Chapter 440: Conference
"That's how it is."
Marine Headquarters. Fleet Admiral Sengoku sighed helplessly. "Gion's group's operation failed. Now we've fallen into a passive situation instead."
"So—"
The man called Chaton—like Momousagi, a Vice Admiral candidate for Admiral—Kake was currently almost grinding his teeth. "To deal with Fish-Man Island—they'd transform our people into Fish-Men too?!"
"Because it's deep-sea combat—so it must be non-devil fruit users like Gion's group!!"
"Which bastard thought up this operation plan?!!"
Kake's fists were almost bleeding from clenching. "Doesn't that mean Gion's group can never return to being human?! Forever only Fish-Men?!!"
"Even their descendants will become Fish-Men!"
Strictly speaking—half Fish-Men. Like that Brett guy.
Thinking this internally, but Sengoku naturally couldn't say it.
Fleet Admiral—face pale from injuries—paused. "This was the Five Elders' decision. Gion's group also already agreed."
"Nobody wants to see their fate. But you know—Fish-Man Island in the deep sea truly can't be interfered with by ordinary methods."
"We're the Navy."
Kake fell silent.
When sacrifice was needed—if these military personnel didn't walk at the forefront—then who could be expected to sacrifice?
If they didn't stand up—then who would oppose Fish-Man Island? Who'd oppose Fish-Man Brett wanting to overturn the world?
"I understand Gion's thinking."
Kake took a deep breath. "She's someone willing to spare nothing for justice in her heart."
Chaton's pursuit of Momousagi was already no longer news within the Navy.
They were same-term sailors. This pursuit relationship continued since joining the Navy. But naturally Chaton continuously got rejected.
However, though they couldn't become lovers, their friendship remained deep. Chaton understood Momousagi too well.
"But Sengoku-san—"
Chaton said gravely. "Though without results—Gion's group are still Navy heroes, right?"
"Of course."
Sengoku nodded without hesitation.
"Then—"
Chaton said. "Please definitely don't let our heroes sacrifice like this."
"Of course not."
Sengoku said heavily. "I've already applied to the Government for negotiations with Fish-Man Island. Though privately already irreconcilable—on the surface we haven't broken ties yet."
Kake's heart felt somewhat relieved.
If Fleet Admiral said so—then should be fine, right?
Same moment. Mariejois.
"That Brett bastard!!"
As always—the Five Elders held newspapers cursing the same words. Every year there'd always be several occasions—five old men gathered in this office cursing furiously at that guy named Brett far away at Fish-Man Island.
"Actually exposed this matter!"
Saint Mars pinched his nose bridge. "Now the entire world discusses it endlessly. All saying we're about to move against Fish-Man Island."
Though indeed true—but at least now, the Government extremely wanted to avoid this matter surfacing.
After all, that Brett guy said—doing whatever secretly didn't matter. But openly breaking ties—he'd use Dyna Stones for bombing.
"This matter—just publish a statement saying Fish-Man Island misunderstood."
Saint Nusjuro said calmly. "No need excessive attention otherwise."
Time would dilute everything.
"Rather do something practical."
Saint Mars said. "What about Gion's group?"
"Sengoku already applied for Fish-Man Island negotiations."
Saint Ju Peter said. "Should we agree?"
"If we can retrieve Gion's group—naturally good."
Saint Warcury said resentfully. "But the key question is—will that Brett bastard agree?"
The Elders fell into silence.
Right. At this point—did Fish-Man Island and their Government have any possibility for negotiation?
"Anyway—try it. If it fails—can only depend on Gion's group themselves. Didn't several among them obtain some special Fish-Man bloodlines?"
"Speaking of this—what about the Fish-Man serum? Vegapunk was seized!"
"Aren't there still many scientists? Have that Caesar guy take over! Though Vegapunk's data was all taken—aren't there finished products? Have him try reverse engineering! If he alone isn't enough—"
Fish-Man Island.
After leaving both Doctors in the Sea Forest, Brett began returning to Fish-Man Island.
On the way back he thought—should he permanently station at Fish-Man Street?
Fish-Man Island was ultimately still somewhat too far from the munitions factory. If encountering sudden situations—easily caught off-guard.
Though now Vegapunk along with his laboratory and collection room were all brought back—the Navy would find it very difficult continuing mass-producing Fish-Man warriors via serum—but what if? Right?
Work from home wasn't bad.
Brett thought thus.
Just returning to his office—his Den Den Mushi rang.
Brett took out the Den Den Mushi and connected.
"Brett!"
Long absent, very familiar voice. "Gion's group are currently captured by you?"
"Yes."
Brett said. "Already saw the newspaper, right, Zephyr-sensei? Shocked, weren't you? The Government actually researched such technology."
"Actually doing such things!!"
Zephyr on the other end was furious. "Those bastards—to defeat enemies—reached the point of conducting body modifications on subordinate warriors?!"
Many modified people were disciples he'd taught.
"I don't know how many modified Fish-Men remain on the Government's side. So Zephyr-sensei—"
Brett instructed. "I was just thinking of calling you—have you be careful distinguishing in future."
"I know."
Zephyr paused. Then said. "Though somewhat presumptuous—Brett, can you hand those captured Navy to me for handling?"
"Oh?" Brett raised an eyebrow.
"I want to try—see if I can get them to join our camp."
Zephyr said frankly. "In the past perhaps they couldn't empathize. But now—perhaps this is an opportunity."
Brett understood.
Zephyr's meaning—forcibly imposed bloodline gave Navy chances to empathize with Fish-Men.
"No problem."
Brett didn't refuse. Originally weren't important people anyway. "Then I'll send them to you later."
"Troubling you."
Zephyr breathed out.
Still had deep feelings for disciples.
"Wait—don't hang up yet."
Brett said. "I'll call Dragon too. It's time we had a conference."
"Because I judge—the final war isn't far away."
***
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