Author's Note: Welcome back to another chapter of Leader of the Family of D. Glad you all liked last chapter, and are ready for me as we head into this chapter. Now, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT IS HERE! So, If you go back to the prologue and read up to chapter 13 with all my fixes, You'll see that I edited out the Sharingan and Anbu Black Ops and replaced it with something that is in the One Piece world along with fixing much of the grammar, you'll also see a clear explanation of what Elemental Haki is along with some other stuff here in this chapter, as I've made the final fixes so read through it back up to this chapter and enjoy, so as a very good suggestion from the author, Do A Full Read, it will help. I hope this is very satisfying, and helps to make it more interesting. So without anything else to say, let's get into this chapter.
I don't own One Piece or any crossover elements from other anime's which all belong to the respective owners.
"..." Character P.O.V.
'...' Character thoughts
"..." Attacks
'...' Narrator
Chapter 14: Little Garden And Giants
After the whole ordeal with meeting Nico Robin after setting off from Whisky Peak, Luffy and the crew were sailing across the Grand Line towards their next destination known as Little Garden. For the most part they were sailing calmly across the water. Though they want to get their quicker but the winds weren't as kind to them right now, so Giyu had used a bit of his devil powers to move the ship forward a bit, and had to stop after some time of using it too long.
So now, Luffy was currently sitting on the figurehead writing in his logbook with a glass of orange juice that he had Sanji bring him, Giyu was sharpening his sword not too far away from him. Sanji, Usopp, and Lily were fishing a bit to keep up their stock of food on the ship. Zoro was sleeping in the crow's nest while Nami, and Vivi were talking to each other for a bit as her duck, Karoo was looking out at the ocean. Nojiko however, was practicing with her sword, and with Giyu's help was finally learning how to use Breath of Water Style so she was currently concentrating on her breathing.
So now, the wind had picked up again for about an hour, so they were making good time across the ocean. Earlier, Luffy had asked Nami to get the coordinates for when they would reach Little Garden so now she was doing that. Though in this time of relaxation, Luffy had a thought of his own.
'From what Giyu's told me, the other generals will make a move to get to us quicker or wait to be picked up. So we should be all together before we reach Water 7.' thought Luffy eager to see his other friends again after some time had passed after their whole defection.
As he was in thought, Nami came up to give a report to Luffy as she decided to speak.
"Luffy at our current heading, we should reach Little Garden in three days." says Nami as Luffy nodded.
"Good. Very good." says Luffy as he closed his logbook for Vivi to walk up.
"Do you think we'll reach Alabasta in time? Or will we be too late…" says Vivi worried with a frown of her own.
Luffy for his part, got up and walked over to pat her on the head as he spoke.
"I was asked by not only Igaram but you to help your country, and I will as the agreement was made. We'll make it there in time, I can promise that much. I won't go back on my word, you can believe that." says Luffy reassuring her as he walked away.
Vivi looked at Luffy's back on what he said, and ultimately decided to believe in his words. She had trust in him due to a past encounter during Levely a year before he removed himself from the Marines and World Government entirely. So now, Nami walked up and brought Vivi out her thoughts with a smirk as she spoke.
"You like him, don't you?" asks Nami with her smirk present.
Nami for some time had been watching Vivi to notice that she had been eyeing Luffy for moments at a time. It was clear to Nami that the desert princess, and the pillar general of wrath had a history with a story to tell. One that Nami knew would be interesting to hear. So when Nami said this, Vivi for her part got a small blush while becoming frantic about what she asked while answering.
"What? No! Your making up things!" says Vivi with a blush and acting frantic, as she quickly turned and walked away fast.
This only proved Nami right. As she thought about it, it seemed Vivi had a crush and one that had been resurfacing too, so Nami became determined to know the story behind it. But at the same time was thinking about something for her part as well with a small blush that quickly went away.
- With Luffy -
As Luffy walked away from the figurehead to the main deck, he signaled Giyu to walk with him as he spoke.
"How is Nojiko doing with Breath of Water Style?" asks Luffy.
"Very well. She's already learned to do the first three forms of the style." says Giyu informing his captain.
Luffy nodded at this information he had just received as they walked to the back of the ship. When they got over, they arrive to see Nojiko with a bamboo practice sword. She was practicing her strikes on the dummy in front of her, so that she would be better and more precise with her attacks. So as they both reached her, Luffy decided to speak out first.
"So how's the training coming along?" asks Luffy with a smile.
Nojiko stops and turns with a smile herself.
"Very well. Since Giyu has been teaching me how to use his Sword Style, I've been able to figure out how to move more flexibly than I already am." says Nojiko breathing a bit hard with a smile.
Luffy nodded and decided to speak again.
