The Oro Jackson carved through the furious winds of the New World, its legendary figurehead cutting across towering waves like a blade through silk. Storm clouds rolled overhead, but the ship held steady—Ada's presence had always seemed to calm the sea itself.
Still…
Today felt different.
Ada stood at the bow, dress snapping in the cold wind, gaze fixed on a distant horizon only she seemed able to see. She hadn't spoken since sunrise.
Behind her, the crew gathered.
Bullet cracked his knuckles, impatient as ever. "Oi Ada. We've been sailing straight into the cold for hours."
He frowned. "Where exactly are we going?"
Ada didn't turn. "Elbaf."
Lilith's eyes went wide. "The land of giants?!"
She immediately grabbed Perona's shoulder in excitement. "Do you think they'll let me take apart one of their weapons?"
Perona shoved her off. "Do you think they'll step on you by accident?"
Mihawk, leaning calmly against the rail, spoke next—his voice cool, detached.
"Giants do not take kindly to outsiders. Nor do they welcome pirates uninvited."
His hawk eyes narrowed at Ada's back. "For you to bring us there without discussion… means this is personal."
Hiyori tucked her hair behind her ear, concern softening her features. "Captain, is someone in danger?"
Okiku watched the churning waves, sensing the tension Ada was attempting to hide. "Or perhaps someone dear to you is involved?"
But Ada didn't answer their questions.
She simply exhaled—a soft, nostalgic sound that carried strangely across the deck.
"…I have someone to visit."
That alone was enough to silence everyone.
Ada never visited anyone.
Ada never sought comfort, never sought reunions, never indulged in sentiment.
So for her to say that…
Bullet muttered under his breath, "This better not be some old rival wanting a rematch."
Perona floated beside Ada, but dared not get too close. "You're being all mysterious again. I don't like it."
Lilith's mechanical eye whirred. "Ada's emotional state suggests anticipation mixed with… melancholy."
Mihawk raised a brow. "You're analyzing her like data again."
But Lilith was right—
even Mihawk could sense it.
Ada, the unshakable Emperor of the New World,
looked like she was returning to a place where memories waited.
Ada finally turned toward the crew, her expression unreadable… but softer than usual.
"Prepare yourselves," she said. "Elbaf is not welcoming. And the one I'm visiting… is someone I haven't seen in a very long time."
Bullet finally lost patience and asked.
"Alright," he snapped, folding his arms, "you said we're going to Elbaf to meet someone. Fine. But who?"
Perona floated over his shoulder. "Yeah! Is this a sightseeing trip? Are we getting giant souvenirs? Is Lilith gonna get stepped on—"
"Hey!" Lilith squawked.
Mihawk's voice cut through the chatter. "Ada does nothing without reason."
He looked at her, eyes sharp. "So tell us, what business do you have with the giants?"
Ada remained quiet for a moment, the wind tugging at her hair.
Then—softly, but firmly—she spoke.
"…Harald."
The name stunned the crew into silence.
Okiku blinked. "Harald? The King of the Giants from the legends?"
Hiyori's eyes widened. "You mentioned him once… your friend from decades ago?"
Ada nodded, gaze distant. "I haven't seen him since the day I left Elbaf. Back then, he was the strongest warrior on the island. Proud. Kind. And stubborn."
Mihawk studied her. "And now you return to visit him?"
Ada's jaw tightened—not with sorrow, but conviction. "No."
She turned fully toward the crew now. "I'm going because I want Harald to join me."
Ada wasn't finished and her eyes softened with a rare flicker of memory.
"…Rocks wanted Harald back then," she added quietly. "He wanted him to join our crew before God Valley."
Bullet's eyes widened. "Rocks personally tried to recruit him?"
Ada nodded.
"Harald refused," she continued. "He turned down Rocks D. Xebec—the man who could bend the world to his will through sheer madness. Harald valued Elbaf's honor more than power."
Mihawk's expression sharpened. "So you believe he will accept you, when he refused Rocks himself?"
The wind settled into silence.
Okiku stepped forward gently. "Ada… how confident are you?"
Hiyori added softly, "Harald said no to Rocks. That is not a small thing."
Ada closed her eyes briefly—then opened them, a calm fire burning behind her gaze.
"Rocks asked him to abandon Elbaf," she said.
"I'm not asking him to abandon anything."
She walked to the rail, looking out toward the northern horizon where the seas grew colder.
"Back then, Rocks wanted Harald for conquest."
She turned back to them, voice steady and certain.
"I want Harald for purpose."
Lilith tilted her head. "But he still might say no, right?"
Ada smirked faintly. "He might. Harald is stubborn enough to headbutt a mountain until it falls."
Bullet snorted. "Sounds like a giant."
She then placed a hand on the rail, fingers tapping softly. "Harald once said he wanted to see a world where giants fought not for revenge, but for a future worth building."
Ada looked at her crew. "And I'm the only one alive who can give him that."
The crew stared at her—surprised, impressed, bewildered.
Mihawk finally broke the silence. "In that case… he would be a fool to refuse you."
