Naruto Minato Template Ch 288 : In Zou

As the Straw Hats, Law, and Kirito prepared to depart from Dressrosa, the entire kingdom gathered to see them off. 

The citizens of Dressrosa lined the harbour, cheering and waving. "Thank you, Straw Hat Pirates! Thank you, Law! Thank you, Kirito!" Their voices were filled with gratitude and joy, a stark contrast to the despair they had felt under Doflamingo's rule.

Luffy stood at the ship's rail, grinning broadly and waving back. "Take care, everyone! We'll be back someday!"

Viola stepped forward, her eyes meeting Kirito's. "Thank you for everything," she said, her voice warm with sincerity. "You'll always have a place here in Dressrosa."

Kirito nodded a small smile on his face. "Thank you, Viola. Thanks to both of you and Rebecca I could get a clue where Asuna could have been." Kirito said as he learned that Asuna came here in Dressora 2 years ago.

Obviously, she too was looking for a way back and while here she learned about the Wano Country.

The only place where Ninja live. So of course she will, out of desperation go there. Kirito now finally had an idea of where he wanted to go.

Rebecca approached next, holding a bouquet of flowers. "For luck on your journey," she said, handing them to Kirito. "And I hope you find Asuna soon."

Kirito accepted the flowers with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Rebecca. Hope you fix everything with your father and I hope Dressrosa from now on will grow. Kirito smiled and finally went on board Bartolomeo's ship.

As the ship began to pull away from the dock, the cheers grew louder. Kinemon, Kirito, Luffy, Zoro, Robin, Ussop and law were ready to depart with Bartolomeo's ship towards the next island. 

ZOU

.

.

.

Kirito, Zoro, Luffy, Robin, Usopp, Franky, Law, and the Bartolomeo Pirates were greeted by an astonishing sight. What they thought was an island turned out to be a colossal elephant, its massive legs reaching down into the ocean.

'Damn, this might be even bigger than that turtle in Naruto world.' Kirito was truly shocked this time seeing Zunesha.

"Whoa! That's one huge elephant!" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.

Robin, always intrigued by the unknown, studied the creature. "This must be Zou. The city is on the elephant's back."

Usopp's jaw dropped. "An entire city on an elephant? How is that even possible?"

Franky grinned, his mechanical arm gleaming in the sunlight. "Now that's super!"

Bartolomeo looked in amazement "This is incredible! I can't believe we're seeing this with you guys!"

"Now how do we climb this elephant." Asked Bartolomeo. 

 Kurozumi Kanjuro, who aboard the ship later after leaving the dressrosa, hearing this said to leave this to him. 

And then he took out his giant brush from his black and drew a Rising Dragon at the deck of the ship. 

And then came out a not-so-dragon-looking creature from the deck of the ship. They planned to sit at his back and the dragon climbed at the elephant. 

Kirito seeing this, just deadpan. So while others sat at the back of the dragon and started climbing the elephant. Kirito just walked straight with his chakra attached to Zunesha's leg.

"Hey, how are you walking like that." Others shouted seeing Kirito walking nonchalantly. 

"I am a Shinobi remember." Kirito just rolled his eyes and he ran forward leaving others behind.

"Tch, if only I have that power."

.

.

.

Kirito sprinted ahead of the others, Despite having the ability to teleport to Nami, who had one of his Hiraishin kunai, he wanted to experience the journey to Zou firsthand. The sheer magnitude and mystery of the place intrigued him.

Reaching the top, Kirito found himself on a vast, sprawling landscape. What should have been a bustling city was now a scene of devastation. Buildings lay in ruins, and the air was thick with the remnants of smoke and ash. He walked cautiously through the desolate streets, the silence only broken by the distant cries of animals.

"Why can't I go somewhere and find that place in a completely intact and good position? What with my luck with finding wars, dictators and destruction everywhere I go ?" Kirito curses under his breath.

As he ventured into the dense forest, his senses heightened. Suddenly, a blur of movement caught his eye.

A rabbit-like girl lunged at him, her speed astonishing. Kirito dodged, avoiding her attacks without countering.

"Wait!" he called out, trying to communicate. "I am not here to hunt bunnies, I am not your enemy!"

She didn't respond, her attacks relentless. Kirito continued to evade her, not wanting to harm her. His eyes scanned the surroundings, noticing the agility and ferocity of his opponent.

Before he could react, another figure emerged—a man with the features of both a lion and a human. This one was larger and more imposing, and his attacks crackled with the power of lightning. Kirito's eyes widened as he blocked a powerful punch, feeling the electric current surge through his body.

"Why are you attacking me?" Kirito shouted, frustration mingling with his curiosity. "Now you are making me angry!"

Kirito didn't want to harm them but now he was getting mad.

The lion-man growled, launching another attack infused with lightning. Kirito deflected it, still holding back. He could see the confusion and anger in their eyes, but there was something else—a deep-seated fear and desperation.

'Fuck, alright.

Seems like I need to give them a reason to stop.' Kirito grumbles as he makes a fist and with insane speed delivers a punch right at the jugular of the demi-human. 

Using a little chakra infuse strength. Making the demi-human drag back with all the air left his lungs. 

"I don't want to fight you," Kirito said firmly, his voice carrying an edge of resolve. "But that doesn't mean I won't if you push me."

The rabbit girl and lion-man paused, momentarily thrown off by Kirito's words and actions. The brief respite allowed Kirito to study them more closely. Their attacks weren't just wild; they were coordinated, purposeful, and filled with a strange mix of lightning and physical prowess.

Definately they are sencient and can think for themsevles.

"Tell me what happened here. Why is Zou in ruins?" Kirito upon seeing they were no longer attacking just asked though he was ready to deliver a little more ass-kicking if so needed.

The rabbit girl hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. The lion-man, however, remained tense, his muscles coiled for another strike. It was clear they were wary, not just of Kirito but of something far more sinister.

"Seems like this conversation gonna take some time." Kirito just rolled his eyes and huffed.