Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

Chapter 4

The Game

Law traced his fingers idly over the hilt of his sword as he mulled over the information he received. Nami had just recounted her visit to the Vinsmoke Manor in great detail.

"So," Law finally spoke. "You beat Niji at pool three times straight?"

"Are you serious?"

"What?"

"After everything I told you, that's your question?!"

Law ignored her and continued. "You told him you thought he let you win, but he didn't, right? How did you win?"

"You realize he snapped his brother's arm like a twig and acted like it was nothing right? You heard that part of the story?"

Law let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes. That part was clear, confirming what we already suspected. Niji has considerable strength and speed. His and the others' reactions to the event are also clear. The violent outburst directed at Yonji wasn't surprising or out of character from their perspective."

Nami folded her arms across her chest, annoyed but listening.

"Niji has enhancements. We know some of them, but there could be more. I need to know why he lost to you at pool."

Nami softened as she started to understand what he was really asking. "Same as the bar. I'm quite skilled, but I also distracted him when he started doing well. He was good, but not any better than a well practiced regular person. And if the alcohol affected him, he didn't show it."

"You don't seem too affected by the alcohol either. Maybe it wasn't as strong as you thought."

"I can drink fishmen under the table." She waved off his implication. "The scotch was strong enough."

"So strength and speed are enhanced, strong alcohol tolerance, not necessarily improved dexterity or perception though." Law hummed thoughtfully. "That's good for us."

"Yeah, until they decide to turn that strength and speed on one of us."

"I don't think we're in any danger for now. If everything you told me is true, they appear to be quite taken with you already. You were good enough at manipulating them to get all that information and an invitation for both of us to go back."

Nami crinkled her nose and pursed her lips. "Yeah, but I'd rather not have to continue that kind of manipulation. I only got him to agree to include you by kissing him and running away before he could realize what happened."

Law raised his brow and looked directly at her for the first time since their conversation began.

"On the cheek you pervert!" She grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl in the kitchen and tossed it at his head.

Law caught the fruit and grinned.

"Anyway, I doubt that kind of thing would work twice... and I have no intention of going further with that kind of distraction."

"Fair enough," Law said casually as he bit into the apple. The way she grasped her own arms let him know she was serious. Even though she was unapologetic about using her looks to get what she wanted, she had limits she definitely did not want to cross, and she was worried that those limits would be tested.

"You did good tonight, you know. And I'll be with you every step of the way on Saturday."

She looked back at him, cautious but grateful.

"I bought something for you while you were gone." The amount she perked up after hearing that made him genuinely laugh. "Don't get too excited, Nami-ya. It isn't clothes or jewelry."

Law pulled out a small box from a shopping bag under the table. He opened the box to reveal two Baby Den Den Mushi. "They can't broadcast far, but you should be able to reach me from anywhere on the island if you need to."

Nami reached out and took one of the pair. "Normally I prefer diamonds, but I have to admit this is not a bad gift."

Law flashed a lazy grin at her approval. "We should come up with a code word. Something to use to let the other know we're in trouble if someone else is listening."

Nami hummed as her gaze fell to the fruit bowl. "Mikans."

"Mikans?"

Nami smiled to herself. "I grew up on a Mikan grove."

When she didn't elaborate, Law asked, "In the house smaller than your bedroom?"

Nami rolled her eyes but didn't lose her smile. "That's the one."

"Mikans it is." He could tell she didn't want to go into it any further. Although he was intrigued, he wasn't going to push it. "Now that that's settled, let's take it from the top again. I don't want to miss any details."

Nami groaned, "You may not ever sleep but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't either."

Saturday came before they knew it. It was mid morning by the time they were ready to head to the celebration. Nami was feeling confident after she successfully convinced Law to leave his nodachi at the apartment. In the last few days, they found out from the locals that the celebration was more akin to a carnival than anything else. Whatever games and entertainment awaited them, it was very unlikely that it would warrant a sword. Not to mention, Law was playing the part of a doctor on sabbatical. She appreciated that he wanted to be prepared but the large weapon would only raise questions they weren't prepared to answer.

To both of their surprise, a car identical to the one that brought Nami home from her last visit to the Vinsmokes' was waiting for them outside the apartment.

