"A wise decision."
Orochimaru nodded. Whether Neptune wanted to agree or not, he had to accept this matter.
Once Fish-Man Island was under control, pirates heading for the New World would either have to negotiate with the World Government and pass through Holy Land Mary Geoise, or obtain Konoha's approval to travel through Fish-Man Island.
The first step in competing with the World Government was naturally to gradually gain an equal say.
The World Government could offer protection to its affiliated nations, but Konoha would do even better!
It would begin by providing protection to the million Fish-Men and Merfolk of Fish-Man Island!
Konoha's greatest problem at present was its shortage of manpower.
There were not even enough people to control the Shinobi World, much less this vast sea. Konoha needed time to build up and train its own personnel.
Konoha's younger generation had already grown up, but it was not enough. Far from enough!
Orochimaru was already considering bringing in manpower from the Land of Wind. If Sunagakure's people joined, the Curse Mark's effects would need to be enhanced, perhaps even carved into their genes so it could never be removed.
Only then could they maintain efficient control and prevent anything detrimental to Konoha from happening.
Neptune discussed the specific details with Orochimaru, then returned to Fish-Man Island with Jiraiya's help.
However, Orochimaru did not go this time. Only Jiraiya accompanied him.
Now that this matter had been settled, Konoha needed to issue some orders as well.
Of course, even if the Merfolk and Fish-Men of Fish-Man Island came to the surface, they could only move about within Konoha's sphere of influence.
This meant security needed to be strengthened to prevent any kidnappings.
Within Konoha's territory, all human trafficking was completely forbidden.
After Neptune returned to Fish-Man Island, his