"Roman, is that the 'forest' on land?"
"No, that's just a single tree."
"And this? Is this the legendary 'little bird'?"
"…No, those are just pigeons waiting to be fed."
It was Shirahoshi's first time on land, and she was filled with curiosity. She wanted to ask about everything she saw, leaving Prince Fukaboshi looking embarrassed beside her.
"Shirahoshi, don't bother Roman too much."
"It's fine. I don't mind."
With Roman around, no one would dare cause trouble. After all, the royals of other nations weren't Celestial Dragons—without real power, they wouldn't have survived palace struggles, revolutions, or pirate invasions.
Even the most arrogant nobles had to behave here—
At the very center of the world, where 'Marine' represented ultimate force and the 'Holy Land' represented ultimate power.
If you're a dragon, you coil up.
If you're a tiger, you lie low.
"We'll take the bubble cable car up the Red Line. Over fifty allied nations will gather at the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, for the World Summit. If Fish-Man Island wants to gain equal treatment, you must prove your strength at the meeting."
Weak nations have no diplomacy. Strong nations have no morality.
On a personal level, people can value loyalty and friendship. But when it comes to countries, only interests matter.
An individual might be willing to risk everything for a friend.
But would a country drain its resources for an ally? No.
Generals, ministers, and citizens would all object. Because national decisions don't affect just one person—they involve millions.
"I'll be blunt—if Fish-Man Island wants recognition from human nations, strength is the most important factor."
A group of kids always has a "leader"—the strongest one.
Between countries, it's the same.
In this war-filled world, the number of strong warriors you have determines your bargaining power—
Because power makes the rules.
It doesn't matter if you're right or wrong.
If you can beat them into submission, you're right.
Just like a certain past American president once said:
"When there's a problem, the first thing we ask is: Where's our aircraft carrier?"
At its core, all those so-called 'diplomatic negotiations' are just about flexing muscles and intimidation.
"Speaking of strength, Shirahoshi, have you been training seriously?"
As the only condition for "helping" Fish-Man Island, Roman had given Shirahoshi a detailed training plan. Not to turn her into an unstoppable force overnight, but at least enough for her to defend herself.
"Tr-Training…?"
" Roman… well, um…"
Seeing Shirahoshi looking around nervously, Roman sighed.
What a waste. What a huge waste.
If Jinbe had her talent, he'd probably become the 'Sixth Emperor' by now.
"Ahem, Roman, actually… Shirahoshi has been training…"
Prince Fukaboshi coughed awkwardly. Though, in reality, all she did was swim around the Sea Forest after meals. Calling it training was a stretch—it was more like playing.
"I understand that you want to protect your little sister, but in this world, talent should never go to waste."
Countless ordinary people struggle and push themselves every day.
If even the gifted ones slack off, then what's the point?
"If Shirahoshi had full control over her abilities last time with Hody Jones, a few drugged-up rebels wouldn't have stood a chance. With just one command, the ancient Sea Kings would have torn them apart..."
Hearing Roman's serious words, the three princes and princess of Fish-Man Island nodded repeatedly, like obedient schoolchildren.
Onlookers whispered among themselves: "As expected of Lord Roman, even legendary fish-men bow to his scolding."
"I don't understand what's going on, but I'm seriously impressed..."
"Karu, target spotted!"
?
Whoosh—!
A dark shadow shot toward Roman. Just as Fukaboshi instinctively reached for his trident to strike, Roman stepped forward on his own.
Thud—!!
The figure crashed into Roman, sending both of them flying backward and sliding across the ground.
"Roman!! Long time no see~~"
"It really has been a while. Gotta say, you've gotten stronger."
As Vivi clung to Roman's neck after charging in on her duck, Roman rolled his eyes.
"This kind of reckless attack is dangerous. If I had raised my arms just now, we'd be looking at an injured princess and a duck with a broken neck."
"Haha, you haven't changed one bit, Roman. No—actually, you seem calmer, more confident, and a lot stronger than before."
"Quack quack quack~~" (Princess Vivi is absolutely right!)
"...And this is…?"
Seeing that Roman knew the newcomer, Fukaboshi quietly lowered his trident and gave a slight bow as he asked about her identity. Anyone arriving here at this time had to be either royalty or a powerful figure from another nation. But this petite human girl...
"Nice to meet you. I am Nefertari Vivi."
Standing before the towering Fukaboshi, Vivi gracefully lifted the hem of her dress and performed a ladylike curtsy.
"I am the princess of the Alabasta Kingdom, accompanying my father to the World Conference."
"So, you're Princess Nefertari. A pleasure to meet you."
Since this was the Fish-Man royal family's first time stepping into the human world, King Neptune had decided to follow a simple diplomatic strategy: the less said, the fewer mistakes made. He left most of the talking to the steady and reliable Crown Prince Fukaboshi. That way, even if Fukaboshi said something wrong, they could brush it off as "the prince is still young and inexperienced."
Diplomacy really is a hassle.
Especially when you're the weaker side.
"Roman, it's true what they say—after three days apart, you should see a person in a new light."
"I've been training hard with the Observation Haki technique you left me. Now, I'm the strongest warrior in Alabasta!"
