The current Hody Jones, and the thugs of Fish-Man District, are not as unable to understand human speech as they were twelve years later in the original story. More importantly, they still have respect for Siegfried. However...
And he's definitely not the type to listen to advice!
If Sig simply tries to persuade them to give up their hatred, it will only backfire. Besides, Sig himself hasn't given up his hatred, so how could he possibly persuade them in this way?
The difference is that Sig tells them what they should really hate.
Of course, even so, Hody Jones and his ilk weren't exactly the type to listen to people...
However, Sig also possesses the ability of a "Psychiatrist," which can help calm their confused and stubborn judgments caused by psychological factors.
Although there was nothing that could be done about their deep-seated "misunderstandings," Sig gave them the example of Makoro —the traitor!
Whether it was Jinbe, who returned after becoming Shichibukai, or the other crew members who left the Sun Pirates and returned to a peaceful life on Fish-Man Island, they all refrained from revealing the truth about the Makoro incident out of consideration for the children's ability to accept it.
All they knew was that Makoro died in the war between the Sun Pirates and the Giant Axe Pirates...
But Sig now reveals the truth: Makoro and his companions betrayed the Fish-Man Race, even collaborating with slave traders and selling out their comrades!
This breakthrough made Hody Jones and others realize that simply being "human" or "Fish-Man" didn't explain anything, much less serve as a criterion for distinguishing friend from foe.
More importantly, Sig also said some things they wanted to hear!
"I've already spoken with King Neptune. The Fish-Man Race are far from having the strength or the obligation to wage war against the World Government. Compared to humans, at least the Fish-Man Race can hide on Fish-Man Island in the deep sea. Although it's small, it's not a dead end. Unlike the defeated non- Affiliated Nation, they won't be forced to send their entire population to the East Blue to build a bridge..."
Sig once again used rhetoric to imply to Hody and the others that they were now completely on the same side as the Fish-Man Race and humans.
It was also emphasized that the Fish-Man Race have an advantage over humans...
Humanity is oppressed by the World Government; there's no escape.
For seven hundred years, the World Government has also destroyed countless non- Affiliated Nation, deporting their citizens to the East China Sea and enslaving them to build a bridge—a super bridge that has been unfinished for seven hundred years.
The Fish-Man Race, on Fish-Man Island, at least had the advantage of location to protect themselves.
On the one hand, it deepened the impression in Hody and others that "we are with those humans," and on the other hand, it instilled a sense of "pride" in them.
This sense of pride makes them more receptive to Sig's arguments, transforming their initial hostility towards humanity into "compassion from a superior's perspective."
After all, it's difficult to go from "damned humans" to "dear comrades-in-arms." Even with Psychological Suggestion, it's easy to break down in normal communication afterward. But in comparison, it's much easier to go from "damned humans" to "these worthless people who need my sympathy."
"But... are we just going to hide at the bottom of the sea and do nothing?" Hody had heard Sig talk about the World Government's strength, but he was still unwilling to give up.
"I understand your desire to save humanity, but now is not the time. War is inevitable, but... not now!" Sig said righteously.
Hody:???
When did I ever want to save humanity? That's not what I meant...
Before Hody could think any further, Sig interrupted, "King Neptune has accepted my statement. Queen Otohime will continue to promote peaceful coexistence with humans, but downplay the World Government's role. This is to lower the World Government's guard and buy the Fish-Man Race valuable time!"
During this time, you must also make yourselves stronger and make more of your fellow countrymen aware of where the enemy is, instead of simply separating from humanity in the World Government's conspiracy, or threatening your fellow countrymen, which would only bring shame to Fisher Tiger Yamato me!
King Neptune will not publicly acknowledge your legitimacy, nor will he recognize you as the army of the Ryugu Kingdom. Therefore... you can do things that the Ryugu Kingdom cannot do openly.
Are you willing to bear the infamy, protect Fish-Man Island and your fellow countrymen in the darkness, and accumulate strength for the future battle at dawn?
Hody felt there were several subtle differences between what Lord Siegfried said and what he thought, but... overall, it seemed fine, and he even acknowledged our efforts?
More importantly, Sig's final question...
It's just a matter of "bearing a bad reputation," how can I refuse that?
It sounds so cool... no, it sounds so meaningful!
"I do!"
"We all agree!"
Fish-Man District was bustling with activity today, Sig nodded with satisfaction upon seeing this.
Hody and his team have to do is both simple and a lot...
When slave-hunting caravans, lacking direct evidence and especially operating under the banner of the Mary Geoise caravan, appeared near Fish-Man Island, the Ryugu Kingdom could only "keep an eye on them." But how easy is it to guard against thieves than to be thieves themselves?
At this point, Hody and his gang could use their status as thugs to launch attacks from the shadows...
Hody could also target any so-called legal slave-trapping ship that dared to use the same underwater passages to traverse the Grand Line.
To the Ryugu Kingdom, Hody and his group are also considered "bandits," allowing them to evade pressure from the World Government while receiving secret assistance.
Sig believes that in this process, the "seeds" planted today will gradually sprout in Hody's heart.
Just like Fisher Tiger Woods...
Although he couldn't let go of the fact that he was enslaved, he had witnessed too much brutality when humans enslaved their own kind, which made him rationally understand that the vast majority of humans were also oppressed.
"However, there are still some things to worry about..." Sig looked troubled as he glanced at Hody and the others.
"Big brother! We're willing to do anything!" Hody immediately said.
"No, what I meant was... you guys are still too weak." Sig said bluntly, trying to provoke them.
Upon hearing this, Hody and the others felt a pang of shame.
"Of course, it's not your fault. Back then, we were all forced to leave by the World Government... so you didn't even Fish-Man Karate, did you?" Sig looked heartbroken.
Suddenly, Hody's eyes flashed, and he said, "Brother, I've heard... there's an Energy Steroids hidden in the jade box in the Ryugu Palace's treasure vault. If we get that..."
"Idiot!" Sig said, delivering a powerful punch that sent Hody flying.
"What idiot are you talking about? What's the point of something that can harm lives? You're so disappointing... You don't even have the courage to become stronger yourself, and you can only place your hopes on that kind of thing?"
"Big brother..." Hody's eyes reddened.
"Tell me! To die comfortably in the spotlight, or to live a hard life to welcome the dawn, overthrow the World Government, and live with all my fellow countrymen on this earth... Which would you choose!" Sig's Conqueror's Haki was half-revealed as he pressed him.
"Big brother... I... I was wrong!" Hody said in shame.
"From today until I leave Fish-Man Island... everyone will learn Fish-Man Karate with me! After that, you will supervise each other, and anyone who can't keep up with the training... will get out of Fish-Man District and go back to Fish-Man Island to live a peaceful life, waiting to be rescued by others!"
"Yes!"
In the days that followed, the people of Fish-Man Island, filled with a mixture of worry and anticipation, noticed that the thugs of Fish-Man District had actually become much more well-behaved lately...