"Wh-What's happening!?"
As a sudden vortex formed beneath their feet, the surrounding pirates erupted into panicked screams.
No matter how desperately they tried to steer their ships, nothing could resist the terrifying suction of the whirlpool, as if they were being dragged into a massive underwater drain.
In an instant, several pirate ships were swallowed whole, vanishing into the depths without a trace.
"What a grand spectacle~"
Watching the chaos unfold below, Red and the others revealed intrigued smiles.
With his powerful psychic force, Red had long since detected the abnormality beneath the sea. He knew exactly what was causing all of this.
Faced with such a drastic upheaval, the event host immediately began shouting in feigned panic, acting as though this were an unexpected natural disaster, deceiving the surrounding spectators.
But just as several pirate ships were dragged beneath the sea—and countless others began preparing to flee—
A soap bubble shimmering with rainbow light suddenly rose from the very center of the vortex, then quickly floated outward to every corner of the arena.
"Huh? Isn't that the special resin bubble from the Sabaody Archipelago?!"
Usopp's curiosity flared instantly.
Red smiled mysteriously.
"Hehe. To be precise… this is the coating technology from the Sabaody Archipelago."
"In the New World, though, this craft isn't just for letting ships dive underwater."
"With this technique, even much larger things can hide in the deep sea."
Rumble—
As if responding to Red's explanation, a deafening roar erupted the moment his words fell.
The previously chaotic whirlpool began to boil like scalding water, spewing out enormous quantities of bubbles.
Then the host's voice echoed through speakers from every direction:
"Think carefully about the clue left behind by Pirate King Roger!"
"The deep sea has already been reached!"
"Then what does 'soaring high' truly mean!?"
BOOM!!!
Another tremendous explosion shook the air, and the entire island trembled violently.
The next moment, a colossal pillar of seawater shot straight into the sky, replacing the whirlpool entirely as it surged upward like a dragon piercing the heavens.
And atop that towering column of water—
There floated a small island, completely enveloped in a gigantic soap bubble.
"Woooah~!!!"
Luffy and the others' eyes sparkled with excitement as they shouted in unison.
The host, equally thrilled, continued his commentary:
"Th-This is… a current rising from below…"
"The Knock-Up Stream!!!"
"So that's it! This is the clue left behind by Pirate King Roger!"
"The deep sea below, the towering heavens above!"
"All pirates! It's time to show what you're made of and charge toward the island hiding the treasure!!!"
"The true treasure hunt—begins now!!!"
Whoosh—!
As the host's impassioned voice echoed across the battlefield, every pirate crew that had survived the chaos fixed their gaze upon the newly emerged island, shimmering in seven-colored brilliance within its enormous bubble.
"New Giant Warrior Pirates—CHARGE!!!"
Hajrudin, the Elbaf rising star who dreamed of restoring the glory of the original Giant Warrior Pirates, roared first.
The massive warship carrying the giants unfurled its sails and plunged straight into the terrifying upward current.
The rising sea current—strong enough to launch an entire island into the sky—sent the giants' vessel soaring high, advancing toward the radiant island above.
Seeing this, the remaining pirate crews hardened their expressions and gave the order to advance, rushing one after another toward the final battlefield of the treasure hunt.
"Waaah~ Everyone's so fired up!!!"
Watching the heated scene below, Luffy threw his arms wide open, then turned excitedly to Red.
"Hey, hey, Red! Shouldn't we get moving too!?"
"Honestly…"
"You've already fought the Five Elders. Why are you still interested in this level of competition~?"
Red smiled helplessly.
But he understood.
This was Luffy's true nature.
No matter how high he climbed or how great his achievements, he would always be filled with boundless curiosity and passion for new adventures.
Thinking this, Red's lips curved upward.
"Well… since it's the captain's idea, let's have some fun with them."
"Perfect chance to discipline some New World pirates."
"Otherwise, if a reckless troublemaker pops up while we're busy, it might actually become a nuisance."
Red's eyes flashed as his gaze naturally locked onto several pirate crews who had once appeared in the original storyline.
Coincidentally, a few island-lord positions in the Pokémon Sea remained vacant. If suitable candidates showed promise, this was the perfect opportunity to recruit them.
And if they could win over Hajrudin and the others through this battle, it would make things much smoother when they eventually traveled to Elbaf.
Red had a premonition.
In that ancient nation where lifespans began at 300 years, there was undoubtedly crucial information regarding Imu.
As for that so-called Eternal Pose pointing to the Final Island, Laugh Tale?
Don't be ridiculous.
How could Pirate King Roger possibly leave behind something so dull for the next generation?
Even if Laugh Tale truly recorded a method to save the world, Roger would never cut off the spirit of adventure for those who came after him.
So that "treasure" was either something Festa fabricated himself—
Or he, too, had been deceived.
Of course.
Even though Red didn't believe it was the real Laugh Tale pointer, he wasn't about to let Luffy casually crush it this time.
True or false—
It was worth testing.
…
Whoosh!
Two streaks of green flames suddenly flashed across the sky, leaving behind jet-like shockwaves in their wake.
At full speed, the Going Merry surged forward, overtaking the others like lightning and landing directly upon the sky-bound treasure island.
During their ascent, once the timing felt right, Red explained everything about the mastermind behind the event to those who were interested.
"A former member of the Pirate King's crew!?"
"Wait… I think I've heard the name Douglas Bullet before."
After listening to Red's explanation, Robin frowned slightly, her eyes drifting as if recalling something unpleasant.
"If I remember correctly, more than twenty years ago, the Marines launched a Buster Call specifically because of that man."
"At the time, then–Admiral Sengoku and the Marine hero Garp joined forces, supported by numerous elite Vice Admirals. After exhausting him completely, they captured him and imprisoned him in Impel Down."
