Penguin, you garbage! I had grilled this piece of meat myself!So what?! Quicker wins!Penguin and Shachi wait a minute! I saw that you had already swallowed three pieces, while I have only eaten two! I remind you that I got here before you did, so show me some respect!
Our dinners are always very active.Most of the time, Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo are arguing over some bad stuff. I tell myself that we would avoid a lot of confusion if, from the start, we shared the food fairly on everyone's plate instead of putting everything in a large dish, but I don't hesitate to put on a fourth piece of meat.
Shut it up a bit, moms! How many times will I have to tell you that here we eat in silence ?!
Old Wolf bangs his fist on the table and launches into his talks. As I know that, in his case, it usually lasts a while, I try to slip quietly into the next room, but ... someone suddenly grabs the back of my neck.
Law, you think I didn't see you trying to get away on your own, did you ?! I point out to you that it is because you, their leader, you do not take care of them well that these fellows lack of behavior!Oh yeah, and then what else ?! Certainly, I took them in my team, but I never made a commitment to become their mother!Name of a dog, but I'm dreaming! They are all more insolent than the others! Farewell, peaceful life, I will never find you …So what? Your current life is more animated than that of the time when you spent your days in your junk, it is not worse.So shut up! I didn't ask for your opinion!
Finally, I find myself alone to have to take Wolf's talks. Bepo and the others may observe the scene with a contrite air, I know that tomorrow they will start bickering again. Over time, I came to understand that if they ever genuinely regretted something, it never lasted more than a day.
Two months have passed at full speed since our life at five began.
Under a common roof, we share our meals, take baths together, invent games which we then play and spend a lot of time telling each other silly things. Never until now, in my whole life, have I made use of the time allotted to me in this way.
When I lived alongside Doflamingo and his men, all I had was despair. I was only moved by the dark desire to destroy this world before I disappeared myself, and nothing and no one could afford me these moments of pleasure that I have today. Doflamingo, Diamante, Lao G, Gladius, they had all taught me things, but it was for the sole purpose of making me their "toy".
Today, if I regard my time with Wolf, Bepo and the others, I at least know that they see me as a "human" and not as a thing. Our exchanges, our jokes, our laughter, all this makes me understand.
But the anger that I harbored towards Doflamingo did not disappear for all that. The desire for revenge remains present, black, dark, buried in my being; it appears from time to time on the surface of my face, without warning.
But now I have friends.
Friends who, thanks to all this stupidity that we do and say, help me to forget my anger, to forget my resentment.
And that's more than enough for me.
Regarding the work, we managed to share it with us in an equitable manner. At first we weren't used to it, we didn't know how to go about it and quarrels were numerous, but lately, myself included, we have finally managed to work hand in hand.
Wolf leaves the house at eight o'clock every morning and walks for about half an hour to his laboratory. For about a month or so, he seems to have things to do near the city, and it is not uncommon that night has already fallen by the time he returns.
I don't know what Wolf is up to, but are you sure he's okay? Between his inventions and his repeated outings in town, he does not risk getting tired? Bepo asks with great naivety.Don't worry, the junk's body is specially made. Remember, this morning again when he was talking about his work: "You will soon have the opportunity to see all our landscapes from the sky!"You're right, the main thing is that he's in good shape.
Wolf is the very embodiment of good health. As a precaution, he regularly undergoes a complete examination of his general condition, but the results are always perfectly normal. Better than that: his muscle strength and breathing capacity are even much better than that of a man in the full force of his age. Although he rarely evokes his youth, I imagine that at the time he had to train seriously.
While Wolf is away, we take care of the work in the fields, go fishing, do the housework and do the laundry. We do go backwards sometimes, but I have to admit that there are times when we also get a certain sense of pride in doing the work ourselves.
As for Penguin and Shachi, they say they want to become strong at all costs. However, the training they conduct in their own way is not very effective, it is often I who borrow weapons from Wolf in order to teach them the techniques of saber and cannon.
Okay, I admit it's not madness, but I'm not bored either. I must admit that these two are pretty good, and thanks to my advice that they listen carefully, they are progressing relatively quickly. I didn't expect the show of students putting into practice what I taught them to do so much to me. And when I see the bullet from their pistol crash into the middle of a distant target, I can't help but smile on my lips.
In the evening, we wait for Wolf to return for dinner, we talk about what we have been up to during the day, then we go to bed and sleep soundly. There are days when I find myself enjoying this well-regulated rhythm of life.
Although I know that in reality this kind of soft and comfortable existence never lasts very long.
Tomorrow we will all go to Pleasure Town.
One day, at dinner time, mister junk puts on a serious expression and says these words:
I hope you haven't forgotten your promise. You should not only help me work here, but also look for a job in town. You have been with me for two months already, you should think about respecting your commitment. I remind you that our relationship is only based on the "give and take", so if you want to pay a share of the rent and the food costs.
While speaking, Wolf scrutinizes us with his serious expression. At the moment, I am unable to respond favorably to his invitation.
Go to town.
Nothing to do, it's still the only thing that terrifies me today.
However, I am aware that I am completely cured of my illness. The white spots that strewn my face before have completely disappeared, no one in town will be surprised when they see me.
And yet.
Memories of the past have not disappeared. They remain present in me and continue to make me dirty. I remember those painful days when Corazon and I were walking in the snow. I remember those smiling doctors whose gaze changed, as if they had seen something dirty, and that nauseating atmosphere that set in as soon as I said the name of white lead disease.
And I'm scared.
With that, I'll go to bed. Tomorrow we will leave immediately after breakfast.
With these words, Wolf goes to his room. His words do not contain any hint of joke, on the contrary, he even expressed himself in a relatively cold tone. After the old man leaves, the atmosphere around the table becomes heavy. None of us seem to be happy with the announcement Wolf just made.
Say, Law …
Bepo calls out to me in a weak voice.
Do we really have to go to town?The old man is right. When he arrived here, we promised to go and work there, it was impossible to escape it.But ... I'm scared ... As soon as I think about how the people of town will react to seeing a talking bear, I start to tremble.Perhaps you would prefer to spend the rest of your life living here, at your ease and at the hook of the old man? That's not going to work. If we don't get out of here, we'll never be able to start our lives again.
And shit. I feel like I'm speaking for the sole purpose of convincing myself. I imagine Shachi and Penguin feeling exactly the same as Bepo. Or maybe not. They did not arrive here by chance, they had to flee. The anguish that threatens them now must be even stronger than ours.
I then ask them the following question:
Shachi, Penguin, do you know if Pleasure Town is a city that sucks?No, no idea ... When we lived at his place, my uncle used to tell us not to mix with the people of the city ... Penguin answers me without much conviction.
Then he adds:
When we left the house it was almost always to get contraband guns or to steal from shops, so we never really met normal inhabitants ... Look, Law, the more I think about it. and the less I want to go. Penguin and I did all four hundred shots there. I wouldn't be surprised if our faces were remembered ... And then, if we ever ran into my uncle or my aunt? Just thinking about it makes my heart pound …
Shachi struggles to finish his sentence and lowers his head.
Ok I see.
