ONE PIECE: THE RED LION - CH 2

The leaves rustled softly beneath my feet as I walked behind the two furries I had met a few moments ago, a part of me was concerned about where they were taking me, the internet had made me wary of furries, but hey, they looked friendly enough.

 But here I was, tailing a pair of fur-covered figures through a dense forest, their forms blending almost seamlessly with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. They called themselves Lilo and Lila, two creatures I had stumbled upon not long after... well, whatever it was that landed me in this place.

"Keep up, hairless mink!" Lila's voice danced back to me, tinged with amusement.

"Maybe he's not used to walking in the forest," Lilo chimed in, glancing over his shoulder with curious eyes, like a dog unsure what to make of the new person.

Mink.

The word stuck in my mind as I jumped over a fallen log in the way, barely keeping them in sight, followed by a realization hit me like a semi-truck.

I had heard that word before.

In one particular anime, One Piece.

The thought slammed into me, and for a moment, I faltered, nearly tripping over a protruding root. My hands reached out instinctively, steadying me against the rough bark of a nearby tree. This wasn't just any odd new world; this was a place I recognized, one I'd seen on screens.

"Hey, you alright back there?" Lilo's voice held a hint of concern now, and I realized they had stopped and were looking back at me.

I straightened up, brushing off the momentary shock. I still wasn’t sure what to make of this, so I can’t panic without fully grasping my particular situation.

"Fine," I grunted, more to myself than to them. "Just keep moving."

They exchanged a glance, then shrugged and turned back to the path ahead. And so we continued, deeper into the heart of a forest that was becoming increasingly familiar, yet remained utterly foreign. It was a strange feeling, for now, all I could do was follow these furries and see where this strange situation would lead me.

….

…….

………

"Well this is not what I had expected," I muttered under my breath, as I continued to follow the two furries without paying too much attention. Isekais weren’t supposed to be like this, right? I mean, it struck me as odd, being pulled into a universe that already had its stories told, its heroes and villains set. An ordinary Isekai would have dropped me in unknown lands, blank pages waiting for my mark.

But here? Here the script was already written, and I was an uninvited actor stepping onto the stage, forced to become part of the narrative.

A branch snapped beneath my boot, breaking me out of my thoughts. What to do?

I didn’t know much about One Piece, I was a casual fan, as in, I had watched most of the episodes but couldn’t really remember the minor details or intricate plotlines. Still, the facts remained. I was in a world that I somewhat recognized. One that had its own rules and systems, established characters and conflicts.

I suppose I could use this to my advantage, I mean, my knowledge, limited as it is, could potentially give me an edge, in whatever I decided to do.

"Hey, Red," Lilo's voice interrupted my train of thought. "We're almost at the village."

"Red?" I asked, quirking an eyebrow at the nickname.

"Your hair," Lilo gestured vaguely at my wild mane, "It's red. Like fire. So, Red."

Right, my hair was red now, like crimson red. I wonder why? Hmm, maybe anime rules dictate no anime protagonist shall have a normal hair color, then again… Luffy has a pretty normal color, so… maybe whoever reincarnated me just wanted me to be a ginger…

Wait… am I a ginger?

My hair is borderline crimson red, not reddish/orange like most gingers.

Hm, I suppose either way it doesn’t matter as long as this world doesn’t have ginger jokes.

A clearing cut through the dense forest before us. Beyond it, the sight of the village stunned me into silence. Unlike anything I'd ever seen in my previous life or the One Piece anime, it was a marvel of architecture mixed with nature. Buildings blended seamlessly with enormous trees, their branches heavy with fruit and vibrant flowers.

"Welcome to our home, hairless mink!" Lila exclaimed, smiling so wide the Joker would be jealous. She twirled, her tail a flash of white, wagging, before she came to a stop in front of me. Beside her, Lilo nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with pride.

"It must be terrible not to have fur," Lilo mused, patting his own fluffy hide. "Or a tail," he added, giving his bushy appendage a wag for emphasis.

I… I was good with this body, I’m not sure I would’ve liked being a Mink, there’s a few anatomy questions in regards to them that… I want to leave unanswered.

