The Little Garden Arc is the ninth story arc in One Piece and the third arc of the Alabasta Saga. It features the Straw Hat Pirates: Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, and Princess Vivi and her duck, Karoo. Notable characters introduced in this arc include giant warriors Dorry and Brogy, and Baroque Works agents Mr. 3, Miss Goldenweek, Mr. 5, and Miss Valentine.
This arc is primarily there because the Straw Hats had to escort Princess Vivi back to Alabasta, which passed by Little Garden. Characterization goes that Little Garden is an island untouched by the progress of the prehistoric era, the land of dinosaurs, and therefore poses a different kind of nature-based danger for the crew's adventure.
The Little Garden Arc opens with the arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates on an island that appears to be stuck in the prehistoric era. Adding to the danger and excitement that comes into play while exploring this place, there are dinosaurs and other ancient creatures walking around. A little while after their landing, they meet two giant warriors who introduce themselves as Dorry and Brogy, engaged in a century-long duel. This revelation gives insight into the abnormal nature of the island and introduces the subplot to the story that develops such themes as honour, friendship, and determination.
The Straw Hats split up to investigate the island and soon become embroiled in the giants' conflict and dark dealings by agents of the same Baroque Works that had followed them from Whisky Peak. Most prominently among them, Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek are there to do away with the Straw Hats and abduct Vivi. By this, their presence increases the dangers on the island and has the crew having to take down heavyweight enemies across prehistoric landscapes.
This arc culminates in a number of confrontations: Luffy and Usopp will face off against Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek in a fight that lays both Luffy's physicality and Usopp's ingenuity on the line. Meanwhile, Zoro and Nami are both placed in very precarious situations that ultimately test their skill and resolve. These encounters are not only providing action sequences to get excited about, but they also further flesh out the characters—especially Usopp—and truly show character development in bravery and resourcefulness.
For instance, the relationship between Dorry and Brogy is a repetitive element across the entire arc and symbolizes ideals about honor and friendship that are in line with the values of the Straw Hats. Their endless, futile duel impresses upon the crew the importance of commitment to one's beliefs and promises.
This can be concluded with the defeat of the Baroque Works agents and bringing an end to the giants' conflict. It is through the intervention of the Straw Hats that Dorry and Brogy come to their senses and realize their struggle, due to their senses, had been meaningless all these years; thus, both warriors come to their senses. Not only does this resolution bring peace to Little Garden, but it also allows the Straw Hats to gain very valuable allies for future adventures.
As the crew prepares to leave Little Garden, they gain invaluable information toward traveling across the Grand Line, including learning about an Eternal Pose to guide them in finding their way to Alabasta. However, an unexpected turn of events complicates their departure: Nami falls seriously ill, setting the stage for the next story arc and increasing the urgency of their voyage.
Little Garden Arc is a big chapter for the Straw Hats' journey, featuring action, humor, and character development. It opens up the One Piece world toward the prehistoric aspect of things and dives deeper into the existence of giants, which did much to fill out the already wide and creative world of the series. It also deepens the overall story of Alabasta, explicitly laying down most of the dangers involved with Baroque Works and emphasizing that the challenge ahead for the Straw Hats is forthcoming in helping Princess Vivi.