The shadow of the sand-vision had barely faded when the horizon began to shift. The thick, unpredictable mists of the Grand Line parted to reveal a gargantuan silhouette. It wasn't just an island; it was a prehistoric world frozen in time. Giant trees, taller than the masts of the Marine warships, pierced the clouds, and the distant roar of creatures that should have been extinct millions of years ago echoed across the waves.
"Little Garden," Vivi whispered, her knuckles white as she gripped the railing. "The island where time forgot to move. Kai, we shouldn't stop here. The Baroque Works agents will surely expect us to seek refuge in a place like this."
Kai stood at the prow, his [Merchant's Domain] expanding like a spiderweb across the approaching shoreline. "That is exactly why we are stopping, Vivi. In the desert, the sand belongs to Crocodile. But here? Here, the souls are ancient, primal, and untamed. If I am to face a Warlord, I need more than just the energy of common mercenaries."
[Ding! Location Identified: Little Garden.]
[System Scan: Ancient Souls detected.]
[Warning: Two massive spiritual signatures localized at the island's center. Rank: Platinum (Mythical/Titan).]
Kai felt a thrill go down his spine. Platinum souls. He had seen Gold with Crocus, but Platinum was a level of density he had never felt before. It was like two suns were burning in the middle of the jungle.
"Silas, drop the anchor," Kai commanded. "We need to replenish our supplies, and I have a trade to make with the giants of old."
As the boat touched the sandy shore, the ground beneath them shook. A massive footstep, followed by another, made the trees sway like grass in the wind. From the dense foliage, a man of impossible proportions emerged. He carried a shield as large as a house and a sword that looked like a fallen mountain.
[Target: Dorry the Blue Giant.]
[Soul Grade: Platinum (Honorable Warrior).]
"Welcome to my island, little humans!" the giant boomed, his laugh shaking the very air in Kai's lungs. "It has been many years since someone had the courage to land here. Are you food? Or are you guests?"
Kai stepped onto the giant's shadow, his own golden aura flaring to meet the massive spiritual pressure. He didn't look up with fear; he looked up with the eyes of a businessman seeing the ultimate investment.
"I am Kai, the Soul Trader," he shouted, his voice magically amplified by his [Merchant's Charisma]. "I didn't come to be eaten, and I didn't come to hide. I came to offer you something that a hundred years of fighting hasn't given you, Great Warrior."
The giant froze, his massive eye narrowing as he leaned closer to the tiny boy on the beach. "And what could a small thing like you offer a warrior of Elbaf?"
"A way to end your duel with honor," Kai replied, his violet dagger appearing in his hand. "And a chance to see your homeland again."
[Ding! New Epic Quest: The Giants' Resolution.]
[Objective: Mediate the 100-year duel between Dorry and Brogy.]
[Reward: 1,000 Soul Coins | 'Giant's Strength' Passive | Soul Contract with Elbaf.]