Hello, everyone~! I hope everyone had a good holiday and a great new years! Sorry for the late update but seems everything got away from me during the holiday rush as well! With that said, I'm back and I hope you all enjoy and be sure to let me know what you think~!

"Aah, I'm not sure that I like the idea of interrogating a wounded man," Run finally says. "Even if it is one of Big Mom's subordinates."

"It's our only chance, Run," Brook tells him. "Since he feels indebted to us for saving his people maybe he'll even tell us willingly." The sound of wings beating rapidly begins to fill the air and everyone looks around quickly. Massive swarms of insects fly through the trees around them on all sides.

"Uhh...Wanda? Must go faster, please and thank you!"

"There's a whole lot of them," Zoro says, grinning. Wanda and Carrot immediately spur the Warny's into a quick run, and the insects follow after them. As they draw closer, they realize just how large the bugs actually are, and that each one of them has a large proboscis.

"Holy crap! Look at the size of 'em! What are they?!"

"Sutchies!" Carrot tells them. "They're giant insects that suck blood! You Lesser Minks have less hair so they can suck all your blood and kill you in an instant!" Run glances over his shoulder at the large bugs closing in on them and then turns forward once more.

"I guess we'll need a little help!" Run raises his free hand and covers one of Robin's ears before releasing a shrill whistle that echos through the night forest. "Need some assistance, fellas! I-"

"Idiot!" Nami shouts, surprising him. "Why would you suddenly whistle like that?! That hurt my ears- no, wait! That's not the point! Making noise that like is only going to-" Her words are cut off my a chorus of howls that echo through the forest now. "Waaaah! Look what you did now!" The Sutchies begin to close in on them from all directions, one of which is immediately attracted to Nami's screaming. "No! Get away!" Before it can get within a few feet of her, however, it's suddenly blind-sided by a massive wolf who's jaws immediately snap down on it.

"Dahahaha~! Good boy!"

"Ohhh! So cool!" laughs Luffy, clapping loudly.

"What was that?!" scream Chopper, Brook and Nami in unison.

"Oh, that's right! You guys don't know, yet! While we were at Dressrosa Run figured out a little bit more about his Devil Fruit!" A second massive black wolf barrels out of the surrounding forest, launching itself at the Sutchies with fang and claw while Wanda brings to the Warny's to a screeching halt in the middle of the path.

"We need to exterminate them!" Wanda says. "If we leave them be the Sutchies will suck Zunishia's blood and weaken it!" The Sutchies swarm all around them quickly as they go about killing them all off. The little blood suckers are vicious and show no sign of backing off no matter how many are cut, beaten, mauled or shocked. It takes only a few minutes for them to deal with the massive insects, and when everything is finally said and done Run finds himself and the wolves to be the subject of attention for Nami, Brook, Chopper, Wanda and Carrot.

"What?" Run questions them. He reaches out and pats one of the wolves between it's shoulder blades, and a layer of frost drops to the ground. "Never seen a- what the?" The red head finally notices that the wolf in question has one of the Sutchies clutched between it's teeth. "Aah, c'mon. Eat it or spit it out. Don't chew-" With a loud 'snap!' the wolf bites the creature in half and Run shudders. "Ugh...or do that I guess. Alright! Thanks for the help but it's time to run on home, fellas." The wolves slowly stalk away from the scene, as if sensing the intent of his words, and disappear back into the forest surrounding them. "Alright! Let's get a move on, huh?"

They quickly climb onto the backs of the Warnys once again, and set off to meet Nekomamushi. It takes several more minutes to reach their destination, during what time Brook sings a song he wrote about Nekomamushi for them.

When they finally arrive they're greeted by a whole group of Nekomamushi's men who tell them that both he and Pekoms are recovering well. One of them, a reindeer Mink by the looks of her offers to take them to see Nekomamashi and Chopper freezes on the spot when he lays eyes on her. From the looks of it their little doctor seems to have fallen in love at first sight...at least until she tells him that Nekomamushi is relaxing in the bath right now. Chopper charges head first inside the building to go see Nekomamushi with Robin, Usopp and Brook while the rest go to see Pekoms. He's enjoying a room all to himself and seems to be recovering quickly despite having been shot multiple times.

