"Laugh Tale..."
Lily looked up at the Red Poneglyph, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
It wasn't because it differed from the ordinary Poneglyph with its red hue, but due to the information it revealed.
Whether it's a naive child or a princess secluded in her chamber, they all know this information.
The ultimate Grand Treasure sought by the world, now one-quarter of it is in their hands.
As Pirates, they clearly had touched the qualifications to approach the Grand Treasure.
She watched as Sage was engrossed in the text, unconsciously hopeful, "Sage, do you recognize this text..."
"How did they engrave this stuff, are the stonemasons really that skilled? Even I can't cause any destruction to this, you know."
After patting the stone surface and expressing his admiration, Sage turned back to Lily, "Lily, what did you say?"
"No, nothing." Lily quickly replied.
She was fortunate...
The Red Poneglyph was the same size as the ordinary Poneglyphs; after a brief touch, Sage found the leverage point, and with both arms, lifted the rooted square stone block upward.
Bang!
With a muffled sound and the smoke ring swirling around his feet, Sage steadily caught the bottom of the Poneglyph with one hand, holding it up single-handedly.
"Alright, let's go."
Carrying the Poneglyph, Sage was the first to walk out through the dark door, leading the group back along the path, soon reaching the town's center.
At this moment, some of the Fur Race had already started drinking with his subordinates.
This obstinate race, perhaps due to their animalistic nature, naturally follows a leader; only when the leader surrenders, do the common folks follow suit.
Otherwise, they remain unmoved regardless of the situation, slaying one in front of them equates to enmity with the whole race.
Yet, similarly, once the leader surrenders, they reluctantly follow in submission.
Though exceptions always exist, those who venture out at sea are different.
For instance, Pekoms, ordinarily should have a vendetta with Big Mom, yet still joined the Big Mom Pirates.
These seafarers understand even more what the rules of the sea are.
However, this applies not just to the Fur Race but to anyone who ventures out to sea.
Once vigilance was lifted, facing the goodwill exuded from their subordinates due to shared resources, some Fur Race instinctively began to draw closer, mostly carnivores and large animals.
Yet, it was only a part of them; more of the Fur Race remained observing, and these were omnivores and herbivores.
Though they are all part of the Fur Race, there are differences among them; large and carnivorous beasts differ from omnivorous and herbivorous ones, the former being more aggressive, admiring strength.
The latter is gentler, more inclined toward peace.
These traits can be seen clearly in the Fur Race leaders.
Nekomamushi and Inuarashi aren't herbivores, while Shishilian and Pedro are extremely ferocious beasts.
"Has it been taken..."
From afar, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi watched Sage carrying the landmark, their expressions darkening.
The item they had guarded for generations, ultimately snatched away, without time for duplication.
Though Whale Forest remained unscathed, bringing them some solace, they couldn't help but wonder about one certain revelation.
If Sage was so determined that their Holy Land did indeed possess something of value, he would go to any lengths to acquire it; the dark door was exceedingly hard for outsiders to find.
Yet now peacefully taken, indicates that either Shishilian or Pedro must have willingly divulged the information.
Clearly just surrendered unwillingly, yet soon after showing signs of wavering...
"Hey! It's red!"
Renedia, munching fruit, had just spat out grape seeds; upon seeing Sage approaching, her eyes lit up excitedly, exclaiming:
"So this is the 'landmark', huh, Sage? With this, can you become Pirate King?"
"A Pirate King in quarters."
Next to her, Marika chucklingly said, "You'll need to grab the other three."
"You sound like the Pirate King has been dismembered."
Sage rolled his eyes, tossing the Poneglyph to Marika, who similarly raised a single hand, catching it steadily, causing the heavy weight to slightly shake the ground.
"Take it back."
Speaking, he looked around at the Fur Race drinking with his subordinates, and those watching from afar, loudly asserting:
"I've claimed the item here, you yield to me, hence as agreed, I shall offer you protection. From now on, Zou is my territory, Elephant Lord is my possession!"
"Considering your racial traits, I offer you two paths, no need to choose, decide for yourselves!"
His words drew the attention of numerous Fur Race, some revealing worry, unsure what trouble this disaster, threatening to easily wipe them out, might bring about.
"First, select some willing to follow me, join my Disaster Pirates, henceforth becoming my subordinates, sharing in prosperity, moving from Zou and rooting in my territory!"
"Second..."
Sage paused momentarily, raised his hands skyward, laughing loudly: "First, do you find the things I brought satisfactory?!"
The Fur Race drinking alongside his subordinates were momentarily stunned, glancing at each other, eventually a brave tiger Fur Race spoke up: