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Neptune and Otohi both turned their eyes to Alex, the man standing before them.
The title "Flying General" was more than just a na—it was proof to Alex's power and influence. Not only was he the ruler of Wanokuni, but his dual Devil Fruit abilities gave him the power to reshape entire continents.
Robin's words had struck a nerve with the royal couple, especially Otohi.
The dream of basking under the true sun, of living on the surface, was the deep desire of Fish-Man Island.
Even with the artificial sunlight provided by the Sunlight Tree Eve, it could never compare to the warmth of the sun on land. Who wouldn't want to escape the gloomy seafloor?
But the Fish-n and rfolk had no ans to migrate to the surface, not safely. Their ancestors had foreseen this struggle, commissioning the construction of the massive Noah's Ark to carry their people should the need arise.
Yet even that wasn't enough.
Without the protection of the ocean's depths, their people would face unrelenting persecution and hatred from humans. The consequences were all too easy to imagine.
Even Otohi's efforts—such as the joint petitions approved by the World Governnt—were grounded in the assumption that the governnt's guarantees of safety would stand.
But Alex wasn't part of the World Governnt. He was the ruler of an independent, chaotic territory, where his word alone dictated the law.
With these thoughts in mind, Otohi spoke cautiously, "If we were to go to Wanokuni, could you guarantee peaceful coexistence between humans and rfolk?"
Her question carried the weight of generations. The dream of unity between Fish-n and humans wasn't just a distant hope but the very purpose of Otohi's life's work.
Unlike others who yearned for land to escape or find freedom, Otohi's dream was deeper: to foster understanding and connection between their races.
However, given the current state of the World Governnt, her dream felt more impossible than ever. The world's prevailing attitude toward Fish-n was shaped by the World Governnt, and their influence determined the outlook of most nations.
But Alex's Wanokuni was different. It wasn't bound by the rules of the World Governnt. It was a land where his authority was absolute.
"This is a land ruled by generalism," Robin said confidently. "As long as the Shogun gives the word, such matters are no longer problems."
She then shifted the conversation subtly, driving ho another point. "Besides, it isn't just us who have concerns. After Fisher Tiger's incident, many here on Fish-Man Island harbor fear and hatred toward humans."
Her words weren't an accusation but a reminder of the island's fractured state.
Neptune listened, his thoughts racing, though he dared not voice them. anwhile, Otohi's mind followed a similar path.
Regardless of how the World Governnt viewed them now, Alex—the man standing before her—was a figure capable of making her lifelong dream a reality.
"I can work to change those perceptions," Otohi said quietly.
"Otohi…" Neptune turned to her, concern evident in his gaze, though he refrained from speaking further.
Robin glanced at Alex, her job done. The look in her eyes conveyed her success: she had delivered the argunt exactly as instructed.
Finally, Alex broke his silence. "To be honest, my goal was never about Fish-Man Island itself."
Neptune blinked, montarily stunned.
What?
The Shogun's earlier words had seed clear enough: Alex wanted Fish-Man Island to ally with Wanokuni. And now, with a few sentences, his wife's dreams were seemingly reduced to nothing? Was this all a joke?
Neptune's fists clenched under the table, though he kept his expression neutral.
"Then what exactly do you want, Shogun Alex?" Neptune asked, his voice tinged with restrained frustration on Otohi's behalf.
Alex leaned back slightly, as though considering his words carefully. "My interest lies elsewhere. Specifically, in your rmaid princess—born four years ago, if I recall correctly. The one who has inherited the power of Poseidon."
He paused deliberately. "Her na is Shirahoshi, isn't it?"
This ti, neither Neptune nor Otohi could hide their emotions. Shock and alarm flashed across their faces, the weight of Alex's statent crashing over them like a tidal wave.
The rmaid Princess Shirahoshi—Neptune and Otohi's youngest daughter—was only four years old. Yet, far more significant than her royal lineage was her true identity: one of the Ancient Weapons capable of destroying the world, Poseidon.
How did the Flying General standing before them know this? The biggest secret of Fish-Man Island, one that had been guarded for generations, was now laid bare.
Neptune's mind raced, piecing together the implications. It was suddenly clear why Alex's tone had shifted. In the presence of an Ancient Weapon, Fish-Man Island itself seed trivial.
"There is a poneglyph on Sky Island with its news, and even Roger left his proof there, otherwise, why do you think I would lay my mind on you?"
Neptune's mind briefly cursed the Pirate King whose discoveries had inadvertently put his daughter in danger.
Alex's voice interrupted his thoughts. "So, I'm offering you two options."
He raised two fingers, his expression calm but commanding.
"First," he began, "I won't disturb Fish-Man Island. I'll create a new island for your people to inhabit, granting you the land and protection you desire. But in return, you must all swear allegiance to and Wanokuni. This includes signing agreents for all residents. Those who wish to leave may do so; those who stay must serve."
"Second," Alex said, lowering one finger, "I'll raise my banner over your kingdom. With my power and influence, I'll resolve the dangers looming over Fish-Man Island, protecting you from your current threats. However, in exchange, I will take a portion of your population with —rfolk and Fish-n included. And, of course, Shirahoshi."
The weight of the proposition bore down on Neptune like the ocean's depths. Either way, the outco was the sa: Alex intended to claim Shirahoshi.
"You're going to refuse?" Alex asked, his tone sharp and final.
Before Neptune could respond, Alex leaned forward slightly, his words brimming with nace.
"Are you prepared to face the consequences, Neptune? Don't mistake our current civility. You know what I am."
In an instant, the negotiation's fragile diplomacy was replaced by an unmistakable threat.
Neptune's thoughts of resistance flickered out, extinguished by Alex's overpowering presence. Yet, as a king and, more importantly, as a father who adored his children, he found himself unable to agree so easily.
The oppressive silence was broken by the faint trembling of objects around the room. Cups wobbled, plates rattled, and even the air itself seed heavy. Alex's impatience was manifesting.
At that critical mont, Otohi made her decision.
"We will accept your second choice," she said.
"Otohi!" Neptune's eyes widened in disbelief.
Even Robin was montarily surprised by her response. She had studied Otohi extensively in preparation for Alex's mission, digging deep into the queen's lifelong ideals and unwavering dream of coexistence between Fish-n and humans. By all accounts, Otohi should have chosen the first option, which promised a chance at relocation and a future on land.
But Alex, who had observed and anticipated her decision with precision, remained unsurprised.
Otohi's expression was resolute, her voice steady as she continued, "However, I ask that you allow to accompany you to care for Shirahoshi personally."
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