Chapter 146

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After a lengthy explanation from Gyarados, Shirahoshi finally believed the identity of the two large serpentine Pokémon.

As for Milotic, it hadn't uttered a word from start to finish, merely holding its head high and staring proudly at everyone present.

Shirahoshi then explained to her family about her recent experiences.

Upon hearing that Shirahoshi had been living peacefully on Pokémon Island with Pokémon and that the people at the Pokémon Nursery didn't reject her, Neptune and Otohime were thoughtful.

"Shirahoshi, do you like the environment on Pokémon Island? How does it compare to Fish-Man Island?" Otohime asked, sitting beside Shirahoshi on the bed, exchanging a glance with Neptune.

Shirahoshi began to describe the vast, endless grasslands, the pure, clear inland sea, and the people and Pokémon living together in Alliance City. Her eyes were filled with wonder and admiration for what she had seen on Pokémon Island.

However, she also expressed her deep affection for Fish-Man Island, where she had grown up. It was also a beautiful place with many unique sights that couldn't be found on Pokémon Island.

If Shirahoshi had to make a choice, she might, after much hesitation, choose Fish-Man Island because it was home.

"I see. Thank you for telling us," Otohime smiled and nodded, seeming to have made a decision in her heart. "Now, take your friends and go play, but don't go too far."

"Okay!" Shirahoshi was clearly thrilled. This was her first time showing her friends around Fish-Man Island.

Gyarados and Milotic, now much larger than Shirahoshi, were still young at heart. The three of them would undoubtedly cause quite a stir on Fish-Man Island.

Meanwhile, after Shirahoshi left, Neptune immediately convened a high-level meeting at Ryugu Palace.

He understood his wife's intentions and prepared to gather more opinions from others.

In the palace's conference room, everyone who needed to be there soon arrived.

Besides the royal family, there were the left and right ministers of Ryugu Palace.

The entire Fish-Man Island, at least the areas illuminated by light, was primarily managed by this group.

This was likely due to Neptune being a benevolent king and Otohime's frequent acts of kindness, earning them the loyalty of many.

Even ten years later, the three princes remained highly popular and well-loved by the common people.

Of course, Fish-Man Island had its darker corners.

Fish-Man District.

The place where Fisher Tiger grew up, now under Jinbe's leadership.

However, Jinbe was not universally accepted in Fish-Man District. While Fisher Tiger was a respected big brother figure who looked after the district's ruffians, Jinbe was merely the strongest among them.

It was precisely because the fish-men of Fish-Man District respected Fisher Tiger that they reacted so violently to his death at the hands of humans, refusing to sign Otohime's petition.

This area produced many hardline racists, with Arlong being a prime example. Jinbe, too, had once shared such sentiments.

Arlong's extreme hatred for humans made him popular in Fish-Man District, while Jinbe, who began to embrace Fisher Tiger's 'eye for an eye' philosophy, became increasingly unpopular among these radicals.

Arlong was likely already in the East Blue, so Jinbe was the only representative from Fish-Man District.

Jinbe had spent the past few years leading Ryugu Palace's military, so he maintained good relations with those in the palace.

"So, Princess Shirahoshi has already contacted the people at the Pokémon Nursery?" Jinbe's eyes were filled with seriousness.

Clearly, Jinbe took this matter very seriously.

He was far more aware of the current state of the world than those who had spent most of their lives in the depths of the sea, especially as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea under the World Government.

Although the World Government hadn't issued any directives regarding the Pokémon Alliance to the Warlords, the bounties over the past two days made it clear how powerful the Pokémon Alliance was.

Setting aside the exaggerated bounty nearing that of the New World's three emperors for the Alliance Leader, the bounties for the three Pokémon alone were enough to indicate their strength.

Any one of these three Pokémon could easily overwhelm Fish-Man Island.

"That's right, but Shirahoshi likes it there. The Pokémon Nursery seems to have no particular view on the people of Fish-Man Island," Otohime nodded, revealing her thoughts to everyone.

"If they can live with humans and Pokémon, then the nursery's owner likely won't reject us either," Neptune added.

