"Anyway, it's that combined attack technique, right?"
Caesar nodded: "Can you teach me?"
"Kabababa, of course!"
Brogy grinned, showing his teeth: "The Conqueror's Nation technique is the most powerful combined attack of our Giant warrior tribe. I can sense you're quite strong, but to learn this move, you first need a partner with whom you share perfect synergy."
"Hihihihi!"
Yamato eagerly raised her hand: "Here, here! Caesar and I fight together all the time! Our synergy is absolutely no problem!"
"In that case, why don't you give it a try?"
Brogy laughed: "Might as well do it now. Attempt to unleash a shockwave-like attack together toward the distance."
"Fine by me. It's been a while since I last went all out anyway."
Caesar stood up, with Yamato following closely behind. The two walked to an open area in the distance.
Then, Caesar drew his longsword, while Yamato raised her Spiked Club. Under the tense and curious gazes of the onlookers, an invisible pressure erupted violently.
BOOM—
The chilling Armament Haki nearly solidified into a tangible form, flickering like burning flames across their bodies.
Through Observation Haki, Caesar sensed Yamato's shifting aura, his own Haki growing even more refined.
Thud…
A muffled sound echoed as both their feet sank into the ground.
The moment their invisible pressure reached a critical threshold—
They swung their weapons simultaneously!
"CONQUEROR'S NATION!!!" ×2
BOOM—
Almost the instant their weapons moved, the earth before them shattered violently!
The terrifying shockwave transformed into a blinding white light, swallowing the entire landscape before them in an instant!
Under the horrified gazes of the spectators, a monstrous fissure tore through the land, stretching all the way to the sea. The forest ahead looked as if a giant eraser had wiped away a massive chunk, leaving behind nothing but barren wasteland.
Only a second later did the deafening sonic boom finally spread. The distant sea caved in, forming a long trench that extended beyond the horizon, vanishing into the endless distance…
Plop…
Baby5's oil brush slipped from her fingers and fell silently to the ground. Deuce sniffled, his eyes bulging wide.
Nami's small mouth hung open, her bangs disheveled, frozen in place as if petrified.
"Hah…"
Ace's jaw dropped. Even someone as carefree as him was utterly stunned by this attack!
Law gave Ace a complicated look: "Are you really planning to fight this monster a hundred times?"
Ace: "Uh, well…?"
Honestly, he wasn't so sure anymore—especially since Caesar clearly wasn't even at his peak.
"Kababababa!"
By the bonfire, Brogy remained stunned for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter: "You two really do have incredible synergy!"
"So? How was it?" Caesar turned and asked.
"Hmm… Unfortunately, that wasn't Conqueror's Nation."
Brogy shook his head: "Your Armament Haki is formidable, but Conqueror's Nation is actually a charging technique. When used alone, it has another name—Majestic Nation."
"The principle involves condensing one's willpower and Haki to an extreme degree. This charging technique requires an immensely powerful physique and an endless supply of stamina to sustain it—which is why it's typically only learnable by Giants."
"But the two of you work together brilliantly. I can sense it—what do you humans call it when your Armament Haki... uh, what's the term again?"
Brogy rubbed his head.
Dr. Wolf: "Resonance?"
"Yes! Resonance!"
Brogy laughed heartily: "To achieve that, you two must know each other's techniques inside out."
"Hehe, we used to train together every day!"
Yamato sat beside Caesar, grinning adorably. Just looking at that smile, no one would guess a girl with such an expression could unleash such terrifying techniques.
Boom...
Boom...
Boom...
The ground suddenly trembled as a massive figure emerged from the forest.
"GIAGIAGIAGIA! You've got visitors, Brogy!"
It was a towering giant, though leaner and taller than Brogy.
"Oh! Dorry!"
Brogy waved: "These are adventurers who came specifically to hear about our legendary duel!"
"GIAGIAGIAGIA! Is that so? I thought some dangerous folks had arrived! That earlier strike was truly shocking!"
"KABABABABA! It was these two human friends' combined attack. They wanted to learn Conqueror's Nation from me!"
"Do all giants laugh so weirdly?" Nami couldn't help but mutter.
