THE STRONGEST CREATURE OF THE BEAST PIRATES

"No need." Alastor actually refused, speaking in a calm tone. "Pay Pay, you don't have to worry about such things. As for Boss Kaido, I'll give him an explanation sooner or later."

What's the point of going to Kaido now?

Lying, explaining, or kneeling and begging for mercy?

None of that is necessary anymore.

Alastor is immediately heading to Zou to subdue the fur tribe. After that, he'll gather their fighting power along with the other allies, destroy the Don Quixote family, and control the arms trade between Dressrosa and the underground world.

Once these tasks are completed, Alastor will face Kaido on Ghost Island and endure his wrath.

"Tama, brother will take you to see the outside world, okay?"

"Wow, really? Okay, okay!"

The little girl clapped her hands excitedly.

Since Alastor brought Tama to the Flower Capital, she had been having the time of her life, making friends and playing every day. However, she had never been outside Wano Country.

Hearing she could explore the outside world, of course, she couldn't help but get excited.

But after a moment of joy, Tama hesitated.

"However, my sister has just come back, and I can't bear to leave my sister…"

Yamato and Tama shared a bond akin to sisters. Yamato maintained a commanding presence before her subordinates, but in private, she and Tama often played games, their childlike connection intact.

Alastor stroked the little girl's head and smiled.

"There will be plenty of time in the future. You'll be able to travel the world together."

One sentence brought a smile back to Tama's face.

Taking Tama's hand, Alastor prepared to leave Wano Country again.

As they passed by Kuri, Tama suddenly lowered her head and spoke softly, "Brother, I want to see the master…"

Alastor paused.

Tama's master was Kozuki Sukiyaki. If not for Tama's innocence, he would have sent him to hell long ago.

Tama was a pure and innocent little girl, and Alastor didn't want her to witness the cruel realities of the world.

"Then go and have a look," Alastor replied.

He didn't take Kozuki Sukiyaki seriously. Even if the latter stood still, he couldn't harm a hair on Alastor's head.

They passed through Kuri and entered Amigasa Village.

Compared to the past, today's Amigasa Village was vastly different.

The villagers were no longer emaciated and on the brink of starvation. Though they weren't well-fed, at least they weren't skin and bones.

There were still a few who couldn't stop laughing, poor souls who had accidentally consumed Smile Fruit crumbs.

But their laughter no longer carried the same sorrowful tone—it was somewhat sincere now.

Alastor observed these cheerful people. The reason they were only capable of "laughing" was probably due to Smile's blood factor altering their bodies.

Alastor still carried Vegapunk's "Introduction to Bloodline Factors" in his pocket, having read it thoroughly before.

It was undeniably profound, beyond what most could understand.

Fortunately, Alastor had a theoretical knowledge base from his previous life, which made grasping its content easier. However, some practical aspects had yet to be tested.

"If given the chance, I could try. Maybe I have the talent to be a scientist."

If that were the case, Alastor would have unlocked a new ability, becoming a true all-rounder.

Alastor shook his head, smiling at the thought.

Letting Tama find Kozuki Sukiyaki herself, Alastor took out "Introduction to Bloodline Factors" again and started reading from the beginning for the second time.

Compared to his first attempt, he understood far more this time, delving deeper into its complexities.

However, some parts still puzzled him.

Alastor became more determined, unable to accept not fully understanding a book written by Vegapunk.

Subconsciously, he stimulated his brain cells, activating high-load thinking.

Prickly, prickly…

Electric currents surged through his brain, sending all cells into peak activity.

The human brain is actually very complex and possesses limitless potential. The average human brain uses less than one percent of its capacity.

Like Vegapunk, it's estimated that the brain can be developed to the extreme. Even with his Brain Fruit ability, Vegapunk's brain functions far beyond those of ordinary people, placing his capacity on an entirely different level.

Alastor's brain cells may not be as abundant as Vegapunk's, but under the stimulation of electrical currents, all brain cells are activated, allowing his brain to reach 100% processing power.

In an instant, Alastor seemed to perceive a whole new world—a future filled with infinite possibilities.

He unexpectedly grasped the solution to a problem he had been struggling with earlier.

"That's how it is. No wonder a scientist known as one whose brain surpasses the world by five hundred years has already thought to this level. Interesting, Vegapunk."

Alastor couldn't help but become very curious about Vegapunk.

Compared to the likes of Caesar Clown, who is essentially useless to him, Vegapunk is far more valuable—especially if he can create the Seraph Whitebeard.

However, Alastor has no idea where Vegapunk is now. After leaving Punk Hazard, Vegapunk likely established a new research island in the New World.

