Pontus did not fly into a rage, nor did he curse. He merely spoke in a solemn tone about a legacy secret that he believed only the royal family knew.
There were indeed some details within it that even Nereus did not understand.
"I have never seen you truly make a move, only heard of your strength. Presumably, even large Sea Kings are no match for you. And there are quite a few powerhouses like that in this world.
But Sea Kings will unconditionally submit to Poseidon and carry out any command she gives.
In a world dominated by the sea, Sea Kings possess the power to ensure that only a small number of strong individuals can survive. So it is no exaggeration to say that Poseidon can destroy the world."
By the time he finished speaking, Pontus had already walked up to Nereus.
Out of habit, many male Merfolk did not wear upper garments. Pontus had only a cloak draped over his shoulders.
Though no longer young, his body was still robust.
At this moment, there was little fear to be seen on his face as he continued calmly:
"The situation on Fishman Island is indeed as you described, but the World Government's attitude toward this place has been more one of neglect than of using some means to destroy it.
This is the most hospitable environment in the deep sea. Even if Fishman Island were gone, we could still survive in the vast ocean.
I believe the reason the World Government has not acted is also because they fear Poseidon. Even if the population were reduced, Poseidon would still be born among the Merfolk.
If, at the moment of awakening, Poseidon were someone whose nation had nearly perished and whose family had almost been wiped out—someone filled with hatred—the World Government would not be willing to bear that cost."
Pluton was merely a warship; it required people to operate it. Poseidon, however, possessed self-awareness.
If an awakened Poseidon were truly in such a state, the consequences would be terrifying.
Buccaneers, Lunarians, and even the Davy Clan had not been completely exterminated. Even if Merfolk and Fish-Men were hunted down, there would still be survivors in the sea.
Pontus believed the World Government understood this, which was why it had left Fishman Island some room to breathe, preventing it from being driven into a fight to the death.
"I think it's simply because your actions have been too harmless, so much so that they're like senile old men who didn't even think that far.
Are you trying to argue from this angle that what you've done is correct?"
By avoiding overly extreme actions and maintaining things within a certain range, although some of the people would be lost, the race could continue. Viewed purely from the perspective of those in power, such an outcome was not unacceptable.
"No. I am merely explaining my viewpoint to you, emphasizing the importance of Poseidon. You do not have to agree with what I say.
But the matter of Poseidon must be known by someone on Fishman Island, and it must be passed down.
And the reason I am telling you all this is simply because, after tonight, one of us is destined to die here."
Pontus raised the trident in his hand and pointed it at Nereus, his tone resolute.
"Have you made your decision? Since you know my strength, you should be well aware that you are absolutely no match for me. Your chance of survival is zero."
In truth, Nereus himself did not care much about how the old royal family should be handled.
This was not an ordinary historical dynasty where one had to eradicate the roots to prevent future trouble.
This was a world of extraordinary power, where the strength of a single individual was enough to change the situation of the entire battlefield.
And that power was something Nereus happened to possess. Aside from that mechanics monster in Mariejois, there was practically no one who could give him much trouble. [TN: It is used primarily in gaming contexts to refer to a boss or enemy that cannot be defeated through brute force or typical combat strategies alone, but rather requires the player to understand and exploit a specific game mechanic, system, or "gimmick" to win. ]
The power of the royal family was not worth mentioning before Nereus. If one did not consider the various aftermath issues, sending out any officer, or even Nanamo, would be enough to single-handedly deal with the entire palace.
Killing, imprisoning, or exiling them would only affect how the outside world perceived things; it would not change the outcome.
Because of Pontus's attitude, Nereus had originally intended to choose a gentler approach.
"Hmph, Nereus, don't be so naïve. I am the king of Fishman Island! For hundreds of years, the throne of Fishman Island has belonged to my lineage. How could I possibly hand it over just like that!
If you want this throne, then come and take it with your own hands! I also want to see for myself what this so-called strongest is really like!"
"This is a duel between you and me alone, and the stake of this duel is the throne of Fishman Island!"
"Wait!!"
No sooner had Pontus finished speaking than he was suddenly interrupted. A male Merfolk several times taller than Nereus, with long orange hair and a red, bulbous nose, burst out from the room behind them.
"Neptune? You stayed in the palace today? I thought you were out on patrol."
The newcomer was Pontus's son, and the current Great Knight of the Sea - Neptune.
Though he likewise possessed no outstanding strength, he did contribute to Fishman Island, personally leading patrols in the deep sea to deal with invading pirates.
It was just that the results were rather mediocre.
"Father, there's no need for this. Why fight a duel you're certain to lose? We can leave Fishman Island…"
"Silence! This has nothing to do with you. At times like this, one cannot simply keep running away. However… Nereus, I have a request. If you win, please spare my son.
This is a father's wish."
"I can agree to that. As long as he does not become my enemy, I will not harm him."
"Thank you."
There was a tone in Pontus's voice that suggested he knew he was bound to lose, yet he did not retreat. Seeing this, Nereus did not try to persuade him further.
"Neptune, remember my words. If I die here, you must not harbor any thoughts of revenge. Leave Fishman Island and find a remote sea region where you can continue living."
Pontus cast aside his cloak and assumed a fighting stance. Seeing that Nereus had no intention of striking first, he understood what that meant.
"Merman Combat • Sea Current Vortex!"
Ryugu Palace was also filled with seawater. Gripping his trident with both hands, Pontus stirred the sea currents before him.
The swirling currents gradually converged at the tip of the trident, and with Pontus's thrust, they surged toward Nereus.
The spearhead formed of water looked imposing, yet Nereus acted as though he hadn't even seen it, allowing the attack to come straight at him.
When it was still four or five meters away from his body, the spearhead quietly shattered. For an attack of this level to even reach the defensive Haki around Nereus was already the result of him holding back.
In the next instant, Nereus appeared before Pontus in a movement too fast for the naked eye to follow, and delivered an unremarkable punch squarely to his chest.
There was no exaggerated impact, nor any massive destruction. Yet at the moment of contact, Armament Haki compressed to the extreme had already destroyed Pontus's heart.
There was no deliberate toying with or humiliating his opponent. When facing different enemies, Nereus displayed different fighting styles.
And as Pontus's life force rapidly faded, he heard the final words…
"Fishman Island will enter a new era—a truly glorious era."
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