"Law, your face!"
Just when Trafalgar Law felt as though a huge burden had been lifted from his body and an indescribable relief swept over him, Donquixote Rosinante beside him suddenly spoke. His face was filled with ecstasy, his voice carrying unconcealable excitement.
"What happened to my face?"
Trafalgar Law was confused. Spotting a mirror in the office, he quickly rushed over, looked into it—and his knees went weak as he collapsed to the ground.
"Amber-Lead Disease…"
"It's cured."
Staring at his reflection, he saw that the skin on his face and neck was no longer pale, but had regained a healthy complexion. Thinking about the surge of relief that washed through him after being struck by Vice Admiral Rosen just now, a shocking thought began to form in his mind.
His Amber-Lead Disease
It had been erased by that man in a single blow.
It seemed too unbelievable.
Trafalgar Law turned his head toward Vice Admiral Rosen, who was sitting in the large chair. His eyes shone with excitement, desire, and a faint timidity—as if terrified that his assumption was wrong, more afraid still that Rosen's next words would crush his fragile hope.
But Rosen's calm voice landed like a reassurance, allowing him to breathe freely again.
"As you wish."
"Your Amber-Lead Disease has been completely cured. You'll never suffer from it again."
"If you're truly worried, let Rosinante take you to a nearby hospital for a detailed examination."
Facing Law's hopeful, pleading gaze, Rosen gave the answer he most wanted to hear.
Kannonbiraki Benihime Aratame, modified.
The Bankai of this Zanpakutō could reconstruct and transform everything within its range—living or dead.
Even if someone were blind, Guanyin Kaihōji could restore their sight.
Other than lacking the instantaneous spatial movement of the Ope-Ope no Mi's "Room," it surpassed that Devil Fruit in versatility.
"Thank you!"
Although Trafalgar Law tried to compose himself, he was only in his early teens. Upon learning he was cured, he could not contain his overwhelming joy. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.
Thud.
Trafalgar Law knelt before Vice Admiral Rosen, bowing his head firmly to the ground.
"Thank you for saving me, Admiral!"
His voice choked with emotion. Only those who had endured the torture of Amber-Lead Disease could understand the sheer happiness of being freed from it
"I wasn't the one who saved you."
"It was Rosinante."
"I can cure your body, but he saved your soul—and your life."
Rosen lifted his hand. His Armament Haki surged forth, shaping itself into a solid palm that gently pulled Law up from his kneeling posture.
"Whatever the case," Rosinante said, eyes filled with gratitude,
"you saved Law. That's an indisputable fact. I must thank you."
"If you truly want to thank me,"Rosen replied, "then keep an eye on Doflamingo. If you catch him doing anything out of line, call me immediately. But your own safety must always come first."
"Of course, if you no longer wish to remain undercover, you can simply leave. I have Doflamingo's vivre card—his every move, his life and death, honor and disgrace, are already under my control."
"Whether you stay undercover or not doesn't change the overall situation."
Not to mention that Fleet Admiral Sengoku had entrusted him with the power of the Conqueror's Haki, nor the fact that he had personally trained him to rise to Vice Admiral.
For Zephyr, he had gone to great lengths to hunt down the pirates who murdered his family, and for his fellow teacher, he had saved Rosinante.
"Vice Admiral, since you've chosen to keep Doflamingo alive for now, that means he's more useful to the Navy living than dead."
"Besides, didn't you just order him to complete three tasks? If I remain by his side, I can act as your eyes and ears, and help monitor him."
Rosinante knew that with Rosen holding Doflamingo's vivre card, his presence as an undercover was no longer essential. Still, after careful thought, he chose to stay. If nothing else, it was a way to repay Rosen for saving Law—and to help suppress his brother's schemes from within.
"Since you've decided, I won't stop you. But there's something you must remember."
"Just as you're undercover within the Donquixote Family, Doflamingo will send undercover agents into the Navy."
"When dealing with unfamiliar Marines, speak cautiously."
Rosen recalled the Donquixote base half a month earlier—already on full alert before he had even arrived. Doflamingo had clearly been tipped off. The leak was obvious.
Vergo.
He didn't care much himself, but still warned Rosinante, lest he fall victim to Vergo's hand.
As for Vergo—an exposed spy was far more useful alive than dead. Doflamingo was still needed. Capturing Vergo now would only push Doflamingo to send in new replacements. Better to let the piece remain until the Seven Warlords system itself was uprooted.
"I understand. Thank you for the warning."
Rosinante's heart pounded violently at the realization. His twisted brother had embedded a nail inside Marine Headquarters itself. Fortunately, the man before him had already seen straight through it.
"Go back. While Doflamingo won't suspect you, lingering too long will inevitably draw suspicion."
Rosen lowered his gaze to the reports spread across the desk.
They detailed the recent actions of Vinsmoke Judge and the technology of Germa 66. Records of conquered nations, executed kings, the development of clone soldiers, and the infamous raid suits.
He sifted through the Donquixote Family's intelligence on the North Blue's major forces. Originally, his plan had been simple: once Doflamingo was collared, he would move to eliminate the most dangerous pirate powers in the region. Germa 66, with its warmongering and endless conquests, was naturally first on the list.
But as his eyes lingered on their science and innovations, he couldn't help but be moved.
Victor Seiji's words still echoed in his mind.
On the journey to the North Blue, he had thought about how best to purge its chaos while laying the foundation for his own independent force.
Now, his vision began to crystallize. His hand reached for a pen, his gaze falling on the great map of the North Blue sprawled across his desk.
He drew a circle—quietly marking the first outline of his plan.