Three days later, the Arlong Crew left Little Garden, carrying with them vast amounts of ancient beast blood and the shriveled remains of numerous slain prehistoric dinosaurs.
Most of the crew had sparred with the two giant captains of the island, gaining incredible experience from the battles. For Jewelry Bonney in particular, her phantom giant form became far more tangible, stronger, and infused with the raw might of true giants.
Even Souta Kiryuu himself, despite his usual restraint, was eventually drawn into a sparring match by the two enthusiastic and battle-loving giants.
During that clash, Souta rarely revealed his unstable Ancient Giant Form.
A towering figure over sixty meters tall, with massive horns sprouting from his head, his body etched with poisonous markings and wreathed in Lunarian flames—he looked every bit the demonic overlord of the heavens.
It was the first time his crew had ever seen this terrifying transformation. Their eyes widened in awe, shock painted across their faces.
This form was no less fearsome than his Crimson Dragon Form or even his Divine Dragon Form.
Dorry the Blue Ogre and Brogy the Red Ogre joined forces against him, but even combined they were utterly outmatched. Souta's might shattered their weapons and broke their shields apart as though they were brittle twigs.
Weaponless, the two giants knew their time on Little Garden was nearing its end. Soon, they would have no choice but to return to Elbaf.
At parting, both Dorry and Brogy expressed their admiration for Souta's strength and their gratitude for saving their comrades, Oimo and Kashii.
In a gesture of immense honor, they taught Souta the supreme martial technique of Elbaf—Hakoku.
This was no ordinary skill. Only those with overwhelming physical strength could wield it, and even then, very few could master it.
On these seas, even emperors like Big Mom, Charlotte Linlin, and Kaido of the Beasts had studied this very technique, developing their own devastating variations such as Ikoku Sovereignty and Hakai.
High above the seas, aboard the flying Ark Maxim.
"Souta-nii! That demon form of yours was amazing! I swear I'm going to develop a form just like that—way cooler than even the Sun God Nika Papa used to tell me about!"
Bonney's eyes sparkled with excitement as she shouted. From childhood, she had grown up hearing Kuma's stories about the legendary liberator, Nika, shaping her own "Distorted Future" technique from that very image.
But after seeing Souta's Ancient Demon Form, she couldn't help but think—this was even cooler.
"..."
Kuma's perpetually stoic face darkened slightly. For his Buccaneer people, the Sun God Nika was their sacred spiritual symbol, a bringer of joy and freedom.
How could such a revered figure ever be overshadowed by Souta's terrifying demonic visage? That form alone would frighten countless people into despair, not bring them laughter and liberation.
"Then train hard. Grow stronger," Souta replied warmly, ruffling Bonney's hair with a smile. Truthfully, compared to the heavy, cumbersome Ancient Giant form, he much preferred his Half-Dragon Form—balanced in speed and strength, both offense and defense at once.
Still… something felt missing.
A weapon.
Yes, that was it. After learning the Hakoku technique, he realized wielding no weapon felt… incomplete.
Every Emperor carried a weapon of renown:
Charlotte Linlin with Emperor's Blade Napoleon,
Kaido with his Hassaikai Kanabo,
Mihawk with the Supreme Blade Yoru,
Shanks with the Supreme Saber Gryphon.
It was time he followed suit.
He had decided—he would forge a weapon from the dense lunar core itself. Something heavy, destructive, and fitting for his strength.
A warhammer.
And he already had the name in mind: The Nuclear Warhammer.
From then on—
One light swing, an enemy Supernova would be crushed.
One heavy blow, even an Emperor or Elder Star would be shattered!
When the Ark Maxim passed over Drum Island, Souta descended briefly, searching for Dr. Kureha and Chopper.
The mysterious old woman, over one hundred thirty years old, had indeed taken over the royal palace abandoned by the fallen King Wapol.
When Souta suddenly appeared atop the snowy peaks of the palace, Dr. Kureha's eyes widened, a bead of sweat running down her wrinkled brow.
Ordinary rookie pirate crews of the Grand Line, she had no fear of.
But Souta Kiryuu—the man who had dared to slay Celestial Dragons, the man with a bounty of thirty billion, who had fought alongside Kaido against the Holy Knights' commander and Admiral Akainu—he was different. His very presence demanded caution.
Chopper, trembling with fear, immediately hid behind Dr. Kureha's legs, clutching them tightly as his tiny body shook.
"Forgive me for startling you," Souta said, reining in his aura, though its faint pressure still weighed on them. "I came only to visit."
"Well then, Souta Kiryuu—the infamous Godslayer," Dr. Kureha replied steadily once she had composed herself. "What business do you have with us? Surely it isn't the king's treasure or my secrets of longevity you seek?"
"I want to purchase the formula for Chopper's Rumble Balls. That's all," Souta said with a small smile.
The Rumble Ball… a priceless invention. It allowed Zoan-type users to surpass their normal three transformations, unlocking as many as seven or eight.
Most importantly, the improved version let the Mink Tribe enter their Sulong Form at will, free from the restriction of the full moon.
On Winner Island, Trafalgar Law had once fallen to Blackbeard. Just as Blackbeard considered seizing the Ope Ope no Mi, Bepo swallowed an improved Rumble Ball. Instantly transforming into his Sulong state, he struck Blackbeard, Van Augur, and Burgess with a single overwhelming blow—rescuing Law from certain death.
For Souta, whose blood carried traces of the Minks, the Rumble Ball might hold the key to awakening yet another transformation. Perhaps it would push his strength even further.
"Ah… so you only came for medicine," Dr. Kureha exhaled, tension easing.
Chopper, too, sighed with relief. As long as Souta wasn't here to pick a fight, they would be spared.
"Since you respect my medical craft so highly, I'll give you the formula free of charge," Chopper said quietly. From his little blue backpack, he carefully drew out notes and diagrams, handing them over with trembling hands.
He dared not ask Souta for money.
And in truth, he owed this man. Souta had captured the tyrant Wapol, freeing Drum Island from his oppression. For that alone, Chopper had long wanted to express his thanks.
After all, his beloved mentor and adoptive father, Dr. Hiluluk, had been deceived by Wapol's schemes and died before the palace gates in a tragic explosion.
To Chopper, handing over the Rumble Ball formula to Souta was not a burden, but an act of gratitude.
"Ha! Then I thank you," Souta said cheerfully, accepting the notes. "If you ever find yourselves in danger, call me—I'll help."
He handed Chopper a small Den Den Mushi and affectionately patted the reindeer's fluffy cheek before turning away.
As Chopper and Dr. Kureha watched, Souta Kiryuu strode off with an air of casual grace, leaving behind only a silhouette that inspired awe and wonder.