Chapter 10

Fortunately, the interior of the Pirate King's palace wasn't such an artistic (or crazy) chaos like the outside, and it didn't result from the fact that one could see only a part of it at a time, not all of the building. Apparently, Hancock had had more to say about the decor than Luffy, and Law was grateful for that; his eyes could finally rest. The walls were painted in pale colours, the ornaments weren't overwhelming, and the furniture seemed to fit the rooms quite nicely. As for those rooms, Law had no idea how many were in the palace, and he doubted anyone knew. He didn't feel like thinking about the effort needed to keep this place clean...

Luffy, a person usually kind and often agreeable, had surprised everyone when he'd refused to keep any servants in his palace. Of course, he hadn't explained his stance, he'd only said flatly 'I don't want it!' and had left it to the others to wonder about his reasoning. He probably didn't like the idea that someone might serve him, even though it would be perfectly normal for a king. Hancock had had no intention to argue with him; without belittling her, the former Pirate Empress did almost everything like her lord ordered. Later, Luffy had consented to at least hire a cook (a one recommended by Sanji, of course), when it'd become clear that Hancock couldn't do everything herself around the growing family. As for the cleaning, it was the task of the automats that Franky had constructed; a whole army of them stayed in the palace, although they mostly worked by night, to a great disappointment of Luffy, who was always excited by technical inventions of any kind.

Well, there was more of them in the palace, like the whole system of lifts, passages and shortcuts making it possible to swiftly move between the floors and the wings. (Actually, it was quite a maze, and at least one person used to get lost every time). Taking into consideration that Luffy didn't plan to resign from his rubber moving abilities, the place didn't lack the high halls with the balconies and railings easy to grab, or the shafts to quickly jump down, either.

"Torao, are you hungry?" Luffy asked in the lift; he didn't wait for the answer, though, only went on, "I'd like to eat something, Hancock..." he turned to his wife. "You're going to cook something special for me and Torao, right?!"

"O-of course, Luffy," she replied with another charming blush and, when the lift stopped, rushed out first to vanish in the corridor the next second. They could hear her calling the children to help her in the kitchen.

They were on the top floor that, as much as Law remembered, the family of the Pirate King used normally. It had the children rooms, the living rooms, and the royal bathroom, but also a magnificent library, a training hall, a fully equipped kitchen, and a luxurious bathroom. Of course, the bathrooms and the kitchens could be found on every floor, along with other service spaces, which made every level an entity and providing the guests with perfect comfort.

"I forgot this building was so big," Law muttered as they walked to the main living room. "Even bigger than my hospital..."

"True, I keep getting lost here!" Luffy replied enthusiastically. "But thanks to that, I discover something new every time."

"I guess it's fine as long as you can find your way back... What about Zoro?"

"Hmm..." Luffy wondered. "His record is a month, I think. And it's only because Sanji could no longer stand it and went to find him."

"Well, it's not like Zoro needs a maze..."

"Right!" Luffy called, laughing.

"Actually, what do you do with all those rooms?"

"Nothing. I mean, they are for the guests."

Law almost winced at such a waste of space. "Isn't it a shame that they are empty all the time?"

"Nah, they aren't," Luffy objected, waving his hand vigorously. "We often have guests, and usually a lot of them at once. People rarely come to Raftel alone, more often in groups. Once, all gu-... all gir-... ah, Sanji's okama friends from Momoiro came. The other time the whole tribe of Chopper's friends from Torino. When the girls from Amazon Lily come, they occupy almost all floors, and it's great!" he said cheerfully.

"Would you agree to borrow us those guest rooms if we organised a word medical congress on Raftel?" Law asked on a spur of the moment. He was of the opinion that such things should be dealt with at once, and since he already was here, he could as well ask.

"Sure!" Luffy replied immediately. "It will be fun, that's the most important. And what is it? World medical crackers? Sounds delicious."

"Congress," Law muttered. "A gathering of doctors from all over the world."

"Great! All doctors will come?"

"No, only some of them..."

