"Father, I want to go see it too!"
Shirahoshi spoke timidly.
Neptune, Fukaboshi, and the others' expressions changed, and even Bai Yu showed a hint of surprise.
" Shirahoshi, what were you saying? You also want to attend the World Government Member States Conference? You're too young to understand how dangerous the outside world is. You shouldn't go."
Fukaboshi hurriedly tried to dissuade him.
Neptune, standing nearby, quickly chimed in, " Shirahoshi, your brother is right. The outside world is too dangerous for you. You should stay in the Fish-Man Palace and wait for us."
"Waiting for you?"
Shirahoshi immediately deflated, her eyes reddening. Being a crybaby, she instantly switched into her usual mode and said in a tearful voice.
"Father, brother, you clearly promised me that once you dealt with Vander Decken, you would let me leave the palace and go to the sea to see the outside world. Why did you go back on your word so quickly? Are you deceiving Shirahoshi?"
"If that's the case, Shirahoshi will stay in the palace forever and never leave!"
After saying these words, Shirahoshi turned and left angrily, giving the impression of a child throwing a tantrum.
Neptune, Fukaboshi, and the others' expressions changed instantly.
They knew, of course, that this was just Shirahoshi talking in anger, but when they thought about how terrible the outside world was, they were all at a loss for what to do.
"No, King Neptune, I think it would be better to let Shirahoshi go out and see the world."
Bai Yu took a sip of his drink and began to speak.
"As you just saw, the Fish-Man have always had a low social status, making them targets for human traffickers. The biggest reason, and the most fatal one, is their narrow-mindedness."
" Vergo's strength is indeed quite impressive; he's among the top-ranked figures in the Marine Headquarters, and even on this vast sea."
"However, if you, as kings and princes, cannot even defeat a Marine Vice Admiral, how can you expect to deter petty villains and protect the safety of Fish-Man Island?"
"To become strong, one must be self-reliant. If one thinks the outside world is too terrifying and confines oneself to Fish-Man Island, then anyone will stagnate."
"The only way for Fish-Man and mermaids to become strong is for you, the leaders, to become strong first, and then lead the others to become strong. This is the right path."
"Of course, this is just my opinion, and if you think it's wrong, don't take it to heart."
"If Princess Shirahoshi really insists on going, I can protect her for a while."
E's words echoed between heaven and earth.
Everyone present paled.
At first, Prince Fukaboshi and the others intended to speak up and refute.
However, after Bai Yu finished speaking, they were speechless.
Just moments before, whether facing Hody Jones's rebellion or the Noah's Ark thrown down by Vander Decken.
They weren't even qualified to save someone, not even a mere Marine Vice Admiral Vergo.
If Bai Yu hadn't intervened in time, not only would Shirahoshi have been captured and killed, but Fish-Man Island would have been completely destroyed as well.
The sense of powerlessness felt in that instant was amplified infinitely by Bai Yu's words.
Neptune's expression darkened slightly, and after a full seven or eight seconds, he let out a soft sigh.
" Admiral Bai Yu is indeed no ordinary man. His insights are so profound that even I, the King of Fish-Man Island, am humbled by them."
"It seems that from the very beginning, my conservative and closed-minded approach to protection has actually harmed Fish-Man Island."
"Since Admiral Bai Yu is with us on this journey, if Shirahoshi really wants to go, then come with us. I'm also very interested to see what the Affiliated Nation Conference, which I haven't attended for many years, has become."
"Father, is this true?" Shirahoshi's eyes lit up, and seeing Neptune nod in agreement, she rushed over and hugged Bai Yu tightly.
The enormous facial cleanser was then rubbed against Bai Yu repeatedly.
Gion, who had been secretly glancing at Bai Yu, blushed instantly.
Are all young people these days so straightforward and direct?
Am I really getting old?
Pooh!
What am I thinking?!
I was simply following him on a mission.
Feeling the envious gazes from all around, Bai Yu coughed and broke free from Shirahoshi's grasp.
Fish-Man and mermaids are inherently far fewer in number than humans.
Therefore, the opportunity for top-tier experts to emerge will become extremely rare.
However, Fish-Man and mermaids are born with physical qualities far exceeding those of humans, and their strength is several times, or even ten times, that of humans.
With proper guidance and training, perhaps a large number of top-tier experts won't emerge, but at least the entire population can be mobilized for military service.
They also have the ability to protect themselves in the face of crises such as human traffickers.
This can be considered a powerful beginning for Fish-Man Island.
"Gurgle, gurgle, this is Ace, Bai Yu, please answer immediately."
The Den Den Mushi's call suddenly rang out.
Bai Yu raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his expression.
Amidst the strange looks from others, he directly connected the Den Den Mushi.
After all, in the eyes of King Neptune and others, Bai Yu was a Marine, and Ace was a member of the Pirate Supernovas; the two were completely on opposite sides.
The personal trainer seems pretty good.
" Ace, what brings you to your brother? Missing me?" Bai Yu asked, taking a swig of his drink and looking at the Den Den Mushi in his hand.
Big brother?
Neptune, Fukaboshi, and the others' pupils suddenly contracted, and they subconsciously looked at Gion and Yamakaji.
The two smiled helplessly and nodded in agreement instinctively.
On that day Gion and the Yamakaji, but since Bai Yu had boarded Whitebeard's pirate ship, he had already been shocked once by the relationship between Bai Yu and Ace.
Looking at this scene now, they may not be as shocked as King Neptune and the others, but they still feel it's unbelievable.
" Bai Yu, shut up. I've called you here for two things, and you need to listen carefully. These things may concern your safety."
Ace glared at him and shouted urgently, his words carrying a hint of seriousness.
Bai Yu didn't want to discourage his younger brother's good intentions, so he said...
"Okay, I'm listening. Speak quickly if you have something to say. Do we need to avoid other people?"
"No need. I believe this matter will soon spread throughout the sea."
Ace rejected it outright, and after a moment's thought, said...
"A little over half a day ago, Jinbe found the Pops and told us something: in addition to inviting Affiliated Nation to discuss the abolition of the Shichibukai, the World Government has also issued an order to conscript the Shichibukai."
"Two options were also given."
"No, it should be said that these are two options that threaten the Shichibukai. The Five Elders are bringing this up at this critical juncture, and I'm worried that they might be targeting you."