If Pokémon Island was as Shirahoshi described, it was undoubtedly better than their current world. They wouldn't have to worry about losing their people anymore.

And Neptune had his own thoughts.

He was tired of seeing Otohime begging and being looked down upon daily. He could also see how much the people of Fish-Man Island rejected Otohime's ideas.

In Neptune's view, attempting to become a World Government affiliate, with all its uncertainties, was far less appealing than trying to join the Pokémon Alliance. Even if it meant paying more 'Heavenly Tribute,' it would be worth it.

At least Pokémon Island didn't allow fighting, while the World Government wouldn't send anyone to the deep sea to protect Fish-Man Island.

If they could make this decision, Otohime wouldn't have to endure the humiliations of dealing with the World Government and the Celestial Dragons.

Neptune wasn't yet aware that they no longer had to worry about the Celestial Dragons because there were hardly any left.

"I've heard there are endless grasslands there."

"Pristine and open oceans."

"The sun, cities, humans, and Pokémon~"

The three princes spoke up, their young hearts unguarded, expressing their high hopes for Pokémon Island.

"Our people deserve to enjoy the sunlight and land. I want the children of Fish-Man Island to see the grasslands, forests, and human cities. To see what it's like," Otohime said, expressing her long-held desire to move Fish-Man Island to the surface.

Many children from Fish-Man Island would sneak up to see Sabaody Archipelago out of curiosity, leading to many being captured by waiting slave traders.

"..." Jinbe's mind was in turmoil.

Otohime's arguments were valid, but living alongside humans was no easy task.

Jinbe was still relatively young, with some blonde hair, and the wounds from Tiger's death were still fresh. He hadn't fully let go of his grievances against humans.

Moreover, he knew how the people of Fish-Man District would react to this idea.

"It would be wise to first discuss this with the owner of the Pokémon Nursery," suggested the Left Minister, stroking his beard with his cane.

"Indeed, whether Fish-Man Island agrees or not, we can't be sure they'd accept us. We're just making assumptions," said the straightforward Right Minister, a seahorse merman.

"Very well, I will use the pocket token to visit the nursery and speak with its owner. Otohime, you can gauge the opinions of Fish-Man Island's residents. Have Shirahoshi share her experiences on Pokémon Island with the people," Neptune decided quickly.

"Your Majesty, let me accompany you," Jinbe stood up, willing to help.

Despite his grievances with humans, Jinbe was wholly dedicated to his people and deeply respected the royal family.

"Thank you, Jinbe," Neptune replied without hesitation.

While the relationship between Ryugu Palace and Fish-Man District was strained, Neptune and Jinbe had a good relationship.

Neptune knew how much Jinbe had sacrificed for Fish-Man Island, and Jinbe knew how well Neptune treated his subjects.

"We will depart once Shirahoshi returns."

...

On the sea near Water 7.

A highly advanced steel warship slowly approached the northern shore of Water 7, its flag bearing only two numbers.

Germa.

Standing at the bow was a tall, blond man, bearing a striking resemblance to the legendary 'Golden Lion.'

'Monster Bird' Vinsmoke Judge.

The biological father of Sanji, and once a scientist with MADS alongside Vegapunk, Judge was highly skilled in biological sciences.

However, he was deeply flawed.

Vain, arrogant, cold, selfish, and callous towards the lives of others, he viewed non-royals as inferior, much like a weakened version of the Celestial Dragons.

His redeeming qualities were his sense of gratitude and his unwavering commitment to his promises.

After being saved on Whole Cake Island, he fully assisted the Straw Hats in escaping, nearly getting wiped out by Big Mom and even being delisted as a World Government affiliate.

He also kept his promise to Sanji by staying out of sight.

Judge's appearance here had an unmistakable purpose: he was after the Pokémon Nursery branch.

The warship carried hundreds of black-suited individuals, all cloned soldiers without emotions.

Accompanying Judge to Water 7 was only a pink-haired girl.

"This must be the place," Judge looked at Water 7 with a blank expression, unimpressed by its scenery.

However, his eyes lit up noticeably when he saw the Pokémon.

(End of Chapter)