Step by step, Souta Kiryuu walked toward the gravely injured Trafalgar Law, who was coughing up blood. His Conqueror's Haki surged wildly, spreading black-and-red lightning arcs that crackled through the air.
"With your current level of strength, the idea of taking revenge on Doflamingo is nothing more than a fantasy."
His long draconic tail whipped out, coiling tightly around Law's lean body. Looking down at the defiant expression on Law's face, Souta spoke calmly, his tone almost mocking.
"ROOM—Cut!"
Stung by Souta's dismissive gaze, Law roared and forced his Ope Ope no Mi powers into action, slashing his blade across Souta's dragon tail.
But then—something shocking happened.
The blade of the Ope Ope no Mi, which was said to cut through anything, actually stopped against Souta's shimmering scales. Sparks flew in every direction, but no matter how hard he pressed, it wouldn't penetrate.
"The Ope Ope no Mi isn't invincible. If one's defense is strong enough, or if their Haki surpasses yours—you can't cut them."
Souta grinned, lightning dancing over his fist as he slammed a brutal punch into Law's chest.
"AAHHH!"
Law screamed in agony. His eyes rolled back, blood pouring from his mouth. His entire body convulsed as though crushed by invisible weight, and he knew instantly that he needed immediate treatment to survive.
"Please, stop! I beg you, spare Law!"
At that moment, Wolf rushed forward in panic, clawing desperately at the massive dragon tail that bound Law. But a surge of current erupted from the scales, shocking Wolf violently and sending him sprawling.
"I just wanted him to understand the difference between our strengths."
Souta's dragon claw closed around Law's shoulder. Purple lines rippled across his scales, and venom seeped into Law's arm. Within seconds, the limb turned a sickly violet—poison coursing through his veins.
"Even with the Ope Ope no Mi, purging a toxin like mine won't be easy."
He released his grip, dropping Law heavily onto the ground as though discarding trash. His tone was casual, but his words carried venom of their own.
The Ope Ope no Mi was far better at treating physical injuries than poisons. Removing this one would cost Law precious time.
"You bastard!!"
Law, grimacing through pain, activated his Devil Fruit ability once more. Without hesitation, he severed his own poisoned arm, preventing the venom from spreading further into his body.
"Well? What do you think of our strength now? Oh, and keep in mind—Bartholomew Kuma's power isn't any weaker than Doflamingo's. Joining us would be the wiser choice."
Souta waved his hand, conjuring a blazing cloud of fire, then casually sat upon it. From above, he looked down at Law and Wolf, eyes sharp yet amused.
Law glared back, his expression conflicted. He had now witnessed Souta's terrifying power firsthand. Clearly, Souta and his allies had the strength to confront Doflamingo.
But Law didn't want to disband the Heart Pirates, nor did he want to be separated from Bepo and the others.
"Law! Heal your arm, quickly!"
Wolf's face twisted in anguish as he saw the severed, purple limb. If Law delayed much longer, his arm would be permanently ruined.
"I'll join you—but on one condition. I bring my crew with me. You'll help us grow stronger, and I will keep the Heart Pirates' flag flying."
With resolve in his eyes, Law tossed the severed, poisoned arm at Souta's feet. The Heart Pirates were his life's work alongside his companions—he would never let them disappear.
"Capone Bege's mafia still exists. One more pirate crew won't hurt."
Souta spoke indifferently, his palm glowing as the poisonous markings writhed and absorbed the toxins back from the discarded arm. He tossed it back to Law, who calmly reattached it to his body as if piecing together a toy.
The sight made Kuma, Bege, and Lafitte click their tongues in astonishment. The Ope Ope no Mi's power was truly bizarre.
Meanwhile, Dr. Vegapunk's eyes shone with fascination. He had long dreamed of cutting away his own oversized brain, which was now hindering his research. With the Ope Ope no Mi, coupled with his medical expertise, his plan to create independent "satellite" bodies suddenly seemed achievable.
"In that case… if Law is joining you, then please take me as well. I'm willing to serve as an assistant under Dr. Vegapunk."
Wolf, not wishing to be separated from Law, spoke up eagerly. He also craved the chance to study alongside Vegapunk, to unlock greater scientific knowledge.
"Welcome, welcome! Your expertise in mechanics and submarine design is impressive—I look forward to working with you."
Vegapunk shook Wolf's hand enthusiastically. He had already found designs for an aircraft in Wolf's research, something that had piqued his intense curiosity.
With a like-minded inventor beside him, his imagination would soar even higher.
"Good. Then it's settled. Our next target—the Vinsmoke family of Germa 66."
Souta casually accepted Wolf into his ranks. At the very least, he could put him to use in constructing more submarines.
"You're going after Germa?!"
Law's eyes widened in shock. The Germa army was a nightmare across the North Blue. He himself had long dreamed of acquiring one of their transformation battle suits.
In fact, countless people in the North Blue were captivated by the serialized comics about Germa's warriors. Even Law, Hawkins, and Drake—all future Supernovas—were fans of those transformation suits.
"They've already got cloning machines and modification labs. I'm sure Vegapunk will enjoy what we find there."
Souta smirked, his tone casual but laced with intent. "Why build from scratch when you can steal?"
"Judge's army won't be easy to handle," Vegapunk warned. "He's used lineage factor technology to create an evil force that's drenched the North Blue in blood. His clones and modified soldiers aren't to be underestimated."
He disliked Germa's methods deeply. Science, in his mind, should be used to protect humanity and advance civilization—not for slaughter.
"Then let's pack up and move. Law, go gather your men. Soon, we'll be sailing for the Grand Line."
Souta gave his orders briskly, sending Kuma along with Law to work with Vegapunk on improving Jewelry Bonney's treatment—accelerating her recovery as much as possible.
When Princess Mansherry and the dwarves heard that Law also despised Doflamingo, they quickly warmed up to him. Law, in turn, admired Mansherry's healing abilities. Paired with the Ope Ope no Mi, it was a flawless combination.
Together with Vegapunk's unmatched medical knowledge, it felt as though they could cure any disease in existence.
Kuma's usually stern face softened into a rare smile. The faster Bonney recovered, the happier he became.
In the days before their departure, Souta also pushed himself hard in training, honing his weaker Kenbunshoku (Observation) Haki. Meanwhile, Lafitte and Capone Bege studied alongside him, practicing the two forms of Haki under his guidance.
Traveling beside a world-class criminal like Souta meant one thing: without enough strength, you'd be dead the moment CP agents or Marine Admirals came knocking.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, Marineford—
The news of Souta Kiryuu's raid on the North Blue prison enraged Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"How is he now in the North Blue after leaving the West Blue?!"
Souta's artificial Azure Dragon abilities, paired with Kuma's Paw-Paw Fruit, allowed them to travel with terrifying speed. Neither the Marines nor the World Government could catch them, making every attempt at suppression futile.
These powers gave Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru constant headaches. Dealing with Souta was proving even harder than with Shiki the Golden Lion himself.