Reiju was still immersed in the disappearance of the argo until Hera and the others approached, only then did she react: "My father still has some matters to attend to; I can take you on a tour of this place."
Hera nodded; she was also very curious about the Germa Kingdom's Snail Ships.
Reiju noticed Hera's curiosity and began to introduce them: "Snail Ships are our means of maritime transportation. When they gather together, they form our kingdom."
Subsequently, Hera and the others went to visit the streets of the Germa Kingdom. The giant snails traveled quite smoothly, just like an island on the sea, without the slightest bump.
Along the way, besides the numerous Clone Soldiers, there were also Cat Carriages for the exclusive use of the Vinsmoke Family and Rat Carriages for transporting troops. The giant cats looked very cute, and Hera couldn't help but pet them a few more times.
Upon reaching the center of the kingdom, nobles gradually became more numerous. These nobles were holding a never-ending banquet, with people constantly coming and going.
Reiju introduced: "The nobles of our country don't need to worry about anything; they only need to enjoy entertainment. Germa soldiers will handle everything."
Hera nodded and asked Reiju: "Aren't you curious about why we've come?"
Hearing Hera finally start talking business, Reiju also breathed a sigh of relief and said: "Naturally, I am curious. I guess it should be related to the New Navy established in the Four Seas."
Hera said: "The New Navy is one aspect, and on the other hand, I want you."
Reiju was shocked by Hera's statement and didn't know what to say for a moment.
Kuina irritably supplemented for Hera: "The Captain's meaning is that she wants you to join the argo and become our partner." She conveniently gave Hera a knock on the head.
Hera whispered: "If she joins, won't she be my person? Isn't it the same thing?"
Hearing Kuina's supplement, Reiju breathed a sigh of relief: "Although I am honored to receive your invitation, this matter must have Father's consent."
Hearing this, Hera looked at Reiju: "Don't worry, your father will agree. I will make him agree."
Then she continued: "What about your own thoughts? Don't you want to escape this cold-blooded place and break free from your father's control?"
Hearing Hera's words, Reiju was even more surprised: "How do you know these things?"
Hera did not answer this question, only saying: "I hope to get your answer. Do you wish to become our partner and go to sea together?"
Reiju's mind was a bit of a mess. She wanted to escape the Germa Kingdom. There was always a trace of gentleness in her heart, which also made her life a torment in this place that believed power was everything.
She could only disguise her emotions and make herself as cold as her three younger brothers. She had long had enough of such a life.
But then Reiju thought of her three younger brothers. Although she only had disgust left for her father, her three younger brothers, while lacking emotion, were still her brothers after all, and she was still somewhat worried about them.
Reiju appeared very hesitant, her heart filled with struggle.
Looking at the struggling Reiju, Hera stood on tiptoe and patted her head: "Don't worry, just tell me if you want to or not. Leave the remaining difficulties to me."
Reiju looked at Hera in front of her. That small body seemed to grow tall. During this journey, she could also see the bond between Hera and her crew; this was a team full of warmth.
Reiju's voice was a bit choked: "Can I really join? Judge will definitely not agree, and then there are my three younger brothers."
Hera laughed, her smile carrying a hint of playfulness: "Don't worry, he definitely won't agree to any of my proposals. At that time, a good beating will suffice. As for your brothers, I will also find a way to awaken their reason."
Kuina also comforted: "Although the Captain is a bit unreliable, her guarantees have never had any problems."
Ain was somewhat speechless: "In the end, do we still have to fight?"
Hera nodded: "I want him to give up the Germa Navy. I was going to have a fight anyway; he will absolutely not agree."
Reiju was a bit worried: "Although I want to help you, because of the modification, I cannot disobey his orders. Moreover, my Poison Powder is also a great threat to you."
Hera had known this situation for a long time. The City of Devouring Time enveloped Reiju: "Don't resist."
Hera also had means of controlling hearts. Compared to the charm of the ability, Judge's modification was simply insignificant. Relying on the perception of the City of Devouring Time, Hera quickly found the core of the modification.
As traces of aura drifted from Reiju's body, Reiju felt a wave of relief, as if the cage that had always restricted her had been broken, breaking free from Judge's control.
Hera retracted the City of Devouring Time and asked: "I have already removed the control. How do you feel?"
Reiju moved her body; at this moment, her state was exceptionally good: "I feel very good, a kind of unprecedented freedom."
Seeing that the main task for coming here was completed, Hera also breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at the still somewhat worried Reiju, she said: "Don't worry, we won't lose."
Soon, the group arrived at the royal palace. Judge had already prepared a luncheon and was waiting for Hera with his three sons.
Seeing Reiju arrive with Hera and the others, he laughed and came forward to welcome them.
"Are you the Marine Hera who defeated the Shichibukai? To be a Rear Admiral at such a young age, you truly have a boundless future. What business do you have coming here to find me?"
Hera observed Judge. He wore a metal helmet, had long golden hair, and was tall. He had a pointed black beard that angled upwards and a small beard on his protruding jaw.
The three people beside him had red, blue, and green hair; they should be Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji. Now sixteen or seventeen years old, they had already grown to over 1.8 meters.
Ichiji and Niji wore sunglasses. All three had the Vinsmoke Family's signature curly eyebrows. Their cold expressions made them look not like real people, but more like robots.
Hera said: "I have come here for roughly two matters that need help."
Hearing that Hera was here to seek help, Judge instantly felt confident. He also wanted to befriend a future rising star of the Marine:
"Don't worry. As a member of the World Government, the Germa Kingdom will naturally help the Marine."
Hearing this, Hera revealed an embarrassed smile: "My ship is missing a doctor. I heard that Miss Reiju can absorb and release toxins. Can she become our partner?"
Judge became somewhat angry upon hearing this: "Impossible. If you need treatment, you can come to find her, but I will not allow her to leave. What is the next matter?"
Hera was not angry at Judge's refusal and continued: "The next matter? As you know, I have established the New Navy in the Four Seas, and I'm currently a bit short-handed."
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