CHAPTER TWELVE
Trafalgar Law stood on the deck of the Polar Tang, his submarine hidden beneath the tumultuous waves of Marineford. The chaotic battle unfolded through the periscope. He assessed the situation with a critical mind. His primary objective was clear: ensure the safety of his crew while offering assistance only if the conditions were favorable.
"Captain," Bepo, his loyal mink companion, spoke up, "shouldn't we help them now?"
Law's gaze remained fixed on the battlefield. "Patience, Bepo. We move only when the time is right. Straw Hat is a potential ally, but our safety comes first."
Law maintained a calculated distance, knowing that direct involvement could jeopardize the lives of his crew. He observed Jinbei making his way towards the wall with Luffy and Ace in tow. Law's sharp mind quickly formulated a plan that would allow him to provide aid without leaving the submarine.
"Prepare the medical bay," Law ordered his crew. "We need to be ready to treat them if they make it here."
As the Polar Tang surfaced just enough to allow visibility, Law activated his Room Room Fruit powers, creating a "Room" that extended towards the shoreline. He remained on the deck, his presence commanding attention without exposing himself to unnecessary risk.
"Jinbei," Law called out, his voice carrying over the chaos. "If you can reach us, I'll ensure their survival."
Jinbei turned, his eyes locking onto Law's distant figure. Understanding the conditions, Jinbei nodded and continued his determined advance towards the submarine. His path was soon blocked by the relentless Lava Admiral, Akainu.
"Do you really think you can escape with them?" Akainu sneered, his fists erupting with molten lava. "I won't let you take those brats away!"
Jinbei steeled himself, preparing for the inevitable confrontation. "I will protect them, no matter what," he declared, his resolve unshakeable.
Akainu lunged forward, his lava-covered fists aiming to obliterate Jinbei and the brothers. Jinbei countered with his Fishman Karate, summoning powerful surges of water to clash against the molten lava. The battlefield turned into a volatile mix of steam and explosions as their attacks collided.
"Fishman Karate: Vagabond Drill!" Jinbei shouted, unleashing a massive water shockwave that momentarily pushed Akainu back. But the Admiral's relentless assault continued, his lava fists burning through the water defenses.
Just as Akainu's fist was about to connect with Jinbei, a swirling mass of sand intervened, deflecting the attack and creating a barrier between them. Crocodile emerged from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint.
"Looks like you could use a hand, Fishman," Crocodile remarked with a smirk. "I won't let this lava dog have his way."
Akainu growled, his anger intensifying. "Crocodile... You dare interfere?"
Without missing a beat, Crocodile manipulated the sand to create a massive sandstorm, obscuring their movements and giving Jinbei a chance to catch his breath. As the sandstorm raged, an unexpected figure stumbled into the fray – Buggy the Clown.
"What's going on here?!" Buggy shouted, his eyes wide with panic. "I didn't sign up for this!"
In his frantic attempts to escape the chaos, Buggy stumbled over a piece of debris, causing him to trip and fall. As he fell, his severed hand flew off and inadvertently slapped Akainu across the face. The unexpected and comical nature of the incident momentarily disoriented the Admiral, causing him to stagger.
"Buggy, you fool!" Crocodile snapped, taking advantage of the distraction to summon more sand and bind Akainu's movements.
With the combined efforts of Jinbei, Crocodile, and Buggy's accidental help, they managed to create a window of opportunity. Jinbei seized the moment, leaping towards the Polar Tang with Ace and Luffy still secured on his back.
As Jinbei neared the Polar Tang, Law extended his powers to create a clear path, momentarily disrupting the battlefield and providing a brief reprieve from the onslaught of attacks. He manipulated the space within his Room, using it to shield Jinbei and the brothers from incoming projectiles.
"Keep moving, Jinbei," Law instructed, his voice steady and composed even as sweat dripped down his face from juggling so many parts in his Room.
Author's Note:
I've said it several times. Law kicks my butt. I finally had to get help writing him out. He was kind of crucial. I hope the change in writing tone isn't too terrible. I loved how bouncing some ideas off someone helped me to come up with the scenes in this and the next two chapters (I'm posting them all tonight, no need to make you guys wait longer).
I continued to look after my health in July 2024, but didn't strain myself by trying to keep writing. It wasn't until September that I could stand looking at a word document for more than an hour. Spreadsheets read in a different language until then too. It's been a weird experience.
In November I attempted a mini NANOWRIMO challenge and just writing a 20-page story was agonizing. I kept working on a daily writing challenge for the past three months and finally tried to pick this story back up in March when I had succeeded in working at a desk and focusing for a three-hour time period.
Brain injuries are no joke. Anyone that has it – take care of yourself. Keep in mind it's slow going, but it can get better. I hate the word patience now. But it does work. Thank you all for waiting patiently for this new update!
Reader's Response (7/19/2024 - 3/11/2025):
DannyPhantom619 – Thanks!
Eliphas-Chaos – Thanks for the encouragement. I did focus on my health. Took until September to really feel like myself again. I didn't start writing again until November, where I did a mini Nanowrimo challenge. I've been working to get better so I could try this again! It didn't take another 2 years, but I hope you like the new three chapters I'm releasing today.
ThisIsStorm101 – Thanks for the well-wishes!
Perezosa-UwU – When I wrote Vegapunk, we had absolutely no knowledge of the canon Vegapunk beyond vague descriptions. I don't think I'll re-write that part. He was more of an excuse on why to send Luffy back in time, so isn't truly important to this story. Hopefully it doesn't clash too much with Canon Vegapunk. I admit, I haven't really followed the main story line since Wano arc started.
Jsmine Lucas – As I tell anyone that asks, people are welcome to create art or side stories or anything they want from my fanfictions. To me, when I post fanfiction out there, it becomes public domain. I'd still love credit as the original author – but it's not a big deal to me. It's there for people to enjoy the things I come up with in my head. If it was original work, then we'd have to talk. But this is me playing in someone else's playground. How can I be upset if someone plays with me? Good luck in your artistic creations, whatever you do!