Chapter 110 Understood, celebration
Does Hancock truly trust him? Not in the slightest.
In simple terms, there is a lack of full confidence. She was indeed unsettled and eventually consented to the collaboration request.
However, this largely stemmed from the fact that he had knowledge of her secrets, and she was aware of his. They both had a foundation for keeping each other in check, preventing them from harming one another to keep information from leaking.
Part of the reason was that she was genuinely moved by his statements, but more so, it might be due to her feeling powerless.
He couldn't make her open up as easily as Straw Hat did. After all, that kid had physically confronted the Celestial Dragon prior to meeting Hancock.
But it's okay; achieving collaboration is what matters. As for trust, it can be built over time.
Brett took a seat and started talking about working together with Hancock.
"Amazon Lily is situated in the calm belt and is even more secluded than our Fish-Man Island. This is beneficial for our partnership."
Brett mentioned to Hancock "We can consistently send supplies to Amazon Lily through underwater routes without being noticed. "
"We could also assist you in developing your own industry, so this nation won't have to solely depend on theft to survive. "
That said, considering Amazon Lily's geographical situation, even if industries were established, they would still depend on Fish-Man Island for raw materials and selling goods.
In other words, if Brett chose to, he could turn Amazon Lily entirely into a processing hub for Fish-Man Island.
But he refused to do that. The worth of this nation and its citizens is evidently far greater than just making quick money.
"We can help make your country thrive. "Brett stated seriously.
Boa Hancock is a very proud and self-focused individual. She doesn't regard anyone highly, but she has strong feelings for her nation.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have become a Warlord and submitted to the government she despises the most.
Though she appeared calm on the outside, Brett could detect uncertainty within her.
"So, what do you want in return? " Hancock stood ten meters away from Brett, likely to avoid the man's scent. Brett felt somewhat awkward. Luckily, her voice wasn't too quiet, or it would have been hard to communicate.
"An alliance for defense and offense, our ultimate aim is to bring down the world government, but that goal is still far off. Before we reach that stage,"
Brett stated earnestly, "When we need your assistance, we ask for your help. Similarly, if you require our support, it will be our responsibility to assist. "
"Huh, needing your help? That won't happen. " Hancock crossed her arms and declared in an authoritative manner.
"That's fine, both the attack and defense alliance is advantageous for both sides and it doesn't require much investment,"
Brett paused briefly before continuing, "Hancock, there are rumors that Amazon Lily has a way of meditation that aids in effectively mastering Haki. . . "
"That's just greedy! " The empress glared at Brett with disdain, taking a small step back. She nearly shouted, "That's a secret of Amazon Lily! "
Brett replied honestly, "I aim to establish a school on Fish-Man Island and integrate Haki into the program, therefore I need this meditation method to enhance the power of Fish-Man Island. "
"If you are still unhappy, Hancock, feel free to set your terms. "
Hancock fixed her gaze on Brett, her brow furrowed.
Brett looked at her straightforwardly, "Well, if you ultimately refuse, I will just accept it without worrying about harming our friendship. "
"Friendship? " Hancock scoffed, "I don't form friendships with foolish people. Honestly, no one in this world deserves to be friends with me. After all,"
Her gaze became slightly dreamy, and she lifted her hand to toss her thick black hair, "I am incredibly beautiful! "
It felt as if a pink glow enveloped her, softening her entire presence.
Brett found his heart racing a bit faster. There was indeed something captivating about her beauty and prowess.
But he quickly rolled his eyes. ' She's too consumed with her own beauty, likely the most self-absorbed woman ever.'
"So, Hancock, what's your choice? " Brett inquired hopefully.
"It doesn't really matter if I give it to you." Hancock's face hardened again, "Meditation isn't as effective as you believe. Even here on Amazon Lily, only a handful of warriors can truly awaken their Haki. "
'In other words, you need to awaken your Haki to be a warrior of Amazon Lily? What a frightening nation, everyone has the potential for haki."
"That's enough. " Brett expressed gratefully, "Thank you so much, Hancock."
Even if it's just ten to one or even twenty or thirty to one, it will be sufficient. In just a few years, Fish-Man Island could have a fully Haki-capable army.
However, besides the fact that not everyone can awaken, the Haki gained from meditation is likely less strong than the Haki attained through proper training, right?
After all, Hancock's two younger sisters were thoroughly defeated by Luffy who had no idea how to use Haki.
As Rayleigh famously said, Haki grows stronger through intense battles against tough opponents.
'But that's fine, it's enough.'
"But keep this in mind, if you break your promise later, I will kill you without hesitation! " Her tone was icy.
