Under Michael's explanation, Garp finally nodded with partial understanding.

Though Garp was a bit dumb, he could undestand such a simple thing.

"So, not only does the Marine gain a new, powerful source of troops, but we also secure additional funding and significantly reduce external pressure from New World?" Garp widened his eyes, somewhat incredulous.

"Can a single cooperation treaty achieve all that?"

"Let's just say we owe a big thanks to the World Government for this." Michael's smile carried a hint of mockery.

"If they hadn't chosen this moment to stir troubles, I wouldn't have had the chance to intervene in Fish-Man Island."

In his original plan, Michael had intended to step in when Queen Otohime initiated her 'Petition to the WG', leveraging the incident of her assassination attempt.

By then, saving Otohime and revitalizing Fish-Man Island would have earned him the eternal gratitude of the entire Ryugu Kingdom.

But that moment was still years away.

Who would have thought that just as he dozed off, someone would hand him a pillow!

Sometimes, enemies can help you more than allies.

And Whitebeard's appearance was the best possible coincidence, a stroke of luck.

Just as Garp concluded in the end—it was killing three birds with one stone.

"Of course, this is just the rough draft of the agreement. While discussing matters over drinks is advantageous, it's not the best time to finalize the details," Michael said with a smile.

"After tonight, we'll visit Ryugu Palace again to settle the specifics of the cooperation treaty."

"Is there anything else we need to prepare in advance?" Garp's question served as a reminder for Michael.

"There actually is one thing we should take care of beforehand..." Michael chuckled. "An unprecedented alliance between the Marines, pirates, and Fish-Man Island is bound to make headlines. For something like this, media hype is worth more than an army."

"Got it," Garp nodded in understanding. "I'll go contact that old bird Morgans right away."

*****

The next day, at noon.

After the grand banquet the night before, only the leaders of each faction gathered once more at Ryugu Palace.

Michael and Garp, Whitebeard and Marco.

On the side of Ryugu Kingdom, aside from Neptune and Queen Otohime, Fisher Tiger and Jinbei were also waiting in the palace.

"Gurararara! Though I know it's already settled, I'm still curious..." Whitebeard burst into hearty laughter upon seeing Michael.

"Why would the Marines so easily agree to this kind of cooperation treaty? Logically speaking, shouldn't the Marines and the World Government be of one mind?"

"That was before," Michael shook his head. "The Marines now will take a completely different path from the past."

"And the fact that I have Admiral Sengoku's authorization is the best proof. Once this treaty is officially signed, there will definitely be dissenting voices within the Marines—but they're not fools. If they don't sign it, what's the alternative? Going to war with the Whitebeard Pirates?"

"You're straightforward," Whitebeard's eyes gleamed with approval. "Originally, I could've taken over all of Fish-Man Island myself. Now I have to split it with you Marines."

"And what would you do if you occupied Fish-Man Island? Could you develop trade or build a stronger force?" Michael rolled his eyes. "Now you're getting a ten percent share of Fish-Man Island's future trade profits! That's real, tangible benefit..."

Michael knew Whitebeard wasn't actually interested in trade profits—but even if he wasn't, he still had to justify this arrangement to his "sons."

Seeing that Whitebeard had no further questions, Michael nodded and turned to the Ryugu Kingdom representative.

"Do you have any opinions or suggestions regarding the terms we discussed earlier?"

Neptune didn't hesitate—he immediately looked to Queen Otohime.

After a moment of thought, Otohime spoke.

"I have a few questions."

"Please go ahead, Your Highness."

"If the Marines are establishing a branch here... who will be stationed for defense?"

"If there are no unexpected circumstances, this matter will be my responsibility. After all, the other vice admirals already have their own jurisdictions, and suddenly adding another branch would be difficult for them to manage," Michael replied calmly.

"However, I also serve as the commander of the classified forces and the head of the Alabasta Marine Branch, so I definitely won't be staying in one place for long..."

"That's not an issue," Queen Otohime nodded in satisfaction. "As long as you're the one in charge, it's fine... We... don't trust anyone else. The second question is, will the World Government..."

"The World Government? Why bother with them?" Michael flashed a slightly sinister smile.

"Your Fish-Man Island isn't even a member nation of the World Government anymore. Why should we care about their fate? If the World Government dares to send people here, we'll just send them to their graves at the bottom of the sea!"

Queen Otohime was shocked by Michael's approach.

This marine...

Why does it seem like he has a grudge against the World Government?

"Hahaha! Rear Admiral Michael, you speak so well!" Fisher Tiger, standing nearby, felt his admiration for Michael skyrocket.

"Queen Otohime, leave this matter to me to handle... Even though we're no longer a member nation of the World Government, it's still not good for the Ryugu Kingdom to be directly involved in such matters."

Michael and Fisher Tiger's responses finally eased Queen Otohime's concerns.

After all, Fish-Man Island possessed natural defenses.

With enough determination, it could be transformed into an almost impregnable undersea fortress.

"Since there are no more issues, let's drink this cup of wine to symbolize our agreement!"

"...Damn it! All you old geezers ever think about is drinking, huh!?"

****

Marie Geoise.

The Five Elders were currently seated on their sofas, waiting for news that Fish-Man Island had completely descended into lawlessness.

"Sacrificing Fish-Man Island to keep those troublemakers in Pangaea Castle in line is worth it."

"Sengoku should have already sent people to take over Fish-Man Island, right? Afterward, we'll just have the Marines transfer control to the CP organization."

The old bastards were just about to pop open the champagne.

But then...

Overnight, the situation took a drastic turn.

"Report! Th-this is the latest issue of the World Economic Times!"

The attendants tremblingly handed the Five Elders the newest edition of the newspaper.

As the Five Elders unfolded the paper, their blood pressure instantly spiked.

The World Economic Times had devoted two full pages to a shocking headline that would rock the entire world!

"Collaboration Between the Marines, the Whitebeard Pirates, and Fish-Man Island?"

"Joint Defense? Neutral Trade and De-escalation Zone?"

"Trafficking of Fish-Men and Merfolk to Be Hunted by Both Marines and Whitebeard Pirates?"

"What the hell is all this nonsense!?"

"Contact Sengoku immediately!"

"Are the Marines trying to rebel!?"

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