"Don’t be mean! Maybe he’s shedding!" Lila defended, nodding towards me with an air of absolute certainty.

I… I’m not shedding, am I? I mean, I have only been in this new body for a total of two hours, so… I didn’t know everything about it just yet, but I can’t be a mink.

"True," Lilo nodded, stroking his snout with a contemplative air. "You might be right, sis. Our new friend could be going through some tough times with his fur, I mean, he doesn’t smell human at all."

I don’t smell Human at all?

Well that’s not concerning at all.

"When did you start shedding?" Lila asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. Her tail gave an excited wiggle as she awaited my answer.

"Uh, no," I replied awkwardly, not quite sure how else to respond to such a weird ass question. "I think I've always been this...uh, hairless."

Lila narrowed her eyes at me, leaning her head forward, inches away from me, a moment of silence stretching between us as she assessed my answer. Her fluffy ears twitched slightly, then she broke out into another grin, unabashed by my directness. "Always hairless? Hmm, you’re a weird one, you smell like a beast, and you look like a human, how odd, and interesting!

I suppose in a land of fur and fangs, having no fur makes me the odd one out.

"I’ll take that as a compliment," I replied, crossing my arms over my muscular chest.

Lila giggled, her small canine like white teeth peeking out from beneath her whiskered lips. "Interesting indeed! We rarely get visitors as unique as you." She turned to her brother with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Perhaps we should show him around, Lilo."

Lilo was already on his feet, an eager grin matching his sister's. "I like that idea, sis. Follow us, Red."

I shrugged, I might as well… I mean, sure I didn’t know what to make of the situation, and of course, I expected this experience to be in a brand new world like most Isekai start, but beggars can’t be choosers. I am glad for the opportunity, and besides, this being a world I knew might make things easier for me.

Sure, most Isekai protagonists are instantly overpowered, hopefully that’s my case… and without any difficulty they make all the ladies that meet them fall in love with them, hopefully that’s my case, I mean, a little flirting here and there never hurts anyone. The point is… that even if that isn’t the case for my situation, I am glad to have this opportunity.

"You are going to love the place!" Lila promised enthusiastically, leading the way with a spring in her step.

"The food is delicious," Lilo nodded, his tail flicking in agreement. "We'll make sure to show you our best spots to eat."

…

These two were really friendly, too friendly, considering how shitty humans had been to their in the past. Then again, who was I to question their hospitality? I prefer this to the alternative.

———————————————————————————————————

Lilo wasn’t lying about the food.

The food was surprisingly good, a blend of flavors I hadn't expected from a place nestled in a village of fur-covered beings. Lilo and Lila had insisted I try their favorite dishes, and I had to admit, their taste was spot on. As I savored another mouthful of the beef based meal, I couldn't help but notice the glances directed my way.

Not hostile stares, might you, just curious looks, like I was the newest exhibit at a weird zoo.

"Must be the red hair," I muttered to myself, inwardly chuckling at the thought. Of course they were staring at me, I was the only not furry individual around. However, it didn't bother me too much, the attention, which was honestly… strange, I was never one to care about others opinions, but I never liked being the center of attention, yet… here I was...getting a kick out of the whole spectacle without feeling a lick of nerves.

A little girl with fluffy ears and a tail tugged at her mother's sleeve, pointing in my direction. Her eyes widened as she whispered something excitedly.

I smiled awkwardly at a group of older villagers who were openly discussing me in hushed tones, their furry brows furrowed in curiosity.

Lilo nudged me with an elbow, grinning knowingly. "Enjoying the attention, Red?"

I shrugged. "In a way, I suppose."

Lila chimed in from across the table, her tail swishing playfully. "You're a hit, Red! Everyone's buzzing about you."

That was to be expected, again, I’m the only not furry individual around, an anomaly in their otherwise homogeneous community, before I could follow that train of thought, two furry kids came running towards me like hyperactive mascots at a sports event. One was a sprightly dog mink, the other a fat… cat mink, both wearing expressions of utmost importance.

They… looked oddly familiar, like Chibi versions of characters I have already seen…

"Behold, traveler!" proclaimed the dog mink dramatically, throwing his paw into the air. "I am Inuarashi, Duke of Zou, protector of the realm!"