"Ah! Miss Nami." A man in a stuffy black suit too warm for the sunny weather jumped out of the driver's seat to open the back door and bow. "Master Niji is most looking forward to your visit. He wanted you to know that he takes care of his guests' every want and need, especially, uh," the man hesitated and cleared his throat before reciting his prepared statement, "especially compared to lesser princes."

Nami snorted at the remark. Niji couldn't help trying to make Yonji look bad, even when he wasn't around to gloat about it.

Law leaned down to whisper in Nami's ear, "You gave him our address?"

"Of course not," She whispered back harshly at the accusation. "He sent me home with a driver last time. They must have given him the address they dropped me off at."

Brushing away the unsettling feeling that came with that realization, the pair climbed into the car. They made good time as the city streets seemed quieter than usual. As they got closer and the manor came into view, Nami realized that it was because almost everyone in town was attending the event.

The celebration of Germa was huge. There were swarms of people walking and gathering around pop-up shops and wooden stands for a hundred yards before reaching the gates of the manor. The car drove slowly up the path, giving Nami and Law a view of the carnival-type games and local food vendors within the various booths. The gates to the manor were wide open, but a large security detail at the perimeter made it clear not everyone at the celebration was permitted inside. The scene inside the main gates was an elevated version of what was outside. Larger, more elaborate booths with fancier food and merchandise lined the grounds. A grand table sat on an even grander platform at the center of the manor's front garden.

Nami and Law exited the car and began walking about to view the festivities more closely. They didn't get far before two security guards stopped them. They were instructed to follow the guards immediately, bringing them in front of the elevated platform. Yonji, Niji, and Ichiji all sat on the same side of the table chatting and sipping wine.

"Announcing Miss Nami and-" the guard paused to glance from the princes to Law and back uncertainly, "and her brother."

Yonji and Ichiji shared a mild look of surprise while Niji jumped from his seat and clasped his hands together. "Right on time!" It was clear that he failed to inform his brothers of today's guests prior to the event as he relished in their confusion.

Nami and Law were all but pushed up the steps onto the platform as Niji walked to the edge to meet them. He grabbed one of her hands and held it out to the side, making her strike a pose as he took in the sight of her. "You look fantastic." He moved her arm, prompting her to spin, making the bottom of her blue mini dress float up and out before falling to her thighs again.

"You're too kind, my prince!" Nami smiled brightly and motioned to the bored man next to her. "This is my brother, Law. Law, this is Niji, Yonji, and Ichiji." She motioned to each one as she spoke their name.

"Pleasure to meet you." Law barely hid the sarcasm in his voice, though no one seemed to notice. Niji gave Yonji a knowing grin as his brother stared daggers at him in return, and Ichiji was more interested in his wine than whatever was happening around him.

The other brothers stood from their chairs in ceremony as Niji led the pair to their seats at the table. Nami paused in front of Yonji to address him.

"It's good to see you again," she said sweetly, and Yonji returned the look slightly surprised. "I have to apologize though. I didn't have time to thank you before I had to leave. It really was great night."

He softened immediately. "Erm, of course it was," Yonji mumbled as his voice caught in his throat slightly as her hand touched his arm briefly.

Yonji's own hand twitched as he began to reach for her, but she was gone in a flash, gliding elegantly to her empty seat on the other side of Niji.

Law fought hard not to smirk. She was good at this. She was better than he realized. Nami had diffused the situation before it began. She made sure whatever anger Yonji may have, it wasn't toward her. She did this without slighting Niji, and she did it within only a few minutes of interacting with them. What had impressed him most though wasn't so obvious. She touched Yonji's arm. The arm that was broken in front of her just a few days ago. For a normal person, that type of break would take weeks, maybe months to fully heal. Yonji wasn't wearing any sort of cast, and her touch made it clear that the arm wasn't even tender.

Law took the seat next to Nami at the far end of the table, and the day of celebration continued. Nami played her part perfectly. She was endearing and attentive. She even told a few stories she had learned from a friend she made during her travels. When Law dared to glance at her, he was greeted with the warmest smile he'd ever seen. He couldn't stop himself from smiling back as he felt a slight tightening in his chest. It was enough to make him momentarily forget the whole reason they were there. He quickly settled himself down, understanding it was part of her act. He couldn't let himself get distracted. Even though they were already outside, he needed to get some air.