Pell the Falcon and Jackal Chaka exchanged glances.
(*Princess Vivi, you're the future queen. If you say it, then it must be true...*)
Vivi was different from Shirahoshi. She had seen the harsh realities of this world firsthand. Without strength, things like dreams, beliefs, life, and destiny were nothing more than playthings in the hands of the powerful. That's why she had diligently practiced the Observation Haki method Roman had given her.
"Good. I've got something for you—'Armament Haki Basics.'"
With a flick of his wrist, a white-covered book appeared in Roman's hand. He handed it to Vivi and patted her shoulder.
"Keep it up! Master Armament Haki in two years. I've got high hopes for you!"
Wait… is he really giving out training manuals the moment we reunite?
"Yup, Roman, you're still the same. No matter who it is, you always want them to get stronger."
Still, Vivi accepted the book and gave it a little wave.
"Thanks."
Only those whom Roman considered true "companions" or those connected to them would he actively help grow stronger. As for everyone else...
(*Ah, what a lovely day it is~*)
"This must be Princess Shirahoshi?"
"Y-Yes..."
Seeing how nervous the giant mermaid princess was, Vivi reached out her hand with a friendly smile.
"I saw Roman scolding you earlier. Let me guess, was he also telling you to train harder?"
"I... uh..."
"Knew it! Let me tell you, Roman is the kind of guy who..."
"Huh? Roman-san did that back then...?"
?! You two are already acting like best friends this fast? Is that really okay?
"Sir Roman,"
"Oh, King Cobra! How's your health?"
"It's not good… I'm getting old."
Seeing Cobra coughing non-stop in his wheelchair, Roman looked speechless.
"King Cobra… aren't you only fifty this year?"
And you have the nerve to call yourself *old*?! Fifty isn't that old at all! Look at BIG MOM's eldest son, Charlotte Perospero—he's also fifty, but he can still swing a sword and strategize at the same time. BIG MOM herself is pushing seventy, and she can still take down ten young men in a single night without breaking a sweat!
But Cobra?
His hair was turning gray, he had to be pushed around in a wheelchair, and he was constantly coughing. He looked like some dying old strategist from a tragic story.
"Your health is just… way too bad…"
"Well, lucky for you, I remember there's a brilliant doctor attending the World Conference this time."
Roman stroked his chin, thinking. Chopper's homeland, the former Drum Kingdom—now called the Sakura Kingdom—was also attending the conference. Their king, Dalton, would be there, and so would Chopper's mentor, Dr. Kureha, acting as a royal guard.
They could ask that 140-year-old doctor to check on Cobra. If that didn't work, Roman could always use Devil Fruit powers! No way there was any illness that couldn't be cured with *Hormone Abilities*, *Surgical Abilities*, or even *Replication Abilities*!
"Excuse me…"
Just then, a hesitant voice made Roman turn around. Another familiar face.
"Sorry, I just felt like your presence seemed familiar…"
Don't waste your Observation Haki on things like this!
Looking at the young girl in front of him—who, strictly speaking, he had only been apart from for about ten days—Roman sighed and shifted his gaze behind her.
It was Princess Viola of Dressrosa, now dressed in formal attire and smiling gracefully. She was also the next queen.
As a *Glimpse-Glimpse Fruit* user, she had obviously *seen through* Roman's real identity long ago. But from the looks of it, Rebecca still hadn't realized that the Marine Rear Admiral standing in front of her was the same mysterious magician "Neo" from the Dressrosa colosseum.
"Alright, don't just stand here blocking the way. If you have something to say, let's talk upstairs."
With Roman's introduction, the royals from the three kingdoms quickly became acquainted. After all, any royal who could befriend the Straw Hat Crew was never a bad person—in fact, they were probably among the rare *good ones* in this world.
Though, in this world, being a "good person" was often seen as a weakness.
"Then let's all take Bubble Car No. 2 together,"
Despite being called a "car," the Bubble Car was actually more like a massive floating building. And considering the bizarre sizes of creatures—and even humans—in this world, plus the fact that the Marines had a group of giant Vice Admirals, even Shirahoshi could comfortably stand on its observation deck.
As the massive structure slowly rose, Shirahoshi gazed in awe.
"So this is the sun…"
"It's so bright, like a huge ball of fire!"
It was Shirahoshi's first time seeing the sun, and she was completely mesmerized.
"The sky stretches endlessly… The ocean goes on forever…"
The giant mermaid princess started to tear up.
"If I could… I'd love to live on land too… I'd love for everyone to live under the sunlight."
Hearing this, Vivi and Rebecca fell silent, unsure of how to comfort her.
That's when the *mood killer* stepped in.
"That's totally normal,"
Roman nodded seriously, completely missing the emotional weight of the moment.
"With your strength, Shirahoshi, staring at the sun for too long would definitely overstimulate your tear glands. If it were someone else—like me, for example—not only could I handle the sunlight, but I could also take a swim in magma and come out just fine…"
This guy… is beyond saving!
Vivi rubbed her forehead in exasperation, while Rebecca suddenly felt a strong sense of déjà vu.
This ironclad personality… This familiar way of talking…
This Rear Admiral Roman—he *had* to be the mysterious magician *Neo* from the colosseum, right?
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