The Heart of the Matter

Nami found herself lying back on the cold operating table preparing for the worst. Wearing only her bikini top and bottom, the cool metal surface brought her no comfort as she anxiously waited for the surgeon to reassemble her missing body parts. Even though the doctor's back was facing her, she knew exactly what he was up to. She could feel it. He was inspecting every inch of her left arm. All this waiting was finally getting to her. This was cruel and unusual punishment and she wasn't going to stand for it! And in her case, both figuratively and literally.

"What are earth are you doing over there?" growled the orange haired woman. "Why are you taking so long?"

The surgeon took a moment to look over his shoulder. He could tell how frazzled the young lady had become awaiting his examination. Law had to admit he found her facial expressions rather amusing. Perhaps he could enjoy a bit more fun for the time being. He turned his head back down towards the arm he was observing.

"I'm debating whether or not I should sell you in pieces."

Did Nami hear this man right?

"W-what?!" squeaked the Straw Hat's navigator.

"You would be surprised how much money one could make for an arm or a leg."

"You wouldn't dare!"

The surgeon placed her left arm down and reached for her right one. As he inspected the dangling arm Law retorted against her doubt.

"You should really do your research before jumping onboard somebody's ship. You never know what kind of demons people carry from their past."

It was very true. The "Surgeon of Death" had a dark reputation well before hitting his "Supernova" status. Law was no stranger to the business of the Underworld. Especially when it came to the dealings of the Black Market. The Organ Trade was a natural fit for a man with the ope ope devil fruit. True, he had not been involved of the Organ Trade for quite some time...but she didn't know that.

"You're not really going to—"

"I suppose in your case, no. Selling you whole and intact I could fetch a fair better price."

Nami couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was this man really such a monster?

"You sick bastard! You would really do this? After I went out my way to save you and everything?"

Law paused his inspection and turned towards the navigator.

"You did no such thing. I would've made it out of there just fine."

"Oh really? With seastone cuffs? Face it, if I didn't intervene the bounty hunters would've handed your ass over to the Marines!"

The doctor smiled and let out a low chuckle.

"Something tells me during these last two years you didn't bother to gather up any information in the happenings of the New World. Am I correct?"

Nami felt a sweat drop fall down her forehead. He had her there. Sure she was a little behind when it came to New World news, but so what? What did that have to do with his capture?

"It would be very foolish for these bounty hunters to turn in a Shichibukai to the Marines. They would not receive any award and would have a heap of problems to deal with."

Nami turned completely white. She couldn't believe it! This man was a Shichibukai? It took her few moments to gather back all her thoughts.

"Then why would someone capture you? To sell you in an auction house?"

"Unlikely. No auction house would take me. Although my bounty inactivate, it is still too high for any auction house to obtain me. I would cause them too much trouble," explained Law. "This aside, bounty hunters are sometimes sent on "private missions"…if the price is right, that is."

"So someone paid this bounty hunter to capture you?"

"Not sure. Perhaps."

Law appeared indifferent from the thought. In the pirate world no one is safe and everyone plays dirty.

"There's a good chance someone did! So I did save you!"

"I wouldn't be so sure. You're not the only one who has mastered the art of an escape. I would've had no problem getting out of such a bind," declared Law, looking down at her right arm once again. "I'm afraid I cannot say the same for you."

Nami let out a small huff. She realized what kind of man she was dealing with. All this "organ trade" talk in the air it was clear she was dealing with a businessman. And one thing Nami pride herself in was talking business. She was business beast!

"I see... so how does 16,000,000 beli sound about now?"

The dark doctor slowly walked towards the operating table still holding her right arm in his hands. He hovered above her, locking his dark eyes with her big bright ones.

"16 million is just a starting price in the Underworld. What Marines are willing to pay and what pirates are willing to pay are two very different things. A pirate is much more willing to pay a hefty price for a coveted capture."

Nami could feel the surgeon's gloved hand cup her chin, tracing his smooth fingers down the edge of her jaw.

"Yes, I believe I could make a fortune with you."

"Is that what you want? Money? Is that why you captured me?"

Pulling his hand from her face and flopping her right arm over his shoulder he gave his head a little shake.

"Money? No, that's not what I want at all."

"What do you want?"

Nami choked to get the words out. It was a question she was dreading to ask but desperately needed answer to. Why did Trafalgar Law take her hostage?

"Confusion."

"What?"

"I want to cause confusion."

If it was confusion that he wanted, it was confusion he was getting! Nami had never been so confused in her whole life! What on earth was this lunatic babbling about?

"I don't understand."

The surgeon just turned away and walked back to where he stood earlier. He placed down her right arm and reached for her left leg.

"Why are you doing this?" screamed Nami.