"Don't worry, if I can't take down the World Government, I will give my life." Brett replied earnestly.
Eventually, there will be a conflict with the government. If things don't go well, there's no reason to say anything.
"Besides," He grinned and replied, "You don't need to refer to me as a man, just call me Brett. "
"Man, it's time to discuss your endeavors? " Hancock completely ignored his words. "You mentioned wanting to assist Amazon Lily with their growth, but Amazon Lily is quite poor. "
"Don't worry about that. "Brett said kindly, "Consider early investment as friendship support. "
Right now, Fish-Man Island is in a very good situation.
The mining sector is incredibly lucrative. The amount of quality minerals on Fish-Man Island is greater than what's needed, and a lot of wealth is flowing into Fishman Island.
Amazon Lily has only a few hundred thousand residents.
It won't take a lot of money to invest in a couple of businesses on it.
"Next, let's discuss in detail about the industry in this nation. "
Amazon Lily has limited land, lacks resources, and has a small number of people. It's challenging to find an appropriate industry for them.
If you really want to point out any unique advantages, it's that they are situated in an calm belt. As is well known, entering and leaving the Grand Line can be quite difficult.
"Transportation? " Hancock seemed a bit taken aback.
"That's correct, transportation. "
Brett stated with seriousness, "The only routes connecting the Four Seas with the Grand Line are the Upside Down Mountain and the detour from the Red Continent where Mary Geoise is situated. Other than these two paths, accessing the Calm belt relies on chance. "
"If I'm not mistaken, the ships belonging to the Kuja Pirates can navigate the calm belt without issue due to the presence of two extremely large sea snakes. "
Hancock acknowledged with a nod.
"In that case, it should be straightforward. Our Fishman Island excels at domesticating sea beasts and can supply them to you. You can then create a team specifically for traversing the calm belt. "
Even though the calm belt where Amazon Lily is found is only linked to one of the four seas, that is enough. A secure trade route is adequate to attract merchants, and this alone can generate considerable wealth for Amazon Lily.
With a strong economic foundation, the nation can also develop some essential industries to create jobs and boost local demand.
"In this scenario, you guys will surely experience growth," said Brett.
At the very least, it would earn far more than the Kuja Pirates would through raiding.
"We will give it a shot then." Hancock nodded slightly, her gaze intense, "You better not disappoint me! "
"I won't."Brett replied with a confident grin.
After discussing ambitious ideas, it was time to focus on details. Contrary to Brett's expectations, while Hancock didn't seem very wise, she surprisingly managed governmental affairs quite well.
Had he not spent so much time in the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau, he might not have been able to keep up with her plans.
"Oh! Did you enjoy your discussion? "
Just as they were about to continue their conversation, laughter echoed, and Rayleigh approached with Hancock's two sisters and Elder Nyon.
"How's it going, Brett? Did you achieve your goal? " Rayleigh asked him.
"Absolutely successful,"Brett replied with a slight smile.
"Hahahaha, that's truly impressive! " Rayleigh chuckled heartily, "You really did it? I thought Hancock would turn you to stone. "
"I won't die until I reach my prosperous future. " Brett responded with a smile. He said this confidently and matter-of-factly, because of Shyarly's prophecy.
"Sister, have you genuinely made up your mind to collaborate with that man? " Sandersonia, with green hair and a round face, approached her sister, looking surprised.
This was her sister. The proud, self-absorbed, stubborn, and aloof Hancock. She was understandably surprised.
Hancock snorted in annoyance and then commented, "Let's give that man an opportunity to prove himself. "
Sandersonia was taken aback, her other sister Marigold was equally shocked.
"This man! " Elder Nyon looked at Brett with astonishment.
He actually managed to get Hancock to compromise!
In order for such a stubborn woman to make a deal, could this man have captured her heart?'
"How about we hold a feast to celebrate the agreement between both sides? "Rayleigh was thrilled.
He has decided that Brett and Fish-Man Island will be very important in the future that Roger was excited about.
Therefore, the partnership between Fishman Island and Amazon Lily is very important for what's to come.
Hancock said with disgust, "What nonsense are you saying, old man? Men are not accepted in this place! "
"Don't be so harsh, Hancock," Rayleigh said with a playful smile, "After all, I helped you, and now Brett is also your ally. Isn't it nice to host your benefactor and friend as a good host should? "
"Hmph. " Hancock made a scoffing sound.
It was finally agreed to have the feast, just then——
The shore where Brett and Rayleigh arrived.
Hancock mentioned that she would destroy this entire shore someday.
Brett was at a loss for words.
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