"Great!" Luffy repeated, and his eyes were shining.

"I only wanted to ask, it's nothing certain," Law informed. "We thought of it only this morning, and-"

Luffy jovially patted him on the back. "Torao, you should feel on Raftel like home. Do what you want. The most important is to have fun. World medical crackers is a very good idea! Of course the guests can stay here! You didn't need to ask!" he called almost reproachingly.

Law said nothing. Luffy's kindness had long since ceased frightening him, but it could still confuse him. He probably would never become accustomed to the fact that such selfless and unreservedly loyal people existed in his world. He probably would never stop fearing the day that Straw Hat's good will could be taken advantage of, leading to his harm... even though it was the common sense that nothing of that kind should happen since Monkey D. Luffy was the strongest man in the world.

The main living room was filled with light and perfectly empty, save for the old snake Salome, curled up and sleeping in a warm spot by the window. The couches and armchairs were sprinkled with toys, open books and other objects of the children playing and learning, but the children themselves were nowhere to be seen. Apparently, they were helping Hancock in the kitchen indeed, although Law found it difficult to reconcile those two things: 'Luffy's offspring' and 'good kids'.

"It's a mess here," Luffy said awkwardly, as if he'd just realised Law was a guest; the word 'mess' probably didn't register in his dictionary, and it surely didn't make him confused.

"Don't worry about it," Law muttered and sat down on the nearest armchair, first taking the colouring book about the West Blue fish from it. "I think it's very clean for the place where seven kids live..."

Luffy sat down on the couch. "Hancock taught them to take care of their surroundings," he said. "Except for the youngest, everyone must clean their rooms and clean up after themselves, too." Law stared at him in disbelief, but Luffy continued, "They also have chores in the kitchen, and care for the younger siblings, so that they could one day care fully of themselves. Moreover, Hancock regularly gives them lessons; she says that they must know the world they live in, and how to behave. They sometimes complain they'd rather go to school, but they listen to her anyway."

Law thought that it made sense. If the bringing-up had been left to Luffy, the kids would surely grow up to be the savages. But... they were still Luffy's children. Could Law really imagine Ace peeling the potatoes now...? "I think she must use her Conqueror's Haki..." he shared his scepticism.

Luffy grinned and shrugged. "Rather, she suggested she would cancel today's lesson if they helped her," he said. "She's fair and never too harsh. She demands a lot, but never too much. They have a lot of free time, and she doesn't restrict them much, she often even encourages them to action. And she feeds them," he added in a voice as if that was the most important argument.

"Sounds like a great mother," Law commented half-jokingly.

Luffy beamed even more. "But she is a great mother, and the kids admire her. And she teaches them to respect and care about each another."

"And what do you teach them?" Law asked without planning it.

"The same. And that life is an adventure."

The heels clicked in the corridor, and the next moment the object of their conversation, Boa Hancock appeared in the door, this time holding the youngest son in her arms. She cast the two of them a reproving look. "I should have known... Where's the snack?" she called.

Law hunched in his armchair. "Um... I didn't bring any..." he uttered.

Hancock, however, didn't pay him any attention. "Luffy! Why didn't you serve the cookies and the drinks? They are in the left cabinet."

The Pirate King cringed on the couch. "It's already empty..."

"Then, in the right cabinet."

"It's empty, too..."

"Then, in the cupboard."

"No chance..."

"Hmm..." Hancock looked around the room, searching for yet another place that the snack could be hidden in. "Behind the Grand Line painting," he said triumphantly.

"Oh!" Luffy leapt to the picture and tried to look behind it. Upon succeeding, he found a niche with a bowl of cookies and a bottle. He brought all that onto the table and took out the cups.

"I'm going back to the kitchen. You take Boi," Hancock handed Luffy the boy. Then she turned and said with a smile, "Here is Faran, too. Others will come once they're finished. I'm sure it won't be long." And then she was off.

Silence filled the room as the four men of different ages were staring at one another. The awkward moment was interrupted by Salome, who rose from her bedding by the window, yawned noiselessly and gracefully followed her mistress to the kitchen, where the nice smell was already coming from.

