'Is all of this because of Saint Lakeman?' Law mused to himself, the realization slowly dawning on him. His heart raced as his resolve firmed. 'I must cling tightly to that lord's thigh.'
"Take a seat anywhere," Doflamingo's voice cut through Law's thoughts, smooth and commanding as always.
"Alright," Law replied quietly, nodding his head. He found a seat, not far from where Rosinante was sitting. As he settled down, he caught the unfriendly gaze Rosinante was casting his way, and his brow furrowed slightly.
'What's his problem?' he wondered, confused. 'Did I offend him?'
Shaking off the thought, Law focused on the meal before him. 'Whatever,' he decided, grabbing a large portion of food.
'Let's just eat first.' Without hesitation, he began stuffing large bites into his mouth, his appetite insatiable.
Doflamingo watched him with a satisfied grin. The silence of the room was broken only by the sound of Law's aggressive chewing. After a while, as Law's pace slowed slightly, Doflamingo leaned forward and spoke casually, though the question had an edge to it.
"So, Law," he began, his voice smooth and casual. "What has Saint Lakeman taught you?"
The seemingly simple question instantly drew the attention of everyone in the room. Curious gazes turned toward Law. Their interest was palpable.
"He taught me..." Law hesitated, his mind racing. It didn't seem like anything too significant, so he decided to speak honestly. "A technique called 'Life Return.'"
Suddenly, the room fell into an eerie silence.
The weight of the words lingered in the air as everyone stared at him, wide-eyed and astonished.
"Did I... say something wrong?" Law asked hesitantly, his gaze shifting nervously to Doflamingo.
Doflamingo's grin widened into something more sinister, his smile almost gleaming. "No, not at all," he said with a low chuckle. "I just didn't expect that Saint Lakeman would teach you that."
"Is Life Return that rare?" Law asked, his curiosity piqued, unaware of the ripple his words had caused.
"It's not about rarity..." Doflamingo muttered thoughtfully.
Before Law could process that, the others jumped in eagerly.
"That's a technique only a select few on the seas have mastered!"
"Exactly! Even within the World Government, which created the Six Powers, only a handful have fully grasped Life Return."
"And only around a hundred people have completely mastered the Six Powers to begin with!"
"Saint Lakeman clearly holds you in high regard."
Law's mind spun as he processed what they were saying.
'I had no idea it was this significant.' He sat there, stunned. 'Life Return is far more important than I ever imagined.'
A sudden thought struck him. 'Should I... offer to share it?'
Nervous, Law asked tentatively, "Should I share this knowledge with you?"
It was an innocent question. After all, who wouldn't want access to something so precious? Law's unease grew as he feared the Donquixote Family might demand it from him, forcefully even.
But what came next stunned him even more.
To his complete surprise, everyone's expressions remained indifferent. Some even waved their hands dismissively, as if his offer was beneath them.
"No need, kid. You figure it out on your own."
"We're not interested."
"Learn it well, though. Could be useful."
"While Life Return doesn't directly boost your strength in battle, it can take you further in the long run."
Their nonchalance baffled Law. 'Why aren't they interested in this?' he thought.
Doflamingo chuckled, his piercing eyes gleaming as he explained, "Fufufu, don't let it surprise you, Law. The essence of Life Return is simple—it's the ability to channel your will into your body to control it. Many people know of it, but only a rare few can truly achieve it."
He leaned back, a knowing grin on his face. "The technique requires talent."
"If we had the talent for it, we would've mastered Life Return ages ago. We don't need you to teach us," Doflamingo laughed heartily, as if mocking Law's initial nervousness.
Law let out a small breath of relief, comforted by the fact that they didn't covet the technique he had been entrusted with.
'So that's how it is…' He sat back, feeling a fresh sense of motivation rising within him. 'Saint Lakeman taught me Life Return... that means he believes I have the talent for it!'
His resolve hardened, and he clenched his fists.
'I have to work even harder now. I can't waste this chance.' Law, without hesitation, grabbed more food and began eating even more furiously, shoveling large bites into his mouth.
Doflamingo watched him with an approving look.
