Dilemma, Star of Hope

This is, of course, a very unsatisfactory situation.

Although Fish-Man Island is the territory of Fishmen and Mermaids, it clearly lacks the ability to restrain the humans who pass through it.

There have even been repeated incidents of slave traders disguising themselves as merchant ships, coming to Fish-Man Island to abduct Mermaids and then escaping with ease.

After hearing Bright's question, King Neptune was silent for a moment, then stroked his beard with a hint of melancholy, "No one wants this kind of thing, of course, but we can't possibly monitor humans landing on Fish-Man Island at all times, can we?"

Fish-Man Island is the connection point between the first and second halves of the Grand Line. The number of people who choose to change ships and go through Mary Geoise is only a minority. Most humans who want to travel between Paradise and the New World can only choose the route through Fish-Man Island.

This means that the number of ships landing on Fish-Man Island every day is not small.

Pirates, merchants, members of the underworld.

A mixed bag, a large number of people.

There are even quite a few humans who have settled on Fish-Man Island.

"At least strengthen the immigration management," Bright said. "Strictly search human ships entering and leaving Fish-Man Island. Just this alone would largely prevent the trafficking incidents that happen on Fish-Man Island."

In the final analysis, the management of entry and exit is too lax.

It's a sovereign nation, yet it's treated like a colony.

But this isn't actually a difficult thing.

The terrain of Fish-Man Island is different from any other island on the surface.

For humans, there is only one way to safely enter and exit Fish-Man Island, and that is through the main entrance. In other words, as long as this main entrance is guarded, ninety-nine percent of trafficking incidents cannot proceed.

Neptune nodded gently, "I understand this, but changing it is not an easy thing."

"Fish-Man Island connects the front and back of the Grand Line. Every year, countless pirates pass through here on their way to the New World. How could those guys honestly allow us to inspect them?"

Bright raised an eyebrow, "Times have changed. This is no longer the beginning of the Great Pirate Era when humans ran rampant on Fish-Man Island. Jinbe is a Shichibukai. Even among human pirates, not many dare to oppose a Shichibukai."

"Especially in this deep sea."

When he read the manga in his past life, he didn't think the Shichibukai were that impressive. But after coming to this world, he realized that the Shichibukai are indeed top-tier powerhouses, second only to the Emperor of the Sea and the Marine Admirals.

Fish-Man Island's weakness is relative to the World Government and the monster pirate crews of the New World.

Even this comparison is made on the surface. In this deep sea, what does it matter even if there are monsters like Whitebeard and Kaido?

As long as Fish-Man Island takes a firm stance, what can the pirates do?

"That makes sense."

Neptune nodded in deep agreement. He didn't mind Bright's lack of respect in his words at all. "Otohime always says we should trust humans, but our trust is never reciprocated."

So, as I said, Queen Otohime is a good person, but her biggest flaw is that she trusts humans too much.

"But there's another problem," Neptune said seriously. "You might not be aware, Bright, but we are located in the deep sea, yet we have many similar needs to humans on the surface."

"We cannot satisfy these needs ourselves, so we rely heavily on passing merchant ships, smuggling ships, and even pirate and thug ships."

"However, we ourselves lack sufficiently attractive products. Many humans who trade with us do so only incidentally when they land. This allows us to buy what we need and sell what we have."

"If it's as you say, what will happen to this trade in the future? They might be too lazy to land on Fish-Man Island and choose to go directly to the other side of the Red Line."

Bright knew from a young age that Fish-Man Island was not wealthy.

The island is indeed very beautiful, but its harsh geographical location, difficult transportation conditions, and human discrimination and boycott make it very difficult for any industry on the island to develop.

Even in the most prosperous towns, crimes due to the inability to support children are common, let alone in Bright's hometown, the Fish-Man District, which is almost entirely unemployed.

If trade with humans were cut off, what would become of this island?

Bright understood. He had always been thinking about the issue of power disparity, but for Neptune, this was probably the key issue.

This is indeed a very troublesome problem.

In the end, Fish-Man Island, located in the deep sea, has too weak a self-sufficiency capability.

Even basic necessities like food, clothing, shelter, and transportation cannot be met.

After all, Fish-Man Island does not produce raw materials for textiles.

Otherwise, why do legendary mermaids like to wear shells?

Not to mention other daily necessities, medicines, and the like.

There are indeed human merchants who risk death at the bottom of the sea to trade specifically with Fish-Man Island, but they are a minority.

Most people are just passing by.