"Hello, there, Pekoms!" Run calls by way of greeting. "Long time no see! We heard you had a little scrape with Bege and since Sanji is missing we thought you might shed some light on the situation!"

"That bastard Bege," growls Pekoms. "Shoot a man in his back...I won't forgive him! I'm sorry, they must have taken Black-Foot with them. He can't get away from the wedding now."

"About that, who arranged the marriage?" Luffy asks him.

"Well, of course, our Mama and the father of the Vinsmoke Family!"

"Sanji's father? What kinda man is he?" Run questions him.

"He's quiet infamous in the underworld. Have you ever heard the name, Germa 66? Also known as the Warmongers?"

"What are you talking about?!" demands Nami. "That's just a myth!"

"No, it's an actual organization. The Vinsmoke Family is at the top of it! Their boss is Black-Foot's father. To put is simply, the Vinsmoke Family is a family of assassins."

"I don't care," Luffy tells him. "What I want to know is whether he'll come back or not! He can get married if he wants! But we're not gonna become Big Mom's subordinates because of it! So if they get married, you guys become MY subordinates!"

"Watch what you say, brat, or I'll kill you! I owe your crew but don't push your luck! Mama is one of the Yonko!" Pekoms suddenly presses a hand to his wounds. "Ohh! You brats are bad for my wounds! Well...either way, he can't escape the marriage. No one can turn down an invitation to one of Mama's tea-parties. No one turns it down because if they do, then they'll find themselves with quite a shocking present. They'll receive the head of a person who was close to them. It could be someone from the Straw Hats, someone from the restaurant in the East Blue...or someone from Kamabakka Kingdom."

"How do you know about those thing?!"

"That's what power can do, Straw Hat! When someone that powerful makes a threat, it's not idle. Who can fight it? That's how powerful the Yonko are! There's one other thing...let me ease your worries. You will not become her subordinates. It's all politics. Mama forms a connection with those who will become her subordinates. This is just a ritual to form a connection to the Vinsmoke Family. From the moment they get married Black-Foot will no longer be a member of your crew!" Luffy lunges forward and grabs him by the front of his shirt tightly.

"That's unacceptable! Sanji is my friend!"

"He's Vinsmoke's son first! Don't get mad at me!"

"I know he'll refuse!"

"In the face of Mama and the vicious Vinsmoke Family? Well, I wonder if he can stay alive after he refuses."

"What are you planning to do?!"

"I'm going back to Mama. That son of a bitch Bege thinks he killed me. He's not gonna get away with it!"

"Good! Then you're taking me and Run with you!"

"Luffy!" shouts Nami. "What are you thinking?!"

"Relax, relax, Nami!" Run tells her quickly with a grin. "Luffy and I can sneak in there nice and quiet with Pekoms leading the way. We'll snatch up casanova, and beat feet back to the ship before anyone even knows what hit 'em! It'll be real simple- in, out and gone!"

"Screw that!" Pekoms screams. "You're asking me to harbor an enemy?!"

"Look, just...consider it payment for patching you up!" Luffy goes sprinting out of the room quickly, leaving Run to follow after the man. Zoro sits on a bench in front of the building with fingers threaded behind his head while Luffy stands beside him. "Aah, evesdroppin' now, Zoro? Tsk, tsk, tsk! Dirty habit."

"Aah, shut up," Zoro tells him. "I can't believe you're alright with chasing after that idiot. We should just forget about him!"

"Oi! Luffy, Zoro, Run!" calls Chopper, attracting their attention. "How's Pekoms doing?"

"Oh, Chopper!" calls Luffy, grinning at the approaching members of the crew. "He was crying from pain and banging his head against the wall and yelling! Cure him now!" Of course, before any of them can move Brook very suddenly finds himself swarmed on all sides by canine Minks, all of which bite or lick at any bit of exposed bone. From behind the gaggle Run, Zoro and Luffy watch as a massive Mink slowly approaches.

