Meanwhile, as Nicholas continued his 'beast-taming,' some of the Mink Tribe on Zou had already begun to evacuate. With the help of their more aquatic members, they headed towards Wano. The formidable barriers of Wano, which were insurmountable for many, were no obstacle for the agile and warrior-like Minks.
"Dad, should we..."
Blackbeard looked at Nicholas, who was battling the giant elephant, and suggested.
In response to Teach's proposal, many under Whitebeard's command looked towards their leader, awaiting his decision.
"Teach, don't do anything else. Since the matter is almost settled, we should leave Wano."
Whitebeard glanced briefly and then withdrew his gaze. He didn't care much about the Kozuki clan or the giant elephant; his visit to Wano was only for the sake of Izo and his past friendship with Kozuki Oden.
The other pirates did not object to Whitebeard's decision. After all, they were pirates, the freest people on the seas. The idea that Whitebeard's actions might disappoint other crew members was baseless. Many of these seafaring men had accepted that their final resting place would be the sea, and few would ever have descendants. Thus, they harbored no resentment towards Whitebeard's decisions regarding the Kozuki clan.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield in Kuri, Momonosuke was growing anxious due to the delay of Zunisha's arrival. His biggest trump card hadn't shown up, and the Scabbards alone were no match for their enemies.
Just as Momonosuke hesitated, a shout rang out from a distance, and several figures charged straight at Vista. The attackers were the remaining Scabbards: Nekomamushi, Inuarashi, Kiku, and Izo. They knew that with Nicholas away, this was their best chance.
In an instant, the four launched a coordinated attack on Vista, momentarily gaining the upper hand.
At the same time, Kozuki Sukiyaki, disguised as Tenguyama Hitetsu, grabbed Momonosuke and the heavily injured Toki and began to flee the battlefield. As for Raizo, also gravely injured and unable to move, he was left behind. It was considered an honor for retainers to sacrifice themselves for their lord.
Raizo, seeing this scene, was not dejected but filled with joy.
"That's right, ensure Lord Momonosuke's safety. Lord Momonosuke, do not mourn for me. I, Raizo, have no regrets in my life!"
As he watched their retreating figures, tears streamed down Raizo's face. Ashina Isshin, noticing the sudden development on the battlefield, informed June before leading troops to confront the Kozuki loyalists.
"Oh, so you're trying to break through me? Interesting," Vista said with a grin as he met the charge of the Scabbards head-on.
Boom!
The clash was instantaneous, and the outcome was clear. The four Scabbards were sent flying back like ragdolls, crashing to the ground and raising dust.
The surrounding soldiers were stunned into silence. Among June's forces, Vista's strength was known, but seeing him easily dispatch the famed Kozuki retainers was shocking.
Raizo, watching in disbelief, realized how terrifyingly strong Vista was. In a single move, he had repelled Kiku, Izo, Nekomamushi, and Inuarashi.
"Don't be so arrogant!"
With a shout, Denjiro charged at Vista, slashing at his chest with his sword.
Clang!
The sound of metal clashing rang out as Vista caught Denjiro's blade with his bare hand. Before Denjiro could react, he saw a fist, wrapped in Haki, coming straight at him.
Boom!
Vista's Haki-covered fist smashed into Denjiro's head, driving him into the ground. The impact caused the earth to crater, rocks to upheave, and spiderweb-like cracks to radiate outward from Vista's feet.
"Denjiro!"
Izo, Kikunojo, and the others who had struggled back to their feet cried out in alarm. They had experienced Vista's power firsthand and knew that Denjiro, who had taken a direct hit, was in grave danger.
"This guy is ridiculously strong! Meow," Nekomamushi grimaced.
"Hey, don't underestimate him. That guy may be the second-in-command of the Nicholas Pirates, but his strength is terrifying," Izo said, wiping the blood from his mouth and looking at Vista with a serious expression.
Only someone who had sailed the seas knew the true terror of these enemies.
"Old Cat, be serious. This is a fight where one slip means death. And if we can hold on a bit longer, the people from Zou will surely arrive," Inuarashi said, glancing at the massive figure outside Wano, locked in combat with a lightning whip.
"Meow, remember that a cat's reflexes are seven times faster than a dog's. But you, stinky dog, better be careful," Nekomamushi retorted, his eyes also drifting to Zunisha's back. In his heart, he did not want the Minks to get involved in such a war, knowing that war meant death.
He was willing to die for the Kozuki clan, but the other Minks on Zunisha were innocent.
"Yohohoho, without the captain's orders, I can't let you leave."
With a cheerful voice, Brook appeared in front of Kozuki Sukiyaki.
At the same time, Sukiyaki felt a killing intent lock onto him. Any sudden movement would mean instant death.
As Sukiyaki desperately searched for a solution, a massive commotion erupted on the distant battlefield.
"Sea of Clouds Slash!"
"Secret Technique: Undying Slash!"
...
"I see that you are not a person of great evil. Why do you refuse to spare these defenseless women and children?" Sukiyaki, disguised as Tenguyama Hitetsu, earnestly asked Brook.
Brook was momentarily stunned by Sukiyaki's brazen flattery, especially given his skeletal appearance. It was the first time someone had called him a good person at first sight, though he indeed was a good person...
"That's not something I can do, and..."
"Since my Devil Fruit powers have developed, I can clearly sense the souls lingering in the human world due to their grievances, unable to rest in peace. And here... listen, they are coming."
As Brook spoke, Sukiyaki and Momonosuke suddenly felt numerous cold gazes upon them. Ghostly green spirits emerged from the ground beneath Kuri.
Being watched by so many vengeful spirits made Momonosuke's blood run cold. His soul felt frozen, and he lost control of his muscles, unable to even open his mouth to scream. His body trembled with fear, and a stream of yellow urine trickled down his pants to the ground.