CHAPTER 277: CALL FROM KATAKURI
Brett was watching a movie. Tesoro's filming speed was impressively rapid—in less than a month, the film was essentially complete.
After all, this movie didn't require the grand spectacle of the previous one. Even the final battle was simply a one-on-one showdown between the male protagonist and the villain spy—a true man's duel. Neither combatant was particularly exceptional, so the fight was purely for entertainment value.
This film's focus was propaganda—exposing spies' cruelty and terror while strengthening viewers' counter-espionage awareness. The emphasis lay on psychological warfare rather than action sequences.
In this regard, Tesoro's casting ability deserved praise. Though cinema remained a desert-like field in this world, theater wasn't absent. Even Fish-Man Island had professional theatrical actors. Tesoro selected the main cast from among them, and the results proved excellent.
In the specially-constructed screening room, Brett watched the film projected by image transponder snail onto a white screen. The movie unfolded slowly.
It opened with Fish-Man Island residents mysteriously disappearing. The protagonist was an ordinary Fish-Man Island soldier who, through coincidence and curiosity, uncovered a conspiracy. Through careful investigation, he gradually traced everything back to the masterminds—a spy organization infiltrating Fish-Man Island.
During this process, enemies targeted him, subjecting him to repeated assassination attempts and frameups. Tesoro filmed the protagonist's persecution in considerable detail, using extensive effort portraying enemy treachery.
They manipulated public opinion through various means, framing the protagonist as a Fish-Man Island traitor hunted by all factions. The climax came when the protagonist was captured at the spies' secret base, witnessing their brutal atrocities firsthand. Numerous Fish-Man Island residents had been secretly captured and persecuted there.
Finally, the protagonist counterattacked cleverly, leading his captured compatriots in rebellion. After fierce confrontation with the enemy leader, the group barely broke through, finally contacting the Immigration Bureau to eliminate all enemies.
The plot wasn't complex, but Tesoro's brilliance lay in maintaining tight pacing without any dragging. The early horror atmosphere was masterfully crafted—audiences identifying with the protagonist experienced ghost-like terror in the beginning, never knowing who the enemies were as they hid in the shadows.
"How was it?" Tesoro sitting beside Brett grinned smugly.
"Excellent," Brett nodded sincerely.
As political propaganda, this was more than sufficient. This film would make Fish-Man Island residents profoundly understand how pervasive and terrifying World Government spies could be.
"We can probably prepare for release," Brett tilted his head.
"Wait a bit longer. Some adjustments remain," Tesoro said.
Brett didn't mind. He was an amateur in this field—better to leave it to professional Tesoro.
Buru buru buru buru.
Just then, the transponder snail in his pocket suddenly rang.
Brett raised an eyebrow, pulling it out to answer.
"It's me," a low, steady male voice came through.
"Eh?" Tesoro turned with surprise. "That voice is—?"
"Katakuri?" Brett smiled. "It's been a while. What's this call about?"
A good friend from their Giant Kingdom visit—Katakuri from Totto Land.
"Zephyr is your companion, correct, Brett?" the man's voice remained flat.
Zephyr? Suddenly calling about Zephyr? Not that Brett questioned how Katakuri knew—the Charlotte Family's intelligence capabilities were beyond doubt. But the timing made Brett understand immediately.
"Your information network is impressive," Brett smiled. "That's correct. So Katakuri, why are you calling?"
"If so, have that man restrain himself," Katakuri said. "He's been taking Family territory in the New World with his students. Mama is angry."
As expected, that was the issue. Brett wasn't particularly surprised.
Zephyr had greatly respected his suggestions. After entering the New World, he'd begun seizing territory. The Navy needed the World Government and affiliated nations' support—so NEO Navy naturally needed nations' backing as well.
He'd approached helpless non-affiliated nations in the New World, proposing a non-affiliated nations' alliance. Though some showed no interest, others willingly accepted Zephyr's protection. After all, compared to unreliable pirate emperors, Zephyr's promises proved far more enticing.
Zephyr pledged establishing branches in each nation like the Navy did, protecting willing alliance members. Many non-affiliated nations suffering from New World pirate harassment were tempted.
But the problem—the New World was monster pirates' territory. Zephyr's actions undoubtedly violated their domains.
Katakuri was Brett's friend, but before that, he was a Charlotte Family member. Though he now harbored inappropriate thoughts about his mother's position, he wouldn't willingly damage family interests.
"I see," Brett replied. "No problem. I'll inform Zephyr to expand primarily toward Beast Pirates' territory."
The New World was vast—Charlotte Family controlled only one region.
"As for already occupied territories, I'll contact Linlin afterward and discuss this properly."
The Charlotte Family were also Fish-Man Island's friends. Without necessity, direct confrontation was avoidable. Moreover, immediate confrontation would make maintaining friendship with Katakuri impossible.
"This matter isn't as simple as you think," Katakuri said. "Kaido approached Mama previously. They discussed matters concerning you."
"Oh?" Brett raised an eyebrow.
Surely not—would a man like Kaido seek allies against him?
"Though Mama didn't directly agree, you know Mama and Kaido's relationship."
Meaning persuading Charlotte Linlin wouldn't be easy?
"Understood," Brett nodded lightly. "So I'll make an offer she cannot refuse."
Katakuri hung up noncommittally.
"An offer she won't refuse? What is it?" Tesoro turned with interest.
Brett simply smiled.