Chapter 23: Owl Library

Owl Library

It was a large building located on a branch hanging over the Warrior's Spring. It contains all the books that Saul had brought back from Ohara along with other books allowed by the late King Harald and an implied previous king before him.

"You're back from the party. Did it go so fast?," asked Robin.

"Nah, Luffy went down because Colin's father knew Shanks and he's just as anxious as you to reunite with his friend.," Saul spoke.

"Who is that?," asked Chopper as he saw a giant, old owl with tired eyes and glasses. Most of its plumage is dark-colored, with only its face and ears lighter and its chest made up of an alternating pattern. Biblo has prominent ear tufts that face downwards, resembling thick eyebrows.

"That's Biblo. He's the chief librarian here. He's been here for centuries. He ate the Nurture-Nurture Fruit, which allows the user to grow things in their space for giants to read. Fishermen who brought newspapers back would also bring them to the library to achieve this effect for easier reading since we don't rely on the World Government for news...at least till now., said the giant.

"So Shanks is really popular here? The books are easy to read for my eyes...though I don't have them- since I'm all bones. Yohohohoho.," said Brook as he carried some of the giant books.

"Yeah, he helped out with dealing with Loki and Harald actually knew Roger enough to put it under his protection prior to Shanks to prevent Linlin from taking once a certain pirate died 38 years ago. I've lived longer than most Marines to know that Roger wasn't always so jolly. He was a brat for a very good reason concerning his past but God Valley helped to reshape his priorities," the Giant explained.

"I've never asked before, but what is the history of Elbaf?," asked the archaeologist.

Saul sat down as he took a breath.

"It's really something my old folks told me so I don't know if it's real or not. Apparently, there was a time 10,000 years ago when the whole planet froze and Elbaf was the only place big enough for all the Races both extinct and alive to live on. It's from that point, that civilization as we knew it was born. That's why the Underworld is sometimes called the First World.," explained Saul.

The giant's eyes grew distant as he recounted the tale, and the Straw Hats leaned in to listen closely. The warm glow of the library lights flickered against their curious expressions, casting shadows on the wood carvings.

"The people went onto the huge islands nearby once everything warmed up and the remaining residents of Elbaf- two races- the Giants and a race (he turned his head and looked to see who was listening in before continuing) called the Nidavell for control of the land. The Giants managed to defeat them, but it's not sure what happened next. Whether they're extinct or going into hiding.," he added.

"What are Nidavell?," asked Usopp as he went inside the library.

"You're not going to join them?," asked Chopper, referring to getting back Luffy from the Underworld.

"I've decided to let them handle it since I'd be overpowered. Waahahaha.," he said before he deflated.

"Wano...and especially, Egghead...I didn't contribute much. And as for Elbaf...it's not what was expecting.," said the sniper.

Brook gave a concerned look.

"I'll be sure to say something to Kaya about being at Elbaf when I see her again. Even if I have to embellish some details.," said the sniper.

Saul shushed Usopp.

"I wouldn't mention that name. It's a taboo subject. Especially at this time.," said Saul.

Robin noticed how Saul had been frowning when the Sun God was mentioned.

"Elbaf's changes haven't been met with complete support from the tribes here. It makes sense. It's difficult to drastically change a culture that has lasted for millennia in a few decades.," Robin noted.

"So other parts of Elbaf are still the same?," asked Usopp.

"What does that mean?," asked Chopper.

"Could it be due to those attitudes of the children?" asked Brook.

Saul nodded as he got a paper and began to draw a circle.

"The West is being converted in this new direction by this New Sun God that was summoned by the Homie of the late Caramel. She was the previous user of the Soul-Soul Fruit and she managed to create a sun named Pandora that lives here to this day. It's Pandora that's been slowly converted to a more modern and peaceful village one step at a time, but it's not in a way that really brings happiness as the children are becoming less pure and innocent despite the claims of peace.," he explained as he drew one 1-4 of a section.

"The East is remaining staunch in its previous ways of pillaging, warring, and plundering while being entirely against the new changes, but they also view Humans as inferior things to conquer, which goes against tradition. This faction wants to free Utgard-Loki to use as a weapon against the changes as well as make a Giant-dominated world.," he added.