In fact, they are "adults" of whom we are afraid. They are far from everyone being as nice as Wolf.
On the outside of this world where we can play, have fun freely, the world of "children" are these "adults" whom we fear because they hate us, laugh at us, threaten us and mistreat us.
Despite everything, I say the following:
Don't worry, you'll be fine.
Suddenly, the eyes of my three companions turn to me.
After hesitating, I decided to tell them about white lead disease. I tell them about the persecutions I have suffered, my adventures I have experienced because of "adults" ... as well as the pain that was mine when I lost loved ones.
All three listen to me religiously, in the most complete silence.
Then, in his frail voice, Bepo lets out:
So, Law, I didn't know that such a thing happened to you …Well, it wasn't particularly worth talking about. Especially since I am now completely healed. What I want to tell you is that you don't have a choice either, you have to become strong. Indeed, I drool, I live. Tomorrow, in town, we do not know what awaits us, we may break up. But if you freak out at just that idea, then you'll never be able to move forward! You will spend the rest of your life worrying about the looks of others, living in fear, and I'm sure you don't want something like that.
To make Shachi and the others listen to reason, I speak these words with the greatest calm. So, little by little, the incredibly dark expression of my sidekicks just now regains clarity.
Hmm ... Alright! I will make efforts! I will go talk to the people of the city and try to find a place to work! exclaimed Bepo, squeezing the paw firmly.
I can't help but encourage him:
There you go!Hey hey, I feel a lot better now. Thanks, Law. There's no need to say, you're a really great guy! In your place, I would freak out so much that I would never dare to set foot in town again.
The only thing I can find to say to Shachi is a "Really?" without conviction. If you only knew, man, I'm like you too, I'm scared. My limbs are frozen with fear and I can feel the sweat trickling down my back. Just imagining what might happen in town tomorrow makes my stomach ache. I nevertheless think that in front of them, it is my duty to act as if all is well. Bepo, Penguin, Shachi, it's me who asked you to join my team. This implies responsibilities to be assumed as a leader.
I must look strong.
I must have presence.
If I, too, let myself down at a time like this, they will have no choice but to live the rest of their lives in fear.
And that, I don't want to.
I am proud, too.
And to protect them, I am ready to make some sacrifices!
Well, that's not all, but it's time to go to bed. If we don't wake up tomorrow morning, we can be sure that we will be entitled to the old man's remonstrance.Tcha tcha tcha!
Before I reassured, they all seem to have recovered.
We then return to our rooms to go to bed. The day is over, everything will be decided tomorrow.
"It will be fine, it will be fine." Deep down, I repeat these few words to myself, as if to convince myself that everything will be fine. Then I roll up in my blanket and close my eyes.
***
The next morning, the five of us meet at the table, around fried eggs prepared by Penguin.
Junk remains silent.
Tss, he could at least make the effort to speak to us. He knows very well that we dread this day, but no, he does not get one …
Deep inside me, a slight doubt begins to germinate. What if, in the end, Wolf was an "adult" like any other? What if his goal was to use us to make money?
No, I cannot believe that lies have been mixed with the benevolence he has shown us over the past few months. Although, I don't know. In the total inability to guess his thoughts, I find it difficult to hide my anxiety.
It's time, let's go.
In accordance with the order given by Wolf, we all climb aboard his giant buggy. An invention of his own and which can accommodate up to eight people. As I sit in the front seat, Bepo and the others sit in the back.
The buggy runs at full speed on the road towards the city. I hear the three of them talking behind, but something in their voices makes them seem wanting. I then glance at Wolf's face while driving, but it's hard for me to get any information out of his expression.
After about twenty minutes, we arrive at the entrance to the city. Nothing has changed since the last time, the first thing I see is still this sign with "Pleasure Town" written on it. Except that from now on, we are learning to enter, to discuss with people and to look for work.
Pew, I let out a big sigh.
I have to hold on.
I have a duty to protect my men, my comrades.
Let's go.
Although Wolf is not very talkative, he moves very quickly. With a heavy and uncertain step, we commit to following him.
Here it is, a very lively city.
I didn't realize it when I was last there, but the voices of the many food and beverage vendors are reaching us from all sides.
Here, the freshly caught fish! Buy my beautiful fish!The best meat is on my shelves! Thirty percent off if you buy it now!
Early in the morning, people are already dancing and singing in the main square, it feels like we landed in the middle of the festival. A brief circular glance makes me see stalls of tattoos, divination, shops of instruments and clothes. The animation is such that I no longer know where to head.
But what surprises me most is the attitude the locals take towards Wolf.
Hi, Wolf, it's been a while! I have just returned parts which could be useful to you for your inventions, thus come to buy some!Yes, I will be sure to drop by later.Hello, Mr. Wolf! Who are these young people who accompany you? Your grandchildren?What next? They are just parasites!Ah good, if you say so. They look cute, though. Don't you want to grab some apples? Today, I am offering them to you because you are with children.In this case, difficult to refuse. Thank you!
With every step, someone different speaks to Wolf. It seems that in this city our friend is known as the white wolf. And as we accompany him, many people are also interested in us. No one, among all the people we meet, looks at us with disgust or in an insulting manner.
Are you reassured?
Deprived of his cold air this morning, Wolf addresses us as usual, wearing a gentle and considerate smile.
You should know that twelve years ago, because of a bunch of damn pirates, this city almost disappeared. Following this incident, the inhabitants came up with a sort of motto: "A city where everyone can be happy. A city where friendliness reigns." That's why people here are not surprised to see a talking bland bear. They all make an effort to welcome each visitor with the utmost respect. This is the spirit of this place.
I then ask him:
Ossan ... Did you know things were going to turn out like this?Obviously. I am a genius inventor, I remind you I can see a little into the future.In that case, you might have done better to talk about it before you come, right?Pff, what's the point? I'm pretty sure that my explanations wouldn't have been enough to convince you, or even to get rid of your anxiety. The kindness of people, one has to feel it oneself to be convinced that it exists.
Wolf was right, hard to deny. He could have told us that the place was safe, but we would not have placed our trust in him. While in this way, being approached by a whole bunch of individuals in this bustling city, the fear and fears that plagued us seem to have already vanished.
Well, it's time to go say hello to the policeman stationed here. He is the only one who can give children permission to work.
After crossing a square and continuing straight on, we come across a small brick building. The police station, it seems.
Rad! You're here?!
In response to Wolf's call, a man comes out of the building. He is dressed in a red uniform and wears a saber at his waist. This is undoubtedly the policeman in question.
Um ... is that you, Wolf ?! What a surprise! It's rare that you come to see me at the station when you're passing through.Actually, I have a little favor to ask of you. I'd like you to allow these fellows to work in town. These are four kids that I am currently taking care of.Do you take care of them? You? How could such a thing happen?!Oh, don't look for a deep meaning in it, you know. I host them, and they put their work force at my disposal. It's a simple "give and take" relationship.Um, if you say so, I want to believe you. So sign here, since you are in a way their guardian. All they have to do is walk around town at their cruises and look for a place where we want them.
After Wolf signs, we also affix our respective names. All our names joined together on one sheet.
