One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 167 I just can't figure it out

They actually went to Fishman Island.

What is she trying to do?

She clearly stated that her reason for applying to go out was to train her subordinates, but her motives don't seem entirely pure.

Leaving aside the fact that she brought back a Shichibukai from the New World, she must have other plans as well.

Ever since learning that Roman had gone to Fishman Island, Borsalino felt that Roman was plotting something big.

This reminded him of Roman's notes about the "Fishman Navy," an idea that wasn't just wild speculation but theoretically possible to manipulate.

Fishman Island is also a member state of the World Federation, so in theory, it is entirely feasible for the Navy to recruit soldiers from Fishman Island.

However, fish-men and mermaids rarely come into contact with humans, and they don't even show up at the World Conference held every four years. Only the fact that they always pay the Heavenly Gold makes people remember that such a country exists.

Moreover, humans don't have a good reputation among the fish-men.

How dare Roman just go there so casually?

Borsalino reported this to Sengoku, hoping that he would recall Roman as soon as possible.

After all, she is a rare future combat force. If she were to perish before we truly understand her origins, it would indeed be a great loss to the Navy.

Borsalino didn't want anything to happen to Roman.

However, it's unclear what Roman said to Sengoku, but Sengoku's attitude towards the matter was ambiguous. He seemed unwilling to get too involved and told Borsalino to stop worrying about it, leaving Borsalino completely puzzled.

Is Roman really so eloquent that he could even persuade the Warring States period?

It is important to know that in addition to his military prowess, Sengoku was also a brilliant naval strategist with extensive experience and a well-established set of principles.

That's terrifying!!!

The more I think about it, the more unfathomable Roman seems.

Borsalino's doubts are actually easy to resolve. The biggest barrier between humans, fish-men, and mermaids is not racial conflict, but a lack of mutual understanding.

This refers to the problem of information asymmetry.

Just like the Black Forest Law, neither side understands the other's attitude towards them, so for their own safety, hostility, rejection, or even elimination is the best choice.

This is a good way to avoid getting hurt.

But the mermaid royal family is different now.

The current mermaid queen is a pacifist who strongly advocates for harmonious coexistence between humans and her people, although her influence is insufficient to change the attitudes of fish and humans.

So this is where Roman should step in.

What she wanted to demonstrate was a friendly attitude towards humanity.

As for persuading Sengoku, it's actually quite simple. As mentioned before, Sengoku is one of the few naval officers with both military and political attributes. Although he's comparable to Whitebeard, he's a rational person compared to Whitebeard's emotional nature. So, don't try to reason with him about anything else; just tell him the benefits.

What are the benefits of merfolk joining the navy?

From a military perspective, this means an increase in the sources of manpower.

The decline in the number of people joining the army has always been a major concern during the Sengoku period. In contrast, the increase in the number of pirates means that more troops can be obtained, so the Sengoku had no reason to say no.

Secondly, from a political perspective, this is one of the signs of racial harmony.

Why was Jinbe able to become a Shichibukai?

Aside from his combat prowess, his very existence serves as a symbol of racial reconciliation, which is exactly what the World Government hopes to see.

Although they are all Celestial Dragons, compared to the other Celestial Dragons who only know how to eat, drink, have fun, and commit all sorts of evil deeds, the Five Elders are considered "clear-headed." After all, Im doesn't care about worldly affairs, and the power center of the world is those five old guys.

To be able to sit in this position, there are naturally many factors to consider.

In other words, if this goal could be achieved, there would be many benefits, so the Warring States period was reluctant to concede.

After confirming that Roman was not in mortal danger, he allowed Roman to continue the matter, but set a deadline: if no results were achieved by the deadline, he should immediately return to Marineford.

Roman agreed.

So, in order to increase the fish-men's goodwill towards humans, or rather, their group, Roman began to instruct his subordinates to "build goodwill" everywhere, while he himself made full use of his eloquence.

Remember that self-interest is a lifelong friend.

Princess Otohime's speech was certainly full of emotion and sincerity, but it wasn't enough. What she needed to do was to stir up the emotions of the people and let them see the benefits of the future. That would be the best decision.

Roman also had in mind the plan to win over influential figures on Fishman Island.

The purpose of interacting with the children was to corroborate Queen Otohime's words and to make them believe even more in the world above the sea. This was Gran's mission.

The main road that Raven cleans every day is located at the Merfolk's dessert factory, which is a gathering place for the Fish-Men and Merfolk. If Raven does a good job, then beautiful mermaids in the factory will naturally give him desserts to eat as a sign of their approval, and then Raven's task will be completed.

As for the large amount of unpaid work that Patch needs to do every day, he needs to play the role of a weak but kind human. He comes into contact with a group of kind and skilled fish-men. It is said that the fish-man Tom (Roger's shipbuilder) was once a member of this group of unpaid workers. They are trusted and liked by everyone in the fish-men. If Patch can integrate into this group, then his mission will be accomplished.

As for Sly...

He needs to deal with the merfolk garrison soldiers. Unlike other merfolk, they are merfolk who have truly witnessed the evil of humans, so it is the most difficult thing to get along with them.

At this point, don't rely entirely on emotions; rely on your strengths.

They used their own strength to make them look at Sly in a new light.

Those who become murloc soldiers are among the best of the murlocs, but their yearning for mastery remains unchanged. It is at this time that Sly must use his skills to impress those soldiers.

Roman believed this wouldn't be difficult for Slay.

His years of experience in the underworld would certainly allow him to thrive, and he would be adept at presenting himself.

Fishmen are much simpler than humans.

And as the facts have shown, Sly did indeed do a good job.

With his subordinates having already accomplished most of the task, Roman naturally couldn't fall behind.

Jinbe is a very important figure. His leadership over Fishman Town is second only to Tiger. With Tiger gone, he is the king of Fishman Town. His approval is crucial to achieving goals.

That depends on her abilities.

So in the end, it turned out like this.