In addition to its unmatched value in medicine, the Op-Op Fruit was clearly exceptional in combat as well.
Take Law's cutting ability from earlier.
That slash had already surpassed the limits of ordinary physical defense. It operated on a higher level—almost at the level of rules themselves.
In other words, without Armament Haki as protection, even Kaito's so-called "Man of Steel" physique might not have been able to block the Op-Op Fruit's severing power.
This was one of the main reasons Law still dared to confront Kaito, even knowing he was dangerous.
After blocking the Op-Op Fruit's cut, Kaito stepped through the air with Moonwalk. With a burst of compressed air beneath his feet, he shot forward, plunging directly into the crater where Law was embedded. Without hesitation, he grabbed Law by the throat and yanked him out.
Then, without even turning around, Kaito leapt backward out of the crater, twisted midair, and hurled Law down toward the street below.
Boom!!!
Law's body smashed into the ground with violent force. The street caved in instantly, forming a massive crater.
Standing steadily at the edge of the pit, Kaito looked down with a faint smile.
"Law, your strength doesn't quite match your determination."
Coughing blood, Law struggled upright inside the shattered crater. His body was battered, his clothes torn, his injuries severe. Still, he forced himself to stand, swaying slightly as he lifted his head.
"I admit… I'm not as strong as you," he said hoarsely. "But I meant what I said. I won't submit to you."
If it had been anyone else who rejected him again and again, Kaito would have killed them without hesitation.
But this was Law.
It wasn't because he was a so-called "character of destiny." It was because talent was rare.
Law's medical expertise and combat potential were both exceptional. Unless Law crossed a true bottom line, Kaito genuinely didn't want to kill him.
"Fine," Kaito said after a moment of thought. "If strength alone won't make you yield, then how about we make a deal?"
A deal?
Law tightened his grip on Devil May Cry and frowned, staring up at him.
"Yes," Kaito continued calmly. "Although this is our first meeting, I actually know quite a bit about you. For example… your grudge with Doflamingo."
Law's pupils shrank instantly.
"How do you know that?" His voice sharpened. "Do you have ties to Doflamingo?"
Like a startled cat, every nerve in his body seemed to bristle. His gaze toward Kaito became even more guarded than before.
Kaito chuckled.
"If killing one of his pirate subordinates counts as having ties, then sure."
Law froze.
If that was a connection, it was clearly a hostile one.
"Enough suspense," Kaito said. "Here's the deal. If you're willing to join my pirate crew and work under me, I'll take on your conflict with Doflamingo. When the time comes, I'll assist you in eliminating him."
As he spoke, Kaito drew one of his golden sabers in a smooth motion and slashed upward into the sky.
Boom!!!
A massive golden slash wave tore forward, roaring violently as it shot into the heavens, as if splitting the sky itself.
The power was overwhelming.
"How about it?" Kaito said, resting the blade on his shoulder. "My strength isn't too bad, is it? With my assistance, wouldn't your chances be far better than going alone?"
Words alone weren't convincing enough. Strength had to be shown.
Compared to the earlier exchange with Law, the slash wave Kaito unleashed now was on an entirely different level.
Law stared at the enormous golden arc streaking across the sky, shock flashing in his eyes.
If that attack had been aimed at him, he would have died in a single strike.
He fell silent for several seconds.
Finally, he steadied himself.
"I understand," Law said slowly. "I accept the deal. If you're willing to help me take revenge, then from this day forward… I'll work for you."
Law was strong-willed, but he wasn't foolish.
Overwhelming force, combined with a condition that struck directly at the core of his obsession, left him with little reason to refuse.
Taking a deep breath, Law knelt on one knee before Kaito.
His answer was clear.
"Welcome to the War Pirates," Kaito said with a laugh, clearly pleased at this "inevitable realization."
"Delicious! This is incredible!"
"Captain is amazing! He recruited so many talented chefs at once—we're living in paradise now!"
"Ahh! It's so spicy—but it's so good I can't stop eating!"
"The chef team is overflowing with talent now. Our pirate crew just keeps getting better!"
The fleet sailed steadily across the sea.
Inside the ships' dining halls, chaos reigned—in the best possible way. Tables were packed. Members of the War Pirates devoured dish after dish as if they had never tasted real food before.
Some even had tears in their eyes while eating.
And honestly… that wasn't far from the truth.
Food had levels.
Although the War Pirates' original chef team had been selected from thousands, compared to the newly upgraded culinary lineup, the difference was night and day.
Even the same dish, when prepared by these top-tier chefs, tasted entirely different—richer, deeper, more refined. It was as if everyone had suddenly discovered what "real cuisine" meant.
On the No. 1 main ship—
Inside an exclusive dining room, Kaito sat at the head of the table. Robin, Mangu, Neferpet, and the newly joined Law were seated nearby.
The dishes were exquisite.
Kaito picked up a piece of flame-glazed grilled meat with his fork and placed it in his mouth.
His eyes widened.
"So this is 'Passionate Barbecue'?" he exclaimed with genuine admiration. "No wonder it won the Food King Competition. Beating all those chefs wasn't luck—this flavor is extraordinary."
The meat was tender yet firm, infused with layered spices. The heat bloomed across the palate before mellowing into a rich, smoky sweetness. Even someone like Kaito, who valued strength above most things, couldn't deny the sheer excellence of it.
Karina's championship title was well deserved.
And more importantly—
The War Pirates' foundation had grown even stronger.
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