"The South are remnants of Harald's toppling of the King Farbuit, who took over from a king before him, he started off fair, but he became tyrannical, which felt odd against his previous personality. He has a son named Loki and he views due to being a descendant of the founder, Ymir, that he has more claim to the throne than Harjudin, let alone these new changes. He wants Elbaf to remain isolated and kept to the status quo.," Saul continued.

"And the North is led by the Ten Guardians of the Yggdrasil, the remnants of the original Elbaf monarchy. They want peace and cooperation with other nations like the king before Farbuit, but they also want to preserve the culture of Elbaf because they claim that the World Government has been poisoning the ideologies of the generations since Brogy and Dorry were detained. They're not well-liked due to associating with the Nidavell according to rumors.," he concluded.

Usopp, Chopper, Brook, and Robin's eyes widened with this revelation.

"Why is everyone fighting? Isn't this their home?," asked Chopper.

"It's not the typical fights of enjoyment that Giants indulge in. As an adult- a spry adult who's been a leader of a battle convoy. Not all wars are black and white. Everyone has a point. But it's not about who's right, it's about what's going to be able to sustain the country into the future without it collapsing on itself or being conquered by someone who takes advantage of those weaknesses.," Brook explained.

Usopp clenched his fist as he looked down on the floor. He knew Luffy would definitely cause the situation before they knew anything. Zoro and Sanji were gone as were the rest of the others on the crew. A light filled his eyes as they filled with a decision he feared to make.

A decision that might get him hated by the Giants who came to respect him for all he did. Something that might label him as a villain if it panned out on any side he talked to. But, the alternative was infinitely worse.

"I want to talk to these guys before I talk about them to Luffy.," Usopp spoke.

Chopper, Robin, and Brook were stunned at what the usually cowardly Usopp had just said.

"You...You want to get involved in their politics? That's...brave, Usopp.," Robin said, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Luffy's Luffy. But this is different. There's no big monster to take down right now. We just need to talk things out to get a compromise that makes everyone happy.," he said as his legs warbled.

"True courage is doing something even if you're scared out of your mind and committing to it.," said Saul. "You're one Brave Warrior of the Seas."

Usopp was stunned at the utterance of the response as he looked to the side. "It's not about everyone saying I am. It's about me believing it."

The giant's eyes twinkled with a rare form of respect. "You know, I think you might actually pull it off. If anyone can get through to these stubborn folks, it's you, Usopp. Just remember, be cautious and choose your words wisely," Saul said, his deep voice echoing through the library. "They won't be as friendly as here."

Robin then sensed something deeper in the library.

Before she could go further, a Giantess appeared in the room. She was a giant woman of stocky build and just slightly taller than Gerd. She sports freckles, a turned-up nose, a wide chin, and black hair arranged in multiple braids. Her ensemble includes a frilly shirt, a short fur skirt, and a hooded cloak. She sports thick glasses and wears a chupalla over her head.

"Ange. What're you doing here?" asked Saul.

"I'm an assistant teacher to you, Senior Saul. You're from a tribe that left Elbaf due to a clash of beliefs around a certain time. It's good that you returned. It's a shame that Harald didn't live to see this day.," said the woman. She seemed much more knowledgeable than most Giants.

Usopp and Robin spotted a glimpse of a Transponder Snail on her right wrist underneath her sleeve. One that was a World Government brand.

"We like to read more of these stories. It's been a while since I've read some of these.," the archaeologist spoke indirectly as she looked at Usopp.

"Yeah, I wanted to see if there were any books on local legends at Elbaf. It's all really technical stuff.," the long-nose man said with a nervous laugh.

Brook and Chopper joined in the nervous laughter.

"I see.," said Ange. "Well, if you're looking for legends, you might want to start with the forbidden section in the back. It's where we keep the oldest texts and the ones that might not sit well with the current narrative," she winked, hinting at the political tension underlying her words.

"Actually, we're tired from our long journey. We should get ready to sleep. I wonder if there's any beds made for Humans in mind?," asked Robin.

"Yeah, a lot of monsters chased after us. In fact, I remember when I was chased by a giant squirrel.," said Usopp before Robin covered his mouth.

Ange gave a suspicious look. "Giant squirrels? There's nothing like that here in Elbaf. You must be mistaken or exaggerating," she said, her tone hinting at a warning.