"You, there!" calls the cat Mink. "You are Straw Hat Luffy, aren't you?! I couldn't wait to meet you!"

"What the?! Why are you here?!" demands Chopper.

"I got better all of the sudden!"

"He's huge!" cries Luffy. "Is that Nekomamushi?!" The massive Mink suddenly begins to charge in their direction.

"A 'garchu' of thanks to you!" Nekomamushi leaps skyward, sailing in the direction of the trio of men while they stare wide-eyed.

"I got it, I got it, I got it!" shouts Run, bracing himself and intercepting the massive Mink with both arms before he can drop down on them. He grunts a bit from the impact, the wood under his feet groaning from the sudden weight but holding strong as the red head holds Nekomamushi skyward. "He's so fluffy! I love this island! I- aah? Oh, you're bleeding."

"Oi! What were you thinking, you cat monster?!" demands Zoro.

"Nekomamushi is spouting blood!" screams Chopper, sprinting in their direction. Run sets Nekomamushi down on the deck with ease while Chopper quickly begins to treat the still injured Mink. However, Luffy doesn't seem to get the message and immediately climbs on top of him.

"Ohhh! You were right, Run!" calls Luffy grinning from ear to ear. "He's so fluffy!"

"Get off him, Luffy! He may not look it but he's heavily injured!"

"What's going on here?" questions a voice not familiar to all of them. Law stands several meters away with a large group of people all while watching as Luffy jumps about on top of Nekomamushi and Chopper panics in an attempt to get some more blood for the injured Mink.

"Oh, Tra-guy!" chirps Luffy. "Oh! Are they your friends?!"

"Yeah, I came to introduce them to you. They're my crew! It's twenty in total!"

"Aah, that's all well and good but we've got a bit of a problem," Run tells him with a grin. "Seems Sanji's gone off to speak with Big Mom, so-"

"What?! Black-Foot-ya went to see Big Mom?! How in the world did that happen?!"

"Don't worry!" Luffy says. "Run and I are gonna go take him back! So, could you wait to fight Kaido for a bit?"

"That's not up to me! It's only a matter of time before Kaido comes after US! I thought that maybe we could hide ourselves away here in Zou for a while but they know where it is. Even if their target is us what did you think while happen to this country if it's attacked again?" The sound of sniffling alerts all of them to the sudden gathering of Minks surrounding them on all sides. It seems they're touched by Law's concern for the well being of the country, but before they can express it Nekomamushi suddenly sits up.

"A party!" shouts Nekomamushi. "Let's have a banquet! Bring drinks and food...!"

A loud and obnoxious ringing echos through the air as the sun begins to rise. Grey eyes slow open to stare up at a sky awash with oranges and reds...by all accounts a beautiful morning sky if Run's head wasn't pounding in unison with the bell that had roused him from his sleep.

"Aah, would someone quiet down all that damn racket," complains Run, leaning up slowly. Several bottles scatter away from him as he does so, toppling a small pyramid of empties that he'd apparently built the night before...all of which only adds to the throbbing of his head. "Ugh...I really...really need to learn some moderation. Urp...ugh, that's...huh?" The numerous Minks who'd been drinking and partying with them the night before are up and moving in a frenzy, heading somewhere in a hurry.

"Samurai! Two Samurai have appeared!" shouts one of the Minks.

"Oh-ho...that's not good." Run stands on uneasy feet, arms going out to his sides as he nearly loses his balance. "Whoa! Alright...might still be a bit tipsy." He carefully walks over to a still sleeping Nami and crouches down beside her. "Rise and shine now, Nami. We've got a situation on our hands here." Their Navigator stirs slightly and looks up at the red head who offers her a grin. "Looks like our...Samurai problem has reared it's head unfortunately." She shoots up quickly.

"What?!" demands Nami, watching the Minks sprinting across the clearing. "No!" She crawls over to Luffy quickly while Run approaches Zoro. It takes a bit of doing but eventually they're able to rouse the crew from the clearing and begin giving chase after the Minks.

