"Oh? Trafalgar Law?" Buggy's brow furrowed in surprise. "He came alone?"
"Yes, he arrived in a small boat, rowing over slowly by himself," Blueno confirmed.
"Oh? That's interesting." Buggy pondered for a moment, then looked at Robin and the others before turning to Blueno. "Let's go and see. I'm curious why a supernova from the worst generation decided to approach me at this time."
Following Buggy's orders, Law was escorted by Blueno to the office on the castle's third floor. He maintained a somewhat stiff expression as he walked.
Originally, Law had assumed that he would enter Thriller Bark through its feared Storms in the Florian triangle. Simple.
Yet, now he found himself within a space gate, whisked away into Thriller Bark Castle. The present situation was leaving him rather bewildered. Thankfully, Law had prepared several contingency plans; otherwise, Bepo and his companions might have been in disarray by now.
On the flip side, Law had a certain grasp of the identity of the person before him. Was this the user of the Door-Door Fruit, with a bounty of 400 million Berries, and the former CP9 member, Blueno? Law couldn't help but admire the convenience of this ability.
And wasn't Thriller Bark originally Gekko Moria's ship? Had Moria fallen victim to the Buggy Pirates? Was this now their base?
However, the place seemed devoid of any presence currently.
Just as Law was processing these thoughts, he felt a chill run down his spine as he observed the eerie paintings on either side of the corridor. These murals appeared solemn until he neared, at which point their expressions transformed into haunting grins.
Startled by this phenomenon, Law couldn't resist turning his head to fix his gaze on the paintings. However, as he turned, the paintings resumed their initial serious appearance. The moment Law shifted his gaze away, those painted figures once again broke into unsettling smiles.
"Hey! What is this?" Law involuntarily exclaimed, his surprise evident in his voice.
"Ha ha ha ha ha. Another one spooked!" A voice echoed. "This guy's reactions are priceless!"
"What an adorable young man! Come closer and let me embrace you!"
Confronted with this sudden and eerie spectacle, Law was taken aback, triggering the Op-Op Fruit's ability.
"Don't mind them, Trafalgar Law. Those are just Moria's peculiar tastes," Blueno reassured him, flashing a grin.
But Law couldn't shake the feeling that Blueno's smile held a touch of mockery, as if laughing at his reaction. Ridiculing him for being startled, perhaps?
Cough... about this matter... Law hesitated, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"I'll keep this a secret until you leave," Blueno offered, showing understanding.
"Thank you." Law raised a hand and lowered the brim of his hat slightly.
Squeak.
He continued down the corridor, walking on the red-carpeted path until he reached a room guarded by surveillance cameras.
As he stepped inside, his gaze fell upon the figure seated on the sofa across from him.
Upon seeing him, the individual hailed as the "God Slayer" in the current world revealed a devil-may-care smile beneath his clown makeup. He lifted a hand and gestured for Law to take a seat.
"God Slayer..." Law was about to address him, but Buggy waved his hand, interrupting him with a smile.
"Just call me Buggy. So, what brings you here alone? What's the matter?"
Law internally mused about addressing Buggy as "God Slayer," but he promptly followed suit.
"I'm here to join the Buggy Pirates!" Law stated, meeting Buggy's gaze with seriousness.
"Ah." Buggy chuckled, reaching for a cigar and biting it between his teeth. Kalifa promptly stepped forward to light it for him. After taking a contented drag, Buggy regarded Law with a smile.
"What are your conditions?"
Law was taken aback; he hadn't expected Buggy to be so direct. This momentarily left him unsure how to respond.
How do I handle this? As a user of the Op-Op Fruit, he had been Doflamingo's subordinate. Buggy's nod, as he puffed on his cigar, carried a casual demeanor. He offered a light smile as he spoke.
"Considering Doflamingo's nature, he can't afford to let the Op-Op Fruit's secret get out. So, you must want to sever ties with him, right?"
"After all as long as you step into the new world without someone strong protecting you. You will be hunted by Doflamingo, Right?"
Law's body tensed suddenly, his eyes widening in disbelief as he looked at Buggy. He hadn't anticipated this man would discern his intentions with such ease!
And where had he obtained this information? This man appeared to be well-informed.
Even in the criminal underworld, which faction excelled at gathering intelligence, the info about ope ope no mi might not be there. The Marines were willing to pay as much as 5,000,000,000 Berri to buy the fruit back then.
If he doesn't navigate this encounter skillfully, he might not leave this place unscathed. Law inhaled deeply, fixing his gaze on Buggy. His eyes exuded a determination tinged with murder as he uttered in a deep voice:
"Mr. Buggy, your information ability is quite remarkable. You're correct; I'm here so I can kill Doflamingo in the future with your help. I'm determined to end his life, by any means necessary! Originally, I planned to capture Ceaser on Punk Hazard—a crucial scientist for Doflamingo—and then employ it as leverage to force him out of the Shichibukai!"
