Chapter 235 Meeting the Five Elders
More and more kings arrived in this hall. Not all kings were extravagant and debauched—most kings understood one thing clearly: each member nation's king was an important political resource.
Normally everyone had no chance to meet. Now that numerous government member nation kings had finally gathered together, how could they not seize the opportunity to develop more connections?
And of course, kings were divided into hierarchies. The more powerful the nation, the more their kings would be sought after.
So undoubtedly, King Neptune was surrounded by a large group of human nobles.
The world's strongest nation was the Giant Kingdom. Then on this blue sea, which was the second strongest nation?
Was it the pirate nation Totto Land ruled by Charlotte Linlin?
Or Wano Country where Beasts Kaido held court?
Many now believed it was Fish-Man Island.
Also with an Emperor's presence, wealth far surpassing the other two nations, equally formidable military power, and absurdly, this nation also had a bunch of allies, one of whom was that world's strongest Giant Kingdom.
If such a nation wasn't powerful, which one could be considered powerful?
Brett leisurely sat to one side sampling the fine wines on the long table, occasionally looking up at Neptune to ensure no short-sighted person suddenly attacked.
To say these human nobles greatly revered Neptune would be going too far. In fact, most of these people still carried disdainful emotions toward Neptune in their hearts.
But no helping it—humans were such creatures. Their subjective feelings often weren't the main factors directing their actions. Interests were.
Those in positions of power demonstrated this even more obviously.
Brett didn't mind. This was normal. Pride accumulated over years wasn't so easily dissolved.
Of course, while some went to Neptune to build relationships, many kings also came to Brett to pull connections.
Brett politely indicated such matters should go to Neptune—this wasn't his business scope.
The kings all sighed inwardly—indeed the rumors at sea weren't false. Fish-Man Island's two kings got along harmoniously. They couldn't help but grow envious. Why hadn't such a monster been born in their nations?
Brett turned his head. On the seat beside him, a blue-haired little girl bounced up and sat down. She held a piece of roasted meat, not minding dirtying her hands. Below her white dress, two slender feet swayed back and forth.
"What's wrong, Princess Vivi?" Brett had a good impression of this little princess. Unlike Kozuki Hiyori, that princess who inherited the Kozuki family tradition, this little princess was strong and brave, willing to risk her life to protect her nation.
Now King Cobra was also chatting with other kings, so the little princess felt somewhat bored.
"Can you tell me stories about Fish-Man Island, Mr. Brett?" The little princess no longer had the panic from first meeting Brett. She wasn't originally a timid child. In her youth, she'd constantly played wildly throughout Alabasta's royal capital Alubarna with her childhood friend Koza.
Later, to investigate the truth of a rebellion, she'd even infiltrated Baroque Works.
So after knowing this big brother wasn't a bad person, the princess who was only ten this year also dared to gather courage and ask him to describe that dreamlike Fish-Man Island.
Ever since watching that movie, she'd been unable to forget that nation.
"Of course." Brett nodded lightly.
In the past, others always told him stories. Today it was his turn to tell others stories.
"Mm mm mm!" The little princess happily gnawed on food like a little squirrel, her cheeks puffing high. Her two large eyes looked toward Brett full of anticipation.
Then what else was there to say? Start now.
So Brett began introducing Fish-Man Island's customs to the little princess.
Where this island was located, why its geographical conditions were so special, what the island looked like, what customs the residents living on this island had.
Brett patiently narrated to the little princess.
Though this naturally couldn't compare to storytelling for interest, Princess Vivi also listened with shining eyes.
She already couldn't wait to visit Fish-Man Island.
This pleasant atmosphere was only broken when a certain loud voice rang out.
"Hahahaha! This king is seeing so many kings for the first time!" Some swaggering fellow laughed arrogantly while walking into the hall.
He wore white fur, had metal outer armor on his body, something like an iron barrel embedded in his chin, and a short, stout build.
Brett raised an eyebrow.
Another familiar guy had appeared.
Wapol—that should be the name.
The possessor of the powerful Paramecia Munch-Munch Fruit, king of the medical great nation Drum Kingdom.
After being punched away by luffy and losing his king position, he developed Wapol metal and made a comeback.
Speaking of which, Wapol metal was also good stuff.
Brett silently observed that smug fellow.
But before he could do anything, a government official appeared before him with a full smile.
"Lord Brett," this man said, "the Five Elders wish to see you."
The Five Elders?
Not particularly surprising at all. No, rather, he'd already anticipated this.
After arriving at Mariejois, if the Five Elders showed no interest, that would be the strange thing.
"Your Highness, it seems we'll have to continue later," Brett said with a smile to the little princess.
"Mm." The little princess nodded very sensibly. "Mr. Brett, please attend to your business."
"Lead the way." Brett turned back.
"Please follow me." The government official respectfully bowed slightly, then turned to lead the way.
Brett followed him, leaving the hall where kings gathered, proceeding along the spacious corridor, twisting and turning before gradually penetrating deep into Pangaea Castle.
Then upward, climbing countless steps before more winding around.
Finally, Brett was brought before a certain thick, massive door.
"The five great lords are inside," the government official said with a bow.
Brett scanned the room's interior with Observation Haki.
Looked like not just the Five Elders.
He stepped forward and pushed open the closed doors.
Accompanied by a creaking sound, the doors to the World Government's innermost sanctum opened wide. Intense light came flooding toward him.
Brett strode in against the light.
"Five Elders, I've arrived," he said.