Chapter 136: The Mink Tribe
Soon, the two new captives were brought before Ryuunosuke.
One was a leopard-type mink, similar in appearance to Pedro.
The other was an adorably petite mink with squirrel features.
The leopard mink was male and introduced himself as Conrad.
The squirrel mink, a well-known figure among their kind, was a female named Finks.
"You both understand the terms of returning to Zou Island, right?" Ryuunosuke asked directly.
"Yes," Conrad replied with a nod. "We are to work under your pirate crew for a year. We have no objections. Thank you for rescuing us."
He dropped to one knee in a show of gratitude.
Given how rare and unique their kind was, their fate in the black market was often tragic. Some were lucky enough to end up as guards, but most were sold as exotic playthings for the wealthy. Compared to that, Ryuunosuke's conditions were more than fair.
At the very least, he treated them with dignity.
"Good." Ryuunosuke nodded, then asked bluntly, "I have a question. That Sulong form— is it a natural ability, or do you have to train to unlock it?"
At the mention of the Sulog Form, Conrad's expression changed to one of shock and suspicion.
It was a deeply guarded secret of the mink tribe. Even Luffy and his crew, who had spent considerable time with the minks, had no clue about it. When Carrot first transformed, everyone had been stunned.
The mink tribe's potential was still vastly underestimated.
"How do you know about the Sulong Form?" Conrad asked cautiously. "Forgive my rudeness, but... please explain."
Such knowledge wasn't public, and its exposure could bring danger to the entire tribe. If people knew the full extent of their power, the minks would become even bigger targets.
"I have ties to your people," Ryuunosuke answered casually. "So naturally, I know some of your secrets—like what you're guarding, and your true lineage."
"If we're talking seniority, then Kozuki Oden and I are contemporaries."
The moment Kozuki Oden was mentioned, Conrad's wariness melted into stunned silence.
Very few outside the mink tribe even knew that name, especially in detail. The fact that Ryuunosuke, who wasn't from the New World, could bring it up was enough to convince him.
"The Sulong Form is innate," Conrad admitted. "Every mink has the potential. But to awaken it, you need intense training. The form isn't just rare—it's dangerous. It consumes stamina rapidly and carries the risk of losing control."
Ryuunosuke nodded in understanding.
"So it can't be used during the day?"
"Correct," Conrad confirmed. "You need to gaze directly at a full moon. That's what triggers the dormant instincts within us. In that state, everything—our strength, our Haki, our reactions—evolves. We fight purely on instinct."
Ryuunosuke pulled something from his coat.
"A Devil Fruit?" Conrad blinked, clearly confused.
Such fruits were valuable, but the mink tribe usually relied on their raw physical abilities. Few of them ever ate Devil Fruits. Of course, this was less about pride and more about access—most minks never even left Zou Island.
Only a handful, like Pekoms of Big Mom's crew, ever acquired one.
"This is the Moonlight Fruit," Ryuunosuke explained. "A Paramecia-type. It gives the user power over moonlight. With proper development, it might even allow you to simulate a full moon—during the day."
Conrad's eyes widened with realization.
Just the idea of being able to enter the Sulong state at will—and during the daytime—was revolutionary for their kind. The combat potential would skyrocket.
"Don't look so eager," Ryuunosuke smirked. "I brought it out because I want you to use it."
"But if you eat this fruit, you're not just a rescued slave anymore. You become an official member of the Dragon Hunter Pirates. Specifically, you'll serve as Captain of the Fifth Squad—Handyman Division."
He laid out his terms clearly.
Zou Island was too important to ignore. The mink tribe might not have many top-tier fighters, but in Sulong form, even leaders like Inuarashi and Nekomamushi had once injured Kaido.
They were a dormant powerhouse.
"...Alright," Conrad said after a moment of thought. "I'll join. But I ask one thing—please don't hurt my people."
Though tempted by the offer, his heart still belonged to Zou Island.
"Don't worry," Ryuunosuke replied with a calm smile. "If you become one of mine, then the minks of Zou Island are under my protection. I won't just spare them—I'll treat them as my allies."
Conrad's body relaxed.
Then, with resolve burning in his eyes, he dropped to both knees and raised his arm in salute.
"Captain Ryuunosuke, Conrad is ready to become your spear!"
Whether it was the gratitude for being rescued, the chance to protect his homeland, or simply the charisma Ryuunosuke exuded—it all led to this moment of loyalty.
"From this day forward, you are Captain of the Handyman Fifth Division of the Dragon Hunter Pirates," Ryuunosuke declared.
"You'll be in charge of the freed combatants and any women who choose to stay aboard. And remember—you now carry the pride and legacy of the Dragon Hunter flag."
With a flourish, he raised the pirate flag and handed it to Conrad.
"I will shed blood and sweat to protect the name of the Dragon Hunter Pirates!" Conrad shouted.
He accepted both the Devil Fruit and the flag with visible pride on his face.
As he did, the system acknowledged him as an official crew member. A surge of energy erupted from within, flooding Conrad's body with new power.
He took a bite of the Moonlight Fruit.
Immediately, light began to shimmer around him. Moonlight radiated from his body, illuminating the deck. His fur, once golden yellow, grew longer and paler—shifting into a radiant white.
The aura pouring off of him was overwhelming.
And yet, strangely beautiful.
His transformation had begun.
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