Looks like a real family.
Then, in a voice full of gravity, Rad addresses Wolf:
Say, Wolf.Mh, what?Don't you plan to come back to town soon? You know everyone will make you welcome, eh? The same for these little young people, they will be treated with kindness.Ah, no, especially not. I am fully satisfied with the life I have today. And then you know very well that here, they will not let me carry out my experiments and manufacture my inventions in a satisfactory manner. A peaceful existence, alone in the back of my mind, is best suited to the old crouton that I am.Ok, I got it, I won't say more. But if you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to come and talk to me about it.Hmm, thank you, very kind of you.
Wolf's tone reveals a rouche of melancholy, but I can't find the words to adequately describe this feeling.
Then each of us discusses with Wolf the tasks we would like to accomplish, then we decide to tour the places corresponding to our wishes.
For me, a medical practice.
For Bepo, a site where he can use his strength.
For Penguin, a restaurant to work as a waiter.
And for Shachi a hairdressing salon where he would take care of various tasks.
We show up everywhere accompanied by Wolf who explains to employers how honest boys we are how we can be count on and how we can be trusted.
Thanks to him, we are all hired in less time than it takes to tell. The proceedings are unfolding so well that one comes to wonder if, on the contrary, something is wrong.
I have dreamed of becoming a hairdresser for so long! As soon as I have made mine their techniques, I promise to take care of your hair!It's true that you're pretty good with both hands, Shachi, this job should be fine for you. Me too, I always wanted to work as a waiter, but I am sure not to be up to the customers. Provided that the chef does not scare me too much …So, a construction site ... Do you think they'll let me use the jackhammer or the backhoe ?! I always thought it looked cool to work with this kind of gear …
All three are in heaven, as if the fear that held their stomachs in the morning had never existed.
Ayaya, what a story. Although, I would be lying if I said that I was not at all excited.
Although it was specified that I would initially only be given small consultations, honestly, being able to work in a medical practice in direct contact with medicine fills me with joy.
I remember the faces of my parents in the past, when they were treating the sick.
And even though water has flowed under the bridge since that time, when I think that I will be able to work in the same environment as them, I feel like a powerful heat invading my whole body.
Hmm, the more I think about it, the more I'm afraid of getting yelled at at the first stupidity, Bepo whispers in his corner.Don't worry, Bepo, I'll be there to heal you when you "bleed" on top of you.Oh yeah, so you got the idea that I really hurt myself seriously! Tcha tchaaa!
Ha ha ha, we're having fun. I never imagined that I could one day laugh in a location where I would have to work with adults from now on. I'm going to have to thank old Wolf and just that pisses me off. Speaking of Wolf, I realize that he who looked jovial a moment before now has black eyes.
I have to go through one last place. Come.
With these words, Wolf sets off in the opposite direction to that of the entrance to the city.
What is it, mister junk? Screws, nuts, spool, we've already bought everything you need for your inventions. We can go home now, right?The same for everyday objects and food, we have everything you need.
Penguin and Shachi speak to him, but Wolf continues to walk straight ahead without bothering to answer them. Without really understanding what is happening to us, we make our way after him.
Say, this direction, the …Yes I know...
Behind me I hear the thin voices of Penguin and Shachi. These two are clearly not quiet, they keep getting agitated. After a few moments, Wolf stops.
We find ourselves in front of an incredibly large house. Would a friend of Wolf live here?
Here ... why?
I glance at the side and I see Penguin, pale as a dead man.
Why? I never wanted to see this place again, me …
Shachi's voice is trembling as well.
This is it, I understand. Considering their reaction, I believe they lived for a while.
What does that mean, Wolf ?! What did you bring us here for? Shachi shouts as if he is going to cry at any moment.Shachi, Penguin, listen to me. You may have been forced into it, you remain objectively complicit in several misdeeds. If we do nothing, someone in town will sooner or later find out, and the trust that has been placed in you until then will suddenly collapse. That is why it is necessary to set the record straight once and for all.B ... But! I ... I don't feel at all capable of going to explain myself to my uncle and my aunt, me ... Since we arrived here, my legs are shaky …
Penguin clenched his teeth, trying to hold back tears at all costs.
That's when...
Everything will be fine.
As if about to hug them, Wolf puts his hands on Penguin and Shachi's shoulders.
All you have to do is watch. The rest is my job. A job for "adult".
After ordering them to trust him, Wolf walks through the gate of the house and knocks on the door. Then appears a woman dressed in a maid's costume.
H ... Hello, to whom do I have the honor?My name is Wolf, inventor and genius. I'm sorry to disembark without warning, but I would like to speak with the owner of the premises.Ah but ... it is necessary to make an appointment first …Just tell him I'm happy with Shachi and Penguin! That's all!Yes... of course.
Once the maid has left, a man engulfed in a gold-colored suit, his body covered with probably very expensive jewelry, makes his appearance.
Ooh, but they really are Penguin and Shachi, what a surprise! Is it you, the old man, who made this trip to bring them back to me?
I hear this voice for the first time, yet I know it belongs to a genre that I know well. The kind of voice that "grown-ups" use when they mistake people for, or despise them. I instantly understand that this man is the one who once used Penguin and Shachi as vulgar instruments. Wolf continues:
I prefer to check: you are Shachi's uncle, aren't you?Yes, I am their legal guardian. If you only knew how dumb I found myself when I realized their disappearance, oh my. Thanks for taking the trouble to bring them back to me.
By saying these words, the man tries to approach Shachi and Penguin, but Wolf interrupts his advance by interposing himself between them.
Mmh? What is it? It's been a long time since I saw my family, that's all. They must have had a lot of spawn, I just want to bring them in so I can reassure them.There is no way they will return to your side.Huh? What are you talking about, papi? Did you lose your mind, or what? Oh no ... I think I know! You didn't make the trip here to leave empty-handed! How much do you want me to pay you? Five hundred thousand berries? A million? You come to give me back my precious tools, it is normal that I reward you!Your ... tools? Wolf replies, raising his eyebrows.
He gives the man a hostile look like I have never seen.
Unfortunately for you, I did not bring them to your house with the idea of returning them to you.What?You and your wife made Penguin and Shachi commit crimes ranging from smuggling weapons to breaking into jewelry stores. Is this the strict truth?Tss! You little shits! You've spoken, eh ?! What a bunch of cretins you are ... I had not yet trained you properly, I see!
Drunk with anger, the man raises his fist as he walks towards Penguin and Shachi.
Is it fear that paralyzes them like this? Still, their bodies are completely stiffened and they remain planted there, in the total inability to avoid the blow that is dealt to them.
A punch stops dead by Wolf.
Oh, let go of me, old man! But ... This ... Where does this strength come from? Stop, you're going to crush my hand!I imagine that's how you hit them on multiple occasions?Yeah, so what ?! What is wrong with that? I offered them a place to live after their parents died! I also knew how to brilliantly use these two horns, these scraps of society! And when they screw up, they eat each other a loaf of bread, normal! This is the only way to make good tools! These two little guys should thank me for having them shaped!
