"Welcome to Moriarty household, Trafalgar Law and Bepo," Victor spoke with a measured tone, his gaze shifting between the two newcomers. "I trust your journey was not too arduous."
Law nodded, "It had its challenges, but we made it here as requested. Now, let's get straight to the point. What do you want from me?"
"Quite a feisty one," Robin said as she kept the book down and looked at the kids with a warm smile. Lil Bepo peeked from behind Law and looked at everything curiously.
"Trafalgar Law, the miraculous doctor who cured himself from amber lead poisoning. You don't have to be so vigilant, you are very valuable to my plans!" Victor stood up from his chair, his height had grown more than 6 feet with training and he felt like he was in puberty. King, a lunarian was 20 ft in height but still dwarfed by the giants and mysterious races living in this world. If Victor had to guess this world was of the size of a small star at minimum with all the huge sea kings living in it.
"Before we begin our talks who wants to eat chocolate kids?" Victor said with a smile.
"M.. Me. I want to eat chocolates," Bepo muttered as he raised his paws causing Law to facepalm. 'Can't you wait and have chocolate later Bepo? Are you a little kid?'
Robin's eyes shined when she saw the cute little guy and said, "Oh, I have some chocolates right here." She reached into the drawer with her devil fruit powers and pulled out a small box of chocolates, offering it to Bepo. The little polar bear's eyes widened with delight, and he eagerly took the box, his fluffy face lighting up with joy.
"Thank you, Miss!" Bepo exclaimed, his excitement contagious.
"Here you go, little one. Enjoy the chocolates," Robin said with a chuckle, ruffling Bepo's fur. The polar bear mink eagerly grabbed a chocolate and began munching on it, his eyes gleaming with delight.
"You're spoiling him," Law remarked dryly, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. He realized that the Moriarty family is pretty easygoing and they also have another devil fruit user in the room.
"Now, let's discuss the matters at hand," Victor began. "Trafalgar Law, as you rightly guessed, we have a proposition for you. I recognise your talent and I'm willing to invest resources, protection, and a platform to pursue your goals."
Law leaned back in his chair, still guarded. "And what do you expect in return?"
Victor's gaze was steady. "Join our family and defeat Doflamingo with your own hands."
"I can defeat him alone in the future, why do I need your help?"
"As a meeting gift, let me give you a piece of information. The reason why Doflamingo is so fearless and acts so brazenly is that he was a former Celestial Dragon."
Law's eyes widened in disbelief. The revelation hit him like a tidal wave, and for a moment, he was lost in thought, processing the implications of what Victor had just disclosed. Doflamingo, a Celestial Dragon—the privileged class that was considered untouchable, even by the World Government.
"That explains a lot," Law finally muttered, a mix of surprise and understanding in his tone. The secrecy and influence surrounding Doflamingo suddenly made sense. "So, Corazon was also...."
"Yes, Donquite Family left the Marojois but they suffered a tragedy when the civilians took out their resentment on the innocent family but while Corazon became a good man the older brother developed deep resentment for everything, he became a monster in human skin."
Law's expression hardened the revelation adding another layer to the already complex web of emotions he harbored toward Doflamingo. "I always suspected there was more to his past, but this... it changes everything."
Victor nodded solemnly. "So, did your resolve for revenge suffer learning this information?"
Law contemplated the offer, his mind wrestling with the potential benefits and risks. "It changes the context, but it doesn't change my resolve. I still want to bring him to justice for what he did to Corazon," Law declared, determination flashing in his eyes. "Why are you helping me?"
Victor leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Law and Bepo. "Mutual Benefits. You get your revenge when you are ready to pull the trigger, till then I'll play with Doflamingo. For now, go and take a rest. Think about my offer and tell me your decision at the dinner table!"
On an unnamed island:
"Ne ne Doffy, this is an opportunity we must not miss. The demand for slaves is at an all-time high as Disco is offering a long-term cooperation." Trebol was the user of Beta Beta no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, which gives him the ability to create and control mucus. His mucus is very thick and possesses great adhesiveness.
"Why? What caused the shortage?" Doflamingo asked as he downed a bottle of wine.
"I heard a rumour that the West Blue has stopped supplying slaves after The Syndicate has taken full control of the supply routes. After a massive war, a woman named Sofia Sanchez had unified the West under one banner."
"Heh heh heh! A woman?" Doffy laughed mockingly and said, "Expand operations in our territory, I need you guys to capture more goods as soon as possible. As for the Goru goru no mi(gold gold fruit), prepare to hold a grand auction three months later and invite all the rich pirates and the Syndicate to participate. They must have a lot of treasures right now."
"Are we really going to sell the powerful fruit?" Pica asked in his shrill voice.
"Heh heh heh! Of course, we are going to sell it but..."
At the same time in Marijois:
The Five Elder Stars were all seated in a grand hall as they planned the course of this world.
"It's time to hold the Levely this year," One of them spoke solemnly.
Every four years, 50 kings and queens from World Government affiliated nations gather at Pangaea Castle in Mary Geoise for a seven-day conference to discuss current events and debate plans for the future. The matters discussed and decided on at the Levely could affect the entire world.
"What should we do about the fishmen? Queen Otohime is rallying support for a new home for fishmen above the seas. She has miraculously gained the friendship of St. Mjosgard after he went to visit the fishmen islands."
"We cannot let them rise to the surface, Fisher Tiger escaped the ambush and he is a threat yet to be eliminated." One of them said angrily.
"Increase his bounty for now. We'll reject Otohime's offer until Fisher Tiger surrenders."
"We have suffered another loss too, the ship carrying that fruit was attacked and stolen.."
"It's very elusive as if it has a mind of its own. However we try, it slips from our grasp.."
***
Daz Bones POV:
The last few days have been a blur, first, he was defeated by Nico Robin and Sofia, and then an unknown man knocked him out with a slap. Memories of the recent past flashed through his mind as he looked at the dull ceiling of the prison. He was a famous bounty hunter, feared in the West Blue by pirates and civilians alike. Since he was a child in the orphanage he had always been bigger and stronger than his peers. He used this to his advantage and made a name for himself at a young age for being violent and cruel. Now, he was defeated and held captive somewhere, all he remembers was a blue-haired girl regularly injecting him with a sleeping drug whenever he gained a little bit of consciousness.
"Is this how it ends?" He couldn't help but lament. It has been many days, his daughter must be worried. All he wanted this time was to earn more money for her medical fees.
"Prisoner get ready, someone is here to meet you." The burly guard opened his cell, the curly blue-haired girl entered the cell. "Follow me, no rash movements or else you'll regret it dearly."