Immigration Bureau Building, Bright's office.
Bright stood before the window, watching the merchant ships gradually leave the nearby harbor.
After resting for just one night, the merchants had already loaded the ore aboard and hurriedly set off.
The Sabaody Archipelago was really close to Fish-Man Island. They could arrive in less than a day—wouldn't delaying for two more days mean losing out on two rounds of trade? What a waste that would be.
This time, however, they were not leaving alone. Fish-Men were escorting them.
Neptune had temporarily transferred part of Ryugu Palace's forces to escort the merchants away from Fish-Man Island and back to the Sabaody Archipelago.
"Is this really going to be okay?"
Jinbe's somewhat uneasy voice came from behind him.
Bright turned around and leaned against the window, saying calmly, "There is no need to worry too much, Brother Jinbe. Simply trying to fool them would naturally be meaningless."
"But no matter what, the Ryugu Kingdom is a member nation of the World Government. There were no witnesses when I took those guys out. As long as we stick to our story, they have no reason to start a war without conclusive evidence."
"Is that so?"
Jinbe sighed in relief. "I thought that right after dealing with the pirates' threat, we'd immediately have to go to war with the Navy."
"Of course, that is only if the World Government has not made up its mind," Bright added.
"..."
Jinbe rolled his eyes. "Then should we contact Pops Whitebeard? If he learns what happened, he will definitely help."
Bright had no doubt about that.
Whitebeard's reputation was known throughout the world.
The Whitebeard Pirates' flag was still flying over Fish-Man Island's harbor. Neptune and Whitebeard were old acquaintances as well. If Fish-Man Island ran into trouble, the Whitebeard