The sun hung low in the sky, painting the shallow island in shades of amber as Yuji leaned casually against a tree, his silver hair catching the soft light. Across from him stood Trafalgar Law, arms crossed, his sharp gray eyes studying Yuji with an expression teetering between suspicion and disinterest. Bepo lingered at Law's side, shifting nervously and glancing at Yuji and Hancock, who stood a few steps behind with her usual air of composed confidence.
"So," Law began, his tone even but edged with skepticism. "Why exactly did you come here, and why are you looking for me?"
Yuji smiled, his expression calm yet calculated. "I'm looking for someone with excellent medical skills to serve as my ship's doctor," he said. "And I've heard about your talent. I'd say you're exactly what I need."
For a moment, Law didn't respond. His face, usually unreadable, twisted into a grimace as if Yuji's words had struck a nerve. The air between them grew thick with tension, and Law's gaze darkened.
"No," Law said flatly, his voice colder than before. "I'm not interested."
Yuji raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the shift in Law's demeanor. "Not interested? That's a shame," he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Law turned on his heel, gesturing for Bepo to follow. "Let's go," he muttered.
Bepo hesitated, glancing back at Yuji and Hancock. "Captain, are you sure—"
"Now, Bepo," Law snapped, his tone brooking no argument.
Just as the pair began to walk away, Yuji's voice cut through the air, calm yet commanding.
"I can help you take your revenge on Joker."
Law froze mid-step, his back rigid as his hands clenched into fists. Slowly, he turned to face Yuji, his expression a mask of barely restrained fury.
"How do you know that name?" Law demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Yuji's smirk widened. "I know a lot of things," he said cryptically.
Without another word, Law extended his hand, and a translucent dome expanded around them. "Room," he intoned, his voice steady but laced with menace. In an instant, Law was in front of Yuji, his scalpel-like blade aimed directly at his chest.
"Injection Shot!"
The blade thrust forward with surgical precision, but Yuji didn't flinch. Instead, he raised a hand and caught the blade effortlessly, the tip hovering just inches from his chest.
Hancock tensed, ready to leap into action, but Yuji held up a hand, signaling her to stand down. She hesitated but obeyed, crossing her arms and leaning back against a tree as if to watch the spectacle unfold.
Yuji met Law's furious gaze with an unsettling calm. "Like I said," he began, his voice unshaken, "I can help you kill him."
Law's grip on his blade tightened. "Why should I trust you? Why would you help me?"
Yuji chuckled softly, his voice carrying an air of confidence. "Trust me? You don't have to. But think about it, do you even have a choice? Do you have someone strong enough to take on Joker and handle the consequences of his wrath?"
Law's blade trembled slightly as he considered Yuji's words. Silence stretched between them, the tension palpable. Finally, Law lowered his weapon, dispelling the "Room" with a flick of his wrist.
"How do you know him?"
"Law come on he is quite a celebrity in the underworld, I know a lot more than you can think. Just put some faith on me for this one"
"Fine," he said grudgingly. "But don't think for a second that I trust you."
Yuji grinned, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."
Bepo, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes, suddenly stepped forward, his ears perked up. "Wait, what about me and the others?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.
Yuji turned to him, his expression softening slightly. "Do you know how to navigate, Bepo?"
Bepo nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I'm a great navigator!"
"Then you can come too," Yuji said with a chuckle.
But Law interjected immediately. "No. It's too dangerous. You're staying here."
Bepo's shoulders slumped, his ears drooping as he glanced down at the ground. "But Captain, I—"
"No," Law said firmly, cutting him off. "It's not up for debate."
Bepo looked like he was about to argue further, but Hancock's laughter interrupted them. "Aw, poor Bear" she teased, leaning down to ruffle the bear's fur. "Always so apologetic and eager to please."
Bepo's face turned red, if a bear could blushand he muttered, "I'm sorry..."
Yuji couldn't help but laugh at the exchange. "Relax, Bepo," he said. "If you're determined, then I'm not going to stop you. But it's up to you to convince this scary looking guy."
Hearing Yuji's remark, Law just click his tongue.
Bepo turned to Law, his eyes pleading. "Please, Captain. I don't want to stay behind. I want to help."
Law sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as if dealing with a persistent headache. "You're going to regret this," he muttered.
Yuji clapped his hands together, drawing their attention. "Great! Now that that's settled, we should get moving soon. Say your goodbyes, Bepo."
As Law and Bepo made their way back to their companions, the mood grew somber. Penguin, Shachi, and the others gathered to see them off, their expressions a mix of pride and sadness.
"Captain," Penguin said, his voice steady but heavy. "Are you sure about this?"
Law nodded, his expression unreadable. "I'll be back," he said simply. "Take care of each other also take care of our home while I'm gone."
Bepo hugged each of them tightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'll miss you guys," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
"We'll miss you too," Shachi said, clapping Bepo on the back.
As they parted ways, Yuji watched from a distance, his arms crossed and a thoughtful expression on his face. He could see the bonds these people shared, and it only solidified his belief that Law and Bepo would be invaluable allies.
When Law and Bepo returned, their resolve was clear. "We're ready," Law said, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Yuji nodded. "Good. Let's get started."
As they set off toward the ship, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the island in hues of orange and pink. The journey ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Yuji felt that his crew and his destiny were beginning to take shape.