"Sounds like a pretty amazing guy," Luffy grinned.
"Buster Call, huh~"
Red glanced meaningfully at Robin.
Even though the Straw Hat Pirates were now strong enough to stand against the World Government, past tragedies still haunted Robin like a nightmare.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have immediately associated Bullet's name with a Buster Call.
Hopefully, Saul—waiting in Elbaf—would bring her some comfort.
BOOM!
Just then, another massive ship burst through the ascending current and crashed into a dense forest not far from the Going Merry, shaking the entire island.
It was none other than the vessel of the New Giant Warrior Pirates—the first to enter the rising sea current.
Soon after, ship after ship reached the summit, landing across different corners of the treasure island.
Red, who had been about to continue speaking with Robin, turned his gaze toward the unfolding scene.
"That's the situation."
"Now that we're here—enjoy the festival!"
"Yo~!!!"
The Straw Hats responded cheerfully.
The next instant, several figures vanished from the Going Merry, each dashing toward the targets that interested them.
Three of them headed in the exact same direction—
Straight toward the New Giant Warrior Pirates.
"Hehehe! We finally get to see giants again!!!"
Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper wore identical expressions, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
But after hearing the other two voices beside them, the trio froze briefly before turning to one another.
Usopp spoke first.
"Hey, Luffy! You're already insanely strong. Do you really need to compete with me and Chopper over the giants!?"
"You should go fight that Pirate King crew guy Red mentioned!"
"Yeah, yeah!" Chopper nodded vigorously.
He was hoping to exchange a few moves with powerful giants to study their combat style.
After all, most of the fighting techniques and swordsmanship he'd learned were suited for opponents his size—or larger.
He still lacked experience in using a giant body against smaller opponents.
As for Usopp, he simply wanted to see the giants again—and maybe add another heroic tale involving them to his legend.
But Luffy pouted.
"Nope!"
Then he grinned widely.
"Same rule as always! First come, first served! Whoever grabs them first wins!"
"Hey!? You think giants are Sanji's dinner or something?!"
Usopp couldn't help but complain at Luffy's absurd logic.
But the very next second—
A majestic divine figure appeared beside him.
Crackle—!
Brilliant lightning exploded into existence.
The Usopp who had been complaining just moments ago was now riding atop the divine beast Kirin, using lightning-fueled super speed to take the lead.
"Damn it! That guy!"
Luffy and Chopper cursed in unison.
In the next instant, both transformed and surged forward as well.
—
Meanwhile, on the side of the New Giant Warrior Pirates—
"Everyone alright!?"
Hajrudin shook his head as he rose unsteadily from the deck, immediately checking on his comrades.
"No problems here!"
"We're good!"
"We made it!"
"Incredible!"
Hearing their voices, Hajrudin's lips curled upward.
He stood tall and roared:
"Wahahaha! Looks like even the heavens favor us!"
"Brothers! Find where the Pirate King's treasure is hidden!"
"With that treasure, we'll return to Elbaf and attract more warriors to strengthen our crew!"
"Hajrudin! Look over there!"
Navigator Road pointed toward a pile of scattered gold and treasure in the distance.
But at that very moment—
A shout rang out from above.
"Warriors of Elbaf! I'll be your opponent!!!"
"Huh!?"
The giants looked up.
A long-nosed man stood above them, riding a lightning divine beast.
"That's… the Insect King of the Straw Hat Pirates—Usopp!?"
Recognition dawned instantly.
"Not good! We've caught the attention of a Yonko crew!"
"So what!?" Road snarled fiercely.
"Even if they're a Yonko crew! We're the New Giant Warrior Pirates, inheritors of the Giant Warrior legacy!"
"How could we fear just one Yonko!?"
"Well said!!!"
Hajrudin's giant pride ignited at those words.
But before he could act—
Two more figures arrived.
"Mon… Monkey D. Luffy!?"
Hajrudin cried out, forcing an awkward smile.
Out of all the pirate crews here—why us!?
We might not fear a Yonko… but at least give us some time to mentally prepare!
Is it because we're giants and too easy to spot?!
Hajrudin felt bitter.
He had finally resolved to stop being a war mercenary and become a true pirate—
And barely had he begun before such a powerful enemy appeared.
What rotten luck!
If only he knew the Straw Hats chose them simply because they loved giants…
"Since it's come to this, we have no choice!"
Hajrudin's eyes sharpened.
"Even if we can't seize the Pirate King's treasure, witnessing the strength of a Yonko firsthand won't be a wasted trip!"
"Brothers—charge!!!"
"Gungnir of Elbaf!!!"
In an instant, Hajrudin raised his steel-gauntleted right fist, leapt high into the air, and hurled his massive punch downward like a falling meteor toward Luffy.
"Hehehe! That's what I'm talking about—giants!!!"
Seeing Hajrudin attack without hesitation, Luffy laughed excitedly.
He didn't activate any Gear.
Didn't transform.
He simply met the giant's steel fist with his own bare hand.
BOOM!!!
Violent shockwaves tore across the island, spreading outward beyond its edges.
The two figures hung suspended midair, locking eyes.
Luffy grinned, recalling the days on Little Garden sparring with Dorry and Brogy.
Back then, he had been overwhelmed by the giants' strength—barely able to keep up even with Hyper Beam.
But now—
Even without entering any Gear or Pokémon-ization—
He possessed the strength to contend with a giant!!!
BOOM!!!
The next moment, Luffy surged with power and hurled Hajrudin's enormous body forward, smashing him violently into a distant hill.
Thud!
Luffy landed beside the fallen giant.
He adjusted his straw hat, then smiled excitedly.
"Come on!"
"I won't use any other powers!"
"Let's see just how far this body of mine can go!!!"
(End of Chapter)