Chapter 205 The Second Stone
People in this world shared a common understanding—that the power of a team was indispensable.
Even the monsters called Sea Emperors weren't just recognized for their exceptional individual strength, but also because they all possessed powerful teams. A lone person without subordinates could hardly be called an emperor.
But even so, the emperors' formidable personal strength remained the most crucial component.
In this world, numbers were never the most important thing—the strong were what mattered most.
The Beasts Pirates were one of the most powerful pirate groups on these seas, with three monsters called Calamities striking fear into countless people throughout the New World.
But even so, everyone knew this pirate crew had only one true core—Kaido.
Without Kaido, without this emperor's existence, this pirate crew would be just one of countless mediocre players on the seas.
Kaido alone probably accounted for more than half the crew's strength—the same was true for Charlotte Linlin or Whitebeard.
So for Cat Viper and Dogstorm, who wanted to avenge Kozuki Oden and liberate Wano Country, Brett's existence was crucial.
The Kozuki Oden who could once contend with Kaido was long dead, and Luffy was still just a snotty-nosed brat.
To contend with Kaido, they could only count on Brett.
So the subsequent negotiations became quite relaxed.
Both sides had reached consensus on jointly attacking the Beasts Pirates.
The cat and dog wanted Brett to help them oppose Kaido, and Brett thought the same way.
Kaido was indeed a very powerful opponent, and his pirate crew was similarly formidable.
But if Brett wanted to obtain Pluton, he had no choice but to go to war with Kaido.
So being able to gather more forces was naturally a good thing—the Udon prisoners from before, Yamato, and now the cat and dog were all examples of this.
Speaking of which, were the forces he could now gather sufficient to decide the outcome against the Beasts Pirates?
After everything was settled, Cat Viper asked somewhat impatiently, "So Brett, when do we start taking action?"
They were naturally already eager to rescue Wano Country from Kaido and Orochi's hands.
"No need to rush."
Brett waved his hand. "I don't need to tell you what a terrifying opponent Kaido is. Before making complete preparations, none of us should act rashly."
"Indeed."
Duke Dogstorm nodded in deep agreement. "If we're really going to make our move, we need to strike decisively and completely defeat Kaido!"
"If we give that guy a chance to catch his breath due to insufficient preparation, there might not be a second opportunity."
Cat Viper was somewhat reluctant, but finally nodded heavily. "Then let's leave it at that for now, Brett." He looked at Brett with eyes full of hope. "When the time is ripe, please come find us!"
"Right!"
The large dog also nodded heavily, saying seriously, "From now on we're close allies. If there's anything you need help with, please don't hesitate to ask, Brett."
"Of course."
Brett smiled and nodded.
"Hahahaha, since all the serious business is finished, then—"
Tesoro interjected at the right moment, laughing loudly. "Now it's time for a banquet!"
"Hahaha, that's right."
Cat Viper also laughed. "Zou hasn't held a banquet to welcome friends in a very long time!"
The last time was probably over ten years ago when the Roger Pirates arrived.
"Then let's make this night lively!"
Duke Dogstorm, who appeared to have a calm personality, couldn't help but smile now.
The revenge they once thought was beyond reach—couldn't they already see hope for it now?
So there was no need to show despairing expressions anymore. At this moment, they just needed to celebrate.
So a joyful banquet was held in the Whale Forest.
Though the Minks lived on an elephant's back, they weren't lacking in supplies.
Zunesha often sprayed water onto its back, and along with the water came fish from the sea.
But—
"Aren't you eating?"
Bonfires lit the entire forest red. Under the flames' heat, fish gave off tempting aromas. The Minks gathered here sang and danced, eating while laughing cheerfully.
In this joyful atmosphere, Brett seemed somewhat detached. No matter how deliciously the grilled fish smelled, he couldn't muster even the slightest interest.
Because he could understand what fish were saying, he couldn't treat them as food—it was that simple.
His attitude made a little rabbit who was interested in him and had quietly sat beside him ask in surprise.
"I don't eat fish."
Brett smiled and rubbed her little head.
The little rabbit was covered in fine white fur with long ears on top of her head—she felt nice to pet.
"Mm-hmm! I like eating carrots more than fish too!"
The little rabbit crunched on a carrot. "Are there carrots everywhere on the sea?" She looked up and asked curiously.
"In some places."
Brett said with a smile.
"Really? How wonderful!"
The little rabbit's eyes seemed to glow. "That must be paradise!"
"No."
Brett shook his head. "That's just this world, where everyone can find what they want on these seas."
"Oh! Really wonderful!"
The little rabbit stood up and suddenly began making grand declarations. "I've decided—when I grow up, I'll go adventuring on the seas to find the paradise full of carrots!"
"The human world is very dangerous, Carrot."
A leopard walked over, saying with a smile, "A little one like you couldn't survive in that cruel world."
"Then I'll become very strong!"
The little rabbit waved her small fists. "Even stronger than Pedro!"
"Hahahaha, I'm looking forward to it!"
The leopard laughed heartily.
The little rabbit thought he was looking down on her. After making a face at Pedro, she hopped away.
"Sorry for the trouble."
The leopard bowed respectfully to Brett.
"Not at all—she's a very energetic child."
Brett said with a smile. "Letting such children spend their childhood happily is the responsibility of us adults, isn't it?"
Pedro nodded heavily.
He'd been waiting for his moment to take the stage.
That moment probably wasn't far off.
He looked at the man before him—this man had brought change to this country.
Unprecedented change.
This country might embark on a different path because of this.
Not just Wano Country—if all the minority ethnic groups really united, the entire world would change as a result.
The banquet continued until late at night. Everyone was tired from laughing and playing, finally falling asleep where they were.
Bodies lay everywhere in the dark forest tonight.
When they woke again, it was already noon the next day, followed by another round of banqueting, though this time within the city.
At Duke Dogstorm's mansion.
Brett and Tesoro saw many Minks.
"Hahahaha!"
At the banquet, Cat Viper laughed heartily. "This afternoon, let us show you around this country properly!"
"We're very interested in this country on an elephant's back too!" Tesoro readily agreed.
But ultimately, the area on the elephant's back was only so large. Besides Mokomo Dukedom, there was just dense forest. There weren't many particularly noteworthy places to tour.
Except for one place.
It was inside a large tree—a towering tree with a trunk that grew like a whale's body.
Here, Brett saw a stone.
"This is!"
Tesoro's eyes widened.
It was a huge red stone.
Brett also focused intently. This was the second one.