Giants were among the rarest and most formidable beings to roam the seas. A single giant possessed destructive power that could rival entire crews, but those who ventured forth from Elbaf typically served as mercenaries in coordinated groups. Their combined might created a force multiplier that transcended simple mathematics—ten giants fighting together could accomplish what a hundred ordinary man could not.
Unfortunately, Elbaf's shipbuilding technology had never adapted to accommodate their people's massive frames. Most giants who left their homeland found employment with other factions rather than pursuing piracy independently. The World Government had even used questionable recruiting methods to secure several giant Vice Admirals for the Marines.
For the Straw Hat Pirates, who had only just entered the Grand Line, witnessing Eren's transformation had been their first real encounter with such scale and power.
"That was so cool!" Luffy exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement as he watched the steam rise from the Attack Titan's dissolving form. "I want to learn how to become a giant too!"
The rubber boy's enthusiasm was infectious, even as the massive skeletal remains of Eren's titan form crashed into the sea and vanished like smoke. Something about the sheer scale of the transformation sparked ideas in Luffy's mind—vague notions of how his own rubber body might be pushed to similar extremes, though such techniques would likely come at a significant cost to his lifespan.
Eren emerged from the dissipating titan skull with considerably less grace than his transformation had suggested. His black hair hung disheveled around his face, and thin lines of blood traced paths from his eyes down his cheeks—evidence of the strain required to control such immense power. His legs trembled as he landed on the Going Merry's deck, forcing him to grip the railing to remain upright.
"Here, sit down before you collapse," Sanji said, quickly retrieving a chair from the cabin. His tone held none of his usual casual indifference—anyone who could single-handedly destroy an entire fleet had earned a measure of respect.
Eren gratefully accepted the seat, slumping back with evident exhaustion. The entire crew had gathered around him in a loose circle, their curiosity palpable but respectful. The weight of their collective stare made him shift uncomfortably.
"I suppose I owe you an explanation," Eren said finally, his voice hoarse from exertion. "I ate a Zoan-type Devil Fruit—the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Giant. It allows me to transform into that titan form temporarily, but the cost is significant."
He gestured weakly at his current state. "Fighting at sea doubles the physical drain. On land, I could maintain the transformation much longer, but in water..." He shook his head. "A few minutes is my limit."
The explanation seemed to satisfy the crew's questions. Devil Fruits were known for their bizarre and varied abilities—a power that could turn humans into giants, while unusual, wasn't beyond the realm of possibility in a world where rubber people and sword-swallowing swordsmen were commonplace.
"I ate the Gomu Gomu no Mi," Luffy announced cheerfully, stretching his cheek to demonstrate. "You're the second Devil Fruit user on our crew! Can you transform again? I want to see it up close this time!"
"I can't," Eren replied firmly, though not unkindly. "Each transformation takes weeks off my lifespan, and I'm barely conscious as it is. Maybe later, when we're facing another impossible situation."
Luffy pouted but seemed to accept the reasoning. Meanwhile, Nami had already turned her attention to more practical matters, consulting Igaram's Log Pose to confirm their next destination.
"According to this, our next stop is something called Little Garden," she announced. "It's got a nice name, at least."
As the Going Merry sailed away from Whiskey Peak, the aftermath of the battle became visible along the coastline. Waves washed debris onto the shore—fragments of ships, pieces of masts, and occasionally the bodies of unfortunate sailors. The Baroque Works fleet had been utterly annihilated, representing a significant blow to the organization's resources and manpower.
A dark-skinned woman with striking white hair observed the wreckage from the deck of a turtle-shaped ship. In her hand, a Den Den Mushi crackled to life as she reported her findings to her superior.
"I arrived too late," Robin said, her voice maintaining its characteristic calm despite the scene of destruction before her. "The Battle was already finished. All Baroque Works personnel stationed here are confirmed dead, though Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine survived on the island—they were merely unconscious."
The voice that responded carried the authority of absolute power, backed by the slow exhalation of cigar smoke. "Are you certain it was the Straw Hat Pirates responsible for this level of destruction?"
