By the time Sanji announced lunch, the ship had settled into its familiar, almost lazy rhythm.
Usopp, Yosaku, and Johnny had finally given up on fishing—mostly because Usopp insisted the fish were "clearly avoiding him out of fear." Sanji had taken their modest haul and retreated to the kitchen, the sound of sizzling oil soon drifting across the deck.
Zoro remained asleep where he always was, sword at his side, utterly immune to hunger, sunlight, and common sense. Johnny stayed in the watchtower, scanning the horizon with practiced patience. Somewhere below deck, Vivi's panicked yelps echoed as Nami put her through the early stages of Observation Haki training.
Luffy listened to all of it like background music.
"Lunch is ready!" Sanji finally shouted.
That single sentence brought the ship to life.
"Thank God," Johnny muttered as he climbed down. "I was about to start eating the bait."
Luffy stood, dismissed his cloud throne with a thought, and headed inside. He took his seat between Vivi and Nojiko, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and started eating as if the world wasn't filled with absurd dangers.
Sanji served the food with theatrical flair, lingering far too long near the women.
"So, Nami," Zoro said mid-bite, eyes still half-lidded, "how much longer until Little Garden?"
"I don't know."
Silence slammed into the room.
"…What?" Usopp shrieked.
"You don't know?" He nearly fell off his chair. "You're the navigator!"
Nami bristled—but Luffy spoke first.
"Relax," he said calmly. "These waters aren't mapped. There's no schedule out here."
Usopp deflated instantly. "O–oh. Right. Sorry."
Nami sniffed and returned to her food.
"Oh," Luffy added casually, "and Nami—this ship needs cleaning."
Nami froze. "…Why?"
Luffy smiled. Slowly. Dangerously.
"Did you forget your punishment?"
Realization hit her like lightning.
"…Nooo," she groaned, slumping over the table.
Everyone laughed. Vivi blinked in confusion.
"I'll explain later," Nojiko whispered.
"I can't wait for Little Garden!" Usopp declared, standing proudly. "I can already see the ladies lining up to meet Captain Usopp!"
"They're lining up for me," Sanji snapped.
"I hate to ruin the fantasy," Luffy said, standing, "but there are no humans on Little Garden."
Dead silence.
"…What?" Sanji croaked.
"It's a prehistoric island," Luffy continued. "Dinosaurs. Ancient ecosystems. Stuff that shouldn't exist."
Panic spread instantly.
Usopp's soul visibly left his body. Johnny went pale. Nami stared. Vivi looked ready to faint. Sanji dropped his fork.
Zoro kept eating.
Karoo quacked approvingly.
"You're joking," Usopp whispered.
"Nope."
"But dinosaurs are extinct!"
"Welcome to the Grand Line," Luffy said cheerfully.
"How are you this calm!?" Vivi shouted.
"We'll keep you alive," Luffy replied. "Probably."
Sanji clutched Vivi dramatically. "Stay close to me!"
Luffy cleared his throat.
"When we land, Zoro and Sanji hunt. We need meat."
They nodded immediately.
"And one more thing," Luffy added, his tone turning serious. "No one touches plants, bugs, fruits—anything."
"…Why?" Johnny asked nervously.
"Because the cure for whatever kills you might not exist anymore."
Instant agreement.
Two days later—
"I SEE LAND!" Yosaku shouted from the tower.
Luffy stood, eyes narrowing.
"Nami," he said, "you're in charge."
She smiled, checking the log pose. "This is it."
Cheers erupted—then died just as fast when the island came fully into view.
Towering trees. Mist. The sound of something massive moving far inland.
"…That island is not small," Usopp whispered.
Luffy stepped beside Nami. "You remember what lives here, right?"
Usopp shook.
"Can we skip it?"
"No," Nami said flatly. "Log won't reset otherwise."
"And we need food," Sanji added.
Zoro pointed ahead. "Entrance."
A narrow river cut into the island.
Nojiko took the rudder, guiding them in.
Little Garden awaited.