Inside the grand hall of Ryugu Palace.
Neptune's brow relaxed slightly, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
As king, he saw more clearly than anyone else.
What burned within Gern was by no means merely the flame of so-called "justice," but something far more dangerous.
Ambition.
This man's goal was probably not just the rank of Marine Admiral. He wanted to bring the entire Navy... and even greater powers under his control!
Fisher Tiger stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Are you saying the Navy will station troops on Fish-Man Island in the future?"
"There won't be a garrison." Gern shook his head, his tone firm. "I respect Fish-Man Island's autonomy."
Otohime, who had also been thinking for a long while, nodded beside them, hope shining in her eyes. "That sounds wonderful!
"It would protect Fish-Man Island without interfering in our internal affairs."
To Otohime, Gern was the perfect bridge to realizing her ideals.
If they could use this rising star of the Navy to secure an Admiral's protection for Fish-Man Island,
then their future safety would be assured... perhaps it would be the perfect outcome for the island's people.
Perhaps, after a long period under his protection, everyone's impression of humans would gradually change.
Neptune considered this for a moment, then asked, "Rear Admiral Gern, why have you suddenly taken an interest in Fish-Man Island?
"As far as I know, the World Government has never truly cared about this place."
Gern met Neptune's gaze openly and replied, "Because I believe Fish-Man Island's plight should not be ignored!"
His steady, powerful voice echoed through the hall.
"With the Edward Naval Battle over, I'm certain the world will soon enter a new era!"
"An era... of great pirates!"
He looked around at everyone and continued, "When that time comes, countless