124. Zou

It took Leo a week to round up his other targets. During this time the minks woke up. Both of them were quite scared when they saw them, however Shinobu was able to calm them down.

The minks were a pair of twin brother and sister. They were panthers, named Zeke and Zena.

They were curious about the world and set out to explore. However they didn't expect pirates to attack and capture them. If it was a frontal attack it would have been fine but they were drugged. By the time they woke up they were already rescued by the marines.

Finishing his mission Leo returned to Marineford. The Minks followed him and they were awed by the humongous fortress.

The marines stared at the minks as they passed by. They were quite nervous being stared by many pairs of eyes.

Shinobu smiled and comforted, "It's alright. They are just curious."

Zena asked, "Leo, are you really going to New World?"

Leo nodded, "The first half of Grandline is alright but New World... that's an entirely different place. Even your home is there, isn't it?"

Zeke nodded with pride, "Our home, Zou is on top of a prehistoric animal, her name is Zunisha."

Leo's eyes sparkled, "I would love to visit there?"

Zena smiled, "If you have time we can take you there."

Leo smiled, "That's a deal."

He reported in and an officer recorded his merits.

Shinobu left for their quarters with Zeke and Zena while Leo went to the top office to see Sengoku.

After knocking on the door Leo entered.

"Fleet Admiral, I want to go to New World."

Sengoku was surprised by this sudden request, he said, "Hm, you have been doing well for the past few months. I guess you can take some time off."

Leo nodded, "Thanks."

Sengoku suddenly said, "I heard you spoke to Doflamingo."

Leo wasn't surprised Sengoku knew about this. As it was an important matter Mace must have reported it to him.

Sengoku sighed and said, "Try to let it go. There only so much we can do."

Leo stared at him and said, "He was selling women, as slaves."

Sengoku went silent.

Leo shook his head, "I told you before, I won't seek out trouble. But since I came across it, I can't look the other way. Also, he wanted to make me fish feed, I have to meet him."

He said his piece and left.

Sengoku rubbed his forehead. Leo was a model marine, so he couldn't scold him for trying to uphold justice.

The guy basically cleaned out pirates below 100 million in the first half.

Sengoku was very happy that the Navy was able to recruit such a good marine.

Hai... let him do what he want. Since Doflamingo wants trouble, let him get some.

...

"Leo, you will absolutely love Zou."

Zeke was excited to return home. That last incident kind of scared the both of them.

They had a vivre card of one of their friends back home so all Leo had to do was to follow where it pointed.

After days of travel they vaguely saw a shadow in the distance. It was huge and moving.

Leo held his breath.

As the warship got close he clearly saw what Zunisha was. A giant elephant.

Holy... that's huge.

Zeke and Zena's tails were swinging back and forth when they saw Zunisha.

The warship moved parallel to one of Zunisha's legs that looked like a pillar.

Zeke and Zena took out a whistle and blew on it. No sound came out but Leo could sense the air vibrate.

Not long after a small platform came down. Large ropes and bearing were used to hold it in place.

A monkey sat on it. As soon as it saw Zeke and Zena it jumped up and down.

"Thank god you guys are fine. Do you know how worried we were when you snuck out!?"

Both of them smiled cheekily.

The monkey noticed the others and took a step back nervously.

Zeke calmed him down, "It's alright. They saved us from a bunch of pirates who captured us."

The monkey nodded. However it was still vigilant against Leo and the rest.

Zeke and Zena jumped onto the platform and waved at Leo.

"Leo, Shinobu, here."

Leo took Shinobu's hand and helped her get on the platform. He also jumped up.

He looked at Mace and said, "After we go up you guys can also come if you want ."

Mace nodded.

The crew were also curious to check out the legendary mink tribe.

The platform rose up.

As it got higher Leo could see the vast seas stretching across the horizon.

It was marvelous.

Soon they reached the top.

A wall with an arch appeared before him. Zeke and Zena jumped off and pulled Leo and Shinobu as they ran towards the arch.

A vast forest lay behind the arch. The ground was rough and soft. Well, they were standing on the back of an elephant after all.

They walked further in and not long after Leo heard the bustling sound of people. He trained his eyes to look further and saw a beautiful city.

The buildings were quite old but they looked to be in good condition. There were a lot of minks walking around.

Lions, dogs, cats, panthers, giraffes, monkeys, goats... there was a lot of minks!

Many of them turned around curiously to watch Leo and Shinobu.

Zeke and Zena led them through the curious crowd and went towards the chief's building.

Before he got there an old mink was already waiting for them. He had a peaceful smile on his face.

"Chief!"

Zeke and Zena yelled and rushed towards him. They hugged him and rubbed their heads on his chest.

The old mink shook his head and said, "Atleast give us a head up if you are heading out."

Zeke and Zena cheekily smiled.

The old Mink could only sigh and shook his head. He then turned his focus on Leo and Shinobu.

"Thank you for bringing them here."

Leo slightly bowed, "It's alright elder."

The old man smiled, "Welcome to Zou."