Different from other long-term business deals, single large-scale deals are more profitable, especially in the arms deal. The deep-sea environment of Fishman Island imposes higher demands on weapons; old-fashioned firearms might not even fire due to gunpowder dampening.
Although Fishman Island is not the territory of the Beasts Pirates, their sale of arms always depends on whether the other party has money.
His ability to estimate the commercial value of Fishman Island is due to his talent in business.
In the absence of hostilities, the Beasts Pirates generally have three attitudes towards islands.
The first is a basic stronghold like Wano Country, where the pirate crew’s main base is located, not only occupying but also developing rapidly.
The second is similar to the protection of Skypiea, providing a flag to ensure safety, while receiving special products of the island every year as a payment.
In addition, there is a third kind, which is purely for business without offering flag protection. At most, it might include free shipping, such as Kuraigana Island where the Shikkearu Kingdom was located.
Fishman Island is in the third situation. The island has no special products, and although its location is crucial, it is in the deep sea. Occupying it would require too much investment, and currently, it doesn’t hold that value.
Moreover, the most valuable asset to leverage is the power of Fish-Men. This doesn’t require taking over the island; the goal is simply to hire some Fish-Men.
This is also related to the overall guidelines he received before leaving Onigashima.
Occupying Fishman Island now would lead to a war with Whitebeard. Although a war is not a problem, it doesn’t align with maximum benefit. Even if Whitebeard is dealt with, it would be challenging to fully digest such a vast territory and at the same time, face the threat of the World Government.
Add to that the relationship between Whitebeard and Neptune; a major upheaval would occur on Fishman Island when the time comes.
They don’t have to do anything. After Whitebeard dies, Fishman Island will actively seek new protectors. The significance of them taking the initiative to approach Fishman Island compared to Fishman Island seeking refuge from them is entirely different.
“Weapons.”
“We’re not interested in weapons. How about discussing your mining plan?”
Otohime wasn’t interested in this business. Fishman Island already had weapons; they just aren’t of the same quality as those produced by the Beasts Pirates.
But to Otohime, these weapons are sufficient for Fishman Island’s use.
“Fine, since Your Majesty isn’t interested, then forget it.”
Anyway, Fishman Island is not their territory, and compared to weapons, the issues of ideology and personnel strength on Fishman Island are more serious.
In Kojiro’s view, Fishman Island’s behavior is foolish, but he has no reason to interfere; he’s not the royalty here.
“So let’s talk about the mining issue. In summary, we have two proposals.”
“The first is Fishman Island providing labor, searching for suitable things in the deep sea for us. Once found, inform us and work as miners. We will pay the workers.”
“The second is you giving us the ore after mining, and we will purchase it at a fair price.”
“What’s the difference?”
“Of course, there is a difference. One will consider work hours, the other will consider products. With the latter, your profits will be higher, but with the former, you can more easily integrate into human society. By the way, this deal has nothing to do with the pirate crew; it’s a legitimate business endeavor.”
“This is our business license. It can be recognized even in Mariejois.”
Beasts Fruits was a legitimate company. Although the truth about it being a front is well-known, they choose to turn a blind eye in the face of enormous profits.
“This is the proposal; you two can take your time to consider. I’ll be staying here for a while, looking into matters of the department store.”
These things are something he might not be able to explain clearly even after talking for days. So, he left the proposal behind and departed. Next, he would assess Fishman Island’s consumption ability through department stores to establish a suitable wage system.
Although deep-sea mining comes with many dangers, such as the lack of proper equipment and perilous sea beasts, those aren’t his concerns. Pokémon would deal with any issues in that regard; his role is negotiation.
Looking at the proposal, Otohime felt a bit excited. Having a close relationship with a pirate crew is entirely different from having one with a legitimate company.
On the surface, Ryugu Kingdom is an allied nation, but if it genuinely wants to enter the public eye, it can’t rely on its relationship with the Whitebeard Pirates.
While those protected by Whitebeard consider him a good leader, for most people in the world, especially ordinary individuals who can only get information from the World Government, pirates were still outright villains.
In the Four Seas, the great pirates not only elicit admiration from some young people, loathing from the Marines, and greed from bounty hunters but also instill fear in ordinary people.
“Neptune, I think this is an opportunity, a chance to have friendly contact with people on the land.”
“Otohime.”
“Your Majesty Neptune, Fisher Tiger has returned; he’s outside the Ryugu Palace.”
Hearing the report from the Fish-Men soldier, Otohime and Neptune paused their conversation, allowing Tiger to enter.
He is an outstanding adventurer and explorer who has traveled the world, earning the trust and respect of the Ryugu Kingdom. Some information about the surface world on Fishman Island has come from him. However, this time, his information shocked Otohime and Neptune.
“I want to save the slaves in Mariejois.”
After some talk, Fisher Tiger brought up a very shocking topic.
Meanwhile, outside Rusalka’s residence in Coral Hill, Hachi was operating a takoyaki machine with his six arms. He had become skilled at making takoyaki by now. Besides him, there was also Hack and a few of Mandrell’s Fish-Men subordinates.
“Brother Mandrell, a few of them couldn’t accept your human identity and have left.”
This was expected; not everyone can accept such things.
“Boss, they have their difficulties too, considering your identity….”
“I know, I don’t blame them. But it’s a pity; I quite liked those guys.” Those Fish-Men had followed him for a while, and he always took good care of his subordinates.
“Hachi, Boss Tiger is back. Aren’t you going to see him?”
“Nyuuuuu, I will soon. I heard he went to Ryugu Palace, and I also want to bring him some takoyaki.”
Meanwhile, on Onigashima, preparations were going on for a new journey. Twelve-year-old Jack had already embarked on his maiden voyage, and Yamato, who was of the same age, will naturally have to do the same. Accompanying her would be Maria and Robin, who are a bit older than her.
At the moment, she was studying an atlas and discussing with Maria and others which island should be the destination for this voyage.
This time, the goal is not exploration or sightseeing; it’s a genuine trial.
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