It's been a few months since Law sat down on his office chair to read a medical book without thinking of any trouble. As he reflected on his journey, he and his crew were busy making strategic plans to bring Kaido down, an alliance with unexpected trouble-making Strawhat pirates, a deadly battle with Donquixote Family, forming of the ninja-pirate-mink-samurai alliance, an alliance with Kid Pirates, and a big battle with two Emperors of the Sea, Kaido and Big Mom. It is almost like a dream that their alliances beat those two monsters. Thanks to their accomplishments, all the captains' head bounty increased to 3 billion berries, Strawhat became a new emperor, they all obtained a copy of Road Poneglyph and caused a great ruckus at Marine Headquarters which he personally enjoys imagining how they reacted to their victory.
Speaking of the Road Poneglyph, he could still remember himself standing before its ruins in Zou and Onigashima. If he collects all 4 Poneglyphs, he can discover the treasure that Gold Roger left on the island that all pirates are aiming for.
If I could reach Raftel and obtain One Piece, will I be able to discover the history of the void century? Will I know the Will of D?
Since his revenge to take down Doflamingo has been accomplished, there was a void inside him that remained empty for a while. But after observing Sengoku's reaction to learning his real name, finding out that there was a close link between the Kozuki clan and the void century, and learning the true meaning of 'opening the Wano country,' he decided to look for the meaning of 'Will of D' and know everything that had happened during the void century.
But there was one concern he is mulling for a quite while-
"Captain?" Law flinched and whipped his head toward the source of the voice and saw Penguin, stretching his body out from the door. "Sorry, were you busy, Captain?" his subordinate asked as he entered his study room. Law sighed and shook his head as he closed the book he was reading, or probably 'looking' is a suitable term for he was busy in his thoughts.
Penguin cocked his head, and crossed his arms, as he leaned his shoulder against the door frame while observing his Captain massaging the bridge of his nose.
Feeling uncomfortable, Law finally asked. "What's the matter?"
"-you seemed to be pondering over something, Captain," the other replied, still his expression didn't change. "I knocked a couple of times, but you didn't answer."
"Really?" the surgeon reacted as he wore his fluffy white cap, surprised that he didn't notice nor heard the knocking sounds. "I'm sorry about that. Anyway, what's the matter? Did something happen?" he changed the topic.
Penguin slightly opened his mouth, remembering the initial reason why he came to Captain's study room. "Oh yeah, Captain. I came here to invite you for a stargazing night!" he said with a beam.
"Stargazing?" Law repeated, doubting his ears if he heard him right.
The elder nodded. "This morning, on our way to our grocery, Ikkaku read a magazine about 'Best Stargazing Spot in the World!' and coincidentally, the spot we are now is one of the places that was introduced in the article~" he explained, his voice filled with excitement. "Right now, all the crew is heading to the upper deck so why not join us, Captain?"
The first thought that entered Law's mind was how carefree his crewmates are, but thinking that stargazing is not a bad idea, he nodded his head and stood up, accepting Penguin's invitation. The elder beamed with his captain's response and stood straight.
"I will help Sachi bring everyone's coffee, so Captain, you may head up first" then trotted towards the kitchen. Law grabbed his navy-blue feathery coat, expecting that it will be cold outside before he headed up to the gathering area.
The moment he pushed the door connecting to the upper deck, the night sea breeze welcomed him, brushing his face and fluttering his coat behind him while the gentle waves of the sea brought an instant revitalizing effect to his exhausted body.
"Ah, Captain~," Bepo noticed his presence first then greeted him with a hug. The rest of the crew also greeted him, one by one, like children who are delighted to meet their mother after waiting for her arrival for a very long time. Before Law could ask about the situation of their submarine, Jean and Uni, who was assigned for the lookout tonight reported.
"There was no sign of Sea Kings or pirates nearby, Captain," Uni said first.
