Rebellion means death.
"Lily."
Sage glanced at her and said indifferently, "Hold back, it's too cold and will make people uncomfortable."
Lily released her hand and looked coldly at Fukaboshi, "Is the Fishman Race not planning to live on the sea surface anymore? Or have the good days been too many, making it unclear who granted such grace?"
"Please, Lady Lily, calm your anger."
Fukaboshi bowed to Lily and continued, "Our entire Fishman Race is willing to become the household servants of the Norton Clan. But before that, please give us a chance. If you act, it will only widen the gap between us and humans. But if we handle it ourselves, then it's just an internal matter of the Fishman Race."
"Oh? You want to handle it yourself?"
For once, Sage cast two glances his way, "Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes, for the sake of the future of the Fishmen and Mermaids, some things must be done!"
"Alright then, proceed as you've planned. As for the time..."
Sage thought for a moment and said, "I'll give you half a month, is that enough?"
"It's enough!"
"Good, since you've made the promise, I won't stand on ceremony with you. I assure you, just like the Fur Race, you can raid in the front half of the Grand Line and the back half of the New World, those areas not yet under my rule. As long as you abide by my rules, the sea is also your place of freedom."
"If you get caught or killed, that's the cost of piracy, I won't interfere. But if any innocent people are captured by humans independently, come find me, I'll help you resolve it. Out at sea, even if they don't respect me, they will respect my strength."
Sage let out a sinister laugh, waving his hand for Fukaboshi to step back.
After he retreated, Sage looked at Lily, "What do you think?"
"I didn't do my job well."
Lily said, "I haven't paid enough attention to the internal movements of the Fishmen; it's my mistake."
"I didn't mean for you to say that. Everyone makes work errors, and yours doesn't really count. Even Issho cannot fully explore what each person thinks. Who knows what they're thinking?" Sage waved his hand.
Lily nodded and said, "Long-term public opinion discrimination from humans has led to some radical individuals. When they don't receive the status they expected, they start to feel deprived. This is a typical scenario that can be resolved only by instilling fear through a purge, resulting in reverence and appreciation."
"Hahaha, exactly, it reminds me of a joke."
Sage laughed, "There was a country suffering from the wars of neighboring nations. Previously, customs dictated that women could not expose themselves, and most men were servants, living in poverty. Later, a king emerged, dedicated to liberating from various bad customs, giving dignity to both men and women, ending servitude slavery, ensuring people had jobs. Yet, people are never satisfied; they forgot that merely thirty-four years ago, their ancestors were in desperate straits."
"They wanted more, believing the king exploited what should have been theirs. So, they overthrew the king, replacing him with a leader of their own choice, but in reality, nobody knew that leader. It was merely a good media portrayal. When this leader took power, everything reverted, even worsened, leaving no room for regret."
"Doflamingo once said it well, those kids who desire war without understanding it conflict with those suffering from war who yearn for peace."
Sage said, "Fukaboshi attended the World Conference recently, right? His sister almost got taken as a slave by the Heavenly Celestial Dragons and understands that those who are weak have no rights. But those troublesome Fishmen... it's purely Neptune protecting them too well. Any Fishman who truly has been a slave and still wants to live in human society would come to me and kneel in gratitude."
"He made a timely statement this time."
Lily chimed in at the right moment, "Had I discovered this a few days later, there wouldn't be this opportunity."
Eliminating the troublemaking Fishmen is all too easy for her.
As for whether Fukaboshi would alienate them...
It doesn't matter.
The Fishmen aren't a monolithic bloc, some are loyal to this side. If Neptune is sensible, cooperation will continue. If he breaks ties, he's the one not honoring the commitment, changing the king isn't hard for them.
The final outcome will always lean towards this side.
But since Fukaboshi requested it personally, there's room for maneuvering in this matter. If they defect, they don't mind letting the Dragon Palace Kingdom remain under one lineage. After all, in Sage's eyes, as household servants, it doesn't matter who the king is. Neptune and Fukaboshi are the same.
Fukaboshi will resolve the internal Fishmen issue; Sage doesn't care about the details. He only wants results.
As long as the matter doesn't escalate, it can be resolved; if it reaches him, that would be inappropriate.
With so much territory and diverse races, strange things are bound to occur. Each person seems small when placed in such a vast domain.
Though Sage doesn't manage details, it doesn't mean he's unaware, especially since Lily tends to be thorough.
The Fishmen aspiring to become household servants reaching him shows the issue isn't trivial, decisive action is needed; Fukaboshi represents the same effect.
When push comes to shove, Sage would act personally if Lily doesn't.
Just joking.
Tenants planning rebellion?
...
Three days later.
A somewhat enthusiastic piece of music played in Sage's chamber, with Lily still standing by, along with two new figures who couldn't see eye to eye, but the horned one seemed more intense.
Who's-Who and Lucci.
"The song is not bad."
Sage nodded while listening, "It's quite inspiring, and the tone is excellent."
"It's called 'Against Light,' a new song by Uta, said to be part of her upcoming concert." Lily said from the side.
"Hmm..."
Sage looked at Lucci and Who's-Who, "You didn't just find me a song after investigating for three days, right?"
Who's-Who said, "Governor, we've confirmed it's in the latter half of the New World. But since it's an individual, hiding does pose challenges. Especially with the World Government actively searching, it's likely prompting vigilance."
"But what's certain is..."
Lucci took over, "A concert will be held in the once-destroyed Erejia Kingdom. Knowing the location isn't very meaningful."
Knowing the location is useless. They're clearly planning an open scheme with the concert set to fulfill a purpose, information cleverly distributed.
"That's enough."
Sage laughed, "An open scheme is the hardest to counter. Knowing the location is sufficient; probably not everyone is aware. Has Vegapunk finished developing the device... Lily, take people to get it. Even if it's to relax, give my subordinates a break, have some fun, but skip the concert listening."
It can be confirmed, the opponent is a perfectly matched, even exceeding, with powers comparable to Sage, possibly even having awakened abilities.
The concert was aimed at the whole world; as long as a Radio Snail receives and connects, it can be heard by everyone.
They already know about the Sing-Sing Fruit, and that Uta dares do this, she intends for the whole world to participate in something.
A power affecting the entire world...
"Pretty incredible genius, really worth witnessing, that Tot Musica, and... Red Hair!"
Sage chuckled, "Your daughter is probably doomed, let's see if you'll show up, I won't have to push you to Elbaf, I'll deal with you here. A destroyed kingdom and your destruction are quite fitting!"
Using someone's daughter as leverage isn't something he favors, but if a father were to come, it's beyond his control.
This opportunity, Sage isn't going to let it pass.