The Going Merry was continuing its journey of ferrying the Straw Hats through the Grand Line.

"The weather's been amazingly calm lately," Nami noted.

"We're through the worst of it. Once you get past the seven magnetic forces of Reverse Mountain the weather becomes a lot more predictable." Merone said. "It can still get chaotic, though, so don't let your guard down."

Vivi was looking at the crew, looking annoyed.

"Feeling jealous of how carefree they are?" Carue asked.

"It's just frustrating. They have no idea how dangerous things are out here."

"Hey, you're just annoyed because of what's going on back home. I get the feeling that when push comes to shove, they'll show what they're really made of." Carue reassured.

He walked down and enjoyed one of the drinks Sanji had prepared. Seeing her longtime friend able to relax made Vivi smile as she got one of the drinks herself and decided it wouldn't be wrong to relax for at least a little bit.

"Keep up the good work, boys," Eddy said while reclining on the deck.

"Ooooh! Dolphin!" Ed suddenly called out.

The crew noticed a dolphin swimming nearby and were shocked when it leaped over the Merry, revealing how huge it was.

"Oh dear..." Double-D gulped, realizing what this meant.

"Everyone to your stations!" Luffy called out. "Tidal wave incoming!"

The crew scrambled as the dolphin hit the water, creating a large tidal wave. Vivi was amazed at how quickly they could instantly switch from laidback to serious.

"Unfurl sails!" Bella called out. "Hard to port!"

"Get us into the tidal wave! We'll ride over it and take less damage!" Nami added.

Once the Merry was away from the giant dolphin, the crew returned to its laidback state as the journey to Little Garden continued.

"Land ho!" Usopp called out. "Little Garden dead ahead!"

"Look at those huge mountains!" Luffy said in excitement.

"Those aren't mountains, they're Sea King skulls," Lithos said.

Ferros chuckled. "I wonder if those two numbskulls are still going at it."

"What do you mean?" Johnny asked.

"The last time we were here, we ran into a couple of Giants embroiled in an honor duel for the better part of a century," Ariala explained. "Every time they fought they came to a draw, so they couldn't settle it."

Usopp and Ed couldn't help but look at the island in wonder when they heard that.

Meanwhile, on the nearby Kyuka Island, two figures were sitting at a table, the man pouring himself some tea.

"Ah, nothing like a cup of Earl Grey. It's a true privilege for officer agents like us to get a long vacation."

"Speak for yourself, Mr. 3, I'm bored." The young girl said.

"Don't call me by my code name in public, we don't want people finding out about us. Out here I'm to be known by my real name of Galdino." Mr. 3 said.

The girl looked up at Mr. 3's hair, which was in the shape of a three.

"If you say so. But it's not like people care what we call ourselves." She said. "The newspaper only has speculation about Baroque Works. That broadcast didn't reveal everything. So it's not like you can't refer to me as Miss Goldenweek."

"Rules are rules, Marianne. Without them, we have no structure." Mr. 3 said. "By the way, what's that paper you've been staring at?"

"New orders from the boss. Turns out Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine have been compromised, as have the Unluckies. Currently no sign of Mr. 9 and Miss Monday."

"Ugh, why couldn't it have been Mr. 2?"

"You're just saying that because you want a promotion," Miss Goldenweek taunted.

"Well, regardless, it's not like we have anything to worry about with Mr. 5 being taken down. He was just an idiot with a Devil Fruit. Miss Valentine getting defeated, on the other hand, does leave room for concern. She was far more imaginative in the use of her Devil Fruit. Clearly, these enemies are not to be taken lightly."

"You know what I don't get."

"What's that, Kuishi?" Romaz asked.

"I don't get why they call it Little Garden when everything is so freaking big."

"It is rather peculiar. Though I suppose irony is at play." Delphia noted.

"So how long until the Log Pose resets?" Luffy asked.

"It takes a year from this island. The Grand Line is set up like one big training course." Ferros noted. "We're meant to stay here and hone our abilities in the harsh jungle."

"Unfortunately, we're not in a position to do that properly. After we get resupplied here we'll be using the Eternal Pose for Alabasta and heading there." Lithos said. "Once the situation is resolved we can try and make up for lost time."

"We could certainly stand to restock our food supplies. We didn't get much from Whiskey Peak." Sanji said.

A large screech was suddenly heard echoing through the jungle.

"What was that?!" Nami cried.