"Have some cookies, Torao," Luffy said, sitting on the couch with his youngest son.

"I want, too!" Boi called, waving his hands towards the bowl with a snake-pattern.

"Then take as much as you want," Luffy replied, putting him on the floor.

The three-year-old grabbed a few cookies and shoved them all into his mouth. Faran sat down at the egde of an armchair, staring at his little brother with some jealousy.

"Faran, you're not eating?" Luffy asked.

"I can't," the five-year-old muttered.

"Of course you can. Mom said you won't be eating the dinner only," Luffy reminded; whenever the food was in question, he had a great memory.

Faran beamed in his own spare manner and reached for a cookie. Law shifted his eyes between the two brothers, who, for all their resemblance, were clearly different. Boi was a spitting image of his father; he had the same ruffled black hair, black eyes and round cheeks. Faran's hair, although dark, too - all Luffy and Hancock's kids were black-haired and dark-eyed - seemed smoother, and his eyes were of the same deep-blue shade that his mother's.

Luffy opened the bottle and poured its content, apparently a juice, to the cups. "Cheers!" he called.

Boi was enthusiastically digging in the cookies, putting the handfuls in his mouth, just like Luffy, who laughed at the sight of his youngest son. Faran was eating with a greater dose of elegance, occasionally exchanging glances with Law, who politely took one cookie from the bowl.

"Torao, say something," Luffy asked.

Law drank some juice and shook his head. He didn't feel comfortable around the small kids. He had cold sweat at the thought that soon there would be more of them: all seven clones of Straw Hat Luffy. "Rather, you should tell about your last voyage. You were in the South Blue, right...?"

Luffy brightened and opened his mouth; however, even before he started his tale, Boi suddenly burst out crying and hid in his father's arms.

Law felt alarmed at once. "What happened to him?" he asked Luffy, ready to activate the Ope Ope no Mi any moment.

"Boi, what's wrong?" the Pirate King asked, frowning and rocking the boy on his lap. "There's still plenty of cookies, you can have more..."

Law thought that Luffy would always relate other people's sadness to lack of food, in the first place. Moron. Boi stopped crying, turned his head to Law and cast him a frightened look before pressing his face into his father's chest again and sobbing once more. "I'm afraid your youngest son isn't very fond of me," Law said, rolling his eyes.

"Boi, it's Uncle Torao!" Luffy called with a mixture of reproof and anxiety. "There's nothing to be afraid."

"He's been here all the time," Faran slipped with an overly calm. "You were so busy with the cookies that you didn't even notice him. Only now you are scared of him?"

Boi's head snapped up when he glared at his big brother. "I'm not scared!" he called bellicosely and wiped his face vigorously. "I'm not scared!"

Luffy burst out laughing. "That's because you hardly ever laugh, Torao!"

"I think that if I smiled now, I would scare your other son, too," Law retorted. "So forgive me not trying."

"That's not true," Faran replied with resentment. "I'm five already!"

"True, true...!" Luffy called, still laughing.

"I'm not scared!" Boi repeated and got down... only to climb on Law's lap the very next moment.

Law froze, looking at that three-year-old creature that had made himself comfortable upon him and was boldly looking back at him. Boi's cheeks were flushed, and his dark eyes were shooting sparks.

"All right," Law said slowly. "You're not scared."

The boy folded his arms and nodded with dignity. Faran cast him a glance of the reluctant recognition before taking another cookie.

"Then, I'm going to tell you about my recent adventures on the South Blue! Listen..."

Luffy plunged into a tale about his last voyage, but it mostly consisted of digressions. Law tried to fish up the main plot of the story, but it proved to be too difficult, for regardless of his questions the Pirate King kept jumping from one adventure to another, from one place to another, from one Sea King to another, and all that was enriched with repeated gusts of laughter and displays of other emotions... The narration sounded like a madman's tale, and Law thought that probably only Clione and his kind would be able to find a sensible content in it. Finally, he gave up and just listened to it; actually, he couldn't focus on the tale with the three-year-old kid sitting on his lap and absorbing him fully.