"Why?!" complains Luffy. "Why do we have to go running so early in the morning?! It's not fair!"

"Dahaha~! It's good for you!" Run tells him. "Besides, Kin'emon and Kanjuro are here now so we've got a bit of a situation on our hands."

"Ohhh! Maybe we're having another welcoming banquet! I wouldn't mind having one two days in a row!"

"Idiot!" Nami shouts at him. "The only reason that everyone could be gathering is because they've got a score to settle! They were wrongly accused of harboring a Samurai and almost died!" They chase after the Minks through the forest back to the city, losing sight of them for a bit on their winding path until they suddenly find themselves down the street from Kin'emon, Kanjuro and Momonosuke. Beyond them they can see Brook, Robin and Franky sprinting in the direction of the men as well. Nami, Usopp, Chopper and Franky charge the trio, and pounce on Kin'emon and Kanjuro.

"Whew~," sighs Run, peeking over the edge of a half destroyed wall. "Talk about a close shave. Sorry about this, fellas. But for the time being just stay quiet. Hoh? Looks like Nekomamush and Inuarashi are getting ready to fight it out." The two large Minks stand toe to toe while surrounded on all sides by dozens of others. Although their voices are lost over the distance it certainly doesn't seem like they're having a friendly chat.

"Listen up! You three take my advice and return to the Sunny immediately!"

"That was really close!" Usopp whispers harshly. "Boy! If you guys were to go out there now it'd be like adding fuel to a fire!" Robin carefully moves to the red head's side and peeks over the edge of the wall as well, watching the situation.

"Looks like they're getting ready to fight," Run whispers to her. "That means we should get while the gettin' is good."

"You can tell that from here?" questions Robin.

"Yeah, look at the way they're standing. Weight on the back foot, shoulders square with their opponent- their body language tells you everything you need to know." As if responding to the red head's words, the two massive Minks immediately ready their weapons and begin to clash without a second thought. "Told ya. Now, let's- what the?" Kin'emon suddenly walks past them all with Usopp clinging to his back. "Oh, give us a break here!"

"Stop this fighting!" screams Kin'emon, attracting the attention of everyone present.

"You idiot!" shouts Usopp. "What are you doing?!" Momo and Kanjuro quickly follow, sprinting from cover to stand at his side. The Minks begin to move in their direction quickly.

"People from the country of Zou! I'm a retainer of the Kozuki Clan from the Land of Wano, named Kin'emon! I'm here to look for my comrade who is a warrior from the same country! Is he here?!" The rest of the crew quickly leaps the remains of the wall, walking in the direction of the approaching Minks.

"This isn't looking good," mutters Brook.

"Damn it," complains Franky. "Should we fight them after all?" Nekomamushi and Inuarashi come to a stop several meters away from the trio...and surprise them all by suddenly sitting cross-legged before the men. Tears begin to well up in the eyes of the massive Minks, as the rest of those gathered kneel before them as well.

"We've been waiting for you," Inuarashi tells them. "Raizo is safe...!"

Secret upon secret is being spilled here on Zou. The Minks knew where Raizo was the whole time, and choose to hide him from the Jack and the Beast Pirates. It turns out that they were waiting for Kin'emon's arrival here on Zou, and that he and Momonosuke aren't actually father and son. In actuality, Kin'emon, Kanjuro, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi are retainers of Momonosuke who is the heir to the daimyo of Kuri in the Wano Country. It seems that they've gotten all of the secrets out now, and with their arrival on Zou, they go to see Raizo. The man has been hidden away in the Whale Forest, or more specifically, the giant whale shaped tree there. It's quite a trek up the massive whale shaped tree, and as they closer and closer to their destination it seems that Momo begins to fall a bit under the weather.

"Nin-Nin! Nin-Nin! Nin-Nin!" chant Luffy, Chopper and Usopp one after another. In spite of everything that they've learned over the past hour...it seems that the three of them are more interested in the prospect of meeting a real life ninja than anything else. After a short climb up to the tail of the Whale Tree, Nekomamushi reveals a hidden door leading to a set of stairs so long that none of them can see the bottom through the gloom. Luffy, Franky, Usopp and Chopper are quick to lead the charge down the stairs, chomping at the bit to meet Raizo.

