Author's Note: Thank you for your reviews on the last chapter. It really made my whole month. :D Here's another chapter, thank you again for reading! As always, I really love getting feedback!
Chapter Five:
The Proposal: A Super-Secret Pirate Alliance?!
"Here's the deal. What I want is free roam of the island and all the government research that's happened here." Law began, his voice a steady stream of authority as he fixed a determined gaze upon the absurd figure before him. "In exchange, I'll provide you with my assistance and we'll stay out of each other's business. There is one condition though." He pointed aggressively at Caesar the Clown, "You can't tell anyone I'm here. Not even Joker."
"Oh, so you know, do you?" He practically licked his stretched lips, "Where'd you get that information?"
"I'd say the woman from the Silk Bridge Law has hiding outside may have something to do with it." Interjected a woman with verdant tresses, her tone languid and deliberate.
"The Silk Bridge, you say? Why Law, what's a dog of the government doing fraternizing with an underworld organization of that caliber?"
"Oh, you noticed her?" He feigned nonchalance. "She isn't hiding, she's standing guard. You don't get to where I am without enemies, and you don't stay where I am without a few friends in low places. Would you prefer an idiot walk in here, or someone like me?"
"Shororororo. While I don't trust you, I see no harm in your request." His pleased grimace turned to his assistant. "Well, Monet?"
"Trafalgar Law from the North Blue." Monet drawled, the scratch of pen on paper punctuating her words. "Interesting. The Surgeon of Death who consumed an op-op fruit... So, you're a doctor, are you? We have several former prisoners who've been paralyzed by poison gas. You can treat them, can't you?" Her golden eyes peered over her glasses, taking in the man's form, while her untamed emerald locks cascaded down her back, partially obscuring her figure-hugging dress.
Law met her gaze, looking over her with a bored expression. "As long as the terms of our agreement are upheld, I see no issue."
"Very good." She nodded, but then pursed her lips, feigning as if she'd only remembered, "But then, there's still the matter of your lady friend."
"What about her?" The Captain dismissed, "She's just a hired hand, nothing more than an overpriced escort, really. A man has needs and a little extra security never hurt anyone."
"… I see." Monet's disdain was clear as she continued her line of questioning, "Enlighten me then. How did you convince such a woman not to sell you out to the highest bidder? Women of the Silk Bridge are known to be quite the dealers of information. How do we know she won't divulge our work here?"
"Every woman has their price…Monet, was it? I just make sure that I am the highest bidder." Then he turned his face into a mask of superiority, it wasn't difficult, "And if money isn't enough, affairs of the heart are kind of in my name."
"Shurororororo! You really are an absolute dog, Trafalgar Law," He felt the clown reach to bump his shoulder, but a glare redirected the gaseous appendage. "We're quite the birds of a feather, you and me." Caesar finished his laugh before his grin grew a bit more pointed, "Very well, you and your concubine are free to stay, and I'll keep your little secret, for now. Betray me boy and the deal is off."
"Shurorororo! Oh, my! Did you hear? Three of them are already dead!" The mocking laughter of the swirling gas user with malevolent satisfaction. Law fought down his twinge of worry into a sense of determination and hid it behind a mask of boredom. While he harbored no particular affection for the crew, the potential fallout from their demise weighed heavily on his mind, especially concerning his intel broker. What a pain.
"Well, Law." The Surgeon of Death only caught the tail end of the harpy's words as he refocused on the conversation, "You know them, don't you? I understand your paths crossed. Twice." He hadn't been paying enough attention. Damn Straw Hats. Maybe Aiya had been right, perhaps this alliance really was dead on arrival.
Her finger traced the pages of the book with deliberate precision as she spoke, her voice trailing off momentarily before resuming. "Once, two years ago at Sabaody and… Then again at the battle of Marineford." The Warlord maintained his stoic facade, though inwardly he cursed the probing scrutiny of those around him. "Oh, and there was a woman with you then as well, wasn't there? Somehow, she didn't make the papers, but local reports state she pulled Straw Hat from the fiery wreckage herself. Seems a bit of a feet for a simple escort."
