Chapter 427: The Mink Tribe Leaves the Island!
After hearing the Elephant Lord's answer, Ryuunosuke's expression darkened in thought.
So the presence he'd once encountered at the root of Eve might truly have been the original Joyboy's consciousness. Unrefined, chaotic, and dangerous—that was why Ryuunosuke had erased it without hesitation.
Perhaps it wasn't a bad choice. A will that stirred trouble at any moment was nothing less than a ticking disaster.
"Lord Elephant, where will you go now?" Ryuunosuke asked bluntly. "Do you have a goal?"
The massive beast's voice rumbled across the air, though this time its tone was low—only Ryuunosuke, with his gift to hear all things, could catch it.
"No. I am already an island. My duty is to carry and protect the races within me. Until they no longer need me, I will remain as I am. But, Joyboy… if you have need of me, command it."
Ryuunosuke folded his arms. "Needs, I have none. But tell me—were you present when the three Ancient Weapons clashed? What happened in that battle?"
The Elephant Lord fell silent, then began to recount memories from an age long gone.
It spoke of Poseidon and Pluton standing against Uranus, which at that time was not under the control of the World Government. The battle was cataclysmic. Armies of colossal Sea Kings shattered landmasses. Continents broke. And from the depths, a towering Red Line rose, dividing the battlefield and splitting the seas.
A mysterious force descended, leaving behind a perpetual calm—a Windless Belt. From that day, the Four Seas as the world knew them were born.
The revelation shook Ryuunosuke.
So this ocean wasn't always divided. The Red Line itself hadn't been a natural barrier, but a monument of war. A story so fantastical it bordered on myth… yet here was a witness.
"I understand," Ryuunosuke said at last. "Then, Elephant Lord, live as you will. If you ever need aid, you may call on me."
He left him behind.
…
Outside, Raizo stood stiffly, wary eyes locked on him. Ryuunosuke glanced at the ninja, then dismissed him with a wave.
"Raizo… forget it. Talking to you is pointless."
The shinobi stiffened, but Ryuunosuke was already gone.
On the plains, a chaotic scene unfolded. Dozens of albino minks brawled fiercely, their howls echoing across the island. Even Inuarashi and Nekomamushi had joined the frenzy.
Ryuunosuke rubbed his temple. "Conrad… what am I looking at?"
Conrad scratched his cheek, embarrassed. "It's fine, Captain. They're just… experimenting. For the first time, they can enter Sulong form without losing control. They're excited."
Ryuunosuke exhaled, half amused, half exasperated. "Then let them come down with us. They'll need a battlefield to burn off that energy."
Conrad nodded and relayed the order. Ryuunosuke had already vanished.
…
"Are we going to help the Dragon Hunters fight!?" Nekomamushi bellowed, baring his fangs.
"Come on, you mangy dog! Let's see who takes down more enemies!" His sharp grin taunted Inuarashi.
The duke's fur bristled. "You flea-bitten cat! Challenge me, will you? Fine! I'll show you true strength!"
Inuarashi bolted like lightning.
"You cowardly mutt—you ran off before we even started!" Nekomamushi snarled, racing after him.
The rest of the tribe followed, claws digging into the Elephant Lord's hide as they vaulted down toward the sea.
"Brother Conrad, move!" Finks shouted. "If you're not with them, their Moon Lion forms won't last—they'll collapse before reaching the island!"
Conrad's eyes widened. "Right!" His Moonlight Fruit glowed, casting its silver aura over the minks. With their energy stabilized, he leapt after them.
Together, the Mink Tribe bounded down from the Elephant Lord's back, electricity sparking with each step. Their paws skimmed the water's surface as they charged across the waves.
Ryuunosuke, watching from the deserted island, blinked in disbelief.
He'd expected them to remain on Zou until he sent for them. Instead, they came barreling across the sea themselves—eyes red with adrenaline, like a herd drunk on battle-lust. For a moment, he half-feared catching their "red eye" madness.
Inuarashi reached shore first, laughing triumphantly. "Hahaha! Did you see that, Cat? Not even my tail in sight! Admit it—I'm faster!"
"You cheating mutt!" Nekomamushi hissed. "Running ahead doesn't make you faster. Let's settle this properly!"
The two were already squaring off, like Dorry and Brogy of Elbaf—rivals bound by endless duels, their quarrels both bitter and brotherly.
Ryuunosuke could only shake his head.
…
"Captain," a childlike voice spoke in his mind—Gaino, spirit of the God's Ship.
"It will take five more hours to complete my fusion with Pluton's remains. I must enter dormancy to evolve. This process cannot be disturbed. Captain, I entrust it to you."
"Five hours?" Ryuunosuke's gaze drifted to the horizon, where fleets already massed.
He smirked. "That won't be a problem. We'll simply make sure the battlefield isn't here."
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