"Kehehe!"
Shiki even sat up from the stretcher, raised his hand, and patted his bald head, laughing brightly. Finally, he was free from that ridiculous thing!
As he laughed, he looked at Ian. "But kid, after taking the rudder out now, aren't you worried I might go back on my word?"
Ian just smiled. "After all, it's Golden Lion Shiki. I don't think you'll disappoint me, right?"
"Hmph."
Shiki let out a soft hum.
He wasn't so low as to go back on such an easy condition.
"I'll move out immediately,"
Shiki said, "I'll send you and those islands back to the New World."
"No,"
Ian waved his hand at this moment, "Sending those few islands back is enough, we won't return for now."
"Huh?"
Law looked at Ian in surprise, "I didn't hear anything about this."
"Since we're already here, isn't it a waste to go back so soon?"
Ian smiled.
They were currently positioned near the entrance of the Grand Line, the very beginning area of the Grand Line.
More importantly, during their journey, Viola had discovered an island nearby—a prehistoric island full of dinosaurs.
The dinosaurs weren't the main focus, and neither was the prehistoric island.
What mattered was that there were two giants fighting on the island.
Wouldn't it be a shame not to check it out?
Beyond that island, there was another island—a snow country, which was also worth visiting.
"Do as you wish."
Law pursed his lips. Still, it was Ian's decision, so he just had to follow along.
Shiki then gave Ian a deep look.
This kid really trusts him, actually asking him to send those islands back?
Hmph.
Shiki hummed again.
Since this kid trusted him so much, he certainly couldn't let him down.
"I will return those islands to you in the shortest time possible."
Shiki spoke in a firm tone.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Shiki-san."
Ian chuckled lightly.
Then, as if remembering something, he glanced at Shiki's broken legs, "Shiki-san, if you're ever interested, you can come find us. We can help you get your legs fixed."
In the original timeline, even Law had replaced Monet's arms with wings. So what's the big deal about fixing two legs?
Shiki's eyes narrowed.
If his legs could be restored...
However, there was nothing in the short term that could be exchanged with Ian.
Shiki scratched his head.
The corner of his mouth lifted—this was enough!
Later.
Shiki soared into the sky, heading toward the floating islands above.
"Then, see you later, Shiki-san!"
Ian waved goodbye to Shiki.
"Are you really sure about this, Ian?"
Black Maria asked with some concern, "Leaving all this to Shiki?"
"Don't worry,"
Ian smiled, "Those islands hold no temptation for Shiki anymore. He wouldn't lower himself over something like that."
"So, Ian!"
A soft body suddenly leapt onto Ian's back, "Should we go play somewhere in the Paradise next?"
"Yeah."
Ian caught Yamato's legs, placing his childhood friend on his back, "There are many places I want to visit."
The two giant leaders of the Little Garden.
The Munch-Munch Fruit user from Drum Island.
The letter from Queen Lily, treasured by the Nefertari family of Alabasta.
The Golden Bell of Skypiea, along with Enel and the Rumble-Rumble fruit.
The blueprint of Pluton in Water 7.
They had already come this far, how could they just go back now?
"Yay!"
Yamato cheered loudly. "Then let's set off!"
Behind them, Hancock gritted her teeth and bit her handkerchief.
How could this white-haired girl be so shameless!
Always acting so casually, being so close to Ian!
If, if it were me—
Just imagining herself playfully clinging to Ian's back, she felt her face heat up and turn bright red.
She'd probably faint from excitement!
"Viola!"
Ian turned around. "Which direction is the ancient island in?"
"That way."
Viola pointed diagonally behind her.
"Then let's move forward! Let's see the ancient scenery!"
The Golden Flying Dragon ship headed toward the ancient island.
At the same time, floating in the sky, Shiki's lair.
"Phhht! Phhht! Phhht!"
The sound of flatulence echoed repeatedly, and Dr. Indigo rushed to greet the returning Shiki.
His eyes nearly popped out of his head.
It's gone!
The ship's wheel on Shiki's head had vanished!
What happened?
Wasn't he taken dowm by Ian the Skyfire?
He quickly began gesturing frantically.
"Hahahaha!"
Shiki laughed heartily. "Stop the research! Dr. Indigo, the plan has changed!"
Dr. Indigo froze for a moment.
Then...
"Huh?"
They've been researching for nine years, and now you want to stop?
Little Garden.
That's the name of the island.
However, it's not really a garden. The area isn't huge, but it's not small either, and the island is filled with lush trees.
The Golden Dragon ship ran into trouble as soon as it arrived.
There used to be an inland river on the island, but the Golden Dragon ship was too large, and the river couldn't support them.
So, they docked the ship at the coastline, and Ian led his companions ashore.
"Everyone, be careful,"
Ian took the lead, walking along the river. "This island is home to many ancient creatures, so there are also viruses here that have long disappeared in the outside world. Don't get bitten by insects."
"Got it!"
Hancock, following right behind Ian, was the first to raise her hand in acknowledgment.
"So, what exactly are we here for on this island?"
Law asked casually, looking around with interest.
"Looking for someone."
Ian answered, "Didn't Viola say she saw two giants on the island?"
"They're two giants fighting each other," Viola emphasized.
"Giants?"
Law muttered.
Though, he was still somewhat excited.
Genuine giants? He hadn't seen any before.
"Hahaha! Ian! Look over there!"
Laughter echoed from the side of the forest, accompanied by heavy footsteps. A massive creature broke through a large tree and emerged from the dense forest.
"It's a dinosaur!"
Yamato was riding a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex, transformed into a brave dragon knight.
"Well, that's impressive," Ian casually replied.
But, aren't dinosaurs still alive and well around here? Why is the dinosaur Devil Fruit considered an Ancient Zoan?
It can only be said that the Grand Line's transportation is still way too isolated.
Boom!
Suddenly, a loud sound came from the center of the island, and the entire island trembled slightly.
"Volcano eruption?"
Black Maria turned her head in surprise.
"It's starting, let's go and check it out."
Ian chuckled lightly, leaped into the air, and landed on the back of the giant beast Yamato was riding. "Yamato."
"Hahaha! Alright!"
Yamato patted the Tyrannosaurus Rex with all her strength. "Ryu Tarou! Turn around!"
The massive ancient beast shook its body, then without hesitation, turned and charged toward the direction of the volcanic eruption.
"Ian!!"
Hancock's eyes were filled with rage.
Damn white-haired girl!
I can do this too!
Furiously, she rushed into the forest and quickly set her sights on a Triceratops.
Law shrugged, "Let's go."
The companions quickly followed.
Soon after, the Tyrannosaurus Rex charged out from the forest, revealing an open field in front of Ian.
And on both sides of the field, two towering figures were in a standoff!
Two giants, each over twenty meters tall!
One was tall and thin, with a black beard flying under his chin, holding a sword and shield.
The other was round and plump, with a large steel-like beard under his chin, swinging a massive axe.
It's you guys!
Thor and Loki!
Wait, no, it's the former captains of the Giant Warriors Pirate Crew, Blue Ogre Dorry and Red Ogre Brogy!
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