Compared to when they headed to Wano Country, Hermes had grown quite a bit larger. Not only were there a few more people on its back, but its belly was also filled with carp fingerlings caught from the outer sea.
"I thought even the young of these carp would be huge, but they're actually this small."
"Marine creatures are quite special to begin with. Besides, compared to ordinary carp, they're already pretty large."
Because Hermes was essentially made of clouds, it could create an observation opening on its back if it wanted. Through it, several fist-sized koi could be seen swimming back and forth inside.
Due to its unique bubble membrane structure, Ryugu Palace was essentially independent. Because of their living habits, ever since Nereus took power, the interior of Ryugu Palace had remained a waterless environment.
However, seawater still existed in the outer layer of the bubble membrane, where some ornamental fish were kept. Nanamo planned to carve out an area there first to raise these carp.
"Rumbleeee…"
Just as Nanamo was planning how to arrange the koi, a strange sound suddenly came from beside her.
Very quickly, she discovered the source; it was Nekomamushi's stomach. She could even see drool dripping from the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, hey, hey! These aren't for you to eat! Get that look under control, your drool is coming out! Don't scare the fish!"
"Sorry…"
After being called out, Nekomamushi noticed the drool at the corner of his mouth, wiped it off with his sleeve, and forced himself not to look at the fish anymore.
It wasn't because he was a cat Mink and therefore more interested in fish. Rather, fish were the primary source of meat for all Minks.
Because Mokomo Dukedom was located on Zunesha's back, it had no pastures or similar places. However, every time Zunesha sprayed water onto its back, it would bring along large schools of fish. Over the years, the Minks had long developed fixed dietary habits.
Previously, they had been drifting at sea and nearly got captured and burned alive, so they hadn't paid attention to their hunger.
At first, when they rode on Hermes's back and saw the sky from above for the first time, they were captivated by the novelty. But once everything settled down, a strong sense of hunger suddenly rose from their stomachs.
"If you're hungry, just say it. Make do with some dry rations first. Fishman Island's biscuits are considered a rare delicacy worldwide."
Nekomamushi's stomach growling was just the trigger; Inuarashi and Kawamatsu and his mother weren't in much better condition.
After Nanamo patted Big Pan's leg, Big Pan pulled out a large pack of food from his bag. Though it was only dry rations, it was enough to fill their stomachs.
There were no surprises along the way. In Dressrosa, Nereus successfully obtained the Eve sapling cultivated by the Tontatta Tribe.
"Mission accomplished, Nereland. This seed of yours was really difficult to cultivate. To put it into perspective, it's the first time we've seen such a fragile 'infant.'
It wouldn't have taken this long originally, but if we had handed it over to you directly, it might not have survived, so we spent extra time on it.
Now, as long as this sapling is planted in a suitable area, it will grow naturally!"
The Tontatta Tribe proudly brought out a large flowerpot. Given their size, crafting such a pot had taken considerable effort.
At this moment, Gancho was walking back and forth on top of the pot, emphasizing to Nereus the details that needed attention during transplantation.
"Thank you, Gancho. This sapling is very important to the Ryugu Kingdom. However… just one is not enough for us.
I hope the Tontatta Tribe can cultivate more seeds of this tree for us.
Of course, last time it was help between friends. This time, it's cooperation between nations. Whatever cost is required to cultivate these saplings, you can name it."
"It's that important to you? Then we should indeed help with this."
Due to the nature of the Tontatta Tribe, Gancho trusted Nereus immediately without the slightest doubt.
"It is indeed troublesome to cultivate, but that's because it was our first time handling it. Doing similar work afterward will be much easier.
As for compensation… it doesn't seem necessary. How about this! We really want to know how Noland's descendants are doing! If possible, could you bring his descendants here for us to meet?
After all, they're the descendants of a hero. We'd like to know how they are doing now."
"Noland's descendants… I understand. It will take some time. If he's willing, I'll bring him here. I owe you a favor, if you ever need help in the future, just say the word."
When it came to cultivating Eve, the dwarves were the most reliable choice. Compared to rare Devil Fruit users, nearly all members of the Tontatta Tribe could accomplish this, making them a far more stable cultivation base.
As for meeting Noland's descendants, that wasn't difficult either. Noland wasn't without living descendants, and the country they resided in was widely known.
When there was time to go there, he could simply ask whether the other party was willing to come.
For now, Nereus planned to temporarily plant this sapling on Delta Island. Around that island were many deep blue holes; once the roots of this new Eve extended and grew, underwater development could be greatly improved.
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were also brought here. Nereus contacted Fishman Island as well and called Luna over.
During this period, Luna had grown very close to Rachel. Since both of their attack methods involved electricity, they had exchanged quite a bit of experience.
"Inuarashi? Nekomamushi? Your Majesty Nereus, where did you pick those two up from?"
"Wano Country. Just like you back then, they set out to sea driven by curiosity."
"Wano Country? I remember hearing before that Zou Island and Wano Country had some kind of brotherly alliance…"
The age difference wasn't large, and with Zou Island's small population, Luna knew them as well. They had even played together in the past.
Hearing the name Wano Country, Luna felt it sounded familiar. After thinking for a moment, she recalled what the elders had once said.
"That's all a lie!"
"That's right! Everything Duke Hitsugisukan said is fake! What brotherly alliance? When those people saw us, they just shouted 'monster' and tried to burn us alive!"
In the original timeline, because they had been saved by Oden, they were extremely loyal to Kozuki Oden.
But now, the loyalty they once had had turned into equal resentment toward Wano Country. Their first impression of it had been far too terrible.
So when Luna mentioned that country, they immediately began complaining.
"You're all Minks, and you're somewhat familiar with each other. Stay on Delta Island for a while and look after them."
If it weren't for still being in the training stage, Luna wouldn't have stayed on Fishman Island all this time. Once she grows up in the future, she would definitely be stationed on those islands on land.
However, while Nereus was still arranging matters here, a piece of not-so-good news came from Fishman Island far away…
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