Law muttered something about relieving himself and left the table. He began to walk. He walked until her smile faded from his mind, replaced with thoughts of Dressrosa. He focused hard on the bigger picture, the culmination of his plans, and he day dreamed of running his nodachi through the heart of the man he hated most in this world. He took a deep breath and lounged underneath a tree near the fence on the far side of the manor.

A raised voice to his left caught Law's attention. A merchant stood next to his food stand. A tray of rice filled bowls lay broken on the ground at his feet. The man was shouting at a white ball of fur next to the smashed meals on the grass. Law spotted a hint of metal behind the white furr, and his stomach dropped as he realized what he was looking at.

He nearly jumped when he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. His head jerked around to see Nami kneeling down next to him.

"You've been gone a while." Nami gave him a small smile.

"I doubt anyone at that table noticed," he replied.

"One person noticed."

"Niji missed me that much?"

"Well, I did tell him you were the fun one between the two of us."

"You told him that?" He smiled.

"Yeah, I lied," she teased, and they both chuckled.

His smile faded as his gaze fell back upon the ball of fur struggling to pick up the broken lunches.

Nami took noticed and followed his gaze. A small mink polar bear slowly picked up shattered dishes and food off the ground. He stopped briefly to run his paw under the metal collar on his neck as the food vendor pointed his finger at the cub mumbling curses under his breath.

"I thought they outlawed slavery in this part of the world" she stated.

"They did. Though nothing is illegal if you line the right pockets."

Law's face took on a look of sadness far deeper than the scene they were watching. She wanted to ask what he was thinking but decided against it.

"I've never actually seen a mink before. I've only read about them." She looked at him, but his gaze held on the bear.

"My best friend is a mink." He said after a few moments.

"Really?" Nami was genuinely surprised.

"Yeah." He showed the faintest hint of a smile.

"How does a crime lord's doctor become best friends a mink?" She asked playfully.

"We met when he was just a few years older than him." He motioned to the cub, now carrying the ruined food to the trash. "His name is Bepo. He's a polar bear as well."

Nami opened her mouth to speak but something stopped her. She was interested to know more, but wondered if she should. He was a criminal working for someone willing to partner with Arlong. In their time on Germa, it was easy to forget that fact. He didn't act like any of the other criminals she knew. He was methodical and cunning, but something told her he had a softer side she had yet to see.

To Nami's surprise, Law continued. "We met on Swallow Island. He was only 8 years old, alone after having to leave his homeland. I guess I saw a bit of myself in him."

Nami held her breath and waited quietly for him to continue, as if any sound or movement might stop this sudden admission.

"He actually practices cartography, too. His maps aren't nearly as good as yours, but he's no amateur," Law turned to look at Nami. "I think you'd like him."

She couldn't help but smile brightly, a light blush grew across her cheeks at the compliment. "I can't wait to meet him."

"It's been a long time since I've seen him, and I doubt I'll be back with him again any time soon." Law gave her a sad smile. "It's too bad though. I know he'd like you as well."

It was unexpected and a bit confusing to Nami. There was so much she didn't know about Law. She had no reason to trust him. She shouldn't trust him. Something in the way he spoke about Bepo convinced her he was telling the truth. There was no lie in his eyes. His softer side was showing, and she felt compelled to nurture it.

An idea formed in her head almost immediately, and she grabbed Law's hand, taking him up and back toward the table that he so eagerly had fled.

"Nami-ya, what are you-"

"Do you trust me?" She cut him off.

"Not particularly."

She gave him a pout, sticking out her bottom lip, and that was all it took for him to concede.

"There you are," Niji called out as Nami and Law returned to their seats. "I was worried we'd die of boredom without you."

"Well, we definitely can't have that." She smiled and her hand traced along his shoulder gently as she sat down.

Law looked out at the celebration activities. He forced a lazy and careless demeanor, but inside he was eagerly waiting to see what Nami was planning.

"You know," she began, "you'd be less bored if we participated in some of the games."

Niji scoffed. There were a number of vendors who set up carnival-style games in their booths, but most were beyond the manor gates.

"Hustle in bars all you want on your time Nami, but you're here as a royal guest." Yonji pointed out.

"We can't have you consorting with peasants when you're with me." Niji added, sliding his hand on her knee.

Nami hummed and placed a finger to her chin. "Then we'll just have to make up our own game." She smiled wide as both men turned to look at her.

