Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
BOOM!
With a thunderous crash that seemed to shake the very air around the ancient island, the epic showdown between the two titanic figures finally reached its conclusion. After a century of clashing in equal measure, their deep understanding of each other's might culminated in a mutual collapse, their enormous forms falling heavily to the earth.
Dorry, catching his breath, bellowed with a grin, "We've clashed in 73,466 battles!"
Brogy, equally exhausted yet jubilant, roared back, "73,466 battles ended in a draw!"
The words hung in the air as they shared a hearty laugh, their voices booming across the landscape. "Brogy, you know, today was quite the day. I played host to some rather intriguing folk, and they even shared a fine brew with me."
"Aha! What a coincidence," Brogy chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "I too had the pleasure of some lively company, and they brought along a decent drink!"
Their eyes met, a moment of realization passing between them. "It seems our visitors might just be shipmates," Dorry mused with a hint of surprise.
"Well then," Brogy suggested, his smile as wide as the horizon, "why don't we break tradition today and feast with these guests together?"
And so it was that the two mighty giants, alongside Bai Ye, Luffy, and the rest, convened by the fiery heart of the central volcano to commence a grand banquet under the stars. Usopp, ever the seeker of tales and adventure, scurried over to Brogy's side, eager to soak in every word of his stories. A spark of determination lit within him, and he boldly declared Dorry and Brogy as his mentors. "Mark my words, I'll grow as formidable as you both!"
His proclamation, bold and brimming with youthful pride, was met with an innocent and curious query from Brogy, "Do you wish to become a giant like us, Usopp?"
At this, Nami and Vivi couldn't help but let out peals of laughter, their mirth echoing alongside the rhythmic sounds of celebration and the comforting gulps of a good drink being savored.
The air was filled with the sounds of hearty gulping as Dorry downed the exquisite spirit that Bai Ye had presented. A deep chuckle resonated from his chest, "Ha ha ha, this brew of Brother Bai Ye's is a notch above what Brother Luffy brought!"
Luffy, far from feeling slighted, beamed with pride, "Absolutely, Bai Ye's the master behind that drink. He's the best."
"Really now?" Interest piqued, Dorry cast an intrigued glance at Bai Ye. "Luffy speaks highly of you, Bai Ye. Are you truly such a commendable fellow as your captain claims?"
Bai Ye raised his glass in a casual salute, a wry smile playing on his lips, "My captain is generous with his praise to all his crew."
His modesty aside, Bai Ye's words about Luffy held a ring of truth that was undeniable. Meanwhile, Nami, ever the navigator, posed a practical inquiry, "Mr. Giant, how long does it usually take for a ship's log pose to adapt to the magnetic field of this island?"
Vivi, with equal parts curiosity and concern, turned her gaze to Dorry. The gravity of their ancient battle eluded them, so they focused on the more tangible concerns of their journey. Dorry, his mirth fading into solemnity, opened his mouth slowly to explain, "You must have noticed the bones scattered along our paths. Those poor souls were consumed by the island's colossal beasts while waiting for their log poses to set."
His laughter returned, a low rumble, "And of course, there are those brave—or foolish—enough to challenge Brogy and me, hehehehe!"
Nami's brow creased with concern as she digested the news: "Does this mean we're stuck here for a long time?"
Dorry gave a slow, grave nod: "One whole year."
Nami's and Vivi's shock was almost audible, "What?!" they exclaimed in unison. Vivi, in particular, felt a pressing urgency; Alabasta couldn't wait a year.
Luffy's face clouded over with worry, "A year? No way, we can't hang around that long. Isn't there any other option?"
Dorry's response was a chuckle, "I've got an Eternal Pose, but it points to Elbaf. Would that help you out?"
Luffy scratched his head, "Elbaf, huh? That's not on our way, right Vivi?"
Vivi's voice carried a tinge of despair, "It's no use. If it doesn't lead to Alabasta, it's no good for me."
With a comforting hand on Vivi's shoulder, Nami shared a silent solidarity. Luffy, ever the optimist, declared, "Then let's just sail blindly to Alabasta!"
Dorry laughed heartily at the suggestion, "If fortune smiles upon you, you might just make it!"
Luffy pondered the idea with earnest, "Really? That could work!"
Nami was on the verge of exasperation, tempted to knock some sense into Luffy, "Are you joking? Finding Alabasta without a Log Pose is a fool's errand!"
But Luffy, undeterred and serious, insisted, "If there's even a small chance, we should take it. We can't just do nothing."
Nami was momentarily speechless, and even Bai Ye thought to himself, "That's so like you, Luffy."
Dorry couldn't help but join in the laughter, "Brother Luffy, you are really interesting fellow!"
It was then Bai Ye offered a glimmer of hope, "We might not need to resort to such drastic measures. We're not alone on this island."
He gestured to the thick forest nearby, "Luffy, take a good look. Who's over there?"
Luffy tipped his straw hat back, peering intently, "Yeah, I see him."
No sooner had they spoken than a commotion stirred in the forest: BANG! BANG! Out burst a figure to land before them—it was Mr. 3. Following closely, Sanji emerged from the foliage, visibly irate, "Were you planning on harming Miss Vivi?!"
Not so long ago, Sanji had been embroiled in a competitive game of hunting with Zoro when the clash of the giants caught his attention. Thanks to his acute Observation Haki, he stumbled upon Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, who had been lurking on the sidelines. Hiding just out of sight, he overheard their sinister plot.
Mr. 3 was cursing under his breath, bemoaning the failure of his plan as the giants continued to drink the wine without any adverse effects, blaming Mr. 5 for the failure. He was already concocting a new, more dire scheme: to seize an opportunity to assassinate Vivi. Sanji's blood boiled upon hearing this, and he swiftly delivered a punishing kick to Mr. 3.
Fast forward to the present, Bai Ye and Luffy were unperturbed amidst the chaos, their composure a byproduct of sensing Sanji's approach.
When Vivi laid eyes on the man sent flying by Sanji's kick, recognition dawned instantly, "Mr. 3!" she gasped.
From the sidelines, Sanji couldn't resist the opportunity to play the gallant hero. "Fear not, Miss Vivi. Consider me your knight," he declared with a flourish, then turned to Nami, "And you as well, Miss Nami." His chivalry earned nothing more than an eye roll from Nami.
Vivi, her mind racing, turned to Sanji with urgency, "If Mr. 3 is here, then Goldenweek must be nearby. Have you seen a little girl with him?"
Sanji replied with a nonchalant shrug, "Sure, I saw a girl, but I didn't think much of it. I wouldn't raise a hand against her."
Vivi's expression grew tense as she explained Goldenweek's peculiar ability to manipulate people with her color-based powers.
"A devil fruit power, perhaps?" Sanji wondered aloud.
Before he could speculate further, Bai Ye's voice cut through the tension, emanating from the forest. All eyes turned to witness a sight both humorous and pitiful. Bai Ye walked up, clutching Miss Goldenweek's collar. His face and clothes were covered in every color you could think of, all thanks to the girl's painting skills.
"No devil fruit at work here," Bai Ye commented with a grin evident even beneath the layers of paint. "She's simply... uniquely skilled."