Duke Inuarashi's spirits lifted upon hearing Michael's two requests.
"Michael, I have no objections to your first request. As long as you can persuade them, the Mokomo Dukedom never restricts our people's freedom... Just like Lindbergh."
"But regarding the second matter... how did you learn of this? Only Roger and Lord Oden knew about this..."
Duke Inuarashi didn't simply grant permission due to Michael's identity.
Though loyal to Oden, he wasn't foolish.
He needed proper answers before making any decisions.
In response, Michael pointed downward.
Duke Inuarashi blinked in confusion. "What do you mean by that, Michael?"
"I mean... he told me."
"He..." The duke's expression changed dramatically as comprehension dawned.
"You're saying... you learned this from Zunesha?! You possess the legendary Voice of All Things?!"
"Unless I'm hallucinating... yes." Michael nodded. "Zunesha told me there's a message there from Joy Boy intended for me."
"A message... from Joy Boy? For you?"
An overwhelming sense of destiny washed over Duke Inuarashi...
Zunesha would never lie.
What connection could this winged man possibly have with Joy Boy from eight centuries ago?
After several deep breaths, the duke gradually calmed his excitement.
Then, with solemn dignity, he addressed Michael.
"While I personally have no objections... the Mokomo Dukedom isn't governed by me alone." Duke Inuarashi sighed.
"The Poneglyph is kept deep within the White Whale Forest—our sacred Mink territory. No outsider may set foot there, or Nekomamushi would tear them apart."
"Nekomamushi... should still be asleep at this hour, right?" Michael raised an eyebrow. "Just point me the way... I can guarantee nothing will go missing in the White Whale Forest. As for the rest... I'll have Oden explain it later."
"Ah... alright."
Duke Inuarashi nodded in agreement.
After all, this was Lord Oden's father-in-law... Surely Nekomamushi would accept this reality after Lord Oden's persuasion.
And most importantly... This man's name was Michael.
Though Zou was also an extremely isolated place, as one of its leaders, he still had some access to outside information.
If this Michael was indeed the legendary Michael...
Even the entire Zou combined probably wouldn't stand a chance against him.
For such a powerful figure to come to Mokomo Dukedom, not only refraining from acting arbitrarily but even seeking their opinions...
This alone already put him leagues ahead of those self-centered powerhouses!
One could only say...
Truly worthy of being lord Oden father-in-law!
...
While flying toward the White Whale Forest, Michael encountered resistance several times more intense than before.
Hoping to avoid unnecessary trouble, Michael considered flying at a higher altitude...
But unexpectedly, a fur-clad figure in green leaped from a tree, charging straight at him.
With every movement came crackling electric sparks...
This was another reason Michael admired the Mink Tribe warriors.
Thanks to their unique racial advantage, they could generate powerful static electricity through their furry bodies to augment attacks.
Either by directly coating their strikes with static or using strong electric currents to temporarily boost their muscles beyond normal limits.
This incoming attack clearly utilized both methods.
"Outsider! I won't let you enter the White Whale Forest!"
As he drew closer, the figure roared.
Michael got a clear look at the Mink's features.
None other than Zou's most formidable fighter, the tearjerker of the Whole Cake Island arc...
Pedro of the Jaguar Mink Tribe.
Michael regarded the man with appreciation.
Possessing considerable combat strength coupled with exceptional mental fortitude.
Enduring, unyielding, righteous, cautious, and deeply loyal.
Though extremely distrustful of strangers, once you earned his friendship and trust, he'd demonstrate unwavering loyalty and gratitude.
Willing to sacrifice everything to protect comrades and country.
Aside from his somewhat prickly temperament, undoubtedly one of the finest warriors among the Minks.
No wonder he guarded the tribe's sacred land.
However...
"Pedro, I can't be bothered explaining too much."
As he spoke, Michael effortlessly neutralized Pedro's attack and lifted him by the scruff—like holding a large cat.
Pedro was dumbfounded.
How... had this person just dismantled his assault?
The speed was downright absurd!
And...
"Why are you holding me by the scruff like this?!"
"Aren't you a jaguar Mink?" Michael asked curiously. "Jaguars are essentially... just big cats, no?"
"The Mink Tribe and ordinary beasts are completely different races, okay!?"
"But your body seems to say otherwise."
Michael glanced at Pedro, whose limbs instinctively curled up the moment his scruff was grabbed.
Then, right in front of the other members of the Musketeers, he carried off their leader like this.
"Uh, am I seeing things? Pedro was carried off like a kitten?"
"Even though it's an emergency, why do I feel like laughing?"
"If we're going to laugh, at least wait until we rescue Pedro first before laughing in his face!"
"No choice... We'll have to wake up Master Nekomamushi ahead of schedule!"
...
Outskirts of the Flower Capital.
"It seems all the masterminds behind the attack on Wano have already gathered here."
Rosinante nodded.
But then, Hancock leaned in and whispered,
"There are still a few missing..."
"Who's missing?"
"The executives of the Donquixote Family. Though not particularly strong, ordinary samurai won't be able to handle them. And most importantly..."
"What is it?"
"Dyna Stones have been buried all over Wano. These Donquixote Family executives know their locations and can detonate them!"
"Dyna Stones!?" Rosinante's pupils constricted. "Have everyone immediately begin searching for the Donquixote Family!"
At that moment, the ground in the Flower Capital began to bulge and warp, eventually forming a human shape.
It was Pica, one of the Donquixote Family's top executives and a user of the Stone-Stone Fruit.
"Marines! Release our young master at once!"
"Otherwise, I will detonate all the Dyna Stones buried in the Flower Capital and its surroundings!"