Chapter 104 Discussion with Otohime
As Brett and Jinbei headed back to Fish-Man Island, a vessel glided slowly through a certain section of the new world.
Doflamingo was seated at the edge of the boat, gazing at the water calmly.
It seemed like he had been in that same spot for a considerable amount of time.
"Doffy, everyone's wounds are taken care of."
A man who had a bandage wrapped around his head and whose body was coated with a nasty mix of sticky substances emerged from the cabin. "Even though they were all badly hurt, thankfully everyone is okay. This time was truly unbelievable. "
"What a failure. I'm sorry Trebol." Doflamingo turned around, his mouth forming a frown, missing the reckless grin he usually wore, "I was far too careless this time. "
"Doffy! What are you saying! "
Trebol appeared extremely worried and started to bounce around. He shouted loudly, "You are the ruler meant to rule the seas! How can you bow down to anyone? "
"Fufufufu, don't say such foolish things, Trebol. "
Doflamingo stretched, "No one in the world can avoid mistakes and keep getting better. That's what a true strong person does! "
"Doffy " Trebol's eyes were nearly filled with tears.
This was the person they believed in, the one they felt could be the king.
"What news do we have from Virgo? " Doflamingo inquired, "What's happening over in Dressrosa? "
"Yes, great news, Doffy! "
Trebol quickly replied, "Pika is still alive. He has been captured. King Riku plans to hand him over to the government. The government has sent the navy from the G-5 base to take over. "
"As for those guys Brett, it looks like they might be leaving soon. But—"He hesitated yet again.
"Dressrosa and Fishman Island have established a partnership, and Tesoro has chosen to relocate his company headquarters there. "
"Fufufufu! Is that true? "
Doflamingo wasn't as angry as Trebol expected, 'Doesn't this mean it will be harder for us to attack Dressrosa in the future? '
Otherwise, a repeat of last night's events could happen.
And if they recklessly strike at the countries they've partnered with, they might not be able to maintain their Warlord's status.
BLU BLU BRU.
The transponder snail began to ring.
"Finally, they call." Doflamingo smiled, then pulled out his transponder snail and picked up the call.
"Doflamingo, what do you think you're doing!" As soon as the call connected, a loud voice boomed from the other end.
"Fufufufufufufufu, no need for unnecessary chatter. I won't attack Dressrosa again. " Doflamingo said cheerfully, "So let's forget about last night. "
". . . You! ? " The voice on the other end, was low but seethed with anger, "Don't get too cocky! "
"Hey, let's just take a step back. This is better for everyone, don't you think? " Doflamingo smiled and said, "Alright, let's discuss Pika's return. "
Soon, the call came to an end.
A grin returned to Doflamingo's face, pleased with the result he achieved.
"Is this the final decision, Doffy? " Trebol asked, sounding a bit unsure.
"Absolutely not! There's no way people who attack the family can get away unpunished! "
Doflamingo burst into laughter, saying, "Even if Dressrosa can't be taken, that's fine. There are plenty of independent nations in the New World; we just need to pick one."
"Fish-Man Island is tricky. Those guys Jinbei and Brett are not easy to handle. Plus, we have to consider that guy Tesoro as well. We need some strong partners! After that, I will personally visit Wano Country! If we're looking for allies, we must seek the strongest! "
The scene is set at Fishman Island, in the Square.
Queen Otohime, just back from Mary Geoise, stood on a raised platform. She was energetically waving a pile of papers in one hand while holding a transponder snail in her other hand, addressing the crowd.
"The moment for change has come! " She exclaimed loudly, "The nobles of the world have allowed us to relocate Fish-Man Island to the sea. Thanks to Director Brett, we can even choose our own territory! "
"The dream that has been wished for centuries can finally come true today! The blue sky, the sea breeze, the white clouds, and the sunlight, we can finally experience them ourselves! "
"Let's venture into the sea together! Let's become part of the surface world and embrace civilization! "
Brett stood at the edge of the square, observing Queey Otohime as she passionately spoke.
"This has been the case since she returned. "
Neptune, beside him, let out a helpless sigh, saying, "She can't wait to lead the people out to sea. "
"That's not surprising. "Brett smiled.
The government has made such a commitment, and her long-held dream is close to realization. Of course Otohime is thrilled.
"However, many people are really resistant to this idea. " Neptune remarked, "Since Fishman Island is now safe and thriving, the citizens believe it's fine to remain at their current depths without risking what lies on the sea. "
"This kind of mindset is not acceptable. " Brett shook his head.
"Brett, could it be," Neptune paused, "that you are also in favor of Otohime's plan? "
"No, this is not the right time. "
Brett responded calmly, "But one day, the moment will arrive when we will sail towards the sunny seas and embrace a new era."
So, being satisfied with the status quo won't work.
"Then you need to help me convince Otohime. "
Neptune looked disappointed, "She cries every time I bring it up. I can't do much with her."
