The Rocks Pirates had bled in battle with the Giant Pirates, but instead of ending in ruin, the clash opened another path. Weeks later, the flagship of Rocks D. Xebec cut through the seas, carrying them into the shadow of the Tree of Elbaf—the towering home of the giants.
The crew muttered restlessly. Kaido wanted another fight. Big Mom licked her lips at the thought of giant children. Shiki laughed about how many treasures the giants must be hiding. But Rocks… Rocks was smiling in a different way. They had all heard the same rumor, the next island on their route wasn't an ordinary land. It was Elbaf, home of the proud giants, the land of warriors and gods.
"Land ho!" called out Wang Zhi from the crow's nest.
Ada Wong stood near the bow, her crimson eyes reflecting the misty outline of mountains that pierced the clouds. She adjusted her gloves, her black coat fluttering slightly. Though she was only fifteen, she carried herself with the precision and confidence of a seasoned warrior.
Behind her, Rocks D. Xebec leaned against the rail, his grin as sharp as a knife.
"Elbaf… home of the strongest warriors on the sea. Let's see if they're as mighty as the stories say."
Ada's gaze didn't waver. "You're not here for stories, Captain. You're here for power."
Rocks laughed, amused that the youngest member of his crew saw through him so easily. "Heh. You're learning fast, kid."
When they docked, the ground shook as Harald himself approached, surrounded by warriors as tall as mountains. His voice rumbled like an avalanche.
"Rocks… after all the blood we spilled, I didn't think you'd come to parley."
Rocks grinned, spreading his arms wide. "A true king doesn't hold grudges. He makes allies. And giants, Harald—you'd make fine allies."
Ada stood just behind him, watching carefully. The giants glared, their massive axes gleaming, but Harald's eyes… there was curiosity there. Respect, even. He had seen Rocks' fury firsthand, and he knew power when it stood before him.
That night, the Rocks crew sat among giants at a feast that shook the earth. Meat the size of ships roasted over flames. Barrels larger than houses spilled with ale. The giants roared with laughter as the pirates devoured what they could.
Kaido drank with them, bellowing laughter that echoed across the valley. Big Mom stuffed herself with sweets, eyeing the children of Elbaf with a hunger that Ada recognized all too well. Whitebeard spoke little, but even he shared a jug with Harald, their mugs clashing like cannons.
Ada, however, remained silent. She sat at the edge of the firelight, rifle resting at her side, eyes scanning the crowd. She had seen feasts like this before. They always ended in knives.
Later, Rocks and Harald spoke away from the noise, their voices carrying across the valley like low thunder.
"Why come here?" Harald asked, arms crossed. "You seek power, but giants are not pawns."
Rocks laughed. "Not pawns but partners. You saw it yourself, Harald. The world bends to strength, and yours is unmatched. Join me, and we'll crush the Celestial Dragons themselves. You'll have your freedom. Your people will never kneel again."
Ada stepped forward, her cloak brushing the grass. "And when the world turns against you, Harald… will you still call this alliance freedom?"
The giant turned his gaze on her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "So young, yet your tongue cuts like a blade."
Harald, observing the strange pirate girl, felt something unusual—respect. She carried herself like a warrior, not a thief.
"You," Harald said, pointing his massive finger at Ada. "You carry no fear. Not even my warriors make you flinch."
Ada met his gaze. "Fear is a luxury, not a weakness. I choose when to feel it."
The giant's booming laugh shook the trees. "You're bold, little one. Perhaps Elbaf could learn something from you."
Rocks grinned. "That's why she's my Vice-Captain. The sharpest eyes on these seas."
Harald's laughter rumbled like the earth. "Perhaps… perhaps there is wisdom in shadows as well as in strength."
And so, that night, the Giants of Elbaf and the Rocks Pirates forged a bond. Fragile. Temporary. But powerful.
Back on the ship, as the crew celebrated, Ada leaned against the mast, eyes distant.
For the first time, Rocks had built something instead of destroying. He had found common ground with Harald, a man who could have been his greatest enemy. It was a victory.
And yet, Ada's instincts whispered otherwise. The Rocks Pirates were not built on trust, but ambition. Alliances forged in fire rarely survived the cold.
She touched the barrel of her rifle, her crimson eyes reflecting the moon.
"Shadows grow longest," she murmured to herself, "just before they vanish."