The Thousand Sunny drifted slowly toward the soot-stained docks of the burning island. Since Trafalgar Law—the very man who had summoned them—had revealed himself, the Straw Hat Pirates had no reason to hesitate. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and Robin climbed down the gangplank, while the rest of the crew stayed behind to guard the ship.
Law stood up from his waiting position as the five approached. "We meet again, Straw Hat-ya!"
Luffy didn't bother with a friendly greeting. He stepped forward with a scowl, clenching his fists. "Hey, Law! Give back the person you captured right now, or I'm gonna punch you into the sky!"
Law blinked, momentarily stunned by Luffy's bluntness, before his expression shifted into a grimace. Behind him, Bepo the bear cowered, looking terrified by the sudden tension. Robin stepped in before things could escalate, placing a hand on Luffy's shoulder to calm him.
"So, Trafalgar Law," she asked in her usual composed tone, "what is your true purpose in leading us to this island?"
Law's expression softened slightly as he realized not everyone on the crew was as impulsive as their captain. "It's very simple, Straw Hat-ya. I want to form an alliance with you."
The proposal sent a wave of shock through the group. Sanji raised an eyebrow, wondering if he'd heard correctly. "An alliance? You're serious?"
"You didn't mishear me," Law replied coldly, his gaze sweeping over the pirates. "You've only just stepped foot in the New World. You have no idea how terrifying the monsters in these seas are for newcomers like us. An alliance is our only hope for survival."
Robin narrowed her eyes. "Mr. Law, I assume we aren't the only ones you've approached."
Law nodded. "Correct. I reached out to other members of our generation—the Kid Pirates and the Fire Tank Pirates."
"And let me guess," Zoro said with a confident smirk, "they turned you down?"
Law's face darkened. "The Fire Tank Pirates chose to join the Big Mom Pirates, and that brat Kid refused me outright."
"Then why do you think we'd be any different?" Zoro asked.
Law let out a short, contemptuous laugh. "Straw Hat-ya, you really don't understand how dangerous your situation is right now, do you?"
Luffy shrugged, looking completely unimpressed. "I don't care how dangerous it is. If anyone tries to stop us, I'll just punch them away."
"And if it's every pirate in the New World coming for you at once?" Law's eyes locked onto Robin.
The crew was silent for a moment before Robin spoke up, her voice quiet. "Is it because of me?"
Law looked at her with genuine appreciation for her sharp mind. "Exactly. Two years ago, after Kaido of the Beasts took the final two Road Poneglyphs from Red-Haired Shanks, he kept his word. He printed copies of all four Road Poneglyphs and scattered them across the sea. While there were only a thousand copies initially, two years of bloodshed have ensured that every ambitious pirate in the New World now possesses a complete set. I assume you have one as well, Miss Nico Robin?"
"I do," Robin admitted.
Law's eyes burned with sudden intensity. "Then you know the way to Laugh Tale?"
The air around the docks grew heavy. Sanji stepped in front of Robin, blocking Law's view. "Hey, Law. You really think we'd just tell you that?"
Law smiled thinly. "It doesn't matter if you tell me. Everyone on the sea knows the truth: the only person left who can read those stones is you, the sole survivor of Ohara."
Usopp turned pale as the weight of the situation hit him. Zoro and Sanji stood tense, their hands near their weapons. Only Luffy remained unshaken. "We're gonna protect Robin. She's our friend. If anyone tries to take her, I'll send them flying."
Robin looked at Luffy with gratitude before turning back to Law. "So, did you bring us here to capture me, Mr. Law?"
"I won't deny your value," Law said solemnly. "But more than that, I need the strength of the Straw Hat crew to help me take down a specific target."
"Who?"
"Doflamingo!" Law stated firmly. "Here is my deal: we form an alliance to take down Doflamingo. In exchange, I will help you protect Nico Robin. As for the Poneglyphs, I don't care about the contents. You can share them or keep them; it makes no difference to me."
Sanji frowned. "Doflamingo is backed by Kaido and Big Mom. That's two of the Four Emperors. You expect us to pick a fight with two monsters just for your sake?"
"He's right," Usopp added. "If we're going to ally with anyone, we should find Luffy's brother."
Law shook his head. "You really are out of the loop. The Whitebeard Pirates are in a miserable state right now."
Luffy's eyes widened in panic. "What? What happened to Ace?"
"A year ago, when Fire Fist Ace returned, it looked like the crew might reclaim their glory. He was Whitebeard's chosen successor and the son of the Pirate King. But they've been in a losing battle against the Blackbeard Pirates ever since. A month ago, they suffered a crushing defeat. Diamond Jozu was taken down, and Ace was heavily wounded. They've lost all their territory. Do you know why?"
"Why?" Luffy shouted, his anxiety peaking.
"Because the former Admiral Aokiji joined the Blackbeard Pirates."
The revelation hit the crew like a physical blow. Robin was the most shocked of all. "How is that possible? A man like him... betraying the Marines to become a pirate?"
"Ara la la... nothing is impossible, Nico Robin," a familiar, lazy voice drifted down from above. "I'm just searching for justice in my own way."
The crew spun around, their faces pale with alarm. Standing atop a burning building was a massive man, his feet leaving a trail of frost across the scorched roof.
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