Chapter 12: Establishing a Cooperative Relationship

Grand Line, 10,000 meters under the sea, Fish-Man Island, Ryugu Royal Palace.

"Honey, is there still no news regarding the Fortis Kingdom?"

Otohime walked into the throne room and immediately asked Neptune who was currently discussing something with the Shichibukai - Jinbey.

"You've been asking almost every day for 6 years, Otohime" Neptune said with a sigh and felt sad at the hope that his wife always held on to, "Until now we still haven't received any news about this kingdom, Otohime"

"Isn't it still there?" Otohime asked with a sad sigh.

"We still have to be patient, Otohime. You know that too, don't you? Even though we used our entire army to track the whereabouts of this kingdom. As long as these kingdoms don't show themselves to the world. They will never be known by this world" Neptune said seriously, "We have to believe Shayrly's words and just have to wait for him. We will definitely be contacted by the King of Fortis soon."

"Your Majesty" Jinbei who was currently in the room suddenly said, "This Fortis Kingdom you are talking about. Is it the Fortis Kingdom that will later establish a cooperative relationship with Fish-Man Island?"

"That's right, Jinbei" Otohime immediately replied excitedly, "6 years ago when you guys were still on your way to go on an adventure with Fisher Tiger. Shayrly saw an event that would happen in the future. What he saw was that a very strong and prosperous kingdom would emerge. The kingdom itself has a very frightening fighting power and also no one dares to play with them not even the World Government."

Jinbei suddenly fell silent hearing this.

Even though Jinbei had heard some stories about the Fortis Kingdom. However, this was the first time he had heard the full story from Otohime. Especially when Otohime said that his combat power was stronger than the World Government.

"Even though the power of the kingdom is very strong. However, they don't discriminate against any kingdom or any race like people in the World Government. Their king is someone who is very kind and cares deeply about the citizens of his kingdom as well as the citizens of the kingdom who build allied relations with them. Shayrly saw an event in the future that we fish-man race would form an allied relationship with this kingdom. With the establishment of the allied relationship, we have equal rights over the people in the kingdom. We can enjoy the land above without any fear of being kidnapped or discriminated against."

"It's amazing." Jinbei was surprised by this again.

"That is indeed a very surprising thing," Neptune said with a sigh, "If it wasn't Shayrly who told you this. It would be hard for us to believe that such a King would appear." Neptune paused and continued, "Counting today, it's been 6 years since Shayrly first saw that happening. As of now, we are still waiting for the King of the Fortis Kingdom to contact us."

"Contact?" Jinbey asked in confusion.

"Shayrly said that the first conversation we will have is through the communication that will be established by King Fortis first. He will contact Neptune to discuss the matter of cooperation in terms of the food trade" Otohime replied then sighed sadly, "However, 6 years have already passed. We still haven't been able to get a communication line with them."

"I think Queen Otohime should follow the words of King Neptune. Sharly's own ability is only able to see events that will happen in the future. However, we cannot determine when that will occur. Maybe it can happen now or maybe in a very long time. We can't predict that."

Simultaneously, Neptune's den-den mushi immediately rang. They both looked directly at each other.

"Honey, hurry up! Maybe it's from King Fortis." With high hopes, Otohime immediately ordered Neptune to raise the den-den mushi.

Neptune nodded even though he himself sighed sadly with high expectations from Otohime. However, Neptnus loves Otohime very much and will do anything for her. Neptune immediately lifted the den-den mushi.

"Hello, Neptune is here-jamon"

"Hello, King Neptune. The first meeting. I am Ars. I am the King of the Fortis Kingdom"

Neptune's eyes immediately widened upon learning that the person contacting him was the person they had previously spoken of. Otohime's gaze was now filled with joy and even Jinbey fell silent for witnessing an event that might soon change the status of the fish-man race.

"Seeing the expression you put on through the den-den mushi. I think you may be familiar with this kingdom. Wait a minute… Did it come from someone from your kingdom? Hmmm… Looks like it came from a woman named Shayrly"

"How did you find out?" Neptune asked with a face full of surprise.

The ability to see the future of Shayrly is only known by people from Fish-Man Island and only a few humans know about it.

"I have several ways to do it. But don't worry. I will not harm Shayrly. If possible, tell him that I want to say a very big thank you. If possible he comes to our kingdom. I myself will welcome his arrival and will even grant him the status of a guest of honor in our kingdom."

Jinbey was surprised again by the words from Ars.

"I will pass this on to him," Neptune said seriously.

"Thank you," Ars said, "Oh, yes. Back to the topic I wanted to talk to you about. I want to establish a cooperative relationship with your kingdom. Currently, our kingdom is still in the development stage. In the future, we will have a plan to recruit workers who will later work in the construction sector. The number of workers that we will recruit is quite large and requires large amounts of food to meet their needs. With the kingdom still under construction at the moment, we don't have the connections to buy such large quantities of food ingredients. Therefore, I want to know. Can the Ryugu Kingdom cooperate with us to prepare a supply of fresh food ingredients for our kingdom? Of course, we will buy it at the same price as the market price. In addition, regarding this collaboration. We can also build other cooperative relationships, for example with me, I will give the same rights as the citizens of our kingdom to the fish-man race. Like they can interact in our kingdom, open a business here, and so on. What do you think?"

"No problem" Neptune immediately said excitedly.

This was the thing they had been waiting for. 6 years they waited to get the call.

