Chapter 232: Departure Amid Surging Undercurrents
The quadrennial Reverie was finally about to begin.
For some time now, royal families from nations invited by the government had already departed under Marine escort. After all, the distances to Mariejois varied—they couldn't all depart simultaneously.
As the nation closest to Mariejois, Fish-Man Island wasn't in any rush.
The Reverie would convene in one week, so even arriving a day early would leave time to spare.
At this moment, Fish-Man Island's three leaders had gathered together once again.
Though they'd already decided earlier to attend the Reverie, specific matters still needed discussion.
"Fish-Man Island has become too powerful now," Jinbei said with some emotion. "The World Government probably already views us with deep wariness. This Reverie likely won't go smoothly."
Anyone with half a brain knew the World Government would definitely want to further restrict Fish-Man Island.
"They're probably thinking something like 'it would be great if we could use them to control the giants and minks,'" Brett said lazily, leaning back on the sofa with drooping eyelids.
Right now, Fish-Man Island's relationship with the World Government was like an enhanced version of the government's relationship with the Warlords—that's how Brett saw it.
The World Government wanted to strengthen control over Fish-Man Island, ideally gaining complete control.
Fish-Man Island's side wanted only to borrow the government's power without letting their schemes succeed.
Both sides were engaged in this back-and-forth tug-of-war.
"So we must attend this Reverie," King Neptune sighed slightly.
"But if we don't go, the next moment will probably be when we completely break with the government," Jinbei said gravely.
If they refused to attend this Reverie, the government would probably immediately understand it as Fish-Man Island wanting to completely leave the government's camp.
After all, Fish-Man Island already represented a powerful force.
Moreover, Fish-Man Island was utterly different from the Pirate Emperors far away in the New World—it was far too close to Mariejois.
The World Government would never allow Fish-Man Island to break away. For them, that would be far too dangerous.
And for Fish-Man Island, now wasn't the time to break with the government.
After all, that would mean the World Government would fully target Fish-Man Island. Military, economic, and political sanctions would undoubtedly come in waves.
Even if they could withstand the World Government's military offensive with their own strength and allies' help, economic and political sanctions would certainly cut Fish-Man Island's currently vigorous development momentum in half.
This wasn't the situation Brett wanted to see.
Now they already had the Revolutionary Army drawing the World Government's fire head-on, and the New World's Pirate Emperors also bore the Marines' main firepower.
What Fish-Man Island should do now was seize development time and continuously become more prosperous and powerful.
Not a single Ancient Weapon was in position yet—now wasn't the time for open warfare with the World Government.
That's what Brett thought.
"Anyway, Brett, Neptune's safety during this trip to Mariejois is entrusted to you," Jinbei said solemnly.
"Of course." Brett nodded lightly.
This time he was also invited to the Reverie.
The government's reasoning was rather interesting.
They said Neptune was Fish-Man Island's king in the sunlight, while Brett was this nation's ruler in the shadows.
Ridiculous. Brett had felt quite speechless at the time. Even in this situation, they didn't forget to sow discord—truly worthy of the World Government.
However, since the government wanted to probe Fish-Man Island, they'd respond with the strongest attitude.
Since the government wanted him to go, then go he would. Coincidentally, Brett was also worried Neptune might encounter something at Mariejois.
Not wanting to break with the World Government now didn't mean being afraid.
"Be careful no matter what," Jinbei said. "Brett, you're indeed very strong, but that's the government that's ruled the world for eight hundred years. They could have any trump cards!"
"Caution above all!"
"Don't worry." Brett smiled. "I'll also bring a secret weapon. Even if conflict truly breaks out, I guarantee they won't dare act rashly."
So Brett and Neptune prepared to depart.
At the same moment, directly above Fish-Man Island at Mariejois, the Five Elders who ruled the World Government were currently holding a formal meeting about Fish-Man Island.
"That man has accepted the invitation. The opportunity has come."
Saint Nusjuro spoke coldly. "Since he's left Fish-Man Island, we can take slightly more intense measures."
"Remember to disguise as pirates!" Saint Mars said gravely. "If it's ultimately proven that Fish-Man Island has no problems, we can also avoid both sides breaking relations."
"We've already contacted several New World pirate crews," Saint Saturn said. "They're also quite interested in Fish-Man Island's wealth."
"Make it clear to them—there are two main targets," Saint Warcury said loudly. "The sealed-off place in Fish-Man Island's mine, and the depths of the Sea Forest, the place ordinary fish-men are forbidden to approach."
During this period, the World Government's agents had indeed investigated quite a bit on Fish-Man Island.
After all, over these two years, more and more humans had come to Fish-Man Island, which further facilitated the World Government's intelligence work.
"Never mind about the Dyna Stones having no news—we must find out what these two places are hiding!"
Regardless, amid such surging undercurrents, several more days passed.
Brett and King Neptune prepared to depart.
"Leave Fish-Man Island to me with confidence!" At their parting, Jinbei confidently thumped his chest. "I won't let anyone cause trouble!"
"Of course!" Brett was also full of confidence in Jinbei.
In this world, probably only he himself could defeat Jinbei in these deep seas.
With him holding down Fish-Man Island, this place was safe.
Then Brett and Neptune departed.
They rode Fish-Man Island's warship, taking only half an hour to appear on Paradise's sea surface.
Then the warship proceeded in a certain direction until they saw another warship appear ahead on the sea surface.
A Marine battleship.
"Ara ara, here they come." On the warship, a man lazily lying on a recliner sunbathing opened his eyes drowsily.
"The Emperor of the Deep—what an extraordinary presence."
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