Queen Otohime's grand speech to the world caused a wave of commotion that swept across all seas.
However, no external influence could compare to the impact within the conference hall where fifty kings had gathered.
As expected, under the maximum influence of will at close range, all the kings immediately signed the "Communiqué on Establishing Equal and Friendly Relations Between Humans, Mermen, and Fish-men" in the subsequent session.
And in the most crucial voting session, they unanimously passed the "Comprehensive Ban on Slave Trade and the Complete Liberation of Slaves Worldwide"! This was the terrifying ability of the "Spirit King."
As long as she sincerely believed in every word she spoke and poured her genuine emotions into it, and as long as the listeners fully heard the speech at close range and their own spirits and wills could not resist, then regardless of their previous stance, identity, or thoughts, they would unknowingly completely accept her ideology, achieving the so-called awakening effect!
The unanimous passage of the resolution, combined with the live broadcast, had an astonishing impact!
Especially in the kingdoms of the fifty kings, the nobles and officials immediately began removing the bomb collars from the slaves after the resolution was passed.
These people had also listened attentively to the speech. Although their core beliefs and thoughts were not fundamentally changed, they were deeply moved at that moment.
At this moment, emotion overwhelmed reason. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before these nobles gradually returned to their old ways.
But by then, the kings who had undergone the "spiritual baptism" would also have returned to their countries.
Meanwhile, the terrifying combat power displayed by the Navy in the previous "ONE PIECE Great Sea Battle" had elevated the prestige of the World Government to new heights, enough to intimidate most nobles into behaving for a while.
As for what would happen in the future, it would depend on how things were managed from then on!
This day.
September 15th, 1498 of the Sea Calendar. In just one day, with the actions of nobles and the Navy across various regions, hundreds of thousands of slaves regained their freedom.
The common folk, also moved by Queen Otohime's speech, brought out fresh water, food, and even Beli from their homes to give to these "slaves" who were about to be escorted back to their homelands by the Navy.
This day.
Tears of joy were everywhere, eyes red with emotion, excited screams, and roars directed at the blue sky and vast sea.
Amid the aroma of food and the fragrance of wine, lively parties celebrating the liberation of slaves were held in countless kingdoms, cities, and islands.
This day was designated by the World Government as "Liberation Day," and all member nations were required to observe it as a holiday.
Today was destined to be a sleepless night. "We're back. Everything before felt like a dream, a beautiful dream come true," Queen Otohime murmured, clutching her chest as she gazed at Ryugu Castle.
Because Fish-Man Island was so close to Mary Geoise, King Neptune and Queen Otohime chose not to linger and instead returned directly to Fish-Man Island with their entourage.
However, their group now included four sharp and efficient women in black dresses, who were from CIPHER POL No.7 and tasked with providing close protection to Queen Otohime.
Although these individuals appeared graceful and elegant, each of them was an elite master proficient in the Six Styles and Two-Color Haki, and skilled in emergency medical techniques.
Before they left Mary Geoise, government officials had already spoken with them, thoroughly explaining that Queen Otohime had been appointed as a high-ranking official in the Publicity Department under the Government Affairs Office, and thus required corresponding protective personnel.
Moreover, given Queen Otohime's fragile body, where even a sneeze could cause a fracture, a team of medical school doctors would be dispatched to provide care, improve her condition, and offer treatment.
To be honest, King Neptune was utterly stunned upon hearing this, his mouth agape but completely at a loss for words.
He was puzzled—was it really necessary to place such importance on his queen for just a speech?
This also had to do with Imu's order behind the scenes to temporarily keep Queen Otohime's Observation Haki ability a secret.
He felt that if she became aware of her own ability, she might perceive the World Government as exploiting her special talent during her subsequent speeches across various regions, leading to negative emotions and thoughts.
Although it was indeed exploitation, since there was no need for Queen Otohime to know, it was better not to tell her. Let her believe that it was her sincerity and words that moved everyone.
Of course, this wasn't entirely wrong, as Queen Otohime would indeed be ineffective if she weren't sincere or didn't speak.
In the end, King Neptune had no choice but to agree.
Refusal was impossible—the World Government hadn't given them the option to refuse; they were merely informed out of respect.
"Ara~ Since we've arrived at Ryugu Castle, I'll head back now. I'll return at seven o'clock later," Kuzan, dressed in a Justice Coat and white suit, said with a laugh.
"Thank you for your hard work, Vice Admiral Aokiji. I deeply appreciate your escort along the way!" King Neptune bowed his head gently in gratitude.
Although the journey back and forth was short, since it was for the Levely, formalities had to be observed. As it was stipulated that a naval officer was required to provide escort, Kuzan naturally had to accompany them.
With Aokiji's departure, the group, under the watchful eyes of the Neptune Army soldiers, stepped into the grand hall of Ryugu Castle.
"Otohime, go and rest for a while. We'll be heading out again tonight."
"Alright, I'm really looking forward to tonight's event. I never imagined that one day I could openly visit Sabaody Archipelago for leisure." At this point, Queen Otohime's voice choked up, and tears glistened in her eyes.
"Our Fish-man children can finally freely enjoy the sunshine, forests, and amusement parks!"
King Neptune sighed, "Indeed, the world is changing so quickly. Even I haven't fully adapted yet. It's all so sudden, especially with the recent actions of the World Government."
Soon, Queen Otohime, escorted by four female CP7 agents, headed to the royal chambers in the rear palace. She needed to freshen up, change her clothes, and have something to eat.
The earlier speech had not been easy for her, and mental fatigue was inevitable.
Before long, only King Neptune, seated on the throne, and the Minister of the Left, standing below, remained in the grand hall. The former stroked his orange-red beard and spoke first.
"How are the preparations I instructed you to make before we left coming along?"
"Your Majesty, I have already announced the news. The citizens are very excited and happy to hear that they can visit Sabaody Archipelago for a few days. However, the number of people signing up is a bit too large," the Minister of the Left said with a hesitant expression.
King Neptune pondered for a moment and asked, "Is there a limit on the number of people allowed to visit Sabaody Archipelago?"
"Your Majesty, according to the message from the Minister of the Right, Vice Admiral Dragon suggested keeping the number under a thousand, as the crowd on Sabaody Archipelago tonight will be very large."
King Neptune nodded.
"A thousand... Then let's conduct a lottery to select two hundred lucky individuals, and allow them to bring up to five family members. Inform everyone that those who are not selected need not worry. Once the commotion of this year's Levely has passed, everyone will be free to visit Sabaody Archipelago!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."