The three members of the Red Hair Pirates walked toward the town at the center of the island, led by the two kings, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi. Kozuki Hiyori followed closely behind, her expression filled with a lingering unease.
As they moved through the lush forests and into the stone-paved streets, many members of the Mink Tribe watched them from the shadows. The pirates noticed that it wasn't just Minks observing them; several samurai from Wano Country stood among the crowds, their origins easily guessed given the recent turmoil in their homeland. While the samurai and Minks seemed to share a deep bond, their collective gaze toward Shanks was one of sharp suspicion and defensive wariness.
"It seems we aren't exactly the most popular guests," Benn Beckman noted, his voice low.
A flash of awkwardness crossed the faces of the two kings. Before they could apologize, Hiyori spoke with a forced, weary smile. "I'm sorry. After everything that has happened, everyone here just wants to live a peaceful life." The pirates fell silent, understanding the weight of her words.
A Heavy Request
The group soon reached the palace, a sturdy stone castle nestled beneath the massive, ancient tree shaped like a whale. Once they were seated inside, the air in the chamber grew heavy with unspoken tension.
"I'm sorry, Inuarashi, Nekomamushi," Shanks began, his tone serious. "I have no desire to disturb the peace you've found on Zou, but the current state of the world has left me with no other choice but to come here."
Inuarashi and Nekomamushi exchanged a quick glance. "I understand, Shanks," Inuarashi replied. "Tell us plainly—how can we help you?"
"I need to take the Road Poneglyph into my protection," Shanks stated without hesitation.
The two kings froze in shock. Their instinct was to refuse; the Minks had guarded that stone for centuries. However, seeing the grim resolution in the eyes of a man who stood at the absolute pinnacle of pirate power—the Apex of the seas—they realized the situation must be dire.
"What exactly has happened out there?" Nekomamushi asked.
Shanks recounted the recent upheavals: the clash between the Marines and the Whitebeard Pirates, the death of Whitebeard, and Kaido's bold declaration to claim the Great Treasure.
"Whitebeard is dead?" Nekomamushi gasped. "How could a monster like that actually fall?" Both kings had served under Kozuki Oden on Whitebeard's ship and knew the man's terrifying strength firsthand.
"Everyone dies eventually," Shanks said solemnly. "But we who remain must uphold the will of those who passed. If that Road Poneglyph stays here, it will only serve as a beacon for Kaido to bring destruction to Zou."
The Kozuki Secret
The two kings remained hesitant. Even for a friend like Shanks, giving up their sacred charge was a bitter pill to swallow. Inuarashi tried to find a logical reason to keep it. "Deciphering those stones requires ancient knowledge. Does Kaido even have anyone who can read them?"
Beckman shook his head. "We haven't received any intelligence suggesting he does."
The room fell into a long, uncomfortable silence. Then, Hiyori spoke up. "Mr. Red Hair, may I ask a question? I've been isolated on Zou and haven't heard much of the outside world. Is it true what Kaido said... is my grandfather still alive?"
Shanks sighed, his eyes filled with regret. "It's true. Kozuki Sukiyaki found us, hoping we could help drive Kaido away. But Kaido used the lives of every person in Wano as a shield. In the end, Sukiyaki had to surrender himself to protect his people. He was taken by Kaido."
Hiyori's face showed no joy or sorrow, but her voice held a sudden, chilling clarity. "In that case, leaving the Road Poneglyph on Zou is indeed a death sentence for this island."
Beckman's eyes widened as a terrifying realization struck him. "Princess Hiyori, are you saying Sukiyaki can actually read the Poneglyphs?"
"Yes," Hiyori answered, her words causing the atmosphere in the palace to shift instantly. "The Road Poneglyphs were created by the Kozuki Clan. Our family has passed down the secret of deciphering them through every generation."
A Final Decision
"Shanks, this is a disaster," Beckman said, his face grim. If Kaido had Sukiyaki, he possessed the key to the final island. No wonder he was so confident about launching an assault on Laugh Tale.
Shanks hit his forehead with his hand, overcome with remorse. "I remember Oden mentioning that once, but Sukiyaki's appearance was so sudden that I didn't connect the dots in time." He turned to the kings with renewed urgency. "There are four stones. Kaido has one, Big Mom has one, and the one that was on Fish-Man Island is currently hidden in Elbaf. If I take the one from Zou, Kaido will be missing a vital piece of the map."
He confirmed with the kings that Kaido had not yet sent anyone to make a rubbing of the stone. "Kaido is arrogant," Shanks noted. "He would rather snatch the stone itself than bother with a copy."
"Inuarashi, Nekomamushi, I'm not here to force you. But many people on this island are innocent. If Kaido comes here, no one can stop him."
Under the weight of Shanks's logic and the looming threat of the Emperors, the two kings finally conceded.
"I understand," Inuarashi said, bowing his head. "Take it, Shanks."
"You're right," Nekomamushi added. "With Whitebeard gone, there is no one else on these seas with the power to stand against Kaido."