"Glad to hear that we can establish a cooperative relationship, King Neptune," Ars said happily, "Then can representatives from your kingdom come to our kingdom? It is intended for us to sign the cooperation agreement letter. Although through talks we have said an agreement. We also have to establish this cooperation with a signed agreement. Apart from that, there are also some rules that you should know regarding people who want to open a business in our kingdom. This rule itself does not only apply to immigrants but people in our kingdom must also follow these established rules."

"I understand" Neptune nodded, "If I may ask, when can we come and where is your kingdom located?"

"The sooner the better. If possible today. Please come today. Regarding the location of our kingdom. It would be difficult for me to pinpoint the location. However, if possible, King Neptune could send representatives to the Red Line on the side of the New World. The location of our own kingdom is close to the Red Line. However, even though it is close it will be difficult for you to find our kingdom. Therefore, I will send my men to come to the Red Line territory. You just have to wait there for some time. If possible please show yourselves or wait in the Red Line's lower plains. Later my people will do the search for you."

"I see." Neptune nodded seriously.

"Also, please bring the flag of your kingdom"

"Flag?" Neptune asked confusedly about this.

"I have a plan to fly the flag of your kingdom in my kingdom. Not just your royal flag. But the flag of the kingdom that will later establish a cooperative relationship with our kingdom will also be flown by my kingdom. I have a plan to build a fellowship building. The flags of each of the kingdoms that have a cooperative relationship with us will later be flown in the area where the fellowship building was built and later the fellowship building will be used as a place for us representatives from each kingdom will gather every year to discuss various things. Like the problem of cooperation with others. Perhaps, the concept is almost like Revery which is usually done by the World Government. However, regarding the issue of your participation in the meeting. You don't have to worry about payment issues. As long as your kingdom has a cooperative relationship with our kingdom. You can participate or it can be said as long as your royal flag is still flying in the area. You are still allies of our kingdom. Besides, as long as you guys still form a cooperative relationship with us. Whoever attacks your kingdom is our enemy too. You can ask for help against our kingdom as long as someone attacks your kingdom. We will gladly send troops to destroy the enemy that attacks your kingdom. You don't have to pay us any protection fees or anything. As long as our kingdom has a cooperative relationship. We will definitely help your kingdom"

Neptune, Otohime, and Jinbey who heard this became very excited. The future Kingdom of Fortis will be a kingdom so terrifying that even the World Government would not dare mess with this kingdom. Getting their protection would be a very good blessing for Fish-Man Island.

Although currently, Fish-Man Island has protection from the Whitebeard pirates. However, Whitebeard has now entered old age and Whitebeard cannot continue to protect their kingdom. After Whitebeard died, Fish-Man Island had to find a new refuge to protect them from threats.

Neptune had previously determined that they would seek refuge against the Big Mom pirate group. However, it's time to tell the story as the Fortis Kingdom is about to start protecting them.

"I see. I will ask our representatives to carry our royal flags."

"Okay. I will send my men there now. I hope you can wait there while my men do their search for your representatives."

The communication line was immediately cut off.

"Honey, let me go to represent our kingdom" Otohime immediately said excitedly.

"No problem" Neptune nodded and looked at Jinbey, "Jinbey, can you be a guard for Otohime?"

"I will do it"

"Thank you, Jinbey," Otohime said happily.

Jinbey smiled, "No need to thank Queen Otohime. After all, I also want to meet this King of the Fortis Kingdom. Can have this kind of thinking. He's definitely not a random person."

"Hahaha… I also really want to meet him-jamon" Neptune, "However, let Otohime go for now. After all, you are the one who has been waiting for this day the most."

Otohime smiled hearing this then said, "Then Jinbey Let's go. We also need to bring flags from our kingdom to give to them."

Jinbey nodded and immediately followed Otohime out of the throne room.

New World, Fortis Kingdom, Royal Palace, Ars Chamber.

"Lowa, you help make the cooperation agreement document," Ars said calmly as he looked at Lowellmina and Hashirama who were now in his room.

"Cooperation? With whom will we establish cooperation?" Lowellmina asked in confusion.

"I just contacted the Ryugu Kingdom's side whose kingdom's location is on Fish-Man Island. I have discussed cooperation with them and agreed to cooperate with them. They will soon come here to sign the cooperation. You help me prepare the document."

"I see." Lowellmina nodded.

"Then for you, Hashirama. Please go to the Red Line. There you will meet representatives from the Ryugu Kingdom. Bring them to this kingdom safely."

"I see"

"Okay. The two of you can now go on the task."

Lowellmina and Hashirama immediately walked out of Ars' room to carry out the order.

[Ding!]

[Happy! Currently, your kingdom has been recognized by 10 million living beings. Your popularity points will increase by 1 from now on!]

[Ding!]

[Happy! Currently, your kingdom has been recognized by 11 million living beings. Your popularity points will increase by 1 from now on!]

[Congratulations, Ars. There are currently 11 million living things that have eaten your kingdom. Your point value has also now increased compared to before]

"Oh? Thank you, Elie. Iceburg seems to be moving very quickly to advertise our recruitment. I hope there are many who are interested in coming to work here. So that we no longer need to travel to other islands."

[If it is less. You can try to recruit from the fish-man race, Ars. After all, the physical strength of the fish-man race was several times better than that of ordinary humans. Your kingdom will also soon establish cooperation with them. I think, it's fine to recruit them]

"That is a good idea. I will use this idea if the workers we are looking for are still lacking"