This was, of course, deeply unsatisfying.
Although Fish-Man Island belonged to fish-men and merfolk, it clearly lacked the ability to regulate the humans passing through.
There had even been repeated cases of slave traders disguising themselves as merchant ships, coming to Fish-Man Island to abduct merfolk, and escaping with ease.
After hearing Bright's question, King Neptune fell silent for a moment. Then he stroked his beard somewhat wistfully. "Of course no one wants such things to happen, but we can't monitor every human who lands on Fish-Man Island at all times, can we?"
Fish-Man Island connected the two halves of the Grand Line. After all, only a minority chose to change ships and travel through Mary Geoise. Most humans wishing to travel between Paradise and the New World could only take the Fish-Man Island route.
That meant there were no few ships landing on Fish-Man Island every day.
Pirates, merchants, members of the underworld.
All sorts of people, in vast numbers.
There were even quite a few humans who had settled on Fish-Man Island.
"At the very least, strengthen immigration controls," Bright said. "Conduct strict inspections on human ships entering and leaving Fish-Man Island. That alone would greatly prevent trafficking incidents on Fish-Man Island."
Ultimately, entry and exit management was simply far too lax.
It was clearly a sovereign nation, yet it was run like a colony.
But this was not actually difficult to do.
Fish-Man Island's terrain was unlike that of any island on the surface.
For humans, there was only one safe route in and out of Fish-Man Island: the main gate. In other words, as long as they guarded that gate, ninety-nine percent of trafficking incidents would be impossible to carry out.
Neptune nodded lightly. "I understand that as well, but changing things will not be easy."
"Fish-Man Island connects the front and back halves of the Grand Line. Every year, countless pirates pass through here on their way to the New World. How could those people obediently let us inspect them?"
Bright raised an eyebrow. "The times have changed. This is no longer the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, when humans ran rampant on Fish-Man Island. Brother Jinbe is a Shichibukai. Even among human pirates, not many would dare make enemies of a Shichibukai."
"Especially in these deep seas."
When he had read the manga in his previous life, Bright had not thought the Shichibukai were all that impressive. But after coming to this world, he understood that the Shichibukai truly were top-tier powerhouses, surpassed only by Emperors of the Sea and Marine Admirals.
Fish-Man Island was only weak compared to the World Government and the monstrous pirate crews of the New World.
And that comparison only held true on the surface. In these deep seas, what could monsters like Whitebeard and Kaido do?
If Fish-Man Island took a harder stance, what could the pirates do?
"That makes sense."
Neptune nodded in full agreement. He was not offended in the slightest by Bright's complete lack of deference. "Otohime always says that we should trust humans, but our trust is always left unanswered."
That was why Queen Otohime was said to be a wonderful person, but her greatest flaw was that she trusted humans too much.
"But there is another problem." Neptune spoke seriously. "You may not know this, Bright, but although we live in the deep sea, we have many needs similar to those of humans on the surface."
"We cannot meet those needs ourselves, so to a great extent, we rely on passing merchant ships, smuggling ships, and even the ships of pirates and violent criminals."
"But we ourselves lack products attractive enough to draw them in. Many humans who trade with us only do so because they happen to stop here. That is how we can buy what we need and sell what we have."
"If we truly do as you suggest, then what will happen to this trade? They may not bother landing on Fish-Man Island anymore and instead choose to head straight for the other side of the Red Line."
Bright had known since childhood that Fish-Man Island was not wealthy.
This island was indeed beautiful, but its harsh location, difficult transportation, and humanity's discrimination and rejection made it terribly difficult for its industries to develop.
Even in the most prosperous towns, crimes caused by people being unable to afford raising their children were not uncommon. Not to mention Bright's hometown, the Fish-Man District, where nearly everyone was unemployed.
If trade with humans were cut off, what would become of this island?
Bright understood. He had always been thinking in terms of the balance of power, but for Neptune, this was probably the crucial issue.
This truly was a troublesome problem.
Ultimately, Fish-Man Island, located in the deep sea, had far too little ability to sustain itself.
Even the most basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation could not be met.
After all, Fish-Man Island did not produce textile materials.
Otherwise, why did the legendary mermaids all like to wear shells?
Not to mention other daily necessities, medicines, and the like.
There were indeed human merchants who risked dying beneath the sea to come specifically to Fish-Man Island to trade, but they were a minority.
Most people really were just passing through.
As Neptune had said, Fish-Man Island lacked goods with enough appeal.
If strict immigration controls were truly implemented, what would these merchants, who were probably no good themselves, do?
