A child is crying.
Cries of terror.
A city is on fire.
These dear ones whom I called father and mother, my sister Lami too.
My family.
Helpless, I can't save anyone, I can't help anyone.
Everything disappears in the fury of the flames.
Me, I run all over town. I want at all costs to help someone, to save a person.
But no, my wish is not coming true.
While a world of ashes stretches as far as the eye can see before my eyes, completely charred corpses lie at my feet.
This is the dream I had.
When I wake up with a start I have been sweating so much that my pajamas are soaking wet.
Law ... breathes Bepo besides me, in panic.
He was sleeping right next to me.
Sorry, I didn't want to wake you up.It's nothing. I'll get you a drink.That's nice, thanks.
In the past few days, I haven't had a good night's sleep. I can hardly fall asleep, and when I finally do, I quickly get dreadful dreams.
I know perfectly well the cause: the front page of the newspaper of five days ago. An article on Dressrosa.
"Doflamingo! A new king for Dressrosa!"
This title alone is enough to make me dizzy. As if all the dots had suddenly been connected to each other to form a single line. Doflamingo was already pursuing this objective at the time when I was living within the Family.
The article explained:
"In the land of Dressrosa, a land known to be a 'symbol of peace', the ruler recently lost his head and massacred his people. The pirate Doflamingo put an end to this madness, before taking the place of the former king on the throne and bring calm to the city ... "
It was a plot, everything had been arranged. I had no proof, but I was convinced of it. This so-called madness of the King of Dressrosa was certainly the work of Doflamingo, who had pulled the strings.
At the same time, I understood something else.
Corazon had given me his missive in order to prevent this tragedy. On this message would depend the salvation of the kingdom.
I couldn't take it anymore, it was too much for me.
If only I had given this mail to another Marine.
If only I had understood Corazon's intentions earlier.
No, even better. If only I had never met him!
A crowd of "ifs" crossed my mind.
I knew Corazon would hardly have been happy to see me analyze things like this.
But...
However...
But for me not to cry over my helplessness.
Three years had passed since Corazon's death and my meeting with Wolf. I was now almost one meter ninety (6,2 ft) tall and had grown strong. My knowledge in the medical field had increased and I had treated many patients in the practice of the city. Day after day, I trained, fortified my body and improved in combat. I was also able to use the powers of the fruit of the scalpel much better than before.
Despite everything, I was still a kid.
Even though I knew the dream long cherished by Cora, I was still an immature child unable to know what to do. I had only one certainty: the life I led here was important and I had to do everything to preserve it.
Deep inside me, a little voice told me that no, it would never be possible.
There is no way I could look away from the sufferings and regrets of Cora, my benefactor, in order to lead a happy life. Never. I still remember perfectly the last words he said to Doflamingo.
"Leave him alone now !! He's free !!"
I imagine that Corazon had thus wished to give his freedom to the little boy that I was by breaking the ties that held him back. I was the same, I definitely couldn't accept such a thing without flinching. Living free, carefree, surrounded by friends would not be enough to honor my debt. No matter what he wanted, I now had a responsibility to him. A responsibility towards the ideals he had wanted to protect.
How to do? How can I erase the hatred I felt for Doflamingo?
How to pay back Cora's love?
How can I one day know the true meaning of the word "freedom"?
Here, Law, I brought you some hot tea. I used the herbs grown by the old man. It seems that they calm and relieve.Really? Thank you, Bepo, luckily you're here.No problem. If you ever want to talk about it, I'll always be there.No, not for the moment. I haven't even managed to put my ideas in order yet. Sorry.Ok thank you.
With these words, we each go back to bed, ready to go back to sleep.
Hey, Bepo …Mh?Would you like to do something special?Hmmm ... Ah, I know! I wish we could all go fishing together on our next day off! Then we would have a barbecue on site with the fish we would have caught!I'm not talking to you about that. Me too, I love grilled fish, but that's not the question ... How to put it? I'm talking to you about something you feel like, something serious that you absolutely would like to achieve. You understand?Mmmh ... gently hesitates Bepo, his hand on his chin.
Noting my serious air, he began to think more seriously.
I think I would like to see my brother again.
Between two silent breaths, Bepo continues:
I like the life I lead today, with all of you, but from time to time I think of my brother. I wonder if he's okay, if he's not mistreated. Since I have been here, I have been studying navigation. I may not be very good, but I can at least draw a map. So here it is, I tell myself that one day, I would like to go looking for my brother.Oh ok.
"One day."
Sorry to have asked you this funny question. It's time to sleep now.Yes good night.
Vague thoughts then pass through my head.
Like Bepo, I too would like "one day" to go to Dressrosa. To tell the truth, I don't really know what I would do there, but there is no reason why I should never set foot there.
On the other hand, I have a feeling that as long as I use that expression, "someday", that day will never come.
Well, no need to fiddle with my brain, it's really time to go to sleep.
It's all well and good to think about the future, but I have a daily life to protect, here and now. A world to be preserved.
And that, it is absolutely forbidden for me to forget it.
***
The next morning, I wake up despite everything in great shape. Is it thanks to the boisoon that Bepo served me? In any case, I slept soundly until the morning, without having nightmares. My ideas even seem a little clearer than the day before. It's simple, everything is clearer in my head. I tell myself that I will be able to work properly.
Ooh, but you look good today, calls out Mister Junk, laughing heartily.Why are you telling me that, Ossan? Did I seem to be doing so badly lately?You're kidding? Obviously you didn't look good on your plate. I had never seen you with such black eyes.Oh well, if you say so ... Sorry to have worried you for nothing.Pooh! It's not like you to react that way!
This is proof that I am not yet fully recovered.
Yes, yes, it's okay. I just had a few issues to sort out with myself. You won't see me looking like that again, I promise.Mh ... If you say so. It's your thing, so – the others also have zero morale.
With that, Wolf pats me on the shoulder and walks over to the dining table.
In these moments, Mister Junk has the delicacy of not getting too involved in the privacy of his interlocutors. Interventions like "What's bothering you, my little one ?!, or" Come talk to me, if you're in trouble "are definitely not his style.
I have known for a long time now that this way of being is precisely its kindness. It must be said that we have lived together for more than three years ...
