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The process of moving Fish-Man Island back to the ocean surface was going relatively smoothly.
After all, within the territory of the Paradise (or "Grand Line, First Half"), no one could pose a significant threat to the Holy Spirit Empire unless the entire Marine organization were to mobilize.
Furthermore, most powers wouldn't risk escalating tensions with the Holy Spirit Empire just for the sake of Fish-Man Island.
However, while the high seas were calm, the situation was far from tranquil at the World Government's headquarters.
At the Pangaea Castle in Mary Geoise (Holy Land), Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's face was grim.
"That fellow, Auguro, has successfully courted Fish-Man Island. Do you believe he is attempting to seize control of the Sea King (Poseidon)?"
Saint Shepherd Jū Peter pondered for a moment, then replied coldly, "Regardless of whether he is or not, if the power of the Sea King falls into his hands, it will be a massive security risk for the World Government."
"I propose we invite Fish-Man Island to attend the next Reverie (World Council) and grant them the status of an Affiliated Nation."
The power of the Sea King is simply too immense; it must not be allowed to fall into anyone else's hands!
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn scoffed at this. He sneered, "It's probably a bit late for an invitation now, isn't it? They have already publicly joined the Holy Spirit Empire. Do you genuinely expect them to immediately defect and pledge allegiance to us?"
Saint Shepherd Jū Peter's expression morphed into a chilling smile upon hearing this.
"What if they have joined? Don't forget, the World Government is still the most powerful entity ruling this sea!"
"The status of an Affiliated Nation of the World Government would fulfill their 800-year-long fervent wish! Moreover, it would mean they no longer have to constantly worry about being attacked and hunted!"
"Putting that aside, even if they refuse, this maneuver will sow discord. Do you think the Holy Spirit Empire will be able to trust Fish-Man Island as they do now?"
As the saying goes, a lack of absolute loyalty is absolute disloyalty.
In the eyes of the Five Elders (Gorosei), who stand at the pinnacle of power, no ruler would tolerate a subordinate nation secretly consorting with a rival power. Even the slightest hint of defiance is unacceptable!
Therefore, if Fish-Man Island accepted the Affiliated Nation status, the World Government would be overjoyed. Even if the attempt failed, the relationship between Fish-Man Island and the Holy Spirit Empire would no longer be intimate and flawless.
The main goal here is to cause trouble—even if it's not fatal, it's enough to be a nasty annoyance!
Back on Fish-Man Island, Neptune (King) soon received a communication from the World Government. It was an invitation, officially stamped with the World Government's seal, inviting Fish-Man Island to become an Affiliated Nation and attend the upcoming Reverie.
Neptune immediately called his Right and Left Ministers and his sons to discuss the matter.
"Look at this! It's an invitation from the World Government! I never thought I would live to see Queen Otohime's wish come true!" Neptune exclaimed, overwhelmed with emotion.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" the Right and Left Ministers cheered in unison.
"With this status, when we venture to the surface, we will no longer have to fear being hunted by others!"
Their eyes were shining, filled with excitement. An 800-year-old dream for Fish-Man Island was about to be realized under their watch!
However, Prince Fukaboshi (Shark Star), the eldest prince, wore a serious expression.
"Father, we cannot accept this invitation!"
Neptune was taken aback.
"Why not?"
Fukaboshi stated firmly, "Father, have you forgotten? We have already become a subordinate state of the Holy Spirit Empire, and the World Government is an enemy of the Holy Spirit Empire!"
Neptune froze. He had been so excited upon receiving the invitation that he had completely forgotten this crucial point.
"But... this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Neptune looked reluctant. After all, Queen Otohime had sacrificed her life for this very cause!
The Left Minister's eyes darted around, and he addressed Fukaboshi.
"Your Royal Highness, I don't believe this is necessarily a conflict!"
Everyone's attention immediately focused on the Left Minister, and Neptune eagerly pressed him.
"Left Minister, what is your insightful opinion?"
The Left Minister spoke with confidence and eloquence: "Firstly, the World Government has no explicit rule stating that an Affiliated Nation cannot also be a subordinate state of another country."
"Secondly, the hostility between the Holy Spirit Empire and the World Government is primarily directed at the Five Elders and those in power, not all Affiliated Nations of the World Government! As far as I know, some Affiliated Nations have quite good relations with Water Seven's administration."
Ultimately, the World Government is not the same as its Affiliated Nations. It is merely an organization. Affiliated Nations simply pay a fee for guaranteed peace and protection. In the Left Minister's view, Fish-Man Island could perfectly well be part of both!
"That makes perfect sense!" Neptune's eyes lit up again upon hearing this.
It must be said that Neptune is an extremely soft-spoken man who is easily persuaded. This was true during Queen Otohime's time, and it remains true now.
"Absolutely not!" Fukaboshi sharply interjected.
"We know that Emperor Auguro is hostile to the World Government, yet we choose to join them anyway. What will other nations think of the Holy Spirit Empire because of this?"
"If we do this, we are effectively slapping Emperor Auguro in the face!"
Even with the gravity of his words, Neptune was still hesitant. After all, the status of a World Government Affiliated Nation was simply too tempting!
The World Government's prestige, established over 800 years of rule, was deeply ingrained in people's minds. Even Fish-Man Island, which had always been rejected, subconsciously still believed that the World Government's approval was the most valuable.
The Left Minister considered this for a moment and then suggested to Neptune, "Your Majesty, why not proactively inform Emperor Auguro of this matter? If Emperor Auguro agrees, wouldn't that satisfy both sides?"
Neptune's eyes immediately sparkled.
"Excellent! We shall do that!"
Seeing the two of them settle the matter in just a few words, Fukaboshi could no longer restrain himself and sighed dramatically toward the ceiling. His father had become completely obsessed and deluded by his mother Queen Otohime's dream!
If you ask Emperor Auguro, can he openly refuse? Even if only to project an image of open-mindedness and benevolence, he would have to agree! But would he truly be happy about it?
Watching Neptune cheerfully take the initiative to contact Auguro, Fukaboshi could only silently pray that Emperor Auguro would not completely abandon Fish-Man Island.
Because his father's actions had an old human proverb that described them perfectly—a term full of contempt: "Sitting on the fence".
In Water Seven, Auguro had just watched a performance by the Mermaid Song and Dance Troupe. Neptune had personally sent this troupe to Auguro because he noticed that Auguro had greatly enjoyed the mermaids' performances while at the Ryugu Palace. He made sure to emphasize that Auguro had not asked for them.
After the mermaids withdrew, Auguro answered Neptune's Transponder Snail (Denden Mushi).
"Emperor Auguro!" Neptune spoke with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
"There is something I wish to report to you!"
Auguro nodded. "Go on."
Neptune quickly provided a detailed account of the World Government's invitation.
Auguro listened and immediately guessed Neptune's intentions. He sneered internally.
"What a World Government. Their move truly strikes right at the heart of the matter!"
After a moment of silence, Auguro spoke flatly, "Neptune, you want to become a World Government Affiliated Nation. Do you believe that my Holy Spirit Empire is incapable of protecting you?"