Although Vinsmoke Ichiji's voice was cold and rigid, he had summed up the purpose of his visit in just a few words. Jinbe and Baby5 beside Uchiha Hikaru were instantly moved. They had not expected to attract enough attention from the Germa Kingdom for them to consider an alliance.
Hikaru lightly brushed his hand over the neatly stacked money in the box and said calmly, "Dressrosa's current state is practically that of the poorest, most miserable country in the world. It can barely even solve its people's basic food and shelter problems, let alone maintain any defensive military strength—it is nearly nonexistent. Is a country that could collapse at any moment really worth the Germa Kingdom's favor?"
Ichiji said, "We have investigated Dressrosa's situation thoroughly. Amid a field of ruins, you coordinated every side, planned strategically, and laid your groundwork. Not only did you save the lives of hundreds of thousands in Dressrosa, but you even set this country on the path to reconstruction. Such outstanding wisdom is truly admirable."
Hikaru shrugged. "Strategic planning and all that won't be much help to the Germa Kingdom, will it?"
Ichiji nodded. "King Riku has always had an excellent reputation. Since Dressrosa began rebuilding, the surrounding nations have all offered aid. If Dressrosa were to form an alliance with Germa, those other nations would follow your lead and join our alliance as well. The combined strength of several New World nations would grow tremendously at once."
"There are too many complicated issues involved. You can't form a grand alliance just by saying a few words." Hikaru said, "I appreciate Germa's goodwill, but Dressrosa currently has no spare strength to help you with anything. We are struggling just to survive, so let's forget about an alliance."
Ichiji's gaze darkened. "Is our sincerity not enough?"