Chills run through my body without stopping. Except that unlike earlier, they are no longer due to fear. Anger rises from deep within my bowels, the anger to see Shachi and Penguin, my friends, taunt like this.
Don't make fun of them!
I quickly realize that it's me who just screamed. I couldn't control my emotions, this mixture of grief and sadness.
These boys are my precious teammates! And I don't allow a scum like you to call them "tools"!Law...
I hear Shachi's tearful voice.
So you don't understand ... what they may have felt? Their parents die ... they no longer have any adults to rely on ... and now they are forced to commit crimes ... Can you imagine how painful it must have been for them?!I find that you open it a little too much for a simple kid! So listen to me well! These two, I agreed to collect them! I offered them a place to sleep and something to eat! Finally, "eat" is a big word for what I gave them. It looked more like rat food ... but it was more than enough for them!A sort of...
Unable to suppress my anger any longer, I rush towards him with the firm intention of hitting him. However, at the same time, faster than me …
Enough, shut up.
Wolf's fist thrusts violently into the man's stomach.
U... Ugh...
Then the man collapses and loses consciousness.
Shachi! Penguin! Wolf yells at the top of his chest. You are not tools! And even less not guys that nobody wants! In my eyes, what has this man just said, there is really nothing to offend you!
Throughout his speech, Bepo and I remain standing. Shachi and Penguin, meanwhile, kneel down and cry bitter tears. They would have had a mountain of things to say, but Wolf did it for them.
Wolf! What happened?
Rad appears, the policeman from earlier, probably alert by the noise, who comes running, out of breath.
Here, Rad, you hit the nail on the head. This man and his wife, who must be somewhere in the house, force children to smuggle weapons and break into shops in town. I would like you to search the building right away.I have heard about this family for a long time, but ... I cannot organize a search until I have hard evidence …Hmmm! Do you want proof? Here, there it is! I stole these documents from the organization with which this man is on the title of the products, their quantity, and even the name of this guy.But ... how could you …It's been a month since I gathered information from the inhabitants to finally find the place where they were hiding. It was only yesterday, when I was picking up this piece of paper, that I had to use my fists.Mister junk, don't tell me that ... is that what you've been doing in town for a month?Yes. To be honest, I didn't think it would take me that long. Not to mention this little fight against five buggers at the same time, I had for my trouble.
So that's why Wolf has been going to town every day lately … And the story of the five-on-one fight ... He's awfully tough, in fact, our old friend.
Great, now I have the evidence to conduct a search. Wait here for me, I am coming back with men.
Shortly after, a crowd of policemen formed and entered the house.
As Wolf promised, inside they find a wealth of evidence attesting to the crimes of the uncle and aunt. Not only about the misdeeds Shachi and Penguin had spoken about, but also about the sale of narcotics and an upcoming project to kidnap children and sell them off the island.
The officers then arrest the two criminals and then take them to the station. Rad takes off his hat and tilts his head towards Wolf:
You will have given yourself a lot of trouble, thank you.I didn't expect kids to work so seriously. We will say that it was a bonus to congratulate them.You'll never change, Wolf. You always choose to take care of us and it is you who drool the most.Be careful of what concerns you, Rad. This lifestyle suits me perfectly.
Hearing these words, Rad laughs.
Wolf pouted a little, pursing his lips and looked away so no one could see his embarrassment.
Wolf! Penguin and Shachi cried, running up to him.Oh, the kids ... Sorry for that spectacle, it was not pretty to see. But at least now that their crimes have been brought to light, you can be sure no one will come up and blame you for anything. You will be able to continue working with peace of mind.
Wolf crouched down in front of them both, resting his right hand on Shachi's head and his left hand on Penguin's. Then he stroked it to them with such vigor that they were quite messed up.
No one will ever scare you again.
As soon as Wolf has finished speaking, Shachi and Penguin come to snuggle up to his chest and cry hot tears there. Despite the sobs and the snot flowing from their noses, Wolf hugs them tightly against him, a smile on his lips.
Law, would that mean that from the start, Wolf has been struggling for us?Who knows ... I retort sharply.
The answer is too obvious to dare ask the question.
An impressive crowd then rushes to accompany us to the exit of the city that we are leaving. As this morning, the buggy transports us by making resound its powerful engine noise. A noise which, at the moment, seems strangely pleasant to us.
Pfiou, what a day. It happened, things, almost too much my age. But I hope you kids know that things don't start until tomorrow! It won't be easy to work outside while still helping out at home! At the slightest blunder on your part, it will be my fist in the face.
One by one, we all tell him that we agree. But we are also at the end of the roll, on the knees. Even more than physical fatigue, it is our nerves and our morale that are undermined.
With all the "adults" that we have met and with whom we have spoken today, nothing could be more normal. But we have to admit that it was not that bad.
Say, Wolf…Hm? What is it, Bepo?
The bear had spoken unconsciously.
The policeman earlier asked you the question, but you really don't intend to move to town? Not only did everyone seem to like you a lot, it would also be a lot more convenient for all courses.You heard what I said back to him, right? I am fully satisfied with the life I lead now. First, what would you do if an explosion due to my experiences happened in the middle of the city, eh? Then ... no, that's it. One thing is certain, it is better for everyone that I live outside.
We do not interfere more, because his last words have a scent of loneliness that pushes us to opt for restraint. As I have my past, and as Bepo has his, Wolf also certainly has a story of his own. It would be a mistake on our part to try to find out more about what only concerns him.
B... But!
From his back seat, Penguin exclaims:
I'm so glad you got us out of there! It's true that at first, I was a little scared, but ... finally, thanks to you, Wolf, I understood that I could trust "adults" again!Yes, me too, Shachi continues. Ever since we've all been living together, I pretended to have forgotten, even though I still feared, somewhere deep inside me, that my uncle and my aunt would one day come and pick me up to take me with them. But now, thanks to everything you've done for us, Wolf, I know I'm safe! Thank you!
At these words, Wolf blushes, mumbles something under his breath and adds, as if to conclude:
I told you, it's nothing more than "give and take!"
***
From then on, our days become very busy.
In the morning, we go to town with the electric bikes that Wolf made us (he offered to give them the name of "Super comet", but we all unanimously refused), then, after having done our respective work, we go home. We do the grub, the laundry, depending on the day we work in the fields or we help Wolf with his inventions. Although these different activities are already an intensive program, we also make sure to find time to study or even to train.
As Shachi and Penguin get better at wielding saber and pistol, Bepo not only continues to learn navigation, but has also started learning kenpo. I do not know if the fact that he is a mink has anything to do with it, but he grasps the techniques very quickly and progresses quickly. The other day, as I was helping him practice the rotary kick, he punched so hard he could have sent me up in the air if I hadn't been careful. I seriously freaked out.
Despite our busy days, the five of us try to eat breakfast and dinner together. I find it hard to explain why, but it's as if being together to eat keeps us connected despite our diverse and varied activities.
