Freed from their restraints, Dorry and Broggy reunited at the battlefield where it all began. The Straw Hat Pirates gathered alongside them, everyone seated together in the heart of the island. The air, once thick with tension, now softened into a relaxed calm.
The fight was over, and grudges had dissolved. Both sides rested, their faces composed.
"Didn't see this outcome coming," Broggy said. "A real surprise."
"Same here," Dorry murmured.
The giants felt a fatigue unlike their usual exhaustion—not just physical, but weighed by the reality of defeat. They didn't resist it, but the unexpected loss left them stunned. Accepting it was one thing; grappling with the shock was another.
They took the defeat in stride—or rather, were forced to. Beaten by humans far smaller than themselves, the duel's outcome was undeniable. Now free, they felt a mix of complexity and clarity, a bittersweet relief.
Dorry broke the silence, lifting his gaze. Broggy met his eyes.
"Maybe this is Elbaf's gods passing judgment," Dorry said.
"What do you mean?" Broggy asked.
"We fought too long. Maybe they're telling us enough's enough."
"Gababababa! That's rich. If that's true, it's a hell of a joke."
Broggy laughed heartily, touching his helmet and mulling it over. "Maybe we got cocky," he said. "No one's come around in ages. We thought we were invincible, never dreaming we'd lose."
"Gegyagyagyagya! Exactly. The shock proves it," Dorry said.
"Then this loss makes sense," Broggy continued. "We thought we'd grown strong, but we've got a long way to go."
"Yeah," Dorry agreed. "If it's shameful, that's where we start."
Both laughed, their shoulders shaking as if a burden had lifted. Their faces shone with genuine joy, free of regret, brimming with unfiltered cheer.
Night had fallen, cloaking the world in darkness. The Straw Hats sat in a tight cluster, watching the giants. Dorry and Broggy looked down, addressing them.
"Results are results," Dorry said. "In the name of Elbaf's gods, we'll follow you."
"Going home can wait," Broggy added. "We're under your command."
"Hmm, sure," Luffy said, cross-legged, arms folded, eyes closed in thought.
Though not one for deep reflection, Luffy seemed to have something to say. After a moment, he opened his eyes. "That's fine, I guess. But I don't want underlings. I want you as our nakama—our crew."
"Nakama?" Broggy said.
"Not underlings?" Dorry asked.
"Yeah," Luffy said. "Call it what you want. I don't care about subordinates. Just join us as friends. Keep it simple."
"That's… different from what you said before," Dorry noted.
"Weird guy," Broggy said. "But fine."
Puzzled but satisfied, the giants nodded. Looking up at the darkened island, they spoke softly. "Guess we're leaving this place," Broggy said.
"A century here… a long time," Dorry added.
"Round guy and giant guy, you were pirates before, right? Both captains?" Luffy asked.
"Yeah," Dorry said. "We called ourselves the Giant Warrior Pirates."
"Feels like a lifetime ago," Broggy said. "Fighting alongside our crew, battle after battle."
Answering Luffy, they drifted into memories. Could they recall events from over a century ago? Hard to say without being in their shoes, but different species, different rules—perhaps it came back easily.
Usopp, listening, lit up with curiosity, his face begging for stories. Unable to hold back, he spoke up. "Your glory days, huh? What kind of adventures did you have?"
"Yeah, I'm curious too!" Luffy said. "Tell us, old man!"
"Hm? Not sure it's that exciting," Dorry said. "But I'm starting to remember bits and pieces. Shall we?"
"Hold on, Dorry," Broggy cut in. "Let's make it a feast. No booze, but how about toasting with dinosaur meat?"
Luffy shot to his feet, grinning ear to ear, his excitement plain as day. The answer was an obvious yes. "Let's make it a banquet!" he shouted. "To our duel and Elbaf!"
"Hell yeah!" Usopp cheered. "A pre-celebration for visiting Elbaf someday! Toasting with you guys is the best!"
"Sounds good, right, Kiri?" Luffy asked.