"We can show them more of the library tomorrow. It's not like there's a chance they're going to be leaving Elbaf soon.," Saul said nervously.

Ange then walked away as she said, "Each night we pray to the Sun God who was brought here by the Saint's words. You should at least appreciate some of Elbaf's customs while you're here."

of Elbaf's customs while you're here."

"Is there a festival tonight? So cool!," shouted Chopper.

"Madam I think-," Brook said before Robin gave him a knowing look as they began to leave.

"Our crewmates will likely join us tonight once they're all done with what they're up to. We really can't control them.," said Robin as she exited the library.

As they walked away, Robin generated an eye and ear on one of the bookshelves in order to overhear Saul and Ange's conversation.

The tone was serious.

"I don't know why we continue the Giant Warrior Pirate crew custom. We should be updating to the new-," she said.

Saul then spoke back, "When I came here 20 years ago, I was surprised someone had the idea of making us more than weapons to be used by others. Like the World Government. When did those ideas go away? When did we strip children of the freedom to learn what they wanted and when did peace become so toxic here? I didn't want to ruin my reunion with my friend by bringing it up. She's suffered enough."

"You must be still exhausted from the Ohara incident. It left scars on both the body and mind...mental scars that cause mental instability to make irrational decisions.," said Ange.

"Irrational...Decisions...speak more layman...Even if I study history here...I'm still a simple kind of guy.," Saul spoke.

"Mating with one of THEM according to audacious rumors. Only a certain king of two generations before Harald and the cursed one had this odd affliction you're having...," said Ange.

"Nidavel...we would've called them Dwarfs as they prefer but the rest of the world see Pixies like the ones on Green Bit as Dwarfs due to propaganda.," Saul said, which incensed Ange.

Her glasses glowed ominously. "You know the consequences of speaking such blasphemy!" Ange hissed, her whisper echoing in the vast library.

"Is it because they're different than us?...Or because unlike everyone else, they haven't forgotten what everything used to be like.," Saul inquired.

"Careful, Former Vice Admiral Jaguar D. Saul. Your family served under the system faithfully. The Demons managed to lead you astray.," Ange spoke.

He then saw a magic circle appear in the room. Similar to the one summoned by the World Elders.

"Derishshishishi. I guess Elbaf is full of weeds and pests to suit your rotten garden. It took the Straw Hats to drop all the pretenses of it.," he noticed. "So Loki is an innocent man after all."

"He IS a sinner. For daring to claim to be the Sun God when there's already a God you SHOULD worship instead.," said a distorted voice as suddenly, Saul was stabbed by a demonic tail of black. Ange kneeled to the figure.

It was a humanoid figure similar in size to a regular person, with a hand resembling a human's and sharp, almond eyes with red irises, each having a thin ring around the pupil. The top of the shadow donned a crown that has four sharp, incredibly tall spikes on the top and an extremely long robe that flows upon the ground a great distance behind them.

Nerona Umi- Secret Public Information: Ruler of the World Government. True Information: Warrior God of Authority.

"The night ritual is about to begin to worship the Sun God...the true Sun God...," said Ange.

Franky and Co.'s Location

Franky, Galahad, and Jinbe arrived closer to the tree with the cloud layer still not visible.

However, what they saw managed to unnerve even a seasoned person like a former Warlord.

"What the Hell is THAT?," asked Jinbe.

Suddenly, they were knocked out by rays of light as a smiling sun hung behind them and its cheerful smile turned sinister.

"I'm Pandora...welcome to Elbaf.," said the sun as black figures made of Haki with red eyes picked up the unconscious fighters.

However, they then realized that Galahad wasn't among them as they turned to face the Fishman.

Next Chapter: Scopper Gaban

Author Notes: Hopefully Oda manages to do something spectacular with Usopp in Elbaf and not waste his potential in favor of Luffy- he really needs it after the last few arcs. As for here, he's definitely going to start making moves that will make him much more memorable.

Elbaf might have a different origin in Oda's version but this is mine while also combining my various ideas of the Elbaf conflict into one with what is implied in the current narrative. The Nidavel are going to play a major part going forward. And the culmination of the corruption of Elbaf becomes clear.