The work we do outside is much more fun than I expected. In the medical office where I am employed and where only a doctor and his nurse work, I have a lot to learn. The doctor, in particular, teaches me a lot of things. He tells me about the patients he has treated so far, the most difficult cases of illness he has had to deal with, the time he had an anemic attack and lost consciousness in full operation, the conditions under which they practice medicine in other countries, as well as the art of operating well ... All of his stories are incredibly stimulating.
Initially, I was not very comfortable in contact with patients, but the doctor seemed to appreciate my knowledge and my technique, because after some time he gave me fairly simple operations to lead.
Operating is just fun.
By that, I don't mean that I particularly like to slaughter people, no, it's just that the fact of putting sick, suffering people back in good health gives me immense pleasure.
Believe me, Law, you will become an excellent doctor, the doctor assures me one day, laughing.
An excellent doctor?
What is it exactly?
Is it someone operating correctly?
Or someone who has knowledge of pharmacology?
Unless it is a professional capable of making a very good living?
I imagine that I will have to move slowly, to grow groped to hope to be able to find the answer in the future.
One evening, when we are all gathered inside, Penguin takes the opportunity to tell us a story he has heard about in town.
I listened today and heard a client talk about the "Swallow Island Treasure Legend".
Bepo immediately bites the hook and exclaims, all excited:
What, a treasure? Here on this island ?!Yeah. Sixty years ago, all members of a famous pirate crew that set foot on Swallow lost their lives due to a disease contracted during their navigation. It is their captain who, before breathing his last, hid his treasure somewhere on the island.Um, indeed, that would make a nice story if it were true. But a treasure that no one has found in sixty years, well I tend not to believe it too much.Ooh, Law, what a killjoy you are! There is this treasure, I'm sure! Even though it will allow us to lead a life of the rich, a life of splendor!Calm down, Bepo, this story blinds you a little too much. I remind you that this is just gossip, be careful not to believe it too much.Hey, speaking of rumor, I got wind of an interesting story, too, Shachi reveals to us. It seems that there exists on this island "a swallow which flies at the bottom of the sea."Where do you get these salads from? It happens at the bottom of the sea, but your swallow flies and does not swim ?! I retorted immediately.This story is quite recent. In recent years, offshore, fishermen have seen several times a giant swallow in the water. And every time it shows up, a powerful song is inevitably heard all over the island.
An underwater swallow and a powerful song...
What is it, Law? You seem very serious, worries Bepo, quoting me.No, it's just that I maybe heard that song before.What?! You're kidding?It happened on a day when I wasn't working, while I was home alone. It must have been past noon ... I was spinning outside with my sword, and suddenly, I heard this cry, a very high-pitched "kiiiiiin". He took about thirty seconds before calming down. I remember it, because it surprised me.Unbelievable! I knew it existed, this "swallow from the bottom of the sea"! Penguin raves.Difficult to say ... What I heard didn't really sound like a bird's cry …This is certainly because it is a rare species, its call is different from that of other swallows!He is right, it can only be that! And if this "Swallow Island Swallow" story turns out to be correct, then there is a good chance that the "Swallow Island Treasure Legend" story is too!
Shachi suddenly seems very excited too. The discussion continues on how the pirate treasure might be hidden, until we fall asleep. I don't know if it's because my taste for adventure was also tickled by their stories, but, something untypical for me, I let myself go in the excitement and participate with pleasure in the continuation of the conversation.
Notice, it doesn't matter whether a rumor is founded or not if it is enough to stimulate our imaginations. I don't see anything wrong with it.
***
-Hey, aren't that Bepo and the others?
After having finished the job, I go by bicycle towards the exit of the city where I bump into my three friends. Shachi waves his hand towards me in greeting:
Oh, Law!What are you guys doing here?Nothing special. Since we all finished work at the same time, we thought we were going to wait for you to show up too.Ok. Since we're all here, how about a quick run home? The last to arrive will be responsible for cleaning the toilets and preparing breakfast for a week.Alright!
While pedaling fully on my bike, I catch the wind in my face and I'm a little cold. However, the competition excites me, warms me up, and I quickly manage to forget this little inconvenience.
This journey, which normally takes us around an hour, can be completed in a maximum of half an hour.
Yes, I am first!
Unconsciously, I take the pose of the winner.
In the distance, behind me, Shachi, Penguin and Bepo are in single file. They arrive in the same order, so Bepo lost.
Ha ha ha, that proves that it is not enough to have strength in the legs to go fast, Bepo. No matter how much water flows under the bridge, you're still just as clumsy on a bike. You stagger so much when you pedal that it's even scarier to watch you move forward.Yes ... I don't know, I can't do it ... I might be better off leaving you, going on a trip so that I can be alone with myself …Stop brooding over the smallest thing! This tendency to depress as soon as the opportunity presents itself, will it never pass to you either ?!
We try to cheer up Bepo who seems to be at the bottom of the hole, then we enter the house.
Considering what time it is, Wolf should be back. So much the better, because we would like to have dinner as quickly as possible.
Oi! Mr. Junk! We are here!
I call him, without answer.
He hasn't come home yet?
Strange. Mr. Junk gives the impression of being a badly licked bear, on the other hand it hardly ever happens to him not to respect a schedule which he has fixed himself.
Perhaps he is immersed in one of his inventions?
What do we do? Shall we start by preparing the meal?Yes, let's do like that. Especially since we were able to buy some good meat today ... Hey, what's that, Law?Mh?
I turn in the direction Penguin is pointing at me. On the other side of the window, a dense black smoke rises from our field. There we find a device similar to an airplane that spits flames and gives off smoke, as well as …
Yes, that form is him, Wolf covered in blood.
Ossan!
I rushed to him and immediately made an inventory of his condition. He is bleeding horribly and is unconscious. His breathing is weak, as is his pulse.
He is clearly in danger.
Losing about a third of their blood is enough for a human to be in danger of death. As far as a brief naked eye examination can go, this is what Wolf seems to have lost.
It is clear that we do not have a single second to waste.
I'll take care of transporting the old man! Bepo, heat some water! Penguin, take care of the pool table so I can lay him down! Shachi, prepare my equipment for the operation!Already heading!Your gear is ready, Law! I sterilized everything!
When I walk into the house with Wolf on my shoulders, the operating table is already installed in the living room. I lay him there and retrieve my gear, which Shachi hands me.
In a worried voice, Bepo asks me:
The old man's injuries, how serious are they?
I would like to tell him that it is not much, but I choose to remain silent.
Wolf is in a terrible state.
He must have been on board the aircraft which crashed in the field.
His head is little affected, but he suffers from numerous hemorrhages, and his internal organs are seriously damaged. Some erupted at the time of the fall and in others we can see traces of the debris that has planted there.
Even as I try to measure my words, his injuries are still severe enough that his chances of survival are low.
Law, is that you?Avoid speaking for the moment. Go to sleep quietly.What ... am I hurt? Haa ... Haa ... I was trying out an electric glider that I designed for you ... for you to have fun ... Then I got a gust of wind before I went overwrite ... Name of a dog, I do not deserve the name of "genie" …Silence, bug! I'll listen to you tell me your story later!Law, what are we doing ?! I hurry to get a doctor in town?No, Penguin, don't bother. The time to make the round trip, it takes almost two hours. We don't have enough time for that.In this case, what do you want?I'll take care of it.Law…I will take care of the operation, I decare with as much conviction as possible.
