"Vice Admiral, please forgive Onigumo for being abrupt." Onigumo slowly sheathed his sword and softly apologized to Sakazuki for drawing his blade earlier.
Having his subordinate defend his suggestion with a reasonable and lawful argument in front of a king, without being servile or arrogant, was something any general would feel quite pleased about.
Sakazuki lightly tapped the table, drawing the attention of Neptune and Otohime back to himself:
"There is still one major issue that we must consider carefully. Whether it's capturing the human traffickers or eliminating Arlong, we must produce results within a week."
Although Neptune had already tacitly agreed to let Sakazuki lead the troops to eliminate Arlong, from the perspective of this Great Knight, Sakazuki was still too impatient.
He was eager to resolve the matter swiftly, not leaving room for second thoughts.
The Coelacanth Fish-Man patted the trident resting against his chair, full of confidence:
"If it's just dealing with Arlong alone, then I can go alone. That kind of character isn't even worth my attention."
Then, Sea God His Majesty changed his tone:
"But if we are to capture an entire syndicate, then it must be done with a week of planning and multiple field investigations."
Neptune was blunt in criticizing Sakazuki's approach:
"Acting too hastily and recklessly will only cause unnecessary sacrifices among our soldiers. That is the greatest taboo for a general!"
He actually had quite a favorable impression of this young successor, but since Sakazuki had just passed the stage of being overly rigid, Neptune felt the need to give him some guidance.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, you must remember that this is the wisdom of experience from those older than you. You must not act out of momentary bravery and put the entire army in peril."
Neptune looked at him as if he were a young junior in need of advice, completely forgetting that he himself was not much older than this fierce pirate-hunting man.
What was this all about?
Sakazuki felt that he and Neptune were not even on the same wavelength. Even though they seemed to be discussing the same matter, their conversation was completely disjointed.
"I naturally understand these military strategies! But we cannot afford to wait or waste time!" Sakazuki felt the veins on his forehead throbbing.
"A young man must learn to remain calm. What's the big deal about being criticized and educated by an elder? You must learn to listen to others' opinions."
Neptune, in a great mood, stroked his beard. Giving advice to a junior was a truly satisfying experience.
Sakazuki, feeling agitated, waved his hand to interrupt him again:
"Your Majesty the Sea God! Queen Otohime! You must understand, I acted without authorization! Without authorization! Do you understand?"
Neptune naturally assumed that Sakazuki was emphasizing this issue in order to strengthen their justification for purging Fish-Man District.
However, as a ruler, Neptune was still tolerant enough not to take offense at the repeated interruptions in conversation, nor did he even take them to heart.
For someone like Sakazuki to lead troops to Fish-Man Island of his own accord, maintaining order and capturing pirates, was a great favor to the island, which was trapped in chaos.
A reasonable man like Neptune would not dislike Sakazuki just because of a few impolite words.
Smiling, he reassured him:
"Sakazuki, rest assured, once the operation against Fish-Man District begins, Arlong and his gang will no longer exist. In the process of dealing with the human traffickers, the Sea King Army will double the supply of ammunition and provisions, and afterward, I will personally write an explanation to the Navy Headquarters to clarify this matter."
This was completely unrelated!
Sakazuki felt an internal breakdown—Neptune had absolutely misunderstood his point.
To Sakazuki, the Fish-Man District issue was already settled, but the real problem was not just an internal issue of Fish-Man Island!
He had no choice but to steel himself and explain the current situation to Neptune clearly:
"Fish-Man Island's situation appears to be improving. On one hand, the Navy's sudden attack caught those unruly pirates off guard.
On the other hand, the more cunning pirates and human traffickers quickly went into hiding the moment the Navy entered Fish-Man Island.
There are one or more hidden supply chains that allow human traffickers and pirates to continue their activities in the shadows of Fish-Man Island!"
Sakazuki rhythmically tapped the table, as if the entire island had become a chessboard in his eyes:
"The pirates and individual traffickers we see on the surface are just foolish lackeys, but those operating secretly—those organized, large-scale trafficking syndicates—are the true big fish!"
Neptune was momentarily stunned, then cautiously asked in a quiet voice:
"I suppose, in this underground human trafficking network, Fish-Man District plays an unsavory role, doesn't it?"
As a ruler, he naturally understood the key point here.
For human pirates and slave traders to continue lurking on Fish-Man Island despite the Navy's intense crackdown, there had to be locals providing them with shelter—hiding places and timely information.
And since the Navy was now bringing up Fish-Man District, they must have obtained evidence of some Fish-Men participating in illegal activities.
"I acted without authorization on this mission. I have no idea how long it will take for Headquarters to confirm my movements. Maybe a week, maybe a month. Or perhaps they've already noticed and are simply pretending to be unaware, covering for me."
Sakazuki's index finger tapped the table faster and faster.
He glanced around and saw that the Sea King Army soldiers were stationed far outside the room, even Neptune's two ministers were standing at a considerable distance.
Lowering his voice, Sakazuki said:
"Even if the Navy and the World Government truly wish to help Fish-Man Island, as soon as the Celestial Dragons realize they are no longer receiving 'pets,' they will certainly order the Navy to recall me."
"..."
Neptune finally understood what Sakazuki was worried about. His expression grew somber:
"How long do you estimate before the Celestial Dragons notice?"
"At the shortest, three to five days. At most, a week. You must understand, the auction houses in Sabaody Archipelago have gone nearly a month without receiving any 'merchandise.'
Before I am recalled, I must sever their entire criminal network!"
Sakazuki finally stopped tapping his fingers. Instead, he clenched his right hand into a fist and slammed it onto the table, causing the snacks and tea cups on the table to shake, spilling their contents.
Neptune grasped the severity of the issue and continued where Sakazuki left off:
"And once the Celestial Dragons recall you, those underground syndicates will become active again, and the people of Fish-Man Island will once more live in fear every day!"
"Exactly, Your Majesty! That is why we have very little time left—we must quickly formulate a battle plan."
Sakazuki let out a long breath.
At last, the two of them were finally on the same page.
"Right Minister! Left Minister!" Neptune was also decisive. He immediately clapped his hands, summoning his two closest advisors.
However, the Sea God looked slightly troubled:
"If you are recalled, Sakazuki, will the Navy send troops to station here again?"
Sakazuki had no answer.
According to the Five Elders' plan, as long as they secured Neptune's approval, not only would the Navy be stationed, but even conscripting Fish-Men into the Marines was part of their calculations.
"Whether it's stationing troops or enlisting the first generation of Fish-Man Marines, both the Navy and the World Government will need Your Majesty's consent."
Sakazuki didn't dare make any promises. Instead, he looked at the Great Knight of the Sea:
"Everything depends on the progress of our upcoming operation."
But at that moment, Neptune seemed to have gotten distracted again:
"Speaking of which, someone else mentioned this matter of stationing troops to me before..."
"Wait, it seemed really important... Let me think..."
Neptune tapped his fist lightly against his palm as if trying to recall something:
"Ah! I remember! It was Whitebeard!"
What Neptune considered a minor, easily forgotten matter turned out to be the most critical issue of all.
Sakazuki and the other two navy officers' expressions darkened simultaneously.
"You said WHAT?!"