Mediating Conflict

Nekomamushi and Duke Inuarashi spoke in unison, but stopped abruptly before they could finish. They heard that familiar yet repulsive voice and immediately turned around to face each other.

Duke Inuarashi frowned slightly. "You madman, you're here too..."

"If I could, I wouldn't want to see you again, you old dog!" Nekomamushi's tone was more intense than Inuarashi's. He was an impatient person, which complemented Duke Inuarashi's steady and considerate nature.

Duke Inuarashi said coldly, "Then there's nothing more to say!"

The Nekomamushi snorted coldly, and the atmosphere between the two suddenly heated up. Sparks seemed to fly in the air, and a tense atmosphere spread.

The surrounding Mink Tribe townspeople wanted to persuade the two to separate, but they stood by, trembling and afraid to speak, holding their breath and not daring to breathe.

The King of Night and the King of Day have always been like darkness and dawn, unable to coexist or appear together. This has been the consensus of all the townspeople for the past twenty years. But today, this has happened. They watched helplessly, not daring to stop or restrain the two kings' actions. They could only silently pray that the two would not break out into battle.

Just then, Buggy strolled casually between the two, pushing them apart. "Nekomamushi, Inuarashi... what happened to make your relationship so strained?"

"Well!!"

All the Mink Tribe villagers watching gasped, their hearts pounding with anxiety as they watched Buggy's actions. What was he doing? He had actually separated the two kings! He was doomed; he was sure to be torn to shreds by the kings' wrath!

Duke Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were also taken aback. Looking at Buggy who had pushed them away, they said in unison again, "So it really is you, Buggy, who used to hang out with Shanks on Roger's ship!"

"Well..."

The onlookers, the Mink Tribe, were dumbfounded, their faces freezing once again. This seemingly unremarkable human... was actually a friend of the two kings!

Buggy pulled back into his arms, hiding under his cloak. "What exactly happened? You still haven't answered my question?"

"It's nothing... It's just that we had some disagreements back then, to the point that Lord Kozuki was unwilling to let us serve him any longer and sent us back." Duke Inuarashi said this deliberately in a lighthearted manner, but one could sense the anger and displeasure hidden in his tone.

"That whole thing started because of you, you old dog!" the Nekomamushi gritted its teeth angrily.

"If you hadn't been making a scene... how could this have happened!" Duke Inuarashi looked extremely angry.

The two men glossed over the matter, Buggy, though somewhat confused, saw the atmosphere, which had just calmed down, rising again to the point of near explosion. He spoke up to stop them, "Can't you two see me, your guest, here? We haven't seen each other for so many years, and you start making a ruckus as soon as I arrive. You're really not giving me any face!"

The townspeople watching were completely bewildered, almost unable to comprehend Buggy's reprimanding tone towards the two kings... Just who is this guy?!

"Buggy," said Nekomamushi, "It's not that I don't respect you, but seeing this old dog just makes me very unhappy!"

Duke Inuarashi retorted sharply, "I've never gotten along with this madman, and we never even meet. You've come at the wrong time today. If it were any other day, I would certainly have treated my old friend to a good meal."

Buggy glanced at the two of them. "What hurdle have you two been unable to overcome in the past twenty years?"

The two did not answer, but simply stared at each other with hostility.

Buggy then asked, "If you two don't see each other, how come you suddenly bumped into each other today?"

Nekomamushi and Duke Inuarashi did not forget their business despite their encounter with each other; with Buggy's reminder, they brought it up again.

"Because something happened to Zunesha, listen, Mad Cat, there's no room for negotiation between us, and you should know that!"

"Old dog, even if you don't say anything, I won't discuss it with you. Decisions regarding the future of the Mokomo Dukedom can only be made by one person, and there can only be one way to choose that person!"

Both said at the same time, "Let's decide who makes the decision through a duel!"

Buggy glared at him. "Hey, you two are way too self-centered. Take care of my feelings!"

Nekomamushi said, "This is between him and me. Buggy, you shouldn't stand in the center anymore, or you might get caught in the crossfire and get hurt!"

Duke Inuarashi said, "We'll discuss your reception after we determine the winner!"

Buggy's expression darkened. "You two shouldn't be so arrogant. If you want to fight, I'll be your opponent!"

Duke Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were taken aback. In their memory, Buggy wasn't the kind of guy who would face difficulties head-on; he would quietly hide in the back when something happened. Where did he get his confidence now? Even his personality had changed somewhat.

"How about this, the two of you team up. If you can defeat me, I'll let bygones be bygones. But if you can't defeat me, then we'll sit down and have a proper talk!"

Fighting the cat and dog will give Buggy more combat experience, hone his skills, and also help to reconcile the relationship between the two.

"Shall we join forces?"

Buggy's words caused Nekomamushi and Duke Inuarashi to exchange a glance. They were familiar with their classmate and didn't believe that Buggy could win even if they joined forces.

The surrounding townspeople couldn't help but whisper among themselves. To them, Buggy's words seemed far too arrogant. Could there really be someone in this world who could make Nekomamushi and Duke Inuarashi join forces to attack?

Despite the discussions, as a warlike race, they secretly looked forward to seeing this scene: how exciting it would be to see the two kings join forces against an enemy!

Duke Inuarashi said, "Stop joking. You don't need to get involved in what's between me and this mad cat."

"Oh, well then..."

Buggy grinned and said deceptively, "If you are willing to follow my advice, I will tell you the oral message I received from Kozuki Oden in Wano Country."

"Kozuki!" Nekomamushi and Duke Inuarashi stared wide-eyed. "What did he say to you?"

Buggy asked with amusement, "Take a guess?"

Nekomamushi said with some suspicion, "Don't play us, Buggy. You've never even been to Wano Country, have you?"

"If you don't want to know about Kozuki Oden's situation and his oral message, then just pretend I never said anything."

Duke Inuarashi extended his paw. "Since your conditions concern Kozuki, don't blame me for treating an old friend this way. This time, I'm making an exception..." He glanced at Nekomamushi as he spoke.

The Nekomamushi licked its paws. "Maybe you're right, Buggy. When I get angry, I won't listen to reason, so you'd better watch out..."

The two kings... are finally going to join forces!

The townspeople and the Musketeer Squad excitedly withdrew, clearing the battlefield to witness the only collaboration between the two kings in twenty years!