"Perfect timing for a feast!" Brogy invited.
"GIAGIAGIAGIA! Then I won't hold back!"
Dorry plopped down cross-legged beside the group, accepting the roasted dinosaur meat Kuma handed him.
"Speaking of which, have you two really been fine just dueling here all this time?"
Caesar questioned: "A hundred years have passed, and a lot of trouble has happened in Elbaf during that time. Your former subordinates were even tricked by the World Government into guarding the gates at Enies Lobby."
"NANI?!" ×2
Hearing this, Dorry and Brogy's expressions darkened instantly.
"Young man, who exactly are you talking about?" Dorry pressed urgently.
"I think their names were Kashi and Oimo?"
Caesar pondered—the Enies Lobby arc had left a deep impression on him, and he remembered most names.
"How could this be?"
Brogy's face turned grim: "The World Government? How were they deceived?"
Caesar shrugged: "The World Government lied, saying you two had been captured. They promised to consider releasing you if Kashi and Oimo worked for them."
"Those idiots!" ×2
Hearing their crewmates had been tricked, Dorry and Brogy looked furious.
"While I deeply respect Elbaf's dueling culture, I suggest you wrap up this duel as soon as possible."
Caesar cautioned: "A hundred years might not mean much to giants with three-hundred-year lifespans, but for humans, a century is enough for countless history-altering events to unfold."
"Nowadays, the Celestial Dragons' ambitions keep growing. They've long had their eyes on Elbaf. In recent years, they've been buying orphaned giant children through human traffickers to enlist in the Navy, using cultural infiltration to subtly erase the fighting spirit of young giants. They hope to influence the next generation, making them stop resisting the World Government's rule."
"WHAT?!"
At this, Dorry and Brogy could no longer remain seated.
"Hey hey, little guy, you're not lying to us, are you?"
Both men were covered in cold sweat. Though they appeared rough and tough, most giants were actually intellectuals—they just dressed ruggedly.
To be capable of leading a ship through the Grand Line, these two weren't just strong—they were among the most learned of intellectuals.
"I have no reason to deceive you."
Caesar shook his head: "You must have an Eternal Pose with you? Going back won't take much time, especially for giants like you."
"Damn those bastards in the World Government..."
Brogy believed Caesar's words—after all, the Celestial Dragons a hundred years ago were no saints either.
"But why would the Celestial Dragons target Elbaf?" Nami asked in confusion.
"Because it's strong. Also, Elbaf might hold remnants of certain historical truths that unsettle them."
Caesar chuckled: "Anyway, it's better for you to uncover these secrets yourselves later. I'm just reminding Dorry and Brogy—with the world in turmoil now, there's no rush to settle this duel."
"GABABABABA! That won't do! For the glory of Elbaf's warriors!"
"GYAGYAGYAGYA! You're right! The gods of Elbaf would never allow such a thing!"
"Still, we appreciate the warning, Little Caesar."
Brogy spoke sincerely: "We'll finish this duel as quickly as possible!"
"Oh!"
Dorry gripped his greatsword: "Why not settle it today!"
As his words fell, the volcano at the island's center erupted violently. The two giants rose simultaneously and strode toward the heart of the island.
"Ha, completely unstoppable," Caesar sighed.
"What are they doing?"
Nami watched the giants' retreating figures, puzzled.
"Going to... duel, of course!" Deuce said with mixed emotions.
Soon, Dorry and Brogy reached the island's center, standing opposite each other from a distance.
The next moment, they both lunged forward, charging at one another.
"OOOOH!!"
"AAAH!!"
CLANG—!
The massive axe and greatsword collided, sending bright sparks flying.
Immediately after, their shield-bearing arms swung toward each other's faces, only for both to dodge the attacks.
Suddenly, Dorry spun around, slashing his sword toward Brogy's neck. Brogy leaped high, evading the strike while bringing his axe down toward Dorry's head!
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
Every clash between the giants produced deafening sonic booms. As their weapons swung, countless shrubs and creatures were caught in the crossfire—dust swirled, and trees were uprooted.
"ORA!"