Ada exhaled, her expression gentling. "I don't need him to follow me because of fear or strength. I need him because the world is changing—and the giants must not be left behind."
Her voice dropped, soft but resolute. "And this time… I believe he will listen."
Lilith's jaw then dropped.
"Wait? As in— join our crew?!"
Ada shook her head. "Not the crew. The fleet."
Perona squeaked. "Fleet!?"
Bullet tilted his head, eyes glinting. "So you're building another division?"
Ada nodded. "The giants of Elbaf are unmatched in strength. Their ships are massive. Their warriors legendary. If Harald joins me, the giants will follow."
She stepped closer, voice steady. "I intend to form a giant pirate fleet—and make them part of the Nyx Grand Fleet."
Mihawk narrowed his eyes. "An entire nation of giants under your banner… That is ambitious, even for you."
Ada's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Roger once told me that you must always dream bigger than your era allows."
Her eyes softened for a heartbeat. "And Harald… he was always meant for more than guarding old grudges on an island."
Okiku smiled softly. "So this is personal."
Ada didn't deny it. "Harald is one of the few left from the old days."
She looked toward the horizon. "The world is shifting. The balance is breaking. I need every ally I can trust… especially the ones who knew the truth before the world buried it."
Bullet crossed his arms, grinning. "Then let's get him."
Perona floated beside Ada. "But giants are scary…"
Ada chuckled softly. "Harald isn't scary. He's loud. And forgetful. And a terrible liar."
Lilith perked up. "He sounds fun!"
Mihawk leaned against the rail, cloak fluttering in the wind. "Very well. If Harald is your target, then let us hope he's half as impressive as the stories say."
Ada nodded, voice quiet but firm. "If Harald joins us… the world will feel it."
The wind shifted—
cold, northern, unmistakable.
The wind howled.
Lightning flashed on the horizon.
The crew straightened, tension buzzing across the deck.
Bullet grinned. "Now it's getting interesting."
Mihawk closed his eyes, sword resting at his side. "Very well. Lead the way."
Hiyori and Okiku exchanged quiet, worried glances.
Perona gulped. "I swear if a giant eats me, I'm haunting all of you."
Lilith cheered. "To Elbaf we go!"
Ada returned her gaze to the stormy horizon
to the land of giants
and the truth waiting there.
"…Hold tight," she murmured.
"Elbaf is close."
The crew braced themselves.
A new ally—
a legendary warrior—
and the birth of another calamity for the Nyx Grand Fleet…
awaited them on the island of giants.
——————
The moment the Oro Jackson touched the rocky shores of Elbaf, the atmosphere shifted.
A thunderous BOOM echoed as colossal footsteps approached.
Shadows—massive, ancient, imposing—fell over the coastline as dozens of giants emerged from behind cliff faces and frost-covered trees. Their weapons were drawn, their eyes wary, their armor dusted with snow and ash.
The crew went still.
Lilith whispered, "W-Wow… real giants…"
Perona squeaked, "T-T-They're huge…"
Even Mihawk's gaze sharpened.
Ada stepped forward alone, cloak whipping in the wind, completely unfazed by the titanic presence before her.
But then—
A murmur rippled through the ranks of the giants.
"…It's her."
"Ada… has returned."
"After all these years…"
Weapons slowly lowered. Shields dropped.
The lead giant stepped forward, his voice respectful and thunder-deep.
"Ada, it's been a while… Elbaf welcomes your return."
Ada inclined her head. "It's good to see you all again."
The crew stared.
Perona whispered, "They know… our Captain…?"
Okiku murmured, "Just how far do her roots go…?"
Ada stepped forward, dress sweeping behind her.
"I seek Harald," she said. "I have come to speak with him."
The respectful silence turned suddenly… heavy.
The giants exchanged looks—painful, weighted, grim.
Ada's eyes sharpened.
Mihawk tensed.
Hiyori's hand flew to her chest.
Finally, the lead giant spoke, voice cracking like breaking stone. "…Ada. King Harald… is dead."
A silence so heavy it felt like the world stopped.
The giants exchanged slow, grim, almost tortured looks.
The deck behind Ada froze.
"What?" Okiku whispered.
Perona's face drained of color. "No… we came all this way…"
Lilith clasped her hands over her mouth, eyes trembling.
Even Bullet's jaw tightened. "Damn it…"
But Ada didn't move.
Didn't bow her head.
Didn't accept it.
Only her expression shifted—barely, but sharply.
"…How."
The giant continued, bitterness lacing his tone. "He was killed. Murdered… by Prince Loki."
The crew recoiled.
"Loki!?" Perona squeaked. "The prince of Elbaf!?"
Hiyori shook her head, stunned. "That makes no sense…"
Bullet growled, "Wasn't Harald his Father? Why the hell would he—?"
But Ada… Ada's reaction was colder. Sharper. A knife to the air.
"No."
Her voice was quiet, but the denial was absolute.
"Loki would never kill Harald."
Her eyes darkened. "I met him when he was a boy. I know his heart."
The giants shifted uncomfortably.
"Ada…" the giant hesitated. "He is imprisoned. Accused. Shamed."
"Take me," she repeated, sharper now. "I will hear the truth from his own mouth."
