"When did you two get here?!" Leo's voice came from behind them.
Nami and Tashigi turned in unison, their eyes briefly widening in surprise at the sight of Miss Golden Week before their expressions smoothed over into acceptance. At this point, it was standard procedure. If Leo went out and didn't come back with a beautiful new woman in tow, it would be an unusual trip indeed.
After a simple, silent nod of acknowledgment to the new recruit, Nami and Tashigi turned their attention back to the monumental battle between Brogy and Dorry. It was their first time witnessing the raw power of the Giant Warrior race firsthand. The mere shockwaves from their clashes were enough to crack the earth, shatter ancient trees, and send countless beasts fleeing in terror. A radius of hundreds of meters around the two giants had been transformed into a veritable no-man's-land.
"Leo, do you know why they're fighting?!" Nami asked, genuinely perplexed. They were both Giants; why would they try to kill each other?
Leo looked towards the two colossal figures and spoke slowly. "Now, they fight for the honor of the Giant Warrior Pirate crew. But in the beginning, over a hundred years ago, Brogy and Dorry started fighting over who could hunt the larger prey." He paused, a note of melancholy in his voice. "A century has passed. I think they've both forgotten the original reason."
An hour slipped by, and the giants' battle gradually drew to a close.
BOOM!!
BOOM!!
With two final, earth-shaking impacts, Brogy's and Dorry's shields simultaneously smashed into each other's faces. The two titans swayed for a moment before crashing to the ground in unison. The duel was over, yet again.
"Kababababa... Another draw!!!" Brogy roared, pushing himself up onto one elbow.
"Indeed! A hundred years, and we still haven't settled this!" Dorry agreed, his voice a rumbling echo.
"Just wait until next time! Next time, I will definitely win and return to Elbaf with the Giant Warrior's glory!"
"Nonsense! I will be the victor next time!"
Leo could only sigh internally at the outcome. Over a century ago, Brogy and Dorry had formed the Giant Warrior Pirates and left Elbaf. They had quickly made a name for themselves, each receiving a bounty of 100 million Berries shortly after setting sail—a staggering sum with immense purchasing power a hundred years ago. In their daily lives, their and habits were deeply ingrained in one another. They knew each other's abilities and techniques inside and out. A decisive victory between them was impossible; it would always end in a stalemate.
Leo had come to Little Garden with two primary objectives. The most important was, of course, recruiting Miss Golden Week. The other was to learn the Giants' unique ultimate technique: Baku (Country-Destroying Cannon)! When used, it could fire a blast of immense destructive power. Brogy and Dorry had once used it to clear a path for the Straw Hat Pirates, annihilating the Island-Eater in a single shot. How big was the Island-Eater? Its droppings were the size of small islands. The sheer power of Baku was undeniable. And if one were to infuse it with Haki... how much more devastating could it become?! Leo couldn't even imagine. He was determined to master it. He desperately needed a powerful, large-scale sword technique.
After another round of their standard post-draw verbal sparring, Brogy and Dorry got to their feet, preparing to return to their respective camps and wait for the next volcanic eruption.
However, the sharp-eyed Brogy spotted Leo and the women in the distance.
"Humans?!" both giants boomed, their initial surprise quickly giving way to booming laughter.
"Gagyagya-gya....!"
"Kababababa...!"
"It's been a long time since humans appeared on this island! Do you have any booze?!" Brogy asked, plopping down unceremoniously in front of them like a small mountain coming to rest. Dorry looked on with equal anticipation; he had almost forgotten the taste of proper alcohol. These people were probably pirates, right? They must have liquor.
"Brogy, Dorry, I've heard much about you," Leo said, his tone respectful. "The liquor is on our ship. If you want a drink, you're welcome to come with us to get it." He responded generously. Makino had just finished brewing a new batch of rum, and their stores were full.
The women watched the two giants up close, finding their boisterous but good-natured demeanor surprisingly pleasant. Their impression of the Giants went up a notch.
"You know our names?!" Brogy looked genuinely shocked. They had been stranded here for over a hundred years. Just seeing humans here was surprising enough, but for them to be recognized was astounding. Hearing his name spoken by someone other than Dorry after a century felt strangely heartwarming.
"Of course," Leo said smoothly. "The former captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, Brogy and Dorry, were famous across the seas. Even now, if you two were to set sail again, many would still recognize you."
Dorry burst into laughter, thoroughly pleased by the flattery. "Gagyagya-gya! Human, you're not bad! What's your name?"
"I am Captain Leo of the Leo Pirates. These are my crew members." Leo introduced each of the women.
"Young man, you're quite the lucky one," Brogy remarked, his eyes sweeping appreciatively over Nami, Tashigi, Vivi, and the others. They were all stunning beauties.
"Kabababa! Leo, guests are guests! Let me play the host today. Come to my dwelling; I'll treat you all properly tonight. The beast meat here is exceptionally delicious!" Brogy enthusiastically invited them. It wasn't often they had visitors; he was determined to have a proper feast.
"Hey, Brogy! Why should they go to your place?!" Dorry immediately protested. "Can't I host them?!"
"Because I saw them first!"
"Nonsense! I saw them too, I just didn't say anything!"
"Scoundrel! Do you want to fight?!"
"Fight then! You think I'm afraid of you?!"
"Fine! Let's borrow the next fight in advance!"
Watching the two giants reach for their weapons again, Leo broke out in a cold sweat. Weren't they supposed to wait for the next volcano? Since when could you take out a loan on a duel?
"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" he interjected. "Why don't you both come to my place? I have plenty of fine liquor, I promise you can drink your fill."
The two giants, who had been arguing red-faced, immediately stopped and swiveled their heads toward Leo in perfect unison, licking their dry lips.