With the old man, I feel like I'm on an equal footing, because he behaves with me as with anyone else. It doesn't encroach on my privacy like a father would with his son, no. He considers me an adult and always makes sure to keep the right distance. Which explains why I manage to flourish in this relationship.
On the other hand, I also know that if I asked him for help, he would listen to me with the greatest attention in the world and act without delay. He would do that with me, but also with Shachi, Penguin and Bepo.
This is what kind of man the old man is. He may prefer silence to speech because this food has the gift of generosity, we are all very attached to him, we respect him, and we laugh really well together.
While I continue to sic about anything and everything with him around the table, the other three go down in turn. Here we are all gathered for breakfast, like almost every day for three years. In the blink of an eye, we devour the fish cooked in soy sauce placed on a bowl of white rice. What a delight. I don't know if Penguin and Shachi have always had a knack for food, or if it's just that they love to cook, but although we have put in place a system of rotation, they are improving day by day. The poor cook that I am can only be grateful to them.
- So, Law, how do you like the catch of the day?
- Excellent, you're a real chef.
- Perfect! cried Shachi happily.
Following him, me first, then the others, we let out a small smile.
Yes, I know.
This place is for me a unique, irreplaceable place.
Once again, I feel it deep inside me.
The snow which until yesterday fell in large flakes has stopped and the sky is now completely blue. We get on our bikes and take the direction of the city under the benevolent gaze of the old man.
I cross an alley between the four seasons merchant and the bar, then after passing the sanctuary in the heart of the city, I arrive at my workplace, the medical office. It is the start of a new day.
- Hello, professor, I say to the doctor before putting on my gown.
Pleasure Town may be a quiet town, but the existence of a single medical practice and the polar climate of the region where it snows three quarters of the year mean that many of the inhabitants pass through our hands.
If my specialty was initially surgery, thanks to the many and different experiences that the doctor had offered me over the years, I am now able to treat the majority of ailments. I know how to cure the flu and other seasonal colds, of course, but I have also acquired enough confidence to tackle diseases of the lungs and heart, diseases where the life of the patient is at stake, those that do not forgive any mistakes.
Feeling the progress that one makes every day as a doctor in this way is far from being an unpleasant sensation.
- Thanks again for today, Law!
The fishmonger arrives with a neuralgia in his left hand now leaves the cabinet, greeting me with the latter.
And if...
And if white lead disease had never existed, maybe my parents, my sister Lami and I would be running a hospital by now. For a moment, the scene I imagine dazzles me. Oh yes, what happiness that would be.
But at the same time, I know that I will never be able to find this lost world.
I must no longer lean towards the past, but move towards the future. By carrying in my luggage the joy of having friends, as well as my many uncertainties.
At the end of the day, after examining the last patient, the doctor tells me that I can go. I put on my white coat, greet him and leave the medical office.
"Phew …"
I let out a big sigh. Of course, this work is worth it and I enjoy doing it, but caring for the sick all day is nonetheless exhausting. As I walk the streets of the city with the idea of eating something invigorating, I come across marine fish, sold in promotion, which I immediately buy. Imagining the face that the old man and Bepo will make on my return, I smile to myself.
At that moment, I realize that something is wrong with the surrounding climate.
Around me, I notice several people running, as if they were trying to run away. I also hear bursts of voices, cries of panic. A whole bundle of details telling me that this is not a simple street fight.
With a rapid step, I move towards the place of origin of the din.
- Pirates! someone shouts.
As I push my way through the crowd, I notice about thirty men who are strangers to me.
- Bring us some alcohol and some food! Hurry up!
- Come and fight, if you are not happy! You still have to be sure of winning !!
Among them, I noticed one who was holding a flag representing a skull with a gold coin in his mouth. No doubt, these men are indeed pirates.
Each face is more repugnant than the other, they allow themselves to make a noise, to stir violently and to claim completely insane things from the inhabitants. Among the people who have been beaten, I even see some acquaintances.
At the sight of this spectacle, I automatically am about to leap into the crowd. Impossible to keep my cool in front of all these people, usually so smiling, who are attacked.
However...
- Law!
Hearing the voice of the one holding me by the sleeve, I immediately come back to me.
I turn my head and discover Penguin, Bepo and Shachi.
- Here, they are pirates, remarks Shachi calmly.
- Obviously, yes, they fly the black flag.
- What do we do? Shall we prince them before they do more damage? Shachi offers, taking a position to be able to launch at any time.
- No, let's take a look at how things are going. They are about thirty, casually ... And even if there is almost only small freight in ... the two in the back are beefier, believe me.
Indeed, the only opponents that could pose a problem to us are these two. The first is a tall man, probably over two meters tall and looks like a sumo wrestler. He wears a mawashi * (belt worn by sumo wrestlers during training or competitions) over his dark skin tone and his hair is kept in a bun. Under the fat that covers his whole body, we can detect a powerful musculature allowing us to grasp at first glance that we are dealing with a real colossus.
The other is the more dangerous of the two. His oval pirate hat and his long, black hair down to the shoulders certainly give him the air of a frequentable young man, but I can sense an unspeakable madness lodged in his eyes. How his men stir violently all around him does not seem to disturb him. He remains impassive, seated on his chair, on his own. This man is most likely the captain. And for pirates, being the captain also means being the strongest man in the crew.
- Penguin, do you have a snail phone at work?
- Yes.
- Go tell Mister Junk in case, never know.
- Heard!
Penguin rushes towards the restaurant where he is employed.
Well, what do we do?
For now, it would be wise to probe the intentions of this crew. If they arrived at ivi by chance, chances are good that a little gold and food will fully satisfy them, and then they will leave without asking for their rest. In this case, you might as well not irritate them too much.
While I am thinking about this, Rad the policeman comes running.
- Damn thugs! Stop that! I will not let you play tyrants in our beautiful town of Pleasure Town!
- Here is a courageous man ... Ah, but ... Rad, it's you! Ha ha! It's been a while!
- Artur Bacca ... What are you coming back to town for?
- Ooh, don't face that, Rad, you look terrified. I just came to smell the air of my good old native country. My men got a little angry, nothing particularly serious.
- Do you really think I'm going to gobble up the salads of the man who turned the city into a sea of flames twenty years ago? If you seriously imagine that I'm going to believe you without saying anything, then you're dreaming!