The cat mink followed suit, leaping onto the table with a flourish. "And I am Nekomamushi, the master of the night!"

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, it can’t be… but...they are kids!

"See, he’s without words at our unfath… unfath, our power!" Nekomamushi finished triumphantly, puffing out his little chest with pride.

Inuarashi nodded in agreement, his diminutive frame straightening as he attempted to mimic the stance of a seasoned warrior. "We are the strongest minks after all!"

A burly mink, his mane looking like a proud lion's, strolled up to the table. "Sorry about that, stranger," he apologized with an amused chuckle, ruffling the kids' fur affectionately before scooping them up into his arms. "These youngsters have a knack for causing mischief."

"It’s okay," Lila said, smiling. "They're just excited to meet someone new."

"We are making sure this stranger knows we won’t tolerate any intrusion to our peace," Inuarashi said, his tiny face scrunched up in a semblance of sternness.

"And that he should be aware of how strong and awesome the Mink Tribe is!" Nekomamushi piped up, puffing out his chest even more, if that was possible.

I blinked, still processing the fact that if these two furries were the two big furries I had seen in the anime, it meant I was… decades before the anime even started.

The burly mink chuckled again. "That's a good point, little ones. We must always be prepared." He set the children down, offering me a grin. "So, what brings you to Zou, stranger?"

"God," I replied dryly.

"Oh a religious man? You don’t see those often," The burly mink laughed heartily, nearly doubling over. "The name’s Brutus."

"Valor," I replied, taking a deep breath. "Just call me Val."

"Valor… Brave." Brutus repeated, humming before continuing. "Sounds fitting for a man of your build. So, what's your business on Zou?"

"I'm exploring," I replied.

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were soon tugging at my pants, their tiny hands pulling me out of the small restaurant. "Come, dangerous stranger! You must see our training grounds!" Nekomamushi insisted, his eyes bright with excitement.

"You will soon see how fearsome our warriors can be!" Inuarashi added, a beaming grin spreading across his tiny furry face, his tail wagging from side to side.

They are really… just kids.

Unless…

"Is there any other Inuarashi or Nekomamushi around?" I asked, turning to Lilo and Lila, who were following us behind.

"Heavens no," Lila replied, her ears twitching in a sort of amusement. "These two are the only ones, God knows we can only handle these two, more than that, and Zou would collapse."

Well fuck, there goes my hope these two were just the grandkids of the two I had seen in the anime.

—————————————————————————————————————-

As Nekomamushi and Inuarashi dragged me enthusiastically towards the training grounds, I couldn’t help but wonder what to do now, considering all of my supposed meta knowledge was about as useful as an ass-flavored lollipop.

"Prepare yourself, brave stranger!" declared Inuarashi. "You are about to witness the might of the Mink Tribe!"

Nekomamushi nodded vigorously, his fluffy tail swishing like a proud banner. "Yes, see how fierce our warriors train! They're super strong! The strongest!"

Brutus lumbered behind us, his mane flowing majestically in the breeze as he chuckled at the antics of his enthusiastic offspring. "I don’t know about the strongest, but you're in for a treat, friend Val."

I suppose I was, in the anime, the Minks were quite strong, sure not the strongest, when guys like Kaido and Diabeta, I mean, Big Mom exist, but still quite strong. Their electric powers, and the ability to go feral during a full moon made them quite interesting.

Lilo and Lila walked alongside Brutus, sharing amused glances at the scene unfolding before them. Lila couldn't resist a soft chuckle, while Lilo nodded sagely, as if accustomed to the exuberance of Nekomamushi and Inuarashi.

"Indeed," Lilo agreed with a grin. "We are one of the fiercest tribes in all the seas!"

Eventually, we arrived at a clearing where several mink warriors were engaged in mock battles, their forms darting and weaving with impressive agility. Nekomamushi and Inuarashi bounded ahead, their small chests puffed out with pride as they pointed towards the practicing warriors.

"Look, Stranger! Look!" exclaimed Nekomamushi, his excitement palpable. "That's General Bigtooth sparring with Lieutenant Fluffytail!"

