Chapter 44: Silent Promises
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Emi was sitting across from Law, her expression serious as she reached into her bag and pulled out a set of carefully rolled documents. She unrolled them, spreading them on the table between them to reveal a mixture of notes, maps, and detailed reports. In particular, one document was filled with information about the substance known as SAD, alongside Vegapunk and Judge's groundbreaking discovery of the universal genetic blueprint: the Lineage Factor.
"This," Emi said, pointing to a dense set of notes, "is what they call the Lineage Factor—Judge's discovery of the genetic blueprint common to all life. And it's what Caesar has been exploiting with SAD. But you know already. Now what's interesting it that when this substance is infused into certain fruits to create what are called SMILEs, it's designed to manipulate the Lineage Factor of whoever eats it, altering their bodies to develop animal traits."
Law's eyes narrowed, his gaze focused intently on the reports as she continued.
"And this," Emi added, pointing to another set of notes, "is about Doflamingo. He's trafficking those artificial Devil Fruits with Kaido, one of the four Emperors of the New World."
Law nodded, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips. "I suspected as much, but it's good to have proof." He went through the documents, analyzing each detail carefully. After a moment, he looked up at Emi, intrigued.
"How did you manage to get so much scientific information?"
Emi shrugged slightly. "It's Ambre," she said with a small smile. "A genius. She decoded everything. Without her, none of this would have made sense."
Law couldn't help but be impressed, his eyes lighting up with renewed interest. "She uncovered all of this from a single sample?
Emi nodded. "Yes. To be honest, I don't understand everything she discovered. But you should be able to figure it out."
A slight smile tugged at the corner of Law's mouth as he processed the information. This confirmed suspicions he had harbored for some time. He'd known about Doflamingo's alliance with Kaido, but this solidified Caesar's role in their operation. Now, everything was becoming clearer. Doflamingo was using Caesar to produce artificial Zoan-type Devil Fruits, fueling his trafficking operation. Sabotaging the production of these fruits would be a direct blow to Doflamingo's empire. This was an opportunity he couldn't let slip away, and the kind of opening he had been waiting for—a chance to disrupt Doflamingo's entire operation from within.
Emi watched Law, absorbed in his documents. His dark eyes scanned every line and diagram with the same intensity she had come to know. It had been a while since she had seen him, but nothing about him had changed. He was still distant, but incredibly effective—a professional in everything he did.
She sighed inwardly. What was she thinking, exactly? She mentally shook her head to dispel those distracting thoughts. This wasn't the time or place to get sidetracked.
She cleared her throat to get his attention. "Being with Morgans gives me access to invaluable resources in the underworld," she declared, trying to justify the accuracy of the information she had just provided.
Law finally looked up at her, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. He took a moment before responding, as if weighing his words. "Morgans... the director of the Times," he began, his tone sharp. "Does that mean you work for him?"
"I don't work for him," she replied firmly, crossing her arms with a determined glint in her eyes. "I don't like everything he does, nor how he runs his business, but it's a way to get the information I need."
A silence settled in, and Law's gaze shifted slightly, processing her words before he returned to his documents as if nothing had changed.
For him, everything was calculated. But for Emi, this brief conversation stirred a deeper dilemma. The line between her alliances and beliefs had blurred long ago, and yet she had resolved to get what she wanted—no matter the methods or cost.
Emi couldn't ignore the rush of memories and thoughts flooding her mind. Months had passed since she'd last seen him, and that final moment still lingered—a fleeting closeness, an almost-kiss, something she couldn't quite name but couldn't forget. She had left so suddenly, without explanation or goodbye, vanishing under strange circumstances. What had he thought? Law hadn't demanded any explanations, his silence on the matter unsettling in its own way.
A part of her had hoped he had confront her upon her return, that he had ask why she had left, or at least voice some hint of reproach. But nothing. Law had welcomed her back aboard the Polar Tang as if she had never left, as though nothing significant had happened. No questions about her departure, no indication of the abrupt way she'd left him without a trace.
