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

An outrageous yet seemingly reasonable guess instantly formed.

Then, a rare hint of embarrassment flashed across his face. He coughed lightly and said very sincerely, "Uh... I'm sorry, I guess I've come at the wrong time."

"I thought merfolk were oviparous, but I never imagined you... you'd have such elaborate methods."

This method of measuring with one large and one small device is indeed... unique.

"Excuse me, please continue."

After saying that, Gern turned around without hesitation, as if to leave this "place of trouble".

"Wait! Wait a minute! General Gern! It's not what you think!!!"

Neptune, disregarding any royal decorum, hurriedly shouted...

At the same time, they quickly and carefully placed the bewildered Otohime back onto the ground.

This is a huge misunderstanding!

If we let Gern leave like this, who knows what he'll think when he gets back, and how Fishman Island will ever be able to maintain its image in front of him again!

Gern stopped and turned back with a hint of confusion.

Neptune blushed and hurriedly explained while straightening his somewhat disheveled robes, "General Gern, please don't misunderstand!"

Just now...it was Otohime who got a little emotional, and I was trying to calm her down...it was about going ashore!

In his desperation, he even used a slightly complaining and self-deprecating tone: "Sigh! She's just too idealistic!"

They always wanted to coexist peacefully with humans, and even suggested that our entire Fishman Island be relocated to the mainland...

"Ha, do you think that's realistic? Even if a fish is brought ashore, it'll still smell fishy!"

When Neptune uttered his last words, a hint of helplessness and bitterness lingered in his voice, revealing the deepest concerns of this pragmatic king.

The barriers and differences between races cannot be easily erased by simple ideals and goodwill.

Otohime, having regained her senses, heard her husband's words and, although understanding his concerns, couldn't help but retort.

"It is precisely because of misunderstandings that we need to communicate even more..."

Gern looked at the king and queen before him, who were somewhat out of sorts due to their differing beliefs.

Recalling Arlong's extreme behavior in the Sea Forest and Jinbe's helplessness, I gained a more intuitive understanding of the complex predicament facing Fishman Island.

So he waved his hand, interrupting the argument that might have started again, and his tone returned to its usual calm: "Alright, you two."

"I have no intention of interfering too much in your 'family affairs.'" He then turned his gaze to Neptune.

"I've come to ask about that damaged human merchant ship, and... about the 'special guest' on board."

The main topic has finally been brought to the forefront.

Chapter 366 Some things cannot be moved

Neptune's heart skipped a beat when faced with Guern's direct question.

They knew that Gern was referring to the Celestial Dragon from the Don Quixote family, who was a hot potato.

But for a moment he couldn't figure out Guern's attitude and intentions about the matter.

Is this a accusation, or is there another motive?

So he opened his mouth, but froze on the spot, not knowing how to respond.

While Queen Otohime was an idealist, she was only "idealistic" when discussing long-term goals.

Faced with the oppressive presence of Guern, the de facto leader, and the thorny situation involving sensitive diplomacy,

She didn't dare to make any rash moves, much less dare to casually utter her theory of "communication and understanding," mainly because she was afraid of being criticized by Guern in the past!

So Otohime could only desperately try to signal to her husband with her eyes, her face screaming, "Husband, say something!"

On the other side, Gern looked at the couple and relaxed his eyebrows with a hint of helplessness.

To be honest, he wasn't particularly concerned about the fact that Fishman Island was harboring a Celestial Dragon in distress.

Moreover, this Celestial Dragon is indeed a conscientious and grateful fellow.

As for the pressure from the World Government? The Five Elders' questioning? It's all commonplace for him.

What he cares more about now is the value of Fishman Island itself and the practical benefits it can bring to G-10.

Since the establishment of the Navy's "one body, two governance" structure, G-10 Base, which used to be able to take advantage of the headquarters, can no longer do so.

Therefore, the enormous expenses involved included maintaining the army, upgrading equipment, constructing bases, paying personnel salaries, and even the occasional "extra" costs for the "Cataclysmic" members.

But then Gern would have to pay for it all himself; the Navy Headquarters wouldn't allocate a single penny.

Therefore, the funding sources for the G-10 are currently mainly from several areas.

The taxes paid annually by non-World Government member states within the sphere of influence (a small percentage, only 5%, considered protection money).

And the enormous profits generated by Tezzolo's extensive business network...

But the most important, stable, and substantial source of income comes from the border crossing fees to Fishman Island!

Fishman Island boasts a unique geographical advantage as one of the essential gateways for pirates heading to the New World.

Guern established a strict rule: any pirate crew that wants to enter the New World through Fishman Island must pay a "passage fee" of 300 million Berries.

If it's a well-known, wealthy, and influential figure like one of the Four Emperors, an additional 100 million will be charged, euphemistically called a "VIP access service fee."

As for those pirate crews that don't have money or are unwilling to pay?

Ha, what new world are you going to visit if you don't have money? Want to become a corrupt official?

Now is the Great Pirate Era. If you want to fight for ONE PIECE and become the Pirate King, the New World is the final stage.

Of course, if you have the strength to conquer the Holy Land and don't go through Fishman Island, Gern won't say much...

However, since they don't have the guts to attack Mary Geoise directly like he did, they should just stay in Paradise or obediently pay for passage.

Because of this regulation, coupled with the absolute deterrent power of Gern and his "Calamities," the entrance fee revenue for Fishman Island has been plentiful.

