"Sorry, but even if Your Excellency possesses great potential, we still cannot be wholeheartedly convinced by your current circumstances," Reiju said. "We abandoned the Four Emperors and established ties with the Celestial Dragons in order to obtain greater power. That is something Dressrosa cannot offer us at present."
Hiko understood what Reiju meant.
On the surface, Dressrosa truly could not present any particularly impressive Paper Strength right now. Powerful strength had always been the surest way to conquer others. What Reiju wanted were immediate, visible benefits, and Dressrosa's situation could not satisfy the Vinsmoke Family.
But was that really all the strength Hiko had?
The power to destroy a nation alone, Fishman Island's power to command the underwater world, and Caesar's ability to manufacture Devil Fruits—revealing just those three cards would be enough to shake the entire world.
However, Hiko would not easily let others know about those powers. It was fine if Caesar's Devil Fruit manufacturing ability could not remain hidden, but Princess Shirahoshi's identity as the Sea Emperor of Fishman Island absolutely could not be revealed unless it was absolutely necessary. Otherwise, Hiko's current power was not yet enough to ensure that Fishman Island would not suffer constant harassment from those coveting the Sea Emperor's power.
Therefore, Hiko understood Reiju's misunderstanding, but there was no good way to explain it.
"In that case, when the Vinsmoke Family remembers rejecting me today in the future, don't regret it." Hiko's expression was calm. Since neither side could reach an agreement, there was no need to keep talking!
Reiju's heart inexplicably skipped a beat. She had approached Uchiha Hiko cautiously, hoping to obtain more reliable information before deciding the future direction of the Germa Army. Yet they had only slightly revealed their intention to reject Uchiha Hiko, and he had already