"Fine! We'll go to your place then!" they said as one.
The women couldn't help but giggle at the comical sight. These two were quite the characters.
Back at the Going Merry, Kaya, Makino, Nojiko, and Carmen were initially startled to see Leo return with two giants in tow. Once reassured of their friendly intentions, they relaxed. Leo had all the rum brought out from the ship's stores. To repay his hospitality, Brogy and Dorry went hunting, returning almost simultaneously, each dragging a massive prehistoric beast behind him. Each insisted his catch was the more delicious, and another argument nearly broke out before Leo managed to calm them down.
Soon, the familiar, mouth-watering aroma of roasting meat filled the air as the two giants expertly prepared their hunt.
"Brogy, Dorry," Leo began, taking a bite of the sizzling, juicy meat, "have you ever thought about leaving this island?"
The two giants paused, then nodded in unison. "Of course."
"Once we determine a winner, we will leave here and return to the land of Giants, Elbaf," Dorry stated.
Brogy scratched his head awkwardly. "It's just... we've been fighting for a hundred years. It's always a draw."
"But I'm sure I'll win next time!" he added with conviction.
"You wish, you shameless oaf!" Dorry shot back. "I carry the pride of an Elbaf warrior! I will never lose!"
"You're not the only one with pride!"
The atmosphere instantly grew tense again, the air practically crackling with competitive energy as the two giants glared at each other.
"Ahem... Brogy, Dorry," Leo quickly interjected, changing the subject before they could start brawling right there. "Do you remember Kashi and Oimo?"
The familiar names gave the giants pause. Brogy thought for a moment. "Weren't they... part of our crew? It's been so long, my memory is hazy."
Leo nodded. "Yes, they were crew members of the Giant Warrior Pirates. Fifty years ago, after you two failed to return, the crew disbanded. Kashi and Oimo left Elbaf again, searching the world for you." He paused, his expression turning serious. "Unfortunately, they were tricked by the World Government. They're currently... guarding the gates of Enies Lobby for them."
"WHAT?!" the two giants roared in unison, their auras flaring with sudden, terrifying rage. The women all flinched.
Leo simply shrugged. "It's the truth. The World Government lied to them. They told Kashi and Oimo that you two had been captured and imprisoned. They promised to release you if Kashi and Oimo worked for them for a hundred years." He shook his head. "Your loyal crewmates believed them. They agreed without hesitation to save their captains. They've been guarding that gate for fifty years already."
"Those despicable, cunning bastards!" Brogy snarled, clenching his massive fists. "We have to rescue them!"
"But... we haven't settled our duel," Dorry said, his voice heavy with conflict. Their fight was no longer just for themselves; it was for the honor of their people. It was a sacred, paramount duty. Neither could leave Little Garden until it was resolved.
"This..." Brogy deflated, the roasted meat in his hand suddenly seeming unappetizing.
Leo laughed. "Gentlemen, I have a solution that satisfies both problems. Would you like to hear it?"
"Tell us!" both giants said, their eyes lighting up with hope.
"You can stay here and continue your duel until there's a winner. As for Kashi and Oimo... I will rescue them for you." He looked them squarely in their giant eyes. "To prove my sincerity, I will bring them here to Little Garden to reunite with you." He leaned forward slightly. "On one condition." It was time to get to the point.
"Just name it!!" Brogy boomed without a second's hesitation, true to the straightforward nature of his race. Dorry nodded firmly in agreement.
Leo didn't beat around the bush. "You must teach me the Giant Warrior technique, Baku."
Brogy and Dorry looked at each other, then burst into their characteristic, thunderous laughter.
"Kababababa...!"
"Gagyagya-gya...!"
"It's a deal!"
The moon hung high in the sky. The pleasant chirping of nocturnal insects was utterly drowned out by the sounds emanating from a certain room on the Going Merry.
Nearing midnight.
"Claim reward!!"
[Congratulations, Host, on obtaining the Yonko Big Mom's 'Iron Balloon' innate talent!]
In the quiet room, Leo almost laughed out loud.
The Iron Balloon!
Universally recognized as one of the top-tier innate physical constitutions in the world, with no equal. Today had been full of pleasant surprises.
It was well known that a powerful physique was the foundation for using powerful techniques. The stronger the body, the greater the potential. During the Marineford War, Whitebeard had been grievously wounded by Akainu. Anyone else would have died a hundred times over, yet Whitebeard, dragging his ravaged body, had continued to wreak havoc. What did he rely on, if not his monstrous physical endurance?
And Big Mom's "Iron Balloon" talent was the peak of this. Unrivaled. Top-tier defense, superhuman strength. As a five-year-old child, she had punched a giant bear to death. Trying to help a Giant by swatting a mosquito for him, she had accidentally broken several of his ribs. She had single-handedly destroyed an entire Giant village. By the age of ten, her bounty was 500 million Berries. Her feats between the ages of five and ten were a matter of public record. In terms of pure innate physical talent, Big Mom's "Iron Balloon" was in a league of its own. As for why she had... declined in later years, those in the know, knew. She had become obsessed with bearing children, completely neglecting to hone her craft and squandering her heaven-defying talent.
As the mechanical voice faded, a strange, powerful energy surged within Leo. He could clearly feel it silently reforging his body from the inside out, the process remarkably smooth and without any discomfort.
Several minutes later, Leo slowly opened his eyes. He clenched his fist and threw a simple punch forward.
BOOM!
The air itself compressed and exploded with a sharp crack.
"As expected of the 'Iron Balloon'. Truly domineering," Leo murmured, a fierce grin spreading across his face. With this talent bolstering his physique, he could develop even more powerful combat techniques.
He was becoming unstoppable
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T/N :
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