Chapter 601: The Merfolk Prince and Prutto
Chapter 601: The Merfolk Prince and Prutto
In the Kingdom City of Oohara, finding a person, especially a distinctive Fishman, was as easy as it gets.
When Neptune came knocking, it took Sag less than five minutes to issue the order, and within ten minutes, traces of the person were discovered.
What amused Sag, however, was the fact that he was working as a bullman.
The eldest prince of the Dragon Palace Kingdom, being tricked into becoming a bullman—now that was a bizarre tale for the ages.
"Bull... bullman?" Neptune was unfamiliar with the term.
Being a Fishman who had never set foot on land, his interactions were limited to the Marines and Pirates, and the rumors he heard were related to these groups. He had no idea what kind of life humans led, especially in such niche professions.
"Oh, it's... well, it's a rather lucrative place. I remember your eldest son, he's quite the looker, like a legendary figure."
Sag burst into laughter, "Rest assured, what you're worried about won't happen. In my establishment, no one will be enslaved."
"You're a great pirate, and I trust your word."
As long as he wasn't going to be enslaved, Neptune was relieved.
"Then, let's discuss the terms."
Sag gestured, and Bellana, accompanied by a maid, brought over a wine glass fit for a giant and placed it before Neptune. Then, they brought a large barrel of wine and poured it into the glass.
Although Neptune was a Fishman, he was remarkably tall, standing at over twelve meters, possibly possessing giant blood.
"As long as you allow us to relocate to the land, we can agree to any conditions, as long as it doesn't involve slavery," Neptune said firmly.
The environment of Fishman Island wasn't ideal.
What sunlight or resources could there be in the deep sea? Their lives were intertwined with the depths, and recently, there had been turmoil. For unknown reasons, the ocean currents had become turbulent, causing seawater to flood Fishman Island, submerging some of the peripheral streets.
Fundamentally, they considered themselves part of 'humanity,' yearning for sunlight, human life, and most of all, the land.
With this opportunity, they would naturally agree.
"I'm not that petty," Sag said, picking up a gem-studded wine glass and raising it towards Neptune. "I'll ensure you receive the treatment you deserve. It's not about favoring you; it's about a better future, Lily."
Lily produced a stack of documents and placed them before Neptune. The documents seemed minuscule in his large hands, so Lily explained, "You can take your time to read them, but I'll give you a brief overview."
"First, the Dragon Palace Kingdom will secretly become an affiliate of Oohara, transporting goods for us as a necessary link between the first and second halves."
This location was the ideal transfer station, even better than Dressrosa.
In Sag's plan, Dressrosa had become a base for product distribution and smuggling. Many underworld figures conducted their transactions there, while the Oohara port now only handled regular commercial operations, with the black market also relocated to Dressrosa.
With his growing population, it wasn't suitable to have foreign pirates coming to the port, as its capacity was limited.
However, for transfer stations and storage, nothing could beat the safety and secrecy of Fishman Island.
At a depth of ten thousand meters, the Marines couldn't easily reach it, and there was nothing for them to investigate.
As long as waterproofing was ensured, the Fishmen could transport goods from the seabed, enabling access to every corner of the Grand Line.
As for the Four Oceans, crossing the Calm Belt was still dangerous for the Fishmen, as the Sea Kings were unpredictable.
But for Sag, connecting the first half of the Grand Line was sufficient.
He hadn't fully explored the first half of the New World, and the resources from that half alone would sustain him for a long time.
Additionally, he could establish a crucial link to Alabasta through the Fishmen's hub, setting up factories there to improve conditions. Once the plan was complete, people would naturally aspire to come to Oohara, and he could directly acquire population from there.
In summary, no matter who came, they would become part of Oohara.
"Second, a portion of the Fishmen and Merfolk must join the Pirates and take up the newly established position of 'Undersea Security Officer' to provide underwater security."
"Third, the Fishmen must provide effective labor and be employed by our factories. Of course, they can spend their earnings wherever they like, but they'll need to pay taxes."
Lily paused, "The rest are supplementary clauses, nothing critical. You can take your time to read through them."
"No need, I agree."
Neptune didn't even glance at the documents. He picked up the large wine glass and drained it in one go, "These conditions are very favorable for us!"
There was nothing in the agreement that disadvantaged them. Not only were they being relocated, but they were also being offered jobs and integrated into human life—something they could only dream of before.