I don't get the whole conversation between Rad and the pirate Artur Bacca, but I understand that this is not his first attack on the city.
Anyway, it smells scorched. I know Rad well, he's a stubborn type and, at the rate things go, he'll soon be beating himself up against the thirty or so pirates. Moreover, the latter have already started to surround it.
I have a debt to him, out of the question to abandon him to his fate. Right when I am about to take a first step forward, the captain gets up suddenly.
- Come on, guys, calm down. It may be that by killing him we lose a precious, nay, an invaluable source of information. Let's try to chat calmly with our friends, okay? Ghe pa pa pa!
- A ... At your command, Captain! bellows a member of the crew in a frightened voice.
I suspected, this man is their leader. He only had to get up from his chair to appear even stronger.
- Law.
Back, Penguin addresses me, whispering in my ear:
- I told Wolf. He told me he was on his way straight away.
- Perfect. It is better that the old man is there if it ever turns into a general brawl.
Truth be told, Wolf is a top notch fighter. I've finally been able to stand up to him for about a year, but Bepo, Penguin and Shachi still aren't up to par when it comes to fighting. In a way, I feel reassured to know that he will join us.
Even so far, it is not certain that these pirates intend to start a battle.
We choose to remain silent and observe the exchanges between Rad and the pirate.
- Bacca, I'll ask you the question again. What are you doing here?
Fittingly, and without backing down an inch, Rad spoke again.
- Ghe pa pa pa! Do you want to know ... why am I here? I understood, yes, nothing more normal given the position which is yours.
- Two reasons led us to come here. First of all, we would like to rest a bit. We recently tried to go to the Grand Line. Of course, we were well prepared, but the difficulties we encountered lasted even worse than expected ... We encountered pirates at the entrance to Grand Line and were defeated. I have lost half of my crew and the remaining half have many casualties. We therefore need a base to recharge our batteries.
- Yes I see. Listen, Bacca, if you really need a rest, and if you promise me not to take it out on the locals, I might be able to get a place prepared for you where you will be comfortable. I prefer that than seeing you hurt my fellow citizens.
- Hmmm, unfortunately I'm afraid that's not possible, Rad. Because the second reason for our coming here far outweighs the first. Tell me, I imagine you've heard of "Swallow's Island Treasure Legend", haven't you?
Unconsciously, I swallow my saliva. I remember, Penguin told us this story some time ago.
- No, never heard of it, Rad answers the pirate after a short pause.
- Ghe pa pa pa! Come on, Rad! Don't try to lie to me! I saw you, you looked away! This is proof that you are hiding something from me!
No sooner has Bacca finished speaking than he has already bridged the distance which separates him from the policeman and lifts him firmly by the collar.
- Me too, you know ... In the old days, I regarded this story only as a pretty fairy tale. Normal, right? Who would seriously believe that this lousy little island could actually hide a fantastic treasure, eh? However, on an island just off the Grand Line, we found it! Yes, we found a letter from Captain Ladoga himself!
That...
This name means something to me.
Yes, on several occasions, even when I was still living with the Doflamingo Family. This legendary pirate had managed to reach the second half of Gradn Line, the New World. It wasn't a rumor or a fairy tale, but a true story.
- Captain Ladoga's letter says the following: "My last hour has arrived. Certainly, I did not manage to realize my dream, but I lived in the New World a thousand and one wonders. I left my treasure. in a dream setting, on the island of Swallow. If you ever have the chance to find it, use it as you wish. " At first, I thought it was a sham. But after getting the handwriting analyzed and researching the time when the letter was written, it turned out that it was written by Captain Ladoga himself! This is why I am here today! To get their hands on this immense treasure, to make my crew even stronger and to brave the Grand Line again!
While shouting these words, Bacca keeps Rad's pass in hand and twists it even more. An expression of pain runs through the policeman's face. I no longer have a choice, I have to go ...
- Stop, that's enough!
This strong and authoritative voice is not unknown to me. And it immediately seems to calm the ardor.
Bacca releases Rad, who falls to his knees to the ground, suffocating.
But the situation has not improved for all that. We could even say that it has deteriorated.
- Mister Junk ... Damn, what is he thinking ?!
He's still hot-blooded for a man his age. But, if he misses his shot and the other launches at him, he might just stay there.
Against all expectations, Bacca does not move an inch.
On the contrary, his eyes are fixed on Wolf as if he had seen a ghost, and the cruelty that inhabited his eyes a moment earlier has given way to an expression of amazement.
- You ... is that you, daddy ?!
- That's a paycheck, Bacca.
Unable to understand what these two are saying, I stiffened for a few seconds.
I'm not dreaming, Bacca just called Wolf "daddy".
As for Wolf, he did not try to contradict him.
- Ghe pa pa pa! How many years has it been? Ten ... no, twenty years? I would never have imagined seeing you alive again.
- Pooh, you take the words out of my mouth. I thought you had died at sea for a long time, me.
- You have nothing else to say to your son after all these years ?! What a horrible father you are doing!
- I made things clear twenty years ago already by severing all the ties of kinship which united me to you.
When Wolf says these words, his gaze is bloodcurdling.
- Definitely, you haven't changed. You always find fault with everything I do, nothing is ever good enough for you.
- Obviously. As a parent, I had a duty to restore my twisted-minded son! I have always lived by staying true to my desires. In this sense, I rather have the impression of having been exemplary righteousness!
- Twisted? Me? Ghe pa pa! Not once in my life have I told myself that I was crazy! I have always lived by staying true to my desires. In this sense, I rather have the impression of having been of exemplary righteousness!
- Regardless, I'm not going to get into a discussion with you here. Just know that I don't tolerate guys who attack towns and villages and steal food and money before killing everyone and running away.
- Ha ha! I find you very arrogant, dad! In the past, however, you were part of my crew! And at that time, you were quite incapable of preventing me from satisfying my impulses!
- Indeed, I recognize it. I am a helpless father. Speech, beatings, I tried everything, but I never succeeded in correcting my son's perverse ideas.
I miss letting out a huge cry of surprise.
What does the exchange that just took place mean?
That Wolf once ... was the traveling companion of this Bacca pirate?
