After sending Judge and Morgans on their way, Dak called Robin to take Reiju away. Robin would explain to Reiju the specifics about the Breeding House and Pokémon Island, as she would become a core member in the future and needed to be well-informed.
Dak then turned to discuss matters with the representatives from Fish-Man Island.
"Fish-Man Island's conditions for moving into Pokémon Island are three."
"First, Fish-Man Island must abandon the 'kingdom' organizational structure and become a city within Pokémon Island. You must adhere to all the laws set by the Pokémon Alliance. While a city can have its own governance, the laws of the Alliance will always take precedence over city laws. You can serve as the city's mayor."
This was a non-negotiable condition for any organization wishing to reside in Pokémon Island. Accept it, or leave. Frequent wars in the Pirate World stemmed largely from the prevalence of numerous kingdoms, each often at odds with one another.
"Well," Jinbe was momentarily taken aback. Instinctively, he found the condition extreme, as the concept of 'nobility' and 'class' was deeply ingrained in the world's people. The World Government had propagated the 'World Noble' theory for 800 years, embedding the concept of nobility and commoners deeply into people's minds.
"No problem," Neptune agreed almost instantly, without hesitation.
"Neptune-sama," the Right Minister was anxious. As a loyal minister to the royal family, his primary duty was to protect the interests of Ryugu Palace.
If they accepted this condition, over time, people would forget that Neptune's family was once royalty. Future generations might not even recognize Princess Shirahoshi on the streets, let alone greet her with respect.
But this was precisely what Dak wanted.
"No matter, let the concept of 'royalty' fade from the hearts of the people. No one is born needing to bow and scrape to another," Neptune said, arms crossed and face calm.
"Thank you, Neptune-sama, for your sacrifice for Fish-Man Island," Jinbe sincerely expressed his gratitude. He understood that if Neptune didn't agree, Fish-Man Island might fall into turmoil, with the more radical elements of Fish-Man Street possibly using force to disband the royal family.
"Actually, mayors are typically elected, but because of Neptune-sama's boldness, I will directly appoint you as the mayor of this new city," Dak said, unsurprised by Neptune's agreement. He knew Neptune would accept, as would any member of his family who had come in his place.
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Dak. I will govern this city well," Neptune bowed slightly, already beginning to assume his new role.
"Hold on, there are still two more conditions. The second is that I need Fish-Man Island, with Jinbe as the captain, to provide a naval combat unit."
"I'll handle this. Neptune-sama, you don't need to worry about it," Jinbe interjected, unwilling to let Neptune sacrifice further. He believed Neptune had already made a significant sacrifice by giving up their royal status and didn't want him to draw from the palace guards to form this unit.
Jinbe had his own thoughts. He suspected many from Fish-Man Street wouldn't qualify to live in Pokémon Island, so he wanted to lead some of them to atone and hopefully gain entry to Pokémon Island in the future.
"Lastly, I need you to provide another team to capture sea fish periodically to populate this sea. You're experts in this field, right?"
"No problem," Neptune found these three conditions easy to accept, simpler than he had imagined.
"No need to pay a heavenly tribute?" the Right Minister whispered.
"Pokémon Island will have its own tax system, adjusted based on the total city income and individual income, certainly not as harsh as the heavenly tribute," Dak waved his hand, not very knowledgeable about such matters. He would either borrow from previous world tax systems or have Tesoro develop a new one.
"That's a relief," the three sighed. They would have accepted paying a tribute if necessary, but it was undoubtedly better not to.
"If there's nothing else, you may return and prepare for the relocation. Please inform the citizens of Fish-Man City in advance to avoid excessive commotion during the move."
Fish-Man City was the new name for the city within Pokémon Island, a water city located at the center of the inland sea. Dak planned to place it directly north of Alliance City and later have Iceberg and Tom build a sea train track connecting the two cities.
Neptune and his companions hurriedly departed to prepare for the move. After they left, Dak collapsed into a chair.
"Ah, if only there were more cities like Fish-Man Island. It would save me the trouble and expense of building cities and modifying landscapes," Dak lamented. Creating a replica of Fish-Man Island would cost millions, even billions, of coins. The island was not just a city or a country but an entire island with unique terrains and structures.
"Speaking of which, Reiju should be paired with a medical partner. Blissey or Audino?" Dak pondered, considering the need to recruit doctors to learn Pokémon medical knowledge. The Pokémon Center needed to open soon.
"Dak," Dak's shadow suddenly floated up, and Darkrai emerged. He reminded Dak of the group of people still in the Dark Space.
"Have you dealt with the necessary ones?" Dak asked, referring to the criminals among the slaves. He didn't want to release a bunch of thugs back into the world.
"Dak," Darkrai nodded, then carried Dak to a nearby open field in Alliance City, where they planned to release the remaining people.
"How many are left?"
"..." Darkrai gestured with his hands.
"5000 people? That many?" Dak was surprised. He remembered rescuing six or seven thousand slaves from Mary Geoise, so most must have been innocent and weak, captured by slavers to be sold to the Celestial Dragons.
"Darkrai?"
"Release them," Dak nodded. The next moment, over 5000 unconscious people appeared on the grassland. Dak noticed many bore the 'Celestial Dragon Hoof' mark, while others had it in more concealed locations.
Vegapunk lay at Dak's feet, a small old man with long legs and a long tongue that hung limply from his mouth. Vegapunk's most notable feature was his lack of a head, replaced by half an apple. This was due to his Brain-Brain Fruit, allowing unlimited brain capacity and information storage. As his brain absorbed more data, it grew larger, necessitating separation into a 'brain warehouse' on Egghead Island.
If Vegapunk joined the Pokémon Alliance, Dak would move and protect this knowledge warehouse on Pokémon Island. Dak floated above the unconscious people using his psychic powers and had Darkrai awaken them all.
"Heaven?"
"Are we all dead?"
"Too bad I couldn't contribute to the 'God' before dying."
"I killed a Celestial Dragon before I died, felt great!"
"Me too!"
"In my next life, I want to join the Pokémon Alliance."
The people gradually woke up, confused and marveling at the vast grassland, thinking they had died and gone to the afterlife.
"Hey!" Dak called out, drawing their attention.
"Ah, it's God."
"I knew it, we'd see God after death."
"Thank you, God, for avenging us!"
"God, I don't want to be revived! Let me stay with you!"
The crowd, in awe, moved toward Dak, causing a commotion.
"Quiet down, listen to me," Dak's words brought immediate silence. Their gratitude and respect for Dak made them instinctively obedient.
"You've been saved. I'll give you two choices."
"One, return to your homeland and start a new life."
"Two, join the Pokémon Alliance. I'll assign you jobs based on your abilities, and you'll become residents of Alliance City on Pokémon Island."
Dak raised two fingers, presenting their options.
(End of Chapter)