As for serving as a transportation hub, it was the least they could do.
"Follow me, and you won't go wrong. You Fishmen have never had a glorious history, but from now on, you can be free and do as you please within my territory. However, you must follow the rules."
Sag stood up and smiled, "With the addition of Fishman Island, we can prepare a banquet. As for you, I'll show you something interesting."
...
As the bustling hub of the vast ocean, Oohara thrived under Sag's rule, embracing the entertainment industry with open arms. Aside from strictly prohibiting addictive drugs, nothing was off-limits.
What?
Isn't this industry inherently evil?
The entertainment industry, over time, will inevitably resort to coercion and temptation to lure people into working here.
It's all about control.
Sag ruled his kingdom with an iron fist, and aside from offering high salaries, no one dared to engage in nefarious activities like abducting innocent women within his territory. Whether it's gambling or nightclubs, he enforced strict limits, ensuring no one would lose everything they owned. Sag wouldn't allow such a thing, and people could only gamble with the money they brought. Once it's gone, they had to leave.
Red-Eye All-In?
No one would get that chance.
The casinos were under the control of the intelligence agency. The wealth of each patron was carefully estimated, and no illegal transactions were permitted. Sag didn't tolerate any form of improper buying or selling, and out of respect for him, his subjects adhered to the rules.
As for the nightclubs, they attracted those genuinely in need of money or seeking quick riches. There was no coercion involved, and those who worked there did so freely.
Drunk and disorderly behavior was unheard of, as many of the patrons were Sag's subordinates, who naturally maintained order.
When it came to disciplining his subordinates, Sag's punishments were far more severe than those for ordinary citizens.
However, the nightclubs weren't exclusively for male entertainment; men could also be entertained. Take the Naughty White Horse Lounge, for example, which employed good-looking individuals, including former members of the Ten Disasters Pirate Crew.
This establishment catered to women with some spare cash and a touch of loneliness.
Under the dazzling neon lights, the spacious lounge featured booths where women, adorned in luxurious clothing and exquisite jewelry, laughed heartily. Their plump bodies leaned against the handsome men beside them, taking advantage while ordering several bottles of Dompelli.
In the center stood a massive stage, where a male dancer, bare-chested, descended from the pole. A man dressed in Wano attire, draped in sable fur, and exuding a captivating charm, stepped forward.
His appearance elicited screams of delight from the surrounding women.
"Ah! It's Yushi-rou!"
"So handsome! The exotic charm unique to Wano is perfectly embodied in Yushi-rou! He's so handsome!"
"Dompelli! A ten-bottle tip of Dompelli for Yushi-rou!"
The cacophony of screams almost drowned out the music, directed at the Wano man. But he didn't seem bothered; instead, he smiled contentedly, even revealing a hint of bliss.
This only encouraged more tips and screams.
Nightclubs on the high seas were just that—places for companionship and relaxation. As for the red-light district, it was strictly forbidden by Sag.
Yushi-rou, the man in question, hadn't been there for long. Born in Wano, he'd always dreamed of becoming an Oiran Geisha, a male entertainer.
However, Wano's culture didn't allow men to pursue this profession; only women could be Geishas.
That was until Sag conquered Wano and ruled over it.
Upon learning that Oohara offered more freedom and had male Geishas known as Bullmen, Yushi-rou's heart was set. Within half a month of arriving in Oohara, he opened this lounge, which quickly gained popularity.
Here, he was the king of male Geishas!
And his dream was to become the King of Bullmen in Oohara!
While becoming a king was something only the lord could achieve, the position of King of Bullmen was within his grasp, the pinnacle of his profession.
He also aspired to make his lounge the most popular establishment among women in all of Oohara.
And now, he had an opportunity to boost the lounge's popularity even further.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Yushi-rou began, his voice gentle and clear, as the music faded. "Today, I'd like to introduce a new partner, a recent addition to our team. I believe he will become an essential member of the lounge, contributing to its success. Please give him your support!"
A round of applause and cheers filled the room.
Yushi-rou, slightly excited, extended his hand backward, "And now, let me present to you, our 'Merfolk Prince,' Prince Shark Star!"
From the back of the stage, Shark Star, with his pale, unadorned skin, swam forward shyly, his fish tail swaying, approaching Yushi-rou.
As soon as he appeared, the pole dancers stared at him with wide eyes.
