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Trafalgar Law's anguished cry echoed through the air as he collapsed to his knees, his gaze fixed on the burning hospital consumed by monstrous flames. Tears streamed down his face as he pounded the ground in helpless despair.
Gion, who had followed silently, stopped a few steps behind him. She said nothing, her heart heavy as she took in the scene.
A boy of only ten years old—everything he cherished had been shattered in a single day. His family, his friends, his entire country—all gone.
The weight of such a blow was unimaginable, even to Gion. She knew that no words of comfort could reach him now.
She clenched her fists, her mind drifting to the past. She had once had the chance to change this outcome—she remembered the warnings Alex had given her years ago. But back then, the heavy Marine coat on her shoulders had kept her from acting, from defying the World Government's orders.
If not for seeing the suppressed reports of Flevance downfall, she wouldn't have even known the full extent of this brutal massacre—this annihilation of innocents.
"I'm sorry," Gion said softly, stepping closer to Law.
Law looked up at her, his tear-filled eyes burning with raw hatred. It wasn't just directed at her, or the Marines, but at the entire system that had allowed this to happen. It was a look Gion had seen before—the kind of hatred that could drive someone to destroy the world.
Perhaps, she thought bitterly, this was how many of the pirates on the seas were born. Not out of innate malice, but forced into that life by tragedies . A year ago, this boy had been a kind and sensible child. Now, he stood on the precipice of something darker.
Gion knelt beside him, meeting his fiery gaze. Despite the intensity of his hatred, she spoke firmly.
"Come with me. I'll take you to a doctor. We'll find a way to cure the Amber Lead Syndrome. After that, you can live the life you deserve."
"Are you kidding me?!" Law slapped her hand away, his voice trembling with anger. "I told you—I hate the Marines and that rotten World Government! I'll never go with you!"
Gion didn't flinch at his outburst. Instead, she nodded solemnly.
"You're right," she said quietly. "That's why you should come with me. I'm not a Marine anymore."
Law froze, his words caught in his throat. He turned to her, disbelief flickering across his face. Before he could respond, a deep, resonant laugh rang out from above.
"Dahaha! If you're no longer a Marine, Gion, how about joining my camp instead?"
Startled, both Gion and Law whipped their heads upward. Standing atop the burning hospital was a man, his figure imposing against the backdrop of flames. The fire seemed to part around him, as if bowing to his presence.
"Alex?" Gion's voice was filled with shock.
"Lami!!" Law's cry of surprise followed immediately.
Gion stared at the man she hadn't seen in years—the one who had made a bet with her long ago. Meanwhile, Law's wide eyes were locked on the small figure cradled in Alex's arms. It was his sister, Lami—the sister he thought had been lost in the fire.
Alex leaped from the roof. An invisible force seemed to support his descent, his movements effortless as he landed lightly on the ground.
"Lami!" Law scrambled to his feet, rushing toward Alex. He stopped short, his hands trembling as he examined his sister.
Law's eyes scanned her carefully, his limited medical knowledge kicking in. Lami bore no burn marks, no signs of injury—only the same peaceful expression she'd had before the tragedy began. She was alive, merely unconscious.
Tears welled in Law's eyes, spilling over as relief washed through him. The despair that had gripped his heart moments ago was replaced with overwhelming gratitude.
"Thank you! Thank you so much for saving my sister!"
Unable to contain his emotions, Law dropped to his knees and bowed his head, pressing it to the ground. His voice broke as he cried, "I owe you everything!"
For someone like Law, who had endured so many highs and lows, Alex's kindness was certain to leave a lasting impression. This act of compassion, seemingly simple, would lay the foundation for an unshakable loyalty in the future.
"I haven't seen you in years, Gion, but you've grown even more remarkable," Alex said, placing Lami gently in front of Law. He turned his attention to Gion, a calm smile on his face. "What about my invitation? Have you given it any thought?"
Gion didn't answer right away. Instead, her eyes remained steady as she posed a question of her own.
"For Flevance... You, one of the Four Emperors, with your power, could you have prevented this disaster?"
Alex nodded without hesitation. "Yes. But remember, Flevance was a member nation of the World Government."
"I understand," Gion replied calmly. "I'm not questioning your approach."
Alex's presence carried undeniable weight. As one of the Four Emperors, his name alone was enough to send ripples across the seas. Few dared to challenge him, and no nation under his influence escaped his shadow. Yet what Gion sought was deeper than his reputation—she wanted to understand his true intentions.
Her next question came without hesitation.
"Will you go against the World Government in the future?"
Alex's expression shifted slightly, his calm replaced with a glint of ambition.
"Of course. My ambitions are vast," he declared. "As I told you before, the World Government has rotted from within. Under their rule, these lands have suffered since long before the Void Century."
He took a step closer, his eyes sharp and unwavering.
"The World Government's decisions cannot be opposed by a Marine like you, bound by their chains. But if you stand with me, I'll show you something greater—a land under my protection. Perhaps then, you'll find clarity in your newly born convictions."
Alex extended his hand toward her. His gesture seemed formal, but the resolve in his eyes revealed much more.
Gion looked at him, then at his hand. The justice she had once upheld now felt distant, almost foreign. Without hesitation, she reached out and grasped his hand firmly.
In that moment, Gion felt her conviction return—not to protect the name of justice, but to protect the people of the sea. True peace would never come without addressing the root cause of oppression. The World Government's corruption, like a poisoned tree, spread its rot through every branch.
Alex smiled, his satisfaction evident. "It seems North Blue has brought me much this time."
He turned to the Trafalgar siblings, addressing them with confidence. "You'll come with me. In my land, there are doctors who can treat you."
Law's eyes widened in disbelief. "R-Really?"
He hesitated, doubt clouding his expression. "But… this disease is incurable. To everyone else, we're nothing but monsters."
"That's only ignorance," Alex countered, his voice steady. "Ignorance the World Government deliberately cultivates. In my lands, you won't face such prejudice. And more than that, don't you want to save your sister—and yourself?"
Law's hesitation melted away, replaced by desperation and hope. "Of course! Please save us! I'll dedicate my entire life to you if you do!" He dropped to his knees again, bowing his head in gratitude.
Alex's expression softened, but his tone carried a sharp edge. "Law, you failed to protect your family today because you're too weak. The world doesn't operate on fairness—fate doesn't favor the powerless. Only by becoming strong can you seize control of your destiny."
He placed a hand on Law's shoulder, his gaze firm but not unkind.
"I'll give you the power to grow, the strength to become a true force. You'll gain the ability to avenge what happened here, and in return, you'll serve me. Together, we'll change this world."
Gion watched in silence as Alex spoke. She didn't feel the discomfort she might have expected. Instead, she found herself captivated by the scene, studying Alex's every word and action.
This man, she thought, had a remarkable ability to understand and wield human nature.