I take a look at the side.
Penguin, Shachi and Bepo also struggle to hide their agitation.
- Indeed, you are right! I'm not the type to suppress my desires! So now daddy you know what you got to do, eh? Since the time you've been living on this island, you must have had some information about Captain Ladoga's treasure? Come on, spit it out. In memory of the good old days, I promise I won't kill everyone.
- Pah! This treasure you speak of has never existed. And even if that would be the case, you could always scratch yourself so that I would throw you any information about it.
- You're looking for me, aren't you?
- On the one hand, I highly doubt that you will keep your promise, and on the other hand ... you are the man who in the past reduced the whole town to ashes! I have absolutely nothing to give or offer to a guy like you !!
- Seriously, you continue to blame me for these trifles?
- Twenty years ago, you already tried to meet the challenge of Grand Line. For this purpose, you needed a large amount of food, water, as well as money. And in order to bring it all together, you came back here ... where you had lived ... and you went after the inhabitants you pillaged before wiping out the entire city! I totally refused your behavior, so I decided to leave the crew and live alone, on the edge of the island ... But I don't feel any less guilty about it! I did not know how to prevent my son from committing atrocities ... And I am here today for this reason! This time, I have a duty to stop you!
Wolf's vociferous voice echoes all around us.
Unlike the times when he remonstrates with us, the words he has just used contain a deep anger, an absolute determination.
- Dad ... Do you mean you intend to put a damper on me?
- Exactly. I won't let you devastate this town a second time.
- Ghe pa pa pa! In this case, you are now my enemy. That you were my teammate and my father in the past, it doesn't matter. I swear to myself to run over anyone who gets in my way !!
By pronouncing these words, Bacca raises high in the sky the two giant masses which he holds in hand.
As if in concert, Wolf in turn takes out a firearm from his lap.
- Bepo! Penguin! Shachi! Let's go!
- Woooh !!
We rush directly towards the place where Wolf and Bacca are. But the pirates stationed on the boat a moment earlier intervene and brandish their weapons.
- Where are you going, guys ?! they roar.
- The farm!
I dodge each of their attacks and hit them with the edge at the medulla oblongata to make them pass out.
- Tcha tcha!
- Hop there!
- Get away!
For their part, Penguin and the others progress by sending their enemies waltz with their bare hands.
These guys are way too weak to be a problem for us.
No, the worries will be Bacca and his sidekick, the gigantic sumo wrestler.
- Take this! "Abatou" shot!
I see Wolf aiming at Bacca with a weapon of his invention. A laser beam gun he showed me at home, powerful enough to spray a brick wall.
However, Bacca dodged the shot as if nothing had happened and passed behind Wolf's back.
- You decline, dad ... I immediately knew in which direction and when you were going to shoot. The crappy shot of an old crouton can't get the better of me!
With these words, Bacca crushes his two masses on his father's skull.
Wolf collapses to the ground, motionless.
Don't panic.
Above all, do not panic.
I hold back at all costs from rushing to meet Bacca.
Wolf is not so fragile as to slam a blow with a club. Penguin, who has rushed to Wolf, tells me:
- Law! Don't worry, the old man just passed out!
I would have preferred to see it myself, but the situation unfortunately does not allow it.
- Bepo! Shachi! Take care of the guys around us! Me, I take care of their leader!
- Heard!
I run to plant myself in front of Bacca. Seen up close, he imposes even more.
One shot to knock Wolf out is no small feat. I'll have to stay vigilant. Neither one nor two, I decide that the timing will be essential.
Despite the heavy weight that his two immense masses must carry, Bacca lifts them up and spins them with tremendous ease. And given their long range, I predict that it will not be easy to approach me.
- Mmh? Here then, another funny guy. Who are you?
- I'm with the old man you just knocked down. We are colleagues, I answer without looking away from my opponent.
- Ghe pa pa pa! a colleague of my father! If this is really the case, then you are also my enemy!
No sooner has he finished his sentence than his masses fall on me.
How fast!
I avoided them as best I could, grabbed a salvaged brick on the ground and threw it in the direction of my opponent.
- Do you really think you have me with that ?!
Obviously, Bacca repels my projectile as easily as possible. But I had foreseen it. I threw this brick at him for the sole purpose of giving me a space to approach. Bacca thinks I came empty-handed, but he's wrong. There it is, the fault of inattention.
Because I took care to hide behind my back an iron bar picked up on the way.
The advantage is for me.
- Take this!
I grab the iron bar and strike point blank in the direction of Bacca.
Nickel. Given his position, he will not be able to dodge.
I spoke too fast.
The iron bar slices through the air without touching it.
- What ?!
Impossible.
I'm sure I've reached the top of his head. And yet, I didn't feel the slightest resistance. I don't even have the impression of having touched it.
- So, kid, you thought you won? Error of judgment! Very serious mistake!
In my chest offered to all the winds after the attack that I tried to strike him, I feel the masses of Bacca sinking.
- Shit...
Then he sends me forcefully behind his back.
- Law! Penguin yelped huskily.
- It's okay ... Everything's fine ...
Although trying to play the swagger to leave nothing to show, I still have the knees which tremble so much the shock was powerful. However, my opponent must especially not guess that I am weakened. I have to pretend everything is fine and not make him want to hit me hard.
- Is that all you're capable of? Strength level, it does not change much of the wild boars found in the forest.
- When it comes to chatting, I see you always say, kid!
- No need to get your hands dirty with a crummy like him, Captain, I can take care of it very well! Me, Conny Boackenno, I promise to break his back without giving him time to say "phew"!
The sumo wrestler now stands at Bacca odds.
- Thank you, Boackenno, but it won't be worth it ... I don't like the look of that little shit. I will personally take care of killing him. Just join the others and suppress the inhabitants with them.
- Bou hyo hyo! Alright, boss!
- Ready for the next step, kid?
Bacca charge, I'm waiting for it.
Thanks to the exchange of blows earlier, I know I'm the fastest. I narrowly dodged his attack and slammed the bar right on the shoulder, as if I was countering it. The timing was perfect, my shot impossible to avoid. Despite everything, I still miss it. How is it possible?
