Unlike other long-term trades, single large-scale transactions in arms still yield more profit. The deep-sea environment of Fishman Island demands higher weapon standards, and old-fashioned flintlocks might fail to fire due to dampened gunpowder.
Although Fishman Island isn't the territory of Hundred Beasts, they only sell arms based on whether the client has the money.
He can estimate the commercial value of Fishman Island because of his capability, which is his commercial talent.
In the absence of hostilities, Hundred Beasts generally have three kinds of attitudes towards islands.
The first is like the basic foothold of Wano Kuni, where it's not just an occupation but also intensive development, making it the main base for the pirate crew.
The second is like the protection of Sky Island, providing a flag to ensure its safety, while annually collecting the island's unique assets as compensation.
Aside from this, the third is doing business without providing flag protection, perhaps providing free shipping, like previously with Kuraigana Island in the West Kael Kingdom.
Fishman Island falls under the third case; the island has no special products, and although its location is crucial, being in the deep sea, the cost of occupying it is too high, and currently, it doesn't hold that value.
Furthermore, the most exploitable resource is the power of the fishmen, which doesn't require occupying the island; he just wants to hire some fishmen.
And this also relates to the overall strategy he received before leaving Ghost Island.
Occupying Fishman Island now would mean going to war with Whitebeard, and while war isn't a concern, it doesn't match the greatest interest. Even if Whitebeard were dealt with, digesting such a vast territory would be difficult, plus the potential backstab from the World Government.
Adding to this, considering Whitebeard's relationship with Neptune, a significant transformation would be needed on Fishman Island.
Doing nothing and waiting for Whitebeard's demise, Fishman Island will proactively seek a new protector. The meaning of being sought after is completely different from reaching out to others.
"Arms..."
"We are not interested in arms; rather, let's discuss your mining plan?"
Otohime has no interest in this business aspect; Fishman Island isn't devoid of weapons, though the quality is far inferior to those manufactured by Hundred Beasts.
In Otohime's view, these are already adequate for Fishman Island's use.
"Alright, if the princess isn't interested, then so be it."
After all, Fishman Island isn't their territory, and compared to weapons, its ideological and manpower issues are more severe.
To Kojiro, Fishman Island's actions seem foolish, but he has no reason to interfere, not being part of the royal family here.
"Then let's discuss the mining issue. Broadly, we have two proposals.
The first is Fishman Island providing labor, searching for suitable materials in the deep sea. Upon discovery, notify us, and work as miners; we will pay for the labor.
The second is after you finish mining, deliver the ore to us, and we'll purchase it at an appropriate price."
"Is there a difference?"
"Of course, one calculates working hours, the other product value; the latter yields higher profits for you, but the former integrates you more easily into human societies. By the way, this transaction is unrelated to the pirate crew, but is legitimate commerce.
Here's our business license, it's valid even in Mary Geoise."
Hundred Beasts Fruit is a legitimate company, and though its fronting truth is well known, people still turn a blind eye to it amidst substantial profit gains.
"This is a plan document; both of you may consider it. I will stay here for a while, researching matters like department stores."
These things he might not articulate clearly even after days, so he left the plan and departed. Next, he plans to gauge Fishman Island's spending capability through department stores, setting a suitable wage system.
Although deep-sea mining presents many dangers, like inappropriate equipment and perilous Sea Beasts, that's not his concern. Pokemon will handle such issues; his job is merely negotiation.
Looking at the plan, Otohime was somewhat moved. The closeness with a pirate crew differs greatly from that with a legitimate enterprise.
Officially, Dragon Palace Kingdom is a member nation, aspiring to truly enter the public eye cannot rely on ties with the Whitebeard Pirates.
Though those under Whitebeard's protection see him as a great leader, to most worldwide, especially those who get all their information from the World Government, pirates remain unequivocally villainous.
In the Four Seas, those Great Pirates evoke not just youthful admiration, the Navy's hatred, bounty hunters' greed but also ordinary folks' fear.
"Neptune, I think this is an opportunity, a chance for friendly contact with people on land..."
"Otohime..."
"King Neptune, Fisher Tiger has returned from his travels; he is now outside the Dragon Palace City."
A fishman soldier reported the details, and Otohime and Neptune paused their discussion, allowing Tiger to enter.
He is an eminent adventurer and traveler, highly trusted and respected by the Dragon Palace, bringing back much of Fishman Island's terrestrial knowledge. However, this time, his information made even Otohime and Neptune raise their eyebrows.
"I want to rescue the slaves of Mary Geoise."
After recounting some matters, Fisher Tiger revealed a particularly shocking subject.
At Coral Hill Rusaka's residence, Hatchan was adeptly managing the takoyaki machine with his six arms, now capable of making takoyaki skillfully. Other than him, there were Hack and a few Mandfeish's fishmen followers present.
"Brother Mandfeish, they still can't accept your human identity and have already left..."
This was expected; not everyone could accept such things.
"Boss, they have their reasons; your identity..."
"I understand, I don't blame them; it's a pity, though, I quite liked those guys." Those fishmen had followed him for a time, and Mandfeish had always taken care of his followers.
"Hatchan, Tiger is back; aren't you going to see him?"
"Yes, there's time, I heard he went to Dragon Palace City, and coincidentally, I'll bring him some takoyaki."
...
Meanwhile, on Ghost Island, a new voyage was being prepared; 12-year-old Jack set forth on his maiden voyage, and naturally, Yamato of the same age joined him, as well as the slightly older Maria and Robin.
At that moment, she was studying atlases, discussing with Maria and others which island to make this voyage's destination.
This time, the goal wasn't adventure or leisure but a true trial...