"Um!"
Gawain didn't say much; he really couldn't say anything. So, after nodding vaguely, he stepped over the threshold and plopped down on the chair.
Gawain was always self-disciplined. He strictly followed all of Gion's training requirements. After adjusting his breathing, he stuffed the various meat patties he had prepared in advance into his mouth.
Beside her, seeing Gawain covered in blood and sweat, Shirahoshi couldn't stop her tears.
She clasped her little hands together and asked worriedly.
Why go to this extent?
"For a goal, for ambition, but more for..."
Gion answered for Gawain, but stopped halfway through her sentence.
While Shirahoshi was pondering, she went to Shirahoshi's side, pulled out the Kompira stuck in the ground, and slung it back around her waist.
Shirahoshi couldn't understand Gion's words after all. Her worries made her lose the will to continue guessing. After barely getting an answer, she sat there and looked at Gawain with concern.
Mealtime ended quickly, and Gawain stuffed his stomach full before continuing his strength training with Gion.
Eating too much food is obviously not suitable for running and jumping, but there are so many training methods that there are bound to be a few that can help speed up digestion.
Around 11:40, Mjosgard arrived at Gawain's house. Seeing Gawain training, Mjosgard greeted him and then sat down in the living room to wait.
Twenty minutes later, Neptune arrived, and the two Otohime lovers reunited in the reception room.
Around 12:30, Gawain's morning training session came to an end, and he was then helped back to the living room by Gion and Jinbe.
The Merfolk maids around him rushed over and wiped his face and hair clean.
While letting the Merfolk deal with him, Gawain looked at Neptune and the other man and said wearily.
"Have you finished everything?"
"It's far from that easy, Saint Gawain. My Minister of the Left and Right are still in Fish-Man District, screening those clansmen who participated in the Gyoncorde Plaza incident."
While the thugs stunned by your Conqueror's Haki in the plaza were easy to identify, most of the thugs Hody Jones mentioned who mingled on Fish-Man Island didn't even have a chance to launch an attack until the very end.
To filter them out and completely curb the wave started by Hody Jones, the only way is to investigate their individual pasts."
"Yes, just follow the plan. We have plenty of time."
Gawain responded, then looked at Mjosgard.
"By the way, Mjosgard, I know exactly why Neptune came, but you..."
"Um, Gawain, I have a favor to ask!"
Mjosgard smiled sheepishly.
"Weren't you planning to leave this afternoon?"
But... I don't want to leave so quickly.
I'm not planning to go back to Mary Geoise with you; I want to stay here on Fish-Man Island!
This place is filled with traces of Queen Otohime's life. I love it here!
"What?!!"
At that moment, despite his exhaustion, Gawain stood up.
Looking at Mjosgard in disbelief, Gawain asked in a cold voice.
"What are you planning to do? Are you going to give up your Celestial Dragon status?!"
At this moment, Gawain was truly enraged, because if Mjosgard did this, the negative impact on Gawain would be far too great!
First, there's the share of the Heavenly Tribute that Mjosgard promised to give to Gawain. Gawain still has countless projects to undertake, and the Sea Train project is one of them.
Without the promised Heavenly Tribute from Mjosgard, Gawain would lose over 150 billion in revenue annually!
While it's not impossible to earn money yourself, it's much less efficient than directly receiving money!
Secondly, he went on a trip with Mjosgard, and as a result, Mjosgard withdrew from the Celestial Dragon.
This kind of thing will definitely not leave a good impression on the Five Elders!
The Five Elders might become suspicious of their own background based on Mjosgard's choice, potentially causing additional trouble for their plans!
Looking at the gloomy Gawain from the opposite seat, Mjosgard was startled.
He quickly shook his head.
"No, no, I'm not that extreme. Don't worry, Gawain, don't look at me like that!"
You're really scary, it's a bit... it makes me feel like I'm facing my elders from the past. My Pops and grandpa weren't exactly known for their good tempers!
After he finished speaking, Mjosgard smiled sheepishly.
"It's all my fault for not explaining clearly. I think I scared you. Don't worry."
