<h4>Chapter 150: Chapter 150: Change Is Inevitable!</h4>


    Seeing Neptune''s bewildered expression, udius smirked internally. Without giving the king a chance to interject, he continued, "Of course, the safety of Fish-Man Ind is a top priority for the World Government. This is something we must address with utmost seriousness. A ce as vital as Fish-Man Ind should never have to rely on a pirate''s g for protection. Such a thing would be uneptable."


    Sengoku couldn''t help but admire udius in this moment. His Highness was truly a masterful speaker. Without needing prior discussion or preparation, udius had subtly reframed the narrative. Neptune''s removal of Whitebeard''s g, even if temporary, was now being portrayed as a conscientious act of cooperation.


    Sengoku couldn''t help but think, your Highness, you''re incredible. Without breaking a sweat, you''ve turned the tables and forced Neptune''s hand.


    udius, seemingly oblivious to Sengoku''s thoughts, turned to him and said, "Sengoku, this situation does point to some serious negligence on Marine''s part, doesn''t it? Isn''t it Marine''s duty to ensure the safety of World Government territories? Shouldn''t we protect member nations from pirates without forcing them to rely on paying tribute towless criminals? Isn''t this your failure as Admiral?"


    Sengoku nodded solemnly, ying along perfectly. "You are absolutely correct, Your Highness. This is our failing, and it''s a point of deep shame for me."


    udius nodded approvingly, as if Sengoku''s admission of guilt had satisfied him. "Good. At least you understand the weight of your shorings. Recognizing your mistakes is the first step toward improvement. Just like King Neptune here, he has seen the error of his ways and acted promptly to address it. That''s something to bemended."


    Turning back to Sengoku, udius added, "Well then, let''s rectify this situation immediately. I want you to make a publicmitment to the safety of Fish-Man Ind right now. What''s your n, Admiral Sengoku? How do you intend to make up for this gross oversight?"


    Sengoku''s eyes gleamed with understanding. He knew exactly where udius was steering this conversation. "Your Highness, we in Marine fully acknowledge our failings. I propose that we establish a Marine base directly on Fish-Man Ind. This base will be staffed with capable personnel, dedicated solely to protecting the ind from any external threats. What do you think?"


    udius pped his hands together, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "Now that is a solid n. Fish-Man Ind pays taxes to the World Government every year, not to mention the heavenly tribute paid to the Celestial Dragons. They deserve proper protection in return. I''ll approve this initiative. In fact..."


    He paused for a moment, as if struck by a sudden idea, and then continued, "I''ll personally allocate two billion berries to assist Marine in constructing this branch. Once you return to Naval Headquarters, Admiral Sengoku, visit CP-X to collect the funds. I''ll have the authorization papers ready for you."


    Sengoku bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for your support, Your Highness. We are deeply grateful."


    While Sengoku yed his role perfectly, Neptune was silently fuming. He feltpletely sidelined. udius and Sengoku were casually discussing the establishment of a Marine base on his ind as if it were already decided, without even consulting him properly.


    What''s worse, Neptune knew Whitebeard''s protection had cost him nothing, he and the pirate shared a personal friendship. Building a Marine base here wasn''t just unnecessary; it felt invasive.


    Summoning his courage, Neptune cleared his throat, ready to voice his objections. But before he could get a word out, udius waved him off dismissively. "No need to thank me, King Neptune. This is simply the duty of the World Government. It''s our responsibility to care for our member nations. Any negligence in the past will be corrected starting now."


    Before Neptune could protest further, udius pressed on. "I understand that cing a Marine base here might not be enough to ease all your concerns. After all, this era of piracy is more chaotic than ever, and Fish-Man Ind sits on a crucial route to the New World. That''s why I propose we go one step further. CP-X will also establish a station here to assist Marine in ensuring the ind''s safety. With thebined forces of Marine and CP-X, you can rest easy knowing that Fish-Man Ind will be thoroughly protected."


    At this point, Neptune feltpletely helpless. His thoughts were in turmoil. Marine and CP-X? What is this? Are they nning to turn Fish-Man Ind into some kind of military outpost?


    udius wasn''t done. He smiled reassuringly at Neptune and said, "You don''t need to worry about the financial burden either. I know building such a base usually involves contributions from the host nation, but given the unique circumstances here, I promise not a single berry wille from the Dragon Pce treasury. Everything will be funded by Marine and CP-X."


    Neptune felt like crying. He didn''t need their money. He didn''t even want the base in the first ce! But how could he say that aloud without offending udius?


    While Neptune struggled to find the right words, udius leaned forward slightly, his tone bing moremanding. "So, King Neptune, what do you think of the World Government''s sincerity? Everything I''ve proposed here is not mere talk, it will be done. And I assure you, I never go back on my word."


    The weight of udius'' words,bined with the intensity of his gaze, left Neptune speechless. The king felt trapped. On the surface, udius'' proposals sounded reasonable, even beneficial. But beneath that polished veneer, there was an undeniable sense of pressure, an unspoken threat that rejecting these ns might have dire consequences.


    Is this what they call "sincerity"? Neptune thought bitterly. It feels more like an ultimatum.


    At that moment, udius'' expression softened, and he smiled as if to dispel the oppressive atmosphere. "After all, King Neptune, isn''t it better for Fish-Man Ind to stand under the protection of the World Government rather than a pirate''s g? Surely you see the wisdom in that."


    He raised his wine ss, taking a leisurely sip, as if he had already secured Neptune''s agreement. For Neptune, the message was clear: whether he liked it or not, change wasing to Fish-Man Ind.


    ***


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