บท 248: Chapter 248
In the sea near Elegia, thick mist swirled around, and a towering colossus stood on the ocean, slowly moving forward without a clear destination.
Though slow by comparison, each step this creature took crossed an immense distance, with its cylindrical legs stepping onto the sea, creating surging waves.
Yes, this was the super elephant that had lived for over a thousand years, Joy Boy's companion, the thirty-five-thousand-meter-tall Zunesha!
Since Elegia was already in ruins, after Uta boarded the ship, Zyhark and the others didn't linger and immediately set sail.
By politely inquiring with the New World pirates they encountered, combined with Zyhark's long-range Observation Haki, they located Zunesha just an hour after setting sail!
Riding the surging waves, the Endless Dream successfully arrived at the foot of Zunesha.
In front of the towering beast, the ship, although quite large, was as tiny as an ant, not to mention Zyhark and the others standing on the deck!
"So, this is Zunesha? It really is ridiculously huge!" Aqua looked up at the endless sky-high pillar before her.
Even someone as well-traveled as her couldn't hide the shock in her sky-blue eyes.
"Compared to this, Laboon would be like a little fish, nya?" Meowth marveled.
Even King, from the world of One Punch Man where monsters roamed freely, was startled by the size of Zunesha.
"What a terrifying monster. Just a light stomp from it could crush a small island." Escanor's pupils, hidden beneath his glasses, trembled.
It was already dusk, and with the sun setting, he had lost his daytime strength and arrogant personality.
In contrast, Kanna, an ancient dragon, showed little surprise.
Right now, she was only thinking about whether she could swallow the elephant whole.
Her conclusion, naturally, was that it was impossible—she was still just a baby.
"What's so special? There's an entire powerful nation on its back!" Uta walked out from the cabin, holding a mop, looking up at Zunesha calmly.
Under Aqua's orders, she had just finished cleaning the ship's toilets and restaurant floor.
Whether Aqua was simply shirking her duties and ordering a child around without any sense of guilt, or whether she wanted Uta to integrate into the team quickly after her tragic experiences—or perhaps it was both—was unknown.
Maybe the idiot goddess was even smug about her double-dealing strategy?
Considering Aqua's convoluted personality, Zyhark couldn't quite decide, so he just let Uta continue.
"Uta, it seems like you're familiar with Zunesha?" Zyhark asked.
"We came here once before when I was with Shanks in the New World."
Mentioning Shanks and that adventure, Uta's expression turned slightly dark.
After Roger's public execution, Shanks had begun gathering his crew to traverse the Grand Line.
Given their level of strength, they reached the New World quite early, making it very possible for them to encounter Zunesha.
More importantly, the Roger Pirates had fought against the Whitebeard Pirates numerous times, both as enemies and friends.
Duke Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, leaders of the Mokomo Dukedom, had spent time with the Whitebeard Pirates, and so had some ties to Shanks.
Understanding this, Zyhark nodded slightly. "I see."
Although Uta was still young, her seafaring experience far surpassed that of Luffy, Ace, Nami, Zoro, and Sabo!
"It's getting late, Meowth, let's head straight up."
"Ok, nya!"
Standing atop the ship's figurehead, Meowth took out the ship's control device and pressed the red button for flight mode.
Buzz!
In the next second, the sails of the Endless Dream retracted, the mast extended side wings, and the propulsion system at the bottom began operating.
With a slight jolt, the massive ship slowly ascended. Powered by electromagnetic energy, the Endless Dream soared into the sky along Zunesha's giant legs.
"What... What kind of ship is this?!"
Immersed in her fond memories, Uta was startled, instinctively grabbing onto the railing, fearing she might fall off.
Seeing the indifferent expressions of Zyhark and the others on the deck, and feeling steady beneath her feet, she tentatively let go.
As previously mentioned, Uta's worldview had been shaped by the adventures she experienced with the Red-Haired Pirates.
She really couldn't comprehend how this ship beneath her could achieve such an exaggerated feat as flying.
Even the most advanced Marine warships didn't have this capability!
"Mm-hmm, amazing, right? This is the dream ship built by me and the world's greatest shipwright, Tom, nya~" Meowth, enjoying Uta's bewildered look, boasted about the Endless Dream's advanced technology.
Since Zyhark had accepted this unfortunate girl's request to board, he naturally considered her a companion, and wouldn't hold anything back.