Fuck.
"Is that true?" Caesar's tone was completive, if not a bit pinched. "You did say that prostitute of yours went after the Straw Hats," It wasn't a question. "What could a common sex worker wish to accomplish against a Supernova and his crew?" The pirate refused to dignify the question with a response, though the tightening grip on his stomach betrayed his unease. Caesar pulled a gun from beneath his gaseous coat. Law didn't have to act bored at this development. "Why, you traitor! You summoned them here, didn't you?" The scientist cocked his gun.
The accusation struck a nerve, and Law's voice hardened with resolve as he countered the accusation with steely determination.
"How many times do we have to go over this?" His words rang out with authority, though beneath the facade of confidence, uncertainty gnawed at him. "I didn't even know they were being held captive until they escaped." As the confrontation escalated, Law's mind raced, searching for a way to diffuse the situation. He lashed out with calculated venom, deflecting blame onto Caesar while masking his own vulnerabilities. "In fact, if I had known I would've told you that a regular cell wouldn't work on them." He adjusted to face the gas fruit user and his firearm more directly, "While we're at it though, let's talk about your negligence. I wasn't able to drive the navy out and it was thanks to you. If we were to be found out, this would be just as bad for me as it would for you."
Caesar contemplated his answer, "And what of your whore, Law?"
"I picked her up on Sabaody after Straw Hat attacked that Celestial Dragon, she was on my ship during the battle, but she was far from the front lines." He maintained his cool expression. While the words were lies, the frustration he spoke with was very real. "She's a stupid, sentimental woman. She saw your group of giant children and then ran straight into a blizzard without a single thought of common sense or winter clothing. I doubt she'll even get near the Straw Hats before she succumbs to exposure." He sighed, "Now I'll have to get a new one and it's such a pain to break them in."
Law could see a twisted sense of enjoyment pulling at the grotesque clown's features. "I suppose if you had called them here, you would have been more discreet. You had to do a lot of sucking up to the government to land your cushy Warlord job. Surely, you wouldn't risk losing it all by making a mess of things here. How silly of me, my apologies. My regrets for the loss of your pet, as well. I'll send word to my men to bring her back if she's so fortunate enough to cross their paths before freezing to death."
He noticed Monet's unconvinced expression but took advantage of her silence, "Listen, before you said something about the children begging to come back without you bothering to lift a finger. What did you mean by that?"
"Ah, yes. They'll never leave because I've been giving them drugged candies. It's sweet, it's fizzy and it fills your mouth with gas! Ah yes, it's also a stimulant! And a highly addictive one at that! If they go home, they won't be able to get their precious candy anymore."
"You're one sick puppy, aren't ya? You remind me of someone."
One Piece!
"So, how did you two meet?" Nami's casual demeanor barely veiled the excitement brewing beneath the surface. With a certain swordsman absent, she found herself with unfettered access to the cagey woman. The children, sound asleep thanks to Usopp's efforts, offered a brief reprieve from the earlier tension.
"Zoro didn't tell you?" Aiya's lack of surprise was accompanied by a flicker of conflicting emotions in her eyes. In that moment, there was a delicate dance between her usual guarded demeanor and a soft, hesitant comfort.
"No, and I think I came up with some very clever ideas." The navigator grumbled, a tinge of frustration lacing her tone.
"Really? And what were those clever ideas?"
"No way, just tell me what happened. It's the least you can do for me being trapped in this horrible body." Nami whined, looking down at Frankie's mechanical nightmare of a figure.
Nami's gaze carried a raw honesty, silently beckoning Aiya to unravel the layers of her past. Despite her instinct to guard her secrets, she felt an enigmatic tug toward the Straw Hat's navigator, as if the thorny bonds of friendship were weaving its sticking threads between them even with her constant fight to snuff them out. With a deep sigh, the redhead felt herself take a leap of faith.
