Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In the world of One Piece, most giants hail from Elbaf, a nation renowned for its powerful army. These giants are naturally strong due to their immense size and physical abilities, making them valuable assets in combat. Consequently, it's not unusual to find giants enlisted in the navy, as their prowess is a significant advantage.
Robin, familiar with the lore of giants, wasn't surprised to encounter them aligned with the world government, though her assumption was slightly off this time.
Kashii, one of the giants, chuckled at Robin's remarks. "Hahaha, seems like you know quite a bit about us giants," he boomed with a laugh. "Then you must be aware of our strength as well." He hoisted his giant ax, showcasing his readiness. "With us here, you won't be passing through this gate."
Zoro, ever eager for a fight, had his hand on his sword's hilt, poised to leap into action. Beside him, Bai Ye was pondering how to explain the situation to the giants, ready to intervene.
Unexpectedly, Usopp stepped forward. "Hold on, Zoro," he interjected, his voice steady. "Could I take on these two?"
Zoro turned to look at Usopp, his face expressionless. Usopp continued, "I promised my giant mentors that I'd become a brave warrior of the sea. Now's my chance to show them."
Usopp's gaze was fixed on the towering figures before him. He declared with determination, "It's about giants, I need to handle this myself."
Zoro could see as Usopp trembled, not from fear but from the thrill of the upcoming challenge. He grinned and gave his approval. "Alright, they're all yours."
With that, Zoro relaxed his grip on his sword and walked past the giants without looking back, heading towards the gate, leaving Usopp to prove his mettle.
Bai Ye approached Usopp, offering a quick piece of advice before casually strolling after Zoro with his hands tucked behind his back. "After you're done fighting, maybe bring up Dorry and Brogy; they might know them," he suggested.
Sanji flicked his lighter, igniting his cigarette as he started to walk away. "Don't lag behind, Usopp," he called over his shoulder.
Nami gave Usopp an encouraging pat on the head and flashed him a supportive smile as she followed the others. "You're very brave today," she complimented.
Robin, walking beside Nami, chimed in with a tease. "Usopp looks unusually handsome today, doesn't he?"
Merry and Chopper, trailing behind Robin, were visibly excited, waving their fists energetically at Usopp, clearly caught up in the moment. Franky couldn't help but add his approval. "This is really SU.PER!!"
Usopp watched his friends walk away, a mix of fighting spirit and warmth in his eyes. "Everyone..." he murmured, appreciating the camaraderie.
Oimo, already irritated from being woken up, watched the brief exchanges with growing annoyance. "What are you guys doing!!" he bellowed, feeling overlooked.
But Zoro, Bai Ye, and the others didn't react to the giant's frustration or even glance at the two imposing figures. They continued towards the sealed gate, undeterred.
Oimo's anger peaked as he raised his massive club overhead, poised to strike. "Bastards! Go to hell with me!!" he roared.
Yet, the group moved forward steadily, unfazed and unquickened by the threat, step by step.
As Oimo raised his massive wooden club and swung it down with all his might, a sharp attack sliced through the air: "Sniper Blast Flame Shot!"
A red bullet, tiny but deadly, zipped through the air and struck the wooden club precisely. It embedded itself into the wood quietly, almost unnoticed by the towering giant.
But then—boom! An explosive burst of flame erupted from where the bullet had lodged, sending a fiery tornado spiraling around the club. The force of the explosion was so intense that it flipped Oimo, a giant of considerable height, right off his feet.
The wooden club, previously menacing and solid like a sea train carriage, shattered into countless burning fragments. These pieces tumbled down, their sparks slowly fading as they hit the ground just behind where Bai Ye and the others had walked moments ago.
At this moment, the rest of the Straw Hats had reached the island's second gate.
"He's not too bad," Bai Ye remarked with a smile, impressed by the display.
When Zoro had turned and walked away without a backward glance, he knew what Usopp intended. As a friend, Usopp had taken on the responsibility to handle the giants, reassuring his companions that they could safely turn their backs on the battle.
Zoro's cool demeanor, unaffected by the explosion behind him, might have been an act, but it was a convincing one. Had it been captured on camera, it surely would have thrilled countless fans.
Usopp's performance not only impressed Bai Ye but also proved his growing strength and courage.
Kashii stood beside Oimo, stunned by the explosion that had just rocked the scene. When he realized what had happened, he cried out in concern, "Oimo!!" His eyes then snapped to Usopp, the masked figure opposite him.
Usopp, kneeling on one knee, held a sleek, silver-white sniper rifle in both hands, his gaze fixed on Kashii. This sniper rifle, a new addition to his arsenal, was the result of meticulous preparation back in Water 7. As Usopp's skill with elemental guns had grown, he had developed techniques that even Bai Ye hadn't anticipated. Recognizing his own need for an upgrade, Usopp had approached Bai Ye with a proposal for this new weapon.
Now, aiming the rifle with unshaking precision, Usopp declared loudly, "I am the Sogeking from the island of snipers!" He paused dramatically before continuing, "Next, let me be your opponent!!"
Sniper Blast - Thunderstorm!
Boom!!
The shot Usopp fired was not just a bullet but resembled a massive water sphere, with flickers of lightning shimmering at its core. Despite its size, the water sphere moved with surprising speed, hurtling towards Kashii.
Kashii reacted instinctively, raising his giant ax to block. The water sphere collided with the ax and split, soaking Kashii thoroughly, leaving him looking like a drowned rat. "Such an attack..." Kashii muttered, puzzled by the effectiveness of what seemed a simple water shot.
But as he stood there, dripping and confused, he began to sense something amiss with the water drenching him. A tingling sensation started to build, and suddenly, a violent burst of electricity coursed through the water!
Thunder strikes!
The effect of Usopp's ingenious attack became clear as Kashii shook under the shock, realizing too late the trap he had got into.