"Sure," Kiri said. "We need to recharge."
"Alright, it's settled!" Luffy yelled. "Get to work, everyone!"
Luffy's enthusiasm swept up the crew. Zoro and Sanji sighed, Nami and Shiruku smirked, Vivi and Igaram nodded along, and Karoo quacked in eager agreement. Usopp matched Luffy's fervor, while Kiri's smile remained enigmatic.
Luffy's love for banquets was no surprise. But hosting one here meant work—their ship was far off, and night had already fallen. Nami, clapping her hands, took charge despite the hassle. "Alright, let's move!" she said. "Don't stay up too late; we sail tomorrow. No dragging your feet!"
"Whaaat?" Luffy whined.
"Come on, Nami!" Usopp protested. "We gotta hear their stories! We need all the time we can get!"
"You guys always say that," Nami groaned.
"Let's make an exception," Shiruku said. "Just for tonight?"
Nami sighed at Luffy and Usopp's complaints, softened by Shiruku's plea. "You're too soft, Shiruku," she said. "That's why they get carried away."
"It's fine," Shiruku replied. "Pirates should be free."
"Ugh, fine," Nami relented. "Let's get to it."
As she began directing, Dorry and Broggy chimed in, their spirits lifted. "A banquet, huh?" Dorry said. "Haven't done that in ages. We used to party hard with our crew."
"Gegyagyagya! Got any booze?" Broggy asked. "We'll help prep."
"There's booze on the Merry," Luffy said. "Let's bring it all!"
"Hold it, Luffy!" Nami snapped. "We can't bring everything! We're in the middle of nowhere!"
"It's a banquet!" Luffy argued. "Who cares?"
"Your standards are terrifying," Nami muttered.
"Gotta hit the Merry," Luffy said. "Usopp, giant guy, let's go!"
"Hell yeah!" Usopp cheered.
"First job as your crew, huh?" Dorry laughed. "Gegyagya, count me in."
Dorry hoisted Luffy and Usopp onto his shoulders, their view sweeping over the moonlit jungle. "Whoa!" Usopp gasped. "What a view!"
"That's Dorry for you," Luffy said. "Big guy, big view."
"Gegyagyagya! Size matters," Dorry said.
They marveled like kids at the rare sight. Guided by Usopp, they headed for the Merry. Sanji called out, addressing Luffy and Usopp. "Hold up! A banquet with just roasted meat? I need spices and tools. Take me along."
"Good point," Luffy said. "Old man, grab Sanji too."
"No problem," Dorry said. "Your whole crew's light as feathers."
"Shishishi, true!" Luffy laughed.
Dorry lifted Sanji onto his shoulder, and they set off for the Merry. Meanwhile, Nami led the remaining crew. She'd seen a massive bonfire at Broggy's place earlier—perfect for keeping beasts at bay and ensuring safety. With Broggy's help, it was feasible.
"Alright, let's prep the fire," Nami said. "Broggy, can you make one like before?"
"Easy," Broggy said. "I've got this."
"Thanks," Nami said. "Feel free to boss our guys around."
"Hey," Zoro grunted.
"It's fine, right?" Nami said. "You've got nothing else to do."
"That's not the point," Zoro muttered.
Nami's bright smile silenced Zoro's grumbling. He didn't argue further, a sign he was used to her ways. As Broggy moved, Zoro followed, noticing Kiri sitting quietly, her expression unchanged but her silence striking. Frowning, Zoro scratched his head, looking troubled.
Before moving, he called out. "What're you spacing out for? Let's go."
"Me too?" Kiri asked.
"You're a guy, aren't you?"
"Am I?"
"You…" Zoro growled.
"Alright, alright," Kiri said, standing with a grin. "I'll work. Don't look so scary."
Kiri followed, catching up to Broggy as they left the clearing. Broggy glanced back at her. "Hey, Kiri," he said.
"Hm? If it's about earlier, sorry. I didn't mean it."