"Probably a pterosaur of some kind. Maybe we can get some prehistoric chicken wings." Ariala suggested.

"That sounds tasty!" Luffy said.

"Dinosaur good for Ed!" Ed cheered.

"Giant bird incoming!" Grahambel called out.

The massive archaeopteryx started to descend but was quickly taken out with a powerful spear of water created and fired by N'Doul in his Hybrid Form.

"Even the gentle river holds the power to kill."

Sanji rolled up his sleeves. "Okay, time to clean this creature and prep it for the fridge."

Suddenly an explosion was heard.

"Now what?!" Hsiao complained.

"Is Gem trying to escape?!" Zoro called out.

"No, he's still bound with the Seatone net, Zoro-Aniki. And that blast did not sound like it came from the ship." Yosaku said.

"It sounded like a volcano erupting," Usopp said.

Suddenly, a giant tiger emerged from the jungle and started eyeing the crew. It walked for a little bit, then collapsed from a deep wound it had suffered. The wound looked like several bullets had been fired into it at once, followed by some kind of burning energy impacting against it.

"That does not look normal! Why would a tiger, king of the jungle, fall over covered in blood?!" Nami exclaimed.

A bellowing roar was then heard that did not sound like any dinosaur in existence. Instead, it sounded like the roar of a true king of the beasts.

"Trust me, Nami. Tigers aren't the kings of this jungle." Vivi said.

"And I doubt any dinosaur could have done damage like that," Double-D added.

"We're not going out there, are we?!" Nami asked.

"If we can't handle a place like this, then why did we even come to the Grand Line?" Bella pointed out. "I'm willing to bet it gets way worse the further in we get."

"I'm heading out there regardless! I need to make sure I'm acclimated to my new power." Carue said.

Usopp nodded. "This is just the sort of adventure I need to prove myself as a brave warrior of the sea. All ashore that's going ashore!"

"I'm here for that sweet juicy dino-meat, baby!" Kuishi grinned, licking her teeth.

Sanji got everyone packed up with a large lunch bag and they started heading out to explore the island.

Meanwhile, inside the brig, Mr. 13 and Mister Friday had managed to open the cell and slipped out.

"Think we should head out too?" Mikita asked Gem.

"Nah, we're safer in here. They don't know there's a Baroque Works base in this area. Granted I doubt anyone short of the boss could defeat them, but we do not want to be there when the fighting starts."

Mikita nodded, then sat quietly before turning back to Gem.

"You wanna make out?"

Gem looked at her in surprise as she batted her eyelids cutely at him. After a moment, he let out a sigh.

"Sure."

Luffy, Merone, and Ferros took one side of the island with Nami, Vivi, Carue, Romaz, Kuishi, Grahambel, the Eds, Sonson, and Choi while Lithos and Ariala took the other side with Sanji, Zoro, Usopp, Johnny, Yosaku, Bella, Delphia, Hsiao, and N'Doul.

"Remember to bring in any animals or plants that are edible," Sanji said.

"Not a bad idea. I'll be sure to get one you couldn't possibly capture." Zoro said.

Sanji glared at him. "Oh, is that right?"

"Uh-oh," Johnny said.

"When Zoro-Aniki gets like this, there's no telling how long the grudge will last," Yosaku said.

"Then it's agreed. We compete over how many kilos of meat we get." Zoro said.

"Deal," Sanji said before turning to Ed. "Hey, Ed! Let's switch teams for a bit!"

Ed looked at Double-D and Eddy before shrugging as they gestured for him to switch places with Sanji.

"So how would an island still have dinosaurs after millions of years?" Delphia asked.

"Sea travel is difficult in the Grand Line, so many of the islands have developed their own individual cultures. Some are highly advanced with technologies normally not seen outside the Grand Line. Others remain in an ancient state, unchanging for tens or even hundreds of thousands of years." Lithos explained. "Little Garden maintains a climate perfect for saurian life despite the rest of the world cooling to a point where reptiles regressed in evolution."

"So how many of these dinosaurs are edible?" Zoro asked.

"If it has meat on its bones I'm sure Sanji can make a meal out of it," Hsiao noted.

"Good, because I see my first prey right now."

A giant triceratops had emerged from the trees and was staring down Zoro. He quickly drew his swords and easily killed the giant saurian.

"I'd say this gets me a good headstart."

"Weak! You took our kill!"

The group then turned to see three individuals stepping into the clearing; it was Haruo, Hunter, and Katsu.

