Most Minks value their kinship greatly because their population is scarce. They need to rely on each other for support, even on Zou Island, not to mention when they rarely encounter rare fellow Minks in the outside world.
Whether it was Setsuna taking away some crops or Inuarashi splitting the Vivre Card, they didn’t hesitate at all. This is lending a helping hand to your kin whenever they need it.
Similarly, they also highly value gratitude, and repaying kindness is their trait. Even if the cost of repaying the favor is great, they are willing to do so.
Nekomamushi and Inuarashi owe a debt of gratitude to Kozuki Oden, and Setsuna to Beasts Pirates. Given these circumstances, it is understandable that they chose different sides.
However, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi were different. Inuarashi could think rationally, but Nekomamushi, who was prone to impulsive behavior, let his blind admiration for Oden affect his personal feelings.
While Setsuna and Inuarashi prioritize their kinship in handling issues, Nekomamushi is different. He has been heavily influenced by Oden to the extent that he only thought of the conflict between the Beasts Pirates and the Kozuki family.
Although it has not yet escalated, there objectively exists a dispute over issues such as the ownership of Paradise Farm. In Nekomamushi’s view, he sees it as the Beasts Pirates forcefully seizing it through coercion and dominance.
From his perspective, his viewpoint is valid; it can only be said that each has their own interests.
Moreover, the Beasts Pirates are ultimately pirates, and even though their rules differ greatly from those of ordinary pirate crews, it doesn’t change the fact that they are pirates.
While the Beasts Pirates primarily employ a policy of appeasement, it does not mean they have completely abandoned the use of force. There were indications of coercion, as seen when they were building Udon’s factories, where there were instances of forced demolitions.
Although those were done by Kurozumi Orochi, it is incorrect to say that the Beasts Pirates didn’t make any moves. After all, without Kaido behind them, the daimyos would undoubtedly oppose Kurozumi Orochi’s actions.
Even though the Beasts Pirates didn’t continue persecuting the residents as Kurozumi Orochi had hoped, and instead properly resettled them, balancing merits and faults doesn’t mean the “faults” disappear.
Paradise Farm can be said to be the only farm obtained through territorial compensation, and this was due to Kin’emon violating the rules established by the Beasts Pirates, thus paying the price.
By offsetting Kin’emon’s mining punishment with the right to use Paradise Farm, the only change is that Oden Castle cannot continue to have unconditional access to the crops inside. Apart from that, there are no significant changes in other aspects.
In Setsuna’s eyes, Kin’emon is not a victim but a criminal who reaps what he sows. However, she doesn’t impose this sentiment on Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. There are significant differences between individuals.
From the moment they met during the day, Nekomamushi had a minor conflict with her due to their identities. Just now, she kindly wanted to send both of them away and even generously gave them a lot of things from her own pocket. However, Nekomamushi remained stubborn and refused to admit his mistake.
“Do you think you’re not at fault?”
“I’ve already said it before, this place was snatched away by you people.”
“Very well, Inuarashi, put the things down. I’ve changed my mind,” Judging by Nekomamushi’s intention, it seemed only right for her to take back these things. If they were allowed to take them, it would appear as if she were admitting that it was her mistake and bowing down.
Since Nekomamushi made it clear, there was no need for her to extend goodwill anymore. Letting them leave here will be the end of their kinship.
Although the charge of theft is not as severe as rescuing prisoners, it wouldn’t be excessive to throw them into mines for a few days.
As she said that, she intended to take back the things she was about to hand over to Inuarashi. She waved her hand, urging them to leave quickly. However, it seemed that Nekomamushi didn’t want to leave just like that, as their purpose for coming here had not yet been accomplished.
“Inuarashi, you leave first. I’ll stop her for a while.”
“Isn’t this a bad idea?”
“Madam Toki is still ill.” Although Inuarashi was more rational, he wavered when it came to Kozuki Toki. Looking at the fresh green vegetables in his hand, his heart wavered too.
Nekomamushi’s actions finally crossed Setsuna’s bottom line. She had already tolerated the other’s behavior twice before, but this time she couldn’t hold back any longer.
“I said put the things down, can’t you hear?!”
With a powerful push from her legs, she practically shot out from her original spot. Her claws, sparkling with lightning, reached out towards the things in Inuarashi’s hand. Nekomamushi tried to stop her, but after seven years apart, he underestimated Setsuna’s strength, failing to even touch a single strand of her fur.
The wolf claws swept through the air, tearing the straw-woven basket apart with her sharp claws. Fresh fruits and vegetables scattered all over the ground, rolling down the slope into the distance.
“You keep accusing us of snatching your farm, but aren’t you also stealing my things now? You should go back and ask those people why they gave it to us!”
As she said this, she kicked towards Nekomamushi. Still recovering from the multiple collisions with the rolling Miltanks moments ago, he had just managed to struggle to his feet, only to be kicked away.
The accumulated resentment erupted completely at this moment, and Setsuna’s fist landed directly on Nekomamushi’s face.
“How dare you criticize me, how dare you make me say the wrong things, how dare you steal! I have tolerated you for a long time, do you know that?!”
There were faint lightning sparks shimmering on her fist, indicating that Setsuna was truly furious. Nekomamushi was left dazed, as in the past, they had fought before, but back then, Setsuna was no match for him. So, he never took Setsuna seriously in his heart.
But, after years of not seeing her, she had gotten much stronger than before. He had just recovered from the pain caused by Miltank, and now he was directly hit in the eye by Setsuna, leaving a big black bruise.
But just as she was about to make Nekomamushi symmetrical by giving his other eye a bruise as well, Inuarashi stepped in and blocked her attack.
“Setsuna, Nekomamushi misspoke. Please do me a favor and let it go. We were the ones at fault.”
His arm felt slightly numb, not because of the lightning, but because of the difference in strength. It seemed that Setsuna had changed much more than they had imagined over the years.
“Grant you a favor? Then what about my dignity?!”
Although Inuarashi intercepted Setsuna’s attack, Setsuna didn’t intend to stop there. Nekomamushi had taunted her multiple times, and if it wasn’t for old time’s sake, they would have gotten a beating a long time ago.
She shook off Inuarashi and continued to pummel Nekomamushi.
After a few strikes, although Setsuna’s attacks became lighter, she still didn’t show any signs of stopping. In this situation, Inuarashi also joined the fight against Setsuna.
He had a better relationship with Nekomamushi, and the situation had escalated to this point largely due to Nekomamushi’s impulsiveness. It was fine for him to suffer a bit, but Inuarashi couldn’t just stand by if it continued.
“Setsuna, that’s enough.”
Though she gave Nekomamushi a brutal beating, she had no intention of killing him or anything of that sort. Just moments ago, she was venting her frustration, and at this point, it was nearly enough.
“Nekomamushi, apologize to me. As long as you admit that you were wrong, I’ll let you go.”
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