Chapter 267

Logan and Robin emerged from the Whale Forest after completing their task. The sight that greeted them was somewhat amusing: the entire Mink Tribe, including the formidable Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, lay unconscious in neat rows on the ground.

"You didn't kill anyone, did you?" Logan asked, glancing at the toppled minks scattered around.

Zoro sheathed his sword with a smirk. "Relax. I used the back of the blade."

Usopp chimed in defensively. "They attacked us first! We were just defending ourselves."

Luffy, who seemed less concerned, pointed at the two leaders, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi. "Those two gave us a bit of a fight, but the rest weren't much trouble."

Even as they lay there, the faint groans of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi could be heard. Despite their defeated state, they twitched as if they could still hear the Straw Hats' words.

Are we really that weak? they thought, inwardly groaning. No... they're just too strong...

Zou, being so isolated, rarely received updates on the outside world, and the Minks were unaware of the true power the Straw Hat Pirates had accumulated. Although Inuarashi and Nekomamushi had sailed with the legendary Roger Pirates and Whitebeard Pirates, even they could not have foreseen the overwhelming strength these young pirates now possessed.

"Did you manage to copy the Poneglyph?" Nami asked eagerly, rushing over to Logan, her arm casually looping around his shoulders.

Logan smiled. "Yep. We've got it all. Next stop: Wano. According to the intel, one of Kaido's Poneglyphs is also a Road Poneglyph."

"Wano?" The mention of the land of samurai sent a shock through Inuarashi and Nekomamushi. The two leaders exchanged worried glances, but they remained still, feigning unconsciousness to avoid drawing attention.

The Straw Hat Pirates, meanwhile, paid no mind to the twitching Minks and prepared to leave Zou behind. Once Logan and the others were well out of sight, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi finally sat up, their faces grim with concern.

"Old cat," Inuarashi began, his voice serious, "they're heading to Wano, aren't they?"

Nekomamushi nodded, crossing his arms. "That's what they said. And Kaido's got one of the Road Poneglyphs... they're trying to reach Raftel."

Inuarashi sighed. "Such ambitious youngsters..."

The two veteran warriors remained silent for a moment before Nekomamushi spoke again. "Should we take this opportunity to go with them? To Wano?"

Inuarashi considered it carefully but eventually shook his head. "No. We can't stray from our original mission. We must wait for the promised time."

Although disappointed, Nekomamushi nodded in agreement. "You're right, old dog. We can't interfere now."

Meanwhile, back on the Going Merry, the Straw Hat Pirates were sailing toward their next destination: Wano. Inside the cabin, Logan was working on some manga-related tasks when a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Logan called without looking up, setting down his paintbrush.

The door opened, and in walked Charlotte Pudding and Reiju.

"Sanji said you wanted to see us?" Reiju asked, her long legs carrying her confidently to Logan's desk. There was a slight challenge in her eyes as she stared at Logan, a look that piqued his interest.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Pudding stood in the middle of the room, her hands clasped politely in front of her. Her posture was much more reserved, showing the delicate manners of a young girl.

Logan stood up with a smile. "Yes. You've both been on the ship for a while now, and I'm sure you're curious about where we get our strength."

Pudding's eyes lit up, her curiosity piqued, though there was still a trace of nervousness. "Is... is that really something we can know?"

Reiju, ever direct, raised her chin. "It's from those manga, right?" She gestured toward the many shelves filled with manga volumes. "All of you draw your power from them?"

Logan nodded, his smile widening. "Exactly. Each manga is its own world, and those worlds offer incredible power to those who train within them. But I'm curious—why haven't either of you come to ask me about it? Don't you want to become stronger?"

While most of the Straw Hat Pirates had eagerly sought out the manga to train and develop new powers, Reiju and Pudding had been uncharacteristically quiet about it. Logan found this surprising.

Pudding's eyes sparkled with excitement, but her voice remained hesitant. "C-can I really...?"

Logan could see the uncertainty on her face. She was afraid of rejection, afraid of being seen as unworthy.

Reiju, on the other hand, remained composed but still cautious. "What's the price?"

Logan blinked. "Price?"

"The cost," Reiju clarified. "Your crew's strength rivals that of the Admirals and even the Four Emperors. The power from those manga must be immensely valuable. Surely, you're not just giving it away for free?"

Logan chuckled. "For friends, there's no price. But if you insist... I suppose you could offer something in return. It's up to you."

Reiju thought for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "I'll consider it."

Logan then turned to Charlotte Pudding, expecting a similar reaction. To his surprise, Pudding's face had turned bright red.

"I... I'll think of something to give back too!" she blurted out, clearly misunderstanding Logan's intentions. She nervously fidgeted in place, thinking she had to offer something significant in return.

Logan couldn't help but smile. She's really overthinking this...

"I just wanted to help you two get stronger," Logan said, his tone kind. "There's no need to overthink it."