I carefully check his injuries one by one.
And shit! It spreads everywhere, impossible to know exactly which organs are affected.
Shachi! Penguin! I have to give him a transfusion! I'm gonna need your blood!Ok!Fine!
I immediately prepare the material and promptly send the blood of my two friends into Wolf's body. But it is nothing more than a palliative, a simple emergency measure. Until I suture the wounds, hemorrhagic shock can make the old man snap at any moment.
Only here, I am not yet able to say precisely what is affected and where exactly the wound is.
And even if I managed to list all the wounds, because of my slowness I would never be in time to complete the operation.
Dum-Dum. His heart is beating very hard. His chest squeezes him, he can hardly breathe.
I'm so scared that I shudder with all my limbs. When I came to the aid of Penguin and Shachi, the operation was certainly to save their lives, but it was not that complicated.
However, today is a different story. It is necessary to have a high analytical capacity and a high level technique. Am I capable of it?
I'm afraid.
This is the first time that I find myself in such a situation. When I think that on my actions will depend the life, or the death, of a man, I feel dizzy and I am about to stagger.
What should I do?
Reflect. Think about it, damn it.
My breathing is jerky.
I am sweating more and more.
I can no longer collect my ideas.
No, I don't have the right. If I don't pull myself together, Wolf will stay there …
At that moment, I feel something tighten my left hand.
Turning around, I see that it is Penguin and Shachi who, restraining themselves from crying, have put their two hands on mine.
Sorry, Law ... Sorry for not being of any use to you ... The only thing we can do is entrust you with the old man's life ... But you, Law, you, you can do it! You can save him just like you saved us, Penguin and me! I know what we say is not worth much, but ... we're sorry! Please, we're counting on you! Save the old man's life!
Hearing Shachi Speak these words, I feel all haste, quite literally nervousness fly away. Their feverishness is transmitted to my left hand. A fervor that symbolizes nothing other than their deep desire to see Wolf come out of it.
Yes that's it. From the start, I shouldn't have hesitated.
Anyway, I have only one choice. It doesn't make sense to try to imagine what would happen if I ever failed.
That's it, I stop shaking.
Everything will be alright. Walk away ... Trust me and watch.
As I feel the touch of their hands leaving me, I take a deep breath.
„Room"
I am deploying my powers. A dome-shaped membrane appears and envelops the whole room.
Wha... What is this?!Sounds like the thing that happened the first time we met Law …Yes, is it the same as the day he came to my rescue?
Penguin, Shachi and Bepo all three utter a cry of surprise. But the explanations will come later.
Law, this power, you …Shut up, Mr junk! I swear ... to get you out of here!
After putting Wolf to sleep with an anesthetic, I focus my mind in thr "Room".
„Scan"!
That's it, I see. I can know which organs are affected, and or exactly, as if I have them, right in front of my eyes.
The intestines are torn.
The stomach is piercing.
A piece of metal punctured the liver.
Everything ... I see everything!
„Tact"!
As I shout that word, the five scalpels on the side of the operating table begin to hover in the air. Without forgetting the one I am holding in my right hand.
Let's go!
Equipped with my six scalpels, I embark on the operation of Wolf. All the tools move exactly as I hear them. The thread and the needles necessary for the suture, as well as for the irons and the retractor. In this partitioned space called "Room", I can handle everything, move everything as I wish.
I should get out of it!
While cutting the liver with a scalpel, I suture the wound in the stomach, stop the bleeding from an artery in the leg, remove a rib that has pierced a lung, wipe the blood that has flowed kidney, check that the transfusion is going well and put the other kidney in bad shape in its place.
There you go... we are well! The bleeding has all stopped and he is breathing normally. He's on the right track, he's on the right track!
Except that the very moment I said to myself …
Ouch!
A powerful headache assails me.
It is no ordinary pain. It hurts so much ... Looks like someone is hitting me with an anvil right in the head. No matter how much I practice, I imagine that is the price to pay for having deployed all my powers at once!
It sucks severe.
I feel like I'm going to pass out. I feel that my legs are failing me!
Scalpel in hand, I fall on my knees to the ground.
Law!Everything is fine, don't ... worry …
Yes everything is fine.
They have no reason to worry. I will rid them of all possible sources of concern. My "Room" and "Tact" powers don't wear off. Wolf always talks about "give and take". Nothing is given without return, that seems to be his principle. But today, all of this has nothing to do with it.
I just listen to my conscience, stupidly obey the impulse that has formed in my chest.
In front of me, I have a man on the verge of death, an old man who took me under his wing and took care of me. So all I can do now is try to cure him as best I can. I must remain standing, as a doctor!
And expect nothing in return. The only wish not to let Wolf die is enough to keep me going.
Survive, I beg you.
Despite the dizziness, I still find the strength to pray. I don't know if God exists, but if he does, I would like him only today to be on my side, to be my partner. I wish it with all my heart. I've seen enough people die that I cared about, I don't want that to happen anymore!
Above all, do not fall.
Don't falter.
Hold on for a little longer.
Don't die... Mr. Junk!
I'm almost done with the stitches. I only have her stomach left to sew up. With my hand completely drained of its strength, I grabbed a needle through which I passed a thread and sewn up this belly which I opened with the blows of a scalpel. The blood flowing through the limbs and chest also completely stopped.
Operation completed.
Huh... huh...
Thumbtack, my right knee is letting go, I'm going to fall backwards. Fortunately, my comrades are there to hold me back.
Law!Everything's fine. It's over, I just waver a little.Say, he's gonna be okay, huh ?!I do not know. The operation went smoothly, but he had already lost a lot of blood. Everything now relies on its vital force.
We then take four chairs and we sit next to the old man. It is out of the question to fall asleep. His condition can suddenly change for good or bad, I don't know. Without warning, I take a look at the side. I see Bepo, Shachi and Penguin who do everything to show nothing of their great fatigue and scrutinize Wolf's face relentlessly. None of them complains or laments.
They assure, my little young people. They are good crew members.
Three hours, four hours, five hours pass ... Only time passes.
Despite the late hour we normally sleep already, no one seems to be sleepy.
Don't you better get some rest, Law? We take care of monitoring him, and we wake you up at the slightest problem, Bepo assures me.Are you kidding me? As if the chief could snooze quietly while his men did all the work for him. No way.
No one said a word anymore. However, strangely, I have a firm belief that we all think about the same thing as much as we are.
„Survive."„Survive."„Survive."
Ten hours have now passed since I started the operation. The sun is shining through the window and the birds singing can be heard.
It is morning.
The light filtering through the cracks in the curtain spreads over Wolf's face. And as if to accompany this renewal …
Mmh... It is morning...
The old man wakes up.
He is alive?He speaks?He is saved? Shachi and the others mutter in a balanced voice.Woooooooh!!!
Our respective cries are superimposed on each other. Even I, to my surprise, cheer him with all my might.
Awesome! Well done, Law! The old man has risen! Penguin yells with a broad smile.