"I hadn't been planning to leave the New World, but I ended up in East Blue for the first time," Aiya began, her words a gentle unraveling of her defenses.
"You're from the New World?" Chopper's voice trembled with a mix of awe and curiosity. "You must be really strong."
Aiya leaned back, a smirk dancing on her lips as she contemplated her response. Deciding if she were going to jump, it might as well be off the cliff, "Actually, I'm from North Blue. Fate had other plans, though, and I found myself swept into the chaos of the New World while I was still a child."
"Okay, we get it. Get on to the love story!"
Aiya chuckled, "It's hardly a love story. I was in East Blue going after a bounty, and there he was, my knight in shining armor, charging to the rescue like something out of a fairy tale. Bravely stepping in to fend off a menacing brute, all in the name of what he thought was a helpless damsel." Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia, a rare glimpse into a past she usually kept tightly guarded, yet she found herself oddly enjoying the storytelling, the memories unfolding like delicate petals in the wind.
"I KNEW IT! EAT THAT, USOPP!" Nami's jubilant proclamation echoed through the air, momentarily disrupting the tranquil slumber of the children. Chopper, ever vigilant, cast a swift glance towards the sleeping youngsters, ensuring their undisturbed rest. "Most unbelievable one, my ass!"
"How did you guys end up married?" Chopper's inquiry cut through the air like a whisper, tinged with curiosity.
"Beaucoup d'alcool et une tête de musc sentimentale." She mused.
"No fair, Robin isn't here to translate!" Sensing a shift in the conversation, and unfortunately the end of her answers, Nami redirected their attention. "Did Usopp mean to knock him out, too?" The cat thief motioned incredulously at Brownbeard.
Aiya's response was indifferent, her focus elsewhere. "At least he's finally quiet."
"I really hope Zoro's alright out there." Nami's voice wavered with uncertainty, casting a glance towards their newest ally. Unsure whether her concern was genuine or merely a guise to gauge Aiya's reaction.
"Sanji and Brooke are with him. They'll make sure he doesn't end up getting lost in the mountains or anything." Chopper's reassurance flowed effortlessly, devoid of hesitation. Yet, before Aiya could offer her own solace, the ground beneath them began to tremble, interrupting the momentary peace.
With a swift motion, she raised her hand, conjuring a thick tapestry that enveloped her companions, forming a protective barrier just in time to intercept a looming boulder hurtling towards them. "We're under attack! Take shelter beneath my silk!" Her voice rang out with urgency, echoing off the cavernous walls of the laboratory as she fortified the makeshift shelter, ensuring the safety of the children above all else.
"How strong is that fabric? Will it hold?" Nami's voice trembled with apprehension, her eyes darting around the room as she narrowly avoided a projectile that had slipped through Aiya's defenses.
"It'll hold, but I can only make so much. It's reinforced with the iron from my blood!" Aiya's revelation sent shivers down the spines of Nami and Chopper, the gory truth of her power sinking in.
"Go check outside Chopper! We need to assess the situation!" Nami's command pierced through the chaos, prompting Chopper to scramble onto the roof of the lab. "Chopper, what do you see? How many enemies are out there?"
A pregnant pause hung in the air, the women exchanging uncertain glances before their attention returned to the gaping opening above. "There's nobody out here," Chopper's voice wavered, his eyes scanning the darkness beyond.
Aiya opted against expending her blood to shield the slumbering pirate hybrid, and as if on cue, a cascade of rubble cascaded down, striking Brownbeard squarely on the head. "Huh? What's with all the ruckus outside? Maybe someone's come to rescue me. But who? Law? The Master? No. We're in the snowy mountains, so it's gotta be them."
A chill gripped the intel broker's heart. "No. What an absolute pain in the ass!"
"Huh? I heard that! Spill it!" Nami's demand pierced through the chaos, her eyes flashing with determination. "You know who's attacking, don't you? Tell us, or there'll be consequences!" Aiya watched in disbelief as the temporary cyborg gestured wildly, mimicking laser fire with half-hearted attempts.
