"This isn't a trade, Vivi, it's a partnership!"
Cobra told Vivi everything about his negotiation with Taro that day in full detail, finally saying...
Vivi's brow remained furrowed throughout the explanation. "But Father, how is this any different from granting him a direct fiefdom?"
"The Alabasta Kingdom abolished the system of granting land to nobles thousands of years ago. How could we..."
"No, Vivi, it's different. Taro isn't a noble. The Elmar region belonged to the Alabasta Kingdom before, and it will remain so in the future."
Cobra reached out and took Vivi's hand, pulling her to his side.
"In Taro's words, it's about establishing a special district—the Elmal District."
Cobra smiled and smoothed Vivi's loose hair.
"My precious daughter, you look even more beautiful with your hair down. I wonder which lucky lad will end up with you in the future."
Vivi's eyes froze for a moment. Thinking of something, a blush crept onto her face. She shifted her body, trying to pull her hand from Cobra's.
"Father, what are you talking about?"
Cobra was taken aback for a second, then burst into laughter. "Alright, alright, back to business."
"Taro will serve as the grand administrator of this special district, and he will only be responsible for economic and livelihood matters."
"Oh, right, he is a Marine, so a small number of Marines will be coming over..."
Hearing this, Vivi's brow furrowed even deeper. "Didn't the World Government promise various nations that they wouldn't station troops? How does Taro dare..."
"Don't worry, my dear daughter," Cobra patted Vivi's hand to soothe her.
"They won't enter Alabasta as Marines. Their warships will remain at Nanohana Port."
Seeing Vivi wanted to say more, Cobra waved his hand and smiled.
"I know what you're worried about. The Kingdom will send people to supervise. If we find anything that harms the Kingdom's interests or disrupts its stability, we can end this partnership at any time."
Vivi looked at the smiling Cobra, then glanced at the two Guardian Gods of the Kingdom, who also looked pleased. She asked in confusion:
"Father, and Chaka and Pell, you all seem very confident that Taro won't step out of line?"
"Hahaha, I indeed have great confidence in him." Cobra exchanged a glance with the two Guardian Gods of the Kingdom and laughed.
"Father, then I shall be the one to supervise!"
...G-2 Fortress base.
"Lieutenant Commander Taro, you don't look well. Did something happen?" Vice Admiral Gumir asked with concern, looking at Taro's pale face.
Taro forced a smile. "It's nothing. The waves at sea were too strong. As you know, I haven't been in the Marine for long, so I'm still not quite used to it."
Vice Admiral Gumir's eyes flickered, and he spoke in a low tone:
"I see. Then Lieutenant Commander Taro should hurry and rest. I have some things to attend to as well, so I won't disturb you."
Taro always felt this bald Vice Admiral was a bit strange today. In this slacker base, saying he has things to do—who is he kidding?
"Please, suit yourself, Vice Admiral Gumir." Taro's lips twitched. "I'll take my leave first."
Gumir watched Taro leave until he turned into the residential area, then quickly returned to his office.
"Bulu bulu bulu..."
"Yeah, it's me!" On the other end of the den den mushi, a lazy voice sounded.
"Admiral Kuzan, Taro is back. I've observed him, and he seems to be injured. It really looks like he had a major battle with someone."
A raging fire of gossip flickered in Vice Admiral Gumir's eyes.
"Understood," Aokiji responded flatly.
Click. The den den mushi was hung up.
Vice Admiral Gumir didn't mind. The soul of gossip in his heart was already uncontrollable. Who did Lieutenant Commander Taro fight? He even came back injured, and Admiral Kuzan personally inquired about it!
This is big! This is huge news!
With his mind racing, Vice Admiral Gumir summoned the officers of the fortress and opened a new meeting.
Although the meeting didn't reach a conclusion on any topics, the atmosphere was very friendly and enthusiastic.
The details of this meeting spread quickly throughout the fortress as soon as it ended, and then rapidly towards Marineford and other branches.
After a night's rest, Taro was full of energy. The damage to his Meridians and his restless Internal Energy had both recovered, which greatly improved his gloomy mood.
Walking into the Marine dining hall, the previously rowdy Marine Soldiers suddenly went quiet. Taro looked around in confusion and saw Mike was actually there too.
Seeing Taro looking at him, Mike immediately put down his knife and fork, ran over, gave a salute, and said respectfully, "Lieutenant Commander Taro!"
"It's mealtime, no need to salute." Taro reached out and patted down Mike's saluting hand, then asked curiously:
"What's wrong with them? Why did they suddenly stop talking? Also, I saw a large group of people around you just now. Why did they all run away as soon as I arrived?"
Mike gave a sheepish laugh. "No, it's nothing. It's just that the officers' dining hall is next door, and they rarely come to the base canteen. Everyone was just a bit surprised."
As Mike spoke, he glanced at the surrounding Marine Soldiers. They also reacted.
"Yeah, yeah, we didn't expect Lieutenant Commander Taro to come here."
Taro looked at Mike suspiciously. "Is that so? You aren't making up stories about me behind my back, are you?"
Mike immediately shook his head, his face incredibly serious. "Impossible, Lieutenant Commander! I could never slander you!"
Taro then nodded, gave an "mm," and walked towards the adjacent dining hall.
A Marine Soldier poked his head out. Seeing Taro enter the next room, he made a gesture to the canteen, and immediately, the canteen erupted in noise.
"Old Mike, keep going! Who exactly was Lieutenant Commander Taro's opponent this time?"
"Yeah, hurry, tell us!"
The Marine Soldiers crowded around again.
Mike had a look of pride on his face. "You guys have no idea. Back then on Jaya Island, the entire sky turned dark..."
"It was a scene of world-shaking change, where the sun and moon lost their light. Those thick clouds were only about as high as that." Mike pointed to the Fortress Watchtower outside the window.
"That's right, I was the lookout on the ship. I can testify that's exactly how it was."
A Marine Soldier in the crowd suddenly spoke up in agreement.
Mike gave the Marine Soldier an appreciative look. "Then guess what happened?"
"With just one move, Lieutenant Commander Taro broke through those black clouds with a single strike, bringing clarity back to the sky!"
Hiss— The group of Marine Soldiers gasped. "Lieutenant Commander Taro's strength is actually so terrifying!"
"But Old Mike, you still haven't said who Lieutenant Commander Taro's opponent was!"
Mike's eyes flickered. "Is a battle of this level something people like us can watch?"
"I didn't see it."
The Marine Soldiers sighed in disappointment, only to hear Mike speak in a low voice: "However, I suspect the opponent had at least the strength of the Four Emperors!"
"Four Emperors?!"
A burst of exclamations erupted in the base canteen!
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