"There are no signs of sudden thunderstorms and nearby whirlpools, so our Polar Tang is safe in this area," Jean added. "Don't worry, Captain, we will go back to our post after an hour." Then both of them gave their reassuring grin or gaze to their Captain.
Law smirked as he shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I do not need to be concerned with anything huh. Good work, Jean, Uni." Both of his crew giggled and then nudged their elbows at each other, happy to receive praise from their Captain.
A few moments later, Penguin and Sachi came bringing a big oak tray, each carrying a couple of mugs with brewed coffee on top of it. They served each of their crew, taking the last mug left on their tray for themselves. "Okay, it seems like everyone is here so I am going to turn off the lights!" Ikkaku exclaimed excitingly and switched off the lights of their submarine.
The moment when the artificial lights went out, everyone gazed up at the sky, and almost in unison, they all gasped and were at a loss for words when they saw a canopy of stars glimmering high above their heads. The massive galaxy that is mysteriously engraved in the night sky emits blue, white, red, yellow, green, and orange stars, twinkling in random patterns as if billions of natural gems were spilled over on the natural planetarium. Everyone was speechless for several minutes for they were all immersed in the grandeur view. Even Law, who always wore a cool mien couldn't hide his awe.
"Ikkaku, this is awesome!" Sachi was the first person who voiced out his reaction, then exchanged a high-five with the lady. Ikkaku made a smug on her face, "Well, I just found an interesting magazine by chance. We're lucky that Captain chose this course~" Then proudly whipped her hair behind her shoulder.
"Ah, a shooting star!" Bepo exclaimed as he pointed out toward the direction where he last saw the falling star.
"Really? Aww, man. I wanted to see it too~" Penguin drawled disappointingly.
"It's mid of spring season. Probably we can witness meteor showers tonight." Law reassured still observing the sky. "See, I saw one over there." With his words, the crew whipped their heads in that direction. Soon after, most of his crew started to compete with one another on how many shooting stars they can witness before dawn.
"Great job, Ikkaku. This is an amazing gift for all of us." Law thanked the lady, who was standing just beside Penguin. She then smiled and giggled, contented to receive praise from her captain, and receiving a thumb up from Penguin.
Law continuously gazes at the night sky. If he thinks about it, the sky of North Blue was always cloudy. Gray clouds covered the entire sky, and almost half of the year, the town where he, Sachi, Penguin, and Bepo grew was snowing. But after they started their pirate life, they witnessed various skies that they weren't able to see in the North Blue. Starting with four members, his crew increased to twenty. They all overcame dangers and trials together, risking their lives for one another to reach Grand Line, entering the New World, fought against the Animal Beast pirates in Zou and Onigashima. They all went through lots of difficulties, but here, everyone is present. Healthy and alive.
Just watching them laughing together and having a fun conversation while drinking coffee brings a smile and warmth to Law's heart. They are all irreplaceable treasures for him, to the point he can offer his life to protect them-
Law fumbled the handle of his mug while gazing at the surface of the coffee as he entered into his deep thoughts again. But after realizing that this train of thought will not end, he decided to open up to his crew.
"Guys-" All at once, everyone's attention went to their Captain. "I have something to tell you before Jean and Uni will go back to their post." He said as he leaned his back against the wooden mast's wall. His crews exchanged query looks with one another, but based on his mien they could tell that he is about to say something important so people who were a bit far from him gathered with the rest of the group, encircling their captain. Some sat on the wooden floor, others remained standing, while some sat on the railings on the mast.
Law then gazed at his childhood friends, Penguin, Sachi, and Bepo. "I am going to tell my past and our life in Swallow Island." The trio flinched at his words, for they knew the tragedy of his past.
"Are you all right with that, Captain?" Penguin asked for confirmation and received a firm nod from the other. "I see. If you say so, then we don't object to your decision either." And the trio smiled. Law mumbled his thanks for supporting his decision and returned his gaze toward the rest of his crew. The surgeon started sharing about the tragedy that happened in his hometown, about the Amber disease, his life being part of the Donquixote Family for three years, his journey with Corazon to cure his disease and obtaining the Ope-Ope fruit, his escape to Swallow Island where he met Wolff, his second benefactor, Penguin, Sachi and Bepo, and his determination to revenge Doflamingo. He also revealed his true name, Trafalgar D. Water Law, and his new goal which is to find out the meaning of 'Will of D' and to know the truth behind the 'Void Century.'