Boi wasn't really doing anything, he was just sitting peacefully, which Law found very suspicious. In his opinion, three-year-old kids shouldn't stay peacefully, except for their mother's arms. He was ready to catch the boy in case he moved suddenly and fell down. He fought the urge to activate the Ope Ope no Mi, which would give him full control over the room if he wished so, but it would be an exaggeration. He told himself that the thirty-nine year old man should really be able to handle a single kid. It didn't change the fact that he stayed alert, even if Boi seemed to be preoccupied with his father's tale, so much that he sometimes laughed loudly and clapped his hands.

It didn't take long before someone else slipped into the room, and almost noiselessly: three older boys, so much alike that they could be mistaken for twins or even triplets. Of course, when they were standing next to each other, their height difference was obvious, for they'd been born with a one year interval each; moreover, the twelve-year-old Ace had an air of the eldest child - of the firstborn son - around him that Zeno and Senti lacked. All three had ruffled hair and equally intense eyes, and it could be seen at the first sight that they were very close to each other. It made sense because after Senti's birth Hancock had taken a three-year break and when she'd decided to become mother again, she'd delivered the twin daughters. There was a big gap between the three older and two younger brothers, so it was nothing strange that the trio held together. Law suspected that Zeno and Senti were quite mature for their age, for they probably did their best to match Ace in everything.

"You were helping mom in the kitchen, right?" Luffy said noticing the boys. "Good job."

Ace glanced at his father and nodded, but then his eyes returned to Law again.

"Hello," Law greeted them, willing to avoid another awkward situation.

Ace averted his eyes, slightly embarrassed. Ah, Law guessed, his mother must have repeatedly teach him that he should greet his elder first... "Hello," the twelve year-old muttered, and the other two followed.

"Come closer," Luffy encouraged them. "There's still some... um... juice left," he informed, looking at the empty bowl. "You remember Uncle Torao, don't you?"

"I do," Zeno replied without moving from the spot.

"Me too..." Senti added, standing with the brothers.

"Trafalgar Law," Ace said, looking at Law again. "You're not a frequent guest here," he added ironically, given that a twelve-year-old kid knew how to use irony.

Law's thought flew to the time when he'd been that age himself, and he almost winced. Yeah, they definitely knew...

"Ace! Uncle Torao has a lot of work," Luffy reproached him. "You now he's a hospital director. And he did come today."

"In other words, you ask us to believe it's better late than never, right, dad?" Ace said in the same voice... but then he shrugged and came closer. "So be it. It's obvious he's already made himself home," he decided, pointing at Boi, still sitting on Law's lap, and his lips twitched in a smile.

Zeno and Senti sniggered, following him. Before another faux pas happened, one that would undoubtedly earn them a scold from their mother, the light steps could be heard in the corridor, and the next moment the last children of the Pirate King and Queen ran into the room, seven-year-old Laelya and Catleya. It seemed that everything turned lighter, such was the impression their agile moves, cheerful voices and fluttering hair made, but it was all Law could think of, for the girls didn't come to stop only jumped on his armchair and kissed him on both cheeks, laughing loudly.

Boi stared at that with his mouth open. Faran dropped the last cookie. Ace, Zeno and Senti seemed speechless. Luffy bugged his eyes, too.

Laelya and Catleya gave Law a hearty hug, then jumped on the floor and joined their hands. They started to dance, singing, "Uncle Torao! Uncle Torao!" Then they came up to his armchair again and fixed their dark-blue eyes in him, equally ecstatic. Boi made a strategic retreat onto his father's lap, which he must have considered the safer place in this situation, and Law felt somewhat exposed.

"That was a... Garchu-like greeting?" he asked in a weak voice, but was answered only by a pearly laughter.

"Right, the girls always say they will be your wives," Luffy remembered.

"Do we practice polygamy on Raftel?" Law asked, wondering if he should consider that scene absurd or the contrary.

