Very Good

The next day, not a cloud marred the sky. A round red sun rose, a cool sea breeze drifted through the air, and the whole kingdom woke early.

The streets grew lively. Elderly people exercised, shops opened, and laughter and calls rang out everywhere.

On Zou, Nekomamushi went to find Carrot first thing in the morning.

"Lord Nekomamushi? What brings you here?"

Carrot was curious. Nekomamushi, the elusive chief, had come looking for her so early.

"Haven't you gone to the kingdom?"

Nekomamushi sounded as matter-of-fact as ever, showing no change in mood.

"Oh, I'll go in a bit. Sakura wants to visit the amusement park today." Carrot genuinely noticed nothing unusual about him.

"We've been here for several days. I'm planning to host a banquet for the kingdom's princess. Invite her over."

Nekomamushi smiled, though his large face made the expression a little frightening.

"Why?" Carrot asked, puzzled.

"We haven't properly thanked her yet. That's rude." Nekomamushi glared at her.

"Oh, right!" Carrot's ears pricked up, and she nodded in sudden understanding.

"Off you go, then." When Carrot agreed, a sinister glint flashed deep in Nekomamushi's eyes.

An hour later, the entire Friendship Pirates crew had gathered in a pavilion in the back garden of God's Island. They had agreed yesterday to go to the amusement park together.

"Where's Lily?" Carrot asked, looking around the pavilion.

"Oh, we're going to eat lunch at Lily's dad's place first, then head to the amusement park."

Sakura rubbed her stomach.

"Sakura, Lord Nekomamushi asked me this morning to invite you to Zou. He wants to thank you." The mention of food reminded Carrot of his request, and she tapped her forehead.

"Thank me?"

"Yep. Just come, okay? There'll be a banquet!"

Carrot's eyes sparkled, making her look like a crafty kidnapper.

"All