Still he would have had to be dead to be able to come back to life, but hey.
Well, that's it ... Me, who thought I was waking up in paradise, I find myself facing a bunch of kids who live in tumb ... That must mean that I'm alive.Um, you're doing a damn badass. I was planning on getting into the funeral preparations, but actually no.Law ... You saved my life.All the credit does not come back to me. With Bepo, Shachi and Penguin, we all worked hand in hand. If even one of them was missing, I wouldn't have been able to complete the operation.If you say so...
Wolf immediately fell asleep after exchanging a few words. What could be more normal with all the strength he burned in battle? As a precaution, however, I take his pulse and check the stitches, nothing is wrong.
I saved a life.
An intense feeling of satisfaction never before felt permeates every nook and cranny of my body.
***
Immediately after Wolf wakes up, Penguin heads into town to find the doctor. The latter uses the tools he brought with him to examine the old man.
I am not seeing any internal bleeding and his pulse is normal. For the rest, it will just be necessary to watch for possible complications. Law, did you treat him yourself?Yes.You conducted a perfect operation. I knew it from the start, but you're proving to me here that you have a talent for genius.Thanks, that's nice...
It's too much for me, I don't know where to put myself. It must be said that in my life, I never used to be congratulated. According to the doctor, it will take about two months for Wolf to fully recover.
I would have liked to have stayed at home throughout this period in order to monitor its progress, but unfortunately this is not possible.
Although my boss has allowed me to be away for as long as necessary, I still decide to return to help in the office after a week of observation of the patient.
However, we cannot all be absent at the same time, it would be too risky. So we decide to adjust our respective schedules so that there is always someone by Wolf's bedside.
It's okay, I'm healed! You can go to work without worrying about my pear!
As expected, Wolf immediately finds fault with the situation, but we ignore his complaints. If no one was present with him in case any post-shock symptoms appeared, there really wouldn't be much to laugh about. Thus, while watching over Wolf, we continue as best we can to carry out all the daily tasks.
***
Here then, but who is it ?! The youngster from Wolf!Ah, the tattoo artist.
One day when I was walking around town, some time after the old man's operation, I was approached by the boss of the tattoo shop:
Heard that Wolf was seriously injured? Is he better now?Yes, he doesn't have any problems anymore. He still cannot stand up on his own, but he eats hungry every day.Okay, so much the better. The doctor at the medical office told me that you performed the operation yourself, is that right? Congratulations!Thanks, but that's not much. As we didn't have time to transport him here, I took responsibility.Ha ha! Little Mister is modest!
As we speak, an idea crosses my mind.
Say, Mister tattoo artistWhat is it?Do you think you would have time to tattoo me?Yes, without worry. But shouldn't you ask Wolf for permission first?Um ... No, that will be fine.
To tell the truth, it's been a while since I have a certain admiration for tattoos. I have always found the act of engraving something on your body cool, even classy.
Heard! You can count on me to draw you a super elegant!
With that, the man guides me to his shop, the interior of which is entirely decorated in black and white, then sits me down on an armchair that looks very expensive.
What do you want me to draw for you? It's up to you to choose the pattern and the part of the body where you want to get a tattoo.
Flowers of bright colors, a saber or a pistol that imposes, I don't miss ideas. However, I ultimately do not opt for any of them.
Instead, I tell him point blank:
I would like you to draw the letters of the word "DEATH" on my fingers.„DEATH"?! Are you sure of your choice? I know you're a doctor, so have the word "DEATH" engraved on your body …On the contrary. It is because I am a doctor that this word takes on its full meaning.Mmh? Well, I don't really see where you're going, but after all, you're the boss.
Looking happy, the tattoo artist sticks his needles in my fingers to inject ink. It tingles a bit, but the pain remains quite bearable.
D-E-A-T-H.
One letter for each finger.
And here is the work! So what do you say?I like it, thank you.You're welcome, it was a pleasure. Say hello to Wolf for me!
Once out of the store, I stare at my hands.
"DEATH", a word which means "death".
I didn't choose it for a particularly deep reason. But as a doctor, I always need to feel death by my side.
For people to live …
So that the people I care about most live …
For all of these reasons, I wanted to constantly remember that I am closest to the death of a whole bunch of people.
Aah, the more I look at it and the more I love it, this tattoo.
As soon as I get home, I show off Penguin and the others with my tattoo.
Awesome!Brilliant!Terrible!
The reviews are laudatory.
Doesn't it hurt when it stings you? Shachi asks me.Yes, a dog's pain. The kind of pain you couldn't take.
I add a little more, but too bad, I do not want to take the lead.
A little later, I hesitate to tell Wolf about my tattoo while bringing him his meal, but for fear of being reprimanded, I finally decide to shut up.
Take me a flight of green wood by the old almost completely healed, no thank you!
***
In the evening, unable to sleep, I read quietly on the sofa in the living room. Wolf chooses precisely this moment to make his appearance.
Hi, Mister Junk, can you stand up? It's only been a short month since you had the operation.Pooh, you underestimate me, kid. My body is concrete. I fortified it a lot when I was young, that's why I only need a month.If you say so ... so much the better!
I understand that I really succeeded in saving the old man's life, and I breathe a deep sigh of relief.
Speaking of which, Law, I would like to talk to you about something.Me ... Talk to me ?!
I have a very bad feeling.
What is it, Mister junk? Did you notice that I got a tattoo?A tattoo? Ah, you mean that thing on your fingers. Okay, to tell the truth, I don't care. To get a tattoo or not, it's everyone's freedom. I don't have a say in it.Ah ... oh good ?!Yes, but come and sit here instead.
Wolf gently grabs a chair and hands it to me.
I sit there and find myself facing him, the table between us.
Law, I'm not going to go all the way. Are the powers that you used the other day to operate on me or not those of the fruit of the scalpel?What ... Huh ?! How come you know about it?
Until now, I have never discussed the existence of this fruit with him. And when I train, I always double-check that there is no one around me.
That's what I'm saying, you tend to underestimate old people too much. Know that in my youth, kid, I traveled by boat all over the world. So info, I heard a lot. I would have had to cover my ears if I had wanted to hear nothing! At one time I was even very interested in devil fruits, and read a lot about it.Oh yeah, I'm hallucinating …
I suspected that this old man was not just anyone, but to sail the oceans all over the world, that is...
Do you know the real power of the fruit of the scalpel?It's real power?
What does he mean by that? All I know is that by swallowing it one becomes capable of "performing miraculous operations and curing even unknown diseases."
From the look on your face, I take it you didn't know.But ... What are you talking about at the end?The fruit of the scalpel is also called the "fruit of the ultimate devil," a name it does not derive from the powers associated with operations and healing. No, because the fruit of the scalpel allows the holder to offer eternal life, to act as a true "elixir of youth."An "elixir of youth" ... This is the first time I've heard of it …Said so, it may be dreamy, but in fact it is mostly a big risk. In the event of an operation, whoever performs it loses his own life. It is only in exchange for the latter that the operated person can obtain eternal life.An operation whose price to pay ... is death …We can no longer count the individuals who covet this fruit, but you also have all those, very many, who wish to use the holder of his powers. That's why, Law, you should never tell anyone else that you ate it. If you ever talked about it, people would suddenly appear to get their hands on you and force you to perform the rejuvenation operation. Now you know how the fruit of the scalpel can drive men crazy and lure them in with the obscure vote.
