Newgate moved without hesitation, his fist driving forward into the attacker’s waist with overwhelming force.
The impact was immediate and decisive the assailant coughed up blood as his body was sent flying backward like a broken projectile.
He tore through three massive trees in succession before finally crashing to a halt, his body collapsing heavily onto the ground, completely devoid of strength.
As he fell, the hood covering his head slipped away, revealing a face that bore the distinct features of a leopard.
Before Newgate could comment on the sight, an anxious voice rang out from the forest.
“Captain!
Are you alright, Captain?!”
In the next instant, several figures burst forth from the surrounding woods.
Some had the heads of bulls, others of dogs, yet all possessed humanoid bodies.
Armed with blades and swords, they rushed forward, their movements tense as they fixed wary gazes on Newgate and Shaq while instinctively shifting toward their fallen leader.
Newgate’s expression did not change.
Without a word, he lifted Murakumogiri, his intent clear—he would end them before they could act further.
But before he could move, Shaq quickly stepped in.
“Wait, Old Man.
They’re members of the Mink Tribe’s Musketeer Squad.
Their role is to defend the Whale Forest and drive out intruders.
Don’t attack them yet.”
Hearing this, Newgate paused, though his dissatisfaction was evident.
“So that’s it?
That guy just tried to kill you, Shaq.”
Shaq leaned closer and gestured subtly, prompting Newgate to lower himself slightly as he whispered, “Zunesha told me the Mink Tribe has something important.
I need to get it, so we can’t afford to clash with them right now.”
Newgate narrowed his eyes slightly.
“That elephant told you all this too?”
“Yeah,” Shaq replied without hesitation.
It was a convenient explanation.
After all, no one else could understand Zunesha’s voice, making it the perfect cover for anything that seemed out of place.
“Fine.
Then you handle it,” Newgate said at last, crossing his arms as he stepped back.
Shaq then moved forward, softening his expression as much as possible before addressing the visibly tense Mink warriors.
“I’m sorry for injuring your captain, but he attacked first.
My old man only acted to protect me.
We don’t have any hostile intentions.”
Seeing a young boy step forward to speak, and noting that the man who had defeated their captain in a single blow showed no signs of further aggression, the Musketeer Squad gradually eased their stance.
One of the larger bull-type Minks quickly rushed to the fallen leopard Mink and helped him up, though they hesitated, unsure whether to move him further.
Observing their unease, Shaq spoke again, “I can treat his injuries.
He’s in bad shape.
That punch wasn’t something most people could endure.
If he doesn’t get help soon, it could become life-threatening.”
The Mink warriors exchanged glances, clearly conflicted.
After a brief moment, a particularly sturdy bull Mink stepped forward, his jaw tightening.
“…Alright.
Please, help our captain.”
Shaq gave a small nod.
“It’s the least I can do.”
He stepped closer and activated his ability, drawing upon the subtle vitality present in the surrounding environment and channeling it into the fallen Mink.
A soft green glow emerged.
The leopard Mink’s strained expression gradually eased, and his breathing stabilized as his eyes slowly opened.
The moment he regained awareness and saw Shaq and Newgate, his instincts flared, and he attempted to rise.
“Captain, don’t move!” the bull Mink quickly restrained him.
“This young man is treating you.”
Hearing that, the leopard Mink hesitated.
Feeling the steady improvement in his condition, he finally relaxed, allowing the treatment to continue.
“Mr.
Peros,” Shaq said calmly, “you seem to have accumulated quite a few old injuries.
As an apology for entering the Whale Forest without permission, I’ll do what I can to treat them as well.”
Peros’s expression softened slightly at those words.
“Then… I’ll trouble you.”
“It’s nothing,” Shaq replied, increasing the flow of energy.
The faint green light grew brighter for a brief moment.
Peros could clearly feel the long-standing aches within his body lessen, though they did not disappear entirely.
After a while, Shaq withdrew his hand, his breathing becoming heavy as sweat formed along his brow.
“I’m not skilled enough yet,” he admitted.
“I can’t resolve everything at once.
I’ll need to continue later once I’ve recovered.”
Seeing his exhausted state, Peros felt a trace of guilt.
“I should be the one apologizing.
I attacked without understanding the situation.
If not for your father’s restraint, the outcome could have been far worse.
Still… I must ask what is your purpose in coming to our kingdom?”
Shaq forced a faint smile, maintaining the appearance of fatigue.
“It’s understandable.
You were doing your duty.
As for why we’re here… it wasn’t intentional.
Zunesha brought us up here without explanation.”
Newgate watched Shaq quietly, his large hand resting briefly on the boy’s head.
When he noticed the subtle wink Shaq gave him, he immediately understood this was an act.
Peros and the other Minks were visibly startled.
“Zunesha… brought you here?”
“If you’re referring to the giant elephant,” Newgate answered in Shaq’s stead, his tone calm, “then yes.”
Peros’s expression turned serious as he bowed his head slightly.
“Then I owe you both an even greater apology.
Acting without understanding the situation was my failure.”
By now, Shaq had “recovered” somewhat and spoke again, “There’s no need to dwell on it.
Could you take us to meet your rulers?”
A faint smile appeared on Peros’s fierce face.
“Of course.
In fact, I intended to do so myself.
Please, follow me.”
With that, he stepped aside and gestured forward.
Newgate walked ahead, with Shaq close behind.
“May I know your names?” Peros asked as they moved.
“This is my father, Edward Newgate.
You can call me Shaq.”
Peros’s expression shifted slightly as recognition dawned on him.
“Edward… Newgate… Could it be you are the pirate known as Whitebeard?”
Even Newgate raised a brow slightly.
“You’ve heard of me?”
“We occasionally receive newspapers carried by News Coos,” Peros replied respectfully.
“Figures like you are well known even here.”
Newgate gave a low chuckle.
“And you still attacked anyway.
Not bad.”
Peros bowed his head again, his tone firm.
“It is my duty to protect the Whale Forest.
Any intruder must be confronted, regardless of who they are.
That is why I acted as I did.”
Hearing this, Newgate’s expression softened slightly.
“Gurararara… you’ve got backbone.
I like that.”
Peros smiled faintly, then continued leading the way while offering further explanation.
“Our land is ruled by two leaders—Duke Inuarashi and Duke Nekomamushi.
They reside just ahead.”
Before long, they arrived at the center of the settlement.
The so-called palace stood before them, though in truth it resembled a modest structure, only slightly larger than the surrounding buildings.
“Please wait here for a moment,” Peros said.
“I will inform the Dukes.”
Newgate and Shaq nodded.
Not long after Peros entered, a deep voice echoed from within.
“Honored guests, forgive my subordinate’s earlier actions.
We offer our apologies.”
The door opened, and two imposing figures stepped out from within.