"Nah, that's fine," Broggy said, his eyes calm. "You're doing a lot, but don't push yourself alone. You've got a crew. Don't get too used to going solo."
"…Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," Kiri said, nodding before looking ahead.
The crew had noticed Kiri's subtle shift in demeanor, but no one spoke up, unsure if it was their place. Her usual cheer seemed unchanged in conversation, making doubts feel like misreads.
Broggy's comment came from observing her varied faces today—war declarations, combat, and now this. He'd spoken from curiosity. Kiri kept smiling, Zoro stayed silent, and an odd quiet settled as they entered the jungle to gather wood and dinosaur meat, Broggy's cheerful voice leading the way.
A massive bonfire roared in the clearing, slicing through the night. Dinosaur meat sizzled, a makeshift kitchen stood nearby, and all the Merry's barrels of booze were hauled out, voices echoing across the quiet island.
It was a grand banquet, celebrating their hard-fought duel. Both sides, free of grudges, grinned widely.
Everyone savored the moment. Dorry and Broggy held barrels in their fingertips, drinking heartily, their spirits soaring at a feast they hadn't enjoyed in ages. It stirred their pirate blood—raucous, free, living for the moment. This was their way.
Luffy devoured meat, Usopp sang with a bottle in hand, Nami and Vivi laughed, cheering or teasing him. Karoo, stuffed with meat, slumped as Igaram tended to him with a wry smile. Sanji churned out dishes, occasionally flirting with the women but focused on cooking to keep the vibe alive.
The banquet was pure joy. The giants, swept into the crew's rhythm, remembered what it meant to revel.
"Gegyagyagya!" Dorry roared. "What a day! Never thought I'd taste such fine booze again!"
"Gababababa, damn right!" Broggy said. "Sanji, your food's top-notch. A bit light on portions, but the best I've ever had."
"Obviously," Sanji said. "Don't worry about quantity. I'll make your stomachs beg for mercy. A top chef's stamina isn't just for show."
"Bring it on!" Broggy said.
"Till you drop," Sanji shot back.
Sanji, busy as ever, grinned. Cooking for Luffy was tough, but this was double the challenge—a chef's dream. Nami, in high spirits, called to Usopp, a bottle in hand, her earlier fears gone. Vivi, beside her, smiled softly, more at ease than before.
"Hahaha! Come on, Usopp, next song!" Nami shouted.
"Alright, alright!" Usopp said. "For my fans, here's a Captain Usopp original: The Usopp Anthem!"
"Your songs are amazing, Usopp!" Vivi said. "Writing them yourself is incredible."
"Not pro-level, just a pirate's hobby," Usopp said.
"Hey, I heard that!" Sanji yelled.
Nami's playful grin sparked Usopp's song, the noise growing. The crew's chaotic harmony was unmistakably happy.
Nearby, Kiri sat against a fallen tree's trunk, a half-empty glass in hand, smiling softly at the revelry. Higher up, Zoro perched, drinking from a bottle, facing away. Their quiet corner contrasted the jungle's stillness.
Shiruku approached, bottle in hand, having enjoyed the food and songs but curious about them. Standing between them, she spoke. "Need more booze? We've got some bottles left."
"I'm good," Kiri said.
"Could use one," Zoro said. "Running low."
"Sure," Shiruku said, handing him a bottle.
Both sat on the ground, the tree's size creating distance. Shiruku settled on the trunk, bridging them. "Everyone loves a banquet," she said. "Dorry and Broggy seem thrilled."
"Our captain's a bad influence," Kiri said. "Everyone's hooked."
"Even them?" Shiruku asked.
"Oh, yeah," Kiri said. "Though Zoro's grumbling about the booze."
"Didn't say that," Zoro muttered. "Not mad."
"Haha, gotta wait till the next island," Shiruku teased.
"I'm not mad!" Zoro snapped. "Ugh, forget it."
