The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

She pointed to her chest. "His heart tells me that he is sincere."

Otohime possesses a very special kind of Observation Haki; she can sense the thoughts and emotions of others.

It also conveys the user's own consciousness to others, subtly influencing their minds and thoughts and generating a strong resonance.

It can even change the other person's values ​​and ideology.

This type of Observation Haki, which can be considered the highest and most special level, cannot be obtained through training.

Rather, it is like "Conqueror's Haki," something that is innate, and even rarer than "Conqueror's Haki."

Seeing Otohime's innocent appearance, Neptune and Tiger exchanged a glance, speechless for a moment.

Otohime's Observation Haki allows her to read other people's inner emotions, a fact they cannot refute.

At this moment, Libo curiously leaned closer to Gern and whispered, "Gern, does this princess seem to like us a lot?"

"Can you feel it?" Gern glanced at Lipo slightly.

“Mmm, mmm.” Libo nodded. “She reminds me of the grandmas and grandpas of the Wool Kingdom—kind, gentle, and compassionate.”

“Is that so…” Gern nodded gently, his gaze softening: “Perhaps… she genuinely hopes that Fishman Island can coexist peacefully with humans.”

Otohime was a complete idealist who devoted herself to the future of the fish-men and mermaid races.

However, it was to no avail, but in the end, his painful shouts while drunk awakened the people (due to the influence of Observation Haki).

But just before he was about to succeed, he was assassinated by Hody Jones and died from his injuries.

At that moment, Otohime noticed Ripo, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, "Eh? This rabbit is..."

Libo tilted her head, her rabbit ears twitching slightly, and looked back at Otohime with curiosity.

Seeing this, Tiger explained in a low voice, "Your Highness, she is a Mink, a rare race even in the human world."

"The Mink Tribe?!" Otohime's eyes lit up instantly, and her smile became even brighter.

Because she could see that the Mink Tribe and the Fish-Men were fundamentally the same.

"General Gern's companions include Mink?" With that, she swam to Libo and gently stroked her rabbit ears.

"So cute! What's your name?"

“My name is Lippo! I used to be Lippo Hope, the one who could jump to the moon!” Lippo puffed out her chest and said proudly.

"Of course, I'm now Gern's second-in-command, and also a partner of justice!"

Otohime was amused by her naivety: "Partner of justice... what a wonderful title."

"I also hope that Mermaid Island is a friend of humanity!" She turned to look at Gern, her eyes full of anticipation.

"Major General Gern, your companions are so pure that it makes me believe in your sincerity even more."

Seeing this, Neptune sighed helplessly.

He knew that once Otohime made up her mind about something, it would be very difficult to change her mind.

But as king, he must be responsible for the future of Fishman Island.

“Otohime,” Neptune said in a deep voice, “we need to discuss this in more detail; we can’t make decisions based on intuition alone.”

Princess Otohime blinked and smiled, "Then please explain in detail, Major General Gern."

Seeing that he finally had a chance to interject, Gern smiled slightly and looked at Neptune and Otohime.

"I think you've misunderstood from the beginning. Of course, it could also be because of my identity..."

"Misunderstand?!"

“That’s right.” Gern nodded. “First of all, this trip to Fishman Island was entirely my own decision, and it has nothing to do with the Navy nor can it affect the World Government…”

In other words, you're not cooperating with the World Government's navy... but with me, Gern, personally!

"You alone..." Otohime was stunned, while Neptune and Tiger frowned, waiting for Gern to reveal his true purpose.

"Simply put, I want Fishman Island to invest in me!" Gern smiled and pointed to himself.

"After all, you are a member state of the World Government. Although the kings of Fish-Man Island have never participated in the World Conference, the World Government must recognize your right to hold such conferences."

Of course, you are one of the countries I will be cooperating with in the future!

At the same time, I will not let you lose money on this investment. In return, Fishman Island will become an important ally of mine, Gern, in the New World.

I will give you my personal Den Den Mushi, and whether in the future or now, Fishman Island will receive from…

Gern paused, and Neptune and the other two held their breath.

"Protection from the Admiral of the Navy Headquarters!!"

The weighty phrase, "Protected by the Admiral of the Navy Headquarters," sends a chill down one's spine.

While Gern may be suspected of making empty promises, it depends on who is making those promises.

At least in the eyes of Neptune and others, given his current fame and strength...

He is fully qualified to reach that level!

Or it's just a matter of time!

Chapter 148 I'm Serious About Making Empty Promises

Dragon Palace

Neptune's brow relaxed slightly, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

As king, he saw it more clearly than anyone else.

What Gern was burning was not merely the flame of so-called 'justice,' but something far more dangerous.

Ambition.

This man's goal is probably not just the position of Admiral, but to bring the entire Navy... and even a larger force under his control!

