As for the remaining Road Poneglyphs, Shaq knew that, according to the scattered records of the sea, one had once been located on Fish-Man Island, the gateway between the first half of the Grand Line and the New World.
Another was in the hands of Charlotte Linlin within Totto Land, while the last remained in Wano Country, a closed-off nation that had yet to fall under the rule of Kaido at this point in time.
If Zunesha’s words truly carried deeper meaning, then gathering all four of these stones would inevitably become part of Shaq’s future path toward the final island.
“May I make a rubbing of the text on this Poneglyph?” Shaq asked, turning toward Inuarashi and Nekomamushi.
Inuarashi gave a calm nod.
“Of course.
Since Zunesha guided you here, we have no reason to refuse.”
“Thank you,” Shaq replied politely before carefully taking out his materials and beginning to copy the inscriptions.
His movements were steady and deliberate as he completed the rubbing, storing it safely once finished.
Seeing this, Nekomamushi stretched lazily and grinned.
“Now that you’ve seen it, let’s head back.
We’ve prepared a feast come on, let’s drink until we can’t stand!”
Newgate let out a hearty laugh.
“Gurararara!
Sounds good to me.”
Shaq also nodded, and the group soon made their way back to the palace, where another lively banquet was already being arranged.
As the gathering began, Shaq suddenly recalled something.
“Ah, right.
Yesterday I promised to treat Mr.
Peros’s injuries, but I couldn’t finish at the time.
Could you call him over?
I’d like to complete the treatment.”
Nekomamushi blinked in surprise.
“You know medicine too?”
Shaq shook his head slightly.
“Not exactly.
It’s just that my ability happens to have some healing properties.”
Hearing this, Inuarashi’s eyes lit up faintly.
“If that’s the case… would you be willing to take a look at the two of us as well?
Of course, only if it’s not too taxing.”
Shaq gave a small smile.
“It’s no trouble, as long as I have enough food to replenish my strength.”
He paused briefly before continuing, as though the idea had only just occurred to him.
“In fact, if there’s enough food, I could treat more than just a few individuals.
I might not be able to deal with illness, but for old injuries… I can try to help your warriors as well.”
The moment those words left his mouth, both Dukes were visibly taken aback.
“Is that truly possible?” Inuarashi asked, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief.
Shaq shrugged lightly.
“You’ve shown us great hospitality and even shared something as important as the Poneglyph.
It’s only fair that I return the favor.”
Inuarashi broke into a wide smile.
“Then we gratefully accept!
I’ll gather the warriors immediately!”
“And I’ll prepare the food!” Nekomamushi added, already turning to leave.
As the two departed, Newgate finally spoke, his voice low with concern.
“Shaq, treating that many people… won’t it take a toll on you?”
Shaq chuckled and leaned closer, lowering his voice.
“Don’t worry.
Their vitality isn’t that strong, so the drain is minimal.
At most, it’ll cost me some energy.
Besides… having allies like the Mink Tribe isn’t a bad thing.”
Newgate studied him for a moment before letting out a soft laugh, ruffling his hair.
“You’ve got quite the head on your shoulders, brat.”
Not long after, the palace square was filled with towering piles of food, stacked high like small hills.
At the same time, groups of Mink warriors began assembling in orderly formation, their numbers quickly exceeding a thousand.
Shaq glanced around, impressed by the speed and discipline of their organization.
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi returned, both clearly pleased.
“Will this be enough?”
Shaq nodded.
“It’s sufficient.
Please divide them into groups I’ll treat them one by one.”
Following his instructions, the warriors were organized efficiently, and the process began.
Shaq moved steadily from one group to the next, drawing upon the surrounding vitality and channeling it into each individual.
As the treatments continued, the piled food rapidly diminished, consumed as quickly as it was brought forward.
The effects were immediate.
Warriors who had long carried lingering injuries felt their bodies lighten, their movements becoming more fluid than they had been in years.
The work continued throughout the entire afternoon.
By the time the final group was treated, the mountains of food had been completely cleared.
Without the ability granted by his power converting what he consumed into energy such a feat would have been impossible.
As the last treatment concluded, Shaq deliberately allowed his body to slacken, his breathing growing uneven as he swayed slightly on his feet.
Newgate immediately stepped forward, catching him with one arm.
“Shaq!
I told you not to overdo it!”
The concern in his voice was convincing enough that the surrounding Minks were instantly filled with worry.
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi exchanged troubled glances, while the warriors who had just been healed felt a deep sense of gratitude mixed with guilt.
Because of this, the plan to depart the next morning was postponed, as the Mink Tribe insisted that Shaq remain another day to recover.
During that time, many citizens personally brought food to him, eager to repay his kindness, nearly overwhelming him with their enthusiasm.
Of course, during this extra stay, Shaq also completed the treatment of Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, and Peros, restoring much of their long-standing injuries.
When the time for departure finally arrived, a large number of Mink citizens gathered to see them off, led by the two Dukes.
“Brother Newgate, Brother Shaq,” Inuarashi said solemnly, “you will always be friends of our kingdom.
If you ever require our aid, we will not refuse.”
As he spoke, he placed a Log Pose into Shaq’s hand.
Shaq examined it briefly and realized it was an Eternal Pose pointing toward Zou.
He accepted it with a smile.
Then, lifting his head toward the sky, he called out clearly,
“Zunesha, please send us down!”