Just as Kaguya was about to leave, a figure suddenly rushed forward and blocked her path.
The person who stopped Kaguya was none other than Law.
He was panting heavily, drenched in sweat, clearly having run all the way here.
"What is it?" Kaguya turned around and said, "If you're here to thank me, there's no need."
Without saying a word, Law bent his knees and, with a heavy thud, knelt before Kaguya.
Kaguya raised an eyebrow and asked, "What are you doing?"
Pressing his forehead to the ground, Law shouted, "I want to ask you to take me in!"
"Take you in?" Kaguya said. "If I recall correctly, you still have your parents and sister, don't you?"
Law lifted his head and said, "I want you to take me in as your apprentice!"
Kaguya looked at the serious expression on Law's face and suddenly laughed. "Just you, this little runt?"
Law's fair face flushed red as he said, "I may be weak now, but I will work hard and never disappoint you!"
"Can I ask why you want to become my disciple?" Kaguya stared at him with interest.
"Because I want to become stronger," Law gritted his teeth and said. "I don't want what happened before to happen again. I don't want to be powerless when my parents, my sister, and my comrades are in danger. I never want to experience that kind of pain again."
As he spoke, Law pressed his lips together, his eyes turning red. Large tears welled up and streamed down his cheeks.
The terrifying events from before had made Law realize that relying solely on medical skills was not enough to save Flevance, nor could it protect his loved ones. Only by possessing great strength could he protect the things he wanted to protect.
Otherwise, the nightmares haunting him would become reality.
"You want to protect those dear to you?" Kaguya murmured as she gazed up at the towering trees.
"Yes." Law wiped away his tears and nodded firmly.
"What if you have to endure hellish training?" Kaguya asked, her sharp gaze fixed on Law. "To gain strength beyond ordinary people, you must first endure pain beyond what ordinary people can bear."
"No matter what kind of training, I will endure it," Law clenched his fists, lifted his head, and said resolutely, "because I've already been through hell."
Seeing his serious expression, Kaguya couldn't help but laugh. "You're just a little brat. You've suffered a bit and think you've seen hell? Stop flattering yourself."
Law's face turned even redder as he retorted, "No matter what, no matter how painful the training, I won't give up!"
"That kind of determination isn't bad." Kaguya nodded.
Law's face lit up with excitement. "So, does that mean you're willing to take me as your disciple?"
"No." Kaguya refused outright.
Law's smile froze, and he quickly asked, "Why not? Please, I will work hard and never bring you shame!"
"I don't have the time."
"Huh?" Law was dumbfounded.
Kaguya shrugged. "I have a lot of things to do every day. I'm very busy. Where would I find the time to teach a little brat like you?"
"That won't be a problem!" Law hurriedly said. "As long as you tell me the general methods, I'll train hard on my own!"
Kaguya stroked her chin and thought for a moment. "Still no."
"Why not?" Law asked, feeling disappointed.
"There doesn't need to be so many reasons. I simply don't have any plans to take on a disciple now or in the future." Kaguya stepped past the kneeling Law, paused for a moment, and said, "Give up on that idea."
Could Kaguya just outright say it was because Law was a boy?
If it were a girl, Kaguya wouldn't mind playing the mentor role. But a little boy? No, thank you. She had no interest in that.
If there was anyone to blame, it was simply because Law wasn't a girl.
Law watched Kaguya's departing figure, his hands pressed against the ground, clenching the dirt tightly between his fingers.
Why not?
I just want to protect my loved ones.
Is even such a small request too much to ask?
Just as Law was feeling utterly disheartened, a small booklet suddenly landed in front of him with a "thud," making him freeze in surprise.
"This book contains the sword techniques I once used. Master everything in it, then come find me again." Kaguya tossed out those words and walked toward the distant port.
This booklet was something Kaguya had casually recorded in the past. It not only contained sword techniques but also various combat skills. However, as her strength grew, she no longer needed such notes. Still, it was a decent introductory guide for a kid like Law.
Ecstatic, Law quickly picked up the booklet, looked up, and shouted, "Teacher, I will work hard!"
"I'm not your teacher, don't call me that," Kaguya replied without turning around, waving her hand dismissively. "Training is a personal journey. Simply following in someone else's footsteps will never make you truly strong. Go carve out your own path, Law."
"Yes, I understand, Teacher!"
Law gripped the booklet tightly and nodded firmly.
