Chapter 358: Zou – The Peaceful City, Kurau City

Observation Haki can enhance one's senses, allowing them to detect changes in the surroundings and predict danger.

However, not all Observation Haki users can observe everything within a certain range from a god-like perspective.

Enel's Observation Haki is a unique case. If he desires, he can monitor anything within a vast area, much like a high-definition surveillance camera with a wide field of view.

Although Takumi's Observation Haki had reached level nine with a considerable detection range, it was still not on Enel's level.

But that didn't matter.

With the system at his side and so many skills at his disposal, Takumi had little to worry about.

Without overthinking, Takumi turned to leave after finishing his sentence to Enel, heading toward the city of Zou.

Kaku gave Enel a pat on the back and chuckled silently before following Takumi.

Watching the two walk away, Enel's lips twitched. He wanted to curse but couldn't find the words.

Without hesitating, he expanded his Observation Haki. When his senses caught sight of several enormous fruits hanging from the trees, Enel was stunned into silence.

The area where they were standing, the Whale Forest, was under the jurisdiction of the King of Night, Nekomamushi.

Since it was still daytime, Nekomamushi remained in his slumber until 6 PM. During this time, the Whale Forest was protected and patrolled by members of the Musketeer Squad under his command.

However, most of the Musketeer Squad members had been severely injured earlier by Enel and Kaku.

Thus, during the half-hour walk through the forest, Takumi and his companions didn't encounter a single member of the Musketeer Squad.

Before long, they emerged from the forest and laid eyes on Kurau City, a town surrounded by four watchtowers and the forest itself.

The structure of the city was somewhat reminiscent of Water 7, with a large ancient water supply structure in the center. Several canals branched out from the main structure, carrying seawater into the numerous water troughs spread throughout Kurau City's streets and alleys.

Since this was the homeland of the Mink Tribe, the city's residents were naturally all mink people, covered in fur.

Rarely did outsiders visit this place. As a result, the Mink Tribe lived a peaceful, joyful life, free from external influence.

"Uh… Are all the people here animal-hybrids?" Enel glanced around at the harmonious streets and the friendly Mink Tribe residents.

Kaku rubbed his chin and answered, "The Mink Tribe rarely interacts with outsiders. They are said to be fierce warriors—men, women, even children. They are all capable fighters. I've also heard they don't like humans. Judging by how quickly that group earlier tried to attack us, that seems to be true. But that rabbit girl… she didn't seem to dislike humans at all. Now I'm not so sure."

"Heh, long-nose, you're mistaken," Enel said lazily, picking his ear. "You call those weaklings who fell to my lightning strong fighters? Do you even know what 'strong' means?"

"Not everyone is like you," Kaku retorted bluntly. "You rely on your Devil Fruit and gear. In pure hand-to-hand combat, even two of you wouldn't be their match."

"Tch." Enel snorted. "Not my fault they aren't Devil Fruit users and don't have decent gear."

"Forget it." Kaku gave up arguing and turned to Takumi. "Captain, are we heading into the town?"

Takumi replied with a calm "Yes" and led the way toward Kurau City.

Kaku and Enel followed closely behind.

As they stepped onto the peaceful streets of Kurau City, the Mink Tribe residents turned their heads, their faces filled with surprise.

Instinctively, they took a few steps back, warily watching the three strangers.

The children hid behind their parents, peeking out nervously yet curiously at the newcomers.

"Who are they? Why didn't we hear the guest bell?"

"Wow, are they hairless minks?"

"They look so cute!"

"I want to Karuchuu them!"

"Wait, we don't know who they are yet. They could be intruders."

The Mink Tribe started whispering among themselves.

"Karuchuu again?" Kaku asked, puzzled. "That rabbit girl said it earlier too. Is it a catchphrase?"

"Sort of," Takumi answered for once.

Kaku raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Captain, do you know what it means?"

Before Takumi could reply, a familiar voice called out from a distance.

Carrot, holding a giant red apple, bounced toward them with excitement.

"Master Thunder God! I brought the apple you wanted!" Carrot cheerfully bounded over, holding up an apple so large it completely obscured her face. "Here! Take this apple, and you'll officially be my master!"

Seeing the apple, Enel was tempted. Although the size of the fruit amazed him, the thought of taking on a rabbit apprentice immediately dampened his mood.

"A promise is a promise," Kaku chuckled, looking amused. "This little girl seems sincere enough. Since she met your condition, you should just accept her as your disciple."

"You—" Enel glared at Kaku, then turned to Takumi for help. "Captain, can I kill this rabbit brat?"

Without even pausing, Takumi walked past him and said calmly, "Do what you want."

Enel froze for a moment.

Sensing an opportunity, Kaku quickly added, "Captain, if this big oaf takes the little rabbit as a disciple, will we have to bring her along on our future travels?"

Kaku had high hopes. Even though Carrot was young, he believed she could be trained into a useful companion—if not by Enel, then certainly by himself.

But the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.

Without hesitation, Takumi replied, "No."

"Ah… as expected." Kaku sighed.

Suddenly inspired, Enel came up with a way to get rid of Carrot. Taking the apple from her hands, he smiled wickedly.

"If you really want to be my disciple, it's not impossible," Enel said. "But I'm a traveler, and I won't be staying here long. If you can convince my captain to take you along, I'll consider it."

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