Ada then stepped closer, unafraid of the towering warriors staring down at her.
"If you expect me to believe that Loki murdered his own kin," she said, "then show me his face."
Mihawk's gaze flickered with recognition.
He'd felt this tone from her before—back in the old era.
Bullet muttered, "She's pissed."
Ada raised her chin.
"Take me to him," she commanded.
"Now."
The giants hesitated… fear in their eyes.
Then, solemnly, silently, they obeyed.
—————————
They led Ada and her crew deep into the ancient forest of Elbaf. At its heart stood a colossal tree—so massive it pierced the clouds. Chains as thick as masts wrapped around its trunk, glowing faintly with runes.
And bound to it…
Was Loki.
Blindfolded. Shackled. Bruised from the restraints.
The moment he heard footsteps, he lifted his head weakly. "…Who's there?"
Ada stepped forward, voice gentle. "Did you forget about me already? I met you once… back then."
Silence.
Then the blindfolded prince said, almost breathless.
"Ada."
Emotion trembled faintly in his voice.
"I was devastated when I heard Rocks had died," Loki admitted quietly. "I wanted to join you… and his crew. I looked up to both of you."
Ada's expression softened with memory.
"He didn't die for power. Rocks died protecting what he cherished."
Loki swallowed hard. "…Why are you here, Ada?"
Ada's voice grew cold. "Harald. I heard you killed him."
Loki tensed, chains clinking. "That's a lie."
Ada waited.
Loki continued, voice strained. "Father… surrendered himself to the World Government. He offered his life as a slave… to atone for the supposed sins of our people."
Ada's eyes widened.
For the first time in years—
raw anger flashed across her face.
"Harald would do something that foolish…?" she whispered.
Loki nodded. "When I returned from a mission, I saw a glowing circle in his chamber. Shadows cutting him down."
Mihawk's eyes narrowed. "Shadows…?"
Bullet growled. "God's Knights."
"World Government dogs," Perona spat.
Ada's expression turned icy calm—the kind of calm that came before bloodshed.
"They framed you," she said.
Loki laughed bitterly. "No one believes me. Not my people… not the elders. I can do nothing."
Ada stepped closer. "I believe you."
Loki froze.
Ada continued, voice firm. "And I'm giving you a path forward."
The crew stiffened as Ada's dress fluttered in the forest wind. "Join me, Loki."
Loki's breath caught. "…Join… you?"
Everyone—including Mihawk, Bullet, Lilith—reacted with shock.
Ada nodded slowly. "Become the Fourth Calamity of the Nyx Grand Fleet. Captain of the Giant Pirates."
Loki's mouth fell open. "Why me? What is your goal, Ada?"
Ada's eyes drifted toward the sky, her voice softening into memory.
"Rocks taught me the world was wrong," she murmured. "Roger taught me the world was incomplete."
The crew watched—silent, captivated—as Ada spoke of her past with the two greatest pirates who ever lived.
"I've seen the world's true face. Its lies. Its broken foundations. And I've carried the same dream through every era—one I've never spoken aloud."
Lilith swallowed. "Not even to us…?"
Ada shook her head gently. "No. Only Dragon knows it. My dream is larger than any of you know. It… is not something this world is ready for."
Lilith blinked. "But— isn't your dream to guide the next generation?"
Ada smiled faintly. "That is only a part of it."
She stepped closer to Loki, the wind swirling around her like a crown.
"And now, it's time you all heard it."
The entire forest stilled.
Even the giants watched with held breath.
Mihawk's hand hovered near his sword.
Bullet grit his teeth.
Perona trembled.
Ada inhaled.
"My true dream is—" The words hung in the air. Instantly, the rustling of the wind through the trees stilled. Even the grass seemed to hold its breath.
For a heartbeat, the forest itself waited.
The crew froze, eyes wide.
Mihawk stiffened, pupils narrowing.
Bullet took a half step back, eyes wide.
Perona covered her mouth.
Lilith dropped her tablet.
Okiku froze mid-breath.
Hiyori's eyes filled with stunned disbelief.
Even the giants in the distance murmured, shaken.
Loki's eyes widened behind the blindfold.
His breathing hitched.
For the first time, the prince of Elbaf looked genuinely frightened—and awed.
Lilith muttered, "That's insane…"
Even Perona whispered, "That's… bigger than Roger's dream."
Bullet muttered hoarsely, "That's… impossible. That dream is world-shattering."
Mihawk's voice cracked with rare shock. "A dream that bold… borders on divine madness."
Loki trembled. "That dream… is beyond anything Rocks ever dared… beyond anything the Pirate King ever imagined."
Ada's eyes burned with ancient, unwavering resolve.
"Yes," she said simply. "That is my true dream."
The forest fell silent again.
Even the giants watching from afar held their breath.
She extended her hand to Loki. "Now tell me, Loki of Elbaf… will you follow it?"
The giant prince—still chained, still blindfolded—felt his pulse thunder.
"…If that is truly your dream…" he whispered, voice rising with a fierce, renewed fire, "then I will follow it. Even if it means burning the world itself."