"Good, you better truly understand," Kaguya murmured to herself as she continued toward the port, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Even her beginner's manual wasn't something just anyone could master. Without relentless training, one couldn't even reach the foundational level Kaguya had once been at. After all, training wasn't some leisurely pastime—it wasn't something one could succeed at with half-hearted effort.
But considering Law's potential in the original story, his combat skills weren't weak. He seemed like a smart kid, and maybe, just maybe, he would become a completely different Law from the original timeline.
That thought was actually a little exciting.
"Train well, one day, you'll lose your head for it," Kaguya waved behind her.
"Yes! I will work—huh? Lose my head?!" Law froze.
"Ah, is that so?" Kaguya, completely unaware of her slip, laughed casually. "I misspoke. Don't sweat the details, kid."
"Please don't say such terrifying things! But, Teacher, what does 'Icha Icha Paradise' mean?"
"..."
Meanwhile, aboard a ship on the open sea.
"Her again!" Doflamingo leaned against the railing, veins bulging with rage. Gritting his teeth, he slammed his fist onto the wooden rail. "Damn it! Where did she even come from?!"
The "she" he was referring to was, of course, Kaguya.
Ironically, the attack on Flevance had been Doflamingo's carefully orchestrated plan. But just as he was about to achieve victory, Kaguya had appeared out of nowhere and ruined everything.
Doflamingo had planned this for years, even spending a fortune bribing World Government officials.
Success had been within his grasp—until the prize was snatched away at the last moment.
How could he not be furious?
Yet, no matter how enraged he was, Doflamingo knew better than to confront Kaguya head-on. He wasn't stupid.
After all, Kaguya had the guts to beat down Kaido of the Beasts. What chance did he stand?
"Doffy, the latest report just came in. The war is over. That person has officially taken control of Flevance," the snot-dripping Trebol said in his usual slimy tone. "Controlling Flevance is no longer an option. What should we do next?"
Doflamingo took a deep breath, suppressing his fury, and said coldly, "Don't worry. I already have a new location in mind."
Trebol asked curiously, "A new location?"
"That's right." Doflamingo's voice was deep and firm. "If we can take control there, we can use it as our base for weapons trade. It's a little farther away, but with the title of Warlord of the Sea, acquiring it should be easy."
His fingers landed on a map, pointing directly at Dressrosa.
...
After sailing for a while, Kaguya not only amassed a great fortune but also obtained several Devil Fruits. Combined with the reward from Sengoku, it was quite a profitable venture.
Kaguya couldn't help but sigh—businesses with no initial investment truly were the best. No wonder there were so many pirates these days.
Rumor had it that Kaido had been acquiring a large number of Devil Fruits, and this was no secret along the Grand Line. His territory must have a stockpile of them, though where exactly he kept them was unknown. Perhaps, on a whim, Kaguya could go and rob him—there might be some significant gains to be had.
She tapped her fingers, seriously contemplating an idea that most would consider a death wish.
After all, this was Kaido of the Beasts, a man bold enough to take on the Navy and retreat unscathed.
But in Kaguya's eyes, he was just a brainless, muscle-bound gorilla—not a big deal. At most, he was tough and durable. If he truly insisted on seeking death, Kaguya would gladly grant his wish. Just a single strike from All-Killing Ash Bones was enough to reduce him to a pile of ash.
As she held a book in her hands, she was actually calculating her next steps in her mind.
Just then, a Marine soldier hurried over. "Inspector, ahead is Water 7. We need to dock and resupply fresh water and food. Is there anything you'd like us to procure for you?"
Already at Water 7?
Kaguya closed her book, thought for a moment, and said, "Bring me some dango, make sure it's red bean-filled."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Just as the Marine was about to leave, Kaguya suddenly called him back, pointing toward the distant harbor. "That ship docked over there—where is it from?"
The Marine responded honestly, "Inspector, that is a judicial ship from Enies Lobby. It recently docked here, reportedly after being attacked by a ruthless criminal."
"Attacked?" Kaguya raised an eyebrow. "Someone actually dared to openly attack a World Government judicial ship?"
The Marine scratched his head. "I'm not entirely sure of the details, but I heard the culprit is from the local Tom's Workers. The exact reason is still unclear."
Tom's Workers?
Kaguya was momentarily taken aback. She had heard that name somewhere before. Turning to the Marine, she waved a hand and ordered, "Announce that the inspection team will be conducting a routine commercial and tax audit in Water 7."
