The Three Princes and Shirahoshi hadn't expected Taro's opening words to be an expression of dissatisfaction. They immediately grew somewhat uneasy, straightening up as if to explain.
Neptune reached out a hand to stop them. Looking at Taro, who sat opposite them without even a single attendant, his expression was incomparably solemn.
"Today is the most important day in Fish-Man Island's history. Choosing this place to sign the treaty is most fitting!"
Taro was taken aback. Those words sounded rather strange!
It's just a protection agreement. Even without me, finding someone else would be easy for you. It's merely a question of how much you'd have to pay.
Neptune stared at Taro, his voice lowering considerably as he continued,
"Taro, state your terms. Fish-Man Island is willing to pay anything, as long as we possess it!"
Hearing this, Taro found it even stranger. This level of importance seemed excessive!
His gaze swept over each member of the Ryugu royal family opposite him. Finally, he slowly shook his head.
"I agree to provide protection for Fish-Man Island, and I require nothing from Fish-Man Island in return."
The royal family members were stunned upon hearing this. Shirahoshi was so moved she was nearly in tears. "Lord Taro, you..."
Neptune raised a hand to cut off Shirahoshi's words, his tone grave. "You all, remain silent for now!"
Then, he looked at Taro and also shook his head. "No, Taro. What I wish to establish with you today is far more than merely providing protection for Fish-Man Island!"
Taro frowned, his voice turning slightly colder.
"King Neptune, what do you mean by that?"
Neptune detected the chill in Taro's tone. His eyes flickered slightly, and after a moment of thought, he turned to his children and said, "You all, leave the room first."
Shirahoshi looked unwilling, but The Three Princes sensed the matter might not be simple. With much persuasion, they finally managed to coax Shirahoshi out.
The final negotiations had barely begun when the royal family members emerged, causing everyone present to feel startled and uneasy. They exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what had happened.
The surrounding Fish-Man Island residents watching the proceedings grew restless, discussing the sudden change in hushed, worried tones.
Among the Marine Soldiers who had come with Taro, Sherman and Grant, who had secretly stowed away on the ship, finally tore their gazes away from the captivatingly beautiful mermaid Young Miss and exchanged a look.
"Grant, something doesn't seem quite right!" Sherman scanned the eastern, western, and northern platforms, frowning.
Grant's armored left fist clenched tightly. "You think I'm like you? I noticed long ago. That group of fishmen on the west platform has been radiating killing intent since we entered the square!"
"Red-haired brat, itching for another beating? Didn't I teach you enough last time?" Sherman spat, his gaze also turning toward Hody Jones and his group on the western platform.
"Don't talk as if you won. We'll fight again when we get back. I'll give you a proper lesson then..." Grant snorted angrily, his voice rising considerably.
The Sergeant Major also sensed the unusual atmosphere. He cursed under his breath and did his best to restrain the troops.
"Silence! We represent the face of Vice Admiral Taro. What's all this racket!"
On the cliff wall, Hatchan whispered something into Jinbe's ear. Blue Fatty's face registered shock as he looked across, then instantly darkened.
He frowned, thinking deeply for a long while, still feeling a chill of alarm. "Hody... how dare he..."
Inside the Treaty Hall.
Taro was dumbfounded, rising to his feet in shock.
He lifted his head to look at the giant merman across the stone table, his brow furrowed.
"King Neptune, you must know this matter isn't something easily accomplished!"
Neptune placed both hands on the stone-carved table, nodding heavily.
"Of course I know that. That's why this is merely a promise, requiring no signed agreement!"
Taro's eyelids lowered slightly. He felt a deep internal frustration. Helping Fish-Man Island within his capabilities was one thing.
The key issue was that Neptune was actually requesting Taro's help in fulfilling the Fish-Man Race's thousand-year-old aspiration: to live on the surface.
Wasn't that supposed to be Luffy's job?
"Even if you say that, I can't guarantee when it might succeed. After all, we both know the previous attempt ended in failure."
Taro's eyes shifted. Of all the things to happen!
Something that Princess Otohime sacrificed her life for and still failed to achieve—now he was being asked to do it. Even if he agreed to help, who knew when it would be accomplished?
Wouldn't it be better for you to just wait patiently for Luffy to arrive in two years?
Seeing Taro's fluctuating expression, Neptune's heart sank, but then he felt some understanding.
Eight hundred years ago, Joy Boy's attempt failed, ultimately leaving the "Apology Text" in the Sea Forest. As the Joy Boy of this generation, Taro's caution was understandable!
"I understand all that. This is a promise. You needn't bear too great a psychological burden. Fish-Man Island has waited for thousands of years. What difference do a few more decades or even a century make?"
With Neptune saying that, Taro couldn't find a way to refuse.
He didn't know exactly what method Luffy used to accomplish this in just a few years. Perhaps the power of the "One Piece" truly was that overwhelming!
In any case, from Taro's perspective, eliminating racial discrimination was a long and arduous task, requiring the efforts of generations, even dozens of generations, to possibly diminish. He racked his brains but couldn't think of any relatively gentle method!
Of course, if one disregarded the issue of racial discrimination, forceful demolition would be the quickest way to fulfill this promise.
If it were demolition, then Luffy wouldn't even need to lift a finger. As an outstanding citizen of a nation known as "infrastructure maniacs," demolition was something Taro could handle with ease!
After pondering for a long while, he finally nodded.
"In that case, I agree to this promise."
Neptune seemed confident that Taro would agree to his request. He pulled a copy of the "Protection Agreement" from within his massive beard and handed it to Taro.
"Then let us first establish the protection contract!"
Taro reached out and took it. He tore off the front pages filled with useless embellishments, crossed out the clauses requiring Fish-Man Island to pay compensation, and added a few words.
"Take a look. Simpler agreements are more convenient for both parties."
Neptune took it back and quickly scanned the contents.
"Fish-Man Island Protection Agreement"
"The Marine provides protection for Fish-Man Island, ensuring the safety of the island and its inhabitants."
"Both signing parties agree to jointly promote the cooperation project for the Fairy Tale Script Recording Tapes. See appendix for script!"
Only these two simple clauses, not even filling a single page. The remaining pages behind the agreement were that very fairy tale!
"No. I wish to replace the word 'Marine' with your name!" Neptune shook his head. "Fish-Man Island is not seeking the Marine's protection, but yours!"
"Uh, there's no need for such wordplay between us, is there?"
Taro's mouth twitched. He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Verbal sparring really was a staple of diplomatic activities!
Seeing Neptune's still utterly serious expression, Taro waved his hand helplessly. "Fine, fine. We'll change it according to your wishes!"
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