Chapter 177: Law

After a relaxing stay on Amazon Lily, Luo Ning decided it was time to return to Impel Down with his companions. Their business on the island was concluded, and while it was unusual for an empress to leave her domain for so long, Hancock's headstrong nature wouldn't be swayed.

Despite Granny Nyon's disapproval and attempts to persuade Hancock to stay, the empress remained resolute, leaving her with a resigned sigh. Dealing with such a willful leader was certainly taxing, yet her hands were tied. Here she was, advanced in age, still burdened with the responsibility of governing the island. It was enough to make one weary.

But was Hancock's impulsiveness truly a bad thing? Well, it wasn't a major cause for concern. By aligning herself with Luo Ning, she essentially ensured Amazon Lily's safety.

Truth be told, Amazon Lily's military might was only truly effective against fodder. Against genuine powerhouses, sheer numbers wouldn't suffice.

Luo Ning had always felt that Bartholomew Kuma had been somewhat unfair to Luffy by sending him flying to Amazon Lily. What was he thinking? Just because Luffy punched a Celestial Dragon? That was clearly a hasty decision.

Upon returning to Impel Down, the first order of business was a message – someone was waiting to see him. Initially, Luo Ning wasn't particularly interested, but the visitor's name caught his attention. It was Law, a man who had arrived at Impel Down while Luo Ning was away.

He'd nearly been incarcerated but thanks to Violet's intervention, who used her Devil Fruit to read his mind and discern his non-malicious intent, he was allowed to stay temporarily until Luo Ning's return.

Luo Ning nodded. He figured this had something to do with Doflamingo. After all, he was the one who'd dealt with the Donquixote pirate. Law, it seemed, prioritized Doflamingo's demise above all else. Honestly, Lae would have paid almost any price to see Doflamingo brought down.

Corazon's death at Doflamingo's hands was a significant factor in Law's motivation. In hindsight, the biggest flaw in Corazon's plan was his betrayal of Doflamingo. Doflamingo, a cold-blooded monster as he was, held genuine affection for Corazon. Unlike his father, Doflamingo didn't blame Corazon for their shared lineage.

Doflamingo yearned for a true family, and Corazon was his only remaining blood relative. He held Corazon in high regard. Yet, this very relative ended up betraying him. Corazon not only acquired the Ope Ope no Mi (Op-Op Fruit) from Doflamingo for Law to consume but also served as a Marine undercover agent. It was worth noting that Corazon was Sengoku's adopted son. Sengoku, too, was devastated by Corazon's death.

There wasn't anything inherently wrong with Corazon's choice to aid Sengoku. Everyone has the right to choose their path. Doflamingo chose the path of a villain, while Corazon chose kindness. That much was understandable.

The crux of the issue was Corazon's betrayal of Doflamingo. It could be argued as a righteous act of familial destruction, but Doflamingo genuinely cared for him. Corazon wasn't a despicable person; he simply had his own agenda.

Before acquiring the Fountain of Youth, Luo Ning would have been incredibly optimistic about Law possessing the Ope Ope no Mi and its ability to grant eternal youth. But now, Luo Ning himself had the Fountain of Youth. A single cup per year was enough for those around him, with plenty left to spare. The surgery was therefore unnecessary.

Furthermore, the success rate of the Ope Ope no Mi's eternal youth surgery was uncertain, and the potential cost was unknown compared to the readily available Spring of Youth. In Luo Ning's hands, the Ope Ope no Mi's ability in this regard was entirely redundant.

One could definitely say Doflamingo had a knack for scattering powerful Devil Fruits. The Golden Golden Fruit, the Ope Ope no Mi (Op-Op Fruit), and the Mera Mera no Mi (Love-Love Fruit) all slipped through his fingers – incredible fruits wasted on others. And the most infuriating part? The man never learned his lesson.

The Ope Ope no Mi was a fluke, a fortuitous accident. But the Mera Mera no Mi wasn't. Initially, Doflamingo intended to use it as bait, a way to lure someone in. Yet, it ended up in someone else's grasp.

One would think Doflamingo would be more cautious after such a blunder. But no, the buffoon went on to orchestrate a ridiculous display with the Mera Mera no Mi, only to have Sabo snatch it right under his nose. Utterly outrageous!

Clearly, Doflamingo wasn't destined to possess these phenomenal fruits.

Luo Ning finally met with Law. The young man wasn't much different from his counterpart in the original timeline, considering their similar ages. He was currently a wanted man, but the bounty on his head was negligible, a mere pittance that wouldn't attract much attention. He hadn't yet reached the level of prominence he would achieve as a Supernova later on.

"Greetings, Master Luo Ning!" Law saluted Luo Ning respectfully upon seeing him. Despite their relative positions, Law owed Luo Ning a debt. After all, Luo Ning had eliminated his enemy, essentially enacting Law's revenge. The gulf in power between them was undeniable.

"No need for formalities," Luo Ning replied with a shake of his head. "You came for Doflamingo, but unfortunately, you're a step behind." It was true; Law wouldn't get his chance at vengeance.

"Do you know about me? Understandable, given your immense power. My primary reason for coming here is to express my gratitude." Law stated his purpose plainly.

"There's no need for thanks. It was a matter of convenience for me," Luo Ning assured him. "Now, Law, I have two options for you. The first: abandon your pirate life. What you choose to do afterwards is entirely up to you."

"The second option: join Impel Down and become one of my subordinates. I can guarantee your safety." Luo Ning proposed, though the Ope Ope no Mi wasn't as crucial to him anymore. It was still better to have it in his own hands than the enemy's. He was extending an olive branch.

Law hadn't garnered the World Government's attention yet, but that would change as his fame grew. The government wouldn't overlook him for long. After all, the fear of death was a powerful motivator. Most people weren't drawn to a shortened lifespan. They craved more time, a sentiment Luo Ning shared. However, he had a solution.