Bacca wastes no time and comes back straight away. He attacks, I defend. Even if he doesn't manage to strike me yet, I clearly have the downside. My blows don't seem to reach him and my body won't take a second kick from him.
Suddenly our eyes meet.
He has the troubled gaze of the real villain, the one in which one does not read any hesitation. I only detected a deep desire to kill myself. He is clearly determined to finish me off in order to satisfy his ambitions. Could this detail be the source of our power difference?
I remember the nightmares of the last few days. Cora, Doflamingo, Dressrosa, I remember everything. I know exactly what I should do, what I absolutely should do. But I don't feel ready yet. I certainly promised myself to fulfill the desire long cherished by Cora, but for "one day", not for "now". This is why I remain hesitant, like a compass.
I feel that this hesitation prevents me from playing an equal game with the man in front of me. His vigor dominates me, crushes me, pushes me to index and makes my movements slower. If I don't do anything, it won't be long.
Bacca chooses this moment to stop all movement.
- Well done, kid, your agility amazes me. And even though I know I'll win anyway, I still like wasting my time. For this reason, you see, I'm going to go about it in a different way.
With these words, Bacca lets out a vulgar laugh.
I have a bad feeling.
- Guys! Hide in the buildings!
Neither one nor two, all the pirates next to me rush inside.
- What ... Shachi, Penguin, Bepo! Take the old man on your shoulders and pull yourself out ...
- Too late! Fusion wave!
A radial light of pale color escapes from the two eyes of the pirate captain. I immediately roll on the ground so as not to get hit. A shiver runs through my spine. This man is not a simple pirate. I'm dealing with a power holder of a devil fruit.
I don't know if this is related to my attacks not reaching him, but one thing is certain: this guy is not normal!
- You have nothing?!
- No, it's okay! We all managed to avoid the light! Bepo's voice echoes back.
I recognize my little guys.
- So that's it, did you play your last card? Unfortunately for you, you will need more to come to the end of my comrades and me.
Not very reassured at the idea of not knowing anything about the powers of my opponent, I try a big bluff.
- Ghe ... pa pa pa pa!
- What are you laughing at?!
- Nothing, nothing, but you move really very quickly. Managing to dodge my wave of fusion is a feat, you know ... However, if I may, you would benefit from being more attentive to what is going on around you ...
Suddenly, behind my back, I feel a threatening presence. Someone is slaughtering the blade of their saber on me!
- Han!
I turn around and somehow manage to block the attack by squeezing the blade with my bare hands. Then I send the sword and its owner to waltz in the air. Who can it be? a henchman of Bacca lying in wait? I look at the man falling to the ground, and ...
- You ... But why?
I am totally unable to hide my surprise ... It is the head doctor of the medical cabinet! He holds a saber in his hands and watches me absently. He has clearly lost his mind.
- You junk ... What did you do to him ?!
- Ghe pa pa pa! Yet I warned you to pay more attention to what is going on around you. Do you really think you have time to take care of him?
I feel like I'm being charged from another direction.
And this time there are two ... or three? no, much more.
I leap to the side and take refuge in a discreet place to take stock of the situation.
- What?
They are a multitude to surround me, ready to attack me.
-Damn it...
Separately, they are neither powerful nor fast, and I would disperse them without problem with kicks. But I am quite incapable of attacking the people of the city. I recognize the fishmonger, the waitress of the restaurant, the manager of the tattoo shop ... A host of familiar faces. However, they stare at me with a gaze devoid of any emotion and approach with the sole aim of killing me ...
- Ghe pa pa pa! So, kid, what's the matter with you? I find you very slow, all of a sudden.
As if reading my mind, Bacca laughs at me and laughs.
He will pay me for it.
I don't know how he does it, but using the locals for such warlike ends makes me very angry. What if I also use the powers of my scalpel fruit? Maybe I could work out a solution debt?
As this idea matures in my mind and I'm about to launch "Room" …
- No do not do that! Shachi interrupts, grabbing me by the shoulder.
His hand blocked me just in time. As if he too had just read my thoughts ...
- Let's get out of here, Law, the old man's buggy is waiting for us. It is time to retreat to better prepare for our return. We can't knock down all our cards without knowing exactly what his powers are.
Hearing these words, my anger subsides and I manage to regain my composure. Shachi is absolutely right. To go on an assault without strategy or resources is tantamount to committing suicide.
- Okay.
I mumble these few words and rush away from Bacca.
- Are you packing up, kid? Ghe pa pa pa! I thought you were braver than that!
The pirate's provocations no longer concern me. Shachi, Bepo and Penguin are also lucid. This is really not the time to launch myself into a desperate assault. Since I am lucky to be able to count on my team members, it is my duty to know how to give up and let go of the laurels.
- You two, over here!
With his hand, Penguin beckons us to come. Bepo and Wolf are already installed in the buggy. As soon as he sees that Shachi and I are on board, Penguin sets off with a bang.
- Be careful, I'm going full throttle! Hold on tight, if you don't want to fall!
Then we go, leaving our enemies behind us.
I glance at Wolf, who luckily only has a minor concussion. And, when I turn around, I see not only Bacca and his crew, but also many inhabitants.
If I run away now, it is the better to come back and save you.
On the road that leads us home, no one says a word.
***
When we get home, we each take a shower and change our clothes for the sole purpose of recovering from our emotions. Then Wolf emerges and we all sit down to eat.
We first try to tell him what happened while he was unconscious, but the atmosphere is heavy. Even though we have a multitude of things to say to him, the power of the shock is still felt. The four of us struggle to put words into the events.
- Sorry to have embarrassed you so much. Wolf is the first to break the silence.
His serious face, with drawn features, speaks for him. Perfectly aware that it is necessary to discuss in order to put his ideas in order, he does not however know where to start.
- Are you going to tell us who these guys are, Mister Junk? What is the real relationship between you and Bacca?
- Yes, I know ... I can tell you ...
Bepo and the others remain silent and listen silently to the conversation. I imagine they know full well that the things that are about to be revealed are fraught with meaning.