"That's the spirit," he said with a satisfied smile. "If you want to be strong, you'll need a big appetite to match."
Meanwhile, Rosinante, seated not far away, wore an entirely different expression. His face was etched with regret, his eyes full of quiet sorrow.
A kid with the potential to master Life Return... he thought sadly. What a waste. He should've joined the Navy. He could've had a brilliant future. Now... he's stuck with the Donquixote Family. Rosinante sighed inwardly, his heart heavy with remorse.
In the days that followed, Lakeman's training sessions with Law intensified. Lakeman pushed Law's body to its limits, stimulating his physical vitality day after day, draining his stamina multiple times over.
Meanwhile, the progress of their bond continued to climb.
[Current progress: 50.78%...]
[Current progress: 78.24%...]
[Current progress: 99.35%...]
Frequent physical contact during their training allowed Lakeman to complete the binding process in just a few short days.
[Ding.]
[You have successfully bound Trafalgar D. Water Law, sharing his daily training feedback.]
'It's done.' Lakeman thought with satisfaction.
Lakeman couldn't help but smile, glancing at Law, who was breathing heavily, utterly exhausted. With his sharp gaze, Lakeman confirmed that both Law's body and spirit had reached their limit.
"That's enough for today," Lakeman said calmly, waving his hand dismissively. "I've taught you all you need to know. From here on, it's up to you to internalize it and make it your own."
"Understood," Law replied, struggling to his feet. He bowed respectfully, his voice full of gratitude.
Lakeman offered a slight nod before leaving, his expression unreadable as he strolled leisurely through the Donquixote Family estate. Eventually, he arrived at the newly constructed arena, his gaze scanning the vast space.
Rosinante, watching from a distance, sighed in relief. 'Finally, he's gone...'
But his worry wasn't entirely lifted. 'Law's attitude toward Saint Lakeman grows more reverent by the day. If this keeps up, he might become completely devoted to him.'
Rosinante grimaced at the thought. He couldn't bear to see that happen. He was thankful Lakeman had moved on, leaving Law to his own devices.
"Please, follow me," Rosinante gestured eagerly, hurrying ahead to lead the way. Lakeman glanced at him with a faint smile and followed, his thoughts elsewhere.
Sengoku's spy... no matter, Lakeman mused. Doflamingo will deal with him in time.
As he walked toward the arena, Lakeman's thoughts shifted. 'Speaking of Doffy, the recent Conqueror's Haki feedback has been... impressive.'
[You have received training feedback from Donquixote Doflamingo.]
[Conqueror's Haki +2]
[Your understanding of Conqueror's Haki has significantly improved.]
[Conqueror's Haki +1]
Lakeman smirked. 'The despair from Flevance's people has only strengthened Doflamingo's Haki—and by extension, mine.' His own Conqueror's Haki was stirring within him, like a beast waiting to be awakened by the crack of thunder.
Only a thin barrier remained, a single step separating him from a breakthrough.
As he entered the arena, he felt the eyes of countless people turn toward him.
"Is that... Saint Lakeman?"
"Hiss, it really is him."
"Don't stare too hard. You'll draw his attention."
"Better to leave early than risk it today."
The moment Lakeman lifted his gaze, the crowd's whispers died down, as if the very air had thickened. Wherever his gaze fell, people bowed their heads in reverence, the once lively arena falling into eerie silence.
Lakeman's sharp eyes flickered with understanding. 'It's time.'
The thought surged through him like lightning, and suddenly, the final barrier within him shattered.
Boom!
An overwhelming pressure exploded from Lakeman's body, expanding rapidly like an unstoppable force. The invisible wave of power rolled through the arena like a tidal wave.
Thud…
Thud…
Thud…
Spectators, employees, fighters—everyone dropped to the ground the instant Lakeman's Conqueror's Haki reached them. Their eyes rolled back as they fell unconscious.
Even the guards and servants around Lakeman were not spared. Thud, thud—one by one, they collapsed, leaving only two trembling guides from the Donquixote Family.
"Con... Conqueror's Haki?" one of them stuttered, his voice quivering with fear.
