As the Going Merry sailed further into the Grand Line, the crew's camaraderie had grown stronger after their victories at Arlong Park and Whiskey Peak. With Vivi now among them, the crew had begun preparing for the dangers of assisting her in saving Alabasta.
"Next stop is an island called Little Garden," Vivi said as the Log Pose pointed the way. "It's unlike anything we've encountered before. The Grand Line is unpredictable, and Little Garden is a place where time itself feels... frozen."
Usopp gulped nervously. "Frozen in time? What do you mean?"
"Think of an island untouched by the ages," Vivi explained, "where prehistoric creatures still roam, and survival is a test of will and strength."
"Dinosaurs?!" Usopp yelped, his hands trembling.
"Sounds fun!" Luffy said, his grin stretching wide.
Kuro, standing silently at the back, gave a soft chuckle. "You call that fun? Sounds like a deathtrap."
---
Arrival at Little Garden
When the island came into view, the crew was stunned by its sheer scale. Towering mountains, lush jungles, and enormous creatures walking freely greeted them. As the Going Merry docked at the island's edge, a dense fog hung over the jungle, giving it an air of mystery.
The moment the gangplank was lowered, Luffy charged out, laughing and excited. "Let's explore!"
"Wait!" Nami called after him. "We need a plan before running off!"
But Luffy had already disappeared into the trees, followed closely by Usopp and Vivi, both reluctantly swept up by his enthusiasm.
---
The Crew Splits Up
To make the most of their time, the crew divided into groups.
Luffy, Usopp, and Vivi ventured into the jungle to search for fruit and fresh water.
Zoro wandered off on his own to train and test his limits.
Sanji decided to hunt for rare ingredients, hoping to cook something spectacular.
Nami stayed aboard the Merry to catalog their supplies, with Kuro standing guard at her insistence.
As they disappeared into the island's vast wilderness, the prehistoric dangers became immediately apparent.
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Luffy's Group – Friends or Foes?
Luffy's group soon stumbled upon a strange clearing where the ground was littered with massive footprints. Before they could speculate, a colossal Tyrannosaurus burst through the trees, roaring so loudly it shook the ground.
"Run!" Vivi screamed, grabbing Usopp by the arm.
Luffy, however, stood his ground, his fists clenched. "Let's fight it!"
"Luffy, are you crazy?!" Usopp shouted, his legs shaking.
The dinosaur charged, but Luffy's Observation Haki allowed him to dodge its powerful jaws. He retaliated with a well-timed punch to its snout, enhanced by his budding Armament Haki, causing the creature to stumble back.
"Whoa... it actually worked," Vivi whispered, wide-eyed.
The dinosaur roared again, retreating into the jungle. Luffy grinned triumphantly. "See? Told you it'd be fine!"
---
Zoro's Trial – Alone in the Wild
Deeper in the jungle, Zoro encountered his own challenges. A pack of raptors surrounded him, their sharp claws glinting in the sunlight.
"So, you think you can take me on?" Zoro said, drawing his three swords.
The raptors lunged at once, but Zoro's growing grasp of Armament Haki allowed him to block their claws with his blades. He countered with a powerful spin attack, scattering the creatures.
"Still not strong enough," Zoro muttered to himself, feeling the strain from using Haki for an extended period. "I need to push further."
As he rested briefly, Zoro noticed something unusual—a massive stone monument with ancient carvings. "What is this place?" he wondered, sensing an air of history and mystery.
---
Sanji's Hunt – A Gourmet Challenge
Meanwhile, Sanji was in his element, searching for rare ingredients among the island's unique flora and fauna. He came across a herd of large herbivores grazing peacefully.
"Perfect," he said, lighting a cigarette. "A dish fit for kings."
Sanji prepared to hunt but was interrupted by a massive saber-toothed tiger. The beast growled menacingly, eyeing Sanji as its next meal.
Sanji smirked, taking a fighting stance. "I don't have time for this, but if you insist..."
The tiger pounced, but Sanji's agility and growing understanding of Armament Haki allowed him to kick its fangs with enough force to send it sprawling.
"That's what you get for coming between a chef and his ingredients," Sanji said, walking away with his prize.
---
Dorry and Brogy – The Giants of Elbaf
Back in the jungle, Luffy's group stumbled upon an extraordinary sight—two massive giants sitting across from each other, laughing heartily.
"Who are they?" Vivi asked, hiding behind Luffy.
The giants introduced themselves as Dorry and Brogy, warriors from the legendary kingdom of Elbaf. They explained their 100-year-long duel, a test of honor and pride.
"That's so cool!" Luffy exclaimed, his admiration for their warrior spirit evident.
Usopp, however, was terrified. "Cool?! They're huge! What if they step on us?"
Despite Usopp's protests, the group spent time learning from the giants, whose bond and strength inspired Luffy.
---
Baroque Works Arrives
Unbeknownst to the crew, Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek had also arrived on Little Garden. They observed the Straw Hats and the giants from afar, plotting their next move.
"These fools won't know what hit them," Mr. 3 said, crafting an elaborate wax trap to immobilize Dorry and Brogy.
As the giants fell into the trap, the Straw Hats realized the danger too late.
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The Crew Unites
When Zoro, Sanji, and Kuro regrouped with Luffy's group, the Straw Hats faced off against Baroque Works together. Though the crew's grasp of Haki was still developing, their teamwork and determination allowed them to overcome the agents.
Sanji and Zoro began to show stronger signs of Armament Haki, their attacks breaking through Mr. 3's wax creations.
Usopp and Vivi displayed budding Observation Haki, enabling them to anticipate and evade Miss Goldenweek's paint-based traps.
Kuro, with his natural killer instincts, delivered precise, devastating strikes to protect the crew.
---
Departure and Nami's Illness
After defeating Baroque Works and freeing the giants, the crew prepared to leave. Dorry and Brogy gifted them a Log Pose, pointing them toward their next destination.
However, as they set sail, Nami collapsed unexpectedly, her fever worsening rapidly.
"We need a doctor," Vivi said urgently. "There's no time to waste."
With Nami's health hanging in the balance, the crew sailed toward Drum Island, knowing that greater challenges lay ahead.
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End of Chapter
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