The Black Dragon Pirates sailed forward, their spirits lifted by their hard-fought victory against the sea kings. However, the calm and the excitement of battle couldn't completely mask the looming uncertainty that the Grand Line brought with it. The sea, as unpredictable as always, remained treacherous. They were aware that every island they came upon could offer new challenges, dangers, or even strange wonders.
After days of sailing through calm waters and avoiding some minor dangers in the form of pirates and wild beasts, the crew finally spotted something new—a massive, towering silhouette on the horizon. The island was unlike any they had seen before; it was marked by colossal, jagged mountain peaks, and the massive shadows of what appeared to be enormous creatures moving among the rocks.
"That's no ordinary island," Yu Zhong remarked, narrowing his eyes as he studied the looming silhouette. "We're approaching something big. Keep your guard up."
Kadita, her sharp senses attuned to the environment, felt a strange energy coming from the island. "It's different," she said, her voice full of curiosity and concern. "I can feel... something. It's like the island itself is alive."
Yu Zhong nodded, the anticipation in his gaze growing stronger. "Then let's see what's waiting for us."
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The Arrival
As they neared the island, the crew saw that it was populated by towering giants—beings who stood at least thirty feet tall. These giants moved among the rocky terrain as if they had lived there for centuries. The island seemed to be their home, but it was unclear whether the giants were peaceful or hostile. Yu Zhong, as the captain, made the decision to land on the island and explore.
"Let's dock here and check things out," Yu Zhong ordered, his voice firm. "We need supplies, and maybe we can find information on the next island."
Terizla steered the ship toward a small beach, maneuvering carefully around the rocks and the hidden underwater dangers. As they approached the shore, the crew could see the giants up close, some of them fishing, others working in groups, lifting massive boulders, or seemingly engaging in a form of construction.
Lancelot, his eyes scanning the surroundings, spoke up. "We should be careful. Giants are no easy foes."
"We're not here to start trouble," Yu Zhong replied, his calm tone betraying no fear. "Let's approach them and see if they can help us."
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First Contact
As the crew disembarked, they noticed the giant inhabitants of the island were watching them curiously, their massive hands resting on their weapons, but none made a move. It was clear they weren't sure what to make of the small group of pirates. The Black Dragon Pirates were far from intimidating in size, but their presence alone sent a ripple through the giants' ranks.
"We're not here to fight," Yu Zhong called out in the most respectful tone he could muster, raising a hand in a peaceful gesture. "We seek only food and information. We're travelers, not invaders."
The giants exchanged looks, their deep voices rumbling like thunder. One of them, the tallest among them, stepped forward. His skin was weathered, and his face bore the scars of battle, but his eyes were wise, and his demeanor was not overtly hostile.
"You are no ordinary people," the giant said in broken but understandable common tongue. "What is it you seek on this island?"
"We seek passage to the Grand Line's next islands," Yu Zhong explained, his gaze steady. "We are pirates, but we don't seek to bring harm. We've faced many dangers, and now, we need your help."
The giant looked down at the crew, his expression unreadable. "Pirates, you say? Many pirates come to our shores, but few leave without facing the wrath of the giants."
Lancelot immediately gripped his sword, his stance defensive, but Yu Zhong motioned for him to stay calm. "We mean no harm," Yu Zhong repeated. "We have fought many battles, but not all of them are won with violence. We seek only aid in navigating the Grand Line."
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A Test of Strength
The giant regarded Yu Zhong with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. After a long pause, he finally spoke again. "We do not offer our aid without testing you. If you are truly capable, prove it. If you can defeat me in combat, we will aid you. If you fail, you will leave this island without the help of the giants."
Yu Zhong's eyes gleamed with determination. He was prepared for this challenge. "I accept," he said without hesitation.
The crew watched with bated breath as the giant stepped forward, his colossal form casting a shadow over the small group. The ground beneath them shook as the giant raised his massive fist, ready to strike.
Yu Zhong's body pulsed with the power of the mythical Black Dragon Fruit he had consumed. The black aura around him grew stronger as he called upon his strength. His body transformed slightly, the dark energy surrounding him like a protective shield.
"Prepare yourself," Yu Zhong said with a confident grin.
The giant swung his fist with terrifying force, aiming for Yu Zhong, but the captain was quick to respond. He moved in a blur, dodging the punch and sliding under the giant's legs with incredible speed. The ground cracked beneath him, but Yu Zhong was unharmed. He struck out with a vicious kick to the giant's leg, causing the earth to shake.
The giant grunted in surprise but recovered quickly, swinging his massive fists in retaliation. Yu Zhong, using his speed and agility, dodged and counterattacked with precise blows. His strikes weren't as powerful as the giant's, but the Black Dragon Fruit's powers enhanced his physical abilities, allowing him to land some solid hits.
Lancelot, who had been watching carefully, nodded in approval. "The captain's control over his power is impressive. He's keeping up with the giant."
The battle continued for several minutes, the crew watching in awe as Yu Zhong danced around the giant, using his speed and agility to dodge powerful strikes while landing blows that left cracks in the ground.
Finally, with one well-timed maneuver, Yu Zhong leapt into the air, his fists surrounded by black dragon energy. He descended with a massive strike to the giant's chest, knocking him back several feet. The giant stumbled but remained standing, his chest heaving.
"That's enough," the giant said, his voice deeper now, tinged with respect. "You have proven your strength."
Yu Zhong stood proudly, his chest heaving slightly from the exertion. "I knew it would be a challenge. But we're capable."
The giant nodded, his expression now softened. "You have earned my respect, and I will help you."
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A New Ally
The giant turned to his fellow islanders and gave a signal. The giants began to move, gathering supplies and offering food to the pirates. It was clear now that the crew had earned their respect, and the giants would provide what they needed.
"You may stay here for the night," the giant said. "Rest and prepare. Tomorrow, we will tell you what you need to know about the next island. But beware—the Grand Line is full of danger. It is not a place for the faint of heart."
Yu Zhong bowed his head respectfully. "We are ready for whatever comes."
With that, the crew settled in for the night, grateful for the temporary respite. The giant had agreed to provide the information they needed to navigate the next part of their journey, and they were closer than ever to their ultimate goal.
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End of Chapter 3
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In Chapter 3, the crew faces a powerful test from the island's giant inhabitants. Yu Zhong steps up to prove the strength of the Black Dragon Pirates, defeating the giant in combat. As a result, they gain the respect of the island's giants, who agree to provide the crew with supplies and vital information for their journey ahead.
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