"Hmm?"
On the Going Merry, 'Roman' noticed the two figures in the jungle through the paper crane in the sky. But:
Boom!
As the volcano in the center of the island erupted with lava, it was like the bell ringing for a duel! On 'Little Garden,' two tall figures, one on the left and one on the right, holding swords, shields, and axes, strode towards each other.
The many beasts on the island, even the dinosaurs, scattered and fled! In front of these two giant warriors, the so-called ancient rulers were just food, and the towering jungle was just grass at their feet! The two giants quickly approached each other, their eyes meeting with only a burning desire to fight!
"Ah!!"
"Ha—!"
Clang!!!
The huge but broken sword and axe clashed fiercely, the deafening metallic sound echoing through the sky, and the wild shockwave swept across the battlefield like a storm! Centered on the two giants, countless trees and plants bent, broke, and turned into wood chips flying in all directions!
However, this was just the unconscious aftermath of the battle.
"Puhahaha, such a soft sword, are you starting to miss home?"
Facing the bearded giant's taunt, the long-bearded giant laughed wildly in response.
"Gahahaha, that's why I have to defeat you and return to Elbaf!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Every clash of the giants' weapons was like the sky falling and the earth cracking! Forget about mere human flesh and blood, even a steel warship would only last a few seconds in front of them!
However:
They had been fighting for 100 years, and were too familiar with each other's attacks, defenses, moves, and personalities, as if they could clearly outline each other in their minds with their eyes closed. So:
Even though it was a life-and-death battle, it was full of the beauty of strength and thrilling passion!
...
Boom!
Boom!
As the two giant shields simultaneously smashed into each other's faces, the two towering figures separated like collapsing mountains.
"73,466 times... a draw..." X2
"Hahaha, I got some good wine from some little guests..."
"Gahaha, share some with me, I haven't tasted wine in a long time..."
The battle ended, and the two giants returned to their 'territories,' waiting for the next duel!
Meanwhile, on Nami's side:
"Why have you been fighting for 100 years? Is there some deep hatred? Or some reason you can't let go?"
Facing Nami's question, the bearded giant scratched his helmet and thought hard for a while, finally:
"Hahaha, I forgot the reason a long time ago!"
Hopeless, Nami covered her face.
"This... this is the boldness a man of the sea should have!"
Usopp, however, looked envious.
"This is the honor of a warrior. You both have a 'warrior's' flag in your hearts, and neither of you wants to break the other's pride, so you've been fighting with all your might for 100 years."
"The 'brave warrior' I pursue is like this, I want to become..."
"You want to become a giant?"
"...No!"
The serious atmosphere instantly shattered, filling the place with a joyful mood once again. Except for:
Roman, who was mechanically gnawing on a giant piece of meat.
"Your friend..." The bearded giant raised his finger, as thick as a pillar, and pointed to his temple.
"Is there something wrong with him?"
"Not at all," Nami shook her head in denial, "Roman is very reliable..."
Come to think of it, Roman, who recently started 'developing fruits,' seems a bit unreliable too... Could he be getting infected by Luffy?
Is the last normal combat power of the Straw Hat Pirates about to fall?
Zoro, the directionally challenged, Sanji, the flirt, Luffy, the goofball, and now Roman...
This ship is doomed...
——————
On the other side of the island, the long-bearded giant, who got wine from the bearded giant, laughed heartily, slapping his knee.
"Gahaha, I heard there's a girl, a long-nosed guy, and a dumb boy with my companion—"
He happily held the wine barrel in his hand, — a barrel big enough to hold an adult, which looked like a small cup in his hand.
"So they're all your companions! In that case, this wine is like a gift from you..."
As he said this, the long-bearded giant threw the wine barrel into his mouth, but before he could savor it:
Boom!!
A violent explosion accompanied by thick smoke erupted from the long-bearded giant's mouth, severely injuring the giant who had just gone through a tough battle.
"What happened? Why did the wine explode?" Luffy suddenly stood up, "Isn't this the wine from our ship?"
"It exploded in his stomach..." Vivi covered her face, unable to bear looking at the long-bearded giant with his eyes rolled back, "It's too cruel. Could it be the giant he's fighting..."
"Impossible! They've been fighting for 100 years with honor, they would never—"
Smack!
A huge figure stood up, blood continuously flowing from the corner of his mouth, unable to stop his anger.
"Then who was it..."
His blood-red eyes fell on Luffy and Vivi.
"Was it you?"
Facing the severely injured and furious long-bearded giant, Luffy tossed his straw hat to Vivi.
"Hold this for me. I feel bad for the giant uncle, but—"
He took a fighting stance.
"I want to calm him down!"
---
"Armament Haki..."
On the Going Merry, Roman touched his chin.
"If anyone in the Straw Hat Pirates can awaken Armament Haki first, it would undoubtedly be Luffy and Zoro."
Because they are people who believe in themselves 100%! But:
"Having the will alone is not enough; the body needs to keep up."
Just like Luffy's 'Gear Second,' when it was first developed, it had huge consumption and even shortened his lifespan. But later on, he could use it whenever he wanted, which is the benefit of improved physique.
But it's easier said than done; how can physique be easily improved?
Years of training are needed to become a true strong person!
But what the Straw Hat Pirates lack most now is time—
In contrast, Observation Haki is simpler because it is influenced by the soul.
Otherwise, how could the Fishman Queen bear the consumption of 'Haki' with her physique?
In a sense, Luffy is also someone born with 'Observation Haki.' — Even with people he just met, he can immediately tell if they get along...
"If it's sensing intense 'killing intent,' Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and I can all do it."
But if it comes to sensing slight other 'emotions,' except for Luffy occasionally having a flash of insight, the other Straw Hat members can't sense these things in battle.
Further, if it's just pure 'attacks' without emotions, the Straw Hat Pirates can only rely on experience. — And only sensing pure attacks counts as touching the threshold of 'Observation Haki.'
Further still, it's being able to 'predict' the source, route, and strength of attacks in advance...
And the ultimate in 'Observation Haki' is someone like Katakuri, who can even predict future time fragments.
"Troublesome, do I really have to guide Luffy to develop Gear Second in advance?"
This is the method Roman can think of to defeat Crocodile without 'external help.' — Gear Third is not urgent because against Logia users, giant attacks are not very effective.
"Shortening lifespan... although Luffy would definitely have no objections, but..."
I, a dignified transmigrator, can't even defeat a Seven Warlords of the Sea?
This Devil Fruit, I don't want it!
"If you give me three years... no, even one year!" Roman frowned, "I have confidence in developing the fruit ability to..."
Boom!
At this moment, the volcano on the island erupted again, interrupting Roman's thoughts and making his eyes sharpen!
It's here.
The honor battle of the giant warriors 'Red Ogre' and 'Blue Ogre'!
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