Chapter 197 The Longarm Tribe
The situation of minority ethnic groups in the world was actually quite similar—they all gathered in the same country, with at most a very few citizens wandering outside.
Just as fish-men and mermaids all lived together on Fish-Man Island, the Longarm tribe, who had an extra section of arm bone and an additional arm joint compared to normal humans, lived in a country called Kenzan Kingdom in the first half of the Grand Line.
However, compared to fish-men and mermaids, the Longarm tribe's circumstances were somewhat better. After all, this group had no differences from humans except for having an extra section of arm bone. Human persecution of them wasn't very severe—though there was some discrimination, it was at least much better than Fish-Man Island's situation.
This was roughly the same for the Longleg and Snakeneck tribes as well, since strictly speaking, all three races were human subspecies.
But Kenzan Kingdom was still very closed off. The Longarm tribe didn't welcome outsiders' visits. Except for a few individuals who wanted to venture onto the seas, this country had little interaction with the outside world.
But on this day, this country that was as calm as stagnant water suddenly had ripples.
"Gild Tesoro! That man has already started being called the Golden Emperor, hasn't he? Even I know his name."
In this country's royal palace, a man wearing a crown complained loudly with a grave expression. "The other guy needs no introduction—fish-man Brett! The Deep Sea Emperor from Fish-Man Island! Now on the seas, everyone says he's a powerhouse who can stand alongside monsters like Kaido, Charlotte Linlin, and Whitebeard!"
"Why do these two guys suddenly want to cooperate with us?"
He really couldn't understand—their country didn't have any remarkable resources.
The only difference from other countries on the seas was that their arms were longer.
"But Your Majesty, regardless of what purposes those two have, at least they absolutely cannot be offended!"
A similarly well-dressed man, apparently a national minister, said gravely. "In any case, let's first prepare to receive them."
"Our country has nothing worth their scheming. Perhaps their visit this time really isn't a bad thing."
His Majesty the King's expression finally relaxed somewhat.
Right—if such monsters really had ill intentions toward their country, what could they do about it? Did they have the ability to resist someone called the Deep Sea Emperor?
Since they couldn't resist, they could only learn to endure silently.
While this country's rulers were anxious, the people causing their fear had finally arrived.
Brett and Tesoro rode on a ship pulled by two Sea Kings, giving the vessel speed far surpassing its peers.
Looking at the island somewhat larger than Fish-Man Island from afar, Brett stood at the bow. "Are you sure Morgans has already contacted them? I have no intention of going to war with this country."
"That guy Morgans isn't so incompetent that he can't handle such a small matter."
Tesoro said casually. "I'll have someone contact this country's king immediately. Just wait for the warmest welcome."
Brett nodded.
Whether Morgans or Tesoro, both had indeed weathered many storms on the seas. Such small matters absolutely wouldn't go wrong.
Sure enough, as soon as the ship approached this island's port, endless cheers from shore reached their ears.
"Welcome! Lord Tesoro!!"
"Superstar Tesoro!!"
"Your movie was so wonderful!"
People on shore were cheering like this.
Brett crossed his arms and smiled with interest. "Very popular, aren't you?"
"Hmph, who do you think I am?"
Tesoro said proudly. "I'm the world's number one superstar—the world-famous Tesoro!"
After last year's movie release, Tesoro had indeed become hugely popular. His name had resounded across both sides of the Red Line.
Moreover, after that movie, he hadn't stopped there.
Though he hadn't filmed new movies, he'd continued releasing songs. Tesoro's singing ability was quite outstanding, and since he really wasn't short on money, purchasing quality songs was just a matter of raising his hand.
With quality works, plus Morgans' promotion, Mr. Tesoro could indeed be considered red-hot throughout the entire sky. The world was full of his fans everywhere.
Now this guy's favorite daily activity was reading fan mail from around the world. Just reading letters could make him happy for an entire day.
Tesoro was happy, but the gorgeously dressed king on the port shore looked very anxious. "What's going on? Why are they all welcoming the Golden Emperor? That other man is more important—"
"I had no idea the Golden Emperor had so many fans!"
The minister looked dejected.
Who could have thought that in this closed country, Tesoro's works had also spread widely?
There was no more chance to complain—the large ship had already docked at the port. The gangplank was lowered, and Brett and Tesoro came together.
"Lord Brett, Lord Tesoro, welcome to both of your distinguished visits!"
The King ran up with the most sincere smile, bowing and scraping as he greeted them both. "The entire country shines brilliantly because of your arrival!"
Brett could hear clearly—beneath the enthusiastic exterior was an uneasy heart.
Not strange at all. Having always been peaceful and almost isolated from this world, suddenly having himself and Tesoro say they wanted to discuss cooperation would naturally cause anxiety.
He looked around. Many of Tesoro's fans at the port were cheering his name and about to break through the soldiers' protection.
This guy's popularity was really somewhat exaggerated.
Tesoro gently waved to acknowledge his fans. As a quality idol, he would never show even the slightest flaw before his fans.
Then he looked at the Longarm king.
"No need to worry, respected King Roady."
Roady was this king's name.
Though Tesoro couldn't read minds, his ability to read expressions wasn't for show either. He said with a smile, "We are indeed here to discuss cooperation with you."
He said, "My company wants to form an idol group including all races on the seas, so we want to hold a talent show in Kenzan."
The Longarm king breathed a huge sigh of relief and quickly said, "If that's the case, then of course there's no problem—rather, we very much welcome it!"
He smiled obsequiously. "As you can see, our country has many of your fans too. If there's really a talent show, they'll definitely respond enthusiastically."
"That would be wonderful! Really, thank you so much!"
Tesoro smiled with satisfaction, then added, "Also, Brett has something he'd like to discuss with you."
"...!"
The king's forehead was already covered in cold sweat again.
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