"You better not be making fun of lasers!" Chopper interjected.
"I knew we'd be saved, Mistress!" Brownbeard's voice rang out with a mix of relief and false bravado, his eyes darting nervously around the dimly lit cavern. "You're in trouble now! If they're here, that means you're next on their hitlist!"
"You're Brownbeard, aren't you? Just so you know, you happen to be on our hitlist, too." A colossal, resonant voice boomed from behind the startled trio.
"Who's that guy?! He's ginormous and I didn't even notice him sneak in here!" The sudden appearance of the towering figure behind them prompted a panicked flurry of movement, the doctor whirling around to face their new adversary with wide-eyed terror. His heart hammered in his chest, threatening to burst forth from his ribcage at any moment.
"Huh? Rock, is that you?" Brownbeard questioned.
"I'm Scotch."
"You've come here to kill me? Wait, no. Sorry. I must've misheard you! Man, you really had me scared. The master would never have me killed, so he must've sent you to save me, right? Well, tell ya what, if you'll unchain me, I'll help you take care of the Straw—" Brownbeard's desperate plea was cut short by the cold click of a gun being cocked, the metallic sound echoing through the cavern like a death knell.
"You didn't mishear anything. The Master ordered us to assassinate you, too." Scotch's voice was devoid of emotion, his words like a dagger to Brownbeard's heart.
"What? No way!" Brownbeard's world spun out of control, his mind struggling to comprehend the betrayal that had been dealt to him. The ground beneath his feet felt unsteady, as if the very foundation of his existence was crumbling away. The realization that he was now marked for death by the very master he had once served loomed over him like a specter, casting a dark shadow over his once-secure future.
"You want proof?" Scotch's offer hung in the air like a sinister promise, sending shivers down Brownbeard's spine. As the giant, white creature produced a mushi from his pocket and activated it, the voice of Brownbeard's master reverberated through the chamber, sealing his fate with each damning word.
"Oh, and while we're at it, what was that big guy's name again? The one with the silly-looking braided beard who was captured by the Straw Hats. You know, the dunce who's famous for being stupid? Oh, that's right! Brownbeard!" Aiya groaned and rubbed her eyes as she continued to listen to the recording, "He's a fool, so it was easy to manipulate him, but now he's become a nuisance. I don't need his services anymore. Kill him. Oh, and if you see Trafalgar Law's whore, bring her back alive or something."
"I'll ask again. You're Brownbeard, aren't you?" Scotch's voice cut through the tension, his words dripping with contempt. He turned to face Aiya, a sneer twisted his features, "That must make you Trafalgar Law's whore."
Aiya felt her eyebrow twitch with fury, her body moving of its own accord as she summoned a swath of fabric and yanked the gun from Scotch's grasp with a swift and decisive motion. The metallic clang of the weapon hitting the ground reverberated through the chamber, as a shot rang through her ears. As she reabsorbed her threads, she grunted, "Fuck this cover story. I'm not Trafalgar Law's anything."
"Not cool, little sis." Scotch groaned as he attempted to right himself and regain control of his gun.
"Hey Scotch! Don't shoot so recklessly." His brother's voice echoed through the chamber, tinged with a hint of caution as he narrowly avoided a crimson whip aimed at his face. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Oops," Scotch muttered as he regained his footing, his gaze fixated on the opposing woman with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "That's the chick the Master told us to snag, but she's running really hot. It's not cool."
"Brownbeard!" Chopper's scream pierced the silence, his voice laden with fear as he hovered near Brownbeard, unwilling to approach the fallen man.
"But they're on the same side!" Nami's voice rang out from behind Aiya, her words a desperate plea for reason amidst the chaos that threatened to consume them all.
"It looks like we have company. Their captain's back. Let's take care of them first." Rock's interruption broke through the chaos, his words a call to action as they prepared to face their newfound adversaries.
