National Preceptor

After a pleasant banquet and discussion, Neptune was filled with ambition, wishing Whitebeard would arrive at once so they could build a great cause together.

Shyarly also predicted on the spot that Whitebeard would arrive before long.

Thus, everyone in the banquet hall felt reassured, and smiles returned to their faces.

During the feast, Neptune raised a toast to Mobius, his words full of attempts to win him over. He wanted to grant Mobius Fish-Man Island residency on the spot.

Jinbe felt the same way. He admired Mobius immensely, and even Otohime and Shyarly raised their crystal cups filled with juice.

Mobius refused no one. Whether it was Neptune and Jinbe or Otohime and Shyarly, with the enhancement of multiple Zoan Fruits, he could truly hold his liquor.

After several rounds of toasting, Mobius showed no sign of drunkenness, while Neptune was already "positively glowing."

"Mr. Mobius, these are my three sons, Shark Star, Ryuboshi, and Manboshi, as well as my daughter Shirahoshi. Come, come and meet the gentleman."

In his drunken state, Neptune had his children brought over and introduced them all to Mobius.

The eldest, Shark Star, was only nine years old, while the youngest, Shirahoshi, had just turned one. A group of little children appeared before Mobius, each wearing a different expression.

"Greetings, Mr. Mobius."

The eldest, Shark Star, had a steady temperament and took the initiative to greet Mobius. His two younger brothers were lively as well, following their elder brother's lead.

Only Shirahoshi stared at Mobius for a while before her eyes welled up with tears, and she immediately began crying for her mother.

"Am I that scary?"

Watching Shirahoshi curl up in Otohime's arms, Mobius felt slightly displeased.

"Haha, little Shirahoshi is just shy."

Neptune laughed heartily, not moved in the slightest by Shirahoshi's tears. Only after Otohime shot him a fierce glare did he awkwardly restrain his smile.

Since Neptune had even brought his children out to meet him, Mobius more or less understood what he meant.

"The eldest son is steady, the second and third sons are clever, and the youngest daughter has a promising future. Fish-Man Island's future is boundless."

Mobius chose flattering words. Shark Star truly did possess the bearing of a king; as long as his mind did not go astray and he remained a decent person, he would be qualified to rule.

As for Shirahoshi, she was the future Poseidon, one of the Ancient Weapons, even if she was only a child now.

Had Poseidon's instincts sensed the threat he posed, making her cry?

Thinking so, Mobius found a reason for Shirahoshi's tears.

After meeting them, the children obediently returned to the children's table.

Hearing Mobius praise his children, Neptune was overjoyed. He waved his large hand through the air a few times and said boldly:

"Mr. Mobius has done Fish-Man Island such a great favor. I do not know how to thank you. If there is anything you need, please say the word. As the king of the Ryugu Kingdom, I will spare no effort to assist you!"

A favor?

Mobius smiled. This was precisely why he had come. No one acted without profit, and there was nothing wrong with that.

"Then, once Your Majesty's cooperation with Whitebeard is established, please allow me to take charge of maritime trade."

If handled properly, it would benefit not only a major undersea nation and an emperor of the New World, but could also affect the entire world.

Hearing this, Neptune was not displeased. Instead, his eyes lit up like light bulbs.

"In that case... Mr. Mobius, would you be willing to serve as the national preceptor of my Ryugu Kingdom?"

"National preceptor?"

Mobius was speechless. This world had such a position?

Well, it seemed that in the Dressrosa arc, there had been a king with a national preceptor, or perhaps a military adviser?

Forget it. It was not important.

National preceptor of Fish-Man Island?

After thinking for several seconds, Mobius nodded. "Of course."

Though Fish-Man Island was completely ignored by the World Government, it was still one of its member nations.

It was a legitimate position. Not only did it not conflict with Mobius's plans, it could also help further them.

Fish-Man Island had remained hidden in the deep sea for a long time. Its national strength had great potential to be developed, and it possessed unique racial characteristics. In Mobius's eyes, it was entirely an untapped market.

"Since that is the case, I will not hide it any longer. Your Highness Neptune, I am considered a member of the Navy, specifically of the Naval Science Unit. At present, I am carrying out an unofficial assignment."

"If possible, I also hope Fish-Man Island can help me accomplish certain things in the future."

Mobius spoke plainly. This identity was not some unspeakable secret. As long as he did not reveal the information about Pure Gold, speaking the truth would instead make it easier to build trust.

"The Navy?"

Neptune exclaimed in surprise, exchanged a glance with his wife Otohime, then laughed boldly again.

"Of course!"

Neptune did not ask why Mobius was a Navy man yet still wanted to help Fish-Man Island. Some things did not need to be spelled out too clearly.

In this pirate-filled world, most people might be somewhat clumsy, but in another sense, once they accepted someone, they gave them their wholehearted trust.

Neptune did not care what Mobius's identity was, just as he did not care that his friend Whitebeard was a pirate.

As long as they were sincere and did not harm Fish-Man Island, then that friendship was real!

"Come, cheers!"

After laying his cards on the table, Neptune became even more enthusiastic. He slung an arm around Mobius and thrust over a cup of wine.

Mobius did not refuse. He smiled in response, then drained it in one gulp.

Though there was an element of mutual benefit, he was also happy to gain another friendship.

For the sake of his position as national preceptor, he would help Neptune develop Fish-Man Island.

After all, he was the national preceptor now. It was only natural that Fish-Man Island had a share belonging to him too, right?

They clinked cups again. Neptune drank heavily, then collapsed onto the table with a bang.

Mobius wiped the wine from the corner of his mouth and revealed a victor's smile.

Looking at the slightly stunned Jinbe, Mobius raised his drink with a disdainful air.

"Want to fight?"

Jinbe narrowed his eyes. Lord Neptune had lost, but he would never—

Bang!

With a heavy thud, Jinbe fell over.

The disdain in Mobius's eyes deepened. In this whole Ryugu Palace, there was not a single person who could drink!

The next day, Mobius woke with a dry mouth. The moment he opened his eyes, he covered his forehead.

"Looks like I drank too much last night..."

His throat felt awful, and Mobius was wondering how he had ended up here.

Suddenly, a voice announced itself from outside the door. A small group of beautiful mermaids dressed as maids entered, each carrying washing supplies.

The leader was a mermaid girl who appeared exceedingly meticulous, her delicate little face drawn tight.

"Lord National Preceptor, please allow us to serve you."

Mobius swept his gaze over them and immediately sighed inwardly at the extravagance of feudal society.

Oh, he was the one enjoying it. Then there was no problem.

"What should I do?"

Leaving himself to the meticulous mermaid's arrangements, Mobius had everything taken care of, from his hair and clothes to his face and teeth.

There was also a steaming bowl of hangover soup. Mobius drained it in one gulp, and his throat immediately felt much better.

"Is His Highness well?"

Mobius asked after Neptune and learned that the furry merman king was still sleeping soundly.

After thinking for a moment, he asked where Jinbe was staying. The leader of Neptune's Army had already risen early and was training at the practice grounds.

The appointed fortune-teller Shyarly was still asleep as well, so Mobius decided to visit the practice grounds.

It seemed that he and Jinbe had agreed yesterday to spar if they had time today.