"That's good, remember overdoing it won't do any good for your body. So know your limits and when to take a break." says Luffy giving her this advice.
"Right." says Nojiko with a smile.
"Though after what happened on Whisky Peak with us letting our guard down. It is to be expected if some of us are on edge, so try to keep a calm state of mind." says Giyu as he continued with a serious look. "After all, now that we've started working with you and the rest of the crew in getting Armament Haki, all we need to do now is to train and strengthen it in a battle while helping you to summon it at will." says Giyu finishing as they both nodded.
"Which reminds me, we should be able to help them all unlock it before were finished in Alabasta, right Giyu?" asks Luffy curious about the Armament Haki training.
"Absolutely." says Giyu with a nod.
"Good." says Luffy satisfied with the answer as a voice brought them out of this conversation.
"Hey guys!" says Sanji speaking out to the crew and getting their attention as he continued. "Anyone care to sample my special drink over lunch?" asks Sanji out to the whole crew.
This got everyone to stop what they were doing and come over now to enjoy lunch.
- Kitchen, Going Merry -
The crew along with Vivi and her duck, Karoo were now enjoying lunch courtesy of Sanji in the kitchen. As everyone sat down, Sanji started serving food to everyone while flirting with the girls. So now as they were enjoying their meal and eating, Zoro decided to ask a question that was on his mind at the moment.
"Luffy, what should we be expecting to face on Little Garden when we get there?" asks Zoro wanting to be prepared for what comes.
"To be honest, we should be expecting higher up members of Baroque Works, possibly Officer Agents with Devil Fruit abilities. Among this hypothesis I have, we may encounter the two idiots from before on Whisky Peak due to the beating they received from me along with not wanting to fail their boss." says Luffy making his own assessment.
"So we should expect more agents along with the ones we encountered before on the last island, huh." says Sanji thinking out loud with a sigh as he continued. "Sounds about right to be honest." says Sanji thinking about it.
"Yes, so we should be on guard when we get there and be prepared to fight, and dispose of them as quickly as possible." says Giyu being serious as he finished eating.
As this was said, everyone nodded due to knowing this hypothesis could turn out to be true when they get there. It wasn't that they were scared but just a bit tense at facing another Devil Fruit user, as they haven't had much experience in terms of fighting them. So now, Usopp decided to ask a question that he had been on his mind for a while now.
"Luffy, you said you were gonna explain to us what Elemental Haki is. Do you think you could explain it now by any chance?" asks Usopp curious.
Luffy finishes his plate while wiping his mouth to then speak for an answer to Usopp's question.
"Yes I never really did explain that, did I?" asks Luffy to himself as he decided to give an explanation now. "Elemental Haki, this kind is for everyone as it allows the user to use the elements found in nature. Different fighters have different Elements that are a representation of that person's spirit or personality. The user is able to use all the elements of Water, Earth, Fire, Wind, and Lightning along with other sub-elements like Ice for example which is my main element. The kicker is that you have to "Will" that element into existence because that's all Haki is, your will power or spirit as some call it. The other piece about this and Elemental Haki is that some of the attacks or elements will represent a certain animal or some being that is supposed to represent your spirit, and will." says Luffy explaining that this to Usopp as everyone listened.
"So it allows you control over the elements?" asks Zoro curious.
"Yes, so with enough control you'll be able to use the elements around you without always having to manifest it from your own Haki, but will be able to use what is available around you while infusing the Haki into the element. Also you will know that it's Elemental Haki, if the element has a purple-aura around it or inside the element as it will be easier to pick up." says Giyu letting them know about that as well.
"Though, it's better to learn it later and not now since were going to be going into a battle on Little Garden in the coming days." says Luffy informing them of his plans as everyone nodded.
The Strawhats had come to a decision on how to proceed for the upcoming island while learning more about the elemental sect of Haki. The night would continue on with much relaxation.
- Three Days Later -
It has been three days now at sea on the Grand Line as the crew were making their way to Little Garden. So in this time, the crew had been keeping up on Haki training and were improving with Zoro learning to be more efficient with the demon slayer mark. In this time, Vivi had joined in the training alongside them as she had nothing better to do and figured it would help her. As for Luffy, he was reading on the works of Poet's from the Grand Line and Four Seas as Giyu yelled out getting his, and the crew's attention.
"Island ahead!" says Giyu yelling from the crow's nest while alerting everyone on the ship as he was now coming down.
"Alright, take us in!" says Luffy yelling out his order as the crew went to maneuver the ship towards the Island.
As they did this, Luffy continued to look at the island before them with Nami looking at her Log Pose, and speaking out.
"There's no mistake. Cactus Island and this one here are definitely pulling against each other. Our next stop!" says Nami letting them know this is Little Garden.