Law ignored her cries and continued his inspections in silence. Nami didn't know how much more she could take. She tried twisting and turning on the operation table, but it was no use. Tight straps held her torso down and it was hopeless for her to escape. All the tears she fought to hide were now trickling down her cheeks. She was frustrated and frighten beyond belief. But she still needed something to hold on to, something to believe in. Nami still had her faith! There's no way she could give up yet!

"When Luffy finds you he's going to rip you to shreds," spat out Nami. "You will not get away with this!"

This comment earned another head rise from the doctor. She had his attention once again. He turned and looked towards the operating table once more.

"Oh? Is that so?"

"Yes. Luffy WILL come and believe me, you are no match for him."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"You are confident your Captain will find you?"

"Definitely."

"You have a vivre card?"

"No. But that doesn't matter! He will find me!"

"How?"

"Well you did leave survivors."

The woman had a point. There was a chance Angre and his bounty crew would spread the word of what had happened on the ship and if the Strawhats remained on the island they would quickly learn about her capture.

"True. But how will he find you? It's pretty difficult to track down a submarine, especially when your prized navigator is not available to steer you the way."

Nami didn't even flinch at such a comment. She held her head firm.

"Mark my words. Luffy will find me."

Law couldn't help but smirk at the orange haired woman. He hiked an eyebrow as he stroke the small patch of dark hair on his chin.

"The faith you have in you Captain astonishes me. I must say, its quite admirable, Nami-ya."

Nami held her breath. She couldn't tell the doctor was being genuine with his remarks or just mocking her. The Straw Hat's navigator wouldn't dare allow him to injure her pride. The woman was ready for anything he would throw her way.

"Very well, how long do you propose it would take him to find you? A day or two?"

Anything but that! Nami did not expect him to react like that! Her jaw dropped in shock!

"What?"

"I will not wait any longer than three day. Three day is what I will give to Straw Hat-ya and no more," announced Law, positioning her left leg back into her socket. "If he shows up, I will agree to give you back to your crew."

Nami couldn't believe her ears! Was this mad man for real? Law transported her right leg into his arms and popped it inward beside her left leg. Nami wiggled her knees, feet, and toes. She had her legs back! Things were beginning to look bright again.

"However, this is not a "negotiation"…this is a test of will, a test of destiny. If Straw Hat-ya does not find you within the three days I will act accordingly. Understood?"

Nami gritted her teeth. Right when things were looking up Law had to bring her back to reality.

"My Captain will find me! You can count on that!"

Law brought her right arm back into her socket.

"For your sake," muttered Law, placing her left arm back in place. "I hope he does."

Although her torso was still strapped onto the table her arms were free to do what they please. Nami grabbed the surgeon's coat and pulled him down so they met eye to eye.

"What are you planning to do with me?" growled the Cat Burglar.

"What I have to do to get what I want," answered Law, pulling her arms off him and stepping away from the operating table. "Now enough of this aggressive behavior. If you have faith in your Captain recovering you there is no reason for you to be acting this way. I expect you to be on your best behavior and not attempt any more escapes."

"I will make no such promise! Whether or not Luffy shows up, I am not going to sit around and wait for him to save me! If I see any opportunity for an escape you better believe I will take it!"

When things sound too good to be true, there's a good chance they are. Nami learned this the hard way when dealing with Arlong. The Fishman promised her village and island back if she paid the correct debt, but in the end it was a false vow. She would never allow that happen again. Making arrangements with the enemy would only burden her in the end.

Law let out an irritated sigh.

"Why must you Straw Hats make things so much more difficult?"

Nami just gave him a stubborn pout and turned her head away.

"If you attempt anymore escapes I'm afraid all bet are off," explained Law.

She wasn't going allow such threats scare her. There was no chance Nami would grovel to his commands.

"They would have to be, because next time I plan such an act I will succeed," announced Nami. "I will escape."

"In a pool of your own blood," proclaimed the dark doctor. "That I can guarantee."

Nami just ignored his remark and stared up towards the ceiling. She wasn't going to let some big bad surgeon get to her. If she wanted to escape, she will damn do so. Law had a feeling Nami was not taking his threat seriously and it was quickly annoying the Heart Pirate's Captain. He had no time playing her foolish games. She would either agree to stay put aboard his ship or suffer the direr consequence.

"Consider this your last and final warning," informed Law, grabbing his long sword off the table. "If you act up again your Captain will find you…and he will find you in pieces spread across the New World."

"You heartless bastard," hissed out Nami, freeing herself from the straps holding her down.

The Surgeon of Death just smiled and let out a soft chuckle.

"You are one to talk, Nami-ya," stated Law, turning towards the exit. "You are really one to talk."

And after such a haunting remark Nami was sure her heart skipped a beat. If she had one, that is.