"Dad is the king of Raftel, he can decide that," Laelya said, never taking her eyes off Law.

"Dad can decide that, he's the king of Raftel," Catleya repeated.

"Torao, do you really want to marry my daughters?!" Luffy asked in astonishment and somewhat frightened.

Law looked at him reprovingly. "There's a limit to joking," he grunted, and then something urged him to say, "Why should I have a father-in-law younger than me?"

Luffy burst out laughing, and Law stared at the twins again. "You wouldn't like to have a husband that is seven years older than your dad," he said with a wry smile.

Laelya and Catleya shook their heads, but they were still regarding him with stars in their eyes. Law suppressed a sigh. The only daughters of Luffy were probably the loveliest children he'd ever seen. It made sense since their mother was Boa Hancock, the most beautiful woman in the world. They both had small faces, great eyes with the long lashes and sweetly shaped lips, just like her. They looked like the perfect clones of the Pirate Empress - Law couldn't but think of parthenogenesis again - and were different only in one detail: Catleya's black hair was wavy, while Laelya's was falling onto her back straight like a mountain waterfall, similar to her mother.

Law put both hands on their heads. "You should find yourselves someone of your age," he said in a serious voice, looking at them separately. "I don't... I don't intend to get married."

"That's what I kept telling Hancock, and see what happened," Luffy complained. "Not that it's bad... Hancock! Is the meal ready?!" he called in the direction of the kitchen.

The heels clicked, and the Pirate Queen appeared in the door again. She didn't look like someone in the middle of preparing a dinner for a seven-member family and a guest. She looked like... hmm... well, like a queen. "It's in the oven," she said, casting Luffy a timid look.

"Is it true that dad didn't want to marry you?" Senti blurted.

"He's just said it," Zeno backed him, and Ace nodded.

Dead silence fell in the room; even Laelya and Catleya stopped laughing. Their eyes wide open, they turned their heads to look at their mother. Law followed their gaze, feeling a terror running down his spine. Luffy, Boi and Faran froze, and for a moment the room seemed a painting of a skilful artist who'd perfectly depicted the emotions of the seven people rooted in astonishment and horror, and the eighth one who was the master of that scene. Only Salome kept swaying in a soothing manner over Hancock's shoulder, although only someone who'd known the great snake of the former empress of Amazon Lily could tell that.

"Senti...! Zeno...!" Luffy groaned, finding his voice. "It was long ago..."

Hancock looked at her sons number 2 and 3, then placed her hands on her hips and raised her chin. "That's what he claimed," she answered loftily, piercing her husband with her gaze. "But I always get what I want."

"I said I've no reason to complain!" Luffy called defensively. "I don't complain about anything, Hancock! I feel great... we all feel great, right? Right?!" He looked around, seeking his offspring's support.

Law wondered if those two really should have such conversations in the children's presence... but Ace's snigger made him realise that the kids must have witnessed such confrontations before, and treated them as a normal family routine. Atmosphere in the room became lively again, as if a conflict had been thwarted - or maybe there had been no real danger at all? Luffy and Hancock's kids probably attached greater importance to the gestures than the words, and considered it obvious that their parents cared about each other as well as about them. No-one had any reason to feel unloved or unwanted here.

"Then, dad, say that you wouldn't change mom for any woman," Catleya prompted.

"You wouldn't change mom for any woman, say that, dad," Laelya repeated.

Luffy waved his arms frantically. "Of course I wouldn't change!" he called quickly. "Hancock! I wouldn't change you for any woman!" he declared. "Your cooking is great!" he added, which, in Law's opinion, weakened the general impression of his statement.

