A week later.North Blue, Swallow Island – Pleasure Town.
"I already told you, I don't know where they are!"An old man with a head of white hair stiffened his neck and replied without a hint of fear, refusing Souta Kiryuu's question.
"Wolf… tell me, if Law knew you were in danger, would he come to rescue you?"Souta Kiryuu strolled leisurely through Wolf's laboratory as he spoke. Even Dr. Vegapunk had stepped out of Capone Bege's castle to study and borrow some of this inventor's technology. Wolf's expertise in submarine engineering was exceptional—so much so that Vegapunk himself considered it worth learning.
Not long ago, Souta and his crew had reached the North Blue with the help of Kuma's Paw-Paw Fruit ability. Unable to immediately track down Trafalgar Law, Souta led his companions to Swallow Island.
Here lived Wolf—the man who had once saved Law, and the very inventor who had built the Polar Tang, Law's indestructible submarine.
After landing, it didn't take long for Souta and his crew to find the famous kindhearted inventor in Pleasure Town. Years ago, Wolf had discovered the temple treasure on Swallow Island, earning him enough funds to pursue his research and create the Polar Tang. The remaining wealth he spent to rebuild Pleasure Town after it was ravaged by pirates.
Once they located him, Lafitte had little difficulty hypnotizing the stubborn old man and uncovering his underground laboratory. Inside were countless inventions and, beneath the lab, an underground harbor—the construction site and resting place of the Polar Tang.
Souta even discovered a comprehensive Devil Fruit encyclopedia within Wolf's collection. It was no wonder Wolf had been able to instantly recognize Law's Ope Ope no Mi years ago.
"What do you want with Law?"Wolf asked warily, glaring at them. He would never allow Law to fall into danger.
"My reputation precedes me, I'm sure," Souta said with a faint grin. "I stand opposed to the Celestial Dragons. And Law's fruit? The World Government covets it more than anyone realizes. That alone ties our fates together. I understand Law's hatred better than you think. So here's the deal: help me contact him. I'll aid him in avenging himself against Donquixote Doflamingo. All I ask is that he joins my cause."
As he spoke, Lafitte—who had slipped into Wolf's private quarters—emerged with a sly smile, holding a Den Den Mushi. "Old man, I believe I've found Trafalgar Law's line. Perhaps you'd best listen to our captain."
"You—!" Wolf's teeth clenched. Rage flashed in his eyes as he noticed Vegapunk casually flipping through his research notes, skimming inventions as if he were counting loose change.
"My apologies," Lafitte interrupted with a grin. "It's already connected."
From the Den Den Mushi came a calm, steady voice. "Old man, what is it?"It was Trafalgar Law. At twenty-two years old, he had already been captain of the Heart Pirates for six years. All that time he'd been gathering allies across the North Blue, planning to strengthen his crew before heading into the Grand Line to challenge Doflamingo.
"Law, don't answer—" Wolf tried to warn him.
"Greetings, Trafalgar Law," Souta interrupted smoothly, taking the Den Den Mushi from Lafitte's hand. "I'm Souta Kiryuu—the man who declared war on the Celestial Dragons days ago. I can help you crush Doflamingo, that fallen Celestial Dragon. In return, join my banner. What do you say?"
"What have you done to Wolf?" Law's cold voice cut through, fury sharp beneath his calmness. He would never allow harm to come to the man who had once saved him.
"He's fine," Souta replied casually. "Strong voice, steady breath—healthy as ever."Meanwhile, Vegapunk and several scientists were busy hauling away Wolf's rare materials and inventions. Wolf's face turned red with rage—until he realized just who was browsing his work.
Vegapunk.The world's foremost genius. And he was openly admiring Wolf's submarine technology. Despite his anger, a flicker of pride crept into the old inventor's eyes.
"Wait for me. I'm coming."After a long silence, Law's voice returned, cold and resolute.
"I'll be waiting," Souta answered evenly before the line cut off.
Far across the seas, in another stretch of the North Blue, Law gave the order to set sail. The Polar Tang surged forward toward Swallow Island. He would ensure Wolf's safety—no matter what it took.
As for cooperating with Souta Kiryuu—or even joining his forces—that was another matter. But one thing was clear: this man had the guts to declare war on the Celestial Dragons. If anyone could take on Doflamingo, it was him.
At the same time, Law had only now learned the truth—Doflamingo was a former Celestial Dragon. No wonder he had been able to seize Dressrosa, a member nation of the World Government, without repercussion. Bringing him down would be even harder than Law imagined.
Yes… he needed powerful allies.
Back in Wolf's laboratory, Souta smirked faintly, confident Law would soon come to him. Whether Law joined willingly or not, Souta had no intention of letting a man with the Ope Ope no Mi simply walk away. At worst, Law could be harvested as a candidate for the Seraphim project—after all, even the Ope Ope no Mi was an extraordinary Paramecia fruit.
But before Law's arrival, Souta's mind was already stirring with new schemes. He decided to take a little detour—to the North Blue prison.
There, Wolf's violent son was held: a pirate known as Bark. A dangerous man rumored to have eaten either the Drink-Drink Fruit or the Dissolve-Dissolve Fruit. His abilities allowed him to liquefy his body, mimicking properties of a Logia. Bark could melt blades, weapons—even intangible things like the human heart and will, bending others to his command.
Law and his allies had nearly died fighting him when he returned defeated from the Grand Line. Eventually, the Navy captured Bark and kept him as a trophy in the North Blue prison, a warning to other pirates.
Souta had other plans. He intended to seize Bark's bloodline factor, spread his own infamy, and humiliate the World Government and the Marines in the process.
From the West Blue to the North Blue—he moved as he pleased.Let them try to capture him. They would never succeed.