Taro spoke with full confidence, but in reality, he was a nervous wreck inside.
He recalled what the Sea Kings had said to Shirahoshi, 'You shouldn't meet a certain person so quickly,' and his heart tightened.
Among the people Shirahoshi had met recently, those qualified to enter the picture were few and far between.
Firstly, Taro himself was someone who shouldn't exist in this world.'Shouldn't meet so quickly' implied that in the normal course of history, they would indeed meet, so it definitely couldn't be referring to Taro!
Therefore, the one who met the conditions and was qualified was none other than Princess Vivi!
In the original story, Vivi and Shirahoshi did indeed meet at the World Conference two years later, which shouldn't fall under the category of'so quickly.'
In other words, the giant Sea Kings were worried because Shirahoshi met Vivi before encountering Luffy, who was supposed to guide her in using her power correctly?
Vivi is the princess of Alabasta, and Alabasta holds information about 'Dark King.'
Shirahoshi, the 'poseidon,' met Vivi, who is connected to 'Dark King,' too early?
Taro frowned deeply, feeling that a tremendous secret seemed to be hidden within this.
Sigh, if only I had the ability to 'hear the voice of all things' like Roger and Luffy!
For now, I can only hope that Shirahoshi will be able to communicate normally with these Sea Kings at some point!
"Taro-sama, what's wrong?"
Shirahoshi called Taro's name several times without getting a response. Gently, she cupped the unsettled Taro in her hands and called out to him again.
Suddenly held in Shirahoshi's hand, Taro snapped back to reality. Looking at the worried young girl, he smiled,
"No, I'm fine. Since the matter has been settled, let's head back!"
He patted Shirahoshi's thumb encouragingly, "Shirahoshi, you did very well. You calmed the Underwater Currents and once again protected this sea!"
Receiving Taro's praise, Shirahoshi happily turned over a few times in the seawater, letting out clear, joyful laughter.
At the same time, the giant Sea Kings returning to the Calm Belt suddenly halted.
"Our 'Queen' has welcomed a new guide!"
"He is a 'mist' that should not exist!"
"But, what about that other 'King' born in a distant sea?"
...By the time Taro and Shirahoshi returned to the Mermaid Cafe, the luncheon Neptune was hosting for Vivi had already been underway for quite some time.
This King of the Dragon Palace hadn't worried since Taro left with Shirahoshi.
With the current 'Joy Boy' and 'poseidon' taking action, if they couldn't calm the disturbances in the sea, then no one in this world could.
Subsequent events indeed unfolded as Neptune had anticipated.
Not long after, news arrived at Ryugu Palace that the Underwater Currents had been calmed.
Neptune gave Taro a deep look, picked up his wine glass, left his seat, and came before Taro.
"Taro, we've been waiting for you. Later, you must drink more!"
Taro had been craving wine for a long time. He laughed heartily,
"Of course I'll drink more! These past few days, I've been forced by Shirahoshi to drink Kelp Tea, and my mouth has gone completely bland!"
Shirahoshi looked aggrieved and displeased, "Taro-sama, you are injured and shouldn't drink alcohol! Kelp Tea is a specialty of Fish-Man Island and can regulate your stomach and intestines."
"Haha, Shirahoshi, my injuries are all healed now!"
Taro patted his chest, indicating his wounds were no longer a concern.
Then he jumped next to the Barrel of Wine, directly lifted it, and took a big gulp.
"Hahahaha, Kelp Tea is good, but how can one do without wine!"
Neptune also raised his head and drank it all in one go.
After several rounds of drinks and many dishes, Taro and Neptune walked together into a Side Hall.
Inside, The Three Princes and Shirahoshi, Princess Vivi and Pell were already waiting.
Additionally, Vice Admiral Mike and the Starfish Pappag were also present.
The two of them stood somewhat stiffly by the door and had not taken seats.
Especially Pa Pagu, who nearly fainted from fright upon hearing that Neptune had invited him to the meeting.
"You two, sit down too. Why are you standing with so many empty seats? Sit anywhere!"
Seeing Mike and Pa Pagu standing stiffly by the door, Taro patted Mike's shoulder and urged them.
"Ahem, this is Mike, my right-hand man and also a virtuous and accomplished veteran artist! For our 'movie,' he will be the Screenwriter!"
"And also, the Director!"
After taking his seat, Taro pointed at Mike and introduced him. Having drunk quite a bit, his speech was slightly slurred.
When Taro mentioned his name, Mike stood up again, his expression serious.
"Sit, sit, relax a bit!" Feeling sleepy from the wine, Taro lazily sprawled on the table, half-raising his right hand and gesturing vaguely for them to sit.
Vivi was used to Taro's lack of decorum. She was more concerned about the 'movie' itself.
"Taro, the subject matter of this 'movie' is very sensitive. I think we need to be more cautious!"
As soon as Vivi spoke, the expressions of the Neptune royal family darkened.
As expected, things wouldn't go too smoothly!
Taro had given this matter deep thought and naturally understood Vivi's meaning.
After all, they were at the foot of the Red Line, and Sabaody Archipelago and Fish-Man Island themselves were the two most important hubs, crucial locations, on the Grand Line.
Those present were the royal families of two nations plus the garrison commander of Sabaody Archipelago.
The movie they wanted to make was on the theme of 'racial reconciliation,' which could easily attract the attention of Marijoa. If handled poorly, it could arouse the vigilance of the World Government.
"I understand your point, which is precisely why I chose Mike to be the Director!"
Taro wore an expression of having everything under control, his face full of an inscrutable smile.
Mike, however, broke out in a cold sweat. If he didn't have some understanding of Taro's character, he might have even thought Taro wanted to use him as cannon fodder, ready to push him out to take the blame if anything went wrong.
Taro smiled and waved his hand, "Don't worry. This is our first 'movie,' an experiment. Movies, naturally, should follow the laws of film development."
"We will make a Silent Film!"
"Silent Film?" Everyone present was confused.
"It means no dialogue. All performers don't need to speak!" Taro explained.
Everyone immediately fell silent, frowning in thought.
Mike thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
"Vice Admiral, if it's a Silent Film, the expressive power of the story itself will be much weaker. That means we need to put more effort into the visuals?"
A true talent! Old Mike!
Taro gave Mike an appreciative look.
"Exactly, it's about the visuals."
"We are telling a story, yet not telling a story. What we appear to be doing at first glance is not what we truly intend to do!"
Everyone looked utterly bewildered. Only Mike seemed to have caught up with Taro's train of thought.
"Is it the 'Advertisement' you mentioned before?"
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