"Mm, aren't you going to go, too?" Robin questions him.

"Hm? Aah, it's not really my cup of tea," Run tells her. "Show me some rare sake, though, and I'll charge down the stairs." Robin giggles a bit in response as they slowly descend the stairs. When they eventually reach the bottom, and catch up with the others to meet this ninja they're...surprised to say the least. Run hadn't exactly had held any idea of what a ninja should look like but Raizo must definitely wouldn't have fit the bill in any case. But more than that, his attention is quickly drawn to the massive and deep crimson Poneglyph that seems to dominate the room. "Wow...I've never seen a Poneglyph that color before. Is that normal?"

"I...have no idea. I've never seen a Poneglyph such a deep red color, either."

"We know you, Nico Robin," Inuarashi says. "I've heard that the Ohara People can read those letters."

"Why is that Poneglyph red? None of the ones I've ever seen were that color."

"It has a different purpose. Can you read it?"

"Yes! May I?" When Inuarashi gives her a nod of the head she almost sprints to the Poneglyph, coming to a stop right in front of it. Run follows after her, looking at the letters written on the surface. He squints his eyes and cocks his head as he stares. "Making any sense?"

"Aah, can't say it does," Run admits, reaching into a pocket inside his coat and producing a small notebook and pencil. "Here." Robin takes the items from his and begins to translate the stone while Run peers over her shoulder. His presence seems to go entirely unnoticed as she rapidly translates the writting into a language that Run can understand...but it seems to be something similar to a sea chart? That said, some of it seems to be missing or intentionally omitted? What she's finally finished, she hands the notebook over to Nami.

"I've finished the translation. What do you think, Nami?"

"Is this what's written on it?" Nami questions her, looking over the paper. "It's strange but...with this I can definitely draw a nautical chart! We can pin-point the location of something with this, Robin!"

"That red stone is called a Road Poneglyph," Inuarashi tells them. "All the tough guys of the sea are searching for the end of the Grand Line, and that stone shows the way to get there!"

"'The end of the Grand Line'," Run echos, a grin appearing on his face. "It shows the way to Laughtale!"

"Laughtale?!" shouts the rest of the crew.

"That's the goal!" calls Luffy. "To become King of the Pirates!"

"Finally we can get there!" adds Usopp.

"That's the place flower-pops mentioned! Does it say where Laughtale is?!"

"Hold on a moment," Inuarashi tells him. "Don't jump to conclusions. There are four of these Road Poneglyhps in the world! This stone must indicate the location of some unknown spot but it's certainly not Laughtale. The other three also indicate different locations in the same manner. When you learn where those locations are and connect those four points on a map they will form lines that cross at the center! That's where the last island is! Only the King of Pirates and his crew have reached it in all these centuries...and that is Laughtale!"

"Laughtale! I wonder if it's there or not! The One Piece!"

"'One Piece', huh?" Run mutters, a grin appearing on his face.

"Mm, I can't wait!" Robin tells him, staring at the Poneglyph with a smile.

"Alright! Let's go search!" shouts Luffy, turning quickly towards the exit only to be caught by Usopp quickly. "We need to go get Sanji back quickly so we can find the others! Come on, Run! Let's get going!"

"If you're gonna go to Whole Cake Island along with Pekoms," begins Nekomamushi. "Then you might as well take this opportunity. Of the four Road Poneglyphs, we're only missing the whereabouts of one of them. We have one, and the other two are under the control of some rather famous pirates. You know them as Big Mom and Kaido!"

"Dahahaha~! I guess we'll have to swing through the treasure room on the way out then!" Run laughs.

"You don't exactly have to steal them from them. It would be easier to copy the text by making a rubbing. After all, no normal person can go around carrying such massive stones."

