Chapter 114: The Island 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 lazily under the shade of the mast, Usopp fidgeted with one of his gadgets, and Johnny leaned silently against the railing, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.
The battlefield beside them bore scars of their earlier clash with Baroque Works agents. Broken wax sculptures scattered the ground, along with trampled foliage and splashes of disturbed earth. Luffy 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 is next, little one?" The towering giant's curiosity was tinged with respect, his arms crossed as he regarded Luffy.
Luffy turned, his expression thoughtful but firm. "We will head for Alabasta as soon as Sanji gets back with the Eternal Pose. That is our next stop."
Broggy raised a thick brow, his booming laugh echoing through the clearing. "Alabasta? What is so important about a little kingdom like that?"
For a moment, Luffy said nothing. His thoughts flickered back to his encounter with Miss All Sunday days earlier. Her words about Mr. 0's search for an ancient weapon hidden in Alabasta lingered in his mind. He clenched his fists briefly but masked his unease with a casual shrug.
"I am not so sure it is as small as you think," Luffy replied.
Vivi approached from the side, Karoo waddling faithfully at her heels. The princess's sapphire eyes searched Luffy's face for answers, her voice betraying her worry. "What do you mean? Alabasta might not be small, but it is still just a kingdom. What is out there that has drawn Crocodile's attention?"
Luffy glanced at Vivi, her expression a mixture of desperation and confusion. He sighed. Even if Crocodile was after Pluton, the supposed ancient weapon, he was not certain of its existence yet. He decided to tread carefully.
"There is a reason a Warlord of the Sea like Crocodile would target your kingdom," Luffy began. "And I do not think it is just about taking the throne."
Johnny, 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.
Luffy's gaze softened. "If you do not know, then maybe it is a secret only your rulers know. A secret that might not even reach you until you are on the throne yourself."
The implication hung heavy in the air. Luffy 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 glances before the latter spoke. "So, you are saying this Crocodile fellow might be after more than just ruling her kingdom?"
Luffy nodded, his voice steady. "Exactly."
"Sounds like you have got your work cut out for you," Dorry said, his tone gruff but approving. "But you have got fire, little one. I respect that."
Luffy smiled faintly. "Thanks. But this is not just about me. My crew is 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 hourglass figure was a distinct difference from the regular Log Pose as he approached the Going Merry.
The crew erupted into cheers, relief washing over them.
"We are finally leaving this crazy island!" Usopp exclaimed, pumping his fists in the air.
"Good work, Sanji," Luffy said, clapping the cook on the shoulder.
Sanji nodded, though his gaze flickered to Luffy's. "We need to talk later. Alone," he said in a low voice.
Luffy'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 Alabasta. Johnny and Yosaku carried crates of supplies onto the ship, their banter filling the air.
"Careful with that!" Yosaku barked as Johnny nearly dropped a crate of provisions.
"I have got it! I have got it!" Johnny 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 glanced 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.
Then he saw her.
Mikita stood near the giants, her body wrapped in bandages from neck to ankle. White cloth covered her arms, her torso, her legs. Only her face and her hands were visible. She was pale, still weak from blood loss, but she was standing. Dorry had one massive hand resting near her, steadying her without touching. Brogy stood on her other side, his shadow covering her completely.
Sanji's cigarette fell from his lips.
His eyes turned into hearts. Large, pulsing, unmistakable hearts. His body went rigid, then slack, then rigid again. He took a step forward, his arms reaching out as if drawn by an invisible force.
"Nami swan!" he cried. "Vivi swan! Miss Valentine swan!"
Nami did not look up from her charts. "Ignore him."
Vivi shook her head. "He is doing it again."
Johnny and Yosaku stopped carrying crates. They looked at Sanji. They looked at Mikita. They looked at Luffy. Grins spread across both their faces.
"Captain," Johnny said, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. "I'm still not clear about this."
Yosaku crossed his arms. "Yeah, Captain. Explain why there is a half-naked woman covered in bandages standing next to the giants."
"Ally," Luffy said. "She is an ally. Nothing more."
Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Uh huh."
Yosaku snorted. "Sure, Captain. Ally."
Sanji was still frozen in place, his heart eyes fixed on Mikita. "A new swan," he whispered. "A wounded swan. A beautiful, wounded swan."
Johnny leaned toward Yosaku. "He is definitely thinking with his dick."
Yosaku nodded. "One hundred percent."
Usopp wandered over, having overheard the conversation. He looked at Mikita, then at Luffy, then back at Mikita. "You have got to be kidding me. I am not buying this at all Luffy."
"Ally," Luffy repeated.
"Ally," Usopp said flatly. "Right. Ally."
Johnny clapped Usopp on the shoulder. "Give it up, Usopp. The captain has a type."
"The captain has a problem," Usopp muttered.
Yosaku was laughing now. "You know what the problem is? The captain thinks we do not notice. He thinks we believe him when he says 'ally.'"
Johnny wiped a tear from his eye. "Ally. Sure. That is why he grabbed her boobs when he was bandaging her."
Luffy did not respond. He did not need to.
Mikita stood quietly, her face unreadable, her bandaged body swaying slightly in the breeze. Dorry's hand hovered near her shoulder, ready to catch her if she fell. Brogy watched the crew's banter with something that might have been amusement.
Sanji finally snapped out of his trance. He straightened his tie, adjusted his jacket, and walked toward Mikita with the exaggerated grace of a man who thought he was being smooth.
"Miss Valentine," he said, bowing. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Sanji, the chef of the Straw Hat Pirates. If you need anything, anything at all, I am at your service."
Mikita stared at him. "I need blood."
Sanji's face went pale. "I... I do not have blood."
"Then leave me alone."
Johnny and Yosaku burst into laughter. Usopp joined them. Even Nami cracked a smile.
Luffy did not laugh. He was watching the jungle, his eyes fixed on the distant canopy, his expression unreadable.
Dorry noticed. "What is it, little one?"
Luffy did not answer immediately.
Broggy's hand went to his sword. "Aye. We feel it too."
Dorry turned to face the jungle, his massive frame blocking the light. "You lot sail straight. Do not look back."
Broggy nodded. "We will handle the beast. It is our fight."
Usopp hesitated, his expression torn between fear and awe. "You are sure you will be okay?"
Broggy barked a laugh. "Do not underestimate us, little man! We have been fighting on this island for a hundred years. What is one more beast to us?"
The crew exchanged glances, their resolve strengthened by the giants' confidence.
"Alright," Luffy said, his voice firm. "We will 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 us show that beast what happens when it messes with Elbaf warriors."