She hesitated, unsure if she should broach the topic herself or follow his lead and let the past lie. The words sat heavy on her lips, the desire to break the silence almost painful. Yet every time she tried to summon the courage, the words slipped away, leaving her uncertain and silent.
And now, the question gnawing at her was whether he still saw her as an ally. He'd allowed her aboard the Polar Tang, yes, but did that signify trust? Or was she, even now, just another piece in his plans?
Law's face remained unreadable, his attention focus on his documents, before he lifted his gaze to Emi.
"Do you have any information on Caesar's location?" he asked abruptly, his tone indifferent, as if unaware—or unwilling to acknowledge—the tension simmering between them.
The question snapped Emi back to the mission at hand, pushing aside the lingering memories and complicated feelings. His bluntness was as unyielding as ever, his focus locked on his goals without a hint of sentiment. Yes, nothing had changed. In moments like this, he seemed indifferent to emotions, but Emi knew better; everything with Law was intentional, meticulously measured.
She sighed, slipping back into the rhythm of their alliance. "We're working on it. He's buried himself deep—every lead we uncover vanishes before we can act."
Law's eyes stayed on her, intent and thoughtful. If even Morgans' extensive resources were failing to pinpoint Caesar, it meant the scientist had a powerful shield around him. Law's brow furrowed, a glimmer of frustration flashing in his eyes. He was prepared to wait but understood that patience alone wouldn't yield results. He needed to ensure that their collaboration remained discreet.
"Does Morgans know I'm after Caesar?" His tone had sharpened, revealing a flicker of his underlying wariness.
Emi shook her head, her gaze steady. "No. He thinks it's for Big Mom." She allowed a beat of silence. "Don't worry, I'll find something solid eventually."
Law observed her, seemingly weighing her words, his expression softening just a fraction. "I thought so." Then he added in a more pragmatic tone, "Take as much time as you need, but I want to be the first to know when you have something concrete."
Their conversation drifted back into silence. Emi replayed his words in her mind. Take as much time as you need. Was he… showing understanding? The thought unsettled her more than she was willing to admit. Am I overanalyzing? she wondered, annoyed at herself for lingering on words that likely held no special meaning to him.
But before she could overthink further, Law stood and moved toward a shelf. Without a word, he pulled down a jar and placed it in her hands, his expression neutral. Emi took it, her curiosity piqued, peering inside.
When she realized what she was holding, she gave a slight start. Inside the jar, a Black Den Den Mushi was nonchalantly munching on a lettuce leaf. Emi blinked, unable to believe her eyes.
"A... Black Den Den Mushi?!" She looked up at Law, astonished. It was one of the rarest species, highly sought after for intercepting communications. How had he managed to get one? And why give it to her? Law, usually focused solely on his own goals, was giving her something in return?
Law crossed his arms. "It might come in handy for you."
"Thank you," she replied finally, her voice a little hesitant. She glanced down at the little creature, who, oblivious to the significance of the moment, continued nibbling at its lettuce with calm indifference. With a small smile, she added, "I'll make sure it's put to good use."
As she held the jar, Emi couldn't help but feel a quiet relief, realizing that he was still considering keeping their collaboration intact. The idea of him valuing their partnership enough to entrust her with this made her unexpectedly reassured, though she wouldn't have admitted it even to herself.
Emi glanced around the room, as if searching for a new topic. "Your crew has grown," she remarked. "I guess a lot of people want to join a captain as… strategic as you."
Law, who had now turned back to his maps, gave a faint smile. "They see the potential," he said simply, but Emi noticed a slight hint of pride in his tone. "You need people who can keep up with a demanding pace."
She gave a small, amused smile. "With all the work you put them through, I'm not surprised your crew is so effective." Her tone was half-mocking, half-admiring.
Law looked up at her, a spark of curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Think you could keep up?" he asked, his voice almost challenging. "Endurance is a requirement for working under my command."