Bright sighed softly.
Fish-men and merfolk truly faced so many difficulties.
"That is where the trouble lies."
Jinbe sighed. "Though I hate to admit it, we cannot do without humans."
"Still, young man, I will consider your suggestion."
But Neptune said, "No matter what, I cannot stand by and do nothing after seeing my people harmed."
The advantage of a small nation with a small population lay here: the upper and lower classes had not become too deeply divided.
Neptune strongly empathized with the people of Fish-Man Island.
"So, what do you think of my invitation?"
Neptune asked expectantly.
Fish-Man Island had few talented people to begin with. Now that Jinbe had finally found a future star, Neptune naturally thought he should be nurtured with all their strength.
It was precisely because they had suffered so much oppression that they were even more united.
"Let's talk about it later."
Bright did not refuse outright. "My main goal right now is training."
Becoming one of the Ryugu Kingdom's upper ranks would certainly make things easier.
But becoming a true powerhouse clearly carried greater significance.
"I see."
Neptune was not discouraged. "Indeed, though it may not be pleasant to say, power is the most important factor in this world."
"Then, young man, when you are willing, have Jinbe contact me."
"Lastly, please allow me to thank you once more."
After solemnly thanking Bright one last time, His Majesty the King of the Ryugu Kingdom left.
There were still many matters from this disturbance that required his attention.
"There is no need to rush, Bright."
Jinbe patted Bright on the shoulder. "Take it slowly. The course of history over hundreds of years cannot be turned around overnight."
Bright nodded.
For fish-men and merfolk to welcome a better tomorrow truly would not be easy.
"Let's go back to Shyarly's first."
Jinbe said with a smile, "She should be worried about you. Leave Arlong and the others to me."
"Alright."
Bright did not refuse.
Though he did not think Shyarly would be worried.
She had already seen the script of the future, after all.
On the way back to Mermaid Cafe, Bright fell into thought.
Sure enough, if they wanted to change Fish-Man Island's circumstances, did they have to move the country from the seabed to the surface?
To the surface, where supplies and resources were abundant!
In this resource-poor—
Hm?
Resource-poor?
A flash of insight struck Bright's mind.
The seabed lacked resources?
Which genius had reached that conclusion?
He had almost failed to realize it.
A smile spread across Bright's lips.
If that was the case, could the predicament be resolved with ease?
Bright returned to Mermaid Cafe in high spirits.
"Shyarly, I'm back."
Bright pushed open the cafe door.
"Go on, thank Lady Nana!"
The moment he entered, he saw little Nana standing proudly on the table with her hands on her hips.
Several mermaids surrounded the table, holding all kinds of food in their hands.
The mermaids wore brilliant smiles. "That's right, it was all thanks to Nana this time."
"If it weren't for Nana, we big sisters really wouldn't have known what to do."
"Nana saved us. You're amazing!"
Were they the abducted mermaids?
"Hehehe!"
After receiving such a round of thanks, the little girl's nose nearly tilted up to the sky. She ate mouthful after mouthful of the food offered by the mermaid sisters without the slightest restraint.
"Honestly, don't spoil her too much." Mirian said helplessly from the side.
"Nana is our lifesaver."
One of the mermaids turned around and said with a smile.
"Exactly. Without Nana, we really don't know what would have happened to us." Another mermaid's smile was somewhat pale, as though she was still frightened by the memory.
"It seems Nana did something truly remarkable."
Bright walked over to the counter and spoke to Shyarly.
"It was indeed remarkable."
Shyarly raised her head and looked at Bright. "So did you."
Bright smiled softly.
Seeing how happy the mermaids looked now, it was hard to imagine the terror they had felt only a few hours ago.
They had been rescued, but throughout history and in the future to come, how many would not be rescued in time?
"Bright, there is no need to hesitate. Just do what you want to do."
Bright heard Shyarly's voice. She said, "I will always be watching from behind you."
Fish-Man District.
After Aladdin's treatment, Arlong and his group's injuries had stabilized, but his house truly could no longer be lived in. It was already on the verge of collapse.
As they discussed outside where to stay next, some fish-men came over.
"Brother Arlong, what happened? There was such a huge commotion here just now! What was that lightning rising into the sky? Even that Neptune guy came over, right?"
The fish-men still did not know what had happened.
A grin spread across Arlong's lips.
"Shahahahaha! That was lightning announcing the birth of Fish-Man Island's Star of Hope!"
"Star... Star of Hope?"
Before you continue