Shirahoshi listened quietly, that faint smile lingering on her lips.
After a long while, she gently raised her hand and pressed it down in the air.
In an instant.
The entire crowd fell silent.
All the Fish-Men shut their mouths, breathing heavily, their eyes filled with anticipation and fear.
Shirahoshi spoke slowly, enunciating every word:
"Deputy director of the Harbor Authority, Samuel."
"Tax director, Francis."
"Deputy minister of the Education Department, Edwin."
"Foreign minister, Clayton."
"Senior prosecutor of the Justice Bureau, Nottes."
"Executive deputy minister of internal affairs, Harold."
After reading out those names, she asked mildly:
"Is that everyone? Is that right?"
The Fish-Men nodded frantically, like chickens pecking at grain.
Shirahoshi smiled.
"Very good."
"Then I'll summon them here now."
"And let you confront them in person."
As she spoke, she waved her hand lightly. A stream of water formed into a signal flare and shot into the sky, bursting overhead into a brilliant blue firework.
"Today, at our anniversary celebration, let us witness two trials worthy of remembrance!"
Shirahoshi gazed at the firework, a trace of icy killing intent flashing through her eyes.
The Fish-Men were not the only ones she intended to purge.
The corrupt Mermaids were included, too.
Only by experiencing pain could people recognize how precious life was.
In her eyes, the policies her mother Otohime had left behind were still far too gentle.
Gentleness could not inspire fear and respect.
And order without fear and respect was nothing but a joke.
At the very moment the firework burst, Shanks and Robin exchanged a glance.
That look conveyed their intentions without a single word.
Strike!
Right now!
Although they had found no opening in Shirahoshi's defenses, they both understood.
They could not wait any longer.
Once Otohime and those high-ranking Mermaid officials arrived, Ross