"Huh, natives?" N'Doul questioned.

"Sorta. We've been making a living here on this island for a long time now." Hunter shrugged. "I'm Merian D. Hunter and these are my friends Tezuka D. Haruo and Shobijin D. Katsu."

"More Ds..." Bella noted in surprise.

"I believe you must be the pirates the sun told me about," Katsu said. "It is an honor to meet you here at last."

Elsewhere, Sanji had used his powerful legs to kill a tyrannosaurus.

"This should be perfect for tonight's main course."

"By the way, what about the two Giants Ariala was talking about?" Romaz asked.

As if on cue, one of said Giants wound up approaching the group.

"Does that answer your question?" Eddy asked.

"That's big," Grahambel quipped.

The Giant looked down at the group and started laughing.

"Kabababa! Welcome! It's been a long time since this island has had visitors."

Nami was looking apoplectic, but everyone else looked either calm or, in Luffy's case, excited.

"Wow! It's a real Giant!"

"Man! If only Ed could see this!" Double-D said, looking absolutely floored.

"First time on the Grand Line, I take it. You didn't happen to bring any alcohol, did you?"

"We should have some on the ship. Not sure if it's enough to quench a Giant's thirst." Sonson said. "Also...I think you might want to check your behind quarters."

The Giant turned his head, and sure enough, a tyrannosaurus had tried to take a bite, only for the Giant's skin to be too tough for its jaws.

"Whoops, thanks for the help!"

He got out a massive axe and swung it, cutting the saurian's head off. The event was enough to cause Nami to faint dead away.

"We just lost Nami," Vivi said.

"Should I give her the kiss of life?" Choi asked.

"No."

"So, what's your name, big fella?" Carue asked.

"My name is Broggy, the strongest warrior of Elbaf!" The Giant laughed. "Well, since it looks like I've got some meat, how about I treat you to lunch as guests?"

"You got it!" Luffy and Kuishi called out.

"Of course, they'd say yes to meat," Sanji said with a shrug.

"Hey, at least we have some extra," Eddy said, pointing his thumb to the other dead tyrannosaur.

"Say, that's some fine hunting. Which of you did that?" Broggy asked.

"That would be me," Sanji said.

"One solid kick to break its jaw. That's some real power in your legs. Not the first time I've met a human with enough power to rival a Giant. Size means nothing when it comes to strength, after all." Broggy noted as he looked over the group. "And a couple of Fishmen with you as well. Been years since I've seen one. They pass by the island from time to time."

"A-Are we going to be okay...?" Nami whimpered.

"Oh don't worry. Giants are friendly. And they don't eat humans or Fishmen." Vivi said.

"Of course not! That would be wrong on several levels!" Broggy said.

Meanwhile, the other half of the crew, while getting to know their three new friends, had run into a pod of brachiosaurus. One of which had just been decapitated by another Giant wielding a sword. Ariala beamed happily as the rest of the group, minus the three newcomers, was gobsmacked by what they just saw.

"Hey there, Dorry!"

The Giant Dorry looked over to Ariala and Lithos and gave a hearty laugh.

"Gyagagaga! Well if it isn't little Lithos and Ariala, all grown up I see. Last time we met you barely reached my ankle, now you're taller than my kneecap. They grow up so fast."

"I guess this means you and Broggy haven't settled things yet," Lithos said with a sigh. "So where is he?"

"Should be somewhere on the other side of the island. We only meet when it's time to duel." Dorry replied.

"Wait, you guys know Dorry and Broggy?" Hunter asked.

"Yup! They're the two strongest warriors of the Giant nation of Elbaf!" Ariala smiled. "Of course, each would claim that they're the sole strongest warrior."

"Gyagagaga!" Dorry laughed. "Pleased to meet you all. So what brings you out to this ancient island?"

"We happen to be a pirate crew," Zoro explained.

"I see! So, which one of the kids is the Captain?"

"Actually, I'm just the Quartermaster, and Ariala, Ferros, and Merone are the First, Second, and Third Mates." Lithos clarified. "Our Captain is on the other side of the island. Probably even ran into Broggy."

Dorry nodded. "Well, since you've come all this way, how about I treat you to lunch? Especially since we have a large pile of meat just ready for the spit."

He patted the corpse of the dead brachiosaurus. Hunter chuckled before turning to see Delphia looking at him.

"What's up?"