SKULL JOKE! Yohohohoho! Sorry, the Brook in me would not allow me miss out on such an opportunity ;3 ha ha! Alright! Yes! So how many of you wanted to punch Law in the face after this chapter? How many wanted to punch Nami in the face? How many wanted to knock Law and Nami's head together and scream "Enough! You guys play nice now!" Ha ha! Yeah, tensions are getting high between these two! How the hell am I going to squeeze in any type of romance? Blah! I'll manage it some how :3 heh heh.

I'm glad I held off a while on this chapter because I really wanted to wait for the anime to reveal Law's connection to Doflamingo before spoiling it in the fic. Now that it's been shared in both the manga and anime, I don't feel so awkward about it. I know not everyone reads the manga, so try my best not to spoil too much…I really do! I apologize in the future if I do so -_- Oh and the whole Law's history with the Black Market and Organ Trade! Totally made that up! It is NOT a spoiler! In my head, it just makes sense he would be a part of that Underworld business because of Doflamingo and his own DF powers. If it turns out to be true…well hot damn! I was onto something!

Wow! Thank you for all the review, favs, and follows! It still surprises me that so many of you still follow this fic even though it takes me foreva to update it! You guys are rockstars! Thank you so much :,,D I try to back what I can to make it a healthy chapter, so I hope it's worth the wait! Now for some review talk!

Trunksmmbaby: OMG! I know! So clooooose Nami! Oh man, the minute I saw Nami wearing a Crimin bikini top on Fishman Island I instantly want to make her a "Crimin Model". Wouldn't it be grand if it were true ;3 I'm happy you had a good laugh!

spiritgirl16: Oh you are too kind! Thanks for sticking through the thick and thin! I'm super happy you enjoyed that chapter and I hope you enjoyed this one! 100% Law and Nami moments! Good and bad! Ha ha!

Mugiwara Otome: You make a very good point! Why must you win so much Law?! Blah! Have faith in Nami in this one! She could very well pull through and win in the end! Right?! But you have to admit, Law is one bad boss. He's not an easy one to fool. I think Nami might of met her match :3

lexxiebabey: I know! Damn Nami, you go girl! She really gave the doctor a run for his money (literally! Ha!)! I agree! Robin and Law share the same sick twisted humor. They are not afraid to say the darkest of comments. I secretly wished they were brother and sister :x I know, fat chance! Whatever, a girl can dreaaam!

Phantom: OMG thank you! Yes! Nami is BRILLIANT! Ha ha! Yeah, I freakin loved playing around with the Heart Pirates. It's like dealing with a whole crew of Sanjis XD oh my Law, how do you do it? But yeah, I would love it if the Heart Pirates turned out to be fanboys of Nami and Robin! That would make the whole "Pirate Alliance" thing so much more entertaining. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and like always, I cannot wait to respond to your next review. Loooove you!

strawberrypiratenin: OMG I love Bepo! He is so adorable! Yeah, even thought Nami did double cross him…I think they'll be getting along well. I just know it ;) Yeah, I think Nami (being a sexy female pirate and all) well get a lot of attention in the New World. Mark my words! She has fanboys! If not the Heart Pirates, so other pirates/bounty hunters/Marines/etc. Ha ha! I mean her wanted poster would be perfect to put up on some fanboys wall. Genzo revealed that little nugget of gold! Thank you so much for the kind review! I agree, the beginning of this fic is a little slow, but it picks up from here on out. Thanks for hanging in there! You're a rockstar ;3

SeoulXTusta: You love this? I love you! Hugs!

Person: OMG thank you! I do try my best to keep it in character! I hope I did justice in this chapter too. I like Law like I take my coffee. Extra dark, my friends ;3

anime pirate 13: Oh snap! Law how could you! I guess you can't blame the guy…the girl really pulled the rug under his feet with that escape attempt. Awww you're welcome! You deserve all the compliments! You're a rockstar ;3

im ur misconception: OMG! You are toooo kind! Thank you for such a kickass review! I am very honored by your review. Dark humor and great drama…this is what I strive to do in my fics :,,,D you get me, you really get me! Thank you! It makes me happy that I making every chapter count from here on out. I mean, there will be cliffhangers. But what good story doesn't have a cliffhanger here and there. Thank you for sticking with my story even though I take forever to update! Oh I agree, throwing characters straight into the sack isn't my cup of tea either. But that doesn't mean it won't happen sometime in the future ;3 heh heh!

Yuki y Tsuki Okuma: ¡Gracias mi amor! Lo siento, no sé mucho español, pero yo agradezco las amables comentarios. Tengo el honor de leer mi historia incluso pensamos que es en Inglés. ¡Usted es un rockstar! Lo siento si mi gramática no es correcta.

Thanks again everyone for reading, reviewing, following, and favoring! Love you, guys!

Oh and if you read "Heart Hazard", I still have my poll up for next chapter voting request! Check it out! K byeeee!