The Red Poneglyph and Caesar's Journey from Zou
Beneath the colossal Whale Tree in the heart of Zou, a Road Poneglyph lay hidden—its surface engraved with ancient, mysterious characters that recorded an untold history.
Caesar, having finally discovered this invaluable Poneglyph, meticulously transcribed its inscriptions, relying on both his profound knowledge and his exceptional memory.
After committing the text to his records, he withdrew into deep thought. Lying back on the soft fur bedding provided by the Minks, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted into slumber.
---
Two New Mink Companions & the Anglerfish Encounter
Caesar and his crew spent several days in the Mokomo Dukedom, immersing themselves in the unique culture of the Mink Tribe. During their stay, they built strong bonds with the Minks, exchanging stories and experiences.
However, as time passed, the inevitable moment of departure arrived. Though they cherished their time on Zou, they had to continue their voyage.
At the edge of Zunesha's vast back, where the port was located, Caesar's crew had gathered their supplies, packed the fresh fruit and provisions gifted by the Minks, and were preparing to set sail.
Many Minks, who had befriended them over the past few days, came to see them off.
"Hey! If we get the chance, we'll come back to visit!"
"The Mokomo Dukedom welcomes you anytime!"
"Hahaha! Next time you return, let's have another spar! I'll be even stronger then!"
As Caesar and his crew boarded the Rex, they waved back at their new friends.
"Hahaha! We will meet again someday!"
"Thanks for the hospitality!"
The warm farewell contrasted starkly with their cautious and wary arrival just days ago. Reflecting on this, Caesar couldn't help but smile.
With a final wave, he activated his psychic abilities, levitating the Rex over Zunesha's massive legs, preparing to descend toward the sea.
"Ah, the Minks are really an interesting and passionate people..."
"Hahaha, isn't it great? We had so much fun here!"
As the crew reminisced about their experiences, Brook, slumped on the deck, dramatically exhaled his soul.
"This place was terrifying! They adored me way too much!"
"Yohohoho~ My old bones! I nearly lost my life... again!"
The crew burst into laughter, recalling how Brook had been wildly popular among the carnivorous Minks, who found his skeletal form fascinating.
Just as the Rex was descending, Caesar suddenly narrowed his eyes. Something's coming...
Gnali, sensing the shift in atmosphere, instinctively looked up.
Within moments, two figures leaped from above, landing gracefully on the Rex's deck.
Startled, the crew immediately took battle stances, preparing for an attack.
However, once they got a clear look at the newcomers, they relaxed.
Standing before them were two familiar Minks—a wolf Mink named Fenrir and a cat Mink named Kyle.
---
New Allies from the Mink Tribe
Fenrir and Kyle, both warriors of the Mink Tribe's combat unit, had spent a great deal of time with Caesar's crew during their stay. But their sudden arrival puzzled everyone.
"Fenrir, Kyle? What are you two doing here? Did you just abandon your combat unit? Won't your captain be furious?" Brad questioned.
The two Minks grinned excitedly.
"We've come to join your crew and set sail with you!"
"Hahaha! Our captain no longer has any say in this! We've already received permission from Duke Inuarashi himself!"
"Even though our people rarely leave Zou, we're not forbidden from exploring the outside world."
"After sparring with you guys, we realized we need to see more of the world and grow stronger. So, Kyle and I made our decision!"
Kyle nodded, his tail flicking in excitement.
"Also, after hearing all your sea stories, I can't just stay behind anymore! I want to see the world for myself!"
Hearing their passionate declaration, the crew exchanged knowing smiles.
They welcomed the idea, but ultimately, the decision lay with Caesar.
Fenrir and Kyle turned toward him, eyes full of determination.
"Captain Caesar! Please let us join you! We won't hold you back!"
Caesar studied them for a moment.
The Minks were known for their formidable combat abilities, and under the full moon, they could enter their Sulong form—a massive power boost. Having two Mink warriors on board would be invaluable.
And since Duke Inuarashi had granted them permission, there was no reason to refuse.
After a brief pause, Caesar nodded.
"Alright. Welcome aboard."
With that, the Caesar Pirates gained two new Mink crewmates!
The Rex descended onto the ocean's surface and set sail toward the endless horizon.
---
The Island-Eating Anglerfish & the Treasure of Pure Gold
More than a month had passed since they left Zou. During their journey, the Caesar Pirates encountered multiple skirmishes with weaker pirate crews, none of which posed a real threat.
Most of the time, they didn't even need their strongest fighters to engage—Fenrir, Kyle, and Barrett handled the weaker opponents with ease.
However, for the past several days, the sea had been unusually calm.
On deck, the crew trained and honed their skills.
Under Caesar's guidance, Fenrir and Kyle were learning Rokushiki, a martial art developed by the World Government's elite soldiers.
Their natural agility and combat instincts as Minks made them fast learners, and in just half a month, they had already mastered Soru and Shigan!
Meanwhile, they also trained in swordsmanship under Gnali, quickly adapting to their new fighting style.
But amidst their training, an abrupt disturbance shattered the tranquility of their voyage.
Suddenly, the Rex shook violently!
Arnold, stationed at the lookout, shouted down to the crew.
"Something's in the water! But I can't tell what it is!"
Hades, a fish-man, immediately stepped forward.
"I'll dive in and check—"
Before he could move, the ocean ahead swelled violently.
Waves crashed against the Rex, making the ship rock even more aggressively.
Then, a massive shadow emerged from the depths—a gaping maw opened wide, ready to consume them!
A powerful suction force began pulling the Rex toward its monstrous jaws.
A collective realization struck the crew.
"That's—an anglerfish! But it's massive, almost the size of an island!"
Gnali and the others unsheathed their weapons, preparing to attack.
"Hades, strike from below! Arnold, aim for its eyes! Barrett—"
Before they could engage, Caesar suddenly spoke.
"Wait! Don't attack!"
The crew turned toward him in shock.
Brad, still in his saber-toothed tiger hybrid form, growled in frustration.
"Caesar! If we don't act, we'll be swallowed whole!"
But Caesar simply smiled.
"Relax. I just remembered something... If I'm right, we're about to find something very interesting inside this fish."
The giant anglerfish inhaled deeply—engulfing the Rex completely.
Darkness swallowed them whole.
As the Rex drifted deeper, a faint golden glow appeared ahead.
Caesar's eyes gleamed.
"So... the treasure that can buy the world truly exists—Pure Gold."
Subscribe to Patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters