"Well... actually... we've already reconciled with the Riku Royal Family ..." Gancho said, sounding very conflicted.
The dilemma wasn't whether to go to war, but rather how to explain things to this "ally who came in accordance with the oldest covenant."
The Tontatta Tribe are different from the Fish-Man Race. Most Fish-Man Race in the Ryugu Kingdom, but a small number live all over the world, while the Tontatta people are almost all on Green Bit Island.
Therefore, for the Tontatta people, "national hatred and personal grievances" are all concentrated in Dressrosa —since they have reconciled with the Riku Royal Family, it is the same as reconciling with humans, and there is no difference between the two.
"The Riku Family is indeed impressive. Although they were our enemies eight hundred years ago, I think we might very well be allies this time as well..." Sig looked like he didn't understand what Gancho meant.
"Dressrosa is also a member of the World Government, right?" Bian, the captain of the Hornet Squad, interjected, looking at the Fish-Man with suspicion.
"That's right, but we've already received intelligence that the World Government will withdraw from the New World within two years, and they're exploiting one of their members, Dressrosa, to the extreme... That's why I said we might very well be allies in the future, just like back then... Sigh." Sig seemed to have thought of something, and sighed deeply.
"Ahem, Mr. Sea King, well... as you should know, we Tontatta people depend on nature and live in harmony with it. In all aspects... well... our needs aren't very high... Green Bit Island already..."
Gancho's point is quite clear: the Tontatta people are not interested in "taking back anything".
But he couldn't withstand the ever-changing expressions on Sig's face. First, he looked excited and expectant, then his expression turned to doubt, disbelief, shock, and disappointment... as if he had been betrayed by a close ally, making it difficult for Gancho to say anything!
Seeing this, Captain Bian the Wasp Clan was somewhat provoked and wanted to retort to Sig, but was interrupted by Sig...
Sig's face was full of pity for their helplessness as he said, "Your Majesty Gancho, has the Tontatta Tribe forgotten the enslavement of you by the Donquixote Family nine hundred years ago? Even if you do not want to gain anything through war, the enemy wants to use war to squeeze every last drop of blood from your bones!"
"Back then Tontatta Tribe, because of their love of peace and their belief that they could live in peace in a secluded corner, did not migrate immediately or join our camp. As a result, before the war even broke out, they were ambushed by Dressrosa and the entire tribe was enslaved. In the subsequent war, your ability to cultivate plants was instead used by the Twenty Nations to poison our allies..."
Just as Sig was speaking off the cuff, "Passing by the White Tower" was inexplicably moved, as if... he had unearthed hidden historical information?
Sig:???
Sig, with his exceptional self-control, showed no sign of surprise, and... became even more self-assured—so what I said was actually true?
Was it really because the Tontatta people were "peace-loving," "unambitious," and wanted to live in seclusion that they were enslaved by the Twenty Nations so quickly?
Indeed, the history of the Tontatta Tribe is different from that of the Fish-Man Race, the Mink Tribe, and so on.
Although what happened during the Void Century remains unknown, it is clear that the Fish-Man Race, the Mink Tribe, Wano Country all participated in the war, only to be ultimately defeated.
In the history of the Tontatta Tribe, we can see that they were enslaved by Dressrosa nine hundred years ago, just as the "Void Century" began.
Sig even suspected that they might not be "allies" at all, but were just making things up because no one could tell the truth.
However, judging from the feedback from the "White Tower Path," Sig was right after all!
Upon hearing Sig's words, Gancho and the Tontatta Tribe couldn't help but show expressions of both "I see" and "shame."
After all, according to Sig, the Tontatta people and the Fish-Man Race were allies nine hundred years ago, but not war allies.
On the eve of the war, the Tontatta people did not choose to take up arms, and as a result... they were all enslaved immediately, and their strength was "contributed" to the enemy.
No wonder Sig had that expression when he heard what Gancho said.
The hot-tempered Bian immediately said, "Your Majesty! In that case, we must not fall for this trick again!"
The Tontatta people are naturally more trusting, and Sig's words are exceptionally persuasive, always hitting their emotional sweet spot.
"This is truly... extremely shameful, we have no records of that hundred years." Gancho, being older, was still somewhat wary.
"The same goes for the Fish-Man Race. The World Government completely erased this century, leaving only the ancient Poneglyph. However, because the Tontatta Kingdom was attacked and enslaved nine hundred years ago, some clues were found in the records. The Tontatta Tribe's records from nine hundred years ago and the past eight hundred years should also contain evidence to corroborate what I'm saying, right?" Sig was now very confident.
Although Gancho didn't say it explicitly, Sig could tell from his expression that he "understood".
Just as Neptune knew about Sea King, we can ultimately glean some details from the records from "a hundred years" ago.
At the same time, Sig could also see that Gancho and the other captains of the Tontatta unit present were actually interested, but most of them were still hesitant...
If it's just for a temporary "agreement," Sig could easily persuade them all to agree with a little Psychological Suggestion right now.
However, this is meaningless, because war is not happening now or in the present moment, and what war requires is not a single decision, but consistent execution.
If we force them to agree now, they will back out whenever things turn unfavorable.
Therefore, Sig then said, "If the Tontatta Kingdom still doesn't want to fight alongside us this time..."
Sig's tone was full of disappointment, which made them feel very ashamed. Bian and Kabu were clearly convinced and looked at Gancho anxiously.
However, Sig didn't press further. Instead, he continued, "Then let's find a way to have my human friend, Tesoro, look after you temporarily! He'll develop his power in the New World, centered around Dressrosa, so you won't have to worry about being attacked by the Dressrosa royal family again..."
Also, if possible, please do something outside the battlefield, considering we're allies, no... please consider we're friends. Ahem, of course, if you're worried about retaliation from the World Government if we're defeated again in the future... never mind, never mind!"
"Mr. Sea King! We are not only friends, but also allies forever..."
"But what if the World Government..."
"No, no, no, Mr. Sea King, please allow us to do what we can. The World Government is our enemy!"
"There's no need to force yourself..."
"Please don't say that! Not only outside the battlefield, but if a war really breaks out, we will never stand idly by!"
Dongdong: I feel better... I couldn't resist eating four pieces of pork ribs last night, and I didn't get any cramps!