"Once stripped of the government's protection, he'll be nothing more than a pirate!"
"In due time, I will collaborate with others; perhaps then, I'll have a chance to eliminate him. However, after witnessing the Battle of Punk Hazard, I understand that capturing Caesar is no simple task anymore, and neither is killing Doflamingo."
"First and foremost, Caesar wields the power of the Logia-type fruit, and currently, I have no means to counter it. Moreover, with the World Government having voluntarily dissolved the Shichibukai system, Doflamingo is set to participate in the World Summit as the king of the government-affiliated Dressrosa."
"Seeing this, I realized that the odds of successfully assassinating him are quite slim. Even if I team up with someone like Eustass Kid among the other supernovas, it's unlikely we'll manage to end his life."
With a heavy sigh, Law couldn't suppress his disappointment.
"So, you've come to find me?" Buggy looked at Law, his lips curved into a half-smile.
Law's expression briefly froze, but he soon nodded resolutely and responded, "Yes."
"Where's the bargaining chip?" Buggy inquired, scrutinizing him.
"You don't think you can take down Doflamingo just because of your reputation as the 'Death Surgeon,' do you? Do you realize he commands a group of capable officers under him?"
"And the shadow behind him is none other than Kaido. Killing Doflamingo means confronting the entire Donquixote pirates, plus facing off against the Yonko, Kaido, once again. Is it truly worth triggering such a massive conflict for your vendetta?"
"Worth it," Law's gaze remained firm, and he answered resolutely.
As he spoke those two words, Law felt a surge of relief and newfound confidence, as if he had made a momentous decision by voicing his conviction.
Behind Buggy, both Blueno and Kalifa exchanged surprised glances. They couldn't fathom why Trafalgar Law was so self-assured. He was merely one of the supernovas with a bounty of 200 million Berries. Why would Captain Buggy risk a confrontation with Kaido for his sake?
The cigar still between his lips, Buggy clapped his hands a few times before setting the cigar aside and nodding. A grin broke across his face as he remarked, "Interesting, very interesting."
Law glanced behind Buggy, observing Blueno and Kalifa, and then addressed them with a solemn tone, "I hope that what I'm about to say next will stay between us."
"They are all comrades of mine," Buggy stated firmly before Law could Continue. But Buggy raised his hand to halt Law's words.
"If they can't hear you, you might as well stop talking now and leave. Pretend that nothing was ever mentioned." Buggy's tone shifted from his earlier joviality to a more serious note. He fixed his gaze on Law, an aura of dominance emanating from him.
"Captain Buggy!" Blueno and Kalifa exchanged looks, their expressions moved.
Seated across from Buggy, Law sighed internally, recognizing the charisma exuding from this man. With just one statement, Buggy had significantly deepened their loyalty and affection.
Should he attempt any manipulation against this man, he'll soon realize the consequences. Law thought, resolving to proceed forthrightly. He clenched his teeth and said, "Buggy since you're aware of the Ope-Ope Fruit's abilities, are you also privy to the ultimate secret of the fruit?"
"The ultimate secret?" Buggy's smile held a trace of mystery, and he responded with a counter-question, "You mean that aspect? Are you contemplating that path? Just remember, if you take that step, it comes with the price of your own life."
Law was taken aback by Buggy's words, staring at him in disbelief as he uttered, "Buggy, you know!"
At his entrance to Thriller Bark, Law had been quite confident, especially considering Buggy's apparent intellect. He believed he could assert himself in this negotiation, leveraging his intelligence to his advantage.
His current strategy had even been formulated before his arrival.
Yet, he hadn't expected his few words to be so expertly maneuvered by Buggy. Now, he realized the man had essentially redirected his intentions.
At that moment, Law recalled a line he'd read in "World Economy News": "Sengoku's masterful strategy ended up losing it and corrupting his image in front of the entire world! Will there be a third act between God Slayer and Sengoku?"
Yes, even Sengoku, who was revered as the Master Strategist, had been deftly handled by Buggy. How could I presume to take the lead in negotiations with him?
Observing Law's widening eyes, Buggy seemed quite pleased. He reveled in the sight of this character, whom he regarded as a pawn in the story of his past life, on the brink of collapse.
This expression of Law's now reminded Buggy of a scene from Punk Hazard, where Luffy and his friends had playfully tied Chopper to Law's head.
This memory caused the smile on Buggy's lips to broaden further.
Yet, now that the game was over, Law did not need to further hide his intentions.
