Thud—
A heavy knock suddenly interrupted Kuro before he could begin his explanation.
The door slowly creaked open, and a figure carrying the faint scent of blood stepped inside—none other than Jinbei, who had just left to deal with the slave traders earlier.
He strode steadily toward Mike and bowed deeply, his voice low but firm.
"Captain Mike, it's all been handled." Jinbei lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with an indescribable satisfaction.
This operation had completely erased any doubts he had about Enel's Observation Haki; every last slave trader hiding in these waters had been wiped out.
"Good," Mike nodded.
This was exactly as he expected.
He raised his hand slightly, signaling Jinbei to return to his seat.
Whitebeard and Neptune's gazes simultaneously fell upon Jinbei, noticing the faint excitement in his eyes and the barely concealed killing intent.
Even though they had mentally prepared themselves, they couldn't help but feel shocked.
From the colossal steel beast—the Nautilus—to an entire submarine filled with gold, and now the meticulously detailed Deep-Sea Gold Rush Project... they were now witnessing the true power of Enel's Observation Haki firsthand.
Ever since their meeting with Mike, they had been continuously exposed to new revelations.
Enel, appointed by Mike as the guardian of Fish-Man Island, was undoubtedly more than qualified.
"Ahem—" Kuro cleared his throat lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to him.
He adjusted his glasses, the lenses glinting as he spoke in a calm, confident tone.
"The Fish-Man Island Reform and Opening Plan. The goal is to reintegrate Fish-Man Island into the world and achieve true peaceful coexistence with human society."
"Step one," Kuro paused briefly, scanning the room, "is to reestablish diplomatic relations with Alabasta. This desert kingdom is also one of the key territories under Captain Mike's command. Under the rule of 'the Wise King' Cobra and with the assistance of Shichibukai Sir Crocodile, they can fully carry out Captain Mike's will and forge a deep friendship with Fish-Man Island."
"Additionally, we will implement comprehensive modernization reforms for Fish-Man Island, including upgrades to infrastructure, trade routes, and defense systems. By then, Fish-Man Island will not only be a jewel of the deep sea but also a true symbol of peace across these waters."
'Alabasta... is actually one of Captain Mike's territories?' Neptune's mind reeled with shock.
That veritable superpower in the first half of the Grand Line was one of the most influential nations among the World Government's member states.
'Crocodile... He's one of the Warlords, just like me. He's also under Captain Mike's command?!' Jinbei's expression grew solemn as he processed this information, realizing that the young Marine captain before them was unfathomably deep.
Whitebeard leaned back quietly in his chair, listening to Kuro's explanation with calm eyes.
He had known about Crocodile's connection to Mike ever since receiving that call from the young man.
With Mike acting as the mediator, establishing diplomatic ties between Fish-Man Island and Alabasta would indeed pose no problems.
After a brief silence, Neptune took a deep breath.
"If this can truly bring Fish-Man Island safely into the world... I am willing to offer my full support."
Mike raised the corner of his mouth, lifting his wine glass to lightly tap the table with a composed, confident smile.
"Then, here's to a pleasant cooperation."
"Thank you for your assistance to Fish-Man Island, Captain Mike."
"No need for formalities. This is mutually beneficial."
In the cheerful atmosphere, both parties quickly finalized the details of their collaboration.
Whitebeard, however, remained silent throughout, his deep gaze fixed on Mike as if contemplating something.
As one of the Four Emperors, he shouldn't stay away from his territory for too long, but there were still matters he wished to discuss privately with this young man.
"Treasures of the deep sea..." he murmured, his eyes flickering.
Such vast reserves of gold could not only alter the fate of Fish-Man Island but also significantly impact the balance of power across the seas.
Yet, this wasn't what concerned him the most.
Lowering his eyes, he tightened his grip on the wine glass.
No amount of gold could pique his interest.
His time was running short.
But his sons—they still had to live on these seas.
He had to consider their future.
"Cough—"
Just as Whitebeard was about to speak, a violent cough erupted from his throat.
He grabbed his wine and took a deep swig, but his slightly flushed face and labored breathing betrayed his failing health.
Neptune frowned at the sight, his eyes was filled with concern.
Whitebeard took a deep breath and steadied himself, waving a hand dismissively.
His gaze shifted back to Mike as he said quietly, "Let me speak with the young man alone."
Kuzan and Kuro exchanged a glance before looking at Mike, who pondered for a moment.
The "Deep-Sea Gold Rush Project" had been settled, and his secondary objective was accomplished.
Now that the side matters were resolved, the main event—exploring Fish-Man Island—was about to begin.
But first, he should hear what Whitebeard had to say.
Coincidentally, he had some questions for the man as well.
From the moment he arrived, he had spotted Vista and Jozu, but one person was conspicuously absent: Ace.
He needed to figure out his whereabouts.
If the Summit War was inevitable, he had to prepare early.
Mike nodded, signaling his companions to leave.
The room was now empty except for Whitebeard and himself.
"Whitebeard," Mike began, his voice low.
"Where is Ace?"
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