Zoro fell silent, shaking his head. Kiri and Shiruku chuckled. In moments like this, nothing seemed different. But something nagged at Shiruku. Her smile fading, she looked at the firelit crew and turned to Kiri. "Why did you want the duel?" she asked.
"Hm? Why?" Kiri said, swirling her glass.
"Was it really necessary?"
Kiri's gaze dropped. "Dunno. I thought it was."
"What was the goal?"
"Like I said, we'll need strength for what's ahead."
"Right… but Luffy…"
Shiruku bit her lip, hesitating. Swallowing, she stared ahead. "Luffy wasn't okay with it, was he?"
She'd said it. Surely others had noticed—maybe not all, but some. No one had spoken up until now. After feeling that tension, she couldn't stay silent. Tense, she awaited Kiri's response.
Zoro paused mid-drink, silent. A heavy quiet settled.
Kiri didn't answer immediately, perhaps thinking. After a pause, she spoke, smile intact. "Yeah, he probably didn't want it deep down."
"Then why?" Shiruku pressed.
"I played dirty," Kiri said lightly. "Brought up Crocodile."
Shiruku frowned, puzzled. Before she could ask, Zoro spoke gruffly. "Dirty how?"
"She respects Crocodile, right?" Zoro said. "Luffy didn't like that."
Shiruku's eyes widened, not at his tone but the idea. She looked at Zoro, who faced away, then back at Kiri. "Is that true? But you left his group."
"When she talks about him, there's no hate," Zoro said. "Luffy's got sharp instincts. He probably knew from the start."
"I thought you escaped," Shiruku said.
"Then why no pursuers?" Zoro said. "Maybe she was let go."
Zoro waited, still turned away. Shiruku's gaze fixed on Kiri, who watched the banquet. "I wanted to be a pirate," Kiri said. "Not a politician. When Alabasta's takeover was nearly set, I forced my way out."
"You helped with Alabasta's rebellion?" Shiruku asked.
"Not all of it. Just a bit."
It wasn't unthinkable, but hearing it from Kiri, with Vivi, Igaram, and Karoo on their ship, shook Shiruku. Kiri's face stayed cool. Dropping her gaze to her glass, she continued. "I feel bad for Vivi, Igaram, and Karoo. But I can't apologize. My past made me who I am. All I can do now is stop the boss's plan."
"I see," Shiruku said softly.
"Zoro's right," Kiri said. "The boss saved my life. I wouldn't have kept going without him."
Her eyes were clear, honest, even if not meeting theirs. "But I'm Luffy's crew now," she said. "I have to settle this. No doubts."
"Okay… you're sure, right?" Shiruku asked.
"Of course," Kiri said. "If I'm in, I'll win."
Shiruku sensed that wasn't what she meant but held back. She was worried for Kiri.
Suddenly, Luffy bounded over, meat in one hand, cheeks stuffed, his childlike glee infectious. "You guys eating?" he shouted. "Dinosaur meat's awesome! Tons left!"
"I'm full," Shiruku said. "Can't keep up with you."
"Then sing!" Luffy said.
"That's a jump," Kiri noted.
"Pirates sing!" Luffy said. "Gotta get a musician soon. Kiri, your friend Brook, right? We gotta pick him up!"
"Yeah, but he's far off," Kiri said.
"Aw, man," Luffy groaned.
The casual chatter eased Shiruku's heart. Nothing had changed—they were still themselves, the mood light despite everything. "Alright, let's sing!" Luffy said. "Practice for when we get a musician!"
"Practice singing?" Shiruku asked. "Is that a thing?"
"Maybe," Kiri said.
"Not confident, huh?" Shiruku teased.
"Doesn't matter!" Luffy said. "I just wanna sing!"
Luffy grabbed Kiri's arm, yanking her up and dragging her to the group. Kiri, caught off guard, gave a wry smile and relented. "Everyone, let's sing!" Luffy shouted. "Dance!"
"Follow Captain Usopp!" Usopp bellowed.
"Come on, Vivi," Nami said, pulling her up.
"Me too?" Vivi asked.