In a flash of movement, Luffy appeared, his fist crashing down with the force of a thunderbolt. But their enemies were quick to react, evading his blow with a speed and agility that belied their size. In an instant, they vanished, reappearing inside the crumbling lab.
"The Master said he wants this one alive." Scotch declared, his voice laced with a chilling determination as he pointed towards Nami-Frankie, his gaze fixated on their captive with a predatory intensity.
"Right, the robot with Vegapunk's lasers. And don't forget the little lady." Rock chimed in, his words dripping with malice as he gestured towards Aiya, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as they prepared to make their escape into the treacherous terrain of the mountains.
With swift and calculated movements, they scooped up the women, their hands moving with a practiced efficiency born of years of training and experience. As they turned to leave, Scotch cast a disdainful glance back at the scene they were leaving behind, his lips curling into a cruel smirk as he spoke.
"But we can kill the rest of 'em," Scotch remarked casually, his tone devoid of remorse as he surveyed the chaos that lay in their wake.
"In that case, let's take our time and enjoy this hunt," Rock laughed, the sound echoing through the cavernous chamber like a sinister melody, sending shivers down the spines of all who heard it.
"Sounds cool to me!" Scotch chimed in eagerly, his voice filled with a chilling enthusiasm as they disappeared into the shadows of the mountainside, their footsteps fading into the darkness as they embarked on their merciless pursuit.
"You'll pay for this jerks! Just wait until Luffy gets here! He'll kick your hairy butts into next week!" Nami's voice rang out defiantly, as she struggled against her bonds, her eyes blazing with fury. "An-and if you think Luffy is dangerous, wait until HER Captain gets here! He'll cut you into little pieces! Right, Aiya?! RIGHT?!"
As Nami's voice echoed through the frosty air, Aiya found herself in a precarious situation, stuffed and stuck in the back pocket of one of the Yeti Cool Brothers. Despite Nami's urgent inquiries, Aiya struggled to respond, her muffled protests drowned out by the thick fabric surrounding her. With each passing moment, the pressure against her chest made it increasingly difficult to draw in a breath, her movements restricted by the tight confines of her makeshift prison. Desperately, she tried to muster the strength to push against the fabric and make her presence known, but her efforts were in vain.
"Hey, keep your voice down. Noisy prisoners are—" Rock began, his words interrupted by a warning glance from Scotch.
"Not cool," Scotch interjected, his voice low and dangerous as he exchanged a meaningful look with his partner.
"On the other hand, the laser weapon built into your body is…" Rock trailed off, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he admired their captive's mechanical form.
"Very cool," Scotch agreed, nodding in approval as he eyed the weapon with a covetous gleam in his eye.
"And the reward for bringing it to our Master will be…" Rock's voice was filled with anticipation as he spoke, his gaze fixed intently on Nami as if sizing up her worth.
"Extra cool!" Both men exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing off the walls of the desolate landscape where they had stopped to converse.
Rock shivered involuntarily, his body reacting to the chill in the air.
"This wind is so cool!" he exclaimed, a shiver running down his spine as he wrapped his arms around himself in a futile attempt to ward off the cold.
"Almost too cool," Scotch sighed, his breath forming wisps of vapor in the frigid air as he cast a wary glance at their surroundings, his senses alert for any sign of danger.
"Get some clothes!" Nami retorted, her voice laced with disdain as she watched the men shiver in the cold, her disdain evident in the way she spat out the words.
"For someone your size, getting hit with one of our rifles is like being hit by a cannonball," Rock remarked casually, his tone devoid of remorse as he casually discussed the brutal weapons they wielded.
"And these are filled with poison gas," Scotch added, his voice dripping with malice as he revealed the deadly nature of their arsenal. "Our targets never see it coming, either. As for your friend… Of course he'll come. We set a trap to lure him here."
