Rear Admiral Adergin watched the hall fall silent under Longinus's calm voice and once again spiraled into self-doubt.
"So easy… he calmed the room just like that?
Am I really only good for punching things…?"
Before Longinus could respond, the King of Alabasta spoke:
"So you are Marine Major Longinus? Cobra has mentioned you many times.
His admiration borders on obsession.
Very well—let me hear what insight this Marine hero possesses."
His tone remained somewhat lofty, but that alone was enough to make the hall stir.
After all, this same king had just scolded the Kings of Clete and Hiska like they were commoners.
Yet he was speaking to Longinus almost as an equal.
The other two kings had done their homework as well.
They knew this young Marine was considered the symbolic figure of the G–2 Branch—
and that he had the potential to become a future giant of the Marine Headquarters.
Thus, they also spoke politely:
"Major Longinus, we would like to hear your views on this matter."
This instantly rekindled the interest of the noble ladies, who had originally been captivated only by Longinus's looks.
Now, their eyes shimmered with renewed excitement.
Longinus began:
"The southern region of Saintin Island is vast—large enough for all four kingdoms.
And each of you began this war for better development."
"For example—
The Kingdom of Hiska may be wealthy, but its territory is small and lacks resources.
It often suffers in free trade due to this, thus seeking more land."
"The Kingdom of Clete is hilly with many rivers but little flat farmland.
Of the four kingdoms, your need for grain is the highest."
"The Alabasta Kingdom is vast and militarily powerful…
but internally strained and critically short on water.
Long wars are unsustainable."
Both the Hiska and Clete kings frowned at the mention of their shortcomings—
but when they heard Alabasta's issues were just as severe, they exchanged disdainful glances toward the Alabasta king.
At the same time, they were shocked by Longinus's grasp of the entire geopolitical picture.
The Alabasta king narrowed his eyes, lips parting as if to speak—
but he soon relaxed and gestured for Longinus to continue.
"As for the Azka Kingdom," Longinus continued,
"They have the largest granary among the four.
Yet they lack proper trade routes—
and so they covet Hiska's ports deeply."
"Hmph!"
The Azka king snorted coldly and said no more.
"In my view, the needs of your kingdoms complement each other.
Through mutual trade and cooperation, each of your nations could prosper.
If today's peace talks could evolve into a mutual assistance alliance—
it would benefit all your futures."
He paused, then broadened his view:
"Looking long-term:
There are more than ten countries on Saintin Island alone.
Beyond it lie wolves on all sides.
The threat of pirates will never fade—
and each kingdom must also pay the Heavenly Tribute every year.
Another heavy burden."
He concluded:
"So the true threat comes from outside.
If the four of you can set aside past grievances and cooperate…
then decades from now, the Grand Line may see the rise of four top-tier nations."
As Longinus's analysis and quiet, overwhelming charisma filled the room, the hall grew tense and focused.
Among the noble ladies, desire simmered—
to the point some secretly pressed their legs together as heat rose shamefully through their bodies.
The Kings of Hiska and Clete were the first to respond:
"If the remaining two kings show equal sincerity,
we are willing to set aside past hatred and pursue cooperation."
"Cooperation…"
The Alabasta king tapped on his throne armrest thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, the King of Azka suddenly chuckled with condescension.
"I don't mind cooperation.
But before any alliance begins,
I expect the King of Alabasta to pay me ten billion berries in war reparations."
Hissss—
Gasps rippled through the hall.
Was the King of Azka insane?
Everyone now understood Alabasta was weaker internally than it looked,
but militarily, it still held the advantage.
Demanding ten billion berries was practically provoking all-out war.
Cobra's father—who had been wavering—seemed to snap out of his hesitation.
His eyes narrowed dangerously.
"King of Azka…
Did I hear you correctly?
Are you so comfortable in life that you're eager to experience ruin?"
The King of Azka sneered.
"Don't pretend with me.
You think I don't know what you did during the war?
If you don't want your reputation ruined and your kingdom expelled from the Council,
then comply with my demand."
The hall erupted into whispers.
It seemed the Azka king had some leverage after all.
Longinus frowned.
So the secret cooperation with pirates wasn't known only to Cobra.
But did the Azka king really think exposing this could topple Alabasta's throne?
Hardly.
Hiring pirates was practically an unwritten agreement among nations.
Some, like the Eight Treasure Navy, were even official pirate armies.
Even when Azka itself was exposed for hiring pirates two years ago to ambush an enemy fleet,
the only consequences were a tarnished reputation and a small loss of diplomatic prestige.
As far as the World Government was concerned,
as long as they weren't plotting rebellion or dealing with Poneglyphs,
they didn't care.
Thus the Alabasta king responded calmly:
"Oh? You mean hiring pirates for war?
I deeply repent.
And before Rear Admiral Adergin, I guarantee such things will not happen again."
"There.
I've said what you wanted to say.
Do you have anything else?"
His shamelessness left many nobles furious yet helpless.
How were they supposed to counter an opponent who simply refused to be embarrassed?
The Azka nobles grew nervous.
Their king likely hadn't expected such a brazen response.
Yet the King of Azka remained composed, even smug.
"Tsk. So skilled at dodging the real issue.
But unfortunately for you—
my information is far more detailed than you think."
"You advanced this peace summit to tonight not because of 'pressing state affairs'—
but to coordinate with a certain great pirate.
Your plan is simple:
have him infiltrate this palace and slaughter all of us here!"
The hall exploded.
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