"Duh, you're one of us!" Nami said.
The noise swelled as Luffy and Kiri rejoined. Nami dragged Vivi in, Karoo leaped up, and Usopp led with the loudest voice. Igaram smiled warmly, Sanji paused cooking to join, and the giants clapped gleefully.
The chaos grew. Shiruku watched, her face serious. The familiar scene felt fragile, fleeting. "Kiri's fighting her savior," she murmured. "Not out of hate, but to win."
"That's her resolve," Zoro said, downing his bottle and glaring into the night.
"Maybe she was testing him," he added.
"Testing?" Shiruku asked.
"To see if Luffy would keep her on."
"Luffy, kick her out? Never crossed my mind."
"Our captain's a stubborn bastard," Zoro said. "Won't let her go, even if it means staining his honor with a 'dirty' duel."
Shiruku nodded, grasping Luffy's heart. Childlike, selfish, unwavering—he'd decided to keep Kiri despite the risks, faster than anyone. The scene before them took on new meaning.
Kiri danced with the crew, pulled by Luffy, laughing purely, joyously. "Everyone's changing," Shiruku said. "We can't stay the same."
"That's what getting stronger means," Zoro said. "They're moving forward."
Shiruku looked down. Kiri had been saved before—by Brook when her crew died, by Crocodile later, and by Luffy's heart. Now, forced to choose, she'd picked Luffy and a fight with her savior. What pain had that decision brought?
Zoro set down his empty bottle, his gaze softening but resolute. "I'm not getting left behind," he said quietly. "Fate threw me with them. I won't betray my word till my ambition's done."
His words hit home. Watching the dancing crew, Shiruku smiled faintly. "Right… I need to get stronger too."
She didn't know how, but seeing their resolve, she knew standing still wasn't enough. Was this growing up? Or something else? Either way, she'd found a spark to change.
"Zoro, Shiruku, come on!" Luffy shouted.
"What're you slacking for?" Usopp called. "Pirates sing and dance!"
"Shiruku-chwan, join us!" Sanji swooned.
The timing was uncanny, as if they'd heard. Shiruku's smile widened, and she stood. Zoro stayed seated. "Come on, Zoro," she said. "They're calling."
"I'm good," he said. "Not in the mood."
"Don't be like that—ah!"
Luffy's arms stretched, grabbing them both. His grin spelled trouble. Zoro's face soured, Shiruku's smile turned nervous, and they braced.
"Wait, you—!" Zoro started.
"Luffy, that's a bit—" Shiruku began.
"Nishishi! Come on!" Luffy laughed.
His arms snapped back, yanking them through the air. They landed near him, and he let go. Shiruku nearly crashed, but Kiri's paper caught her. Zoro skidded across the ground.
Luffy scratched his head, realizing his mistake as Zoro slid past. "Oops… sorry, Zoro."
"You got a grudge or what?!" Zoro roared, grabbing Luffy's collar.
"S-Sorry!" Luffy stammered, sweating.
Zoro's glare and mock sword-drawing didn't hide his place in the crew. The bickering settled, and Usopp took charge. "Finally, everyone's here! What's next, Luffy? Got a song?"
"Binks' Sake!" Luffy said.
"You know that one?" Shiruku asked.
"Shanks' crew sang it a lot," Luffy said. "It's great with everyone!"
"Nice choice," Usopp said.
"I don't know it," Zoro grumbled.
"You don't need to, mosshead," Sanji jabbed.
"Huh? Say that again, shitty cook!" Zoro snapped.
"Just start," Kiri said. "You'll pick it up."
They ran around the bonfire, the giants watching, their chaotic dance and song erupting. "Here we go!" Usopp shouted. "One, two—!"
"Yohohoho, yo-hohoho!" they sang.
No instruments, just shouting, banging bottles, dishes, bones—anything at hand. It was raw, unpolished, but no one cared. The joy of sound was enough.
Meant to be brief, the banquet roared until dawn. Exhausted but happy, they slept, hearts full.
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