No one dared to comment or question while their Captain was sharing his past tragedy, his thoughts, and his goals. They all just kept silent and listened to his words, not wanting to miss any information for they somehow felt that this will be the first and last time Law will share about his past. While listening, some couldn't help but weep after realizing how much their Captain had gone through, and finally understood the reason why he is being protective and caring to them.
"I'm sorry I kept everything secret. I needed some time to fix my thoughts and decide my goals before sharing them with you guys, but I didn't think that it will take years to open up." Law apologized with a downcast gaze, feeling pathetic in front of his crew.
"So just like I've mentioned earlier, my next goal is to find out the 'Will of D' and the truth about the 'Void Century.' But to achieve them, I need to reach Raftel and obtain One Piece." The surgeon said as he raised his gaze towards his crew. "This will mean that our enemy will be the Celestial Dragons and the World Government- in other words, we are going to fight against the world…"
Celestial Dragons. They are said to be the god of this world. Neither the World Government nor pirates dare to defy their order. Even the nobles of each kingdom are no match for their power. Defying their wish equally means your death sentence, and depending on their mood, they may abduct your family, and loved ones, or may burn the entire town. If you are caught as their slave, you will end up living a life of hell.
"-Despite all these risks, will you still follow and allow me to stand as your Captain?" Law finally inquired about the question he wanted to ask his 20 crews. The crew stayed silent as they exchanged their gazes with the people on their right, left, up and down as if they are sending unseen messages to one another. Moments later, they all grinned, people who were sitting on the floor and railings stood up and gathered together in front of their Captain while Penguin, Sachi, and Bepo stood in the first line.
"This is our answer, Captain." Penguin smiled as he shifted his weight to his side and placed his hand on his hip.
"From the moment we became part of Heart Pirate, and pledge our loyalty to you, no matter what path you choose, we will always follow you," Sacchi added and beamed.
"We will also become stronger so that we can fight with you until the end, Captain! Aye, aye!" Bepo exclaimed while raising his both arms above his head. That moment, Law realized that his crew prepared this stargazing gathering so that he could clear up his mind and assure him that they are all right. They wanted to let him know that they are prepared to follow him, even though their journey may be dark and deadly. This made him smirk, feeling pathetic as a captain for causing trouble but also at the same time he felt blessed to have these amazing people as his crew.
Law then fixed his cap, slightly downward to cover his face.
"You guys are really idiot-" he mumbled, but his words were clear enough for Penguin, Sachi, and Bepo to hear for they are standing closest to him.
"Hmm, Captain? Are you flattered~?" Sachi drawled while wearing his mischievous grin.
"I'm not" Law immediately denied, and wore his usual mien but his crew didn't stop grinning.
"Tsk, tsk, really, our Captain is not honest about his feelings," Penguin said as he shook his head from side to side. "Sometimes, it is important to express what you feel, Captain." And tapped his shoulder which only made Law purse his lips, feeling uncomfortable because he is not used to expressing his feelings. But also, he felt that it is not right to let this opportunity slide because his crew made this time for him. He averted his eyes from Penguin as he peered over his shoulders and saw the rest of his crew was waiting for him to say something which only give unnecessary pressure on him. Finally, he released a defeated sigh and fiddled with his cap again.
"-Thank you, everyone. Without you guys I am not here-" he then looked at his comrades and grinned. "Let me say this again, follow me and I'll make sure that we'll get the proper throne."
His crew gasped in unison when they got struck with the nostalgic phrase of their Captain. Waves of excitement were felt throughout their body which made them hyped up and jumped in excitement.
"Aye, aye, Captain!"