Really great chapter for Carrot4nakama.
As anticipated, there was a reason why Oda hid the Carrot fight all this time. To allow for the surprise reveal of her defeat, but also because it's unnecessary since this won't be her final fight as once thought. The rematch was set up in this very chapter. That aside, there are three other interesting details:
1. Round 2 + potential powerup
They came close, but Peros admits that the moon being covered forcing them out of Sulong prematurely was the reason that they lost. If this was the end of things, Oda could've just had him beat them at their strongest and have that be that. Say Carrot tried her best and then pass Peros onto a stronger ally. But instead he intentionally planted doubt, and Carrot's beaten but still conscious, meaning the conclusion hasn't yet been reached.
Also potential foreshadowing for another power up, one that doesn't rely on the moon and weather.
2. Mentor Pedro
Pedro's message is once again mentioned, serving as Carrot's motivation. Showing Pedro to truly be Carrot's own mentor figure, with his final words holding equal meaning to her as J. D. Saul's, or Hiriluk's, or Tom's to their respective straw hats.
3. Subversion
This is a really good line for Carrot4nakama once you break down what it actually means. Peros is telling Carrot that if she doesn't want more dead friends then she should "hop back to the woods and chew on grass". He's basically telling her to go back to Zou and just act like a rabbit. Claiming that she's not suited for pirate life.
This is clearly setup for a total subversion. Pedro's words to Carrot was to become a strong warrior and keep pushing forward. Peros is telling her to go back to Zou and be a bunny. Which do you think is more likely to happen?? The fact that the villain is basically saying what Carrot antis have been pushing for years is pretty hilarious though. But the very fact that it was him, a villain, that said these words strongly suggests that the exact opposite is what's inevitably going to happen. She's going to have a huge moment to shine like Pedro foretold, in which she'll prove exactly why she is "more suited" for the pirate life and that she can protect and help her friends just fine.
In short, the possibility of Carrot going back to Zou is on a doomed path and is set to be completely debunked. Likewise, there's strong possibility for a huge Carrot moment, highlighting her skills, will and determination, proving why she's fit to be a pirate with the straw hats.