Chapter 363: Zou – Enel vs. Inuarashi

Takumi didn't care about moving the ship, so if Enel didn't want to move it, that was fine by him.

Kaku, on the other hand, preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble and thought it would be better to move it. However, with Enel's stubborn refusal, things had become awkward.

Inuarashi was speechless. He was just about to try persuading them again when one of his subordinates ran toward him from a distance, shouting, "Duke! Captain Sicilian and the others have woken up!"

"Really? How are they now?" Inuarashi asked immediately.

Panting heavily, the zebra-like Mink warrior replied, "Everyone who fainted is fine. Captain Sicilian fractured two ribs. His wounds have been treated, but he can't move for now. The doctor says he needs time to heal."

Inuarashi nodded. "Good. As long as everyone is safe. Sicilian can take a break from his duties and focus on recovering."

Before Inuarashi could finish speaking, Enel let out a disdainful laugh. "Pathetic. Two broken ribs and he's already down for the count? I thought you half-human, half-animal freaks were supposed to be tough. Turns out you're nothing special."

Inuarashi stayed silent, but his zebra-like subordinate couldn't help but retort, "Easy for you to say! Why don't you break two ribs and see how it feels?"

"Tch." Enel shot a glance at Kaku. "That long-nosed idiot had his ribs broken by Takumi back at Enies Lobby, yet he still kept sailing with us, cooking, cleaning, and repairing the ship without missing a beat. You guys look tougher than him, but it turns out you're just porcelain dolls."

Kaku: "…"

"You—" The zebra Mink was furious. "Duke, may I punch him?" His hands sparked with weak electric currents.

Inuarashi shook his head. "Even the Musketeer Squad and Sicilian weren't their match. If you fight him, you'll just get crushed. Calm down."

"Exactly," Enel chuckled. "Listen to your duke. That toy-level electricity you're playing with isn't even enough to fill my tooth gap. Stop embarrassing yourselves."

Then Enel turned to Inuarashi. "Big dumb dog, you seem stronger than these guys. Perfect. Let's have a fight. If you win, I'll move the ship."

To everyone's surprise, Inuarashi agreed without hesitation. "Fine. That's a promise."

Enel rubbed his fists together, lightning crackling around his body. "The great Thunder God keeps his word."

The zebra Mink glanced at the darkening sky and grew anxious. "Duke! You can't! It's almost time!"

"No matter," Inuarashi reassured him. "I'll finish it quickly."

"Heh." Enel smirked. "Looks like you're confident, big dog."

Inuarashi smiled. "Likewise. If I win, not only will you move the ship, but you'll also have to change the way you address me. That's only fair, right?"

"Fine." Enel didn't care. "If I win, the ship stays where it is, and I'll keep calling you whatever I want. Until we leave Zou, you'll also have to comply with all our demands."

"As long as your requests are reasonable, I can agree to that. But this place isn't suitable for a fight. Follow me."

With that, Inuarashi turned and ran toward the outskirts of Kurau City.

Enel chuckled and followed easily.

The zebra Mink sighed and reluctantly trailed after them at a much slower pace.

Kaku let out a long breath and looked at Takumi. "Captain, aren't you going to stop them? You know Enel—he doesn't hold back. If no one keeps an eye on him, things might get out of hand."

After a brief silence, Takumi started walking in the direction Enel and Inuarashi had gone. "Let's take a look."

Kaku immediately followed. "I knew it. You've got a sharp tongue, but a soft heart."

Takumi: "…"

No, you're wrong. I'm only worried that if Enel kills Inuarashi, it'll affect the system mission. That's all.

As one of Zou's rulers, Inuarashi wasn't weak. But Enel wasn't weak either. With his Devil Fruit advantage and his staff, if Enel fought seriously without underestimating his opponent, Takumi had confidence in his victory.

But as Kaku pointed out, Enel didn't know how to hold back. Without supervision, it was entirely possible he might "accidentally" kill Inuarashi.

When Takumi and Kaku arrived at the battlefield, Enel and Inuarashi had already started fighting.

Enel didn't use his staff at first.

Inuarashi wielded his sword and exchanged a few blows with Enel. Then Enel summoned a sword made entirely of lightning.

As Enel drew his lightning sword, Kaku and the zebra Mink were speechless.

Inuarashi furrowed his brow.

Takumi, on the other hand, was reminded of a certain someone who had tried to fight him with a light sword.

Ah… when Kizaru brought out that light sword, Enel must have been watching closely.

This guy learned fast…

Holding his lightning sword, Enel proudly called out to Takumi and Kaku. "This is my new invention! After countless experiments, I've finally mastered it. Cool, right? Isn't it awesome?"

"Yeah, yeah, very cool. That's enough." Kaku chuckled. "When did you come up with that? I thought you were always lazy. Turns out you've been secretly working hard."

"Tch. Don't underestimate the great Thunder God!" Enel scoffed. "You're not the only one allowed to train in secret, Kaku. I've got ambition too!"

"Alright, alright," Kaku raised his hands. "I get it. Now please focus and respect your opponent."

"Hmph." Enel snorted and turned back to Inuarashi.

Inuarashi grew serious. "Looks like I'll have to get serious too."

Gripping his sword with both hands, Inuarashi bent his knees and let an invisible aura spread around him.

Even Enel, who didn't know much about swordsmanship, felt a faint pressure.

"Good! Show me what you've got!" Enel grinned and charged with his lightning sword raised high.

"Yahahaha! Take this!" Enel laughed, bringing his crackling sword down on Inuarashi.

A glint of determination flashed in Inuarashi's eyes as he prepared to counter.

But just as Enel's sword was about to strike, Inuarashi suddenly released his grip on his weapon and collapsed to the ground with a loud thud.

Enel's sword slashed through empty air. Frustrated, he was about to yell—

But Inuarashi had already started snoring.