As panic surged within her, Aiya attempted to summon the power of her devil fruit, but exhaustion weighed heavily upon her. The strain of utilizing her abilities earlier had depleted her strength, leaving her feeling drained and vulnerable. With a frustrated groan, she realized the consequences of pushing herself too far to reinforce her fabric. Each thread woven with her own blood carried a piece of her essence, and with each use, she relinquished a part of herself. Now, as she struggled against the confines of the pocket, she grappled with the harsh reality of her own limitations. The very power that had once granted her strength now served as a reminder of her vulnerability, leaving her trapped in a perilous situation with no immediate escape in sight.
As the clash of battle echoed through the rugged terrain, Nami's sharp eyes scanned the chaotic scene unfolding before her. Amidst the chaos, a confusing mix of familiar faces emerged - "Luffy and Chopper? No wait! That's Franky!" The towering figure that charged forward. "Nami!" a voice called out, snapping her attention back to the present danger.
"Be careful! They're both hiding!" she warned, her voice tinged with urgency.
Aiya fought against her exhaustion with every fiber of her being. With a determined grit, she mustered her remaining strength, pushing past the limits of her fatigue. With a surge of effort, she managed to pry her hand free from the confining pocket, her fingers grasping for purchase against the rugged fabric.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, Scotch and Rock prepared to confront their adversaries. "Ready, Scotch?" Rock's voice resonated with a chilling calmness.
"Ready. Very uncool of him not to notice the cliff," Scotch affirmed, his voice tinged with a chilling confidence as their scheme unfurled with meticulous precision. Below, Luffy hurtled toward the gaping maw of a ravine, its jagged spikes awaiting his inevitable descent. The Yeti Cool Brothers watched with a sinister satisfaction, their trap closing in on the unsuspecting pirate.
"It's all over, not a cool way to die."
But amidst the flurry of attacks, Luffy's relentless assault brought a moment of respite as Aiya seized the opportunity to intervene. With a deft maneuver, she ensnared Luffy with her reinforced fabric, momentarily halting his advance. She pulled set him safely down on the ground as her face emerged from the top of the pocket.
"Thanks, Aiya! You won't run this time," Luffy declared, his determination evident in every word as he unleashed a barrage of blows. Yet, before his eyes, his targets vanished into thin air.
"Nice try! But these mountains are our home."
"That means, we know all the best hiding places." They taunted, their voices echoing with a sinister edge.
The trapped intel broker continued her struggle for freedom. With determination etched across her features, she exerted every ounce of strength to inch her way further out of the confining pocket. As the fabric began to loosen its grip, she felt a surge of hope coursing through her veins. With her head now exposed to the outside world, she surveyed her surroundings with a newfound clarity, her gaze piercing through the chaos unfolding around her.
"All it takes is one of these KYP cannisters and you'll fall into a drunken stupor, just like the others!"
"Others?" She questioned, a flicker of concern dancing in her eyes. Their cryptic mention sent a shiver down her spine, for the first time causing her to grow concerned for her husband.
As Aiya's thoughts swirled in a tumultuous whirlwind of worry, her reverie was abruptly shattered by Nami's urgent cry. "It's Law!" She exclaimed, her voice cutting through the chaos like a beacon of hope in the darkness. With renewed focus, Aiya's eyes snapped to the scene unfolding before her.
In a flash of calculated precision, Law emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding and unwavering. "Ah, Trafalgar Law, the famous freeloader. Cool, I'm glad you're here. Straw Hat Luffy should be right behind me," the Yeti Brother sneered, his words dripping with contempt.
"You have something that belongs to me," With a flick of his wrist, Law summoned his Room, the atmosphere crackling with anticipation as he delivered a decisive blow. In a swift and seamless motion, he sliced through the Yeti Brother, cutting through the tension with surgical precision.
"Damn you, that wasn't cool at all," the remaining brother growled, his defiance ringing out in the cavernous expanse.
Undeterred, Law's formidable power surged forth, his Counter Shock technique unleashing a devastating blow that sent the Yeti Brother crashing to the ground, defeated at last.