As this was said, the crew got a smirk while some started cheering as they had finally arrived and were coming in closer.
- Little Garden -
As the ship sailed closer to the island, they started seeing the jungles surrounding it. So while they were currently looking for an entrance into Little Garden, the crew was speaking to each other about the island's overall layout.
"Something tells me that this isn't why this island is called 'Little Garden'." says Sanji as his eyes narrowed a bit as he was looking at the island himself.
"Exactly. What's little about it?" says Zoro with folded arms.
"Yeah, this island looks pretty harsh if you ask me." says Nami with Nojiko nodding.
"So why the cute name?" asks Nojiko curious herself.
Once this was said, Usopp for his part backed up a bit as he spoke.
"Y-Yea it looks like a jungle out there. Maybe we'd be better off skipping this one." says Usopp sweating a bit.
"Nope, we're gonna explore it." says Lily eager with a small smile.
"If we are then we have to be careful, I can't help but remember the warning Ms. All Sunday gave us." says Vivi as they all remembered while finding it a bit vague.
Luffy decided to speak now, as he need to point something out.
"Well were here already, so no use in trying to leave now." says Luffy.
"Listen, I'm sure we can make it to the next island without going ashore on this one!" says Usopp in some panic.
Once this was said, Nami and Sanji decided to speak up on this.
"The only way to reset the log, the few of us have is to go ashore." says Nami with her hands on her hips as Sanji spoke now.
"Not to mention were in some dire need of restocking our food supply," says Sanji as he thought about it and continued. "We didn't get so much as a sack of flour in the last town." says Sanji informing them of that.
"Not to mention, Luffy did inform us of the possible threats we may face here." says Giyu reminding them of this.
"Guys, there's our ticket in." says Zoro pointing to what he was seeing while getting everyone's attention as they came to look for themselves.
Everyone looked to see where he was pointing, and saw a river going into the island that seemed to also run through it as well. So now, Nojiko decided to run over to take control of the rudder, and with the help of Giyu's Devil Fruit abilities along with Nami telling them how to turn, managed to guide the ship into the entrance of the river.
- A Few Moments Later -
As they were sailing on the river to find a place to anchor the ship, they all noticed how large the vast jungle around them was on both sides. As the area around them was filled with the sounds of different animals that inhabited the island. For the most part everyone was fine, though Nami was starting to have second thoughts about this island as a whole as she noticed the plant life on the island along with some of the members of the crew taking notice to this as well. So now, Nami decided to speak out about it herself.
"I don't know, Usopp may be right about this one." says Nami as she turned to point at the plants while continuing to speak. "Just take a look at the gargantuan plant life here. I've never seen anything like it not even in books." says Nami informing them of that.
"Yea, your right. I'm starting to see that as well." says Giyu narrowing his eyes a bit as he turned to Luffy. "Somethings off about this place, Luffy." says Giyu to Luffy.
"Yea I've noticed too." says Luffy continuing to observe the plant life and island as a whole as he continued. "Though this is to be expected from places in the Grand Line considering some islands, the Log Pose can take on a few minutes but for some other places, the Log Pose can take years or whole decades." says Luffy informing them of the possibility.
This caused all of their eyes to widen except for Giyu, and Lily who had a thought of her own.
'It's like this island is stuck in a certain point in time almost…' thought Lily with a thoughtful look on her face.
Though this didn't last long as she was taken out of thoughts by Usopp panicking even further as he was on the ground a bit.
"Were all going to die!" says Usopp on his hands and knees at the possibility of being stuck here that long.
"Calm down, we don't even know if that's the case here. So keep your cool." says Luffy telling him to calm down.
As he said this to Usopp, a loud screeching sound could be heard. This made Nami and Usopp cover their ears from how loud it was. Sanji for his part was admiring Nami as he spoke.
"Your so adorable." says Sanji with a content expression on his face.
The minute he said that, Usopp got an idea of his own as he spoke.
"Thank you." says Usopp acting like Nami as Luffy, Lily, Nojiko and Zoro got a small chuckle from that.
Sanji for his part got angry and responded the way his mood did.
"That's not funny! I was talking to Nami!" says Sanji yelling out with shark like teeth.
"Forget that! What was that screeching?!" asks Nami concerned.
Sanji turned back to her now with a smile, forgetting his anger as he spoke.
"It's alright love, it's only a bird perfectly harmless." says Sanji with a smile.
"Sanji." says Giyu as he saw something that made his eyes widen a bit.
Sanji didn't bother to hear him as he continued speaking to Nami.
"Just like this jungle. Nothing to worry about." says Sanji never noticing something behind him.
"Sanji." says Luffy seeing it as well while trying to warn him again.
