Negotiations with the Navy

As Rock's words fell, the air in the room seemed pressed down by an invisible weight, and Kong's brow furrowed even deeper.

He did not respond to Rock. Instead, he slowly raised his gaze and fixed Harald with eyes tempered by countless wars and decisions, bearing down on him like an anvil.

"Cooperation?"

His voice was low and restrained, yet carried the inherent pressure of a commander-in-chief.

"King Harald, you should understand—"

"'Cooperation' and 'submission' are worlds apart to the World Government."

Kong narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone suddenly sharpening. "What makes you think the World Government needs the former rather than the latter?"

With a single sentence, he ruthlessly shifted all the pressure from Rock onto the Giant King himself.

Harald's gaze slowly swept across the Navy's foremost figures present—

These people nearly represented the military might and will of the current world order.

After a moment, he took a deep breath. His chest rose and fell as he spoke in a deep, unhurried voice. "Because of Elbaf's warriors."

"They can become the Navy's—"

"Strongest shield and sharpest spear in the New World."

"Because we do not need your support, privileges, or charity."

"We only need a..."

He paused, as though weighing the significance of that word.

"Equal standing."

Then his voice abruptly grew heavier, his gaze turning sharp and resolute. "And—"

"Because I am willing to stand here instead of aboard Rocks's ship."

The instant the name "Rocks" fell, it was like a stone dropping into deep waters.

The air tightened slightly, and the eyes of the Navy officers present sharpened almost simultaneously.

Sengoku immediately stepped forward half a pace, positioning himself between Kong and Harald.

His voice was calm and rational, always carrying the tone of weighing gains and losses and anticipating risks. "King Harald."

"Are