"Commercial and tax audit?"
The Marine was stunned. He had never heard of such a thing before. But since taxation and commerce fell within the inspection division's oversight, he quickly saluted. "Understood, Inspector! I'll relay the orders immediately."
As Kaguya gazed at the judicial ship still billowing smoke on the horizon, a smirk played on her lips. It seemed an event from the original story was about to unfold.
Meanwhile, in a spacious plaza in Water 7, the judicial ship's judge and Marine soldiers stood at the center. Surrounding them were members of the World Government's intelligence agency, CP5, along with a large crowd of onlookers.
A gaunt, black-clad man with a sleazy demeanor waved his hand and laughed, "Haha! Did the tranquilizer darts take effect? Men, arrest the shipwright Tom on charges of attacking Enies Lobby!"
This was Spandam, the head of CP5 and the son of Spandine—the same Spandine that Kaguya had killed earlier. Though their appearances differed slightly, their arrogance and sleaziness were identical.
"You won't take Tom!" Franky shouted, gripping his staff tightly as he stood in the way. "I built the ship! I fired the shots! If you need to arrest someone, arrest me instead!"
Beside him, Iceburg grabbed Franky's arm and pulled him back. "Are you an idiot?! Do you want Tom's efforts to be in vain?!"
"But… but…" Franky clenched his teeth, tears welling up in his eyes. "Tom is being taken to Enies Lobby! They say no one who goes there ever comes back!"
Iceburg's fists clenched tightly. Of course, he knew all too well what Enies Lobby meant.
But precisely because of that, they couldn't let Tom's sacrifice be in vain.
Spandam walked up to the unconscious Tom, lifted his foot, and stomped on his face, grinding it under his boot. With an arrogant sneer, he spat, "You stupid lunatic fish-man! You dared to hit me? Even my father never hit me! I will never forgive you, you heinous criminal! I'll have you executed! Do you hear me?! I'll have you hanged!"
Seeing Tom being trampled underfoot, Franky clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His teeth ground together, and his voice came out in a strained whisper, "I can't take this anymore…"
With that, he suddenly broke free from Iceburg's grasp and charged straight at Spandam.
"Let go of Tom!"
The Marine soldiers on guard immediately raised their rifles and aimed at Franky, shouting, "Stop right there! One more step and we'll open fire!"
But Franky ignored them completely, dashing toward the now-panicked Spandam.
"Shoot! Shoot!" Spandam shrieked in terror.
Just as the Marines were about to pull their triggers, a loud voice rang out.
"Inspector on site!"
Inspector?
Could it be the World Government's Inspector-General?
What was she doing here?
The Marines froze for a moment, their reactions slowing. Even Franky, mid-charge, hesitated and turned his gaze toward the harbor.
From the distance, a procession of Marine officers in uniform approached in a grand and imposing manner. At the forefront was a woman of breathtaking beauty, exuding an aura that commanded attention.
Was this the renowned Inspector-General spoken of in hushed tones?
The presiding judge was momentarily stunned before hurriedly rising to his feet. Despite his elderly appearance—white-haired and frail just moments ago—he suddenly moved with surprising speed, practically jogging toward the approaching figure.
Reaching Kaguya, the judge plastered a wide smile on his face and respectfully greeted her. "Inspector, what an honor! What brings you here?"
Kaguya gave the old man a sidelong glance and replied, "What, am I not allowed to be here?"
"N-no, that's not what I meant!" The judge waved his hands frantically. "What I meant was—"
Kaguya cut him off with a wave of her hand, speaking bluntly, "Spare me the nonsense. Just tell me what's going on here."
"Yes, of course," the judge said quickly, forcing a smile.
The sight of the once-imposing judge now behaving so subserviently left the crowd bewildered. Just moments ago, he had been stern and authoritative—now, he was all smiles and deference, an abrupt shift that was difficult to process.
But it wasn't entirely the judge's fault.
Despite holding the title of "judge," his position was merely that of a regional court official under Enies Lobby. In modern terms, he was the equivalent of a district-level judge.
Kaguya, on the other hand, held a vastly different rank. She had been directly appointed by the World Government and reported only to them. In modern political terms, she was akin to the Attorney General, a high-ranking official at the vice-national level.
A mere district judge compared to a vice-national leader?
How could he not grovel?
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