Nami and Usopp saw it as well, and became extremely scared as they turned to run in different directions on the ship. Sanji for his part kept his happy mood but was confused by the two as he blinked twice.
"What's wrong?" asks Sanji confused.
"Sanji...Duck!" says Lily yelling out to warn the cook.
The moment she said this, Sanji's Haki came up last minute to warn him as he turned to see an overly large bird trying to swoop down and grab him. He ducked just in time as the overly large bird flew off with a screech. Sanji for his part got up now while putting his hair back in place but was irritated.
"What the hell's the matter with you?! Ya damn bird!" says Sanji angry.
"We tried to warn you." says Lily with sweat drop.
As she said this, the crew sensed something with Haki and turned to stare out into the jungle on the side of the ship. For a few moments the bushes rustle in the jungle for a large tiger to emerge from the bushes, and begin following the ship while staring at Luffy, who just stared right back as the tiger took it as a challenge by the emotionless ice storm look in his eyes.
"I've never seen a tiger that large before." says Giyu with a serious expression as he had a hand on his sword.
"Neither have I." says Vivi scared while standing behind Sanji with a scared Karoo.
"Normal tigers are not that large, even by today's standards." says Lily serious as well with a hand on one of her spears.
As everyone was staring at the tiger as it walked beside the ship, it suddenly stopped and it's eyes went wide with a roar while coughing out blood, only to then drop the ground dead. Luffy was surprised just like his crew was due to what he just saw happen.
"What the hell." says Giyu shocked for his part as well.
"Okay serious, I know normal but what could have killed that large tiger like that?!" asks Nami scared out of her mind now.
Luffy looked at the tiger a bit longer as they kept sailing but ultimately spoke out now.
"I have no idea, though this is exactly why I said be prepared." says Luffy while worrying most of the crew and making them remember his warning to be ready, as he continued to speak. "Alright, once we get a bit further down, well drop anchor." says Luffy as everyone nodded.
- Little Garden River Shore -
As the crew sailed further down, they found a place to drop anchor. So now, Zoro and Giyu dropped the anchor in the water to keep the ship where it was. The wind stopped blowing on the Jolly Roger of the ship as the two swordsman spoke out to their captain.
"Anchor dropped Captain!" says Zoro and Giyu as Luffy nodded.
He then turned to Sanji, and spoke out.
"Sanji go make lunch." says Luffy with a grin.
Sanji for his part turned to his captain a bit confused by the request as he spoke.
"You want lunch?" asks Sanji confused as Luffy turned to him again.
"Yep, I want to get my energy up." says Luffy as he tightened his tessellated headband around his head under his hat while shedding off his black patterned haori as he wore no shirt for the time being.
He then stretched a bit while causing Sanji to nod with a smirk, and walk off for the kitchen. As this happened, Luffy continued to stretch his body a bit more only for Nami to walk up quickly and speak.
"Get your energy up for what exactly? Just what are you planning to do?" asks Nami with a stern look as she stood next to Nojiko, and Vivi as they all had their hands on their hips while staring and waiting for an answer.
Luffy for his part had to admit that this was amusing to him. As he got a chuckle while being nervous at the predicament he was in. So now, Luffy decided to speak and answer her question.
"It's been a while since I got to hunt wild animals, plus I want to explore this island a bit more for myself." says Luffy calmly with a smile as he continued. "Wanna come with me?" asks Luffy as he still had the smile.
'Yep it's useless. Plus with his strength, he'll be just fine.' thought Nami with a sigh as she then looked at his upper body a bit, but ultimately looked away entirely with a blush.
As she had this thought, Lily came to stand next to him already deciding to go with him. Vivi for her part was looking at the jungle and came to a decision as she turned to Luffy, and spoke.
"Say Luffy, would it be alright if I come along with you?" ask Vivi curious with a small faint blush on her face while looking out into the jungle.
As everyone on the ship, who had decided to go into the jungle of Little Garden, while also getting their gear all together had stopped for a moment to look, and stare at Vivi with wide eyes and surprised expressions. So now, Nami turned to her greatly shocked as she spoke.
"What?! Vivi you can't be serious!" says Nami yelling in shock while staring at her.
Vivi just smiled at Nami before she spoke again.
"Yeah, I'd rather not sit here with nothing to do but worry about my troubles. This will keep me busy until the Log's reset." says Vivi with a smile.
"That's the spirit, Vivi." says Luffy with a smile.
"More like brave…" says Usopp shaking his head.
- An Hour Later -
After some time, Sanji got the lunches ready for Luffy's group so that they could start exploring. Sanji got everything set up in a bag for Luffy while he put the ladies lunches in a pouch on Karoo. He gave the duck a small barrel canteen full of water in case he got thirsty. So now, Sanji spoke out while being proud of his work.
