Nami's sudden burst of ferocity made both Dorry and Brogy break into a cold sweat.
Who would've thought that the delicate-looking little girl was actually this violent—beating up even her own captain.
After venting her anger, Nami came back to the banquet refreshed, chatting and laughing with the others as if nothing had happened.
Vivi, who had stealthily attacked Leno earlier, already regretted it and now followed beside Nami awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
When Leno finally returned with a bruised face, everyone tried—poorly—to hide their laughter and pretended not to see it.
He gave the group of disloyal comrades a resentful look, then sat down alone and poured himself a drink, his lonely figure somehow heartbreaking.
Only Hancock rushed forward to check his injuries with genuine concern.
Yamato, on the other hand, held up a cup of sake and stared curiously at the two giants.
"Hey, giant uncles, why have you been fighting for so long?"
The moment she said it, both Brogy and Dorry froze. Everyone else also turned their attention to the giants with curiosity.
Their battle had lasted nearly a hundred years—could there really be such a deep hatred between them? But looking at them now, it didn't seem like that at all.
After a long pause, Dorry scratched his head and spoke first.
"Right… why was it again? I seem to have forgotten!"
"Gia gia gia gia…"
Before anyone could react, Brogy burst into laughter as well.
"It's been too long—I forgot too!"
"Ka-ba-ba-ba…"
Everyone stared blankly at them. Was that even possible? They forgot the reason and still kept fighting all this time?
"That's amazing! That's what real men's battles are like! A fight where warriors stake everything for honor!"
Stars practically shone in Yamato's eyes as her heart surged with excitement. This was exactly the kind of warrior's spirit she admired.
Dorry and Brogy exchanged a glance and felt the same passion rising. They raised their cups and called to everyone.
"For a warrior's honor—cheers!"
"Cheers!"
"..."
Watching Yamato drinking excitedly with the two giants, the others had no idea what was going on. But it didn't dampen their enthusiasm for the feast—laughter and chatter continued to fill the night.
Of course, no one forgot their purpose for coming to the island. Once the banquet ended, they immediately began their exploration.
—The next day—
After finally finishing their investigation of the entire island, Nami wiped the sweat from her forehead and spoke while catching her breath.
"Now I finally understand why this island is called Little Garden."
"It's huge to us, but for giants… this really would feel like their backyard."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Alright, since we're done with our work, it's time to leave~"
Leno gathered the hunted animals and dinosaurs, then lifted the ship into the air.
He hadn't been idle these past few days—he and the ship's fighters split up to hunt wild beasts across the island.
Now that they were fully prepared, it was time to say goodbye to the giants.
"Giants, we're heading out now. Until we meet again~"
"Until we meet again, young adventurers~"
"Ka-ba-ba-ba…"
Brogy rested his slightly worn axe on his shoulder and laughed as he waved goodbye.
"Gia gia gia gia…"
"There's a big guy waiting outside the island. But I doubt you'll have trouble with it. Until next time~"
Dorry leaned on his massive broadsword and offered a friendly warning about what awaited outside.
Watching the group slowly fade into the distance, both giants grew quiet. Suddenly, Dorry turned to Brogy.
"We've been away for so long… I'm starting to miss home~"
"Me too~ Then let's hurry up and settle our battle!"
The moment the words fell, the air between them grew tense once more...
Meanwhile, Leno's group had barely traveled far across the sea when the ocean ahead suddenly erupted into towering waves.
A colossal goldfish burst from the water, its enormous mouth opening wide as it lunged directly at their ship.
Compared to the massive creature, the Gale looked like nothing more than a tiny fly—doomed to be swallowed.
"Wow! What a huge goldfish!"
"Its colorful scales are so pretty!"
"Hey, Carmen, does goldfish meat taste good?"
Everyone on deck was stunned by the sight, but none of them showed the slightest panic.
Vivi, however, looked around with a pale face before finally crying out.
"Hey—this isn't the time to admire it! We're about to get eaten!"
Seeing no one reacting, she rushed under the sunshade to Leno's side.
"Captain Leno, do something! If this keeps up, we're all going to die!"
"Calm down, Vivi. Isn't Kuina already handling it?"
Leno gave her a helpless smile and tilted his chin toward the bow.
Only then did Vivi notice that Kuina was already standing at the front of the ship, Sakura Veil drawn.
She looked back at Leno, her expression full of disbelief. Was he serious?
"Sh-she can handle—"
Clang—!
Before Vivi could finish, a sharp, ringing note sliced through the air, followed by Kuina's calm voice.
"One-Sword Style: Iai — Rising Sun."
A massive pink blade of sword aura flashed across the enormous fish, cutting even the sea behind it into a deep chasm.
Moments later—just as Vivi felt her heart leap into her throat—
Shff!
The giant goldfish split cleanly in half and crashed back into the sea with a thunderous splash.
Water sprayed across the deck, and through the shimmering curtain of droplets, Vivi stared in absolute shock at the slender figure at the bow.
She never expected such a quiet girl to possess strength this overwhelming. Turning to the others, she noticed none of them looked surprised at all.
As if this was completely normal.
Vivi had believed she'd gotten to know everyone fairly well over these days.
But now she realized… she knew far too little about these people.
She glanced at the dozing Leno beside her, then at Kuina quietly cleaning her blade in the corner.
For a moment, Vivi felt something shift inside her.
Chopper climbed onto the bow, his small form trembling with excitement as he gazed forward.
"Doctor Kureha… we'll get to see you again soon~"
"I'm so excited… I brought so many gifts for you~"
"..."