-Bacca is my son, Wolf announces clearly, lifting his face downwards. Since his earliest childhood, he has always had a violent temper. In the process of stealing and fighting in town, he ended up being looked upon only with contempt. He who, twenty-five years ago, told me he wanted to become a pirate. While initially I strongly opposed it, I then began to hope that adventures at sea will make it happen and maybe change. I believed that by leaving to discover the world and by accumulating experiences, he would become a worthy and responsible man ... But it did not take me long to realize that I was wrong on the whole line. I went to sea with him as part of his crew. First, because I thought it was necessary to watch him. Two, because I had always dreamed of watching him. Two, because I had always dreamed of seeing with my own eyes the various inventions that could exist beyond the oceans.
At this point in the story, Wolf pauses and swallows a mouthful of tea. I am very well placed to know how difficult it is to evoke with others the dark past that lies dormant in us. So I do not rush him and I wait for him to resume.
- But in fact, far from softening it, the harshness of the pirate world has further perverted Bacca. In his eyes, the fact of injuring, killing and stealing has gradually become the norm. Then finally, by swallowing the fruit of the dissolution, he reached a level of unforgivable cruelty.
. The fruit of dissolution ... So like that, he is one of the holders of power ...
- Yes quite. Thanks to this fruit, Bacca and his crew gained influence and saw the bounty offered for their capture increase. They have even become strong enough to want to brave Grand Line ... And I am not talking to you about the perversity of Bacca which never ceases to grow.
He used to stop at Swallow to steal anything of value there. At that time, I decided to leave his crew. Since then, I have been working alone on my inventions.
That's it, I see it a little more clearly.
- Now I understand why you live outside the city. You try at all costs to atone for your past mistake.
To my disguised question, Wolf said nothing. But his silence is eloquent.
- The first time we went to Pleasure Town together, you mentioned that the town was almost wiped out in the past. Did you want to talk about this time Bacca landed?
- Yes exactly. At the time, I couldn't do anything to stop it. It was not for lack of trying, but I was defeated and many people perished. I then used the money I had to rebuild the city, but the dead never returned. I do not deserve the recognition that the inhabitants show against me, nor even the right to live near them. Pfiou …
Wolf lets out a deep sigh. Since I have known him, he has never seemed as fragile to me as he is now.
I am beside myself.
I have a grudge against this Bacca, this man capable of ravaging a city with a smile on the teeth. I also blame myself for making Mister Junk so weak by pushing him to tell us his whole story. Above all, I really blame myself for being unable to find the words that will give courage to my friends who are about to cry.
Although ... If it is, the problem is not there. My exhortations would probably not change the situation. In that case...
- Mister Junk.
- What?
- I am going to fight.
I announce my intention to Wolf with a cold, imperturbable look. No need for encouragement. Instead, he'll help him my way. Wolf and I are "now" that we need to move on. To stop always postponing to "later" what frightens us or what makes us hesitate, and take action without further delay.
Make up your own mind "now".
Deciding to go head to head in a battle against an opponent against whom I do not know if I will be able to win, and this, for all the people who took so much care of me.
If I can't do it, then no matter how much time passes, I will keep putting off what I have to do "later". And my wishes will never be granted.
Accepting to look to the present and face it as it is "now" is the only thing that can move us forward.
I am convinced that this is also the first step towards making Cora's dearest wish come true.
- I don't know what you're thinking or what you want to do. But I don't care, because I've made up my mind. With Shachi, Penguin and Bepo, we're going to go back to town and give Bacca and his gang a good beating.
- Law ...
- You are free to stay locked in your home, I will not blame you. But you have to know it's now or never. You must take the opportunity to free yourself from this feeling of guilt that weighs you down for so long. Am I right, Mister Junk?
Ten seconds, twenty seconds.
Wolf remains silent, head down.
Then suddenly he gets up and walks towards me. Then he waves his right hand high and slams it down on my head.
- Pah! Stop looking down on me! I don't need you to tell me, anyway, I didn't mean to run away! I just had a little slack, that's all. Basically, you're right. I am the only one who can liquidate my pass once and for all. I'll show them how I protect my city.
Without mercy, Penguin points to the detail that kills:
- But ... Didn't you tell us that Bacca had put you in misery when you fought against him?
- Huuh ...
And Bepo to add more:
- Since his time as a pirate, he must probably be even stronger than before, right?
- Mmmh …
Finally, like a coup de grace, Shachi concludes:
- How do you think you go about beating him?
- Argh ...
Each of these remarks having apparently hit the nail on the head, Wolf starts blushing like a tomato and stammering incomprehensible sounds without being able to retort a word.
- You usually spend your time teaching us, Mister Junk, when it comes to the essentials, we can't hear you anymore.
- H... How ?!
- Alone, you have no chance of winning. Without help, you will be unable to protect the inhabitants. But what I'm telling you here, you already know. It is for this reason that we are with you.
- Hmm ...
- We don't mean to let you down. We're going to square off with Bacca and his henchmen, and protect the city. Nothing could be simpler, Mister Junk, you see? We are no longer kids, we are no longer those kids you took in and took care of. This time it's up to us to play, up to us to protect you and what is dearest to you. Friends are good for that.
Wolf sniffles, then a slight smile appears on his face.
- Tss, listen to these pretentious little ones. You only need to grow a little taller to deliver president speeches. But hey, at least you helped me make up my mind. I trust you enough to put my life in your hands.
Without making it clear that he is submitting to our will, Wolf raises both arms in the air.
Everyone laughs.
The house finally finds its own atmosphere.
- And so, old man, now that we have decided to fight, we have to carry out some checks. First of all, can you tell us what is this fruit that Bacca swallows?
If we do not come to the end of Bacca, peace will never return to the city. This is why it is essential that we know as much as possible about his powers.
- The one who eats the fruit becomes a "soluble man". Bacca possesses the faculty of liquefying his body. Therefore, classic attacks have no effect on him.
- OK, that explains why I had the impression that my blows were slipping on him.
It is obvious that hitting water with an iron bar does not affect the liquid in any way.
- He also has a second power. His eyes emit a ray of light allowing him to manipulate individuals.
- A ray of light? Like hypnotism?
- To be exact, let's say it's more of a ray that melts people's hearts. You did tell me that the inhabitants attacked you, didn't you? Had Bacca fired his beam just before it happened?
- Yes indeed. On our side, we managed to avoid it, but the inhabitants around were all affected.