"Alright your all set to go now, Three lunches for Luffy, Lily, and Vivi and special drink for Karoo." says Sanji with a smirk.
"Thanks Sanji." say Luffy with a grin as he went to grab Lily bridal style.
"Eep! Luffy!" says Lily surprised as Luffy just got a smirk and jumped off the ship onto the ground.
Luffy turned around a final time as Karoo jumped down with Vivi on his back.
"Feel free to explore guys! Though make sure to get what we need and get back as quickly as possible." says Luffy as he put down Lily to hold her hand as they started walking.
Vivi for her part turned to wave as she spoke for a final time.
"Well, see you guys later!" says Vivi as her group goes off into the forest.
With that, Luffy and his group were gone now as they went to explore the jungle of Little Garden. Nami and Usopp were talking about how Vivi's so brave and how she's nothing like how royalty is supposed to be. Zoro came down from the upper deck of the ship while cracking his neck to speak.
"I'm bored. I'm gonna go take a walk." says Zoro bored while shocking Usopp.
"Take a walk?!" asks Usopp yelling.
"I think I'm gonna go explore for my part and hunt for a little bit." says Giyu getting up while stretching a bit.
The two then went to jump off the side of the ship, and land on the ground. Sanji got surprised for his part as he decided to speak out on something.
"Hey Zoro, Giyu, wait up!" says Sanji now getting both of their attention as they turned.
"You guys know were kinda short on food, right? If you guys could find any animals that appear edible, bring'em back." says Sanji telling them to hunt something.
"Okay seems easy." says Zoro as Giyu nodded as they both turned while Zoro continued. "I could see why you wanna send us because we could bring back something you couldn't catch yourself." says Zoro now walking off with Giyu a few paces ahead.
This got Sanji to get ticked off and respond angrily to the swordsman.
"What the hell does that mean?!" says Sanji yelling angrily.
This makes Zoro and Giyu stop and turn to Sanji, Giyu sighs knowing these two while Zoro turns with a grunt of question. Sanji decided to speak as he put his foot on the side of the ship.
"I won't let that remark go unchallenged, and that counts for you as well Giyu." says Sanji making sure Giyu knew that as the man in question had a blank and tired look.
"How do I fit into this when I didn't even challenge you?" asks Giyu in exasperation with a blank and tired look.
"Because your a swordsman like moss-head next to you." says Sanji.
'I swear, he and Zoro are just like another teammate of mine…' thought Giyu tiredly as Sanji continued to speak now.
"Your saying you saying you can capture bigger game than I can like my hunting skills are inferior?" asks Sanji to Zoro directly with a look of challenge on his face.
Zoro turned fully now to Sanji and spoke.
"Yea that's right." says Zoro while gritting his teeth as Sanji did the same.
The two were like this for a bit as the others look on in amusement. As they could almost see electricity dance between them inside their glares. So now, Sanji decided to speak.
"Challenge accepted." says Sanji as he went to jump down from the ship and continue speaking. "Okay, winner brings back the most pounds of meat." says Sanji turning his head away a bit as he looked at Zoro.
"What do you mean pounds? Cause I'll bring back tons." says Zoro as he did the same.
As the three begin to walk in their separate directions with Zoro taking the left, Giyu taking the middle area ahead of him, and Sanji taking the right. The cook of the crew begins to speak for a final time.
"Why don't you let your hunting, do your talking for ya." says Sanji.
"Huh. Good luck cook." says Zoro as they all start walking off with Giyu still wondering how he got wrapped into all of this.
As Giyu was about to walk off, Nojiko came up and stopped him by grabbing his shoulder to speak out.
"Hey, mind if I tag along?" asks Nojiko with a smile.
"Sure." says Giyu with a nod, and a small tuck of his lips while trying to keep his serious expression.
So now, Nami and Usopp were left on the ship to watch it as the others ran off to explore the island. As this wouldn't be the only taste of entertainment that they would get from all of this.
- With Luffy And His Group -
Luffy was walking with Lily, and Vivi along with Karoo through the jungle for quite some time. They hadn't found anything yet as Luffy had his Tanto out, ready for anything to come their way. As they were running through the jungle for sometime now, they suddenly stopped when the ground started to shake beneath their feet like an earthquake or the island shifting as a whole. When they all looked up to see a dinosaur eating the leaves off a tree near it's height. This got them all to become shocked as Luffy spoke out now starting to figure this island out.
"Now I'm starting to get it. It's like this island has been frozen in time, during the age of the dinosaurs to be exact." says Luffy as he continued. "Though, this could be because of the Grand Line's unique state as a whole, as this island seems to predate mankind." says Luffy making his assessment.
