After burning Burakku's ship, Xie Wen and the others continued steering the Toot Toot Forward toward the Moby Dick. The Whitebeard Pirates did not stop them; one of their escort ships even took the initiative to clear a path.
"Even though we're here to 'visit a friend,' pirates are a lawless bunch. Some tiny bit of nonsense could easily turn into a fight, so we'd better not all go over together. Besides, leaving the Dudu behind all the time isn't very nice."
As the Dudu sailed onward, Xie Wen looked around at the cats and asked, "Shirahoshi and I are definitely going. As for the rest of you, why don't you discuss it yourselves?"
"Of course I'm going with Shirahoshi, meow!"
Jinx Meow jumped onto Shirahoshi's head and declared without hesitation.
As Shirahoshi's Big Sis, Little Blue Cat felt she had a responsibility to take an interest in her social relationships.
"Hmm... then maybe Klee should stay and keep the Dudu company, meow..."
(=ˇˇ=)
Despite her conflicted expression, Little Plushie voluntarily jumped down from Xie Wen's shoulder and chose to stay aboard.
Her reasoning was actually similar to Jinx Meow's. Having finally become a big sister, Klee Meow felt she ought to step up and look after her little sister, the Dudu.
[Big Sister Klee is the best, meow!]
(=`=)
The Dudu also jumped down from Xie Wen's head and threw herself into Little Plushie's arms, snuggling up to her.
"In that case, I can go with dear Xie Wen, meow~"
(=ω=)
Shalmeow immediately took the spot Klee Meow had vacated, gently rubbing her head against Xie Wen's cheek.
Just as back at the G-5 Branch, at least one of Shalmeow and Klee Meow, the Dudu's "power sources," had to remain aboard in readiness.
Now that Klee Meow