“They’re not as big as I thought they’d be,” Luffy said, as he gazed up at a very long-necked dinosaur. “Well, that’s what I thought the first time I was here years ago. But now they just don’t seem so big because I’ve been to Elbaf.”
Law hummed. Why exactly had he agreed to travel to Little Garden with the new Pirate King? Oh, right. He’d clearly had a lapse of judgment when agreeing—though in his defence Luffy could be very persuasive when necessary. Or maybe he was just persistent. Either way, same intended outcome.
Law did concede he was curious to experience Little Garden for himself; his crew’s logpose hadn’t taken them to said island on their voyage. And, well, he’d been a boy once. He’d seen dinosaurs in the books Cora-san had read to him and he’d been intrigued. Any person who wasn’t was lying to themselves.
“What do you think, Torao?”
“They’re something alright.”
Luffy frowned at that answer. “Maybe you just need a better look.” Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Law’s waist and then launched his other arm forward, using his devil fruit powers to stretch his arm all the way to the long-necked dinosaur’s head. “Hold on!”
And hold on Law did. He was fast becoming used to these spontaneous flights through the air that Luffy was wont to take him on.
They flew threw the air until they landed atop the dinosaur’s head. Fortunately, the dinosaur seemed entirely unfazed by their presence. They were probably similar to what flies are to humans. Annoying but hardly threatening.
“Wow, look at this view, Torao! It’s amazing!”
And Luffy was right. Little Garden truly was the land of dinosaurs and everything big. The greenery itself was a sight to behold. It had been largely untouched by humans, so the nature of the island had been preserved for who knows how long. It was incredible.
“It’s great, Straw Hat-ya,” Law said.
Luffy slapped his shoulder. “Loo-fee,” Luffy said with emphasis. “Now you try.”
Law gave a soft chuckle. “Sorry, Luffy. Old habit.” Luffy had been persistent with getting Law to call him by his actual name. But every now and then, he slipped up.
“I’ll forgive you this time,” Luffy said. He slipped his hand into Law’s. “Where do you wanna see next?”
Law watched Luffy’s profile as the Pirate King gazed across the landscape of dinosaurs. “Anywhere,” Law replied. But the as long as I’m with you went unsaid. The little fond glance Luffy sent his way told Law that he hadn’t needed to say it anyway.
Dinosaurs today, the giants of Elbaf tomorrow, and who knew what wonders laid before them after that.
For life was an adventure and Luffy was a persistent wonder indeed.