Still speaking, Cudius moved away from the topic of the Calm Belt and returned to discussing the upcoming Reverie.

  "But it may be too early to say this. I can't promise anything on behalf of the World Government for the time being, but there may be some changes in this Reverie," Cudius chuckled.

  Hearing this, Otohime and Neptune were momentarily stunned.

  A grand conference that would change the world and shape the future era?

  Recalling the deeper implications behind Cudius' earlier words, it wasn't difficult to imagine perhaps this Highness truly intended to go further?

  With that thought, Neptune asked cautiously, "Saint Cudius, do you have certain aspirations for this Reverie?"

  "Your Highness seeks greater authority?" Otohime also inquired softly.

  Cudius did not deny it. Instead, he smiled and nodded. "Everyone has their own ambitions, don't they? As the saying goes, people seek higher pces, just as water flows downward. Naturally, I am no different."

  "Your Highness, you are already a high-ranking Celestial Dragon. If you take one step further..." Neptune hesitated, his gaze flickering.

  "Oh, I'm getting old," Cudius said with a smile.

  Whether he was referring to his approaching forties in 1506 or menting the advanced age of the Five Elders, it was unclear.

  However, to Otohime and Neptune, it was apparent, Cudius sought to challenge the authority of the Five Elders.

  This was a monumental event. Could they, mere figures from Fish-Man Isnd, truly afford to get involved?

  Yet, upon further reflection, if Cudius succeeded in rising to power, the benefits for Fish-Man Isnd would be tremendous.

  After all, were the Five Elders truly immutable?

  At this moment, Neptune and Otohime understood Cudius' implication, Fish-Man Isnd had his full support in their quest to reach the surface, but in return, they would need to back him when the time came.

  For Fish-Man Isnd, for greater benefits, Neptune and Otohime exchanged a look. This might be the greatest opportunity in centuries, if they missed it now, who knew how long they'd have to wait for another?

  And Cudius was their only bridge to the World Government not supporting him would be foolish.

  "I wonder what Your Highness would have Fish-Man Isnd do?" Neptune finally asked, his voice deep and steady.

  "Your Highness has shown great kindness to Fish-Man Isnd. If we can repay that kindness, we would be more than happy to assist you," Princess Otohime added softly.

  Cudius smiled at their response. "You're overthinking it. I merely need your public support when the time comes. There's no need for Fish-Man Isnd to pay any major price."

  Cudius' ambition was clear, he sought to change the hierarchy of the World Government. However, in practical terms, Fish-Man Isnd could offer little in direct assistance unless Neptune was willing to offer up his daughter, Princess Shirahoshi, the Ancient Weapon—Poseidon.

  But that was obviously impossible. And Cudius would never make such an indecent demand turning allies into enemies was the st thing he wanted.

  Perhaps, if he fully secured Fish-Man Isnd's future in the Calm Belt, Neptune might consider such a thing in the long run. But Cudius prided himself on having a certain moral code.

  Even if Princess Shirahoshi was Poseidon, using a gentle, innocent young girl as a tool was simply repulsive.

  For a long time, Cudius had maintained minimal contact with the royal families of the world. In terms of true allies, he only had two:

  First, his cousin, Donquixote Dofmingo, the ruler of Dressrosa. There was no question about Dofmingo's loyalty.

  The second was Fish-Man Isnd, where he held great influence. And in terms of long-term interests, Fish-Man Isnd was even more valuable.

  Thus, Cudius needed them to take a stand.

  There was no one else he could count on.

  If Fish-Man Isnd publicly supported him first, it would set an important precedent. At the same time, it would solidify their direct alliance, giving Cudius the perfect justification to protect and empower them in the future.

  After a moment of silence, Otohime and Neptune exchanged a firm look before both spoke resolutely:

  "Rest assured, Your Highness. Fish-Man Isnd will always stand by you."

  Cudius' lips curled into a smile. "That's truly wonderful. I also look forward to a deeper level of cooperation with Fish-Man Isnd."

  ---

  Marine Headquarters – Marineford

  Ever since the st World Government conference at Mariejois, the Marines had entered a subtle state of mobilization.

  Many Marine Vice Admirals, who had been dispatched on various missions across the world, had begun returning to Marineford.

  At this moment, in the naval port, Vice Admiral Onigumo stepped off a warship, a cigar clenched between his teeth, his expression dark as always.

  It wasn't that he was particurly troubled or angry, his face simply always carried that "you-owe-me-money" expression.

  As a staunch supporter of Sakazuki, Onigumo was one of the Marine hawks and was deeply trusted by Sakazuki.

  Their retionship was close, and both men were known for their ruthless, iron-blooded approach to justice.

  If Sakazuki could justify sinking Ohara's refugee ship, then Onigumo was just as cold-blooded when carrying out missions.

  He would even eliminate his own men if they failed to uphold justice.

  As Onigumo stepped onto the dock, two other Vice Admirals also disembarked.

  One was Vice Admiral Doberman, known for his fierce demeanor.

  The other was Vice Admiral Dalmatian, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user with the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Dalmatian, making him one of the Marines' most skilled Zoan users.

  Interestingly enough, it seemed that "dogs" held a special status within the Marines.

  Many officers had dog-reted names or emblems.

  Take Monkey D. Garp, for example. His nickname was "Hero of the Marines", but he also embraced the name "Dog-Head Vice Admiral", even modeling his personal ship after a dog biting a bone.

  Simirly, Sakazuki was known as "Akainu", the Red Dog. Even though pirates often mocked the name, he took pride in it.

  Then there was Dalmatian, who, as his name implied, had a canine-themed Devil Fruit.

  And of course, Doberman, his name spoke for itself.

  Among Marines, Doberman was often called "Mad Dog" behind his back. He had an unfiltered mouth, a reckless attitude, and would bite into a fight without hesitation, whether or not he could win.

  Even in the face of Whitebeard, he wouldn't back down.

  As they met on the dock, Doberman gnced at Onigumo and greeted him. "Onigumo, you're back?"

  Onigumo nodded, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Admiral Sakazuki ordered me back immediately. Same for you?"

  Dalmatian lit his own cigar, biting it between his teeth as he chuckled. "Yeah. Not just us. I saw Vice Admiral Momonga heading in first."

  Hearing this, Doberman smacked his lips. "Something serious must be happening."

  "Who knows? The Reverie suddenly doubled in size, maybe it's connected," Dalmatian mused.

  "Enough specution," Onigumo said, striding forward. "Let's go see Admiral Sakazuki. He'll tell us everything."

  Without further discussion, the three Vice Admirals made their way into Marineford.

  ***

  This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: patreon.com/Blownleaves.