Like a river flowing with gold, it continuously poured into G-10's coffers, supporting Gern's vast business empire in the New World.

Therefore, in Guern's view, Fishman Island is first and foremost a stable and important "economic pillar".

As long as Neptune isn't foolish enough to openly betray him or cause a major upheaval that shakes his rule and disrupts toll stability...

He wouldn't care at all about something as trivial as harboring a Celestial Dragon or two!

Looking at the still extremely nervous Neptunes, Guern couldn't help but sigh.

He walked over to the coral table and casually picked up a piece of seaweed dessert, a specialty of Fishman Island.

He took a bite, chewed, pointed at Neptune with his finger, and mumbled indistinctly, "Neptune, I'm not trying to be mean, but..."

Princess Otohime has been with you for so many years and has even had four children. All she wants is to go to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, right?

"Go talk to the World Government about the plan to relocate Fish-Man Island ashore! Just let her go! It's no big deal between husband and wife!"

"Pfft—cough cough cough!!!"

Neptune was nervously organizing his thoughts when he heard Guern's lighthearted tone and suggestion, as if he were saying "the weather is nice today," and he almost choked on his own saliva!

His eyes widened instantly, his mouth opened so wide it could fit a watermelon, and his whole face scrunched up into a meme.

"?????"

"Don't you want to listen to what you're saying, General Gern?!" Neptune roared silently in his heart.

"Who was it back then! When Otohime first proposed to go to the Holy Land to give a speech and promote reconciliation between Fish-Man Island and humans, in Ryugu Palace?"

In front of my husband and me, they used the coldest, most realistic, and most bloody data and cases.

They utterly refuted Otohime's idealistic theories, leaving her speechless!

Who made the once passionate and talkative Princess Otohime become silent and melancholy?

I've been alone in my room for months, and I haven't even felt like cooking my favorite dishes!

If it weren't for me, Neptune, who cultivated a "warm-hearted guy" persona for decades and constantly came up with new ways to make her happy...

Take her to see the fireworks in Fishman Street, take a walk in the Sea Forest, and reminisce about the beautiful times we had in our youth...

Whether Shirahoshi's child can be born safely is now a question!

You're now turning around and asking me why I shouldn't let her go?! Huh?!

Unlike Neptune, who was seething with resentment and ranting rants, Queen Otohime, upon hearing Gern's words, "Just let her go,"...

His dim eyes lit up instantly, as if he had seen a glimmer of hope again.

Ignoring her husband's complicated expression, she stepped forward hastily, her voice trembling with anticipation: "General Gern! You...you really want to support me in going to the Holy Land?"

Guern swallowed the last bite of dessert, dusted off the crumbs on his hands, stood up, and said in a calm tone, "Go if you want to."

That Celestial Dragon from Don Quixote's family is now a good 'stepping stone'; with him as your guide, you can at least enter the gates of Mary Geoise and meet the people in charge.

As he spoke, he began to walk towards the door to the throne room.

"but……"

Just as he was about to step out the door, he paused slightly, turned half his face, and his voice came clearly.

"Remember, Queen Otohime. When you go to the Holy Land, only discuss your own affairs."

Your ideals, your aspirations, your vision for peaceful coexistence between fish-men and humans—these are all up to you.

“But…” Gurn’s tone suddenly turned cold, “Fishman Island’s own interests, its status as a G-10 sphere of influence, and the ‘passage fee’ it pays every year… these are all mine.”

"You are not qualified to use them as any bargaining chip in your negotiation terms."

"It's best to remember this."

After saying that, he didn't linger and casually waved his hand, "Oh, by the way! When you come back..."

I'll have Big Bear bring his family over for a trip. You guys figure it out! Bye!

Guern came suddenly and left just as abruptly.

Neptune and Otohime were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Ha! General Gern is as unpredictable as ever!" Neptune let out a long sigh of relief, plopped back down on his throne, and wiped away a cold sweat.

Although I was furious with Guern's attitude, at least the bottom line was clear.

With Fishman Island's core territory secured, Gern won't hold a grudge against Fishman Island because of Otohime's actions.

Otohime, however, clenched her hands tightly, her eyes rekindling with passion.

“Neptune! Did you hear that? General Gern... he agreed!” Princess Otohime turned to her husband excitedly.

Looking at his wife's face, now filled with renewed hope, Neptune was overwhelmed with emotion, which ultimately turned into a helpless sigh.

"Sigh... Go ahead, go ahead, I can't stop you anyway."

But Otohime, you must remember what Gern said!

"The interests of Fishman Island must not be touched! People will die."

"I know, but why does the Big Bear family have to wait until I come back for their trip? Can't we do it now?"

"Perhaps General Gern has other plans!" Neptune was also puzzled by Gern's arrangement, but he didn't think much of it.

Instead, he watched his wife, whose wish had come true, beam with delight.

……

Outside, Gern, having left the Dragon Palace, gazed at the magnificent Fishman Island, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Tiger, Fishman Island has already lost an idealist, let's not lose another one!!"

Chapter 367 I, Shanks, care about my reputation.

The Sabaody Archipelago, a "rip-off" bar.

The wooden door was pushed open, and a red-haired man walked in. He immediately spotted the familiar figure at the bar: gray-haired, wearing glasses, leisurely sipping his drink.

Shanks looked up with a bright smile and greeted, "Mr. Rayleigh! You're here after all."

Hearing someone call his name, Rayleigh turned around, and when he saw that it was Shanks, a look of surprise flashed across his face.