Saint Saturn's voice wasn't loud, but everyone could hear it clearly.
"The first topic – the problem of rampant piracy."
The entire audience erupted in uproar.
The moment the words "piracy is rampant" were uttered, the atmosphere in the room changed completely.
The kings whispered amongst themselves, discussing the matter animatedly.
"Quiet." Saint Saturn tapped the table.
The entire room fell silent once more.
"In the past two years, the number of pirates on the high seas has surged, the power of the Four Emperors in the New World has been consolidated, and small-time pirates on Four Blues seas have been causing constant trouble."
Saint Saturn's voice was neither hurried nor slow, but every word was like a nail driven into the minds of everyone present.
"Naval forces are stretched thin, and we urgently need the cooperation of other countries to strengthen coastal defenses, submit intelligence, and jointly eradicate pirates."
One of the kings stood up. "Your Majesty Saint Saturn, our nation has done its utmost, but there are simply too many pirates—"
That's your problem.
Saint Saturn interrupted him.
"The responsibility of World Government is to maintain order, not to act as a babysitter for nations."
The inadequate coastal defense is your own incompetence.
The king's face turned ashen, but he dared not say anything more and sat down sullenly.
"The second topic—military spending and Heavenly Tribute."
These words caused another uproar in the audience.
The Heavenly Tribute is a thorn in the side of every nation.
Every year, large amounts of gold and treasures had to be handed over, a burden that small countries found unbearable, and even large countries felt the pinch.
"The navy needs to expand its forces and build new warships, which requires a large amount of funding."
Saint Saturn's tone left no room for argument.
"Starting next year, the share of 'Heavenly Tribute' contributions will increase by 10%."
"What?!"
The king of a weak country suddenly stood up.
"Ten percent?! Our country is barely able to afford food, where would we get the money?!"
"Then sell the land."
Saint Saturn looked at him coldly.
"Or, your country could withdraw from the World Government. After withdrawing, pirates and the Revolutionary Army will have nothing to do with us."
The king opened his mouth, but could not utter a word.
Withdraw from the World Government?
Isn't that just courting death?
Without the protection of the World Government, those pirates could devour their country until nothing is left.
He slumped down, his face ashen.
The kings of the great powers didn't care about the money and all expressed their support.
" Saint Saturn is right. A stronger navy means fewer pirates, which is a good thing."
"Yes, yes, we support it."
"Support."
Saint Saturn nodded in satisfaction.
"The third topic—the threat of the Revolutionary Army."
The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.
Revolutionary Army.
The organization led by "the world's most notorious criminal," Dragon, has grown rapidly in recent years.
They spread the ideas of "freedom" and "equality" among the lower classes in various countries, calling on the people to overthrow the rule of the Celestial Dragons.
"The bounty on the dragon has been raised to the same level as that of the Sea Emperor."
Saint Saturn's voice was icy.
"All countries must fully cooperate in intelligence gathering and the encirclement and suppression of the Revolutionary Army's strongholds."
"Whoever protects the Revolutionary Army is an enemy of the World Government."
His gaze swept over every king present, as if issuing a warning.
No one dared to speak.
"Any objections to the above three topics?"
The entire room fell silent.
"Very good."
Saint Saturn tapped the table.
"Next, we will move on to the speaking session for smaller and weaker nations and those applying for Affiliated Nation."
In the audience, Queen Otohime took a deep breath.
It's her turn.
She stood up and slowly walked towards the podium.
Every step was steady.
Every step was taken with unwavering determination.
Although her legs were short, although she was wearing an unfamiliar dress, and although the strange looks from those around her felt like knives stabbing her.
But she didn't care.
For the people of Fish-Man Island.
For a life under the sun.
In order to escape the fate of slavery.
She had to step forward.
"Everyone--"
Queen Otohime spoke.
Her voice wasn't loud, but everyone could hear it clearly.
"I am Queen Otohime of Fish-Man Island."
"Today, I stand here to plead with the World Government to allow Fish-Man Island to join."
The room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in laughter.
Fish-Man Island? Joining the World Government?
"Are you kidding me? Are Fish-Man friends of humans?"
"They were slaves."
The kings laughed so hard they were doubled over, completely disregarding Queen Otohime's feelings.
Queen Otohime was not angry.
She just stood there, waiting for them to finish laughing.
Then she continued.
"The inhabitants of Fish-Man Island live 10,000 meters below the sea."
"They have no sunshine, no fresh air, no freedom."
"They were harassed by pirates, captured by slave traders, and discriminated against by humans."
But they never gave up hope.
Queen Otohime's Observation Haki subtly unfolded.
Her voice, carrying a special power, strikes directly into everyone's heart.
They yearn for sunshine, for peace, and for equality with other human beings.
They are not slaves, not monsters, not tools.
"They are human beings."
"People like us."
The smiles on the faces of the kings gradually froze.
Some people lowered their heads, some turned their faces away, and some had tears welling up in their eyes.
Queen Otohime's Observation Haki allowed them to perceive the suffering of the Fish-Man Island's people.
The despair of being enslaved, the pain of being discriminated against, the dignity of being trampled upon.
"Therefore, I request—"
Queen Otohime bowed deeply.
"Please allow Fish-Man Island to join the World Government."
"Please let us live in the sunlight."
The entire room fell silent.
After a long while, Saint Saturn spoke.
" Queen Otohime, your speech was wonderful."
He paused,
"But--"
Queen Otohime's heart clenched suddenly.
" Fish-Man Island flies the flags of both the Whitebeard Pirates and the Roy Pirates, indicating it is under the protection of a pirate force."
Saint Saturn's voice was icy.
"Does not meet the qualifications of World Government Member States."
Queen Otohime quickly explained, "That was merely a self-defense measure! Fish-Man Island has never been allied with pirates; we've always longed to be there—"
No need to say more.
Saint Saturn interrupted her.
"Go back, sever ties with those two pirate crews, and then we can talk about joining them."
He tapped the table.
"Next."
Queen Otohime stood on the podium, looking at those indifferent faces, and a deep sense of powerlessness welled up in her heart.
She tried her best.
She did her best.
But it still didn't work.
She slowly walked down from the podium, her steps heavy.
Behind them, the kings had already begun discussing the next topic, as if nothing had just happened.
Queen Otohime returned to her seat in the audience, sat down, and bowed her head.
Her attendants looked at her, wanting to say something, but unsure what to say.
Queen Otohime remained silent for a long time, then raised her head, a resolute glint in her eyes.
We cannot give up.
We cannot give up Fish-Man Island.
Even if the hope is slim, we must not give up.
The Reverie continues.
After Queen Otohime's request was rejected, Queen Otohime didn't listen to a single word of the subsequent discussion.
She sat in the audience, her mind filled with Saint Saturn's words.
"Sever ties with those two pirate crews before we talk about joining them."
Draw a clear line?
How do we draw clear lines?
The flags of the Whitebeard Pirates and the Roy Pirates are the protective shield of Fish-Man Island.
Without those two flags, those pirates and slave traders would have devoured Fish-Man Island long ago.
But if a clear line isn't drawn, Fish-Man Island will never be able to join the World Government, and will never be able to live in the sunlight.
This is a deadlock.
An unsolvable knot.
Queen Otohime closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Just then, a voice rang in her ear.