Beside them, Rosinante was the only one still standing, though barely. His face was pale, beads of cold sweat rolling down his face. He struggled to stay upright, his wide eyes locked onto Lakeman.
'No doubt about it... This is the power of the Conqueror's Haki.'
He swallowed hard, trying to control his fear. 'But to unleash this kind of range and power at his age?' It was incomprehensible.
'This range... it rivals that of Whitebeard and Shiki... no, almost half of the island is covered by it!'
Rosinante's heart raced, his mind a whirlwind of shock and disbelief. The magnitude of Lakeman's Haki—so vast, so powerful—was like nothing he had ever encountered.
'This Celestial Dragon boy... is truly a monster!' Rosinante thought in terror as he watched Lakeman's back, his mind screaming in alarm.
In the now-silent arena, Lakeman stood amidst the sea of unconscious bodies. He felt the immense power of his Conqueror's Haki coursing through him, a subtle golden glint flashing in his eyes—though invisible to the naked eye. Only those with heightened Observation Haki would have caught it.
*'Conqueror's Haki...' Lakeman reflected. 'At the beginner level, it's triggered by heightened emotions. At the intermediate level, you can control it freely. At the advanced level, it can be fully unleashed, impacting the real world.'
He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the power within him. 'Beyond that, there's Conqueror's Haki coating...'
Lakeman knew that while he had unleashed a powerful burst, knocking out tens of thousands, his control was still lacking. He had yet to master the finer aspects.
'But with Doflamingo's continued growth, my proficiency will grow as well. I'll get there.' He thought with confidence as he turned and left the arena, leaving behind the unconscious masses.
That night, whispers and rumors spread like wildfire across the sea.
In the Donquixote Family…
"As expected, Saint Lakeman has awakened Conqueror's Haki..."
"He's mastered all three forms of Haki now."
"How terrifying... he knocked out tens of thousands of people."
"The range and power are unbelievable."
Even Doflamingo, normally unshaken by anything, couldn't help but express his astonishment. "The day Saint Lakeman rules the seas is not far off," he said with a mixture of admiration and fear.
At Marineford, Marine Headquarters…
After hearing Rosinante's report, Sengoku sat in his office, deep in thought. His brow furrowed, and a bitter smile tugged at his lips.
"Conqueror's Haki is also a reflection of one's ambition," he mused aloud. "To affect such a vast area... it shows just how terrifying Saint Lakeman's ambition is."
After a moment, Tsuru, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke. "At least he's not surpassing you yet, right?"
Sengoku chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "For now, yes, but I'm much older. He's still young... how old is he, again?"
Tsuru fell silent, the weight of the situation bearing down on her. 'Such ambition, such power,' she thought, her head aching. 'It's bound to shake the seas.'
Rocks had destroyed God Valley, crippling the Knights of God and causing the chaos that persisted in the New World to this day. Roger, with just a few words before his death, had sparked the Great Pirate Era. Shiki had wreaked havoc in Marineford, nearly toppling the very headquarters of the Marines.
"Let the World Government deal with it," Sengoku sighed, his tone weary.
At Mary Geoise, in the World Government's top council chamber…
"He's without a doubt a monster."
"With Conqueror's Haki this strong, reaching the advanced level won't take long."
"In a few years, we might finally begin intervening in the New World."
"Hmph, Kaido, Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin—they dare claim the seas as their own?"
"If it weren't for Roger, we would've crushed them long ago."
The Five Elders sneered, already imagining the day Saint Lakeman would sweep across the four seas with unstoppable might, eradicating all who opposed him and placing the world firmly in the hands of the World Government.
Before dawn, in a darkened room, the sun's light had yet to break through the horizon. A slender and graceful figure lay curled up in bed, her delicate face cold and unyielding, even though torn clothing littered the floor, a silent testament to unspeakable humiliation.
Despite it all, the girl remained proud and defiant, her spirit unbroken, refusing to show any sign of submission.
Lakeman stood over her, his eyes tracing her beauty. His gaze lingered on her face, marveling at the strength she held within her despite everything.
'Hancock,' he thought, his lips curving into a smile.
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