"According to the surviving bounty hunters, a young giant descended from the sky and single-handedly destroyed the entire fleet," Robin replied, studying a piece of ship's hull that bore massive crushing damage. "The scale of devastation suggests someone with capabilities far beyond typical rookie pirates."
Crocodile's laugh carried no humor. "Ridiculous. That Sky Screen nonsense has everyone jumping at shadows. A group of East Blue rookies defeating me? They can't even use Haki, and I'm a Logia user. It's impossible."
He paused to take another draw from his cigar. "Mr. 3 is already positioned at Little Garden. Assist him in eliminating the Straw Hat Pirates. These insects aren't worth my personal attention."
"Understood," Robin acknowledged. "I'll collect Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine and proceed to Little Garden immediately."
The Den Den Mushi's eyes closed as the connection ended, leaving Robin alone with her thoughts and the evidence of unexpected power.
The Going Merry's approach to Little Garden proceeded without interference, allowing the crew their first clear view of their destination. What they saw confused several members immediately.
"Why is it called Little Garden?" Nami wondered aloud, studying the island's considerable size through her spyglass. "This place is huge!"
Igaram, who had remained quiet during most of the voyage, stepped forward to provide context. "The name comes from the island's most famous residents. Two giants have been fighting here for over a century. Compared to their immense stature, even an island this size appears as small as a garden."
"Giants!" Luffy's eyes lit up with renewed excitement. "Real giants live here! I have to meet them!"
Before anyone could stop him, their captain had already launched himself from the ship toward the island's shore. His voice carried back across the water as he disappeared into the jungle: "I'm going to find those giants!"
"And bring back some meat!" Sanji called after him. "Our food stores are running low!"
"Got it, cook!" came Luffy's distant reply, followed by the sound of breaking branches as he crashed through the vegetation.
"What a completely reckless captain," Usopp muttered, though his complaint lacked real heat. His attention was focused on something else entirely—massive paw prints in the sand near the shore, and what looked suspiciously like claw marks on several trees. "Those are some really big animals on this island..."
"I'm going too," Zoro announced, adjusting his sword hilts as he prepared to disembark. "Can't let that idiot get himself killed before we reach the Grand Line's real challenges."
"Oi, moss-head," Sanji called out, a competitive gleam in his eye. "How about a little wager? Whoever brings back the biggest catch wins."
Zoro's hand moved to Wado Ichimonji's hilt, his own competitive spirit instantly engaged. "You're on, curly-brow. Try not to embarrass yourself."
And with that, the ship's second and third strongest fighters vanished into Little Garden's prehistoric jungle, leaving the rest of the crew to stare after them in exasperation.
"Those three never think anything through," Nami sighed, settling against the ship's railing. Despite her complaints, she couldn't help but admire the island's wild beauty—ancient trees stretching toward the sky, exotic bird calls echoing across the water, and an air of untamed mystery that promised adventure.
"At least we still have Eren-san with us," Usopp said, positioning himself closer to their mysterious passenger. The sniper's confidence had grown considerably since witnessing the titan transformation. "Nobody would dare attack the Going Merry with him aboard."
Eren merely nodded, still recovering from his earlier exertion. His presence did provide a sense of security, though the others couldn't shake the feeling that there was far more to his story than a simple Devil Fruit explanation.
Their peaceful observation was interrupted by Princess Vivi's sharp gasp. "Is that...? How is that possible?"
Following her gaze toward the island's interior, the crew spotted something that defied belief. A massive Tyrannosaurus Rex had emerged from the jungle, its predatory eyes fixed directly on their ship. The prehistoric beast began charging toward the shore, each thunderous step shaking the ground and sending flocks of birds skyward in panic.
"A T-Rex?!" Usopp squeaked, his newfound confidence evaporating instantly. "How can there be dinosaurs here?!"
The creature's hungry roar echoed across the water as it closed the distance to their anchorage, promising that their stay at Little Garden would be anything but peaceful.