I listen to Wolf and understand everything.
"Since he ate the fruit of the scalpel, I will have to educate him so that one day he will agree to die for me !!"
I remember those words Doflamingo said when Cora tried to protect me.
He therefore intended to use me to perform the rejuvenation operation and obtain eternal life in exchange for my own existence.
Hence Cora's attitude towards me …
A guy who looked after me in the past had said something similar to me.Okay?He warned me that between the pirates, the Navy and the Government, I would make a bunch of enemies by swallowing this fruit. He also told me that I should focus on my own survival. Now I understand better where he was coming from …From now on, even in your normal life, you will have to be on your guard. Because faced with the powers of this fruit, people lose their minds. You will be constantly assailed by the desire of these humans eager for eternal life.Aah...
What Wolf just told me upsets me. Even though I have learned the reasons why Doflamingo had it after the fruit of the scalpel, it is too late, I am no longer able to save Cora.
If only ... If only that power didn't exist!
Don't look gloomy, let's see.
Wolf rests his hand on mine, which was resting on the table.
I am not denying the powers of the fruit of the scalpel. In the documents that I had in front of me, I could see to what extent the successive holders of the powers of this fruit had made it possible to cure diseases that were believed to be incurable. In this sense, your powers are not nothing, they are even admirable.Maybe ... But on the other hand, they can also create problems for a whole bunch of people …So what? Don't be so narrow-minded! You are now able to heal sick people who would normally have to die. I was close to death a few weeks ago, and today I'm in good shape! Keep this example in mind! In itself, your power is not bad. Listen to me carefully, Law. If you plan to practice as a doctor in the future, there is no way you will do without a faculty like this. The problem is strength of mind. The more mediocre the result obtained. On the contrary, with a holder eager to help others, these powers immediately carry a different meaning. This is also the case with all power, right? Depending on the use made of it, it can turn out to be good or bad. And I, the Trafalgar Law that I know, I know he will be able to guide the powers of the scalpel fruit in the right direction.
With that, Wolf stares me in the eye again.
His gaze seems to probe my soul.
Seeing his expression, I answer him, while holding back my tears:
Obviously I'm that kind of guy. Nothing to do with "eternal life", me. The only thing I want is to be the best doctor there is. I will only use my powers for this purpose.
This is my statement.
For his part, Mister Junk seems satisfied with my answer.
Is that all you had to tell me? I would like to return to my room. It is late and I am sleepy.
It seems to me the ideal moment to put an end to the conversation and to go on their own. However, Wolf lets shine a „I don't know" that makes me say he's cloudy, he's hesitating.
Aah, wait, wait! Basically, I wanted to talk to you about something else.What? Something else?
Wolf struggles to keep going, his words stuck. Then he begins to scratch his head, as if his position is uncomfortable. Finally, while posing a slightly hostile look on me, he gives free rein to his words.
Is there something you fancy?What are you taking me out there?It doesn't have to be material. It could be something you would like to see, a place you would like to travel, any wish I might be able to make.What's the matter with you all of a sudden, Mister Junk? I'm happy with the life I'm leading, I don't want anything more. Oh yes, maybe. I heard that the fishmonger was going to receive exceptional specimens tomorrow, if you could buy some for dinner …But no, I'm not talking to you about that!
With an air could not be more serious, Wolf bangs his fist on the table.
You gave me a second life, Law! So I have to return the favor by offering you something equivalent! "Give and take", do you remember? Unfortunately, no matter how much I think, I can't find anything equivalent to "life". This is why I am ready to grant any of your wishes, as long as it is possible for me. For example, if you asked me to be your lifelong slave, I wouldn't find fault with it.Stop your bullshit, grandpa!
This time it's my turn to shout.
I didn't save your life to get something in return! Bepo, Penguin and Shachi did not do this either! You, you have the right to live with the convictions which suit you, it is your freedom. But them ... Knowing that you are out of the woods made them so happy that they whined ... That is more than enough for them! They don't ask for anything more! You insult their tears by thinking like this, and that I will not tolerate!
Wolf frowns, remaining silent. A certain quietude invades the room for some time.
Well, since it's like that …
Wolf is the first of us to open his mouth again.
Forget what I just said. And forgive me for disrespecting you.If you understand, this is the main thing.I understood that you ...well, you were able to act disinterestedly.Shachi, Penguin, and Bepo don't think about this sort of thing. They are grateful to you for bringing them out of their misery. So what could be more normal that they were desperate to save your life, eh?What about you?Hmm ... Me, I ... As a beginner doctor, it is my duty to come to the aid of any dying person ... Le ... Let's say it's like a whim for me!He he he! It's okay, I got it. Still, your saved the day, it's undeniable. It is therefore inconceivable in my eyes to stay without thanking you.But ... Since I told you that …Yes I know! Listen to me until the end! Now that I know it would be rude to give you things or money ... I have to find a different way to thank you ..Go ahead, abbreviate! Spit the piece that we finish once and for all!Well I have decided to become your friend !!What?
His words are so unexpected that they leave me speechless.
Just a minute ... wait …
He said „friend"?
No, I'm falling asleep, I certainly misheard.
Sorry, Mister junk, but I think fatigue causes auditory hallucinations in me, will you repeat?How many times will I have to say this ?! I, Wolf the inventor of genius, agree to become your friend! Be honored!
What is this madness? No, but seriously, what is this delirium ?!
Ha ha... Ha ha ha ha ha!What are you laughing at?!Nothing, nothing at all. All right, Mister Junk, we do like this. Thank you, I accept your token of gratitude. Now we are friends!Phew...
Turned red as a tomato, Wolf stands idly by.
No, but what a joke.
What joke!
„Friend".
Such a trite word that should be so easy to pronounce.
But since we've been living under the same roof, I've gotten to know Wolf and understand what kind of man he is.
For him, the notion of friendship is outside the sphere of "give and take" which is so dear to him.
In a space where there is neither loss nor profit.
The only thing that matters in becoming friends are the feelings you have for each other.
This is why someone like Wolf, who has had the "give and take" ankle to the body all his life, needs immense courage to pronounce a word as simple as this one.
This is also why I would lack class if I did not respond favorably to his desire for friendship.
Alright, Mister Junk, let's be friends. Besides, you'll be nice to cook me a little supper to start.I think you are confusing "friend" with "handyman"!
We look at each other and we laugh. I don't know if it was our voices that woke Bepo up, but we can hear him coming down the stairs.
Mister JunkMh?The three of them, they are not part of the "others", are they?Obviously not.In that case, I'm going to say a word to them about the fruit of the scalpel.
Neither "strangers" nor "family", our ambiguous relationship is that of "friends".
However, in my eyes, this is the way of living together that suits me best, the one where I am most comfortable.
There is no doubt that the holidays will continue for a long time to come.
***
Three years passed thus.