The slowly rising sun finally began to unleash its relentless heat.
The fierce sunlight poured over the tropical rainforest, bringing an unbearable sweltering temperature.
Even hiding in the shade of trees or among the bushes didn't allow for restful sleep.
Unknown ancient insects droned incessantly, adding a layer of irritation to the oppressive heat.
"Ha~ ah~"
The scorching ground woke Zoro abruptly, roasting him from a nap he had barely begun.
Disheveled and groaning, Zoro yawned, feeling utterly helpless, his mood no longer suited for sleep.
Why does the sun have to be so cruel…
"Gulp… gulp…"
Beside him, the two giants paid no mind to the heat. Riding on the pleasant buzz of alcohol, they continued to sleep soundly, completely unaffected.
…
"Zoro!"
Just as Zoro was about to return to the Going Merry, Luffy appeared to fetch him.
Noticing his current disheveled state, Zoro offered a sheepish, strained smile before quickly standing and tidying himself.
"Something wrong, Luffy?"
"Nothing. Just came to check on you. But since you're up, it's time we set off."
"Oh… alright."
Zoro nodded and glanced around.
Aside from his three cherished swords, nothing else seemed worth packing.
The scattered bottles on the ground only made him wince.
Out of sight, out of mind… never drinking with giants again! Zoro silently vowed.
…
"Luffy."
Merry, who had been hiding behind him, suddenly called out.
Luffy turned and patted her head, nodding gently without a word.
Merry nodded in return and ran toward Brogy.
Watching her scamper off, Luffy exchanged a knowing glance with Zoro, and the two quietly left.
Merry would handle her own matters.
He and Merry had already discussed it.
If Brogy agreed to follow her, he could live in the Goa Kingdom.
Merry could see him anytime, and they could spar whenever they wished.
But for Brogy, leaving now meant almost no chance of facing his comrade Dorry again.
Luffy had told Merry not to force anything, the outside world held far more wonders.
Still, Brogy had been the first to let Merry experience the joy of battle, so she couldn't help feeling attached and wanted to ask him herself.
No matter the outcome, she wouldn't leave without saying goodbye.
More than a "pet," Brogy had become a true friend through their battle.
Seeing Merry's determination, Luffy decided to let her handle it, it was a lesson in responsibility.
In the end, no matter the result, it mattered little to him.
…
At the edge of the Little Garden, the Going Merry rested silently in the calm waters.
Over an hour had passed since Luffy and the crew had first arrived.
The wait wasn't dull, everyone scattered or grouped across the deck, tending to their own affairs.
Only Princess Vivi sat withdrawn, brooding over a newspaper she had just received.
Squatting in a corner of the Going Merry, her face was dark and tense.
It didn't take a genius to guess, the situation in the Arabasta Kingdom had worsened.
…
A feeling of helplessness engulfed Vivi.
At that moment, a soft, unusual voice broke the silence.
"I asked Luffy…"
"After visiting one more island, we can head full speed straight to Arabasta."
Nami tiptoed over to Vivi, speaking softly, cheeks tinged pink with a shy smile.
Vivi slowly lifted her head, tear-streaked, her eyes weary and haggard.
It was clear the princess had cried in secret when no one was watching.
Seeing Vivi's unusual exhaustion tugged at Nami's heart.
Since the Going Merry had limited cabins, Vivi had been staying with Nami for the past few days.
Though their worlds were vastly different, their daily habits shared surprising similarities.
Over time, a bond resembling friendship had grown between them.
Vivi, however, had always held back due to Nami's strength, and Nami, shy from childhood, had never broken through that barrier.
Now, as the crew celebrated Merry's growth, Vivi alone in the corner looked especially fragile.
Nami, unable to ignore her concern, approached and awkwardly comforted Vivi.
Seeing Nami's rare, endearing embarrassment, Vivi's expression suddenly brightened.
Her fingers wiped away lingering tears, and she offered a radiant smile, lifting her head toward Nami:
"Thank you, Nami."
No words were needed, everything was conveyed in that moment.
Nami's own expression softened, a relieved smile appearing as she said:
"Everything will be alright…"
Encouraged, Vivi stood, facing the orange-haired girl, and nodded firmly:
"Yes!"
At first, Vivi had seen Nami as a cold, unfeeling fighter, no different from the Baroque Works assassins.
But as time passed, she discovered Nami's hidden kindness beneath the cool exterior.
…
Luffy observed quietly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, quietly pleased.
Over time, the crew had been subtly influenced by the events they encountered…
Many were slowly becoming better versions of themselves.
"Hmm!?"
Turning suddenly, Luffy met Robin's large, beautiful eyes.
As always, Robin's gaze focused entirely on him, soft as flowing water, yet capable of surging like a tidal wave of emotion.
Luffy smiled knowingly, a shared understanding passing between them.
Some things never changed.
…
Less than an hour later, a stir came from the island.
Everyone on deck looked toward the sound.
From the dense treetops, a giant horned helmet emerged.
On top of it, a lively little girl swung her legs, laughing and waving:
"Hi, everyone~
I'm back with my pet!"
Merry then slammed down on the metal beneath her with a BANG BANG, as if to prove a point.
"Ahahaha!"
Brogy laughed heartily, taking no offense at being called a "pet."
Elbaph warriors respected the strong and honored their word.
A promise was a promise.
He had agreed with Dorry to continue training with the Starry Sky Pirates.
Dorry would return to Elbaph for private training.
Fifty years later, they would spar again, no draws allowed.
And so…
The Blue Ogre Dorry and Red Ogre Brogy, companions for over a century, finally parted ways.
They didn't say much, warriors with deep bonds never spoke excessively at farewells.
Every choice they made was the path the God of War, Elbaph, had set for them.