Reunion with Vivi: Three Princesses

"Mr. Roman, is that the 'forest' on land?"

"No, it's just a tree."

"And this one? Is this the legendary 'little bird'?"

"No, they're just a flock of pigeons waiting to be fed."

Upon arriving on land for the first time, Shirahoshi was incredibly curious, asking about everything she saw, much to the embarrassment of the eldest prince Hoshigaki.

"Shirahoshi, please don't bother Roman too much."

"It's okay, I'm just killing time anyway."

With Roman around, there's no chance of any fools daring to provoke them. After all, the royal families of other places aren't Celestial Dragons; without some skill, they would have been wiped out long ago in court intrigues, revolutionary uprisings, or pirate invasions.

Even if they are arrogant and conceited, once they arrive here—

At the center of the world, before the 'Navy' representing ultimate violence and the 'Holy Land' representing ultimate power: dragons must coil up and tigers must lie down!

"We will take the Bubble Cable Car to the Red Line, where more than fifty Affiliated Nation will hold Reverie in the Holy Land Mary Geoise. If your Fish-Man Island wants to be treated equally by other countries, you must demonstrate your 'strength' at the conference."

A weak nation has no diplomacy; a strong nation has no righteous wars.

If loyalty and friendship can still be valued on an individual level, then at the national level, only naked self-interest remains.

An individual might be willing to go to great lengths for loyalty, but what about a nation offering its full resources for friendship? Your generals, ministers, and citizens will all stand up against you! Because you're not considering the interests of one person, but the collective interests of millions.

"I may be being a bit blunt, but if Fish-Man Island wants to gain recognition from the human nations, strength is the most important condition."

When a group of children gather, the strongest child will become the 'king of the kids'. Similarly, relations between nations are quite simple: diplomacy primarily depends on whether the two sides are of equal strength.

Especially in this world of constant warfare, the number of powerful warriors you have determines your bargaining power—your bargaining power! Because whoever is stronger calls the shots, regardless of whether you are right or wrong, if they beat you into submission, then they are right.

Just like the famous quote from the former president of the United States: 'The first thing to say when faced with a problem is: Where are our aircraft carriers?'

To put it bluntly, the so-called profound "diplomatic language" is nothing more than a child's fist and intimidation.

"Speaking of strength, Shirahoshi, have you been training seriously?"

As the only condition for 'helping' Fish-Man Island, Roman devised a detailed training schedule for Shirahoshi, not to make her an instant 'Sea King' who could dominate the Grand Line, but at least give her some ability to protect herself.

"Training... training?"

"Mr. Roman ... well, that..."

Looking at Shirahoshi who was glancing around, Roman sighed.

What a waste! The talent of the mighty Sea King... If this were Jinbe, he would probably rise to become one of the 'Six Emperors' immediately.

"Ahem, Lord Roman, actually, Shirahoshi also trains..."

The eldest prince Hoshigaki, coughed lightly. Although it was just a trip to the underwater forest after dinner, it was more like playing than exercising.

"Your desire to protect your sister is commendable, but if you have talent in this world, it's best to put in the effort."

If countless ordinary people with no talent are working hard, then geniuses have even less reason to be lazy.

"For example, regarding the Hody Jones incident, if Shirahoshi had fully controlled her abilities, those few drug-addicted rebels could have been easily wiped out by the ancient Sea King with a single command..."

Faced with Roman's earnest words, the three princes and princesses of Fish-Man Island nodded repeatedly, as attentively as schoolchildren. To the onlookers:

"As expected of Lord Roman, he even managed to subdue the legendary Fish-Man."

"Although I didn't understand it, I was deeply moved..."

"Karu, target spotted!"

?

Call out--!

A streak of black light rushed towards Roman. Just as Hoshigaki instinctively reached out to swing his trident, Roman had already taken a step forward. Then:

Thump~~

The person who came was sent flying, along with Roman, and they slid along the ground for a distance before being thrown out.

"Roman!! Long time no see~~"

"It has indeed been a long time. By the way, your strength has improved quite a bit."

Roman rolled his eyes at Vivi, who was riding a duck and suddenly grabbed his neck.

"It's best to use this dangerous attack with caution. If I had put my arms in front of me just now, I would be a heavily injured princess flying backwards, plus a duck with a bent neck."

"Pfft, as expected, Roman, you haven't changed at all. — No, I should say you've become much more composed, confident, and powerful than you were back then."

"Gagaga~~" (Princess Vivi is right!)

·······

"And who is this...?"

Upon noticing that Roman knew the newcomer, Hoshigaki discreetly sheathed his trident and subtly bowed, inquiring about the other's identity. —At this hour, anyone who could be here was either royalty or a powerful figure from their nation! And this petite human girl:

"Hello, my name is Nefertari Vivi."

Faced with the enormous Hoshigaki, Vivi gracefully lifted her skirt, stepped back, and half-squatted in a ladylike manner.

"The princess of the Alabasta Kingdom has come to the Reverie with her father."

"So it's Princess Nefertari, nice to meet you."

As the first member of the Fish-Man Island royal family to set foot in the human world, King Neptune adhered to the principle of "the more you say, the better; the less you say, the fewer mistakes you make," primarily letting the steady eldest prince Hoshigaki, handle the communication. This way, even if Hoshigaki said something wrong, it could be excused by saying "the young prince is ignorant."