As this was said by Luffy, the next thing that happened shocked them all. The ground started to shake again, indicating movement and quick as the dinosaur's head was cut clean off and came flying off causing the group's eyes to widen in shock. The reason why was because of what cut its head off.
"Is that…" says Luffy a bit shocked with his mouth slightly open.
"A…" says Vivi shocked
"Giant." says Lily impressed that one of her kind were on the island.
As they all stood in awe, Luffy looked over to the severed dinosaur not to far from his group while observing the effects of such an attack as he spoke.
"Look at the wound from the attack, it was a swift attack but also a very clean cut. This Giant before us is skilled in terms of battle, most likely a very seasoned warrior." says Luffy as he then turned his eyes back to the one who brought the dinosaur down, as they spoke.
"Gegyagyagyagya! It's been quite a while since I've seen some people with shocked looks like yours! What fun and entertainment!" says the Giant bending down to Luffy and his group while putting them on guard as he spoke again. "The greatest warrior of all Elbaf! I am Dorry! Gegyagyagyagya!" says the Giant now Identified as Dorry, who was jovial in his greeting. This got Luffy to calm down a bit and drop his guard a bit slightly along with Lily.
Dorry is a well-built giant with a long beard that is dressed in a viking-like attire with a helmet that goes over his eyes. He is so large that Luffy can fit in the palm of his hand. Along with this, he is 160 years old, which means that he is a giant in the prime of his life.
Vivi for her part dropped to her knees as she spoke with Karoo on the ground unconscious from what could be assumed was caused by shock.
"It's a Giant, I've heard that they exist but I've never seen one before." says Vivi shocked.
So now, Luffy decided to introduce himself as well to be polite.
"Well Hi, I'm Luffy and I'm a pirate. Pleased to meet you." says Luffy with his own greeting to the Giant.
"Gegyagyagyagya! A pirate? Well good for you my friend." says Dorry while laughing.
"By the way, this is Vivi and Karoo." says Luffy while pointing over to the two of them as it caused them to stiffen up a bit as he continued. "And this is Lily, a Giant on my crew that at a devil fruit." says Luffy pointing over to Lily standing next to him, as she waved.
"Gegyagyagyagya! A fellow Giant you say? Tell you what, you're all invited to my home for some lunch." says Dorry.
This scared Vivi even more now. So as she was about to decline the offer, Luffy spoke before she could.
"That sounds great." says Luffy accepting the offer with a grin.
This caused Vivi to question whether this was a good idea at all in joining Luffy and Lily, though she was shocked to find out that Lily was a Giant as well.
- Later -
After Luffy had accepted Dorry's offer for lunch, the Giant began walking while his group of guests followed him towards a large rock formation that seemed to be made of bones. So when they got here, the giant sat down on a rock nearby as the others sat near him. As they sat for a while eating, laughing, and drinking a bit, Dorry decided to ask something of Luffy that he had noticed.
"So your a D. huh?" asks Dorry with a smile as the question shocks both Luffy himself and Lily because not even she was able to pick up on it when they first met.
So now, Luffy decided to speak as he just finished a piece of cooked dinosaur meat.
"How could you tell?" asks Luffy surprised. This gets a laugh out of the Giant as he spoke.
"Gegyagyagyagya! The red marks underneath your eyes, most don't have them anymore but few that do are born with them." says Dorry as he remembered that detail.
"Well yes I am. Though, have you encountered another before me?" asks Luffy curious
"Well yes I have. Many strong warriors of your clan in fact, and they've all had the pleasure of giving me good fights with some being my comrades, though much time has most likely passed for them to live as long as I have." says Dorry thinking about it.
"I see…" says Luffy figuring that can be hard.
As he said this, Dorry turned to Lily and spoke.
"So I understand your a Giant who ate a Devil Fruit. Tell me, who is your father?" asks Dorry curious.
"My father is Panz Fry, Dorry." says Lily answering with a smile.
This got Dorry's eyes to widen in shock as he then laughed in joy at this information.
"Gegyagyagyagya! Panz Fry huh? It's been a while since I've heard the name of my childhood friend in quite some time, now I see the resemblance between you two." says Dorry as he laughed a bit more.
"Wait really?! You know my dad?!" asks Lily shocked.
"Yep for many years, though due to circumstances of why I'm here it's been some time." says Dorry with a smile.
As the group sat and talked for a bit more, Vivi decided to ask a question that had been on her group's minds for a while.
"Say Dorry, how long does it take for the log to reset on this island?" asks Vivi causing Luffy and Lily to look up at Dorry, who also wanted to know that answer as well.
"One full year!" says Dorry with a smile causing Luffy and Lily's eyes to widen and Vivi to pass out from the shock of this information.
