Interrupting the conversation between Neptune and Garp, Michael smiled and gave a Navy salute to the two seated on the throne before continuing:
"Your Majesty Neptune, Queen Otohime, I am Rear Admiral Michael of Navy Headquarters, and also the Captain of the SWORD Secret Special Force."
"Queen Otohime, though you may not know the name of this Secret Special Force, I believe you've heard quite a bit about its actions."
"Wait a moment, you mean..."
Queen Otohime paused to think, then stood up with an expression of excitement, even hurrying down from the throne to stand before Michael.
"The Secret Special Force you're talking about—is it that mysterious Navy unit that has been cracking down on gangs, slave trafficking, and pirates? The one that's launched sweeping operations against smuggling and disrupted slave trading networks?"
"That's right, that's us."
Michael remained calm.
"Over the years, we've rescued quite a few Fish-Men and Merfolk."
"Thank you, truly thank you, Rear Admiral Michael!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Queen Otohime took Michael's hands in hers, feeling the warmth in his palms. Even Michael was momentarily stunned.
Such sincere gratitude—it was as if he had saved Queen Otohime herself.
Perhaps this... was the true quality of a "compassionate soul."
In the world of One Piece, villains abound. There are many who straddle the line between good and evil, but truly good people are rare.
Let alone someone approaching the ideal of a saint.
Yet Queen Otohime was one of them.
She could truly be called a "saint."
But "saint" has never been a derogatory term.
It's "fake saint" that is.
Because the fake ones represent hypocrisy, others' sacrifices, and empty words.
But a true saint is one who acts, not speaks.
In the original story, Otohime gave her life for the sake of the entire Fish-Man Island.
That pure, saintly light of hers could even move an irredeemable Celestial Dragon.
Greatness—that word barely does her justice.
"Let's save the thanks for after we've resolved all of Fish-Man Island's problems," Michael didn't continue on the topic but got straight to the point.
"After all, with a population of over five million, we can't let Fish-Man Island be wiped out just because the World Government issued a removal order, right?"
"Exactly! You're absolutely right!"
Queen Otohime nodded vigorously. She was born with Observation Haki—the power to hear people's hearts, to feel and even transmit emotions.
And what she heard from Michael's heart was completely aligned with the words he spoke.
He meant every word!
In other words, he truly had come to find a way to save Fish-Man Island!
But watching her reaction made Michael a little worried.
After all, Queen Otohime's health was extremely fragile.
Even slapping someone could cause her to suffer an open fracture.
He was afraid all that nodding might shake her bones loose.
"The issue now is that the World Government has removed the Ryugu Kingdom from its list of member nations, stripping it of protection from the government and the Navy. As a result, it's gradually turning into a lawless zone..."
Michael gave a brief summary of Fish-Man Island's current plight.
"Exactly."
Neptune nodded.
"Since the World Government made its announcement to the world, both pirates and a number of ill-intentioned Navy personnel have swarmed Fish-Man Island... While there haven't been any major incidents yet, if one were to happen, things would spiral out of control."
"Actually, this problem isn't so hard to solve."
Michael smiled, the curve of his lips so gentle it felt like a spring breeze.
"Since the main issue is the lack of Navy protection, why not bypass the World Government and have the Ryugu Kingdom directly cooperate with the Navy?"
With just that one sentence, both Neptune and Queen Otohime's eyes lit up.
It... didn't sound impossible.
"But since the Navy is ultimately under the World Government's control, this cooperation must offer the Navy enough benefit to outweigh the penalties of defying the government."
"That's a valid point."
Queen Otohime agreed with Michael. After all, the Navy wasn't Fish-Man Island's caretaker. Without member nation status, they'd have to offer something substantial in return for Navy protection.
Queen Otohime was a kind-hearted, compassionate soul—but she wasn't naive.
In fact, her political instincts were far keener than King Neptune's.
"Then what do you suggest we offer in exchange?"
"Simple. I want the people of Fish-Man Island."
"What!?"
Queen Otohime's face changed drastically.
"I refuse!" she said without hesitation.
"I won't sell out my own people in exchange for temporary peace!"
"What are you thinking...?"
Michael shook his head.
"I mean letting Fish-Man Island's warriors join the Navy, and then establishing a new Navy branch right here, one entirely composed of Fish-Man Island's warriors."
Queen Otohime froze, looking at Michael in confusion.
Still... wouldn't that so-called Navy branch not really improve Fish-Man Island's defense capabilities?
"I know what you're worried about..."
Michael shook his head again.
"Once we establish a Navy branch, it means unifying the island's scattered military strength. That alone will be far more powerful than everyone fighting independently. You know as well as I do—Ryugu Palace's army alone could never protect all of Fish-Man Island. The only chance we have is to rally every force we can. Everyone must be ready to fight, united under one banner. That's how we succeed."
"Of course, I will also contribute. Before the Navy branch is officially established, I'll sweep through all of Fish-Man Island to demonstrate the Navy's sincerity in cooperating with the Ryugu Kingdom... And don't worry, I'll definitely get it done—especially since Garp is still here."
Hearing that last line, Neptune, who had still been a bit skeptical, glanced at Garp and instantly relaxed.
You really can't underestimate how useful it is to have the Navy Hero's name as a banner.
"Is that really... the only way?"
Queen Otohime looked troubled.
"Queen Otohime, I know you've been working tirelessly to gather signatures across Fish-Man Island, preparing to petition the World Government... but that's both naive and foolish."
"The strong don't listen to the cries of the weak."
"That's why kindness must be backed by strength—only then is it true kindness."
Queen Otohime was stunned.
After a long pause, she slowly shook her head.
"Rear Admiral Michael, your words... have taught me a lot."
Her beliefs would not waver—but her methods might change.
"Queen Otohime! This Navy man is absolutely right! It's just like I told you at the start—only by becoming stronger ourselves can we hope to achieve peace!"
A booming voice came from outside the palace.
Michael turned around to see two towering Fish-Men walk in.
One red, one blue.
The red was Fisher Tiger.
The blue—was the "Knight of the Sea," Jinbe.
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