Bigtooth and Fluffytail?

Who named them? A seven year old girl?

Inuarashi added eagerly, "And over there is Sergeant Whiskers teaching young cubs how to pounce!"

Sergeant Whiskers… yeah, I guess that answers my question.

I watched with amusement as the mink warriors demonstrated their skills. Some were engaged in earnest combat training, while others practiced acrobatic maneuvers in the treetops. Every move was precise, every jump seemed calculated, it was honestly fun to watch.

"They're so cool, right?" Inuarashi asked eagerly, tugging at my sleeve to get my attention.

"Definitely impressive," I replied with a smile, ruffling his and Nekomamushi's fluffy heads. "You've got some strong warriors here, no doubt about it."

Brutus nodded proudly, his chest swelling with pride. "Our tribe takes pride in our strength and agility. It's a way of life on Zou."

Lilo leaned in, whispering to me with a playful glint in her eye, "Just wait until you see their battle cries. They're something to behold."

Sure enough, as if on cue, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi joined in a chorus of high-pitched yells, attempting to mimic the fearsome roars I imagined they had seen from the warriors at some point in their lives. The result was more endearing than intimidating, causing a ripple of laughter among the onlookers.

"Roarrrr!" Nekomamushi shouted, his tiny voice cracking mid-roar.

Inuarashi followed suit, his attempt at a battle cry sounding more like a delighted squeak. "Roarrrr!"

The mink warriors paused in their training, exchanging amused glances at the young minks in their spirited display. Some chuckled openly, while others offered encouraging nods.

"Keep practicing, little ones!" called out Sergeant Whiskers with a grin. "One day you'll scare off all the enemies with those roars!"

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi beamed with pride at the praise, with Inuarashi’s tail wagging furiously behind him. They turned to me with wide, expectant eyes, clearly eager to see my reaction.

"You guys are doing great!" I assured them, clapping my hands in encouragement, I didn’t have it in me to tell them they just looked cute. "Those roars will strike fear into the hearts of your enemies for sure."

They beamed at each other, their furry faces glowing with satisfaction. "See, stranger?" Nekomamushi said to Inuarashi, nudging his brother playfully. "I told you we were the strongest!"

Inuarashi nodded enthusiastically, his grin widening. "Yeah, we're the best!"

One day, they would be the best their tribe as to offer.

"Hey Brutus, who’s the new guy?" Sergeant Whiskers asked, pointing at me with a large paw.

Brutus looked over his shoulder at me, and a grin spread across his face. "Oh, right, I almost forgot you haven't had the pleasure of meeting our latest visitor." he said, walking over to where I stood. He clapped a friendly arm around my shoulders. "His name is Val, and he’s exploring our island."

"He looks strong," Sergeant Whiskers remarked, eyeing me with a gaze that carried a hint of appraisal. "Does the newcomer fight as well as he looks?"

I don’t know how to fight.

It’s what I would’ve normally said, however.

Instead of that, this is what came out of out my mouth.

"I'm more than capable of holding my own," I chimed in, finding myself unable to resist the challenge hidden in his words.

I blinked at my words, just from where in hell did that come from?

"Is that so?" he drawled with a playful glint in his eyes. "Care for a bit of sparring then, stranger?"

Ok, Val, this is your chance to about being tasered by a furry, just say no, and be on your way.

"Gladly," I replied in an overconfident tone, before I could even process the implications of what I was agreeing to.

The logical part of my head knew I wasn’t a warrior, I mean, sure, I took a few years of taekwondo when I was in high school, but I never actually fought anyone before, let alone a furry with a biologically equipped taser. Yet despite knowing this, there was a part of me that found the idea of retreating from a fight unthinkable, repelling even.

"Awesome!" Sergeant Whiskers smiled at my reply, before turning to some guys behind him. "Make room! And make it quick! We have a bout on our hands!"

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi gasped at the declaration, their gazes going from me to Sergeant Whiskers and back again.

Brutus just chuckled.

While Lilo and Lila had already taken a seat to watch the fight, hell, they already had snacks, drinks and all.

I blinked once more, wondering just where in the hell they had found food so fast.