"So this is what life starts with just crying…" Ares muttered with a curious gleam in his eyes as he watched the two newborns, "Inuarashi" and "Nekomamushi," freshly brought into the world.
Suddenly, mischief lit his face. He stepped closer, bent down, and grinned widely at the wailing infants. "Can either of you smile for me?"
His abrupt movement startled the king's two wives. They gasped and retreated several steps, clutching the babies tightly, faces pale with fright.
Bare-chested, with his imposing frame and shaved head, Ares looked more like a hired enforcer one of those merciless killers who wouldn't blink while taking a life. Still, most of the Minks had already heard his story, so panic didn't spread.
At that moment, the two infants Inuarashi and Nekomamushi caught sight of Ares's gleaming bald head. Their wide, unfocused eyes fixed on him, curiosity momentarily overwhelming their cries.
They stopped sobbing altogether.
The Minks were born warriors, their bloodlines already extraordinary. Even as newborns, their bodies were many times sturdier than infants on Earth.
In their world, saturated with "bloodline factors" and strength, these babies were miracles of potential.
Though no one could say why they suddenly stopped crying, everyone present understood it had something to do with this "bald-headed giant" standing before them.
The tiger-striped king let out a hearty laugh. "It seems fate binds you to my sons. Today is a day of joy, stay and celebrate with us!"
"Fate, huh?" Ares chuckled, his gaze lingering on the two swaddled infants. "They are rather endearing. Who knows? Perhaps we'll meet again out on the seas one day."
That night, the Mokomo Dukedom erupted in celebration.
By the king's invitation, Ares joined the festivities, eating, drinking, and even enduring the affectionate "karuchu" the Mink way of rubbing cheeks and bodies in camaraderie.
He made sure Kaido was included too, the two brothers-in-arms feasting heartily and talking deep into the night.
When the revelry died down, Ares sought out Doctor Mitsuyō.
"Doctor," he began earnestly, "Kaido told me the Minks can control electricity. I'd like to understand how do you do it?"
Mitsuyō smiled, unsurprised by his curiosity. "It is our people's gift. Our bodies are covered in fur, which naturally generates static electricity. From birth, we live with these currents. Over time, we learn to guide them. By mastering our fur, we can produce and direct the sparks as we wish."
"The power comes from friction hair against hair, fur against fur. That friction builds into static charge."
To demonstrate, Mitsuyō raised his arm. Fine blue arcs of electricity crackled across his white fur, filling the air with a faint zzzzzt.
Then he gently placed his sparking hand on Ares's knee.
Ares felt a faint tingle run through his body. Weak as it was against his hardened physique, he understood at once: Mitsuyō was only giving him a taste, not his true strength.
"The Mink Tribe can regulate the output," the doctor explained. "Enough to paralyze foes, disrupt their movements. In battle, that momentary weakness often means the difference between life and death."
Beside him, Kaido scowled and glanced at his own bare arms. His thick muscles gleamed in the lamplight, utterly devoid of fur. "So only those born with fur can wield it, huh? People like us hairless we're locked out from the start?"
He sounded more dejected than angry.
Mitsuyō's eyes gleamed with pride. "That's right. It is a gift of the Mink Tribe. Others cannot replicate it."
But he left unsaid their greatest secret that under the full moon, the Minks could awaken the terrifying power of the Sulong. That knowledge would remain hidden.
Ares listened in silence. His excitement dampened, a wave of disappointment washed over him. He lowered his head, staring at the ground. So… how do I grasp lightning for myself?
Kaido, watching closely, recognized that look. Ares was thinking again, pondering strength. He scratched his head. Ares-ani never stops searching for ways to grow. I should do the same.
Suddenly Kaido's eyes lit up. If Ares can slash with his body alone, why can't I slash with my kanabō? Weapons are weapons. If he can cut, so can I!
The thought made him burst out laughing. "Rorororo! Rorororo!" His joy echoed through the night.
At last, Ares's frown vanished. His eyes widened, a smile breaking across his face. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "I've got it!"
"Hahaha! I finally understand how to control lightning!"
"The Minks use friction between hairs. But for me it'll be the clash of thunderclouds!"
The revelation filled him with feverish energy.
Lifting his gaze to the starlit sky, Ares's voice rang with conviction. "Kaido, we won't rush back to the Rocks Pirates just yet. First, we'll grow stronger. Then, when we return we'll give them all a surprise they'll never forget!"
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