"We ran into a giant tiger that had been fallen by some powerful force. Was that you?"

"Yup! Haruo, Katsu, and I hunt our own food here," Hunter affirmed while holding up some kind of rifle with a chain of bullets. "And it's all thanks to my specially made heavy machine gun!"

"We also ate Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits that were on this island. Dorry and Broggy have trained us when they aren't dueling." Haruo added.

"I see! Well, N'Doul and I are Zoans too!" Hsiao smiled.

Luffy's group had joined Broggy at his camp. Sanji helped Broggy cook up the meat as Luffy and Kuishi helped themselves to a huge hunk.

"Mmm! You were right about the dinosaur meat, Ferros!"

Broggy chuckled. "You and Merone sure have grown up, my boy. You're both about as tall as my shin now."

"Lithos and Ariala are here too. No doubt they must have run into Dorry." Merone noted.

"They're my Quartermaster and First, Second, and Third Mates," Luffy explained. "We're a pirate crew."

"Pirates, eh? Me and Dorry used to be pirates as well a century ago." Broggy said. "Back then I was known as Broggy the Red Ogre. Dorry was known as the Blue Ogre. And together we were co-captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates."

Over at Dorry's camp, he was telling pretty much the same story.

"You see, the village of Elbaf has its rules. One rule is that when we start a fight in the village and both sides can't back off, we are judged by Elbaf's god. It is said that he always gives divine protection to the righteous one and lets them survive."

"He and Broggy started such a fight about a century ago. They've been here fighting duel after duel ever since." Lithos explained.

"So what started the fight?" Johnny asked.

"No fight starts without a reason," N'Doul added.

Dorry scratched his head. "It's been so long, I don't actually remember. Giants can live for three times as long as humans, but that doesn't improve our memories any."

Zoro then realized something as he quickly stood up.

"Aw crap! I forgot about my challenge with the shitty cook!"

"Let it go, Zoro. Having a fight over who has the bigger haul from a hunting trip is just stupid." Bella said.

That seemed to spark something in Dorry's mind.

"Ah! I just remembered! The Sea King skulls on the island! Me and Broggy caught those. Then a little farm girl from a human village we visited asked which was the biggest. We laid them out side by side, but neither of us could agree which was bigger and we got into an argument over it. That's why we've been dueling for so long."

That got the entire group to face fault in shock.

"Well, it's...not the WORST reason to start a duel," Delphia admitted.

Broggy had come to the same realization when Luffy and Ferros told Sanji about how the hunting game was stupid.

"So is there a way for you to stop the duel?" Nami asked. "It sounds like it started from something pretty stupid."

"Hmm, well there are two ways to cancel the duel; the first is if one of us agrees to back down from the argument. Not an option after tens of thousands of draws." Broggy said. "The other is if it can be proven that neither side was righteous in the original argument."

Suddenly the volcano in the center of the island erupted.

"And now's as good a time as any to see if that can be done. Every time the central volcano erupts me and Dorry set out for our duel. An outsider perspective might be just what we need to see if this matter can be resolved."

Meanwhile, the Unluckies had reached a large wax building as Mr. 13 knocked on the door.

"Come in.

Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek regarded the two creatures as they entered.

"The boss has been wondering what happened with you two. You're lucky he considers you indispensable or you'd be on the chopping block." Mr. 3 said. "What about those two weaklings?"

Miss Friday shrugged while Mr. 13 started digging through his pockets, and freaked out when he didn't find anything.

"You lost your sketch equipment?" Mr. 3 asked in disbelief before sighing. "Unfortunately we didn't bring any."

"The pirates who captured you must have confiscated them," Miss Goldenweek suggested.

"Well, at least there's good reason to arrive at this island," Mr. 3 said as he brought a couple of old wanted posters, depicting a younger Dorry and Broggy. "Their bounty was never canceled, so we can cash in. It might even be worth more given these posters are at least a century old."

Mr. 13 looked at Mr. 3 in confusion.

"Those two happen to live on this island. Superb criminals execute their crimes by using their superb brains." Mr. 3 explained. "So let's put all four of our superb brains together and work on getting those bounties. Shall we?"

The Unluckies both grinned maliciously while Miss Goldenweek just sucked on a lollipop.

"Why do I get the feeling this plan is gonna blow up in our faces?"

Miss Goldenweek, you have NO idea, especially with the Devil Fruits that Haruo, Hunter, and Katsu are packing. You'll see them in action next chapter!