Boa Hancock, however, must have find that answer sufficient. She pressed her both hands to her cheek and turned around to hide her blush. Law refrained from shaking his head. Again, he came to the conclusion that love was a very strange phenomenon - and, apparently, it meant something different for everyone. Luffy probably needed only someone to feed him - after all, they said that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach - for Law didn't believe that the Pirate King might consider those things from any deeper viewpoints. On her part, Hancock, once a ruler of an all-female tribe, had never thought of love and family, and yet she couldn't resist the hurricane of feelings Monkey D. Luffy had stirred in her. Her love - love of that woman who'd had the whole world under her feet and had ruthlessly ruled over the men's hearts while she couldn't care less about them - had appeared to be a completely selfless loyalty and devotion, and concern, and unreserved urge to help. It was beyond doubt that someone like Boa Hancock could love only once, and once it had happened, nothing could stop her from realising her love... even though Luffy was thinking mostly in terms of eating, but she accepted that, too. It was a truly peculiar relationship, but Law knew better than rationalising the feelings. What mattered was that people were happy, and the two of them certainly were.

He took the whole group in one look. Ace was smiling to himself, while Zeno and Senti were giggling. Laelya and Catleya were laughing merrily. Faran, in a stoic manner, was eating the cookie he'd picked up from the floor, and Boi was looking around with an obvious need to eat some more. There was he whole family of the Pirate King, and himself, too, Monkey D. Luffy, who was afraid of only one thing in the world: solitude. How happy he must be here, surrounded by people who would always be a part of him.

Law felt strangely out of place... but he had no time to think of that sensation. Hancock disappeared again to prepare the dining-room, but the kids were free now and could stay with the guest they were clearly curious of. Ace gave his brothers short instructions, and soon the scattered toys and books vanished from the coaches and armchairs, and another jug of juice was brought from the kitchen along with a snack for Luffy. Laelya and Catleya adjusted the tablecloths, and even Faran got up to brush off the crunches from his armchair. Everything happened like in a well-oiled machine, with everyone knowing what to do and how, and what was their duty. There was no scrambles, quarrels or shouting, there was no complaining or attempts to wriggle out of work. Law was observing that completely amazed, for it didn't match what he thought of the children, especially in that particular family... In the end, he came to the cautious conclusion that, if that kept up, he would have to change his opinion about Straw Hat's kids, who really seemed self-disciplined.

Once everyone had made themselves comfortable - the older boys on the couch, the girls on Law's both sides, and Salome had curled again in her sunny spot by the window - the shower of questions fell on Law, and he decided inwardly his joy had been premature. The situation was, however, quickly managed by Ace, whom one word was enough to silence the rest. His authority was beyond question, and his younger siblings seemed to admire him and listened to him without reservation.

"Trafalgar Law," said Luffy's firstborn in the same voice as before, fixing his dark eyes on the guest. "Once, you used to sail with our father, you even helped him claim the One Piece and become the Pirate King. Whenever dad mentions you, he always stresses that you were one of the most powerful people he's even met... If it's true, why didn't you try to get the One Piece and the title of the Pirate King yourself?" he asked.

"Ace, that was rude! Torao has always been my friend!" Luffy called indignantly.

"That's no answer," Ace replied, never taking his eyes off Law.

"No?" Luffy wondered.

Law smiled wryly. "Even if I were one of the most powerful pirates of my time, I was no match for your father," he said the obvious thing. "Besides... I never took any interest in the One Piece or becoming the king."

"Then, why did you come to Raftel?" another question came.

"Perhaps because I am... his friend," Law muttered.

Ace blinked.

"See?" Luffy said with satisfaction.

"Even if he were the strongest man in the world, he would've never managed on his own," Law continued with a sneer. "Someone wise had to see to everything."

"Hahaha, true!" Luffy burst out laughing, but then he winced. "Hey, that wasn't nice, Torao!"

The kids giggled.

"Why did you stay on Raftel?" Zeno asked.

"Why didn't you sail on?" Senti added.

"On? On to where?" Luffy scratched his head.

Law ignored him. "Raftel is a good place," he said. "I spent long time on sea, but I never intended to do it all my life. Once I accomplished what I wanted as a pirate, I could move on to my next... dream that was to open a hospital."

"Hospital? Why?" Faran asked.

"To create a place for you to be born, for starters," Law replied.