With my Homing Donquixote Homingo as an example, how could I possibly give up my Celestial Dragon status?
Besides, I'm not stupid. Only as Celestial Dragon can I bring more help to Otohime's hometown!
I just... just want to stay here for a few months. The Fish-Man can't start relocation anytime soon, and I want to stay here and look after them.
It's only a few months. You just need to report to Mary Geoise for me after you return to land, so that my family won't worry about me.
"Once you get the document from the Five Elders and have dealt with the Sabaody Archipelago, I'll go back with the first group of Fish-Man who landed."
At this point, Mjosgard anxiously awaited Gawain's response. After these days of interaction, he had grown accustomed to following Gawain's decisions.
And Gawain.
Gawain took a big gulp of the Sea Beast Milk and then let out a long breath.
Putting down his cup and sitting back in his chair, Gawain nodded with a sense of relief.
"Of course, and it's perfect timing. If you're willing to stay on Fish-Man Island, some of my plans can be started sooner."
At this point, Gawain turned to Neptune and continued.
"King Neptune, I have not made any further demands on you or your country before."
Because Fish-Man Island is currently in turmoil and in a weakened state, you will also have to face many pirates passing through, in order to prevent them from taking advantage of the situation.
Therefore, I originally intended to give you some time to rest.
But since Mjosgard wants to stay, then you won't have any more security issues."
After speaking, Gawain thoughtfully picked up a pork chop and put it in his mouth. As he chewed, he continued speaking.
"If Mjosgard leaves behind his message, his guard will inevitably need to be expanded. The elite soldiers who arrive later can temporarily serve as defenders of the Ryugu Castle to help you maintain order."
At the same time, the fact that Mjosgard Celestial Dragon, and that we each possess Buster Call, means that passing pirates will not dare to provoke him.
"So, Neptune, take down the Whitebeard Pirates' flag that has been flying over the Ryugu Castle for over a decade!"
"This..."
Neptune was slightly taken aback, but he hesitated for only a moment before immediately adopting a resolute expression.
He promptly raised his hand in a salute, and at the same time spoke loudly.
"Do as you wish. After lunch, I will instruct the ministers to take down the Whitebeard banner."
However... Saint Gawain, after we take down those flags, what kind of flags should we hang next?
"The flags of the World Government Member States?"
"No."
Gawain raised his hand to stop him.
"The flags of the World Government Member States are far from sufficient to protect your safety; you may fly my personal flag instead."
Logically speaking, I've only just entered the world of the sea, and my banner isn't well-known yet, but with Mjosgard around, things will be much easier.
Mjosgard!
"I'm here, Gawain, you speak."
"You should know how to deal with those pirates who are trying to destabilize Fish-Man Island, right?"
"Certainly!"
Mjosgard gave a cold laugh.
"Those who dare harm Queen Otohime's clan, I will not let them leave with a complete corpse!"
"That's enough. With my flag and you here, every blade of grass and every tree on Fish-Man Island represents the will of the Celestial Dragon."
"Neptune, does this arrangement make you feel at ease about the safety of the Ryugu Kingdom?"
"I've always been completely at ease!"
Neptune responded with a smile.
"After what happened yesterday, there is no one in the world I can trust more than you, Saint Gawain!"
I just have some questions.
What does your flag look like? It seems your ship only flies the World Government's cross star emblem!
"Ha ha."
Gawain couldn't help but laugh. He wasn't planning to replace Whitebeard's flag now unless Mjosgard suggested leaving it behind.
After all, before he has fully integrated the Shichibukai, it will be difficult for him to carry out any truly significant actions on the Grand Line, and in that case, his banner will not have the corresponding deterrent power.
So, his flag hasn't even been painted yet.
But that's easy. Gawain has always been a decisive person. He smiled and continued.
"My banner shall be surrounded by a black Dark Bird that encircles the World Government's cross symbol!"
As for the specific design, I will gather the artists to work on it after I return to Sabaody.
Neptune, there's no need to rush. My men will deliver the flag design here within two days.
"Then you can replace the flag of the Ryugu Kingdom!"