Chapter 289 : In Zou 2

It took some time, but eventually, Kirito managed to convince the demi-humans that he wasn't an enemy. His sincerity and calm demeanour helped to lower their defences, though he kept beating their asses until they are actually ready to listen to them or go to the diplomatic path.

They cautiously agreed to take him to their village.

As they led him through the dense forest, Kirito marvelled at the unique blend of natural beauty and devastation around him.

This was also a city but they created it hidden in the forest. Unlike the one which was in open adn got destroyed.

Almost felt like he was back in Konoha for a second time. Maybe he is a little homesick. He was away from home for quite a bit. First that entire war against Obito, Madara and Kaguya and then this.

Upon reaching the village, Kirito was relieved to see familiar faces. Nami, Chopper, and Momonosuke were there, helping the villagers rebuild. The village was filled with people who looked like a mix between humans and animals, each possessing distinct animal traits.

"Garchu" suddenly a beautiful beast woman came to Kirito and said while rubbing her chick with him. 

'Strange way to greet but I'll take it' 

"Nami!" Kirito called out, rushing toward her.

"Kirito! You made it!" Naomi exclaimed, running to meet him. "Are you okay? Did they attack you? Where are the others? What happens in Dressrosa." She asked multiple questions. 

"Everyone fine, we took care of Doflamingo, others are here and coming and yes I was attacked," Kirito replied, glancing around at the recovering villagers. "What happened here?"

Nami's expression turned sombre. "It was Jack the Drought, Kaido's Nakama. He attacked Zou and nearly destroyed everything. The poison he used was devastating."

'Jack huh'... "I've heard of him. One of Kaido's top commanders. Law explains that there are three generals in Kaido's army. Jack is one of them. But why suddenly attack here." Kirito pondered.

"Yes," Nami nodded. "We've been doing our best to help the Mink Tribe recover. Chopper with the help of Caesar came out with a cure for the poison. He's been amazing."

Kirito looked over to see Chopper busily treating the injured. The small reindeer doctor was moving from one patient to another, his face a mix of determination and exhaustion.

"Chopper!" Kirito called, walking over. "How's it going?"

Chopper looked up and smiled. "Kirito! you are here, Great. Can you show me a Jutsu ?" Chopper replied immediately.

"Ah well, he seems alright to me." Kirito rolled his eyes.

"Great job, Chopper. Keep working hard."

As they talked, Kirito noticed a change in Nami's expression. She seemed worried and distracted.

After a little observation around his place, Kirito noticed something and asked."Where is Sanji?" Kirito asked.

"Sanji," Nami's attention was caught by that name.

Kirito saw her hesitating before talking but after she saw Kirito looking at her with no particular expression she spoke. "He... he left Zou. Something happened with Capone Bege."

"Left? Why? why would he leave? And where ?"

Nami sighed, clearly troubled. "It's a long story. Capone Bege showed up, and there was a confrontation, I rather explain in detail when others are also here but in short Sanji got a message from his family, the Vinsmokes. They're forcing him into a marriage with Big Mom's daughter.

Or at least that is what we heard from that lion man in a pink suit."

Kirito's eyes widen.

'Holy shit, that's a twist in the story Oda. But now that I think about it, there is always something or some kind of information given about the members of Straw Hats Pirates here or there. Zoro and Sanji might be the only ones with no info. But still, it doesn't make sense. 

Why so suddenly ?' Kirito pondered.

"Sanji didn't want to go, at least I don't think that he did bu...but he had no choice, I am sure that is the case. We need to find him and bring him back."

"Well, I am in, wouldn't mind some action if needed. But let's wait until your captain is here."

Nami smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yes".

.

.

.

The Straw Hats with Law and Kinemon group finally arrived at Zou, reuniting with the crew members who had been there earlier. The mood was sombre as they took in the devastation caused by Jack's previous attack. 

They practically went thought the same thing as Kirito did but a little less troublesome after the Mink Tribe learn that those coming are with Nami and Chopper.

As they gathered in the heart of the village, Nami, Chopper, and the others filled them in on what had transpired.

"Jack's attack was brutal," Nami explained. "He poisoned the entire village. Chopper has been working nonstop to heal everyone."

Chopper nodded, looking tired but resolute. "We managed to save many, but the damage was severe."

Luffy covered his face with his hat, sending a universal sign that shit gonna get serious. "We'll make Jack pay for this. But first, we need to save Sanji."

 'Ah, so this expression might not be for Jack but rather for Vinsmoke or Big Mom. Anyway, nothing to do with me, I am not going to cake island anyway. 

I rather go to Wano alone from here if I have to.' Kirito thought.

Just as they were about to finalize their plans to leave for Big Mom's territory, a sudden tremor shook the island. Everyone looked around in alarm.

"What's happening?" Brook exclaimed, holding onto his hat.

'Damn, this is not even a real island, how is the earth quake is effecting his place.' Kirito was honestly confused.

The ground shook violently, and in the distance, they heard the sounds of cannon fire and explosions. Kirito, already on high alert, prepared to teleport down to the sea and confront whoever was causing the disturbance.

He might be the only person their besides Law who can do that. In fact, he already had one seal place at Sunny which was parked at the feed of Zunesha.

"It's Jack!" Pedro shouted. "He's attacking Zunesha's legs!"

Before Kirito could act, a deep, ancient voice resonated through the air. Luffy and Momonosuke both froze, their eyes wide.

"Zunesha is talking to me," Momonosuke said, bewildered. "He's saying he's in pain."

Momonosuke, tears in his eyes, listened intently. "He says he's been carrying the world's burden for centuries. He's asking for permission to fight back."

Kirito, ready to dive into the sea and take on Jack himself, paused. "What the fuck that suppose to mean?"

With a deep breath, Momonosuke shouted, "Jack has to GOOOOO!"

There was a moment of silence, and then the enormous elephant let out a deafening roar. The sea around them churned as Zunesha lifted one massive leg, water cascading off it in torrents.

And though it wasn't possible for them to see what really happened with Jack after that the tremor stopped after that.

Zunesha's attack was terrifying, the ocean erupted as Jack's fleet was obliterated, ships splintering into pieces and sinking beneath the waves.

Jack, thrown from the wreckage, could only watch in horror as his armada was decimated. 

The Straw Hats, along with the Mink Tribe, cheered as the threat was neutralized in one swift, powerful move.

Kirito, standing at the edge of the village, nodded in approval. "That's one way to deal with a problem. Almost reminds me of an angry fox I know off."

Luffy grinned, clapping Momonosuke on the back. "Good job, Momo. You saved everyone."

But that wasn't the end at all. After that, a new problem arose. Another tremble.

"It's Zunesha, he is injured." someone shouted. 

'Sigh, of course, he is. This will take more time, causing further delay. Just my luck.' Kirito just sighed. 

"Don't worry, I will take care of it. I know healing Jutsu. Leave it to my clones." Kirito said as he made 10 clones who immediately started to run down from the elephant's leg to heal Zunesha's leg. 

People at Zou upon seeing this were stunned. 

"Just keep the planning going. Let get out of here as soon as possible."