"Oh, I've got an idea!" calls Usopp. "If that's the case, then we'll just sneak into their headquarters and make some quick copies! Then, we'll reach Laughtale before anyone knows, and you'll become King of the Pirates, Luffy!" While it seems like a very sound plan, Luffy seems to be less than enthused about the idea...which immediately spawns an argument between the two.

"I'm more concerned about you, Nico Robin," Nekomamushi admits, exhaling a small cloud of smoke. "Those who are invested in the Hundred Year Void are collecting the copies across the world but no one can actually read them. Big names from all around the world will surely target you for kidnapping when they're ready to read them."

"K-Kidnap Robin?!" demands Luffy.

"It's no problem," Robin assures him. "I have strong friends to protect me." This immediately fires up the rest of the crew, all of whom pledge to do their utmost to protect Robin from anyone. Run captures her hand in his own and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Mm, and someone I can rely on no matter what." Robin squeezes his hand back and he raises their hands to press a kiss to her knuckles. "Still, I have to ask, how do you know so much about Poneglyhps?"

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi lay out everything for the crew. The truth of the matter is that the Poneglyph's were created by the Kozuki Clan, whom Nekomamushi and Inuarashi serve. The secret of reading and writing the text on the Poneglyph's was then passed down through the Clan...but was stopped at Momonosuke's father, Kozuki Oden, who was killed by Kaido before he could pass it on to his son. Apparently, Oden traveled with Roger all the way to Laughtale and witnessed the secret of the world. He wanted that information more than anything and after Oden went to confront the man, giving his retainers and his son time to escape, Kaido set about tracking them down hoping for any information about Laughtale.

But Oden never told them the secret of the world, choosing not to 'burden' them with that knowledge. Instead, the only thing he told them before his death was for them to open the country. With all the cards finally laid on the table, Kin'emon and Kanjuro surprise them by asking for their help once again. The want to bring down the current ruler of Wano and Kaido with him...and for that, they ask for the help of the Straw Hat's and Heart Pirates. Something Luffy is only willing to give after Momonosuke asks him for their help personally...

They leave the Whale Tree and head for Nekomamushi's home in the forest. Their plan is more or less set at this point. Luffy, Run, Nami, Chopper and Brook are going to go after Sanji and the remainder of the crew will be heading for Wano Country. They need to secure a foot-hold and gather allies before launching their attack against the ruler and Kaido. They'll be waiting for them to return with Sanji, however, before they make any move against them.

"It's very important that you get the whole thing," Robin insists, handing Run's notebook back to him. "If there is a gap in the information then it could send us in a completely different direction than intended." Run nods, and thumbs through the notebook to examine not just her translation but the recorded inscription from the Whale Forest Poneglyph.

"I got it, I got it," Run assure her with a grin. "I won't miss even a single letter."

"I trust you. I'll do research on the Poneglyph that Kaido has under his control." The red head nods in understanding, skimming the translation for a moment before Robin suddenly reaches out and cups his hands in her own. "Run, don't...don't take any unnecessary risks, please. If you can't manage it without risking your life then give up on it."

"Relax! It's not-"

"Promise me."

"Looks, I-"

"Promise me, Runelle!" After a few moments he finally nods in understanding.

"I promise." He suddenly crosses his fingers and holds them up for her to see. "Whoops! Looks like I had my fingers-" Robin grasps his fingers and begins to bend them at an odd angle, nearly causing him to drop to a knee. "Ow, ow, ow, ow! Joke! It was a joke! I promise, Robin!" She releases his fingers and he shakes his quickly. "Whew~! I admit it was a poorly timed joke but- mmph!" Robin leans forward and slants her lips to his in a quick kiss...only to retreat before he can pursue her.

"For good luck, lover boy." The whole of Zou begins to shake violently, and then tilt very suddenly. Run grasps tightly to Robin and pulls her close before she can lose her balance. The ground levels out once more, leaving all of them looking around quickly while the giant elephant cries out loudly.

"Zunesha is crying out!" shouts Nekomamushi.

"Who's Zunesha?!" calls Usopp.

"You're standing on it!"

