CHAPTER 261 FILM AND GOVERNMENT ACTION
Brett's days on Fish-Man Island had become remarkably peaceful. Nothing particularly demanding occupied his time—just handling administrative matters and occasional dates with Shyarly.
The Web organization's construction progressed rapidly. Arlong had established the basic framework with personnel assignments completed. Development of lower-level operatives was now underway across the entire island. The covert operational structure was gradually taking shape.
With the hidden front forming, shouldn't the overt propaganda begin as well? Establishing anti-espionage consciousness among Fish-Man Island's population—people's war—represented the crucial mechanism for countering government infiltration. Yet direct propaganda risked seeming too obvious, potentially causing civilian panic. That wasn't what Brett wanted.
He'd specifically threatened the World Government to maintain superficial harmony precisely so Fish-Man Island's development wouldn't be interrupted, so citizens could live safely.
So Brett conceived an idea.
"Make a film?" Tesoro asked, surprised, in his company's new palace headquarters.
"Through this medium, let Fish-Man Island's population understand the danger spies pose," Brett explained. "Gradually cultivate their counter-espionage consciousness to resist government agent infiltration."
Before entertainment became overly popularized, visual media profoundly influenced people's spiritual worlds. Many viewers directly transferred what they saw on screen into reality. This was precisely Brett's objective.
"I see," Tesoro nodded after brief contemplation. "That's actually an excellent idea!"
"So I'm relying on you again," Brett said.
"Fish-Man Island will support you more wholeheartedly this time."
"Then I won't hold back!" Tesoro laughed heartily. "I constantly receive letters from movie fans urging me to make new films! Spy thrillers sound interesting!"
"Then it's settled."
The film's preliminary preparations began. The script required confirmation first. A sufficiently solid script was essential so viewers wouldn't find the finished product jarring or disconnected from reality. Though Brett needn't worry about this—Tesoro employed a professional screenwriting team, highly-paid excellent writers hired specifically for this. Script quality was guaranteed.
While Fish-Man Island prepared the new film, new currents stirred in the New World.
In the later New World, a special island existed—inhabited solely by pirates, a pirate island. It was called the Beehive.
Many years prior, this island possessed overwhelming fame in the New World. It had been the base of operation for a certain pirate crew. Perhaps the strongest pirate crew ever born in this long history.
Now occupying the island was an equally renowned great pirate. Though not as famous as the emperors dominating the New World, this man remained one of the seas' most exceptional fighters.
His name was Wang Zhi. Only those with knowledge of that distant past understood this man had been a member of that once-called strongest pirate crew.
In a dimly-lit room on this island of gathered pirates:
"So what does the government want with me?" the man's voice was low and heavy. "I don't recall conducting business with you people."
A figure in white robes and mask stood at the doorway. Windowlight illuminated only his lower half. "The government extends an invitation, Wang Zhi."
"An invitation?" The great pirate's tone carried mockery. "Interesting. Then explain what the government wants to invite me to do."
"Shichibukai," the government envoy answered. "The government invites you to join as a Shichibukai member."
"Ha! Shichibukai?" The man stood from darkness.
The government agent instinctively stepped backward.
"I thought you had something worthwhile to say. Instead you bring such tedious matters."
A dull thud echoed through the room, followed by something crashing to the floor.
"Throw this bastard into the sea for the fish!" the man's voice commanded.
"Ohhh!!" The gathered pirates outside cheered.
On the ocean surface outside the island, an unremarkable ship floated quietly. On deck, several white-robed figures examined what remained of a white paper on the deck—burned to ash by flames from unknown origin.
"Failure," one stated.
"Expected. Wang Zhi isn't someone easily recruited."
"Then we must find ways to disrupt his peaceful life."
Nearly simultaneously, in another corner of the New World:
"CP0? What do you want?" A diminutive, gaudily-dressed elderly woman regarded the black-robed figures blocking their path, her tone weighty. Behind her stood her mentally simple son, massive naginata held loosely, still confused about the situation.
"No misunderstanding, Miss Bakkin," the leading white-robed figure said calmly. Though the mother and son possessed vastly different strength levels, the old woman remained the decision-maker. "We bring good news for you both."
"Good news?" The old woman sneered. "I don't believe government lapdogs bring anything worthwhile!"
"At least hear us out before refusing," the white-robed figure suggested. "The government wishes to invite your son, Weevil, Edward Weevil, to become a new Shichibukai."
"Shichibukai?" The old woman's expression froze. "You said Shichibukai?"
"Precisely. From now on, you'll no longer face Marine pursuit. You'll become legally protected pirates under government sanctuary."
"Hahahaha! That actually sounds like good news!" Miss Bakkin grinned widely.
Their small group had been isolated. Government protection would certainly be beneficial. They could hardly find reason to refuse.
"Then Miss Bakkin, what is your answer?" the agent asked formally.
"Hahahaha! My answer?" The old woman laughed loudly.