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Chapter 30 - Chapter 30 – The Day the Elephant Spoke

The First Glimpse of Zou

From the deck of Heaven's Embrace, the crew stared at the towering wall of grey that loomed on the horizon.At first, it looked like a distant cliff. Then it moved.

"That's not a mountain," Bell-mère breathed.

The "cliff" shifted, revealing deep wrinkles like canyons across its surface. A vast leg — larger than a Marine battleship — lifted from the sea, sending waves rolling for miles.

"Zunisha," Robin whispered, eyes bright with scholarly awe. "An ancient elephant… said to be over a thousand years old."

Vegito's tail twitched. "Guess we're climbing."

The Climb

The ship's runes flared as Heaven's Embrace lifted into the air, wings unfolding like the petals of a mechanical dragonfly. The closer they got, the more massive Zunisha became — each hair on its skin as thick as a ship's mast, swaying gently in the ocean breeze.

Carrot's voice came from the speaking tube — they'd made radio contact with Zou. "Climb up near the right foreleg! We'll be waiting!"

First Steps in the Mink Kingdom

The deck of Zunisha's back was a sprawling jungle dotted with wooden structures and rope bridges. Mink warriors armed with spears and electro-enhanced gloves stood at the ready, but their stances faltered when they got a good look at Vegito's tail.

A white-furred rabbit mink bounded forward — Carrot — her eyes wide. "You… you're not a mink, but you have a tail! What are you?"

Vegito grinned. "A Saiyan. Think of me as… your cousin from another dimension."

Carrot tilted her head. "Cousin? …Can I touch it?"

He flicked it in her direction with a smirk. "Only if you let me touch your ears."

Meeting Wanda and Tristan

From behind Carrot came two more figures:

Wanda, tall and graceful with golden fur, her calm gaze measuring every inch of Vegito.

Tristan, a reindeer mink with soft eyes and a healer's satchel slung across her shoulder.

Wanda spoke first. "The Guardians were skeptical, but you've already passed the first test — making Carrot laugh."

Tristan stepped forward shyly. "You're… not here to harm us?"

Vegito shook his head. "I'm here for friendship. And maybe more, if the chemistry's right."

Wanda's lips curved into a sly smile. "We'll see."

A Gift of Power

Vegito knew how to make an impression. From the ship's storage, he pulled out crates of exotic fruit, rare spices, and healing herbs — some grown in Heaven's Embrace's private botanical chamber.

"This is for your people," he said. "A thank-you for letting us visit."

The Mink elders murmured their approval, but Carrot was more interested in bouncing around him like an excitable spring. "He's so strong! Can we spar later?!"

Jack Arrives

Their peaceful meeting didn't last long. A tremor rolled through the ground, followed by the distant boom of cannon fire. The air filled with the sound of shouting — and the stench of smoke.

"Jack," Wanda hissed. "Kaido's man."

A mammoth ship crashed against Zunisha's flank, and Jack the Drought leapt onto the deck, his towering frame radiating menace.

"You have something Kaido wants," Jack growled, scanning the mink warriors.

Vegito stepped forward, tail swaying lazily. "Funny, I was about to say the same to you. Except what I want is to see how far I can punt you."

The Punting of Jack

Jack charged, his massive scythe raised. Vegito vanished from sight, reappearing above him with a grin. "Heads up."

One kick — just one — and Jack shot into the sky like a comet, vanishing into the clouds. A few seconds later, a distant splash marked his landing far beyond the horizon.

Carrot's jaw dropped. "…You just kicked one of Kaido's top guys into next week."

Wanda chuckled. "I think you've impressed the entire kingdom."

The Road Poneglyph

Later, Wanda led Vegito and Robin to the Whale Tree, where the Mink leaders Inuarashi and Nekomamushi guarded the crimson stone.

"You're trustworthy," Inuarashi said. "We'll let you copy this Road Poneglyph — but know this: its makers, the Kozuki clan, were slaughtered by Kaido's men."

Robin traced the carvings, her expression hardening. "Another piece of the puzzle."

Rom-Com Energy

As they prepared to leave, Carrot hopped up onto Vegito's back uninvited. "I'm coming with you!"

Tristan hesitated at the edge of the gangplank. "If… if you'd have me, I could help heal your crew."

Wanda crossed her arms, smirking. "And someone has to make sure these two don't cause trouble."

Bell-mère raised an eyebrow. "You realize this ship's basically a floating harem, right?"

Wanda's smirk deepened. "I learn fast."

Zunisha's Words

As Heaven's Embrace lifted off, a deep, rumbling voice filled Vegito's mind — ancient and resonant.

"You… are not of this world… yet you carry its fate in your hands. Protect it."

Vegito's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. That's the plan."

[Crew Roster Updated]

Carrot (Combat – Electro / Scout)

Wanda (Combat / Strategy)

Tristan (Medical Support)

Next Destination: Wano — the land ruled by Kaido, where Vegito plans to liberate the country, crush the Beast Pirates, and bring back legends from the dead.

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