Chapter 119: Chapter 117: Proposal
Akainu anticipated Neptune's refusal—it was the expected response given the circumstances. After all, who would willingly permit enemy troops to station themselves on their own territory?
Despite Neptune's rejection, Akainu exuded confidence. He turned to Princess Otohime and addressed her with recognition.
"I've heard of Princess Otohime's esteemed leadership in the Dragon Palace. Your dedication to your people is admirable and widely known."
While such acclaim might not be globally recognized, Akainu's acknowledgment piqued Princess Otohime's interest. Her efforts to improve conditions for the murlocs were well-intentioned but met with longstanding challenges.
In a composed tone, Princess Otohime respectfully declined, "Mr. Sakazuki, we cannot agree to your suggestion. Fish-Men Island is our home, and we cannot allow Marine presence here."
Akainu redirected the discussion, focusing on the enduring human-merfolk discord that plagued Fish-Men Island.
"The tension between humans and merfolks has persisted for centuries. Humans have long looked down upon merfolks, and legend has it that Fish-Men Island submerged to escape human persecution, confining merfolks to a sunless existence."
Princess Otohime's aspiration for change resonated with Akainu's proposition.
"I believe I can assist you," Akainu offered.
Curious, Princess Otohime probed, "What do you propose?"
Akainu outlined his plan, emphasizing Marine's role in curbing piracy and fostering improved human-merfolk relations.
"There's a World Summit coming up, and as Marine Admiral, my influence there could benefit Fish-Men Island."
Neptune interjected, expressing skepticism, "Speaking for us isn't enough. We need substantial change."
Akainu acknowledged Neptune's ambitions, clarifying his position.
"I can advocate for you at the World Summit, but I don't hold unilateral authority. My role is advisory."
Neptune and Otohime hesitated, wary of Akainu's power and intentions. Their refusal drew a chilling response from Akainu.
"Know this—I'm an ally to friends and a relentless foe to pirates. I don't take opposition lightly."
Neptune and Otohime braced against Akainu's implied threat, realizing the weight of their predicament.
Akainu pressed on, highlighting Fish-Men Island's vulnerable position relative to Marine's might.
"Consider your status. While Fish-Men Island aligns with the World Government, without the strength to defend yourselves, you're at risk."
Neptune asserted his resolve, "We won't be bullied."
Akainu acknowledged their plight, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cooperation.
"Reject us, and our relationship sours," Akainu warned.
Neptune's reluctant agreement underscored Akainu's leverage—might dictated terms.
After deliberation, Neptune acquiesced to Akainu's proposal, albeit with conditions—Marine's presence would be confined to a satellite base adjacent to Fish-Men Island.
Akainu accepted, indifferent to Fish-Men Island's defenses—his aim was solely pirate eradication.
Neptune's concession marked a compromise, driven by necessity rather than choice, highlighting the stark disparity in power between Fish-Men Island and Marine.
Akainu was taken aback when interacting with Neptune and Princess Otohime—Neptune displayed considerable apprehension, contrasting with his wife's calm demeanor.
Surprisingly, Princess Otohime, typically seen as the weaker of the two, showed no signs of fear. This hinted at Neptune's underlying trepidation compared to his courageous wife.
Establishing a new Marine branch was no small feat. While entrusted by Sengoku, Akainu needed Marine Headquarters' approval before proceeding.
Marine Headquarters swiftly endorsed Akainu's proposal, granting him full authority over the new Marine branch on Fish-Men Island—the G1 branch.
Given its strategic location in the first half of the New World and Grand Line, the branch needed to deter formidable pirates seeking passage to the New World. Thus, the branch's strength was paramount.
Despite considering several candidates, Akainu struggled to find the ideal leader. While the Rear Admiral from West Blue was a contender, Akainu ultimately tapped Onigumo—a trusted subordinate—to command the base temporarily.
Akainu orchestrated all transfers and preparations meticulously, ensuring Onigumo's seamless transition to leadership.
News of the Marine branch's establishment on Fish-Men Island spread rapidly, inciting varied reactions. Pirates, in particular, viewed this as a significant blow, given the island's pivotal role as a gateway to the New World.
Notably, Fish-Men Island fell under Whitebeard's jurisdiction, yet Whitebeard remained passive upon Neptune's consultation, realizing Marine's intentions posed no immediate threat.
Over months, the Marine branch's construction progressed swiftly, boasting 10,000 troops tasked with safeguarding the New World's entrance.
Upon completion, the branch facilitated trade with Fish-Men Island, fostering mutual understanding and benefit between Marines and murlocs, under Akainu's directive and Princess Otohime's leadership.
Despite positive developments, the growing Marine presence irked pirates, as access to the New World became more challenging—a sore point that intensified their hostility.
...…
Over the span of three months, significant events unfolded—like the escape of the Red Hair Pirates to the New World. Despite Akainu's prolonged pursuit, they slipped beyond his grasp, arriving in New World unbeknownst to Marine forces stationed near Fish-Men Island.
The Red Hair Pirates, led by the illustrious Shanks, swiftly gained notoriety in New World. Shanks' meteoric rise in influence elevated his crew's status, transforming them from an obscure faction into a formidable presence.
Upon receiving the belated news, Akainu seethed with frustration. Despite meticulous planning, Shanks' arrival in New World eluded his grasp. Akainu's hunting strategies that once proved effective in the Grand Line were now impracticable.
Acknowledging Shanks' ascendancy to the ranks of the New World's Four Emperors, Akainu grudgingly accepted the reality—he had missed his chance to intercept the rising pirate power.
Shanks' enigmatic prowess unsettled Akainu. Despite sustaining significant injuries, Shanks retained his status as a dominant force among the Four Emperors—a testament to his resilience and tactical acumen.
Unfazed by the setback with Shanks, Akainu redirected his focus inward—devoting energy to self-improvement. Unable to curtail Shanks' ascent, Akainu resolved to surpass his adversaries through personal growth.
The passing year heralded significant shifts, notably Shanks' coronation as the fourth New World Emperor—a development that had far-reaching implications across the seas. The unification of the Four Emperors represented a formidable challenge to the World Government's authority.
Akainu's lingering frustration lay not in his own missed opportunity, but in Sengoku's oversight—the failure to heed his warnings about Shanks' potential. Sengoku now grappled with the repercussions of his oversight.
Meanwhile, the renowned swordsman, Hawkeye, gained widespread acclaim following his duel with Shanks—an encounter that solidified his reputation as a formidable contender for the title of world's greatest swordsman.
Amidst these developments, the Revolutionary Army stirred unrest across the seas—its activities intensifying and prompting a surge in the bounty for its leader, Dragon.
As for Akainu, he shifted his focus to Marine Headquarters—relinquishing pirate pursuits to his trusted subordinate, Onigumo, overseeing the G1 branch's operations.
Borsalino's ambitions for Marine Admiralship remained unfulfilled, despite Sengoku's backing. With no immediate opportunities, Borsalino continued to bide his time, awaiting a chance to prove his worth.
One bright spot for Akainu was the rapid growth of his disciple, Lisana—a teenage prodigy whose prowess surpassed expectations, promising future successes and opportunities in Marine operations.
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