For Kuma, Nika's influence ran deep. For a long time, it was the anchor of his spirit.
Even when he saved others unconditionally, he did so with ideals much like Nika's.
There was a period in the past when the name Nika resounded across the seas.
But under the World Government's efforts, the name of Nika has gradually been forgotten, circulating only among a small number of races.
Nereus himself had no particular objections to Nika. If the name could better connect resistance forces across the world, then borrowing it would actually be advantageous.
At this stage, however, Nika's hollow reputation still lacked real meaning. Without strength, merely shouting slogans would only attract extra attention from the World Government and accomplish nothing.
Nereus had no idea what Kuma and the others were talking about in the suite at the moment. He was instead gathered with his officers in the large meeting room provided by the hotel, discussing another topic.
A coup.
Only Fish-Men and Merfolk were in the room, or hybrids like Sebastian.
Though Nereus did not discriminate against other races, there was a time and place for everything. When it came to matters involving the entirety of Fishman Island, companions of other races were not suited to take part.
If he only wanted a comfortable life for himself, Nereus wouldn't need to do anything at all right now. Even if he chose to live in seclusion at the Sabaody Archipelago, the World Government would turn a blind eye.
For such a monster, they would much rather he shut himself off from worldly affairs.
But if he wanted to change the situation on Fishman Island, a legitimate position became indispensable. With most islands operating under monarchies, that position was the king.
"I've never thought taking the throne would be difficult. The royal family's military strength is negligible. But the purpose of doing this is to make Fishman Island better.
That's why, in this coup, I don't want too much bloodshed, which is why I've been accumulating prestige.
The prelude to the era of chaos has already begun. It's time for us to act. Everyone, are you ready to usher in our new era?"
With a plan in place, it naturally had to be carried out.
With the trivial matters temporarily settled, the plan was ready to get back on track.
"Boss, with just one word from you, the residents of the Fish-Man District will definitely support you as the new king."
"Using force won't be an issue either. Even if you don't make a move yourself, Boss, I alone could smash straight through Ryugu Palace. Whether it's the Neptune Army or the royal family, they really don't have much combat power to speak of."
Sebastian and Barbell spoke one after the other, voicing their thoughts. The others largely shared the same view.
"As for the rest of Fishman Island's residents… Boss, your reputation here is extremely high. Barbell and I can both feel it."
Over the past few months of guarding Fishman Island, Sunbell and Barbell had frequently interacted with its residents, and the changes they brought about were immediate.
Sunbell could guarantee that during this period, not a single resident of Fishman Island had been taken away by slave ships. Anyone with such intentions had been dealt with by them.
The protection their strength provided far surpassed that of the Fishman Island's royal family.
Under these circumstances, Nereus's already considerable renown had reached a new height. More than a decade of effort had not been in vain.
"However, the royal lineage of Fishman Island has lasted a very long time. Many residents take it for granted that their line should be king. Changing that mindset will probably take some time."
Barbell raised another objective fact. Whether ordinary civilians or active members of the Neptune Army, there were many who remained loyal to the current royal family.
"So the Boss's plan has always been to shed as little blood as possible, not to shed none at all.
On the path a man chooses to walk forward, how could there be only laughter? On a road one is determined to take, how could there be no storms blocking the way?"
"From the day we set sail, our goal has already been decided. Boss, lead us forward! We can't afford to be left behind by this era!"
"Then let's act. End everything before dawn tomorrow. When the sun rises again, Fishman Island too will usher in a rebirth."
If all of Fishman Island had opposed him, Nereus would not have acted this way. Although his strength was enough to accomplish many goals, ruling through terror was never his objective.
But as things stood now, Nereus's support on Fishman Island was actually very high. If there were an election system, his votes would surely secure victory in the next election.
The Fish-Man District supported him unconditionally, and across Fishman Island, relying on the prestige he had accumulated in the past, Nereus could move about freely just by showing his face. The basic conditions were already in place.
As the sun set, the light transmitted by the Sunlight Tree Eve gradually waned, and the skies of Fishman Island slowly darkened.
When Fishman Island entered the night, Nereus stepped out of the hotel where he had been resting.
"Mr. Nereus, it's so late, where are you headed?"
Seeing Nereus and his group about to leave, the Mermaid at the front desk asked curiously.
"To do something important. Get some rest early. By the time dawn comes tomorrow, everything will be different."
"Really? Then I wish you all the best."
The Mermaid at the desk didn't quite understand what Nereus meant, and simply wished him smooth sailing.
What Nereus and his people did was all beneficial to Fishman Island, and over the years many residents had come to accept that as a given.
Ryugu Palace, the royal seat of Fishman Island, was not located on the island itself. Instead, it is a Sky Island within an island, encased in a bubble and floating in the sky above Fishman Island.
Nereus did not bring many people on this trip, making no grand display. Only Sebastian, Sunbell, and Barbell followed at his side; he didn't even bring Big Pan along.
Rather than a coup, it felt more like paying a visit to a neighbor, but that was already enough.
Along the way, residents would occasionally greet Nereus, until such encounters gradually lessened as they drew closer to Ryugu Palace.
"Mr. Nereus? What brings you here? Please wait a moment, I'll go inform His Majesty Pontus right away."
The guards at the entrance to Ryugu Palace were surprised by Nereus's arrival. After all, he rarely came here. Though he was a resident of Fishman Island, there was almost no direct interaction between the two sides.
Yet many of the things Nereus's subordinates did were duties that should have belonged to the royal family, so these soldiers were quite familiar with him.
As a result, not only were they not on guard, they greeted him warmly instead.
"No need. I'll go find him myself."
"Go by yourself? Wait! Mr. Nereus! What are you trying to do?!"
Only at this moment did the guards realize something was wrong. As guards stationed at Ryugu Palace, they had of course undergone tests of loyalty.
The two guards hurriedly raised their weapons, but Nereus made no move at all. He simply ignored them and continued walking forward.
When they tried to attack, they were effortlessly subdued by Sunbell at the side.
"Everyone, Boss has something to take care of. Please wait patiently and don't try to stop him. Otherwise, you'll make things very difficult for me."
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