A Conversation with the Ancient Elephant

"Zou Kingdom is in danger, Sakura. I can't abandon my people."

Carrot shook her head. She wasn't against joining the Friendship Pirates, but with her people in danger, how could she leave?

"What danger is Zou in?"

Bepo scratched his head and looked at Pedro and the others in confusion.

"Princess."

With Pedro supporting them, Nekomamushi and Duke Inuarashi approached Sakura, their grave expressions tinged with a plea.

"You don't have to be so formal. Just call me Sakura."

Sakura grew serious too. She could roughly guess what Carrot meant when she said Zou was in danger.

"Then forgive me for overstepping, Princess Sakura. We have a favor to ask. Could the kingdom protect Zou Kingdom?"

Despite saying he was overstepping, Duke Inuarashi remained unfailingly polite. He added "Princess" after Sakura's name rather than addressing her by name alone.

Beside them, Enel and the others watched Inuarashi with amused expressions and said nothing.

"Is this because of the Beasts Pirates?"

"Yes. I'd like to ask you to protect these youngsters, Princess Sakura. As for us old folks, we'll stay here and share Zou's fate."

Duke Inuarashi looked back at the Mink Tribe children hiding in their parents' arms and smiled faintly. As long as the seeds of the Mink Tribe survived, Zou Kingdom would endure. These children were their hope.

Sakura's heart softened, and she was about to agree when Enel interrupted her.

"Even if every mink here dies, the Mink Tribe won't go extinct. There are already minks in the kingdom!"

Sakura pursed her lips, ready to protest his detached attitude, but Rob Lucci stopped her with a slight shake of his head.

At that, Sakura fell silent.

"Princess Sakura, honored guests, please, for Rogue Rabbit's sake—"

Nekomamushi nearly lost his temper, but Duke Inuarashi knelt first and made