When Hades left Fish-Man Island, he was still a rookie, and his rank in the army was not high. Because of this, he had little contact with King Mars.
Hearing the praise from the leader of his homeland now, he felt a deep sense of happiness in his heart.
At that moment, Mars let out a heavy sigh and changed the subject.
"Hades and the others were lucky to have been rescued by you, Captain Caesar," Mars said. "But many other merfolk weren't as fortunate. They've been enslaved, living lives worse than death every day."
As Mars spoke, he couldn't hold back his tears, his sorrow evident.
Though his emotions were sincere, there was also an element of performance—an appeal to Caesar, hoping to gain his support.
Seeing this, Hades felt a lump in his throat, his eyes welling with tears. His heart ached with grief.
He remembered his own suffering. If not for Caesar, he wouldn't know where he'd be now—perhaps forced into cruel, inhuman labor.
He thought of the countless others who weren't as lucky as him.
For a moment, sorrow overwhelmed him, and impulsively, he blurted out, "Your Majesty Mars, it's all right! The captain said before that he would help Fish-Man Island!"
Caesar curled his lips slightly, feeling a bit helpless.
Indeed, he had said he would help, but he had also mentioned that it was part of a long-term plan.
Mars was taken aback.
He didn't even bother wiping his tears, as if grasping onto a lifeline. Eagerly, he asked, "Ah!? How does Captain Caesar plan to help our Fish-Man Island!?"
Hades froze on the spot.
Although Caesar had promised help, he had never gone into detail about how. He had only spoken of a long-term strategy.
Realizing his mistake, Hades turned to Caesar with an awkward expression, his eyes pleading for help.
He firmly believed that his captain had a plan to save their country and people.
Caesar sighed, seeing no choice but to speak.
"King Mars, you can hoist the flag of the Caesar Pirates over Fish-Man Island," Caesar said.
"Let the world see that Fish-Man Island is under our protection."
As soon as those words left Caesar's lips, the room fell into contemplation.
If they did this, it would undoubtedly bring security to Fish-Man Island.
However, raising the flag of a pirate crew meant acknowledging a form of subordination.
Would this mean Fish-Man Island had become an unofficial territory of the Caesar Pirates?
Despite this, the strength and reputation of the Caesar Pirates were undeniable.
Mars knew that with their backing, the island and its people would be safe.
He, Neptune, and the ministers weighed the pros and cons in their hearts.
After a moment, Mars took a deep breath, his resolve solidified.
Nothing was more important than the safety of Fish-Man Island and its people.
And for that, he was willing to pay a price.
"Captain Caesar, if we agree to this, what price must Fish-Man Island pay?"
Caesar glanced at Hades and chuckled.
"Hades is my most important partner. As his partner, it's only natural to protect his fellow countrymen."
Mars' eyes widened in surprise.
"Captain Caesar... I didn't expect you to be so magnanimous. If you truly mean what you say, I believe Fish-Man Island will finally have real security."
His perception of Caesar rose several levels.
However, Mars had no way of knowing what Caesar was truly thinking.
After all, nothing in this world is ever truly free.
Mars steadied himself, suppressing his emotions. "Then, what should we do, Captain Caesar?"
"It's simple," Caesar replied.
"You just need to make a public announcement in the central square, declaring that Fish-Man Island will now be under the protection of the Caesar Pirates."
"I will prepare a flag for you. All you have to do is hang it in the most visible place."
"If that's all, then we can hold the ceremony soon."
Mars nodded, a smile appearing on his face.
Hades, standing beside him, couldn't help but grin.
He saw this as a win-win situation.
Both Fish-Man Island and the Caesar Pirates would benefit.
His homeland would gain protection and peace.
And in return, the Caesar Pirates would secure the friendship of Fish-Man Island—perhaps even their future assistance.
After the banquet, Mars arranged accommodations for Caesar and his crew in Ryugu Palace.
He personally escorted them to their quarters before returning to the banquet hall.
Once Caesar and his crew had departed, Mars, Neptune, and the ministers gathered again.
"Otohime, what do you think of Caesar?" Mars asked.
Otohime, known for her deep insight into people's hearts, smiled slightly.
"Captain Caesar's ambition is immense—greater than anything I could have imagined," she said. "I have never met someone with such a grand vision."
"But…" she continued, her expression softening, "he is not a bad person. He genuinely wants to help Fish-Man Island."
Hearing this, Mars felt reassured.
He nodded. He didn't mind Caesar's ambition.
After all, what king who sails the seas has no ambition?
As long as he truly helped Fish-Man Island, that was all that mattered.
That night passed quietly.
The next morning, Caesar and his crew were invited to a grand breakfast.
As they ate, Mars spoke to Caesar.
"Captain Caesar, I have already summoned the people to gather at Gyoverly Hills Square this morning. After breakfast, we can make the announcement."
Meanwhile, in the square, a massive crowd had begun to gather.
The entire plaza was packed, people shoulder to shoulder.
"The king is gathering everyone… What's going on?"
"I bet it's about the Caesar Pirates! Many people saw them entering Ryugu Palace yesterday with Prince Neptune!"
"Yeah, and now we're all called here for an announcement. There's no way it's unrelated!"
As more and more people assembled, even the human residents of Fish-Man Island became curious.
"What's happening? Why are all the merfolk gathered here? Are they declaring war?"
"That's impossible. Fish-Man Island doesn't have the strength to go to war. They can't even deal with human traffickers!"
Just as speculation ran wild—
A voice called out:
"Look! Someone from Ryugu Palace is coming this way!"
With that shout, heads turned toward the palace.
Within seconds, nearly everyone in the square was staring upward.
In the sky above, riding on Mars' mount, were the crew of the Caesar Pirates.
Beside them stood Neptune, along with several high-ranking ministers.
As the group approached Gyoverly Hills Square, murmurs of confusion and curiosity spread among the crowd.
"Why are they standing alongside the prince and the ministers?"
"It looks like I was right. This announcement is definitely related to the Caesar Pirates!"
Though no one knew what was about to be declared, a heavy atmosphere settled over the crowd.
They could all sense it—
Whatever was about to be said…
Would shake Fish-Man Island to its core.
At the same time, up in the sky, Caesar and his crew surveyed the vast gathering.
Seeing millions of people looking up at them all at once, even Caesar himself was momentarily taken aback.
"What a sight…" Brad muttered, eyes wide. "This is what it feels like to be a king?"
"This is what it means to stand above others," Caesar responded, scanning the massive crowd.
Even a strong man like him couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment.
Next to him, Eli, a former shipwright, had never seen such a grand spectacle.
His breathing grew unsteady. "Why do I feel short of breath…? This is overwhelming…"
Hades laughed, patting his back. "It's normal to feel that way at first. But don't worry—we'll be down there soon."
Though even Hades himself felt the pressure of millions of eyes watching them.
Meanwhile, Mars took a step forward on his mount, hovering tens of meters above the square.
Then, his voice rang out—
Addressing his people.
And preparing to change Fish-Man Island's fate forever.
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