When Everything Goes Wrong (V)

"Shigan." 

"Soru."

"Rankyaku."

"Kami-e."

Only now did I fully understand why the Straw Hats had struggled so much against the CP-9 agents. Rokushiki techniques were ruthless and hard to counter. This commander was nowhere near Rob Lucci's level, yet he was relentless. The only reason I was still alive was thanks to my "Flash Step." Which was essentially a modified version of 'Soru'

Clang

Clang

Clang

Each clash of our weapons echoed, a reminder of my worsening predicament. No matter what angle I tried, I couldn't land a hit on him. Every time I closed in, he activated 'Tekkai', turning his body to iron.

This was going nowhere. My time was running out. If this continues for more than a minute, then I'm as good as dead. I need to think of something. I need to think. I need to do something unexpected.

What would Law do in this situation? The answer came to me: he'd find a way to make his opponent underestimate him.

I formed a plan, knowing it would be risky and painful.

I started to feign fatigue, letting myself get hit more often, allowing my movements to look sloppy. With each blow I took, I saw my opponent's confidence swell. He began to relax; he started to grow more confident, more arrogant. He started enjoying this thrill of crushing someone weaker than him. And in the middle of this trance, he didn't realize that my vitals were completely untouched. He thought I was nothing but a toy, something to crush slowly and savor.

This was his biggest mistake, as he leaped towards me and used 'Shigan' to penetrate my left shoulder. I let him, wincing as his finger dug in. He grinned like a maniac, watching the blood seep from the wound. But his grin shifted into confusion as he noticed the defiant smile on my face.

"I win," I whispered, the words slipping out with a surge of satisfaction.

Right on cue, the entire ship shook from an underwater blast—Penguin and Shachi's signal. For just a second, the commander's focus wavered, his attention snapping to the source of the explosion.

That single second was all I needed. With all my remaining strength, I raised my sword.

The commander saw the movement, and his instincts kicked in. He activated 'Tekkai' again, hardening his body to iron. I'd anticipated it. It was said that 'Tekkai' turned a user's body as hard as metal, and this would be my test—my first real challenge in cutting through it.

Succeed, and I live.

Fail, and I die.

No other choice. I gathered every ounce of strength left in me, drawing from every fiber of my body and surroundings. I poured it all into one final strike.

"Gentle Death."

The blade moved in a slow arc, the world around me silent as the strike completed. Nothing seemed to happen, and for a brief, horrifying moment, I felt dread creep in. But then a beautiful streak of red-hot blood poured out from the deep gush in the commander's chest. It was the most beautiful scene I'd even seen. I'd done it. I'd reached a new level. I finally cut through metal.

Basking in the victory for a couple of seconds, I sheathed my sword, and I leaped from the ship.

'We had done it. We have survived an impossible situation.'

Just as I was about to hit the water, I felt something—a cold and unyielding grip on my ankle. Before I could react, I was yanked back and hurled through the air like a ragdoll.

Crunch! I hit the deck with bone-shattering force, feeling my ribs crack. I forced my gaze upward, gasping through the pain. Before me stood Rear Admiral Vergo, his body now shrouded completely in Armament Haki.

---

Law's POV

Law was pissed. Not just at Doflamingo and Vergo, but also at himself. Doflamingo had anticipated their every move, and in the face of Vergo, Law found himself paralyzed by the weight of his past. If Z wasn't here… they'd all be dead by now.

Despite the chaos, Law couldn't help but feel a strange respect for Z. Everything had played out exactly as he predicted. Doflamingo's desire for the 'Eternal Youth Surgery' had kept Vergo from killing him. So, Law had done his part, stalling Vergo with half-truths, playing on the fact that Vergo was just another piece in Doflamingo's twisted game. Keeping Vergo occupied wasn't the challenge; what worried him was the fact that Z was still out there.

He heard the distant sounds of Z's fight but had faith in his friend. After all, his friend has promised him that he will return alive. And Law knew that Z didn't have any hero complex or anything.

But then, why wasn't he here yet?

Ten seconds had already passed since the signal. Z was a strong swimmer; he should have been here by now. Unease gnawed at Law as he climbed the ladder to the upper deck to check, but before he could reach it, the sub began to move.

Why have they started to move? Z wasn't here yet. Who gave them the order to move?

Law turned to Bepo, alarmed.

"Why are we moving? Z isn't here yet! We need to get back!"

Bepo's face fell, and he stammered, his voice thick with restrained tears.

"I'm sorry, captain... but we have our orders. We're supposed to leave within twenty seconds after the signal. No matter what happens up there."

"Who gave that order?!"

Bepo's reply was barely a whisper. "You know who, captain."

Law's heart sank.

Z? Why? You told me you wouldn't die! You swore you wouldn't play the hero! You told me that we'd beat Doflamingo together!

Then why aren't you here!