"One year?" asks Luffy making sure he heard that right while causing Dorry to nod his head before he spoke again.
"Yes, most people who come to the island never survive the year, they usually succumb to the wildlife of the island big or small by being bitten or eaten, or the elements." says Dorry as he cooked meat over the fire in front of them.
Luffy then thought about this information, and began to think. The goal of his group was to get Vivi back to Alabasta in time to stop the civil war or else he would never get to see the stone tablet, meet with his clan members living in Alabasta, along with making the country his territory. Overall, he had no intention of waiting that long here and if they were stuck here for that long, there might not be a country left standing to make it his territory. He was thinking of a few things to do as a way to get out of the situation, one was using his large dragon form to grab the Going Merry with the crew on it, and fly the rest of the way but also run the risk of Marines appearing in large numbers, all flocking to Alabasta with the intention of his capture.
"Damn, this situation really is a bind." says Luffy rubbing his forehead.
Just as he said this, Dorry took the cooked meat off the fire and place a large piece of it in front of the three as he spoke.
"Come on, eat up some more my friends!" says Dorry as he ate his piece.
Luffy ate some for a bit as he then decided to wake up Vivi, considering she was still unconscious. Once she was awake along with Karoo after him poking the two, he gave her a large piece on a stick to eat. Vivi took it gratefully with some tears in her eyes, as Luffy saw this and smiled while patting her head as he spoke.
"Stop your tears, I'll find us a way off this island Vivi. I swear that." says Luffy with a smile while causing her to smile slightly.
Luffy then sat down on a nearby rock, enjoying the silence for a bit as he then turned Dorry for another question of his own.
"Dorry, I don't mean to pry but why do you live out here by yourself? Don't you have a place to call home? Like Elbaf?" asks Luffy curious as Dorry smiled to speak.
"Yes. As you know, I came from a village that is home to many warriors called Elbaf." says Dorry as he continued. "It was once home but I no longer call it that." says Dorry as this got a raised eyebrow from the group.
"Why?" asks Luffy curious.
"There are certain rules in Elbaf, which must be obeyed." says Dorry as Luffy nodded in understanding.
"What kind of rules?" asks Luffy.
"For example, if a fight breaks out and neither side yields, judgement is handed down by Elbaf's God. Whoever he deems to be righteous will be declared the winner, and granted survival as well as divine protection." says Dorry explaining.
"I see." says Luffy understanding.
"I know what your thinking. Fair or not, all that matters is that this is our battleground. As on Elbaf, our God will decide who is righteous and worthy of winning both the duel and his life. Gegyagyagyagya! We've fought for a century but Elbaf has yet to choose a champion, Gegyagyagyagya!" says Dorry causing them to widen their eyes at the length of such a battle.
"A hundred years…" says Luffy thinking about such a battle between two warriors and for so long while knowing the lifespan of Giants.
"How interesting." says Lily thinking about it herself with a smile.
"Even with all the time in the world, I think your desire would wane after a hundred years of the same battle. At this point is there any real animosity left between you? Or are you just fighting to fight?" asks Vivi as she stood up causing Dorry to laugh alongside Luffy and Lily.
As they had their laugh from this, one of the three volcanoes not too far started to erupt. This caused them all to look over to that with Dorry's face becoming one of a serious expression.
"That's some explosion." says Luffy as he saw it.
"Well then, it's time to get going." says Dorry as he now stood up to stand.
This caused Luffy, Lily, and Vivi to look over at him in some confusion. Though, it was at this moment that Lily knew what he meant by the look he had while Luffy noticed something about Dorry as well. His whole attitude and demeanor changed as the volcano erupted. As his eyes became cold and focused with his smile gone as well, and his posture and stance was that of someone ready to head into battle. So now as the volcano erupted for a second time, Dorry spoke again.
"Please forgive me, but there's something I must attend to. As that volcano is our marker, whenever it erupts, we begin." says Dorry as he picked up his shield, and sword with Luffy and Lily nodded in understanding as he continued. "As for why were fighting well...I don't remember, Gegyagyagyagya! All I know is that before we realized, it became our routine." says Dorry laughing as he was finishing the straps on his shield to be comfortable.
"It's senseless. How can you have so much hatred for someone that you could fight them for an entire century? What could have happened to make you this mad?" asks Vivi while looking up at the Giant while causing Luffy to interrupt her.
"Vivi that's enough. That's not what this is about okay?" says Luffy as he felt the ground was starting to shake.
"Your right. This is about honor." says Dorry as he narrowed his eyes at his approaching opponent before he took off towards him.
