The conversation finally returned to the main topic after circling around for a while. Neptune solemnly set down his teacup and looked at the man sitting across from him—Sakazuki.
"If there is any need to use Ryugu Kingdom's resources, the Neptune Army will not refuse," he stated.
He maintained a smile, tilting his head slightly as he awaited the Marine admiral's response. As the Grand Knight of the Sea, he couldn't help but speculate about the issue and requests Sakazuki was about to bring up. Was it a request for military supplies? A demand for increased patrol efforts by the Neptune Army? Or perhaps a policy adjustment in coordination with the Marines' operations?
Neptune considered all these possibilities to be within acceptable limits. After all, in the nearly one month that the Marines had been stationed on Fish-Man Island, their performance and results had been evident to all.
Sakazuki did not disappoint him. Right from the start, he threw out a bombshell.
"This time, the issue I wish to discuss with Your Majesty concerns Fish-Man District."
Neptune's smile suddenly froze. His facial muscles twitched violently.
"Fish-Man District?"
Sakazuki gave a heavy nod.
"Fish-Man District."
The Sea God of Fish-Man Island fell into momentary silence, then forced an awkward smile to ease the atmosphere.
"The issue of Fish-Man District is quite complicated. As you just mentioned to Otohime, this problem requires long-term and gradual governance…"
However, the Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral locked eyes with him, staring directly in a manner that bordered on impolite, and interrupted,
"Your Majesty, we both know that Fish-Man District is not just an illegal settlement. More than that, it has become a symbol—a kind of emblem."
Otohime was somewhat puzzled. Neptune had always been reluctant to let her know too much about the dark side of Fish-Man Island. Yet, as intelligent as she was, she had already formed a vague understanding.
"A kind of symbol?"
"A group led by Arlong and Makuro—extremist racial ideologues—as well as the unruly masses at the lower levels of Fish-Man Island's society have turned their blind hatred toward humanity into something profound, something deeply ingrained.
"They have even abstracted it into something they call 'the rage and hatred of the Fish-Man race.'"
Sakazuki recalled the things he had personally witnessed in Fish-Man District.
This was also one of the saddest aspects of the original story. Hody Jones, who grew up under the rhetoric of Arlong—"Humans are trash," "The Fish-Man race is supreme"—was both a perpetrator and a victim.
Hody, who had never once been harmed by humans, turned out to be the most fanatical hater of humans among the Fish-Men.
The indoctrination of Arlong's extreme racial ideology—essentially a form of terrorism—caused him to develop an extreme aversion to Otohime's philosophy of peace and coexistence, eventually driving him to take action, assassinating that great queen.
This was the fundamental reason why Sakazuki was determined to eradicate Arlong.
"The residents of Fish-Man District recklessly pour out their negativity. And in a place filled with violence, anger, and hatred like Fish-Man District… the children who grow up there—"
Sakazuki let out a light sigh.
Otohime's expression was heart-wrenching. Her delicate, fair face had turned ghostly pale.
"Children who grow up in such an environment… can they really play under the sun, carefree, together with humans?"
No one answered.
Because everyone present already knew the answer.
Neptune muttered to himself. The Sea God of Fish-Man Island had always believed that as long as he maintained the island's stability and peace, he would have fulfilled his responsibilities and duties.
But today, Sakazuki's words mercilessly ripped open the self-deception he had been clinging to.
As a wise king, Neptune clearly understood a fundamental truth: the thoughts of adults would inevitably influence children over time.
Beyond Fish-Man Island's present, he now had to face the future of the entire island.
"A child's worldview is largely shaped by the adults around them. And in the twisted environment of Fish-Man District, a mindset filled with nothing but hatred—lacking understanding or reflection—will be passed down, bit by bit."
Neptune looked at his beloved wife with a hint of pain in his eyes. Then, he turned to Sakazuki, slightly dissatisfied.
"This is what you wanted to tell me, isn't it?"
Sakazuki, however, remained unapologetic.
His words may have been harsh, and Otohime might have found them difficult to accept at the moment.
But it was still better than saying nothing now, only to witness this Martin Luther King-like woman repeat history years later.
Sakazuki stated his perspective clearly.
"A lunatic Fish-Man pirate who glorifies revenge and hatred against humanity as a holy war is nothing more than a criminal disguised in the banner of racial ideology, carrying out acts of terror."
Under Arlong's influence, Hody, despite claiming to fight for Fish-Man Island's racial ideology, would ultimately resort to violence not just against humans but even against his fellow Fish-Men.
"So… what do you need the Neptune Army to do? No… what do you need me to do?"
Neptune pressed both hands against the table and slowly leaned forward toward the Marine.
"We Marines will handle the human side of this conflict. However, Arlong and his gang have significant influence in Fish-Man District. If the Marines act against them directly, I fear it will only fuel anti-human sentiment on Fish-Man Island."
Sakazuki's stiff face twisted into a grim smile.
"I want you to personally deal with him."
Before Neptune could respond, a soft yet firm voice interrupted their conversation.
"No!"
Even though Arlong was indeed spreading dangerous ideologies, he was still a citizen of Fish-Man Island.
"I cannot allow you to do this, Neptune!"
"Otohime… we truly cannot let Arlong run unchecked. The chaos in Fish-Man District has lasted long enough."
Neptune gently comforted his wife.
"Think about the children. Isn't it your dream to see them grow up under the same sun as humans?"
A sharp glint flashed in the Grand Knight of the Sea's eyes.
"It's time to put an end to this cycle of hatred that has lasted for centuries."
"No!"
Otohime's sudden objection caught everyone present off guard.
The mermaid queen, who had always dreamed of true equality and respect between Fish-Men and humans, shook her head.
"If we execute someone simply because they hold misguided beliefs, then how are we any different from tyrants?"
"You are mistaken."
A deep voice came from the seat beside Sakazuki.
For the first time, Vice Admiral Onigumo, who had been silently listening, voiced his opinion.
"First of all, I must correct you. 'Citizens' refer to those who abide by the laws under your rule."
"Since Arlong and his gang have chosen to be pirates, they are no longer legal residents of the Ryugu Kingdom."
Onigumo flicked away the cigarette ash from his fingertips and glanced at the stunned Neptune and Otohime.
"In the eyes of the Marines, Fish-Man pirates and human pirates are no different. Race and identity hold no significance under the law."
He slowly drew a standard Marine-issued sword from his waist.
The grim-looking general quietly examined the ordinary military blade, then softly kissed its spine—just as one would kiss the blade of justice he had sworn to serve.
"Even if you are a king, the moment you declare yourself a pirate, the Marines will not hesitate to hunt you down!"
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