The Going Merry cut through the waves, sails billowing under the wind's steady push. The crew had been sailing for some time and were now approaching the second island along this unpredictable route—Little Garden, the prehistoric island.
Driven by his kind nature, Leo couldn't bear to see Nami and the others continue to suffer from the rough journey, so he had pulled them out of the sea and back onto the ship earlier.
As for why they didn't just head straight to Drum Island to find the food reserve doctor, Chopper? Well, you'd have to ask Luffy that.
While training, Luffy overheard Leo talking about giants and the strange flora and fauna of Little Garden. That alone was enough to spark the adventurer in him—he insisted they visit the island before anything else.
Leo, too, was curious about the rumored girl who could control emotions. That alone made the trip worthwhile in his eyes.
"Hahaha! This island is huge!" Luffy shouted as he stood at the bow, watching the landmass loom larger in the distance.
He turned and asked Leo with bright, excited eyes, "Why do they call it Little Garden? It looks massive!"
"Read a book once in a while, Luffy," Nami said, walking out of the cabin with Vivi beside her. She held a thick book under one arm and looked half-amused, half-exasperated.
Their recent training had clearly paid off. Nami's figure had become leaner, more toned, with a subtle strength beneath her slender frame. Vivi, too, had blended well into the vibrant and chaotic life aboard the Merry. In time, she came to see the crew not just as allies—but as friends.
Anyone who stayed aboard this cheerful ship would find it hard to stay gloomy for long.
"This island is a remnant from a prehistoric era," Nami explained, flipping through her book. "Because of how harsh and unpredictable the Grand Line is, islands often develop in complete isolation. That means each island creates its own civilization. Some are advanced, while others stay... frozen in time."
She turned the book so they could see an illustration of dinosaurs. "This one is completely stagnant—still stuck in the age of dinosaurs."
"For the people who live here, it's like a small yard. That's why the famous explorer Ruy Arnott named it Little Garden."
She closed the book with a snap. Everyone except Luffy nodded thoughtfully.
Well—everyone except Luffy, Leo, and Vivi, who already knew the story of this island.
Looking at the mostly clueless expressions around her, Nami sighed and slapped her forehead. Why did she ever leave her village to sail with this bunch of dummies? She'd probably help count the money if someone tried to sell her off.
"DINOSAURS?! Can I eat one?!"
As always, Luffy's priorities were clear. Giant beasts meant giant barbeque opportunities.
Vivi rested a finger on her cheek and thought for a moment. "I suppose you could... but a creature that large must be difficult to cook properly."
"No problem!" Sanji popped in dramatically, thumping his chest with confidence. "As long as Knight Sanji is in charge, any ingredient can become a gourmet dish."
He glanced toward Karoo, who was waddling across the deck innocently.
"Ga?" Karoo quacked nervously, clearly sensing something ominous in Sanji's stare.
Vivi smiled gently. "I believe in you, Sanji."
As the crew continued chatting and laughing, the Merry finally docked at a quiet spot along a jungle-bordered river of Little Garden.
Strange howls echoed from deep within the dense forest, occasionally accompanied by rumbling booms—volcanic eruptions, perhaps?
Leo looked toward the jungle thoughtfully. "Sanji, could you prep some food and water? I'm heading out for a look."
Dinosaurs. Unusual plants. A world trapped in time. How could he not go and explore?
"Hey, Sanji! Me too! Make me a Pirate's Bento—all meat, no veggies!" Luffy yelled, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Got it. One moment!"
Sanji walked briskly toward the kitchen after confirming everyone's food preferences.
Vivi, who had been sitting quietly nearby, suddenly stood up and asked, "Luffy, do you mind if I come with you?"
"Sure! Come on!" Luffy grinned, waving excitedly at her.
"You're going too?" Nami asked with surprise. Although Vivi had trained with them for a while now, Nami wasn't sure she could defend herself on such a dangerous island.
"I just... If I stay on the ship, I'll worry too much. I'd rather go explore with you guys and clear my mind," Vivi explained earnestly. "Besides, Usopp's not back yet. With Luffy and Leo around, I'll be safe."
Nami sighed. "That lizard nearly scared you to tears before."
Still, she didn't argue any further. If Vivi was with Luffy, it'd be fine—probably.
Once Sanji returned with the bento boxes, Luffy, Vivi, and Leo headed off into the jungle.
Since Leo had no particular objective, he followed the group casually, simply wanting to take in the island's atmosphere for now.
Elsewhere, Zoro yawned and stretched after a long nap, glancing at the surrounding jungle.
"I'm bored. Think I'll go for a stroll."
"H-Hey, wait! What about me if everyone leaves?" Usopp stammered, his knees shaking.
Though his weapons and tools had improved, his heart hadn't caught up. Maybe he'd truly grow stronger only after donning that mysterious mask of his.
Still, that was a future issue.
Nami seemed to have her own ideas about the matter.
She clenched her fist and punched Usopp straight on the head, sending him flat onto the deck.
Grabbing him by the collar, she shouted, "Grow a spine! Get off the ship and bring back some dinosaur meat—or don't come back at all!"
Then, with a wild swing, she threw him off the ship.
A whirlwind stirred above them as Usopp vanished into the trees, his terrified wail fading into the distance.
Clearly, Nami had become a bit more... assertive after her physical training.
Seeing that, Sanji gave Zoro a look but didn't invite him for a hunting competition. Without an invitation, Zoro didn't bother challenging him either.
"Miss Vivi is truly courageous," Sanji said, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he gazed at Vivi's disappearing figure. "Much braver than Usopp."
"She infiltrated a dangerous organization by herself. That alone proves her courage," Nami replied as she walked back toward her quarters.
The ocean currents around this island were strange—different from others she'd experienced. That intrigued her even more than the island itself.
"Miss Nami is so cute, too~ ❤" Sanji sighed dreamily, his eyes turning to hearts as he trailed after her mentally..
Ãdvåñçé 60 çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)