As the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded, Luffy emerged victorious, his indomitable spirit prevailing against all odds. With the threat neutralized, Aiya couldn't help but feel a surge of relief wash over her, her worries dissipating like morning mist in the light of dawn.
Law's steely gaze fell upon Aiya with an unmistakable disapproval. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his Room once more, the air crackling with latent power as he liberated her from the confines of the Yeti Brother's pocket. Aiya tumbled ungracefully onto the soft snow; her landing punctuated by a cloud of powdery white.
"Thank you! Wait, change me back, creep!" Nami's voice cut through the silence, her frustration palpable as she struggled to regain her composure after the harrowing ordeal.
"Nami! Oh! It's you! Thanks for saving Nami, buddy," Luffy exclaimed, his voice ringing out with genuine gratitude as he acknowledged their timely rescue. "Hey, you got your Nakama back, too! Awesome!"
"Aiya. Perhaps you could exercise a modicum of caution in the future. We don't have room for any more liabilities in this fight." Law's words hung heavy in the crisp mountain air, the weight of his proposition casting a shadow over the snowy landscape.
In a flash, Aiya leaps to her feet, her anger fueling her movements with intense energy. Her fists clench with fury as she struggles to contain her emotions, but there's a defiant spark in her eyes. Despite feeling out of control, she's ready to confront the source of her anger head-on. "Quoi? C'EST TOI qui m'as envoyée avec eux! C'EST TOI probablement qui as demandé à Caesar de me renvoyer ici. SI quelque chose, c'est DE TA faute!"
Nami's eyebrows shoot up in surprise as Aiya bursts out with unexpected intensity. "Well, that's quite the temper," she remarks, exchanging a glance with Luffy. "Looks like someone's not holding back."
Luffy scratches his head in confusion but gives a hardy laugh. "I don't get it. Did she hit her head? Is she speaking gibberish?"
Law's reaction to Aiya's sudden outburst resembled that of someone swatting away a bothersome fly. With a barely concealed eyeroll, he swiftly pivoted his attention back to Luffy, treating Aiya's tirade like a minor inconvenience. As if her words were merely a fleeting annoyance, he continued the conversation without skipping a beat, leaving Aiya standing there, her frustration palpable yet entirely disregarded.
"Look, here's the thing, Straw Hat," he began, his tone measured yet tinged with urgency. "I came here because there's something I want to discuss with you. I assume you landed on Punk Hazard by accident. But there's an important key hiding on this island—One that's powerful enough to throw the entire world into chaos."
Luffy's expression remained impassive as Law continued, his attention fully captured by the gravity of the situation. "You see, there are only two ways to live in this New World. Fighting under the umbrella of the Four Emperors or fighting against them. And you don't strike me as the type who likes to work under someone else."
"Yup. That's right, I'm captain," Luffy declared confidently.
"I see," Law responded, his tone revealing little emotion. "Well, then. You can work with me."
"Like how?" Luffy inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Us two will take down one of the Four Emperors," Law revealed, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I've got a good plan. So, tell me, are you in?"
"Let me get this straight, we meet you on this random island by chance, and you ask us to help you fight an emperor out of the blue?" Nami interjected, her skepticism evident. "Look, I don't know what this sleazeball is after, but I don't trust him! He's up to no good, Luffy."
"I'm not saying killing of an Emperor will be easy. I just think our odds will be better if we work together and plan everything step-by-step," Law reasoned, ignoring Nami's distrust. "What do ya say? This is your big chance."
"Well, there's 4 of 'em, right?" Luffy pointed out. "So, which one is it?"
"Which one is it? Don't tell me you're thinking about it! We can't team up with him," Nami protested.
"Not Shanks," Aiya chimed in abruptly, her voice cutting through the conversation and interrupting Law's dramatic moment. The Heart Captain's expression remained flat and unamused; however, Aiya couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having derailed him, her words carrying a hint of defiance. "What? That's the only one he cares about."
"Shishishi, that's right. Sure, we're in," Luffy agreed with a grand laugh, his decision made without hesitation.