'Is this why you, rushed me back?'
Brett sighed internally, realizing that the king doesn't hold much authority in his own household.
"How did your conversation with King Riku go? " Brett inquired.
"It was wonderful! " Neptune instantly smiled, "He is a king who loves peace, is passionate, brave, genuine, kind, and admirable. Joining forces with a king like that would be a great advantage for Fish-Man Island. "
"That's great to hear. "Brett was not taken aback.
He finally realized that all the great leaders in this world possess the heart of a Mother Teresa.
Even Kozuki Oden, who in the beginning only cared about himself and ignored the people, became a truthful man who performed for five years when someone threatened the community upon his return.
"By the way, where is the information that Queen Otohime brought back? " Brett suddenly remembered the important task and asked quickly.
"I called together all the scholars in the nation to organize it."
Neptune had a look of excitement on his face, "You really did well this time, Brett! There are many impressive technologies included, and Fish-Man Island can grow numerous industries now! Many essential items can be produced locally! "
"This is great," Brett felt pleased.
Naturally, these technologies have been carefully chosen by the world government and won't be a danger to them.
However, that's not a concern. It's sufficient for Fish-Man Island's growth. Also, Brett has already organized plans for the arms industry on Fish-Man Island.
"By the way, the preparations for the first school have been finished," Neptune mentioned suddenly, "Construction is already in progress. "
"Really? " Brett was intrigued.
"Yes, the initial group of students should be around 3,000. I have also arranged for teachers. The subjects offered will be language, math, basic science, ethics, and martial arts," Neptune explained. "It's a six-year curriculum, and the age for enrollment is between six and thirteen years old."
"I predict there will be over a hundred schools built. Thankfully, there is still plenty of unused land on Fish-Man Island; otherwise, picking locations would have been very difficult. "
"This will be quite costly," Brett said seriously, "Fortunately, additional industries will help fund it."
"But Brett," Neptune seemed a bit anxious, "Isn't it a bit too hasty to have kids learn martial arts and haki? Martial arts are fine, but with haki, can their bodies handle it? "
Brett paused for a moment, "I'll check with an expert later. "
Honestly, it should be possible for them to learn Haki at a young age. After all, nearly all the fighters on Kuja Island can use Haki, showing that it can be taught widely.
'But I wonder if they possess any unique abilities.I need to talk to Rayleigh, who is knowledgeable and has experience with Amazon lily.'
At this moment, Otohime was wrapping up her speech. Neptune quickly looked at Brett with a hopeful expression.
Brett took a deep breath; regardless of the situation, he had to do it, right? He interrupted Otohime, who was about to continue urging the citizens.
"Ah! Brett, you're back! " Otohime exclaimed joyfully upon seeing Brett. "The officials told me that the reason the government is offering such terms is because of your significant efforts in the new world! "
Otohime smiled, "What a wonderful person you are; you truly have transformed Fish-Man Island! Come and help me encourage the people to relocate to the surface !"
"We are heading to the surface," Brett responded calmly, "But not at this moment. "
"Eh? " She looked surprised for a moment.
Brett gazed directly into her eyes, "Queen Otohime, are you not aware of what plans the government is making? "
This woman seems to be able to sense the feelings in others' hearts even better than she realizes.
How could she be unaware of the government's intention to actively allow them to go out to sea?
Otohime didn't say anything at first, but then a grin spread across her face, "But listen, Brett, it's tough for centuries of dreams to become a reality. I believe we need to have the bravery to attempt this, and we ought to aim to change the way the government views us."
"Are we really going to risk the safety of all the people? "
Brett fixed his gaze on Otohime, "I'm not Neptune, so I'll be straightforward. Are we going to rely on the government being kind when it comes to the safety of our nation? We need to depend on the idea that the world's elites will lose their desire for mermaids as slaves. "
Otohime had tears welling in her eyes, "But, but—"
'But I have waited for so many years.'
It has been eight hundred years since the agreement made between Joyboy and the Mermaid Princess.
She just wasn't ready to give up.
" You've been waiting for such a long time, so please just hold on a little longer. "
Brett spoke earnestly, "You can head to the sea whenever you wish, but the main point is we must have enough strength to protect ourselves. "
"That's the deal. I hope you consider it thoroughly, and it doesn't matter if I'm wrong, I will do everything I can to stop you." After saying this clearly, Brett decided to look for Shyarly.
"Just like Brett mentioned, don't think about going to the sea until we can ensure our safety. " Neptune approached his wife, who was quietly standing there.
"Wuuu! ! That kid really isn't cute at all! ! "
Otohime cried out loudly and wrapped her arms around her husband's tail, "I dislike it so much! "
"But, but," she sobbed again, "Perhaps I'm just being too eager, Neptune. "
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears, "What should I do? "
'Well, that was adorable.' Neptune felt a bit shy.
"Have faith in Brett; he will be the one to brighten Fish-Man Island. "
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