- This is the "fusion wave". All those who undergo its ray see their heart dissolve and become its puppets. In the worst case, they are able to stick a knife in the stomach if he orders them to kill themselves.
- Yeah, I see, the ideal power for a scoundrel of his kind.
- At the present time, I bet that he is in the process of sprinkling the entire population with his department in order to make puppets that will obey him with his finger and his eye. That is why we must act as quickly as possible.
- Mh? You mean, before Bacca leaves town?
- No, no worries about that side. Bacca planned to rest and prepare to attack the Grand Line. He's going to stay awhile.
- In that case...
- The problem is the locals. Any human having been touched by his ray dies after twenty-four hours.
-What?!
- The fruit of dissolution has the power to melt everything, and the human heart is no exception to the rule. Then, having become a puppet, an individual has only twenty-four hours before seeing his heart lick for good. At this level, nothing and nobody can help him anymore.
A dark veil floats in the room again.
I think back to all those locals who were so nice to me, see their faces again.
No more joking. I refuse to let just one more person die.
- Do you know how we have to go about freeing these people?
- If Bacca falls asleep, of course, but also if he loses consciousness, his powers will be lifted. However, getting it to fall apart is a real feat. At the time of the confrontation, it is important not to hesitate to kill him.
As he says this, Wolf frowns. After all, Bacca may be the worst good-for-nothing, but he is also his son. We could easily understand that the latter did not want to kill him.
- Twenty-four hours, you say …
- Four hours have already passed since the start of the fighting, so we only have twenty left ...
- Here is the time which is allotted to us to return in city and to defeat Bacca while trying to contain the assaults of the inhabitants without harming them ... It will not be pie ...
The current situation seems to plunge Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi into deep confusion.
What's more normal? After all, to say that the lives of all these people rest in our hands is just an exaggeration.
I'm not even wide either. For a while now, I feel the tips of my fingers quiver. This story of an invaded city reminds me of terrible memories. A city that burns, countless cries of terror, my parents, my sister Lami, mountains of corpses, Flevance, my homeland …
- Follow me, we go up to the roof.
Suddenly Wolf snaps us out of our minds. Without saying a word, we follow suit.
Once outside, we notice the rain clouds approaching. As if they had set themselves the goal of reflecting our state of mind. Grr, what annoys me.
- Let's go see what's going on in town.
- Huh?
- Thanks to the very high precision "voyzoloin" telescope that I invented, spying on what is happening there becomes child's play. You will come with me, Law, I made two.
The very moment I lay my eyes, with open skepticism, on this invention with its always ridiculous name, I let out a cry of astonishment.
I am not exaggerating when I say that, thanks to this telescope, I can clearly distinguish each silhouette. I didn't know Wolf was capable of making such instruments ...
- I suspected, they are now almost all under the yoke of Bacca ...
- Yes, it seems like it.
People, most of whom I know by sight, stroll through town, guns in hand, staring blank and looking haggard.
- Ossan, where is Bacca?
- In the temple. You are most certainly already passed by. The pirates rest in the temple of the god of the sea, in the center of the city.
- Oh yes I see. It is the largest place for miles around.
We check one last time that they are hiding well there, then we move away from the devices.
To be frank, the situation is more than delicate.
As the temple in question is located in the middle of the city, it will be difficult for us to invite the slightest clash with the inhabitants. And while we do our best not to kill any, I doubt we can attack head-on without doing any damage.
We must face the facts, our chances of winning are almost zero. For one, getting to Bacca will already be a hassle. And two, once facing the man, we will not even be able to touch him. Damn, but what a story.
We are at an impasse.
Without really believing it, I address myself to Bepo and the others:
- Say, guys, do you have any idea?
- None, sorry ... If only the polar bear that I am were born with a little more savvy ... I'm completely useless, better if I disappear ...
- Now is not the time to be depressed, Bepo! I'm the same as you, I don't have the slightest idea either.
- Aaah ... we all sigh deeply.
However, glancing over the side, I notice Wolf, smiling. He seems to have a certain, strange self-confidence.
- That's it, he blurted out in a voice.
- About what?! I retort then.
- I know! I found a way! It's going to work! I'm sure it will work, let's get ready quickly! We will then go to my lab!
The old man is ready to fight, he roars.
- Bacca will see what I'm getting hold of, we're about to play a hell of a trick on him !!
***
As soon as the preparations are finished, we get into Wolf's buggy, in the direction of the laboratory.
At such a critical time for Pleasure Town, even if it is a little out of place, I have to say that I am very excited.
I will be entering Wolf's laboratory for the first time. Although I have long asked him to take a look inside, he always stubbornly refuses. So when I think that I will finally discover what is most important for him, the result of his research and his many years of experience as an inventor, I no longer hold on to it.
We can reach the laboratory in just under ten minutes by buggy.
Only, there is no building or we will dismount. I only see a huge vacant lot as far as the eye can see.
While I think about it, Wolf pulls back and walks towards the center of the field. There is a buried metal hatch. The old man puts a key in the lock and turns it. Then there is a thud and the door opens ...
- Brilliant! Looks like a secret base! calls Bepo.
- I have electricity, but be careful, the stairs are steep.
Led by Wolf, we carefully descend the steps.
Bepo is right, one has the impression of entering a secret base. Even I feel like having fun, even though it's not my style.
After a spiral staircase, we arrive in a large open room. Before our eyes, an imposing quantity of inventions of all kinds. But they have nothing to do with the ridiculous ones you usually find at home.
We see miniature planes and wheeled vehicles.
A swimming pool filled with what looks like a culture basin.
Flasks, spouts and other graduated cylinders.
Thus wue axes, pistoles and sabers shaped with meticulousness.
So here we are in the laboratory of the inventor Wolf.
Despite myself, I literally remain stuck in front of the spectacle that awaits me. If the situation weren't so desperate, I would take the time to ask the old man about each of the experiments he is currently conducting with these props.
- So like that, Mister Junk, you're really an inventor ... says Bepo, unable to hide his surprise.
- Obviously! Who did you take me for, you bastards ?! Alright, drop it. I thought it would take more to surprise you. What I really want to show you is a little further on. Law, take the sword, just here. Believe me, you will need it to face Bacca.