"Torao is the best doctor in the world. He can cure any disease!" Luffy slipped enthusiastically.

"I want to cure people, too!" Laelya called.

"Me too!" Catleya added.

"If you come to work in the Corazon Memorial Hospital, you won't have far from home," Law muttered and then, before the next questions came, he took initiative. "What about you? What are you going to do when you grow up?" he asked the older boys.

"We want to sail the seas!" Zeno and Senti replied in unison, and Ace nodded.

"We'll become the sea warriors," Zeno qualified.

"We're going to sail all around the world," Senti added.

"I sail already," Ace announced somewhat proudly.

"I would like to go to school in Roger Bay," Faran interjected. "And then to university. I want to become a scholar."

His older brothers stared at him for a longer while, like he'd been some kind of alien, but then, much to Law's surprise, they nodded reluctantly.

"It would be great to go to Roger Bay," Zeno admitted.

"But is a school great...?" Senti asked and looked at his father.

"Hmm... No idea, I never went to any," Luffy said, rubbing his chin, but then he brightened. "But I'm sure it's great! Besides, you're smarter than I, so you're going to enjoy it!"

"Mom doesn't let us go," Zeno said moodily.

"She says she can teach us everything," Senti added.

"Hmm... School isn't just about learning," Law pointed out. "You're old enough. You'd only benefit from meeting other kids of your age, and other people, too. It's not good that you only stay here in the mountains and hardly ever visit the town..."

"Is that what you think, Trafalgar Law?" Hancock's voice came from the door.

Law looked up at her, aware of the hopeful glances coming from the three pairs of eyes. It wasn't really his business, but since he was being asked... And it certainly wasn't that he wanted to score some points with the new generation of those crazy creatures.

"I think it would be good for Ace, Zeno and Senti to attend the school in Roger Bay, especially if they want it themselves," he said. "Even if you can teach them more than the school teachers, to say nothing of your splendid library that they apparently use to their hearts' content, I'm sure that the contact with new people would broaden their horizons and contribute to their overall development. They're old enough, they don't need to stay with their family all the time," he added, trying not to think about his daily life when in the same age. "School won't hurt them."

The Pirate Queen looked at her three eldest sons. "You would have to get up early, for the school starts at eight, and it's many kilometres to Roger Bay," she pointed out. "Well, we could probably arrange some transport..." She mused.

"But we could come back on feet, it would be a good training," Zeno said eagerly after three seconds of silence.

"We will get up early every day, I promise!" Senti backed him.

Ace only nodded, but his eyes were shining with enthusiasm.

Hancock fixed her gaze on her children again. "We'll talk about it after the meal," she declared flatly, and the boys nodded. They knew they could trust her promises, as they could trust her reasoning. She didn't use to refuse saying 'just because'. "Now I want to see you all in the kitchen, for dinner is ready, and we have to serve it."

Ace, Zeno and Senti jumped up to their feet. "Roger, mom!"

"And the rest of you, come to the dining-room, please..."

Law didn't even notice when he'd spent the whole day in Luffy's place. Between the meals, conversations, games and little emergencies, he forgot to count the hours. Luffy's seven kids were as engaging as possible, but mostly because of their brilliance that had completely surprised him. He should've grown accustomed to the fact that there were many strange things in the world, but he still felt confused by the fact that Straw Hat's children were so intelligent. Except for the youngest one, all could already read and apparently made a good use of the library, for their knowledge was much beyond the average level for their age group and exceeded what Hancock could teach them. However, excluding perhaps only Faran, they weren't any bookworms; they were as eager to play and, the eldest three boys, train. And they talked, too, they talked so much, and it wasn't a nonsense twitter one could expect of the kids, only a serious debate on many different topics. It was really a discussion, not a quarrel, for they could fervently argument their differing opinions. What it was Straw Hat had said? That Hancock taught her kids to respect themselves and each other; that much could be easily seen.

