Elbaf, West Village.
Before the ruins of Olstor Castle, perched atop a towering tree on the cliffs of West Village in the Sunny World, several massive figures sat gathered in a circle.
Leading them was Jarul, an elder of the Giant Kingdom.
The once-glorious castle now lay in ruins, nothing but broken walls and debris, overgrown with moss and vines.
The marks of time had completely consumed the structure.
The wind whistled lowly through the rubble, as if recounting the patricidal war that had erupted here years ago, or mourning the hundreds of Giant Warriors slain in that conflict.
Jarul glanced around, his weathered face etched with age, yet his clouded eyes remained sharp.
Beside him were several core members of the Giant Soldier Pirates, each one a top-tier warrior of Elbaf.
"How are things?" Jarul asked, his voice deep.
A Giant Warrior wearing a horned helmet stepped forward.
"Elder, all the Marine trainees have landed on the island. However, they don't seem to be taking any unusual actions so far."
"What do you mean?"
"Well..." The Giant Warrior scratched his head, "They seem to be... traveling. A few kids went to the library, where Saul received them. Their leader is Nico Robin, the sole survivor of Ohara, once branded the 'Devil Child' with a bounty by the World Government. Also, three other kids are currently at the West Village cliffs, chatting happily with Gaban."
Another Giant added. "Another group seems to have gotten lost and probably ended up in Hunter Village. Their leader is a green-haired boy who confidently promised to lead them in the right direction. But he just kept circling in the forest for hours, getting further off course. The trainees following him were furious, arguing nonstop along the way."
"Huh?" Jarul was taken aback, "He's directionally challenged?"
"Most likely," the Giant Warrior suppressed a laugh, "I heard someone call him 'Moss-head' and another threaten to throw him into the Underworld to feed the Beasts."
Hearing this, the gathered Giants couldn't help but chuckle.
Jarul waved his hand, growing serious again: "What about the Fleet Admiral? Any movements from him?"
"None so far," the Giant Warrior straightened up, "But judging by his reaction since landing, he's probably here for Loki, just like the God's Knights who came before!"
Jarul narrowed his eyes. "I can understand why the World Government wants Loki's support. After all, they've been trying to control and command the Giant Kingdom for years! But the Fleet Admiral already has countless Generals under his command - he shouldn't have much need for Loki!"
At this, everyone fell silent.
Indeed, the current Marines possessed the largest and most impressive roster in history.
Not only had the number of Admirals increased, but there were so many Vice Admirals and Rear Admirals that promotions couldn't keep up.
Many who'd recently pledged loyalty to the Marines, possessing the strength of Vice or Rear Admirals, had to settle for Commodore or Captain ranks due to the surplus of talent!
With such a powerful lineup, Loki - the cursed prince of the Giant Kingdom - seemed somewhat insignificant by comparison!
After a brief silence, a burly Giant Warrior spoke: "Even if he came for Loki, he'll return empty-handed. Loki refused even the God's Knights - why would he agree to join the Marines?"
"It's different." Another giant shook his head. "The God's Knights are backed by those old folks in the Holy Land, so it's normal for Loki to look down on them. But this time, it's the Fleet Admiral of the Marines himself who's come. According to the intelligence I've gathered, what truly makes this Fleet Admiral remarkable isn't his strength, but his unparalleled charisma. Everyone at Marine Headquarters has been won over by his charisma and is utterly devoted to him."
"Yes, based on the recent intelligence I've collected, not only is everyone at Marine Headquarters completely loyal to him, but even the former Warlords he's recruited, whether it's Crocodile or Doflamingo, follow his commands as their primary directive."
"The times are truly changing," sighed another giant, his expression grave. "Perhaps we won't even need to wait for the Sun God to emerge before the world undergoes a dramatic transformation!"
"It's already happening. Two months ago, I visited a country that not only reformed its government and established cities but also implemented a series of policies that gained absolute support from the people. They even composed a ballad, roughly meaning that the Marines have produced a brilliant sun, bringing them both light and warmth!"
Jarul didn't respond, silently lifting his head to gaze into the distance.
Through the gaps in the forest, he could see the Training Ship and the warships anchored by the coast.
The Marine flags fluttered noisily in the sea breeze, the white emblem of justice strikingly bright under the sunlight.
"Elder," the Giant Warrior wearing a horned helmet hesitated, "if... I mean if, the Fleet Admiral and Loki were to go to war, how should we respond?"
The air instantly froze.
All the giants turned their eyes to Yaruru, awaiting his decision.
Jarul remained silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh. "Let's wait and see. We must avoid starting a war unless absolutely necessary. If we initiate the conflict first, the Giant Kingdom will face not just the Marine trainees currently landed on Elbaf, but the wrath of the Fleet Admiral and the strongest lineup in Marine history."
The giants sitting around exchanged uneasy glances.
Jarul scanned the group, his tone growing even more solemn. "Which of you is confident that you could protect Elbaf against such a force?"
No one spoke and the giants fell into silence.
Just then, a young Giant Warrior rushed over, panting heavily.
"Elder! Bad news! The Fleet Admiral is on the move!"
"He's heading toward the direction of the Underworld!"
"What?!"
All the giants paled simultaneously.
"Elder, should we stop him?"
"Stop him?" Jarul smiled bitterly. "Do you think we can?"
The giants fell silent once more.
The memory of Hachinosu Island being wiped out by a single strike from Orion was still vivid in their minds.
They had no confidence they could halt this powerful and assertive Fleet Admiral!
Amid the silence, the wind swept through the ruins, stirring up clouds of dust.
Olstor Castle cast a massive shadow in the setting sun, like a lurking beast silently watching the approaching storm.
...
Meanwhile, in Hunter Village.
Zoro stood in a completely unfamiliar forest, arms crossed, a confident smile on his face.
"Follow me, I won't lead you wrong."
Behind them, Sanji, Sabo, Ace, Hawkins, Law, and the Vinsmoke siblings had faces as dark as the bottom of a pot.
"Marimo-head," Sanji gritted his teeth, "Say that again. Where are we right now?"
"Hunter Village," Zoro stated matter-of-factly.
Sabo facepalmed, "Take a careful look around. Haven't we been here before? And while you're at it, try to remember how many times we've ended up here?"
"Is there a difference?" Zoro blinked.
"Of course there is!" Ace exploded, "You directionally-challenged idiot! We've circled this place three times already!"
Hawkins expressionlessly drew a tarot card: "So, knowing full well that the probability of getting lost following Zoro is one hundred percent, why did you still choose to let him lead? This is a question worth pondering!"
Reiju covered her mouth as she laughed. "Zoro-kun, maybe you should hand over command to someone else?"
"No way!" Zoro declared firmly, "Without me, this team would fall apart!"
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This fanfic is finish on my patreon, the main pairing is Imu and Hancock as a sidechick.
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