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After a brief confrontation, Ikki quickly realized the vast difference in strength between himself and Brogy.
Having already experienced Brogy's devastating punch once before, Ikki had developed a certain understanding of the power of Haki.
How could he put it? Perhaps it was due to the laws of this world. In the world of One Piece, Haki far surpassed the magic system Ikki was accustomed to, and even the Nen Luffy had demonstrated on occasion.
Of course... it might also be because Luffy hadn't fully tapped into his potential.
Ikki himself had yet to master dragon-slaying magic, and as for Luffy? He had never made a conscious effort to refine his Nen abilities. In battle, Luffy often relied on instinct, using Nen only when it came naturally or in the heat of the moment. However, after his encounter with Smoker, the Logia user, Luffy began subconsciously channeling Nen in every fight.
Just as Ikki was contemplating giving up, Brogy charged at him with incredible speed.
"Damn..." Ikki muttered under his breath, dodging as quickly as he could.
But perhaps due to Brogy's prior attack having less of an effect, the giant seemed determined to unleash his full strength this time. After only a few exchanges, Ikki was overwhelmed.
With a resounding boom, Brogy's Elbaf Spear—delivered in a smaller, more controlled form—slammed into Ikki's chest. The impact sent him flying through the air, crashing through several massive trees before he finally came to a halt.
The blow left Ikki seriously injured, but he wasn't panicked. The jelly bean he had consumed earlier still had nearly four minutes before taking full effect.
Struggling to his feet, Ikki raised his hand and shouted, "Uncle Brogy, I surrender! I admit defeat!"
Brogy, who had no intention of continuing the fight, approached with a booming laugh. He inspected Ikki's injuries and was visibly relieved to see that the young man's wounds were healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"Boy, Ikki, don't forget—"
Before Brogy could finish, Ikki interrupted with a grin, "Don't worry! It's just special effects! I'll have a complete set ready for you and Uncle Dorry in a minute!"
Brogy wanted to retort that he could simply make his own, but seeing Ikki's good intentions, he decided to let it slide. Still, he couldn't help but lament that he hadn't been able to show off his strength in front of Dorry.
After the battle, Ikki remained on the ground, still catching his breath. That was when he felt a warm sensation radiating from his lower abdomen and spreading through his limbs.
Of course, it wasn't that he had wet himself—it was the delayed effect of the elixir he'd taken earlier.
To be precise, most of the elixir's medicinal power had been lying dormant in his body. The intense battle and his near-fatal injuries had triggered its activation, strengthening his body significantly. It was akin to the concept of a bone growing stronger after being broken. Having been pushed to his limits and recovering, Ikki's body now felt sturdier than ever.
This seemed like a Saiyan-like trait—getting stronger after near-death experiences. However, this enhancement vanished after the effects of the Marrow Cleansing Pill were fully absorbed.
As Ikki felt his body strengthening once again, his injuries had already fully healed. If not for his battle-tattered clothes, it would have been impossible to tell he had just endured a brutal fight.
Naturally, the robe created by the system remained intact, undamaged by the battle.
After two intense fights, everyone gathered at Brogy's territory to prepare for a bonfire party.
The Straw Hats, ever the experts at revelry, jumped into action. Sanji took charge of the food, crafting a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Zoro ventured into the forest, chopping down trees for the campfire. Meanwhile, the two giants, Dorry and Brogy, set off on a hunting expedition.
Ikki once again brought out a massive stockpile of drinks, ensuring there was enough for everyone to indulge freely. Smoker, in a surprising twist, decided to join in, bringing along the soldiers from his Marine warship. After all, as he put it, "If there's a chance for a free feast, why not share it with my crew?"
Thus began a lively carnival in the heart of the jungle.
With Sanji's skilled cooking, the simple barbecues transformed into gourmet-level meals, leaving Dorry and Brogy deeply impressed. Accustomed to plain meat roasted without seasoning, the two giants found the flavors nothing short of a revelation. They were ecstatic—it had been over a century since they'd last felt this much joy.
Their happiness wasn't just about the food or the company of the Straw Hats. It was also about the sheer novelty of eating in their shrunken forms, thanks to Ikki's handiwork. Though Ikki had warned them that their appetites would return to normal once they resumed their original sizes, the giants remained blissfully content.
As the celebration continued, Ikki's attention was drawn to Nami, who was frowning and rubbing her thigh. Looking closer, he noticed a red welt on her leg, as though she'd been bitten by an insect.
Ikki frowned. He knew what this meant. Nami had been bitten by a venomous ancient insect native to Little Garden. If untreated, this would lead to a high fever and life-threatening consequences. He recalled the pivotal journey to Drum Island, where Doctor Kureha's intervention saved Nami's life—and led to the Straw Hats meeting Chopper.
"It seems... Nami has been bitten by a poisonous insect," Ikki thought grimly.
His gaze shifted to Mr. 3 and Mr. 5, who were quietly eating barbecue, trying their best not to draw attention. Nearby, Miss Valentine's Day and Miss Golden Week danced joyfully around the bonfire, mingling with some Marines.
Ikki reflected on their complex histories. Though technically villains, these agents weren't inherently evil. Their actions were shaped by their circumstances. Before Crocodile's downfall, they had been bounty hunters, primarily targeting pirates for rewards. After Crocodile's arrest, however, they were branded as pirates themselves.
Ikki even recalled the cover story in One Piece where Golden Week attempted to free her comrades from Impel Down. And there was Mr. 2 Bon Clay whose loyalty to Luffy was undeniable. At Marineford, Bon Clay had risked everything to aid his friend.
Despite knowing that Mr. 3 and Mr. 5 weren't malicious, Ikki couldn't risk Nami's life.
The two agents, sensing danger, shuddered as Ikki approached, holding a candy box.
"B-brother, w-what are you planning now?" Mr. 3 stammered, clinging to Mr. 5 as the number on his head wobbled nervously.
Ikki grinned mischievously. "Oh, don't worry—I just need your help with something."
Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Mr. 5, pried open his mouth, and popped a jelly bean labeled [Diabetes Insipidus] inside.