Turning his gaze to Blueno and Kalifa, he explained, "The secret Law is trading for my assistance involves an ability hidden by the World Government—the Ope-Ope Fruit's power that goes by the name 'Eternal Youth Operation.' This ability enables one to grant eternal life to others through an operation, but the user's life is the price."
A sharp intake of breath echoed from both Blueno and Kalifa upon hearing this secret. Their eyes then shifted to Buggy, their expressions filled with awe.
This man had so openly disclosed such a deep hidden secret to them. Their admiration for him deepened considerably.
For someone like Buggy, even if they perished in service to him, it would be a worthwhile sacrifice.
Upon hearing Law reveal the secret of the Ope-Ope Fruit, Buggy couldn't help but release a long breath. Then Law gazed at Buggy intently and posed a solemn question, "Buggy, do we have a deal?"
Buggy's joy was palpable, yet he maintained an appearance of contemplation for a few moments. Eventually, he smiled and responded, "Naturally, I find it quite beneficial. You might not be aware, but my path is leading already toward Doflamingo. I'm getting myself an 'Eternal Life Surgery' for free and securing a formidable doctor whose combat prowess could potentially reach 3 billion. I'd say I'm quite fortunate, wouldn't you agree?"
Buggy's delight was unmistakable, but he managed to withhold it momentarily. He then continued, "However, I am a layman, and the allure of 'eternal life surgery' is indeed tempting. Yet, you are a true talent. As we are now partners and comrades-in-arms, I won't allow you to utilize this 'Eternal Life Surgery' right after killing Doflamingo. We can execute this transaction promise when you genuinely feel the weight of age. After all, losing someone like you—with potential, ambition, and courage—would certainly make the world a bit less interesting."
Law's body quivered once more upon hearing Buggy's words. He abruptly rose from his seat, fixing his gaze upon Buggy as if seeking any trace of deception in his eyes.
However, Buggy's expression remained consistently carefree throughout.
Law had initially found this smile arrogant upon first encountering it. Yet, his current perspective prompted him to recognize it as something warm and inviting. This man's charisma was truly boundless.
No wonder those of great strength gravitated toward him. No wonder even Roger's right-hand men willingly followed him. No wonder even ambitious individuals like Crocodile were willing to lend him their support.
This man's power of persuasion was undeniable.
At that moment, Law's conviction was resolute. He immediately responded with sincerity, "Very well! I am determined to meet Captain's expectations."
Buggy rose from his seat, approached Law, extended his right hand, and declared, "The Buggy Pirates extend a warm welcome to you. You and your crew members are free to join us. Should you find it unfamiliar, you can embark on your adventures. We don't mandate regular crew gatherings. Thanks to Blueno, whether you're in the Paradise or New World, we can find you within a matter of minutes."
Law felt a lump in his throat. He had never anticipated such a thoughtful suggestion from Buggy. How could such a captain not be worthy of their loyalty?
"Thank you, Captain Buggy! My crew and I certainly plan to embark on new adventures in the future. However, if Mr. Buggy ever requires our aid, a mere phone call will suffice. I'll be there, come what may!"
Law's words were filled with excitement.
Buggy patted Law on the shoulder and grinned. "No problem. In my youth, I too was captivated by the allure of adventure and voyages. So, carry my pirate flag proudly on your journey across the sea!"
"Thank you, Captain Buggy!" Law's heart was profoundly moved. His loyalty, if visible, might well have exceeded 90 at this point. If Buggy successfully eliminated Doflamingo in the future, his loyalty would undoubtedly reach its pinnacle.
At that time, Buggy would no longer need to fear Law's betrayal.
With that accomplishment, the possibility of the "Eternal Life OPEration" would become a reality.
What a clever move this was!
Earning riches was Law's prerogative, indeed.
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Beyond the Calm Belt, not far from Amazon Lily, ten Marine warships had already docked.
Among them were a large warship, three medium-sized ones, and six smaller vessels.
The gathering of such a substantial force outside the Calm Belt was unusual, but a conversation between Admiral Aramaki and Vice Admiral Momonga on the large warship would provide insight into this anomaly.
"Momonga, is such an elaborate display necessary? It's just an island with Boa Hancock. There's no Sand-Sand Fruit user there to confine me. I can handle this alone," Aramaki remarked, his tone nonchalant.
"Why the need for so many warships?" Green Bull asked with a tinge of exasperation.
"Admiral Green Bull, this is a directive from Fleet Admiral Sakazuki himself. The inhabitants of Amazon Lily are all seasoned female warriors, each versed in Haki. Taking down it by a single Vice Admiral demands overcoming considerable difficulty," Zhan Taowan explained, his frustration evident.
"What's with the fuss? Everyone's a warrior? " Green Bull scoffed.
"They're just a motley bunch; no need to worry," he asserted confidently.
Momonga could only shake his head in response.
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