"The Government agreed to grant equal rights for living on land?"
Inside the Kuja Palace on New Amazon Lily, an island located in the New World, Boa Hancock listened to Koala's report through a Den Den Mushi held by one of her subordinates.
At that moment, Koala was sitting on a coral reef in New Fish-Man Island, speaking into a small hands-free Den Den Mushi. "Yes. Fish-Man Island just received the news from the World Government as well. For the past few years, Queen Otohime has been dedicated to a plan that would allow the Fish-Man race to go further and coexist peacefully with humans. Just moments ago, the Government sent an envoy to notify her that her proposal has finally been approved."
Koala was the member of the Immortal Pirates who visited Fish-Man Island most frequently. Before she was brought into the Kuja by Sandersonia, she had been cared for by the Sun Pirates led by Fisher Tiger. To this day, she remembered that kindness and served as the bridge between the Immortals and Fish-Man Island.
She had just witnessed Queen Otohime running around the island like an excited child, showing off the Government's letter of consent to every resident she could find.
The residents of Fish-Man Island were equally stunned. The Government... actually agreed to such a request?
Beyond the shock, there was a surge of excitement. This meant that, at least within the territories of the World Government's member nations, Fish-Men would enjoy legal protection. They would no longer be subject to systemic abuse on land, and they wouldn't have to hear of Fish-Men being gunned down only for humans to claim it was "just killing an animal, not a person."
"...This is too bizarre."
Koala looked at the celebrating Fish-Men and spoke into the Den Den Mushi with a sense of foreboding. Having once been a slave herself, how could she not know the true nature of the Government? They didn't care about the lives of Fish-Men, much less Otohime's ideals.
If they had agreed, they must have an ulterior motive.
"And? What do you want me to do?"
Hancock sat on her throne, looking utterly bored. Although she shared an extreme hatred for the Government due to her past as a slave, she had zero interest in the plight of Fish-Men.
"I hope to report this to Alucard-sama. The Government has announced that in one month, they expect King Neptune and Queen Otohime to travel to the Holy Land of Mariejois. They've also summoned 170 nations to gather and witness the declaration of these new rights for the Fish-Man race."
The moment Koala said this, even Hancock's expression shifted.
Was the World Government truly capable of such kindness?
"I understand. I will relay this to my Master."
"I am deeply grateful, Snake Princess."
After receiving Hancock's acknowledgment, Koala hung up. She muttered to herself, "What exactly is the Government's goal in all this...?"
…
Back in the Kuja Palace, Hancock wanted to dial Alucard, but she hesitated, her face flushing crimson. She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. "Ah the mere thought of speaking to Master makes me... I feel... I feel~!"
Hancock let out a soft, breathy moan. Her flirtatious and doting demeanor perfectly embodied the phrase "a beauty capable of toppling nations."
She spent over ten minutes agonizing over the call until Elder Nyon's eye began to twitch. "You've been rambling for ages! Just make the call already! If you won't do it, I'll do it for you!"
The romanticized Hancock vanished instantly. Furious, she kicked the old woman right out of the palace window before finally dialing the number.
…
Alucard had just finished listening to the official report regarding the summit at Mariejois. When his Den Den Mushi began to ring, he didn't bother to dismiss the room full of outsiders. He pulled out the last empty chair at the conference table and picked up the receiver.
"Ma-Master... it's me..."
Just from the tone, Alucard knew exactly who it was.
"Speak," Alucard said concisely.
"Such a cold man... but, but that is exactly why I..."
After a few more flirtatious lines, Hancock finally relayed the news Koala had given her. Her words sent a wave of terror through everyone in the room. The Immortal Pirates had received the news at almost the exact same time they had...
Even more terrifying was the realization that they were now privy to the internal communications of the Yonko's high-ranking members. Would Alucard kill them all to ensure his secrets weren't exposed?
After listening to Hancock's report, Alucard remained silent for a few seconds. "Continue doing what you need to do. I will handle this matter personally," he said coldly.
"Yes... my Master." Hancock couldn't resist adding, "Master, please come back soon."
Alucard placed the receiver back on its shell and stared silently at the three kings across the table.
"Ex-Excuse me... what do you intend to do?"
Ultimately, it was King Cnut of Harald, who had a slight history with Alucard, who spoke up first. He felt that if he didn't say something, he might actually faint from the sheer pressure Alucard was exuding.
"What are you waiting for? Get a ship ready for Mariejois."
Alucard's single sentence made his intent crystal clear, but Cnut and the others nearly collapsed in shock. Alucard meant to follow them to Mariejois?
Was he serious? As member nations of the Government, they were supposed to bring a Yonko, the man the Government considered their greatest enemy, right to their doorstep? And not just any Yonko, but Alucard the Immortal, the most hated man in the Holy Land? This was like putting themselves on a silver platter over a roaring fire.
But the more pressing issue was that Cnut and Noctis didn't dare refuse. If they said no, they would die right here.
Later, inside the Research Department on Arderay, Dr. Vegapunk also received the news. After pondering for a long time, he let out a mocking laugh.
"Are you all just that impatient, or are you truly at your wits' end? To come up with such a rotten idea..."