"What's that?!" demands Luffy. "Who's talking?!" Luffy presses his hands against his ears tightly, gritting his teeth in a scowl. Screams from Momo draw their attention to the child who is holding his ears tightly in the same manner as Luffy. Is this happening to both of them?

"What's wrong?" Run asks him, watching his captain spin in circles looking around wildly.

"Who's voice is that?! Show yourself, you bastard!"

"Luffy! What's wrong?!"

"Give you an order to do what?! Answer me! Who are you?!"

"Luffy!" shouts Nami. "Who are you talking to?! We can't hear anything!"

"I can only hear his voice! He's not listening to me and I have no idea who he is!"

"Gol D. Roger," begins Pedro. "I heard that he and Oden experienced the same thing. They heard a loud voice but couldn't get it to respond." Run glances at Luffy as Zou begins to shake violently once again, nearly bringing all of them to their knees.

"Something must be happening to Zunesha," reasons Inuarashi.

"It's Jack!" screams Momonosuke. "Jack is...attacking the elephant! There are five powerful looking ships at the nine o'clock!"

"Momo!" calls Luffy. "How do you know that?"

"I...I don't know! I just saw it! It came to my mind! I...I'm scared!"

"Zunesha's cry," mutters Inuarashi. "And this shaking. It makes sense. Damn Jack! How dare he attack Zunesha!"

"But if he's alive," begins Nekomamushi. "That's good for us! Let's fight back! Guardians!"

"Musketeers! Send out the ships! Return fire against Jack on the water!" The combined force scrambles to follow their orders but falls flat on their faces when Zunesha begins to tremble violently once again. They may not make it if they can't do something quickly. Momo and Luffy grit their teeth again and suddenly something seems to dawn on Momo.

"The one behind this voice is...the elephant!" gasps Momo. "A long time ago...the elephant committed a crime...and now all he is allowed to do is...walk! He's been...obeying that order!" Zunesha trembles again, tilting to his left and nearly sending all of them rolling away into the forest before they can get low and hold on. "He's...asking for permission! He needs someone to order him...to fight! Kin'emon, Kanjuro, what am I supposed to do?!"

"Momo!" shouts Luffy. "Tell him! I have a feeling your voice will reach him! If they bring down the elephant, we'll all end up in the sea! Hurry up, Momo! The elephant is really going to die!"

"Elephant! You can't give up! Make Jack...make Jack go away!" A loud roar from Zunesha is their response, and his whole body shakes violently for several long moments before a second roar echos out and he goes still. Several long minutes pass in silence before all of them slowly stand back up on a level surface now.

"What happened?!" asks Usopp quickly.

"I don't know. I don't see anything or hear the voice now."

"Luffy?"

"Yeah, I don't hear anything, either." Hearing shouting from the forest all heads turn to see a small monkey mink sprinting as fast as he can in their direction. Zunesha's front leg has suffered significant damage from Jack's assault. If something isn't done quickly to treat the injury he may not be able to continue on...and so Chopper offers to assist them in treating Zunesha, something that Luffy whole-heartedly agrees with. They're going to need medicinal herbs, bandages and a way to get down to the injury. After doling out who is going to do what they quickly set about carrying out their jobs and in a few hours time at all they've made short work of what has to be done.

That take some time for last minute preparation and then head for the main gate to Zou. Luffy has Pekom's strapped to a backpack stuffed nearly to bursting with food given to them by the Minks, and Pedro is going to be joining them on their mission to retrieve Sanji, it seems.

"Alright, it's going to be eight of us, then," Luffy says, before turning to Pedro. "It's nice to have you, Peropero."

"It's Pedro," Run corrects him.

"What is Big Bro Pedro coming?" asks Pekoms.

"I'm coming along as someone who's known you well for a long time," Pedro says to him.

"Remember," begins Zoro. "That idiot could be dancing around being happy about his marriage. So don't try too hard."

"Alright!" laughs Luffy. "If everyone is ready..." He stretches his arms out, wrapping everyone up tight in a bear hug. "...let's go...!"