As Dorry flew towards his fellow Giant, said opponent was doing the same to meet him eagerly. Both howling in a sort of war-chant as Dorry's shield clashed with his opponent's battle axe. This caused a large shock wave to echo, and spread across the island as members of the crew could feel it and sense the power behind such a brawl. Luffy for his part watched in awe with Lily at the battle taking place before him, and his group while Vivi was disgusted at the fact that these two were fighting for no reason whatsoever for such a long time while being shocked with Karoo.
Luffy had fought many Giants in the past due to his previous line of work while also with Shanks when he officially joined up with them. For some reason, Luffy had a fascination with battle like his other fellow generals and those of his blood. For him it was almost like they all resonated towards battle, never being able to get away from it but would also seek some peace. So as the fight progressed, Luffy, Lily, and Vivi were completely absorbed in the duel between the two fighters before them. As Luffy watched, his Observation Haki suddenly alerted him of two presences a bit far away on the island almost as if they had just arrived.
He narrowed his eyes, and raised his guard more so than what it usually was just a bit while noticing Lily doing the same. Luffy then looked over to where the presences were coming from to see someone with another floating down on an umbrella in the sky, for which Luffy and Lily had recognized it was the two Baroque Agents from the last island. They didn't tell Vivi about so instead, they got ready for whatever would come in the future, as Luffy used Observation Haki to the fullest for a certain reason of his own. He started to notice that they were descending quickly, only to then be hidden by the jungle trees when they got low enough. He started to notice that the two auras were heading away from him, in the opposite direction.
Luffy went to use his Haki to find where his crew was, he found Giyu and Nojiko together, Sanji by himself, Zoro was also by himself as well, while Nami and Usopp were together on the other side, opposite from them. So he assumed that they found the other Giant or he found them considering they stayed on the ship. He let out a sigh of relief knowing they were all alright. So as he turned turned his attention back to the fight, he sensed three more powerful presences somewhere far off on the island, and not close to any of his crew.
'Not good. Though what are these other three aura's I'm picking up on the island? And large ones too…' thought Luffy not liking this at all.
- Somewhere Else -
Mr. 5 and Ms. Valentine had landed on Little Garden not too long ago with bandages across their bodies as proof of the injuries they received back on Whisky Peak. Once they landed, they walked for a bit through the jungle towards a white house that looked to be made of some substance while also coming to find a dinosaur trying to eat through it. So Ms. Valentine decided to handle the threat quickly for the purpose of reaching their objective. So now as they opened the door, they came to find a man sitting inside comfortably while reading a book with a teacup in hand, and with a little girl nearby looking to be sleeping.
"Oh, hello Mr. 5." says the Agent greeting him.
As they walked in Mr. 5 spoke on seeing the inside.
"Hmph, I'm impressed by the decor. You have a talent for turning even the most savage environment into a home." says Mr. 5 as he continued. "I admire you, which is why I feel compelled to remind both of you this mission belongs to me, and Ms. Valentine." says Mr. 5 reminding the man, who is assumed to be a fellow agent of his.
"Rest assured, we won't slip up like we did last time." says Ms. Valentine making sure of how serious they were.
"Slip up? More like you took a catastrophic fall down a flight of steps." says the fellow Agent of the two making both the agents grunt in anger from this as he continued. "What were you two thinking? Fighting a former Marine and one with a reputation that backs up the power he has. Not to mention the other one with him that possesses a water based Devil Fruit, along with their seven other comrades that make a perfect set of nine that were all familiar with." says the man clearly explaining.
As he seemed to point out to the agents their disadvantage in chasing this battle. So now, Mr. 5 spoke out with anger
"Your point?" asks Mr. 5 clearly angry.
The Agent takes a sip from his teacup and sighs while he begins to speak.
"That you should've cut your losses in pursuing a fight with him and his crew, and came at this a different way to secure your original target. Which if I remember correctly, it is the Princess of Alabasta." says the Agent taking a sip of his tea.
It was clear to the other two Baroque Works Agents that the man was berating the two for their past actions on Whisky Peak. So now, the man decided to speak again to his fellow agents.
"Now, that's not why I'm here Mr. 5, Ms. Valentine. The simple fact of the matter is your are both weak." says the Agent while pissing them off even further with what he said, and continued to speak. "Don't waste your energy pouting, it is what it is. Now, take a look at this." says the Agent passing them a paper.
Mr. 5 picked it up for him, and Ms. Valentine to look at while noting the paper was also worn down to time. As the next part of the conversation would reveal much to the two on why another member of their organization was here.
Done!, good, bad, don't like it that's on you. So yea, here's part one of Little Garden as part two in the next chapter will be the last of this and we'll move on. Along with a full explanation on Elemental Haki as well. The next chapter will be satisfying I promise you, so stay tuned for that very soon. So now without anything else to say again, please review and I'll see you all for the next chapter.