Emi raised an eyebrow, surprised by his remark. Under his orders? What was he implying ? She had always been independent, refusing to submit to anyone's authority, much less in an alliance.
"I'm not under anyone's orders, Trafalgar," she replied defiantly.
A faint smirk appeared on Law's lips. "Not on my ship." He'd stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers as if measuring her resolve.
Emi hesitated, a flash of defiance mixed with something else. "Maybe," she said with a small, cryptic smile, "but I'd prefer being your partner, not your subordinate."
Her words seemed to hang in the air, introducing a new tension between them. Law's gaze didn't waver, his piercing eyes seeming to dive into Emi's thoughts, analyzing every word she'd just spoken. She straightened up abruptly, feeling warmth rise to her cheeks. Her words could easily be misinterpreted, and the thought made her blush even more. She turned slightly, stepping toward Law's desk and placing a hand on it, trying to mask her embarrassment behind a facade of confidence.
"I'm ready for anything, Trafalgar. You should know that by now," she declared, crossing her arms, her tone more assured despite the persistent redness of her cheeks.
Law followed her, that faint smirk never leaving his face. He walked over slowly, his gaze still locked onto hers. When he was close enough, he leaned in slightly, closing the distance even more. "So, why the blush, Emi-ya?" he murmured softly, almost teasingly, his warm breath brushing against her skin.
Emi's heart skipped a beat. Hearing Law say her name in that tone… it was unsettling. Why did he always act like this? She tried to hide her embarrassment behind a quick comeback. "Maybe it's because you're too close," she replied, attempting to sound indifferent.
The smirk lingered, and it was clear Law enjoyed this subtle battle of wills. Something about knowing he could still get under her skin seemed to amuse him. His eyes held a spark of satisfaction as he added softly, "I intend to push you hard."
The flush on her face deepened, and she looked away, feigning distraction, but it was pointless—he'd already noticed. Law's presence, his words, the way he leaned in as if to test her composure—it all seemed meticulously calculated to leave her flustered.
Seeing her reaction, Law's smirk softened into something closer to a genuine smile, though brief. He straightened, the intensity ebbing as he reached into his coat. When he pulled his hand back, he held out a familiar log pose—the very one she'd entrusted to him before her departure.
"It's time I returned this to you," he said calmly.
Emi stared at him, visibly surprised. She hadn't expected to see this item again. Her hand trembled slightly as she took hold of the eternal log pose, her fingers brushing against Law's in the process.
"Glad to know it came in handy," she murmured.
"I keep everything that holds significance," Law replied, looking her straight in the eyes.
Once again, silence settled between them, heavy and filled with unspoken words as they looked at each other, neither breaking eye contact. But before the moment could reach a point of no return, a sudden knock on the door interrupted them.
"Captain! A ship's heading toward us," announced Bepo as he opened the door hesitantly, his voice slightly nervous about interrupting a private moment.
Law's expression immediately hardened, any warmth in the room vanishing in an instant. "A ship?" he asked, moving toward Bepo.
"Yes, and it's ... floating in the air! Closing in fast," Bepo confirmed.
A faint smile tugged at Emi's lips. She knew exactly who was behind this airborne arrival, but she kept her knowledge to herself, quietly following Law and Bepo out.
On deck, the entire crew had gathered, all eyes fixed on the sky where a blimp was approaching on the horizon. The airship drew closer and closer, its massive shadow casting over part of the Polar Tang. Emi sighed deeply, feeling a pang in her chest. She knew the time for farewells had come, even if she wasn't ready to leave.
"Looks like it's time," she said, gazing up at the sky with a melancholy smile on her lips.
Shachi, leaning against the railing, sighed heavily. "What? Emi, you're leaving already?!"
Penguin nodded, looking equally disappointed. "We didn't even get to celebrate!"
Emi shot them an amused smile. "Don't worry, guys. I'll come back to bother you now and then."
The two pirates grinned back at her, their childlike enthusiasm a stark contrast to the somber farewell mood settling over everyone.
