Glancing at the few simple-minded companions, Leno was more than happy to play along with their antics.
He lifted his chin slightly, waved a hand, and said with 'modest' humility:
"Ahem... this captain's excellence didn't just appear overnight. Just keep it in your hearts!"
"Chopper, don't worry..."
Before he could finish speaking, a loud bang echoed as the self-satisfied captain was knocked flat by a single punch.
Looking at the fallen Leno, Nami raised her fist and snarled viciously:
"Shut up! You big idiot, hurry up and raise the ship!"
Ever since they saw the giant elephant, everyone had been eager to reach Zou.
But this unreliable captain kept getting more carried away the longer he talked. At this rate, he was probably about to introduce Chopper to some deer girl again.
Nami had finally reached her limit and decided to shut him up the physical way.
Otherwise, with this jerk's personality, who knew how long he would keep rambling.
Lying on the deck, Leno obediently activated his ability while grumbling in dissatisfaction.
"If you want it raised, just say so. Why hit people? Violent woman!"
"Hm? What did you say?!"
"N-nothing..."
Seeing her pink fist turn pitch black again, Leno immediately chose self-preservation.
It wasn't that he feared Nami. He just didn't bother arguing with girls.
Watching their captain look aggrieved but too afraid to complain, Robin and Reiju exchanged glances and covered their mouths as they laughed.
The others nearby pretended not to see anything, though faint amusement flickered in their eyes.
They quite enjoyed seeing Leno get bullied. After all, this guy was always unreliable.
Leno shot an aggrieved glance at everyone before waving toward the wine-red dressed maid.
"Baby 5, come here. This captain needs comfort."
"Yes, Lord Leno."
Triggered by the keyword, the little maid immediately came to his side, showering him with concern and emotional support.
After taking full advantage of her attention for a while, Leno revived with renewed energy.
He proudly glanced around, intending to show that he wasn't someone without support.
Only to discover that no one had time to pay attention to him. All eyes were fixed on the giant elephant nearby.
As the ship slowly rose into the air, everyone truly experienced what it meant to face a ten-thousand-meter elephant.
Seeing this massive creature up close felt completely different from merely viewing it from afar. It was unbelievably enormous.
After some time, the group finally arrived atop the elephant's back.
They had assumed that carrying an entire landmass would make its skin hardened and calloused.
But when they actually stepped on it, it felt surprisingly springy instead.
Turning back toward the distant sea of clouds gave them the illusion of returning to Skypiea. Of course, Zou could also be considered a unique kind of sky island.
"Everyone, come quickly! There's a gate ahead! And people... no, animals standing guard!"
Yamato, who had rushed ahead, quickly discovered the situation and urgently called everyone over.
Everyone's eyes lit up, their steps quickening.
Along the way, Leno seemed to remember something and hurriedly shouted a reminder:
"Yamato, don't act rashly. The Mink Tribe tends to be exclusive. Let's talk to them slowly..."
But before he finished speaking, urgent bell sounds rang out from ahead.
"Dang dang dang..."
"What a pain..."
Cursing under his breath, Leno's figure instantly vanished from where he stood.
Although this place posed no threat to them, avoiding conflict whenever possible was better.
After all, petting gentle animals always lifted one's mood.
By the time Leno arrived, Yamato had already been surrounded by several Mink Tribe warriors holding spears.
Yet she was still sparkling-eyed, excitedly looking around. Upon seeing Leno, she immediately shouted with excitement.
"Leno, Leno! There really is a country here! This is so cool!"
"..."
Leno helplessly rubbed his forehead. Big sister, is this really the time to say that? You're already surrounded.
How could she be this carefree? She practically ignored everyone around her.
Sure enough, after Yamato shouted, the Mink warriors immediately noticed Leno and the others behind him.
"She has accomplices! Go inform the captain!"
Within moments, a large group rushed out from their so-called 'national gate,' led by a lion Mink.
Well, calling it a national gate was generous. It was really just an iron fence.
Seeing that someone capable of conversation had arrived, Leno planned to introduce himself.
Unexpectedly, before he could speak, the lion Mink beat him to it, his voice filled with excitement.
"L-Lord Thunder God, you are Lord Thunder God?"
"Uh, yes, I'm Leno!" Leno paused, slightly confused, and asked curiously, "You know me?"
"Of course! Everyone here is very familiar with how you defeated Kaido!"
The lion Mink, dressed like a musketeer, looked extremely excited. He stepped forward and firmly shook Leno's hand.
"Welcome, Lord Thunder God. I am Shishilian."
"C-captain, this..."
The Mink warriors who had surrounded Yamato earlier now looked flustered.
None of them had recognized Leno's group before. They had nearly attacked just moments ago.
"What are you doing? Lower your weapons immediately," Shishilian scolded them before respectfully gesturing toward Leno.
"Lord Thunder God, please come in. Lord Inuarashi will definitely be delighted to hear of your arrival!"
"He often mentions you in front of us and longs to meet you."
"No need to be so formal. Just call me Leno."
The group was ushered through the gate in a daze. Behind him, Chopper and Carmen stared at Leno with blazing admiration.
They almost felt like bowing on the spot. Their captain was simply incredible, truly amazing.
However, that admiration didn't last long before being replaced by another emotion.
Upon entering the Mokomo Dukedom, the streets filled with all kinds of talking animals instantly captured the hearts of the women.
Watching those adorable little creatures acting cute in people's arms was overwhelmingly charming.
Even Leno, a grown man, couldn't resist the urge to reach out and pet them.
The sudden appearance of a group of humans caused a brief moment of silence on the street. Then someone shouted "Thunder God," and the scene instantly spiraled out of control.
Minks of all ages flooded toward them, surrounding the group completely.
"Garuchu..." echoed nonstop as greetings rose one after another.
Taking advantage of the moment, Leno scooped up a small rabbit and a white kitten at his feet, vigorously petting them.
Seeing their companions receive such affectionate treatment, the other Mink children immediately grew jealous.
One by one, the little ones clung to Leno like monkeys, and before long he was completely covered.
...
...