change this world, these were all things that would eventually be done.
I won't do things I'm not confident about. Since I dare to do this, naturally, I have the confidence and the backing to do so."
Regarding the slave issue, the World Government actually didn't place that much importance on it. After all, Fisher Tiger was able to go to the Red Line and liberate those slaves back then.
Even in the subsequent pursuit, the strongest person sent was Borsalino (Kizaru), who was still a Vice Admiral at the time. The reason Nereus was making ample preparations was simply because the commotion he intended to cause would be much larger.
"Fish-man Island needs to step onto the world stage, and stepping onto the world stage requires a title. On the sea, I can be considered famous, but that's as a pirate.
No matter what I do, once labeled a 'pirate' by the World Government, as long as the World Government still exists, it will ultimately be infamy."
Past events have proven that seeking stability or hiding is useless. Fish-man Island's avoidance only resulted in a worse environment.
Unless, like Vander Decken VIII said, they waited for the world to be submerged by the ocean. By then, Fish-man Island would naturally occupy a more proactive position.
"Those people in the World Government... won't change your reputation just because you liberated those slaves."
"Of course I know that. But that kind of thing doesn't matter. Even being crowned 'The Most Vicious Criminal' isn't a big deal.
This liberation movement is destined to be known by the world. Someone in the world will realize that what we pursue is true freedom and liberation.
Besides, this is just a declaration of force. I want to tell those guys on the Red Line that the sky of this world has begun to change."
Weak nations have no diplomacy; this is an immutable truth.
When you are weak, no one takes you seriously. But when you challenge 18 factions alone and beat everyone into submission, the world will re-evaluate you.
A legitimate enough reason, sufficient martial power, and a formal enough beginning—this is Nereus's purpose.
Liberating slaves is the direct result and goal, but not the fundamental purpose.
"I'll go with you."
"No."
"Why? After eating that fruit, my strength has improved by more than one tier. Battles of the previous level can't do anything to me. Even your top executives don't want to fight me."
Sebastian and the others really didn't want to fight Amphelite. Whether she was the "Sister-in-law" or not wasn't important; the main thing was that she was truly troublesome.
After fighting for half a day, you find the opponent's health bar hasn't moved, only mana being consumed. And after mana is consumed, she can continue to recover health. Unless it's a fight to the death, a sparring match with such an opponent could go on for months without end.
"Because that is the Red Line. The Red Line is the homeland of all you Lunarians, right?"
"Perhaps, but I wasn't born there. What does that have to do with anything?"
"Just avoiding risks. When I come back, I'll explain these things to you slowly. During this time, just guard Fish-man Island for me.
Others will be responsible for underwater battles. As for pirates who land on the island, I entrust them to you.
Nanamo! You too. This matter isn't something a child like you can participate in!"
After instructing Amphelite on some matters, Nereus turned his head and spoke sternly to a pillar nearby.
Nanamo was currently hiding behind this pillar. Seeing Nereus had discovered her, she didn't shy away and walked out directly.
"Papa~"
"Calling me anything won't work. You also stay honestly on Fish-man Island and guard it.
Hermes, stop hiding. Come with me; you'll be useful this time."
Nereus catching Hermes was partly because he really needed it, and partly to cut off the possibility of Nanamo following him.
Without Hermes as a means of transport, many things would be inconvenient for her to do.
"Lord Nereus, as the most loyal subject to Princess Nanamo, I believe that during your absence, I should stay by Princess Nanamo's side to protect her safety!"
Hermes gave a reason righteously, but it was directly rejected by Nanamo, who even ordered it to work hard on her behalf.
"You're a cloud; you can't die. What are you afraid of?"
"I used to think so too, but Princess Nanamo... let's not mention Lord Nereus and Mama, look at that woman's blue flames, and that skeleton...
I feel this world still poses too many threats to me..."
There weren't many people in this world who could launch soul attacks, but unfortunately, Hermes knew almost all of them. This gave Hermes a constant sense of crisis.
