Chapter 79: The Isnd Eater

  The serene atmosphere of Little Garden was pierced only by the distant calls of prehistoric birds and the rustle of dense jungle leaves. The Going Merry bobbed gently on the river’s current, its hull docked against the muddy shore. On the deck, Nami stretched zily under the shade of the mast, Usopp fidgeted with one of his gadgets, and Gin leaned silently against the railing, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.

  The battlefield beside them bore scars of their earlier csh with Baroque Works agents—broken wax sculptures scattered the ground, along with trampled foliage and spshes of disturbed earth. Goku stood apart from his crew, his gaze fixed on the jungle canopy as if searching for something hidden beyond the vibrant greens.

  Dorry’s deep voice broke the momentary silence. “What’s Goku, little one?” The towering giant’s curiosity was tinged with respect, his arms crossed as he regarded Goku.

  Goku turned, his expression thoughtful but firm. “We’ll head for Abasta as soon as Sanji gets back with the Eternal Pose. That’s our next stop.”

  Broggy raised a thick brow, his booming ugh echoing through the clearing. “Abasta? What’s so important about a little kingdom like that?”

  For a moment, Goku said nothing, his thoughts flickering back to his encounter with Miss All Sunday days earlier. Her cryptic words about Mr. 0’s search for an ancient weapon hidden in Abasta lingered in his mind. He clenched his fists briefly but masked his unease with a casual shrug.

  “I’m not so sure it’s as small as you think,” Goku replied.

  Vivi approached from the side, Karoo waddling faithfully at her heels. The princess’s sapphire eyes searched Goku’s face for answers, her voice betraying her worry. “What do you mean? Abasta might not be small, but it’s still just a kingdom. What’s out there that’s drawn Crocodile’s attention?”

  Goku gnced at Vivi, her expression a mixture of desperation and confusion. He sighed, unwilling to reveal the whole truth. Even if Crocodile was after Pluton, the supposed ancient weapon, Goku wasn’t certain of its existence yet. He decided to tread carefully.

  “There’s a reason a Warlord of the Sea like Crocodile would target your kingdom,” Goku began. “And I don’t think it’s just about taking the throne.”

  Gin, ever observant, stepped forward and added, “Crocodile might be after something bigger. Something more than just political power.”

  Vivi’s face paled at their words. “Something bigger? What could be bigger than overthrowing a monarchy?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Goku’s gaze softened. “If you don’t know, then maybe it’s a secret only your rulers know. A secret that might not even reach you until you’re on the throne yourself.”

  The Implication hung heavy in the air. Goku studied Vivi’s reaction closely. If she truly knew nothing, then the weapon’s existence might indeed be closely guarded knowledge.

  Dorry and Broggy exchanged gnces before the tter spoke. “So, you’re saying this Crocodile fellow might be after more than just ruling her kingdom?”

  Goku nodded, his voice steady. “Exactly.”

  “Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you,” Dorry said, his tone gruff but approving. “But you’ve got fire, little one. I respect that.”

  Goku smiled faintly. “Thanks. But this isn’t just about me. My crew’s with me every step of the way.”

  The conversation shifted when Karoo quacked loudly, drawing everyone’s attention to the horizon. From the direction of the jungle, a familiar figure emerged. Sanji strode purposefully toward the group, his suit slightly ruffled but his demeanor as composed as ever.

  “Mission accomplished,” Sanji announced, holding up the Eternal Pose. Its hourgss figure a distinct difference from the regur log pose, as he approached the Going Merry.

  The crew erupted into cheers, relief washing over them.

  “We’re finally leaving this crazy isnd!” Usopp excimed, pumping his fists in the air.

  “Good work, Sanji,” Goku said, cpping the cook on the shoulder.

  Sanji nodded, though his gaze flickered to Goku’s. “We need to talk ter. Alone,” he said in a low voice.

  Goku’s brow furrowed slightly but he gave a subtle nod. “Got it.”

  The Going Merry buzzed with activity as the Straw Hats prepared for departure. Nami stood on the deck, double-checking her navigation charts to plot the most direct course to Abasta. Gin and Usopp carried crates of supplies onto the ship, their banter filling the air.