After all, as Neptune said, Fish-Man Island lacks sufficiently attractive goods.

If a strict immigration policy were truly implemented, what would happen to these merchants, who are mostly not good people?

Bright sighed.

The plight faced by Fishmen and Mermaids is truly numerous.

"This is the troublesome part," Jinbe sighed. "Although I'm very unwilling, we can't do without humans."

"However, young man, I will consider your suggestion."

Neptune, however, said, "No matter what, I can't stand by and do nothing while my people are being hurt."

The advantage of a small country with a small population is that the upper and lower classes are not too disconnected.

Neptune had a strong sense of empathy for the people of Fish-Man Island.

"So, what do you think of my invitation?"

Neptune asked with anticipation.

Fish-Man Island was already short on talent, and with someone like Jinbe's "Star of Hope" finally emerging, he felt they absolutely had to nurture them.

It was precisely because they had suffered so much bullying that they were even more united.

"I'll think about it later,"

Bright didn't refuse directly. "My main goal right now is to train."

Becoming a high-ranking official in the Ryugu Kingdom would certainly make things easier.

But clearly, becoming a true powerhouse held more significance.

"I see."

Neptune wasn't discouraged. "Indeed, though it might not sound good, power is the most important factor in this world."

"Then, young man, please have Jinbe contact me when you're ready."

"Finally, please allow me to thank you once more."

After solemnly thanking Bright one last time, His Majesty, the King of the Ryugu Kingdom, departed.

There were still many matters to attend to regarding this disturbance.

"No need to rush, Bright,"

Jinbe patted Bright's shoulder. "Take your time. Centuries of history aren't going to be turned around overnight."

Bright nodded.

It truly wasn't a simple matter for Fishmen and Merfolk to usher in a bright tomorrow.

"Let's head back to Sharly's place first,"

Jinbe said with a smile. "She must be worried about you. Leave Arlong and the others to me."

"Okay."

Bright didn't refuse.

Though he didn't think Sharly would be worried.

She was the one who had already seen the future script, after all.

On the way back to the Mermaid Cafe, Bright fell into thought.

Indeed, if they wanted to change Fish-Man Island's circumstances, would they have to move the country from the seabed to the surface?

To the surface, where supplies and resources were abundant!

On this resource-scarce—

Huh?

Resource-scarce?

A flash of inspiration struck Bright.

Resource-scarce underwater?

What kind of genius came up with that conclusion?

He almost didn't react.

A smile spread across Bright's lips.

If that were the case, wouldn't their predicament be easily solved?

Bright returned to the Mermaid Cafe with an excited mood.

"Sharly, I'm back."

Bright pushed open the cafe door.

"Thank Nana!"

As soon as he entered, he saw little Nana standing proudly on a table with her hands on her hips.

Several mermaids were gathered around the table, holding various kinds of food.

The mermaids' faces were filled with radiant smiles. "Yes, it's all thanks to Nana this time."

"If it weren't for Nana, we really wouldn't have known what to do."

"Nana saved us, she's amazing!"

Were these the kidnapped mermaids?

"Hmph, hmph, hmph!"

After receiving profuse thanks, the little girl's nose nearly touched the sky as she unceremoniously devoured the food from the mermaid sisters' hands, bite after bite.

"Really, you shouldn't spoil her too much," Miss Mirian said helplessly from the side.

"Nana is our savior."

One mermaid smiled as she turned her head.

"Exactly, without Nana, we really don't know what would have happened to us." Another mermaid's smile was a little pale, as if she was still recovering from the shock.

"It seems Nana did something quite remarkable."

Bright walked over to the counter and said to Sharly.

"It truly was remarkable."

Sharly looked up at Bright. "You too."

Bright smiled gently.

Seeing the mermaids' happy expressions, it was hard to imagine their terror just a few hours ago.

They were saved, but in their past history, and in the future to come, how many would not be saved in time?

"Bright, there's no need to hesitate. Just do what you want to do."

Bright heard Sharly's voice. She said, "I will always be watching you from behind."

Fish-Man District.

After Aladdin's treatment, Arlong and his crew's injuries had stabilized, but his house was indeed no longer habitable; it was already tottering.

While discussing where to live next outside, some fish-men approached.

"Brother Arlong, what happened? There was such a huge commotion just now! What was that lightning that shot up from the sky? Neptune must have come over!"

The fish-men still didn't know what had happened.

Arlong's lips curled into a grin.

"Hahahaha! That was the lightning announcing the birth of Fish-Man Island's Star of Hope!"

"Ho... Star of Hope?"