However, Nereus didn't need Hermes to participate in combat; it was mainly to act as a weather weapon.
Even though Hermes felt the plan wasn't cautious enough, it was still dragged into the conference room. Those present were all members of the original Fish-man Pirates and Nereus's trusted old subordinates.
"Everyone, the time for action has arrived. I assume you all know the target of this plan.
Your main mission is to occupy the Red Port and handle the reception work. I will deal with the troublesome guys.
If the situation turns bad, retreat immediately. Is that understood?"
"Yes!"
Nereus spoke as if giving orders, not asking for opinions. At a time like this, they only needed to obey.
"Don't worry. I asked the most professional fortune teller on Fish-man Island. Our operation this time will surely return in triumph."
Nereus himself didn't believe much in prophecies, as anything related to time became very mysterious.
The logic of "it happened because you asked" wasn't non-existent.
But this was the traditional culture of Fish-man Island. Locals believed in divination results. Just like those who believed in the Holy Light would erupt with higher combat power after receiving affirmation from the Holy Light.
Words from a senior fortune teller of Fish-man Island could influence the citizens' conviction to a certain extent, making it a good propaganda platform.
"Big Bro, the stuff is ready. The new King of Alabasta is destroying this stuff, so the current production isn't high. This is pretty much the entire stock."
Babel brought out several gunny sacks, filled to the brim with green powder.
This wasn't some special contraband drug, but Dance Powder.
A "weather weapon" invented by countries with little rain.
As long as this powder is burned and the resulting smoke enters the sky, it will attract surrounding clouds to gather, causing rain in the vicinity.
The price is that countries downwind will lose the rainfall that belonged to them.
Just like stealing water during a drought, using this powder could even trigger large-scale wars between countries, so it has always been contraband.
It's contraband in arid regions where rash use causes war. In rainy regions, it's useless, so its circulation isn't wide; it's even somewhat useless.
But for the Fish-man race, it's different. This stuff can even count as strategic material, capable of turning the environment into an area more suitable for their combat.
The vicinity of the Red Line isn't a water-scarce area, so using Dance Powder won't harm neighboring countries.
"The stuff from Wobbegong's side has also been retrieved. He said that Vegapunk also participated in the research. Once activated, for the entire night, no radio waves will be transmitted out of the Red Port.
But correspondingly, while this jammer is in effect, we also cannot contact the outside world, or even contact you, Big Bro, up on the Red Line."
Sunbell also took out several strange-looking objects from a box. Seemingly to prevent accidental activation, this thing was designed for dummy-proof operation, with only a huge mechanical lever as a switch.
The Red Port is very close to Marineford. To prevent Marine reinforcements from arriving, stopping the spread of information is an effective method.
The later the news gets out, the slower the Marine reinforcements, and the more convenient the subsequent retreat work.
"That's why we need a detailed plan. Babel, Sunbell, Sebastian, your mission is to hold the Red Port. During this process, if any Marine warships approach, sink them directly.
Resolve battles in the sea as much as possible."
Nereus unfolded a map. It was a topographic map of the Red Port, where the main defense deployments of the garrison were clearly marked.
On the nautical chart around the Red Port, the possible directions of Marine reinforcements were also marked.
Nereus didn't know how Tiger accomplished the task back then, but for him to do this, he naturally had to make ample preparations.
Not just capability issues, but other aspects were also considered.
"Big Pan, you have to go up to the Red Line with me. Your Fruit ability will play a big role this time. Remember to listen to my orders, understood?"
Then Nereus looked at Big Pan beside him. After months of intensified training, Big Pan had finally mastered the usage of the Slippery-Slippery Fruit, making his movements much more convenient.
"And you, Hermes. Your task is heavy. This Dance Powder is entrusted to you."
The conventional usage of Dance Powder is naturally burning, but with Hermes, a Homie, Nereus naturally had a new usage.
As long as Hermes ate all this Dance Powder, it could turn into a walking rainfall weather bomb, able to better control the range of rain clouds.
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