  “Careful with that!” Gin barked as Usopp nearly dropped a crate of provisions.

  “I’ve got it! I’ve got it!” Usopp protested, though the slight tremble in his arms betrayed his struggle.

  Zoro stood by the anchor chain, his muscles taut as he pulled it up inch by inch. His focus was unwavering, though he occasionally gnced toward the horizon, as if already seeking the next challenge.

  Sanji worked near the galley, ensuring their food stores were properly secured. He paused briefly to light a cigarette, the faint curl of smoke rising above the commotion.

  Goku, meanwhile, stood at the base of the ship’s ramp, facing Dorry and Broggy. The two giants towered over him, their immense frames casting long shadows across the clearing.

  “Thank you for everything,” Goku said sincerely, looking up at the giants with a smile. “I’ll never forget this pce—or you two.”

  Dorry grinned, his ugh booming like thunder. “You’re a good d, Goku. We’ll remember you too.”

  Broggy crossed his arms, his expression more somber. “Aye, but your goodbyes come too soon, d.”

  Goku tilted his head, confused. “What do you mean?”

  Before Broggy could answer, Dorry turned his gaze toward the jungle, his face suddenly serious. “The Isnd Eater awaits us.”

  The words hung heavy in the air, drawing the attention of Usopp, who dropped his crate and dashed over. “Isnd Eater?!” he excimed, his voice rising in panic. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Zoro, overhearing as he secured the anchor, smirked. “Sounds like something worth cutting.”

  Goku shook his head firmly, surprising even Zoro. “Not at your current level,” he said bluntly.

  Zoro’s smirk faded, repced by a furrowed brow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Dorry and Broggy exchanged intrigued gnces before Broggy spoke. “What do you know about this creature, d?”

  Goku looked out toward the far end of Little Garden, his eyes narrowing. “I’ve been sensing something… powerful. It’s on the other side of the isnd, and it’s been watching us. I don’t think even I could handle it right now.”

  Broggy’s eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Ah, so you’ve got Haki!”

  Dorry ughed, though his tone carried a hint of correction. “Not Haki, Broggy. He doesn’t even know what that is. Whatever he’s using to sense things, it’s different. Better, even.”

  Usopp chimed in eagerly, waving his arms. “It’s called Ki! It’s like life energy. Goku’s always talking about it!”

  Goku smiled faintly. “Yeah, it’s how I can sense the energy of living things. But I’m interested in this Haki you mentioned. What is it?”

  Dorry stroked his beard, his expression thoughtful. “Haki is a power you’d find in the second half of the Grand Line. It’s a skill that lets you sense people, strengthen yourself, or even overpower others with sheer will.”

  Broggy nodded. “It makes sense you don’t know about it yet. The second half of the Grand Line is on a whole other level.”

  “The second half?” Goku repeated, intrigued.

  Dorry raised a hand to wave off the question. “It was even more ruthless in our time. Things must’ve changed while we’ve been here.”

  Before the conversation could continue, Broggy’s voice thundered with renewed urgency. “We’ll handle the Isnd Eater. You lot just sail straight and don’t look back.”

  Dorry grinned, his massive hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Aye. Leave it to us. We’ve got some unfinished business with that creature.”

  Usopp hesitated, his expression torn between fear and awe. “You’re sure you’ll be okay?”

  Broggy barked a ugh. “Don’t underestimate us, little man! We’ve been fighting on this isnd for a hundred years. What’s one more beast to us?”

  The crew exchanged gnces, their resolve strengthened by the giants’ confidence.

  “Alright,” Goku said, his voice firm. “We’ll leave it to you. Good luck, and thanks again.”

  Dorry and Broggy watched as the crew returned to the Going Merry, their preparations nearing completion. The giants stood side by side, their weapons drawn and their faces set with determination.

  “Ready, old friend?” Broggy asked, his voice low but steady.

  “Aye,” Dorry replied, gripping his sword tightly. “Let’s show that beast what happens when it messes with Elbaf warriors.”

  [A/N: Can’t wait to see what happens next? Get exclusive early access on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels.]