Emi then turned to face Law, whose gaze hadn't left the ship. His brows were slightly furrowed, as cautious as ever.
She sighed softly, stepping closer but stopping just a few paces from him. "Don't worry," she said with a reassuring smile. "It's only Morgans. Just a journalist's ship, nothing more."
Law remained silent, his sharp eyes fixed on her. But something in his expression shifted—a faint, almost imperceptible softness broke through his usual mask. He gave a slight nod, a sign he trusted her. Or perhaps he simply didn't want to argue.
The hum of engines filled the air as Morgans' ship aligned with the Polar Tang. A rope ladder unrolled from above, swaying gently in the sea breeze. Emi stepped forward, grasping the ladder, but as she climbed, she paused midway, glancing back for one last look at the crew.
Her eyes met Law's across the deck. So much she wanted to say, yet none found their way out. Instead, she offered him a soft, grateful smile, a silent promise to return.
"See you soon, Trafalgar," she whispered to herself, and resumed climbing.
As Morgans' vessel drifted away, Emi stayed at the back, watching the Polar Tang grow smaller and smaller on the horizon. She sighed, comforted by the thought that she'd probably see them again soon. She deeply missed the camaraderie and adventures shared with Law's crew, but she knew piracy wasn't her destiny. The sea had always called to her, just not under a black flag. Her journey lay in the stories she uncovered, in the truths she chased, and she still had her own vendetta to fulfill.
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On that clear morning, Emi stood on the deck of the airship, gazing at the vast sky stretching endlessly before her. The fresh wind brushed against her face, bringing with it a feeling of freedom and excitement.
Suddenly, the sound of wings interrupted her thoughts. She looked up just in time to see Coco, her loyal seagull, gracefully fly toward her with a newspaper in its beak. Emi couldn't help but smile at her feathered companion. She reached out, gently taking the newspaper while affectionately stroking Coco's soft, white feathers.
Unfolding the paper, Emi let her gaze drift over the bold black letters forming the headline. She already knew what it contained, but that didn't stop her from feeling a wave of pride seeing her work in print.
*Trafalgar Law, Now One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea*
"Trafalgar Law, also known as the Surgeon of Death and captain of the Heart Pirates, was recently named one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea by the World Government. This appointment came after Law delivered 100 pirate hearts to Marine Headquarters—an achievement that stunned the global community. […]"
She folded the paper neatly, handling it as if it were a precious keepsake. She knew, with a wry smile, that Law would likely hate the attention this would bring him.
"Nice work," said a familiar voice behind her.
Emi turned to see Morgans approaching, his large beak displaying what seemed like an approving smile.
She nodded in gratitude. "Thank you."
Morgans scanned the horizon, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Law's quite the subject, don't you think? Many consider him dangerous, but he has a unique way of capturing attention."
Emi nodded, her mind drifting back to the Polar Tang and the enigmatic man she'd left behind. "He has a certain charisma, I suppose."
Morgans looked at her for a moment, his sharp gaze betraying his knack for reading between the lines. But he chose to say nothing. "What's your next step?" he asked instead, smoothly steering the conversation in a new direction.
Emi looked up at the sky, losing herself in the vastness of the endless blue. She thought for a moment, and after a few seconds of silence, she declared with confidence, "I need to find where Caesar Clown is hiding."
Morgans looked at her with curiosity but didn't push further. "I see. And what about your personal goals?"
Emi gave a determined smile. "I haven't forgotten. I'm still hunting down corrupt nobles, and I have more to investigate regarding Cipher Pol."
Morgans nodded, clearly impressed by her resolve. After a brief silence, his tone shifted, this time more serious. "It so happens that I have a mission that might interest you."
Emi narrowed her eyes slightly, intrigued. "What is it?"
Without another word, Morgans gestured for her to follow him. "Come to my office; I'll explain everything there."
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Thank you for reading this chapter! Don't worry, they're going to meet again sooner than you think… hehe