「To the outside...? What exactly do you mean-less?」
Gancho seemed unable to grasp the true intent behind my proposal, so I continued my explanation.
「Exactly what it sounds like. Any of you Tontatta—it doesn't matter who—are you interested in leaving this country with us?」
I rephrased it simply so Gancho could process it.
「Even if you say that-less... why would we go to the outside world? What is your goal-less?」
「The main reason is that I want the Tontatta to see the world beyond these shores,」 I stated plainly.
「And does that benefit you-less? Besides, the outside is dangerous-less.」
「The benefit for us is your combat prowess. We Marines protect everyone, regardless of race—Humans, Giants, Fishmen, Minks, Snakenecks, Longarms, Longlegs... and Dwarves are no exception. To do that, the Navy needs strength. As for danger, we will protect you. That is a Marine's duty.」
I took a breath, looking at the earnest faces around me.
「To be blunt, you Tontatta know too little of the world. Your kindness is a virtue, but you are far too gullible. Just a moment ago, I told you I was a 'good person' and you believed me instantly without proof. What would you have done if I were a villain?」
「What! Are you a bad person-less?! Was 'good person' a lie-less?!」 Gancho and the surrounding dwarves gasped in shock.
...I never said I was a bad person, either.
「I didn't say we were bad. Whether we are 'good' or not is for you to decide through our actions. My concern is that staying this sheltered could lead to a catastrophe for your people. Someone here needs to know how the rest of the world operates.」
With Doflamingo imprisoned, the threat of the SMILE factory is gone for now, but their innate goodness remains a target-rich environment for anyone with a silver tongue. I wanted to spark a slow "consciousness reform" within the tribe.
「...We will discuss this with the comrades. Please wait less.」
If even one or two joined the "Seagull" fleet, it would be a massive boost to our utility and a window of growth for them. As I waited, the warrior with the two-pronged hat approached me.
「Tell me-less... if we go out, can we come back-less?」
「I'm thinking of a term of a few years. It's not a permanent exile. I offer a guarantee of 'Resources and Safety' in exchange for a little 'Labor.' How about it?」
The irony of using the same words as the old Donquixote treaty wasn't lost on me, but this time, the "Resources" would be fair pay and the "Safety" would be the might of the Marine Independent Vanguard.
Finally, the huddle broke. Gancho looked up at me.
「We understand what you're saying-less. We don't sense any lies, and we see you're thinking of our future. You told us to decide for ourselves if you are good or bad... so we choose to believe you less! We accept this offer-less!」
「Thank you, Lord Gancho. Who will be joining us?」
「We haven't decided yet, less! Do you have a preference-less?」
「Gender and age don't matter much. Ideally, someone with combat experience would be best.」
In my head, I was hoping for the heavy hitters—the Stitch-Stitch or Heal-Heal users, or the Beetle/Hornet models. But the Princess is royalty, and the others are key defenders. Demanding them specifically might sour the deal.
「Understood-less! We will discuss who is best suited for the journey-less. Please wait a bit longer-less!」
As the Tontatta began debating—"Should we send someone from the combat units-less?" "We should ask for volunteers-less!"—I leaned back, finally exhaling. The negotiation was a success.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed. Claim early access on Patreon: [email protected]/Master_Studios677
🔓 You hold the keys to bonus chapters:💬 10 reviews ignite 1 bonus chapter🔷 100 Power Stones summon another
🔥 Your power determines how fast the tale unfolds.