A mermaid?!
And a beautiful one at that!
The skin, the demeanor, and that figure, with a fish tail!
The exotic allure of a different race deeply captivated their hearts.
Prince Shark Star approached the stage, first glancing at the central pole, then surveying the almost ravenous women around him. For the first time, he felt a hint of unease.
Despite being fawned over by many upon entering the lounge, believing him to be the top-ranked dancer, Shark Star couldn't shake the feeling that this job was somewhat improper.
However, having limited exposure to human society, he couldn't quite grasp the situation.
Perhaps, this was indeed a human occupation.
At least, he didn't sense any malice in their gazes; they were mostly positive.
This was a form of human enthusiasm.
Prince Shark Star took a deep breath, gripped the pole with one hand, and spoke in a deep voice, "I'll perform for you all."
Yushi-rou had praised his noble demeanor, saying that he didn't need to say much because his appearance exuded royalty. They had even bestowed upon him the title 'Merfolk Prince'.
When he had asked how they knew he was a prince, it had only earned him their approval.
Yes, he was indeed a prince.
A person of such nobility was perfect for embracing contrast, and pole dancing was the ideal choice.
As for what pole dancing was, he had observed it backstage—a man, bare-chested, spinning around a pole.
This was simple; he could do it.
The job was even easier than he had imagined—just drinking and spinning around the pole.
As he spoke, he began spinning around the pole.
His cold, noble aura, combined with the reflection of his pale skin under the lights, was enough to send the pole dancers into a frenzy of screams, even without any intentional seductive moves.
"One hundred bottles of Dompelli! I want him to accompany me!"
"One hundred bottles? I'll tip two hundred bottles!"
"Ah! Prince Shark Star! Amazing! Simply amazing! Five hundred bottles! I'll tip five hundred bottles of the finest Dompelli!!!"
The atmosphere in the room became frenzied.
"Hahaha! Hoohahaha! Truly spectacular!"
Upstairs, Sag looked down from the second-floor balcony, laughing heartily with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Merfolk Prince, it suits him. If he truly loves this job, he might as well work here full-time!"
"Um..."
Neptune scratched his head, his tall stature not looking out of place in this building designed with various races in mind, featuring high ceilings.
"If Prince Shark Star is willing, I have no objections. It's a good thing."
Prince Shark Star had never seen it, and neither had Neptune.
He merely felt that these humans lacked malice, despite sharing the same expression as the pirates who had harassed Fishman Island. But these humans were driven by enthusiasm, not ill intent.
He could discern the difference.
This job, it seemed, was a perfect way to integrate with humans. It appeared to be a good choice.
Prince Shark Star had quickly adapted to the human world, which was truly remarkable.
"As long as you don't regret it."
Sag laughed, patting Neptune's fish tail before leaving with a broad smile.
He was curious to see the expression of the Dragon Palace Kingdom's crown prince when he fully integrated into Oohara and understood the nature of this job.
Prince?
The title of prince or princess wasn't just about nobility; it could also be used in the entertainment industry.
However, Neptune didn't have time to dwell on this now. He had brought a thousand Fishmen, which was perfect for sending them to the Land of Harmony to continue the excavation work.
As for Prince Shark Star, he was temporarily staying in Oohara, while Neptune returned to the sea with a few attendants.
A month later...
"Sag, I've got it!"
Renetia burst into Sag's room, her face brimming with excitement. "Prutto has created a cannon! That mountain is the barrel, and the island beneath is the base!"
"Can it be used?!" Sag's eyes lit up.
"No, it lacks energy. I tried various methods, but it's completely unusable. I even dismantled some of the parent metal, but it won't activate. It requires an extremely high-energy source, perhaps even a perpetual high-energy power source, which we don't have now."
Renetia's enthusiasm waned, and she hung her head, "Perhaps, we'll have to tighten our belts."
The energy issue was something Sag had anticipated during the excavation, and he had prepared for it.
Ancient weapons were likely more complex, perhaps requiring extremely high prerequisites.
Sag was prepared to invest all his wealth into this endeavor.
"High-energy..."
Sag narrowed his eyes, "If you don't have the technology for it, we'll have to find another way."
When it came to pirates, if they wanted something, they just had to take it!
Renetia might not have the technical prowess, but she knew there was someone who would have the brains for this!
(End of Chapter)
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