Bravery and fists!

This time, upon hearing Nicholas's words, Neptune fell into rare silence.

Nicholas saw Neptune's reaction and smiled, then sat cross-legged on the ground and asked, "Neptune, although I don't know what you're worried about, if we can't overcome the current crisis in Fishman Island, what's the point of talking about the future?"

"Crisis? What crisis?"

Hearing about the situation on Fishman Island, the Whale Shark Fishman, though uncertain, gathered his courage and asked about it immediately.

"The pirate crisis."

Nicholas shook his head slightly and then looked at the whale shark young man, who would one day be renowned across the seas for his chivalry. He said seriously, "Currently, there are around thirty thousand pirates on Fishman Island, and these pirates aren't ordinary people. I think you understand what that means, young man."

"Thirty thousand pirates..."

The face of the whale shark Fishman displayed a solemn expression, clearly recognizing the destructive power that thirty thousand pirates could wield. It could be said that these thirty thousand pirates could completely overthrow the entire Fishman Island.

"Nicholas, according to Shyarly's prophecy, you will drag Fishman Island into war, and... forget it, I won't mention that, so that's why we're wary of you."

In the end, Neptune decided to be straightforward with Nicholas. After all, Fishman Island was currently in a major crisis, and as Nicholas had said, if they couldn't even get through this, what future could they hope for?

"I drag Fishman Island into war?"

Nicholas pointed at himself somewhat baffled. According to the normal flow of prophecies, shouldn't it be some brat shouting revolutionary slogans who destroys Fishman Island? Why did it become his responsibility to plunge Fishman Island into war? Did he steal the prophet's job?

But soon Nicholas realized. Actually, Neptune's perspective wasn't entirely wrong. If he were to confront the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, then the Sea Kings, being a formidable weapon, would definitely be utilized. In that sense, yes, he would indeed drag Fishman Island into war.

"If you don't even have this awareness, Neptune, then you might as well lead the Fishman tribe to cower at the bottom of the sea for the rest of your life."

Nicholas shook his head slightly and calmly stated.

"What do you mean by that? Does Fishman Island not have the right to pursue freedom? I believe that as long as the people on the surface feel the sincerity of the people of Fishman Island, one day we Fishmen will be able to move freely on the surface, enjoying the sunlight and breathing the air above the sea just like other nations."

At that moment, a firm voice echoed from behind the great hall, followed by a woman with cascading golden waves of hair, blue eyes, and wearing a robe patterned with fish scales, accompanied by three mermaids, emerged from behind the hall.

"You are... Princess Otohime?"

Nicholas furrowed his brow, pondering for a while before uncertainly asking. After all, in the world of pirates, unless someone had a particularly distinctive appearance, identifying individuals could be quite challenging for Nicholas, transitioning from the world of manga to reality had its difficulties.

If it weren't for those three clearly distinctive princes, Nicholas wouldn't have been so sure.

"Would you like to talk about your ideals with the pirates at Gyoncorde Square? See if there's a chance for Neptune to have another half-human, half-mermaid child?"

Nicholas looked at the mermaid with a compassionate and merciful tone.

Neptune: Feels somewhat offended.

While Princess Otohime initially wanted to retort, she was promptly stopped by Neptune, realizing that if she went to Gyoncorde Square and advocated her ideals, it could very well lead to an unwanted confrontation, or even a scandal. Despite already having three children, Neptune couldn't help but worry about potential affairs.

"It's impossible. Even if those pirates are unable to communicate, I believe the World Government and others can."

Princess Otohime continued, still unwilling to give up. For her, the goal she had fought for her entire life was for the residents of Fishman Island to enjoy the same freedom as those on the surface, basking in sunlight and breathing the air above the sea.

"Status is earned by the fist, not by seeking pity from others. Pity can bring you respect, but it can also be easily taken away. Just like eight hundred years ago in Fishman Island, it was not pity from others that granted them their status, but it was earned by the Sea Kings who roamed the four seas and the mighty warriors who fought with their fists!"

With each word spoken by Nicholas, Princess Otohime's complexion grew paler, while Tager, Neptune, and some unknown whale shark youngster's expressions turned increasingly grim.

Unlike Princess Otohime, who had never interacted with the outside world, they were well aware of how the world viewed Fishmen.

Moreover, in recent times, due to the large number of pirates infiltrating Fishman Island, young mermaids were being abducted by pirates and human trafficking organizations almost every day, with many Fishmen, especially the elderly and female Fishmen, being killed or captured by pirates on a daily basis. Compared to beautiful mermaids, the value of Fishmen, especially elderly and female Fishmen, was significantly lower.

At the same time.

At the Sabaody Archipelago base of the Donquixote Family.

Trebol, Lao G, Senor, and Giolla stood in front of the slave-capturing team, inspecting today's haul.

"Hehehe, this time's catch is really good. We've got five mermaids, thirty male Fishmen, including a tiger shark Fishman, and twenty female Fishmen. I think we'll make quite a bit of profit this time."

"I wonder how long this business can continue. It's said that there are already major pirates eyeing Fishman Island in the New World."

Senor spoke nonchalantly, clearly skeptical about the Donquixote Family's slave trade on Fishman Island.

"We're not worried about that. What we need to do now is help the young master accumulate resources and then head to the New World to help him reclaim what's rightfully his and assist him in taking the throne!"

Giolla nodded as she registered the information, her tone determined.

…

Meanwhile, on a deserted street not far from Gyoncorde Square.

A group of imposing pirates walked confidently down the empty street.

Leading them was a woman of exceptional stature and strength.

"It's quite desolate here."

The woman wore a peculiar lady's hat, carried a massive and formidable scythe on her back, and had a mane of blood-red hair swaying wildly behind her. She wore pink boots with floral patterns.

This woman was none other than the infamous Blood Lady, Hilary, with a bounty of 132 million berries.

"Katakuri, the pirates on the island are heading towards Gyoncorde Square. When should we go?"

"No need to rush; right now, it's not us who should be in a hurry."

Seated atop a building, Katakuri glanced towards the direction of the Ryugu Palace with a calm demeanor.