"Is it because of Fish-Man Island? She can't come back for a while?"
Hathaway held Nero's personal den den mushi in the bedroom, her expression worried as she said, "I understand. We'll hurry over as soon as possible..."
"..."
"But Your Majesty... oh... I understand. Then Kuina and I will go see little Robin first..."
"..."
"Have you contacted the country? Really? Lord Holio will send people... No, I really should go help too."
"..."
"Oh, I understand. Then we'll meet up at the Kingdom of Women later."
After hanging up the phone, Hathaway was a bit restless. She really wanted to rush to Nero's side, but Nero had assigned her other tasks.
Beside her, Kuina, uncharacteristically, didn't continue her training, her eyes following Hathaway's pacing back and forth in the room.
"So, if we're going to Alabasta now, what preparations should we make?"
Breaking the anxious silence, Kuina spoke as usual, "When we just came over, we could already see the coastline. Master and Hathaway must have prepared a lot of things to bring to little Robin, right?"
Hearing this, Hathaway finally stopped, her tone flat, "Yes, there are indeed many things. Anyway... anyway, we need to add wheels to the golden rose first, otherwise it will be very difficult to take a bath in the desert..."
"..."
It was the first time Kuina had seen Hathaway so flustered. Perhaps only Nero could make this all-purpose maid so at a loss.
"Calm down, Hathaway. There's definitely no problem with Master Nero. After all, Master is the strongest; she can definitely solve the small problems on Fish-Man Island easily. And isn't that Fishman Queen Otohime also fine?"
Kuina stared into Hathaway's eyes, her cool gaze surprisingly calming at this moment.
"No problem... really? Oh, there's definitely no problem!" Hathaway took a deep breath, calming down considerably.
"I'm sorry, Kuina, for letting you see me lose my composure. I always struggle when it comes to His Majesty."
"It's fine. It's rare to see Hathaway's unexpected side..." Kuina teased, looking at her true 'Master'.
Hathaway quickly interrupted, a suspicious blush on her face, "Then let's not waste any time here either. After visiting little Robin, we should hurry to the Kingdom of Women."
"Oh, and Kuina, help me remember to warn Crocodile. I'll go prepare the souvenirs first." After giving these instructions, Hathaway quickly walked out, intending to choose suitable gifts.
"Aye! Got it! Don't put wheels on the golden rose!" Seeing Hathaway return to normal, Kuina leaned back in her chair playfully.
Nero probably hasn't seen Hathaway like this, right? Heh heh, I can hold this secret over you forever!
Hathaway, who had just walked out, paused, turned to look at the casually seated Kuina, and smiled gently.
A chill ran down Kuina's spine, and she instantly straightened up. This smile felt even more terrifying than Hathaway's cold face: "Is there, is there anything you need my help with?"
"Indeed, there are many things I need someone to help me with. It would be great if you're free," Hathaway said with a smile.
"I'm free, very free! I don't know why, but today I just want to help someone."
Kuina stretched her shoulders, looking eager.
"Heh heh~"
...Meanwhile, at Ryugu Palace.
Nero also put down her den den mushi. The matters on Fish-Man Island would take some time.
Although Otohime was clinging to her last breath, she was only a hair's breadth away from death.
With modern medical technology, it would be very difficult to save her. As soon as the ice melted, her life would irreversibly head towards death within thirty seconds.
Fortunately, it wasn't completely hopeless. The user of the Ope-Ope no Mi, Law, was currently in Nicuss.
However, his medical skills were not yet sufficient to save Otohime. Nero had already sent people to send Law to the Magnetic Kingdom to study under Dorry.
In about one to two years, the time should be just right. Kuzan's ice could last for two to three years even under the sun.
"How are Shirahoshi and the others?" Nero looked down at Neptune below the throne.
"Ah, Shirahoshi and the others are currently guarding Otohime's ice, still looking a bit worried." Neptune hesitated, speaking in a fidgety manner.
"Compared to them, you seem quite at ease?"
Nero raised her head and scoffed, instantly seeing Neptune's intention. She didn't respond, letting out a disdainful snort.
Neptune knew this wasn't the right time to speak, but it was also his last chance. After a day, this matter would irreversibly escalate.
Once Nero's aversion to Fishmen became known to the world, the conflict between the two sides would become even more intense.
And the Fishmen were also Neptune's subjects, so Neptune still wanted to make one last attempt: "Nero, those Fishmen..."
"Impossible! I will not change my orders at whim. This is a decided matter!" Nero's attitude was even more resolute, leaving Neptune no room for negotiation.
Perhaps there truly was an insurmountable racial difference. Compared to the merfolk, Nero felt hatred from the Fishmen in the plaza.
Many Fishmen might still be influenced by the Fishman District. Hody Jones's crude words made them display an extraordinary hatred towards humans.
Even Jinbe, the moment he saw a human corpse, immediately identified the culprit without suspicion, even if that human looked like he would gasp for air after running two hundred meters.
Their malice, in Nero's eyes, churned restlessly like torches burning in the darkness.
The fairy tale kingdom should be cleaner, even if it leaves a period of pain.
Ultimately, although Fishmen have fish-like features and can breathe underwater, they generally have five senses and four limbs, looking more like humans, right?
So if they are unwilling to settle down, there are more vicious humans on the sea to fight, slaughter, and enslave each other with.
Everyone is happy, everyone has a bright future, so don't hide here and make everyone unhappy.
Such thoughts flashed through Nero's mind. She had no intention of explaining to Neptune.
Cut the Gordian knot. Before Otohime wakes up, truly transform Fish-Man Island into a kingdom from a fairy tale. Her hoped-for peace and understanding, and living on the surface, will all come true.
As long as the result is achieved, does the process matter?"
Nero propped her head with one hand and crossed her legs. If she followed her own methods, there were countless ways to achieve this result.
Since negotiations couldn't yield the desired outcome, it was time to unleash the might of her imperial army.
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