The exact location of this "Future Island" remains unknown.

Moreover, Vegapunk is heavily protected by the World Government, especially after the events of the top war. The government and navy, weakened by the war, now rely on Vegapunk's powerful inventions.

Taking a step back, even if Alastor finds Vegapunk, there's a high probability he won't betray the World Government.

In the original story, Vegapunk was forced to side with the Straw Hats only after the Five Elders attempted to kill him and sent CP0 to assassinate him.

The research Vegapunk conducts requires enormous financial resources, resources that only the World Government possesses. No other force could match their wealth.

In short, while Alastor wants Vegapunk's help, it seems unlikely for now. Perhaps there will be an opportunity in the future.

"Brother, let's go."

Lost in thought, Tama returned, her expression tense and unhappy.

Alastor didn't ask why, instead taking Tama to the ship parked at Wano Country's port, heading for Zou.

Tama couldn't hold back her frustration and said angrily, "Master is so hateful! He said that the food the general's sister gave to the villagers was poisonous, and that the policies he's promoting are rebellious and violate Wano's traditions. Hmph, what an old stubborn fool! I won't talk to him anymore!"

Alastor gently squeezed Tama's little face. "Okay, don't be angry. Let's play a game instead. You pick some dumplings, and I'll count how many you collect."

"Great!"

With no suspicion, Tama began picking out dumplings from her cute little face.

One, two, three…

Pulling dumplings required physical effort, so Alastor had someone bring a large bucket of red bean soup, asking Tama to drink while she picked.

After a while, Tama became so exhausted that she lay on Alastor's lap.

"Brother, brother, how many did I catch?"

"Well, there are thousands! Tama chan is really amazing."

"Hey... huff, huff..."

The little girl smiled and soon fell asleep.

Alastor carried Tama into the cabin bedroom and covered her with a quilt.

By the time they reached Zou, the sky had already darkened.

Zou sits atop the Elephant Lord, a mobile nation.

The Elephant Lord has lived for over a thousand years, standing 35,000 meters tall and measuring over 20,000 meters in length. He is the largest giant in the Pirate World, far surpassing even the largest sea kings.

The Elephant Lord possesses wisdom comparable to humans and was cursed to keep walking due to mistakes made long ago, linked to Joy Boy.

It seems that, apart from Joy Boy, only Momonosuke can command the Elephant Lord.

"In that case, your only value is as my food."

Alastor gazed coldly at the towering Elephant Lord.

"Lord Alastor."

Shimotsuki Onimaru, Sai, and Trafalgar Law, who had been waiting, approached the submarine.

Alastor only planned to take the three of them up onto the back of the Elephant Lord, as ordinary people wouldn't be able to climb such a massive creature.

Before ascending, Trafalgar Law suddenly warned:

"It's better to wait until daylight. Tonight is a full moon."

Bepo of the Heart Pirates is a member of the fur tribe, so Alastor knows that the fur tribe's most powerful form—the Moon Lion—appears during a full moon.

Alastor smiled nonchalantly. "Wouldn't that be better? Moon lions are rare to see anywhere else."

With those words, a thunderclap echoed as Alastor transformed into a bolt of lightning, speeding toward the back of the Elephant Lord.

Zou Island, also known as the Fur Tribe's Kingdom, has remained isolated from the outside world for generations.

At over 30,000 meters above sea level, the air here is thin, enhancing the fur tribe's physical abilities.

Their fur generates static electricity, allowing them to attack with electric currents, making even old and weak individuals capable of easily defeating minion-level pirates.

It can be said that though the fur tribe may be few in number, none are weak—they are a formidable force.

In the original story, the Straw Hats, Momonosuke, and others relied heavily on the strength of the fur tribe to fight off the 30,000 troops of the Hundred Beasts.

With such a powerful force, Alastor certainly wanted to subdue them.

Moreover, the retainers of Kozuki Oden—Inuarashi and Neko Mamushi—would inevitably become enemies sooner or later, whether Alastor acted now or not.

It's better to nip the threat in the bud.

At this moment, the night was perfect, and a full moon hung in the sky.

The fur tribesmen inside Zou had to shield their eyes to prevent transforming into Moon Lions accidentally.

A large cat thumped forward.

"Boss Cat Viper!"

The members of the Knight Squad, led by Pedro, called out one after another.

The furry kingdom is divided into day and night: Inuarashi is known as the king of the day and appears only during the day, while Cat Viper rules the night and appears only at night.

Since Oden's death, the two haven't been in contact.

"Has anything unexpected happened?" Cat Viper asked.

Pedro shook his head. "No. I've been waiting. Tonight is a full moon—perfect for battle."

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