Joy Boy and Pedro's expressions shifted immediately. With a stern look, Joy Boy said,
"Carrot, you misunderstand me far too deeply."
Pedro followed up with a sharp reprimand.
"Go back! What do you know, kid? Wanda, take her away!"
However, this time, Wanda didn't obey. Instead, she furrowed her brows and said,
"Captain Pedro, I think Carrot has a point. You should calm down first."
Pedro hesitated, momentarily stunned. Seeing this, Joy Boy took a step closer and spoke in a low voice,
"Follow your heart, Pedro. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life consumed by hatred?"
At those words, Pedro's gaze hardened with determination. He abruptly drew the sword from his back and declared loudly,
"For Nekomamushi! For freedom! And for this world! Even if it costs me my life, I will follow Joy Boy and set sail! Whale Forest Musketeers!"
As soon as he finished speaking, several towering and fierce-looking Mink warriors stepped forward from the crowd. These were members of the Whale Forest Musketeers that Pedro had spoken of—his most loyal followers.
But Joy Boy remained unsatisfied. To him, the Minks were a formidable race. Even those among them who were not naturally inclined to combat could become fearsome warriors under the full moon.
He wanted not just Pedro and his men—he wanted the entire Mink Tribe on his side.
This was only the first step. He had successfully won over Pedro and his forces.
The real work was yet to come. But before that, he needed to deal with Carrot, who was getting in his way.
Her earlier mockery was something he could ignore. But now, she was interfering with his plans. That was unacceptable.
Joy Boy narrowed his eyes and glanced toward Carrot.
Carrot frowned. "What are you—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Joy Boy's eyes snapped open, flashing with intertwining streaks of red and black. A concentrated burst of Conqueror's Haki shot forth, instantly sweeping over Carrot.
Joy Boy's control over his Haki was razor-sharp. Even Wanda, who stood closest to Carrot, didn't sense a thing. All she saw was Carrot's eyes suddenly losing focus before her body went limp, collapsing against Wanda.
Wanda's expression changed as she caught Carrot and shook her urgently.
"Carrot?! What's wrong?! Say something!"
Joy Boy withdrew his gaze. Beside him, Pedro's expression grew serious. Though he hadn't directly felt the Conqueror's Haki, Joy Boy's actions made it clear what had just happened.
Pedro murmured under his breath, "That was... Conqueror's Haki?"
Joy Boy gave a slight nod. "That's right. The girl is still too young and naive. Let her sleep for a while."
Pedro, now wholly focused on the idea of freedom, stopped paying attention once he knew Carrot was unharmed. Instead, he marveled,
"Not only do you have the potential for Conqueror's Haki, but you can control it with such precision... No wonder you've managed to escape from the Celestial Dragons multiple times!"
Joy Boy felt irritated at that remark. Escaping multiple times? That just meant he had been forced to flee over and over again. Hardly something worth bragging about.
Yet to Pedro—and to 99% of the world—being able to escape the Fleet Admiral was an achievement worthy of legend.
In fact, by that standard alone, Joy Boy had already earned himself a title—the King of Running Away!
Of course, Joy Boy himself wasn't fond of that title.
His expression darkened. "That won't happen again. Next time, it's them who will have to run."
Pedro patted Joy Boy's shoulder. "I get what you're saying, but if you want to defeat the Celestial Dragons, you'll need to take it slow. You're still young, but with the strength you already have, I truly believe you might have a shot at beating them one day!"
Joy Boy was speechless for a moment. Was Pedro deliberately mocking him?
But looking at Pedro's genuinely sincere face, he could only suppress his frustration and reply coolly,
"It's not a 'maybe.' I will defeat them. Also, I've told you already—I'm not young. If anything, I'm over 800 years old."
Pedro blinked, clearly taken aback. Until now, he had assumed Joy Boy was just messing with them.
Joy Boy reiterated, "I wasn't joking. I really am over 800 years old. My partner can confirm it."
Before Pedro could respond, Shishilian suddenly interjected.
"Are you saying your 'partner' is Zou?!"
Joy Boy's lips curved into a slight smile. Finally, Shishilian couldn't hold back any longer.
He didn't answer directly. Instead, he stepped forward, slowly crouched down, and placed his hand against the ground, closing his eyes.
The Minks watched in bewilderment.
This was exactly the reaction Joy Boy wanted.
With his eyes shut, he spoke.
"Zou, tell the people who have lived on your back for generations—am I your partner?"
A moment later, a deep, resonant voice echoed in Joy Boy's mind.
"Yes! Of course! We will always be the closest of companions!!"
But to the Minks, Zou's response was incomprehensible. All they heard was a thunderous elephant's cry, accompanied by a torrential downpour.
This rain was no ordinary rainfall—it was Zou spraying water from its trunk. To the Minks, it was known as the Rain of Blessings.
Zou's status among the Mink Tribe needed no explanation. The giant elephant was more than just a home, it was a sacred being, a living totem of their people.
Even though they couldn't understand Zou's words, they could hear its joy and sense its recognition of Joy Boy.
More importantly—Joy Boy could communicate with Zou.
If Zou's first elephant call had been a coincidence, what about the second? Could such a colossal, ancient being truly respond to such a tiny human?
The mere thought sent shivers down the spines of the Mink Tribe warriors.
Under their awed gazes, Joy Boy slowly rose to his feet. He took in the expressions around him and knew instantly—his move had paid off.
With Zou backing him, the Mink Tribe would stand by his side.
This was the power of belief.
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+200 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg