Instead of showing displeasure at Neptune's interjection, Nusjuro even nodded at him with a warm smile.
"King Neptune, do you have any suggestions? Please, feel free to share them."
This attitude left the other kings of the World Governnt mber nations utterly stunned.
What was this? What was going on!?
Just because the Ryugu Kingdom, with the joint assistance of the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates, had established a neutral trade zone and made a fortune!?
Aren't you supposed to be the noblest of Celestial Dragons!?
Now you're acting like a sycophant—what does that make the rest of us!?
It truly proved the saying: What really breaks a person isn't being a sycophant themselves—it's seeing the very person they idolize acting like a sycophant to soone else.
"Just so humble suggestions... The World Governnt's decision to increase the Celestial Tribute is sothing we of the Ryugu Kingdom have no objections to. However, we also hope that our money is spent where it should be—specifically allocated funds for specific purposes. That shouldn't be a problem, right?" The voice of Neptune echoed through the grand palace.
"If this can be guaranteed, the Ryugu Kingdom is willing to offer triple the Celestial Tribute."
Triple the Celestial Tribute.
This was no longer just a matter of deep pockets.
For many nations, gathering the Celestial Tribute required scraping the very earth of their lands dry, squeezing every last bit of wealth from their people just to et the demand.
Yet the Ryugu Kingdom casually offered triple the amount!
Nusjuro had raised the issue of increasing the Celestial Tribute.
While no nation dared—or could—voice dissent, they couldn't help but grumble inwardly...
Though the Five Elders spoke grandly of using the funds for war preparations...
Who knew if this was just so flimsy excuse?
After all, many royals were all too eager to emulate the Celestial Dragons' tyrannical rule and hedonistic lifestyles.
So, were the Celestial Dragons scoundrels or not? They knew full well!
But now, it didn't matter anymore.
The big spender had spoken.
Even the kings of major nations, who had always harbored discrimination against fish-n and rfolk, couldn't help but cast envious glances at Neptune, the Sea God.
Damn, having money really was a good thing!
Why couldn't the neutral trade buffer zone between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates be in their countries?
Of course, they conveniently ignored the inherent prosperity and abundant resources of Fish-Man Island itself.
After all, in the eyes of these people, the most valuable assets of Fish-Man Island have always been the fish-n and rfolk themselves.
"The kings of the various kingdoms need not worry about this matter... Since I proposed the increase in Celestial Tribute for warti preparations, it naturally follows that the funds will be earmarked for that purpose."
Nusjuro nodded, his expression remained unchanged.
This ti, the Five Elders truly intended to allocate the funds specifically for their stated purpose.
As for the bloated and gluttonous Celestial Dragons in Pangaea Castle—even the elites among them, such as the Five Elders and God's Knights, looked down upon them.
Yet they had no choice but to keep supporting them, as these fools spent money without restraint.
In fact, when Fisher Tiger liberated the slaves of Mary Geoise, the Five Elders had already caught wind of it but deliberately turned a blind eye.
Though their reputation might have suffered slightly, being able to cut off all expenditures related to slavery from these gluttonous Celestial Dragons was more than worth it.
Ever since the slave trade was nearly eradicated by the SWORD Classified Special Forces led by Michael, these bloated idiots had to pay ten or even dozens of tis the original price for slaves of inferior quality.
Such expenses... even the World Governnt couldn't sustain them!
Thus, the Ryugu Kingdom and the Five Elders found themselves aligned this ti.
"If the Five Elders can guarantee the funds will be well spend, then our Ryugu Kingdom fully supports this proposal..."
"Thank you very much, King Neptune," Nusjuro nodded at Neptune before turning to the other kings.
"Now, we will proceed to a vote."
"Starting next year, the Celestial Tribute will be increased by 30% from its original amount! These funds will be exclusively allocated for warti preparations!"
After Nusjuro finished speaking, Neptune was the first to raise his hand.
Even so, many kings remained hesitant.
Ultimately... it still ca down to a lack of funds.
At that mont, Michael, who had been observing from the sidelines, suddenly coughed violently, as if he had choked on water.
Seizing the opportunity, Neptune spoke again.
"Everyone, there's no need to hesitate. If financial constraints are your concern, the Ryugu Kingdom is willing to purchase your nations' resources up for sale or directly lend you funds... at very low interest rates, with flexible repaynt terms."
After delivering this prepared statent, Neptune instinctively glanced toward Michael.
There, he saw Michael subtly nodding while clearing his throat, his coughing now ceased.
This... had been prearranged between Michael and Neptune.
Since the World Governnt and its mber nations—those who had once kicked the Ryugu Kingdom when it was down—now wanted to welco it back, they couldn't be allowed to get off so easily.
Michael had reasoned that if the World Governnt wanted to raise the Celestial Tribute, so nations would still want to enjoy the benefits of mbership... but what if they lacked the funds?
Sell assets or take out loans, of course!
And from this day forward, Fish-Man Island was poised to beco the world's largest creditor nation.
Instantly elevating itself far above all others.
Even the honest and straightforward Neptune couldn't help but give Michael a thumbs-up at that mont, saying he was "even more cunning than he imagined."
Yet Michael rely smiled.
This was nothing.
He was already showing restraint.
He hadn't even brought out the truly lethal underhanded tactics like micro-loans or upfront interest deductions!
In any case, once Neptune made that statent, all the previously hesitant nations raised their hands in agreent.
Thus, the first agenda item was unanimously passed under the promise of Sea God Neptune.
Michael sat in the spectator seats, looking so solemn he might as well have been ascending to heaven.
"Hey, kid, just laugh if you want to!" Garp nudged Michael's shoulder with his elbow and whispered.
"When those kings think back on today's scene, they'll be pounding their chests in regret, wishing they could tear you to pieces!"
"Tsk, you old fart, don't slander for no reason! This was clearly Neptune's doing..."
"It has nothing to do with ."
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