At that moment, the steadily ascending Endless Dream suddenly shook and sped up, breaking through the sky even faster.
"Huh? I don't recall pressing the acceleration button, nya?" Meowth frowned in confusion.
Aqua, who was lazily lying on a deck chair, licked the tomato sauce off her fingers and glanced casually at the ship's bow.
For a brief moment, with her godly eyes that could see through anything, she saw a sprite standing there with hands on its hips, a proud look on its face.
However, despite being a goddess who despised ghosts and spirits, this time she chose to turn a blind eye and casually tossed the chicken leg she was holding into the air.
Whoosh.
The top predator sprang into action, snatching the drumstick mid-air in a flash.
"Nice, Kanna-chan!" Aqua, smiling brightly, gave Kanna a thumbs-up.
Now that someone else had taken over the chores, she was back to being a slacker, goofing around with Kanna.
"Uh…" Uta's mouth twitched.
Turning her gaze away from Aqua and Kanna, she looked at the muscular blond man playing with workout equipment, the humanoid cat fiddling with a remote control, the small man mixing drinks at the bar, and finally at Zyhark, sitting with his legs crossed, sipping tea.
Why did it feel like she didn't quite fit in with this group?
Were they really on the same level as Shanks, known as the "Two Emperors of the New Era" among the Shichibukai?
Since boarding, aside from being ordered around by Aqua, the other thing she did was read the newspapers Zyhark had read.
Thus, she gained a complete and eye-opening understanding of this new crew called the Sea Restaurant.
Truly, meeting in person wasn't quite what she expected...
Mature little Uta suddenly felt like she'd boarded the wrong pirate ship.
While she was in a daze, the chaotic airflow around them gradually calmed.
In just a minute or two, the Endless Dream had risen several thousand meters, reaching the vast back of Zunesha!
Under the afterglow of the setting sun, they could clearly see a thriving town nestled in the densely forested area.
This was their destination—the homeland of the Mink Tribe, the Mokomo Dukedom!
The propulsion system expelled gas, sending dust and stones flying across the empty plains.
The Endless Dream landed steadily, stopping at the outskirts of the forest.
Ahead of them stood a massive stone gate made of large bricks.
Compared to the damaged state caused by Jack in the original story, the gate to the Mokomo Dukedom now looked majestic and grand.
As soon as Zyhark and the others disembarked, several shadows sprang from the depths of the forest beside the gate.
There was a lion-headed man, a bull-horned man, a dog-toothed man, and a large black gorilla.
They all wore heavy armor, with long rifles strapped to their backs and other weapons like swords and whips at their waists.
It was obvious these four were members of the Mokomo Dukedom's Musketeer Squad, responsible for guarding the gate and repelling any intruders.
"Who are you? This is the nation of the Minks; leave immediately!"
The lion-headed man at the front was dressed like a French musketeer—elegant clothing, lion fur, and two spiral-shaped whiskers.
His fangs were bared, and his gaze was filled with hostility.
Almost instantly, Zyhark recognized him.
Shishilian, Duke Inuarashi's trusted aide.
"You people from kingdoms are all the same, always telling others to leave."
Aqua stood with her hands on her hips, looking as if it were only natural. "You should be grateful for the great goddess to come to such an oxygen-poor place!"
Click.
Shishilian drew his sword without hesitation, showing no intention of speaking further.
As the strict leader of the Musketeer Squad, Shishilian always put forth his best effort, no matter the situation, and preferred to eliminate any potential threats without question.
Just as he was about to order his subordinates to subdue the group, Uta was pushed forward.
"W-Wait! Who was that?"
Shocked, Uta turned around, only to see Zyhark and the others mimicking Aqua's stance—heads tilted, whistling innocently.
Damn it! She really boarded the wrong ship!
Uta felt like crying but had no tears.
There was no other choice. After all, she was the only one who had been to Zou before.
"Hey! Curly-whiskered lion head, don't you remember me?"
Uta said, regaining her composure, and looked at Shishilian.
"You are?"
Sicilian didn't let his guard down just because she was a girl. Instead, he gripped his sword even tighter.
"I'm Uta!"
After a pause, Uta added, "Yes, Shanks' daughter."
Upon hearing this, Shishilian scrutinized her carefully.