Wolf points to a saber tucked away in its scabbard. When I draw, a perfectly sharp blade is revealed. The weapon is also equipped with a mysterious button, but I decide not to investigate further and carry it as is.
Wolf continues to walk towards the back of the room to a staircase which he descends. I would have liked to stay a little longer here to observe everything, but our goal is not to hang around. So I grab Wolf with a quick step.
Arrived at the end of this creaking staircase, we find ourselves in the dark.
A particular smell permeates the premises.
It looks like that of the tide. Would we be near the sea?
- Careful, I'll turn on the light.
With these words, Wolf lights the lamp he was holding in his hand.
- We ... Are we in a cave?
Surrounded by rock and sand, the place where we are now has absolutely nothing to do with the play earlier.
- No one in town knows about the existence of this secret cave. As for what I wanted to show, voila!
We all turn our heads in the direction indicated by Wolf.
- Wow, it's gigantic ...
A huge yellow ship, probably made of metal, floats right there.
Is this machine also part of Wolf's inventions?
Especially when you take a good look, this is not a boat like the others.
- Mister Junk, this boat, you ...
- Yes, you guessed right. I present to you the greatest of Wolf the genius inventions! The submarine "Hanamaru the invincible" !!
- It's all rotten like nooom !! we cried in chorus.
On the other hand, apart from the name ... the rest is completely incredible ... Right in front of our eyes, the yellow metal shell gives off a phenomenal power.
- We embark.
- Seriously?! cries Penguin, looking delighted.
- A little, nephew. This ship is the secret weapon which will allow us to come to the end of Bacca, proudly announces Wolf while sniffing.
Without understanding the true meaning of his words, we enter the interior of the submarine.
- Wow! we exclaim, completely in admiration.
This machine was not built for a show. The pilot's seat is equipped with a remarkable control lever. Many instruments and other measuring devices adorn the dashboard and reinforce the impression of being inside a real submarine. Bepo and the others are each already seated on a seat, from where they observe the outside and applaud in turn.
- So? Are you finally realizing the greatness of my genius ?!
- Yes, but I would like to know, me, how this magnificent submarine will be useful to us in our fight against Bacca. I wouldn't ask you if the battle took place in the sea, but the enemy is still on the ground.
At my question, Wolf literally bursts out laughing: "Kah kah kah kah!"
- Don't underestimate the power of this beast, Law. But for now, sit down.
Wolf settles down in the pilot's seat, checks all the onboard instruments and drives off.
- Injection of sea water into the main tank ... Operation of the propellers, normal!
At the same moment, a shrill and deafening noise echoes throughout the cave.
- Waaah!
- What is that?!
- My ears!
As much as we are, we plug our ears to prevent this particularly irritating sound similar to that of two pieces of glass rubbing against each other.
I remember hearing it before somewhere. It goes back three years.
One day when I was practicing sword handling in the garden, I heard it in the distance. This memory which resurfaces leaves me believing. It is about this story of "swallow which flies at the bottom of the sea".
- Mister Junk! This powerful song that the people of the island talk about, it wouldn't be ...
- Hmm, I suspected that you were already aware of this rumor that we are talking about in town. The extremely powerful sound emitted by the propellers of "Hanamaru the invincible" echoes in the cave and then reaches the ears of the townspeople and those who sail the sea! Here it is, the real identity of your swallow!
Everything is explained.
On several occasions, Wolf had made little break-in laps in the submarine. It was enough for someone to see the craft moving at sea just after hearing the shrill noise for the rumor to emerge.
"System, OK! All parts are green! Transmission started!"
"Klang". A noise is heard and the submarine submerges.
- Woooh, we really took the plunge! enthuses Penguin. From the window of the machine which has reached the depths, we can contemplate the seabed.
A crowd of fish swim in this transparent water.
I have the chance to observe an underwater landscape for the first time ... And I find it splendid.
I became unable to swim after swallowing a devil fruit. I normally would never have been able to contemplate such a spectacle.
But thanks to an invention of Wolf, here I am today admiring fish swimming quietly in the middle of the ocean.
Finally, Mister Junk may well deserve his self-attributed designation of "inventor of genius".
The submarine, which had first plunged vertically, now sets off on the coast. He is moving at high speed.
- Woooh! It goes super fast!
- A real racing car, I can't believe it!
While watching the landscapes change, Shachi and Bepo play crazy.
We have the impression that our body is one with the machine, as if we were speeding up, too.
At this speed, we should get to Pleasure Town in less time than it takes to tell. However...
- Hey, old man. In the end, you didn't tell me how you were going to go about it.
Wolf doesn't answer me. He just chuckles while maneuvering his device.
- Here it is, slowly ... Hmm, the radars are OK. The temple where Bacca and his little band are located is just above us.
- So what?! It does mean that we will have to disembark to attack them! To then face all the inhabitants he manipulates!
- No no no! Not at all, you are completely irrelevant. I never intended to go on dry land. "Hanamaru the Invincible" was made from one of the toughest metals in the world! It is therefore strong enough to break any rock or mountain!
- No, don't tell me that ...
- Gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts. We will begin the ascent before splitting the ground.
- Huh?
- What ?!
- You're kidding?!!
- You heard that right. We will split the ground and enter the temple directly from the seabed! Trust me! Deployment of the spinning propellers!
- No, it's not true! say Penguin and the others.
I feel the same as them, I don't want to believe it either. I would do my best to cut it off that the old man didn't even bother to perform a stress test. But hey, at the point where we are, we might as well resign ourselves.
The submarine begins its ascent with an open grave, uttering an even more exaggerated "kiiin" than anything we have heard so far.
Then the count starts:
- Three, two, one ... Let's go!
With a crashing noise, the surface of the earth shatters and we leap out of the water.
- What is that?!
- Where do these guys come from ?!
- Name of a dog! We must warn the captain as soon as possible!
The startled voices of many pirates reach our ears.
You surprise me. In their place, I would also have a hard time keeping my calm.
But hey, too bad for them.
- The situation that presents itself to us is quite funny, don't you think?
Let's say rather that at this level, it only remains to laugh about it.
- I'm counting on you not to interfere in my fights, freelance ?!
- Speak for yourself, Mister Junk!
With that, we all leap out of the submarine five at a time.
The joys can begin.