Tiger stepped forward, his brow furrowed: "So, you mean the Navy will station troops on Fishman Island in the future?"

“There will be no troops stationed there.” Gern shook his head, his tone firm: “I respect Fishman Island’s autonomy.”

At this moment, Otohime, who had also been thinking for a long time, nodded, her eyes shining with hope, "That's good!"

It can protect Fishman Island without interfering in our internal affairs.

In Otohime's view, Gern was the best link to realize her ideals.

If we can leverage the power of this rising naval star to secure Admiral-level protection for Fishman Island...

That future would not only ensure safety... but perhaps it would also be perfect for the people of Fishman Island.

Perhaps with long-term protection, people's impressions of humanity will be subtly influenced and changed.

At this moment, Neptune pondered for a moment and asked, "Major General Gern, why are you suddenly interested in Fishman Island?"

As far as I know, world governments have never really cared about this place.

In response to Neptune's words, Guern met his gaze calmly and said frankly, "Because I believe that the plight of Fishman Island should not be ignored!"

A steady and powerful voice echoed throughout the hall.

"With the Battle of Edward concluded, I'm certain that the world will soon enter a new era!"

"An era of...great pirates!"

He looked around at everyone and continued, "At that time, countless pirates trying to flood into the New World will use this place as a transit point."

At that time, looting and human trafficking will escalate on Fishman Island.

But if Fishman Island flies my 'flag'..."

A slight smile played on Gern's lips, a sharp glint in his eyes: "All pirates who set foot here will hesitate to enter!"

"After all... the prestige of being 'pursued by a general' is quite high!"

"That sounds nice," Tiger scoffed. "But how many people like you are there in the Navy?"

What makes you so sure the world government will agree to what you're doing?

Gern glanced at Tiger, inwardly sneering: What do I need the World Government's will for? This is my own business.

Despite his thoughts, he calmly replied, "Indeed, there are differing attitudes within the Navy towards Fishman Island."

But that's precisely why I need your cooperation even more.

Only through concrete actions can prejudice be changed. (This statement was clearly directed at Princess Otohime.)

As expected, Otohime's eyes gleamed: "Major General Gern is right!"

How can we expect change if we're not even willing to try?

Neptune felt a mix of emotions as he watched his wife, Otohime, become so easily swayed and agitated.

He knew how wonderful his wife's ideals were, but reality is often cruel.

Neptune then turned to Guern and said in a deep voice, "We need time to consider."

“Of course.” Gern nodded. “Cooperation is a two-way street, and I won’t force anyone.”

Otohime, however, was somewhat impatient: "Neptune, what else is there to consider? This is a rare opportunity!"

Neptune took her hand and said softly, "Otohime, as king, I must be responsible for the entire Fishman Island."

This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided hastily.

“Alright…” Otohime opened her mouth, but finally lowered her head helplessly: “But I hope you can make a decision as soon as possible.”

Tiger watched this scene with mixed feelings.

He understood Otohime's ideals, but he was also aware of the wickedness of humanity.

"Major General Guern, if you are truly as sincere as you say, then prove it with your actions."

Gern smiled slightly: "That is precisely the purpose of my trip."

at this time

"Um...can I ask you a question?"

Lipo suddenly raised her hand, looking completely innocent.

Everyone was taken aback, but Otohime smiled and nodded: "Of course, Ripo."

Libo blinked, her face full of anticipation: "Does Fishman Island have glowing pearl carrots? Guern promised to buy them for me!"

The hall fell silent for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Otohime couldn't help but chuckle: "Pearl carrot? I've never heard of that, but Fishman Island has many beautiful pearls and corals. I can take you to find them."

Lipo cheered, "Great!"

Gern sighed and ruffled her hair. "You never forget anything, no matter where you go."

The atmosphere eased considerably thanks to Lipo's interruption.

Neptune looked at the scene before him and his guard relaxed slightly.

Perhaps, this rear admiral is truly extraordinary.

“Major General Guern,” Neptune began, “before making a decision, I would like to invite you to stay on Fishman Island for a few more days and take a look at our country.”

Guern nodded: "That was also one of the purposes of my trip."

"In that case," Otohime clapped her hands happily and took Ripo's hand.

"Major General Gern, would you mind lending me your furry adjutant? I really like this child, and I'd like to take her out for a walk."

"I'm glad the Princess doesn't mind Lipo's lively personality." Gern nodded.

He knew that Otohime wanted to learn about him through Ribo on her own, but his existence in the Wool Kingdom was a very real thing! So he wasn't worried at all.

Seeing this, Tiger hesitated, then finally sighed and looked at Gern and Tesoro.

"In that case, I'll accompany you two."

After all, some parts of Fishman Island... are unfamiliar to outsiders.

Gern looked at Tiger, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Then I'll leave it to you, Mr. Tiger."

........