As of an hour ago or so, it's May 20th where I live, which means I'm (sadly) a year older officially. As I usually do this day, I'm posting all the updates I have ready :) They aren't many this year, but still I got a few and I hope you'll review, because they're the best birthday presents I can receive :D
Now this chapter is a bit of a "relax" part, but one I wanted to write. The Shichibukai has one chapter left, and that's one I really want to write. It's important and actually one of the first scenes I planned when this series was born.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one :)
The Shichibukai: Reprieve
The World Government liked to handle most of the Shichibukai-related affairs at their base on Mariejois. Tsuru had no doubt that it was meant as a show of the government's might for the Shichibukai, even if no one used such words to describe it. Personally, Tsuru thought it had no effect, at least not the desired one. No Shichibukai she had met had ever been impressed or awed by the Holy Land. Doflamingo found his visits hilarious, Mihawk was utterly indifferent to the place and what it represented, Jinbe had hated it… and right now… well, it was clear that Law was no more impressed by Mariejois than Mihawk was.
In fact, Tsuru had to admit that their current situation was quite hilarious.
Law had, of course, accepted Garp's offer of a tour, much to Sakazuki's annoyance. It was clear that while they took care of the last formalities of Law's appointment as a Shichibukai someone had spread the news of his and Sengoku's connection.
They had been gawked at while Garp lead them around to the few interesting spots at this base, and now they were in the mess hall, Garp's favorite area.
If the Mariejois base had something good it was its excellent food, something that many marine bases around the world lacked. Tsuru had watched in some amusement as Law carefully selected his food, displaying the picky eater side that Sengoku had mentioned sometimes. Garp had tried to sneak some bread on Law's plate just for fun and, much to the surrounding marines' horror, Law had retaliated by switching the bread with Garp's plate with his powers.
Garp had just laughed his ass off and eaten the bread while Sengoku shook his head in resigned exasperation.
"So," Garp started once he had a replacement plate, "tell me about the auction house. I know Luffy punched a Tenryuubito, but I don't know why."
Tsuru leaned forward, curious about the answer as well. That information hadn't made it into the official report, because no soldier had thought to ask about it.
"You know, this is the first time I see the old man go all out," Law said, sitting next to Tsuru on the railing of a balcony that overlooked the base's training grounds, now empty save for Sengoku and Garp.
Garp had wanted to test Law's fighting skills, Sengoku had vetoed the idea and the argument that followed had predictably ended in a fight between the two that had sent all the marines who had been training here fleeing the scene.
"He doesn't get to do it very often," Tsuru acknowledged. Garp went through a wall on the opposite side of the training grounds. "It'll be good for his nerves."
"Hm?" Law turned to look at her. "His nerves seem fine to me. He's far more relaxed than usual."
"It's a side effect of retirement," Tsuru said with a snort. "However," she continued, glancing at Law out of the corner of her eye, "we all know he'll be worried sick the moment you leave his sight. Let's not pretend we don't know you're planning something stupid."
Law hummed.
"I'm not sure that's the word I'd use to describe it. I am being very careful to set everything in motion."
Tsuru snorted again. As if being meticulous meant a plan to take down Doflamingo wouldn't be dangerous.
"Just warn him beforehand, will you?"
"I doubt I'll have time to call, but rest assured that you will know it when I make my move."
"That's not reassuring," Tsuru told him, but Law just smirked and focused on the fight below.
Tsuru shook her head. She resolved to keep a close eye on Sengoku for the foreseeable future.
Crazy grandchildren. The brat better not get himself killed.
