Team Formation, The Goal Is Shichibukai!

"This should be fine. After resting for two days, you'll be able to move normally."

After returning home, Law quickly treated Grey's injuries and had him lie in bed to rest. He then turned to Rod and couldn't help but say, "I'm quite surprised you didn't end up covered in wounds this time."

Ever since he gradually mastered the Ope Ope no Mi's abilities, Rod would periodically appear at his door, carried by Nerl and barely alive. Relying on the fact that he had a doctor, Rod would recklessly push his body to its limits, a behavior Law detested.

Of course, thanks to Rod, his Ope Ope no Mi abilities had also developed rapidly.

"Hahaha, you should know this, Law."

Rod laughed heartily and patted his chest.

"I'm very strong now. It's not easy to make me fall into that state again!"

In his youth, even with the "Sit-ups" cheat, Rod only trained himself moderately. Following the training methods from his memories of the "Kame Style," he would work with the others, plowing fields, delivering goods, climbing mountains, and swimming (Law rowed). They trained while working part-time.

He also adhered to the "Kame Style" tenets: exercise well, study well, play well, eat well, and rest well!

He made sure to have at least a half-hour nap every day!

However, as his training progressed, with the help of "Sit-ups," Rod's physical condition improved rapidly, and he soon hit a bottleneck. Conventional training no longer provided him with any pressure. Even with the maximum weight, the training effect on his body was minimal.

It was at this time that Law, having undergone training, had developed his Devil Fruit abilities quite deeply.

Thus, Rod began a series of reckless training sessions, pushing his body to its limits multiple times. Just as he was about to collapse, Law would step in and rescue him.

With Law's medical skills and the double guarantee of "Sit-ups," his physical fitness improved at an astonishing rate.

Until now...

"At least, I myself have no way to push myself to my limit anymore."

"Unless..."

As he spoke, Rod slung an arm around Law's shoulders, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.

"You use your--"

"Absolutely not!"

Shaking off Rod's chokehold, Law flatly refused.

"I will never lay a hand on you, no matter the reason!"

"How cheesy, Law!"

Rod burst into laughter. Seeing the seriousness in Law's eyes, his smile slightly faded, and his expression turned firm.

"We've all undergone considerable training now, and even Pekoms and Shakky are quite good. So, it's time. Let's raise our flag on the sea!"

"Just 'quite good,' Boss Rod..."

Pekoms and Shakky shed manly tears beside them.

"I've also been waiting for this day for a long time!"

Law's expression also turned serious, a cold glint flashing in the depths of his eyes.

"Before that, there's something I need to tell you. Think carefully before you make a decision."

Law lowered his head slightly, his eyes appearing gloomy under the shadow of his hat, making him seem as if he were about to fall into darkness.

"I have a goal. After setting sail, I must settle things with him, and he will definitely pay attention to me soon."

Scenes from the past flashed through Law's mind, recalling his childhood experiences.

He remembered the outbreak of the Lead Disease in White Town, and how his friends and family died one by one;

He remembered how he narrowly escaped and joined the Donquixote Family, wanting to destroy the world;

He remembered how Mr. Corazon threw him out again and again;

He remembered Mr. Corazon taking him around to seek medical treatment, and how he became furious at the attitude of the doctors and nurses;

He remembered Mr. Corazon shoving the hard-won Ope Ope no Mi into his mouth, only for himself to collapse in a pool of blood;

He remembered the smile Mr. Corazon showed him in the end, and the "love" he spoke to him;

And Mr. Corazon being shot and killed by Doflamingo!

"That person is one of the current Shichibukai, Donquixote Doflamingo!"

Law kept his head down, his gaze lowered, controlling himself from looking at Rod and Nerl. He clasped his hands together, his fingers unconsciously tightening.

"If you sail with me, it means you are destined to clash with one of those monsters who rule the seas."

Law pursed his lips, more words stuck in his throat, but he didn't want to say any more.

"Shichibukai—Donquixote Doflamingo!"

Hearing the name spoken by Law, Nia was slightly stunned. She had also been sailing the seas for several years, so how could she not have heard of the Shichibukai, let alone this Great Pirate who came from the North Blue.

Thinking of this, Nia unconsciously glanced at Bellamy, whom she had tossed aside. The blonde kid had woken up once midway but was promptly knocked out again by Rod.

"What an idiot!"

Rod suddenly laughed and nudged Nerl with his arm.

"You've read more than me, is this guy's personality called 'tsundere'?"

"That's right, except usually in stories, it's a character trait more common in females."

Nerl suppressed a laugh and said with a straight face.

"I'm going to kill you two bastards!"

Law's defenses shattered in an instant, his face flushing slightly.

"You're just like it!" X2

After some bickering, Rod placed his hands on Law's shoulders, his gaze serious.

"You think Nerl and I don't know anything? You underestimate us too much! There have always been rumors in the underworld about the Ope Ope no Mi, which was once priceless, and about the Donquixote Family, who used to run rampant in the North Blue and still hold considerable influence!"

"We were just waiting for you to tell us yourself. Besides, we already decided that if you dared to leave without explaining, we'd definitely beat you up!"

"As your captain, I must carry your dreams and expectations! In return, you must assist me in conquering this sea!"

"You really know how to talk, Rod!"

A smile of relief appeared on Law's face, and the gloom in his eyes seemed to dissipate.

"If we've decided to set sail, how can we be timid! The Shichibukai are nothing but targets we were going to eliminate anyway!"

"Well then, I'll be counting on you from now on, Captain Rod!"

"Captain Rod!" X4

Rod turned to Nia and extended his invitation again.

"So, after hearing the name Shichibukai, do you still dare to join my crew?"

"What a clumsy attempt at provocation."

Nia rolled her eyes at Rod, tossed her hair, and then took his hand.

"Then, I'll be entrusting my life to you, Captain Rod!"

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