It must be said that diplomacy is a very troublesome thing.

Especially the party in a 'weaker' position.

"Roman, you should look at me with new eyes after three days of separation."

"I've been training my 'Observation Haki' properly these past two years, and now I'm Alabasta's number one warrior!"

Chaka, Chaka: Princess Vivi, you are the future Queen, so what you say goes.

Unlike Vivi, Vivi has truly experienced the cruelty of this world. For those without power, even 'dreams,' 'beliefs,' 'life,' and 'destiny' are nothing more than playthings in the hands of the strong. Therefore Shirahoshi, it's true that she diligently practiced the Observation Haki methods left behind by Roman.

"Very good, I have a copy of 'Armament Haki' here."

In the blink of an eye, a white paper was in Roman's hands, which he handed to Vivi while patting her on the shoulder.

"Keep it up! Aim to master Armament Haki in two years, I believe in you!"

Ah, this...

A partner I haven't seen for years, and upon meeting me, he immediately gives me a training manual?

"As expected, Roman, you're still the same old you. — Regardless of who wants the other to become stronger."

However, Vivi still took the book and waved it around.

Thanks.

Roman only seeks to help those he acknowledges as 'partners' or related to him become stronger. As for others:

Hehe, the weather is so nice today!

"Is this Princess Shirahoshi?"

"Yes... yes,"

Faced with the reserved giant Mermaid Princess, Vivi took the initiative to extend her hand.

"I just saw Roman scolding you. Could it be that he's also telling you to work harder on your skills?"

"I····"

"I knew it! I'm telling you, Roman, this guy..."

"Huh? Mr. Roman back then actually..."

?!

Is it really okay for you two to act like 'best friends' so quickly?

"Your Excellency Roman,"

"It's King Cobra, isn't it? Your body?"

"I can't do it anymore, I'm too old."

Roman was speechless as he looked at Cobra, who was sitting in a wheelchair and coughing incessantly.

"Mr. Cobra, you're only fifty this year, aren't you?"

How dare you say you're 'old'!

What does fifty years old mean?

Charlotte Perospero, the eldest son of Big Mom, is fifty years old; he can fight with a knife and devise strategies. Big Mom herself is nearly seventy, yet she could easily take down ten young men in one night. In contrast, Cobra...

Her hair was starting to turn gray, and she was sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed along coughing all the way, somewhat resembling the late-life demeanor of Zhuge Qinmo, who was nearing the end of her life.

"Your body is just too..."

"Perfect timing, I remember there's a Divine Doctor among the people who came to the Reverie this time."

Roman stroked his chin and thought for a moment. Chopper's hometown: the former Drum Kingdom, now the Cherry Blossom Kingdom. King Dalton will also attend the Reverie, and Chopper's doctor, Dr. Kureha, will also attend as a bodyguard.

Then we'll have that 140-year-old Divine Doctor examine Cobra. If that doesn't work, Roman's using Devil Fruit! I don't believe there's any illness in this world that 'Hormone Ability,' 'Surgery Ability,' or even 'Copy Ability' can't solve.

"Excuse me·····"

Just then, a questioning voice made Roman turn around, and there stood another 'familiar face' in front of him.

"Excuse me, I just felt your scent was somewhat familiar..."

"Don't use your Observation Haki like that!" Roman sighed, glancing helplessly behind the girl he'd only seen for about ten days.

That was Violet, the Princess of Dressrosa, dressed in her finest attire, smiling, and also the next Queen.

As a user of the "Glint-Glint Fruit," she naturally saw through Roman's true identity long ago. However, it seems Rebecca was unaware that the candidate Admiral standing before her was none other than Neo, the mysterious magician from the arena.

"Alright, stop standing here and obstructing traffic. Let's talk upstairs."

With Roman's introduction, the royal families of the three kingdoms quickly became acquainted. —Royal families who could become friends with the Straw Hat crew were certainly of good character; in fact, one could say they were rare 'good people' in this world.

Although in many ways, the term "good person" is a derogatory term in the eyes of many people in this world.

"Then let's ride the Bubble Cable Car No. 2 together,"

The so-called Bubble Cable Car, despite its name, is actually more like a gigantic building! Furthermore, the height of the creatures in this world... even the humans, is quite peculiar, and the Navy has a group of giant Vice Admiral. Therefore, even Shirahoshi can easily stand on the cable car's observation deck, as the massive structure slowly ascends:

"This is the sun..."

"It's so bright, it looks like a giant fireball!"

The Shirahoshi was stunned when it saw the sun for the first time.

"The sky is so high it has no end, and the sea has no bounds..."

The giant Mermaid Princess shed tears.

"If it were possible, I would also like to try living on the ground... so that everyone could live under the 'sunlight'."

Seeing Shirahoshi in tears, Vivi and Rebecca remained silent, unsure how to comfort her. This is precisely the moment when the 'atmosphere breaker' needs to step in:

"That's normal,"

Roman, standing next to him, nodded seriously.

"With your strength, Shirahoshi, staring directly at sunlight for too long would definitely stimulate your tear ducts. If it were anyone else—like me—let alone mere sunlight, even swimming through lava a few times..."

This Roman is hopeless!

Vivi rubbed her forehead helplessly, and even Rebecca next to her felt a strong sense of déjà vu.

This 'steel' character, this familiar tone—this Roman candidate Admiral must be the mysterious magician 'Neo' from the arena, right?