The mist parted as the Going Merry slid through the water. Before them, a vast island loomed like a memory from another world. Towering trees pierced the clouds, their trunks covered in moss and vines. Massive vines coiled like snakes across rocky hills. Strange bird calls echoed above, and the heavy scent of damp soil filled the air.
"Whoa…" Luffy's mouth fell open as he leaned over the rail. "This place is awesome!"
"It's like the entire island stopped evolving after the dinosaur age," Nami muttered, brushing aside her bangs as she adjusted the Log Pose. "The magnetic field is stable, but everything about this place feels ancient."
"I don't like it," Usopp whispered, crouching behind a barrel. "Places with giant lizards usually don't welcome visitors…"
"Giant lizards?" Luffy perked up.
Just then, a loud crash thundered in the distance.
Everyone froze.
A huge shadow darted between the trees.
Leaves fluttered to the deck like confetti.
Then—
A dinosaur burst from the forest edge, jaws open wide as it chased a bird the size of a small boat.
Luffy screamed.
With joy.
"DINOSAURS!"
Usopp screamed too.
But not with joy.
"TURN BACK!"
The Going Merry creaked as it reached a natural inlet—stone arms forming a sheltered dock overgrown with greenery. The crew disembarked cautiously, except for Luffy, who leapt off the deck and immediately started sprinting toward the jungle.
"Wait up!" Zoro sighed, hopping off behind him. "You're gonna get eaten in five seconds."
"Only if the dinosaur's fast!"
"Only if you're dumb," Zoro muttered.
Nami stayed near the ship, arms crossed. "Let them burn their energy. We'll start charting this place."
"I'll prepare something light," Sanji offered, heading to the galley.
Vivi stood beside Nami, eyes fixed on the jungle. "This place… it feels untouched by time."
Deeper in the forest, the world turned quiet.
Luffy slowed, eyes wide as he took in massive ferns, insect buzz, and the deep grooves in the ground.
"Look at these footprints," Zoro said. "Bigger than a sea king's."
Luffy crouched beside one, pressing his palm into the dirt. "Fresh."
A tremor rolled through the ground.
Then another.
Trees swayed.
A massive figure emerged from the jungle—twice the height of the Going Merry, with braided red hair, a huge jaw, and laughter like a storm.
"BWAAAH-HAHAHAHA! What's this? Tiny humans? You're bold to tread the island of giants!"
Luffy's eyes lit up. "You're huge!"
Zoro stepped in front. "Stay alert."
The giant's laughter rumbled. "I'm Dorry of Elbaf, the Blue Ogre! Who dares disturb my forest?"
"We're pirates!" Luffy said proudly. "I'm Luffy! And you're awesome!"
Zoro sighed. "Subtle."
Dorry tilted his head. "Pirates, eh? Not spies? Not challengers?"
Luffy shook his head. "Nope. Just hungry!"
Dorry's grin widened. "HOOOO! Then come! I haven't had company in a hundred years!"
Back at the ship, Sanji stirred soup while humming.
Usopp peeked over the rail.
"Something's… moving."
Through the trees on the opposite ridge, another giant figure appeared—this one with green hair and a massive iron sword slung over his shoulder.
He walked slow. Heavy.
Each step crushed trees underfoot.
"That must be—" Vivi started.
"Brogy," Nami said quietly. "Another Elbaf giant."
Then from deep in the trees, another sound emerged—not footsteps, not roars.
A whisper of conversation.
Behind a curtain of vines, two figures watched.
One sat cross-legged, painting calmly on paper with a tiny brush—Miss Goldenweek.
The other adjusted his monocle and whispered, "Operation Candle Lock is in motion."
Mr. 3's smile was thin. Cold.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the jungle, Dorry shared his drink with Luffy and Zoro.
Luffy downed a mouthful and grinned. "You're strong!"
Dorry roared with laughter. "You're not so bad yourself! Remind me of a young warrior!"
Suddenly—
Another tremor.
A second massive figure crashed through the forest, sword raised.
Dorry's grin vanished.
"BROGY!"
The two giants locked eyes.
No words.
Only tension.
Then—they charged.
Axe met sword in a titanic clash.
The ground shattered.
Trees snapped in half.
The air shook.
Luffy and Zoro barely avoided the shockwave.
Leaves rained down like confetti as the giants laughed and struck again.
Far away, Mr. 3's candle box began to glow.
He opened it with reverence.
"Let the duel distract them…"
His eyes narrowed.
"…while I prepare their end."
[End of Chapter 111]
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