"DIE!"
The sword and axe swung mercilessly at each other, making Nami cover her mouth in shock.
"Are they trying to kill each other with every strike?"
"That's why it's called a duel..."
Ace pressed down his hat brim, his voice uncharacteristically tense.
"But... why?" Nami still didn't understand.
"Like they said—for a warrior's honor." Deuce's expression was grave too.
The others were similarly dazed. Though they didn't fully comprehend it, they felt deep admiration for the two giants. Yamato was even moved to tears.
"Ha, hard to understand, isn't it?"
Caesar patted Nami on the shoulder. "Everyone in this world pursues different things. Those willing to dedicate themselves to ideals or uphold certain beliefs would probably relate more deeply."
Nami pouted. "What's that supposed to mean? Sounds like you're saying I don't have ideals. So is that what you think too?"
Caesar smirked. "No, I can understand it. But throwing your life away for a single battle is just too wasteful. At the very least, I wouldn't gamble my life for so-called glory. What if I lose the bet? That'd be a terrible deal."
Law gave Caesar a surprised glance. "With your strength, you actually think that way?"
"Isn't that just common sense?"
Caesar shook his head with a laugh. "My life is far too valuable to be spent defending something so intangible."
"Right, right! Absolutely right!"
Nami nodded vigorously like a pecking chick, as if trying to convince herself of something.
Right my ass...
Law shot Nami a sidelong glance. Caesar disapproved of such behavior due to differing values.
Someone who'd achieved his level of strength might cherish his life, but he definitely wasn't just afraid of death.
But you? You're just plain scared, aren't you?
Meanwhile, at the center of the island, the duel raged on.
At the same time, outside the island, a medium-sized ship with a crocodile figurehead slowly docked at the shore.
Dust swirled as a figure clad in a black overcoat stepped onto land.
It was a tall man with a gloomy demeanor, a horizontal scar across his face, a massive golden hook for a left hand, slicked-back hair meticulously groomed, and a cigar dangling from his lips.
"So this is the place... that woman..."
Gazing at the towering, untamed jungle ahead and the two colossal figures roaring and battling at the forest's heart, the man chuckled darkly before dissolving into a whirl of sand that streaked toward the fighters.
Boom—
Shield clashed against shield in another earth-shaking collision, forcing Dorry and Brogy to stagger back a step each, panting heavily.
Though they'd intended to settle things quickly, a century-long stalemate wasn't so easily broken.
"Hey, you two..."
A low voice suddenly cut in. Both giants turned to see a slick-haired man with a cigar standing nearby.
"Have you seen this woman?"
The man produced a photo showing a striking, black-haired young woman with delicate features.
Isn't that the girl traveling with Caesar?
Dorry and Brogy exchanged glances before speaking in unison: "Who are you?"
Compared to Caesar's group—friendly, mostly young, and generous enough to share drinks—this man didn't seem trustworthy at all.
At the very least, they'd come to regard Caesar's crew as good friends, and betraying friends wasn't their style.
"Seems you've met her."
The man's lips curled. "I'm her future employer—"
"Liar!" Brogy snorted.
"Looks like an enemy!" Dorry's expression turned cold.
Both giants raised their weapons simultaneously, bringing them crashing down toward the man.
"Guhahaha... Overestimating yourselves."
The man's form dissolved into sand, evading the massive strikes, before two razor-edged sand blades slashed across the giants' chests at blinding speed.
"Desert Greatsword!!"
Squelch—
The sharp sand blade slashed across the chest armor of the two men, drawing large sprays of blood. Dorry and Brogy's bodies leaned back simultaneously, their eyes filled with horror.
"It seems I've arrived just in time. Your battle should be nearing its end, right? How about I send you on your way first..."
As the man spoke with a cold laugh, he raised his right hand to summon a sand tornado, preparing to hurl it when suddenly his vision went dark. His entire body shot backward like a cannonball, crashing into the ground and leaving a human-shaped crater.
High above, Caesar's black wings spread wide as he slowly retracted his leg, looking down imperiously at the disheveled figure in the crater.
"Who exactly did you just say was your boss?"