There was no need for her to provoke and anger El just because of a mere deal.
This exchange played out before everyone's eyes.
The Marines immediately realized one thing: Big Mom was afraid of El.
It seemed that no matter how they looked at it, they had still underestimated El's true strength.
It was important to remember that Big Mom, Kaido, and El had all been pirates on the same crew long ago — the legendary Rocks Pirates.
If anyone understood exactly how powerful El was, it was these two.
The fact that Big Mom fell silent and acted so timid just because El spoke a single sentence spoke volumes.
The Marines began to panic inwardly.
This is bad... even though we went to the trouble of bringing Big Mom here... it looks like we still aren't evenly matched against their side!
It seemed inevitable that they would have to give up huge concessions today.
The high-ranking officers felt heavy and depressed.
But the audience watching from all over the world were even more shocked.
"Did you see that?! El just said one sentence and Big Mom didn't dare say another word!"
"His authority and pressure are terrifying!"
"I always thought that as Emperors of the Sea, they should be roughly equal in strength! But it's obvious now — Big Mom is way weaker than him!"
"Does it even matter if Boa Hancock is strong or not? Once she allied with El, who on earth would dare mess with her?!"
Everyone had different opinions, but one thing was clear: El was in a league of his own, far stronger than the other Emperors.
"Enough with the nonsense," Whitebeard rumbled, sitting imposingly in his chair, growing impatient.
"It's time we tell you exactly what reparations we demand."
As soon as he spoke, the Marines' faces fell.
So the moment of truth has finally come...
They knew they couldn't run away from this. They just had to accept their fate.
It wasn't impossible to negotiate and bargain, of course.
But the very first thing Whitebeard said made any bargaining impossible.
"I have an announcement to make first."
Whitebeard spoke with great solemnity. "To repay the immense kindness El has shown the Whitebeard Pirates, we have decided to transfer total protection rights over Fish-Man Island to him."
These words stunned everyone present.
WHAT?!
No one expected the very first item on the agenda to be something like this.
Not even El himself had seen it coming.
Whitebeard was being incredibly generous, gifting him control over such a vital territory.
Fish-Man Island had immense strategic and practical value.
It was the only gateway to the New World, and the birthplace of almost all mermen and mermaids.
Known as the "Paradise Beneath the Sea," it was a place of great importance.
But the most critical fact was this: the ancient weapon Poseidon was said to be sleeping there.
Whitebeard, Ace, and the rest looked at El with sincere gratitude and respect.
"Benefactor... please accept this," Ace said.
El looked at them all, thought for a moment, and nodded.
"In that case... I will graciously accept."
The sudden transfer of ownership caught the Marines completely off guard.
They never imagined Whitebeard would pull a move like this. The balance of power in the world had shifted drastically in an instant.
And there was absolutely nothing they could do about it.
This had nothing to do with them. Even if they disagreed, what could they possibly say or do?
An awkward silence settled over the table.
Meanwhile, official recorders were scribbling away, making it official history.
Millions watching around the globe were frozen in shock by this sudden development.
"Wait... Fish-Man Island... belonged to the Whitebeard Pirates before now?!"
Many people were hearing this fact for the first time.
And truth be told, most of them didn't fully understand the deep implications or what this truly meant.
But down in Fish-Man Island, panic erupted.
"From today onwards... we are no longer under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates?!"
Fish-men ran through the streets, shouting in alarm and fear.
They were terrified.
After all, their combat strength as a race was relatively low.
Before Whitebeard took them under his wing, it was common for fish-men and mermaids to be kidnapped, sold, or treated like pets. Life had been miserable.
Things had only improved because of Whitebeard.
Has he abandoned us?
Countless people rushed to the home of Madam Shyarly for answers.
She was a fortune teller whose predictions were said to be 100% accurate.
When she spoke, the people listened.
"Madam Shyarly! Have you heard the news?!"
"What will happen to us?! We are so afraid!"
"Please use your crystal ball and tell us what you see!"
The crowd looked at her with hope, though Shyarly herself was also feeling uneasy.
What if I see a terrible future?
She brought out her crystal ball and gazed into it for a long time.
Gradually, her expression changed from worry to calm... and finally, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Do not fear, my people!" she announced loudly. "There is nothing to be afraid of!"
"Under El's protection... we will fare even better than we did before!"
Hearing her words, the crowd erupted in joy.
After all, her predictions were never wrong.
"Really?! That's wonderful news!"
"I knew they weren't bad people! Look at Jinbe — he willingly serves El!"
"Great! Maybe life will get even better for us now!"
Cheers and celebration spread across the island.
---
Back at the Summit Assembly... the atmosphere remained somewhat cold and stiff.
Only El and Whitebeard's side were relaxed and happy.
The other three powers — the Marines, Big Mom, and Shanks — all viewed each other with mutual dislike or suspicion.
Jinbe was happier than anyone else.
Fish-Man Island was his homeland.
Knowing that his birthplace was now protected by someone as powerful as El filled his heart with joy.
He would have plenty of reasons and opportunities to return home in the future.
Just thinking about it made him grin from ear to ear.
__________________
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