"Do you have something in mind?" Yonji asked, likely interested in a chance to get back at Niji for breaking his arm the other night.

"On my walk, I spotted a prize I very much desire. But.." She trailed off and shook her head. "I doubt anyone would be able to win something that isn't for sale."

Even Ichiji turned his head to give Nami his full attention after that comment. They all looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to elaborate.

"Oh, alright. The rice vendor down the path there had a very interesting servant in his employ." She motioned toward the area around the far side of the manor.

"You want a servant?" Yonji furrowed his brows.

"I don't want any servant. I want his servant. He's a mink cub."

A wave of realization washed over the brothers' faces. When she said servant, she meant slave. The Vinsmokes did not keep slaves in chains on their property, but the servants in their employ were basically treated as slaves without the unsightly metal collar. It was clear that they allowed others to own them as long as they didn't cause trouble.

"You want a mink?" Niji asked.

"No, I want that mink." She could see them hesitate. It was rare for anyone common born to desire a slave. "If I'm going to be spending more time with any of you, I'll need some help taking care of personal things. Someone younger would be easier to train, and that little fur-ball all but stole my heart already."

She saw the men consider her words. She batted her eyelashes and added a pout for good measure, but she could see they still hesitated.

"And how is this a game exactly?" Ichiji finally chimed in.

Nami smiled wide again and clasped her hands together. "Whoever gives me the bear will win a gift from me. Let's call it a favor to be determined by the winner."

Niji and Yonji looked at each other. They immediately started talking at the same time, arguing about who deserved to be the one to claim the bear. Ichiji rolled his eyes and left the table. Nami sipped her wine and sent a playful look toward Law.

He wasn't sure how he felt about this plan. He had opened up to her only slightly about his past, and her first instinct was to do something kind for him. Or was this favor a way to get closer again to their overall goal in Germa? No, there were other means to continue without giving anything up herself. She confided in him that she was very against getting physical with any of these men if she didn't have to. Seeing the younger brothers salivate over her all morning made him worry that this favor would put her in danger of that. She wanted to help him, to do something kind for him, even at her own risk.

Niji and Yonji were still arguing, this time about how they could decide which of the two would win the cub for her. It looked like the decision was they would bare knuckle box to determine the winner, but before they could even agree, a throat cleared loudly behind Nami.

All four of them turned back in surprise. Ichiji stood on the ground behind the raised platform, his face devoid of any emotions, holding the mink cub in his arms.

Nami gaped at the man for a moment before composing herself. She clapped in praise, then leaped down to greet him. He gingerly handed her the bear and then held out the key to his collar. Nami smiled brightly up at Ichiji in thanks, struggling to find the words she said, "How- er, thank you!"

Ichiji turned stoically to Law, taking him off guard with the sudden attention. It was the first time any of the brothers looked directly at him that day. "You are a doctor, yes?"

Law nodded warily.

"Good. You will check this over for injuries. I do not want my gift failing to meet Nami's expectations." Ichiji stated plainly, gestured to the cub in Nami's arms.

Law casually dropped himself down off the platform to join them on the ground. Nami wordlessly handed him the bear, hoping Ichiji's request was just a formality and not based on any actually abuse the cub may have received. As soon as her hands were empty, she turned back to Ichiji and smiled again.

"So." She was searching his face desperately for any indication of what he was feeling, but she found none. "You win. What favor can I give my new hero?"

"Come with me." He did not answer her but held out his arm for her to take.

Niji and Yonji shared a glance that Law didn't miss. It was quick, but he was sure there was a bit of concern mixed with the obvious annoyance. He thought he saw the slightest hesitation in Nami before she happily took Ichiji's arm and began walking in pace with him. Law watched as they made their way across the lawn and driveway to enter the manor. He looked back to the remaining brothers, hoping to glean any other information about what might await her inside. They gave him none. They had already returned their attention to the celebration, motioning for their cups to be refilled with wine.

Law looked back to the manor once more before looking down at the cub in his arms. He realized then that the cub was shaking. He carried him a ways away from the brothers where he rested the bear under a tree to begin examining him.

"My name is Trafalgar Law. I know you are scared, but everything is going to be ok." He gave the mink a delicate scratch behind the ears. "I won't let anyone hurt you again."