Taro stared at Mike, who looked like he was asking for credit, and took a deep breath, barely suppressing the urge to beat this double-dealer to death.
"Bring me the draft of your agreement!"
A Vice Admiral reviewing a draft agreement was serious business; Mike didn't dare hesitate and quickly ran out.
Soon, he returned with a thick stack of documents.
The clauses of this draft themselves weren't many; excluding the long sections of cliché official rhetoric at the beginning and the fairy tale script at the end, there wasn't much substantive content.
The core clause was simple: Fish-Man Island would come under Taro's protection, and Taro would guarantee the safety of Fish-Man Island.
In exchange, Fish-Man Island would deliver a certain amount of local specialties to Taro every month, with the types and quantities to be finalized later.
Sabaody Archipelago and Fish-Man Island would jointly promote the production of fairy tale video tapes.
"Has First Prince Shark Star already agreed to this draft?" Taro frowned slightly, having only looked at the core content he cared about.
Mike didn't notice Taro's distress; instead, he nodded excitedly.
"It's said that Neptune has also agreed in principle and even expressed that they could provide more for the monthly compensation. However, he has one extra requirement!"
Taro raised an eyebrow. "An extra requirement?"
"Yes, Vice Admiral, he hopes to set the signing location at Fish-Man Island!" Mike replied.
Taro was stunned; did this mean he had to go to Fish-Man Island himself?
If it were before, Taro wouldn't have gone even if he were beaten to death; racial issues were a huge trouble, and he didn't want to get involved.
But now, an unknown number of "hidden experts from around the world" were coming to challenge him out of admiration, so Taro needed a place to hide. Fish-Man Island was indeed a good choice.
Taro knit his brows in thought, his fingers lightly tapping on the table. After weighing the options, he said with a solemn expression,
"Mike, notify Prince Shark Star that I agree to go to Fish-Man Island. We'll sign the treaty tomorrow!"
Mike was stunned. "Vice Admiral, I don't think we need to be in such a hurry. If we stall for a few more days, maybe..."
Taro glared at him. "Now, go immediately!"
"Yes!"
Mike took the order and left.
60GR, Visitor Reception Area.
More than half of the garrison on Sabaody Archipelago was responsible for guarding this place.
Colonel George was the supreme commander here; he was very clear about the current situation of the Mermaid Race and Fish-Man Race in human society.
Therefore, he and Mike had formulated a meticulous itinerary and security plan to prevent the Fish-Man Island delegation from meeting with any accidents.
They even sent a warship to the Bubble Cable Car Dock below the Red Line to report at any time if any Celestial Dragons descended to the Lower Realm.
"Your Highness First Prince, I have investigated the surroundings, and there is no unusual movement from the Marine!" the head of the guards came in to report.
Shark Star nodded. "Grand Right Minister, report to Father King. Time is of the essence; we don't have much preparation time left!"
The Grand Right Minister was a Seahorse Fishman; his long, cylindrical mouth opened like a trumpet.
"Your Highness, Mike intentionally delayed us for so long, and now he suddenly says he's following Taro's orders. This..."
Shark Star's tail flicked a few times as he swam to the Grand Right Minister's side. "Mike couldn't make the decision on this matter; it's easy to understand why he intentionally delayed us."
He paused, then continued,
"It's precisely because it's sudden that it proves this is indeed Taro's order."
Seeing the Grand Right Minister's thoughtful look, Shark Star stated his judgment,
"Taro is showing us his sincerity in signing the treaty! Since Fish-Man Island has received this sincerity, we should naturally respond. Go notify Father King to prepare!"
The Grand Right Minister also understood the subtlety now and took out a den den mushi... The next morning.
The "ink dragon" flagship hadn't been deployed for a long time. After a series of modifications, the bow had been refitted into the shape of a black dragon head, looking imposing.
Taro took one look and knew it was Mike's handiwork; this guy wasn't very good at being a Marine, but his artistic attainments were quite high.
As an important moment for the Marine and Fish-Man Island to sign the treaty, Taro's flagship naturally had to be present.
Today was a great day for their Vice Admiral, and the Marine Soldiers were all in high spirits, especially the accompanying personnel on the flagship, who were full of energy.
"We're going to sign a treaty, not to go to war! What are you doing?"
Taro frowned. "Except for those at the rank of ensign and above who are allowed to carry swords, all other Marine Soldiers, put away your weapons!"
Mike and George were both stunned; they looked at each other and quickly directed the Marine Soldiers on the ship to disarm.
"And you two, no need to follow!" Taro looked at the two and ordered.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
The expressions of the two instantly slumped, filled with disappointment.
"What are you 'huh'-ing about? Does Sabaody not need people to guard it?"
Taro snorted and strode onto the warship.
The "ink dragon" flagship sailed out of the dock and met with Fish-Man Island's dragon turtle ship in the nearby waters.
"Prince Shark Star, without further ado, let's set sail!"
After a brief exchange of greetings, Taro waved to Shark Star. "We'll talk in detail after we arrive at Fish-Man Island!"
The two ships each submerged, and the Grand Right Minister's face showed a strange expression.
"Your Highness Prince, the Marine Soldiers led by Taro don't seem to be carrying weapons..."
Shark Star hummed in response, a hint of worry between his brows.
"I noticed it too. The sincerity Taro is showing is extraordinary. Father King only had one night to prepare, and I don't know how the progress is now!"
The Grand Right Minister asked tentatively, "Should we notify His Majesty again to speed up the arrangements?"
Shark Star thought about it, but still shook his head and sighed.
"It's too late. Have all the guards leave the ship, drive away the sea beasts along the way, and monitor the ocean currents. We must ensure safety during the journey!"
On the "ink dragon" flagship.
"Vice Admiral, the lookout noticed the guards from Fish-Man Island suddenly leaving their ship and accelerating their descent. Their intentions are unclear!" a Marine Soldier ran over hurriedly to report.
Taro was stunned for a moment, leaped onto the bow, and his Observation Haki swept over the dragon turtle ship. Perceiving that Shark Star and the Grand Right Minister were still on board, he said,
"Everyone stay at your posts, no need to panic!"
Taro's calmness gave the Marine Soldiers full confidence; the soldier shouted his acknowledgement and went down to pass the order.
Fish-Man Island, Gyoncorde Plaza!
Almost all the palace guards were out maintaining order, and countless merfolk were making final decorations under the direction of the Palace Maids.
In the center of the plaza, a hall was built with giant corals and shells, with various algae laid out as a carpet on the bottom.
The Mermaid Princess Shirahoshi swam back and forth in the hall. After ensuring the space was large enough and the coral seats were comfortable enough, she swam to Neptune's side with satisfaction.
"Father King, our preparations are complete!"
This Mermaid Princess, like her two Royal Brothers, was full of excitement and joy.
But King Neptune's face was much more solemn; he nodded slightly without speaking.
Today would be the day that decided the fate of Fish-Man Island.
Joy Boy of this era, you will fulfill that 'promise' from 800 years ago, right!
Neptune's eyes flickered as he glanced at his daughter beside him.
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