Law kept having that peculiar impression that they just couldn't be Luffy's kids, but such reasoning was completely futile. That was because the children had the same fire and vigour that the Pirate King, the same urge to experience adventure and the need to go past their limits. They were confident, fearless and determined to take everything life could offer them, but those traits were disciplined, emphasised by common sense and intelligence they'd inherited from their mother. Those seven were combinations of their parents' best features, and each of them promised to become someone exceptional in the future. They only needed to find path they wanted to follow, and to discover their talents to prove themselves... and the world would sooner or later bow down to them.

For now, however, they were still kids, and even the greatest brilliance couldn't protect them from juvenile stunts... or maybe it even provoked it, together with their wanting to know or simply good will, for it was beyond doubt that all seven were kind and considerate. Ace insisted on helping to cut the roast - he really was skilled with a knife - and he almost got his finger cut off. Zeno wanted to bring the meal for Hancock, moving the dishes almost as big as himself to the dining room, and he poured hot sauce on himself. Senti went out on the roof through the window in his room to observe the snow birds that had made a nest there, and he nearly got his hands frozen to the gutter, for he'd forgotten about the gloves. Faran fell down from the ladder in the library when trying to get the interesting book from the highest shelf. The twins decided to bake some cookies for Law, and they burned their fingers when hastily grabbing the hot baking tray.

Hancock tended to all injuries before Law managed to activate the Ope Ope no Mi. 'We don't need the Devil Fruit for this,' she said in a decisive voice, suggesting that the children would only benefit from knowing that their actions could have the unpleasant results, too. She infallibly believed that their sons and daughters could learn from their mistakes, and she was probably right.

Law didn't notice the evening until the darkness fell and the lamps were turned on. By then, has was already the best pal of Ace, who'd wanted to know about his sailing experience. He also earned the respect of Zeno an Senti after telling them about his abilities. He even gained Faran and Boi's trust, and he completely failed at discouraging the twins, not that he'd tried to. He talked and discussed, answered the questions and made comments, and listened, too. When the day was nearing its end, he no longer felt as a guest; he'd been accepted to the family like... well, Uncle Torao.

The parting wasn't easy, but he suspected that everyone was given such a goodbye here; the reason was probably Luffy's manner of showing the other person his affection as if they were the most important people in the world. Laelya and Catleya showered him with teary kisses, handing him the package of cookies, and Boi didn't want to leave his lap and objected doing it with a loud cry. Faran announced he would know all fish species from the North Blue by the next time they met, while Zeno and Senti expressed their wish to hear more stories about his adventures. Ace said nothing, but his eyes were revealing respect and understanding. In the end, Law had to promise he would come again soon, which, much to his surprise, wasn't as hard as he'd assumed.

As he walked down - Franky's round lamps were illuminating the road with a soft light - he tried to feel bad about that... but couldn't. Then, he decided to use the argument that Luffy and Hancock's kids had turned to be much more sensible he'd thought them to, and that was why spending time with them hadn't been a torment... Yes, that was the only reason why he'd managed to stay there all day and even promised to visit again. He'd expected he would leave there exhausted and wrecked, with his nerves shot to pieces, his senses abused, and his dignity damaged. That he would be bombarded by noise, and his psychical comfort would be subjected to irreparable violation. That he would have enough of kids for the rest of his life and would never, ever go to that place that seemed the gate of hell, even if he needed to barricade himself in his office. Yet, as he ran down towards Roger Bay, he felt light at heart and pleasant. He couldn't stop remembering the conversation, laughter and joy filling the last few hours. And he couldn't banish the impression that it had been a good day and that he, Trafalgar D. Water Law, had enjoyed it.

Only when the bright building of the Corazon Memorial Hospital appeared before his eyes, Law was surprised to realise he'd been so busy he hadn't spared his work a single moment. He ironically thought that Bepo would be ecstatic hearing that... and prepared for a spell of remorse. That, however, didn't come; he was still filled with that warmth taken from Straw Hat's household. He smiled wryly to himself... and, in order to finish that day of laziness properly, he decided he would take a relaxing bath. A bubble bath.