The distinctive red and white hair made him recall the little girl who always pretended to be an adult.
Eventually, that little girl and the young lady before him overlapped in his mind.
"Oh! It's Uta! I can't believe you've grown so much in just a few years—I even held you when you were little!"
Having confirmed her identity, Shishilian immediately switched to uncle mode.
He slowly sheathed his sword, signaling his comrades to drop their guard, and asked, "Why aren't you with the Red-Haired Pirates?"
"For some reason, I'm separated from them now." Uta wasn't willing to elaborate.
Seeing the conflict in her eyes, Shishilian tactfully refrained from asking further and instead shifted his gaze to Zyhark and the others.
"These folks are also part of your crew? They don't look familiar."
Finally, Zyhark decided not to stay silent any longer.
"It's our first meeting, warriors of Zou. I'm Zyhark."
"Zyhark?"
The familiar name made Shishilian frown.
After a few seconds of thinking, he finally remembered where he had heard it, and his expression changed dramatically, his nerves immediately on edge.
"You're Zyhark, the Evil Thunder among the Shichibukai?!"
Zou, much like Wano, was a closed-off kingdom.
Its residents rarely received news from the outside world. But as a core member of the Musketeer Squad, Shishilian was certainly not among those isolated.
"There's no need to be nervous. We mean no harm."
Seeing Shishilian's panicked and disordered breathing, Zyhark sighed helplessly.
Indeed, the bigger one's reputation, the more feared they became— even Zou had heard of their "notoriety."
Seeing Shishilian still bristling with tension, Zyhark waved his hand dismissively.
"I have some business to discuss with your leaders. Lead the way."
If not for the fact that this kingdom was sworn to secrecy in protecting its allies, and out of respect for Whitebeard, he wouldn't have bothered with all this talking and would've descended upon Zou as the Thunder God.
"I... I understand. This way, please!"
In the end, Shishilian refrained from doing anything foolish.
If someone like Zyhark truly intended to invade Zou, they wouldn't be able to stop him with just a few men.
Moreover, Uta was vouching for them.
The best course of action now was to bring them to Duke Inuarashi and have him personally oversee the situation.
The remaining three Musketeers, despite not understanding Shishilian's caution, chose to trust their strict captain.
Thus, Zyhark and his crew entered the gates of the Mokomo Dukedom, walking through the town filled with various Mink Beastmen.
With the Musketeer Squad leading them, they encountered little resistance along the way, instead receiving curious looks from the townspeople.
It had been a long time since the people of Zou had seen human pirates! (Though Zyhark's crew was indeed a legitimate business.)
Halfway through their journey, the sound of a jetpack echoed from a nearby street.
"Shishilian? Why are you bringing humans here?"
"Huh? Isn't that Uta, the girl pouting there?"
Looking up, they saw a small, goggled mouse hovering in mid-air, wearing a steam-powered jetpack with pressure gauges on it.
As he recognized the newcomer, a fleeting glimmer of surprise flashed in Zyhark's eyes.
"Lindbergh, what useless invention are you working on now? You didn't blow up another resident's house, did you?"
Shishilian paused and called out the newcomer's name.
Indeed, the newcomer was none other than Lindbergh, who would later become the Southern Commander of the Revolutionary Army!
"What are you talking about? My invention will definitely shine in the future, and it might even help liberate the oppressed!" Lindbergh said resolutely. "Just wait until I finish this invention—then I'll set sail to find the perfect stage!"
"It's gonna blow up, nya," Meowth suddenly commented.
The inventor's brow immediately furrowed at Meowth's words.
"Strange, are you from Zou? Why haven't I seen you before?" Lindbergh asked, confused.
Meowth's appearance, gait, and speaking ability were oddly similar to those of the Mink Tribe.
"Also, what do you mean 'it's gonna blow up'?"
"Your jetpack, nya."
"No way! This is my most prided inventi—"
Boom!
Before he could finish his sentence, a loud explosion echoed above the street.
Lindbergh was blown away, tracing a graceful arc in the sky before crashing into someone's house, demolishing it.
The "lucky" individual wasn't the only one—another was a certain unlucky goddess who was standing still, yet somehow got covered in gunpowder residue.
Sigh...
Shishilian, a fellow Mink, felt deeply embarrassed and awkwardly covered his face with his hand.
(End of Chapter)
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