Chapter Text
The door banged open.
“Oi, Torao! You’re the director and you didn’t bother to tell us?!” Luffy’s voice echoed through the room. The trio stepped into the room.
Law looked up from the patient’s knee joint he was inspecting, shocked and wide eyed to see the furious pouting trio standing in his doorway.
What the hell are these idiots doing here!?
“Don-don’t you see that I’m busy?!”
Another voice spoke from behind the trio as the man came into view.
“I’m so sorry, Law! I told them to wait, but they insisted they were your friends and had something important to tell you! That’s why I let them in!” Bepo, Law’s physician assistant and best friend, was fruitlessly trying to nudge the trio back into the hallway while apologizing profusely.
“And you believed them?!” Law snapped, unable to comprehend the lapse in judgment. Bepo knew better than anyone that Law’s social circle was nearly non-existent.
“Hey, how long do you want me to stay like this? I told you it hurts when you keep pressing on my leg!” the man on the examination table grumbled, clearly annoyed by the circus.
“You can rest your leg, Eustass-ya. As I said it’s nothing serious”
“Torao! You could have made everything easier if you’d just said you were the director when we had breakfast together!” Luffy looked genuinely disappointed, arms crossed.
Bepo’s eyes widened in realization. “Ooh, Torao, I didn’t know you finally became friendly enough to share breakfast with other humans. Shachi and Penguin should hear about this—”
“Stop calling me that, and I think that’s enough!” Law stood up, furious. He stomped towards them as he snapped on his friend, “Bepo, we can have this conversation later. Go do what I told you earlier instead of gossiping. As for you three,” he pointed a stern finger at the trio, who taken aback at the rudeness, “wait in Bepo’s office. We’ll talk after I finish tending to my patient. Now, leave!”
“But—” Naruto began, but Law helped Bepo shove the trio out and shut the door firmly. He rubbed his temples and sighed; he had a feeling today was going to be a very long day.
“Oi, Doctor, you can plan on killing them after you've dealt with me. I’ve got better things to do,” Kid drawled.
Law was in no mood for difficult patients. He rubbed his face before he wordlessly motioned for the man to sit, mentally bracing himself for the disaster awaiting him in the next room.
Meanwhile, in the other office, the trio grew restless. Boredom set in quickly after Bepo left them alone. The trio weren't the type to simply sit quiet and do nothing. As they roamed the room, they stumbled upon a human skull resting on a shelf.
“Do you think it’s actually real?” Naruto asked, knocking on the top of the skull.
“Maybe! People die in hospitals all the time, and Torao’s friend might have found the dead guy’s skull interesting,” Yuuji said, sounding surprisingly knowledgeable. “Do you remember the villain from Human Earthworm 5? He had a huge collection of human skulls to decorate his office!”
“Ooh, spooky!” Naruto’s eyes sparkled as he inspected the bone with Yuuji.
Luffy, who had been humming in slow recognition, clapped his hands as he realized, “Hey, that’s Brook!”
Naruto and Yuuji stared intensely at the skull before Naruto whispered, “Now that you point it out, it actually does look like Brook!”
Luffy’s face lit up as he walked to them, “He would love to see this! We should definitely take it to show him!”
The door clicked open and an annoyed voice addressed them,
“If you ever dare to steal anything from this hospital, I’ll sue you.”
The trio spun around to find Law standing in the doorway, looking thoroughly unimpressed with arms folded.
“Oh, hey Torao! Did you finish treating everyone?”, Luffy greeted him enthusiastically.
A vein popped in Law’s forehead as he rubbed his temple. He walked past them and sat behind the desk, while the trio made themselves comfortable in the chairs opposite him.
“No, but I don’t have time to socialize. Let’s get this over with, quickly.”
Yuuji stretched his hand out. “I don’t think we’ve introduced ourselves properly. I’m Yuuji. Nice to meet you.”
“Hmm. Law,” he hummed in response as he shook Yuuji's hand. “So, what is it that you so desperately need to discuss?”
The trio suddenly remembered their feign indignation, and started pouting again.
“Torao! You should have told us you were the director during breakfast” Luffy seemed disappointed.
“Yeah! We thought you were just some regular doctor!” Naruto backed him up, while Yuuji nodded aggressively as if he’d been personally slighted.
Law snapped, “Did you seriously disturb my work just to ask me that?”
“No! We wanted to talk to you about something very important!” Yuuji’s expression shifted, becoming uncharacteristically …serious.
Law raised an eyebrow as the trio suddenly turned... professional?
“And what would that be?”
Naruto cleared his throat, addressing him in a clear, formal tone. “Mr. Torao, we are sincere businessmen who have come forward to discuss a vital deal with you.”
The trio leaned forward, arms propped in different poses for cool business guys they have seen on T.V. Naruto kept his hands on desk, Luffy leaned forward steepling his fingers with a confident smirk which just made it hard for Law to take him seriously, while Yuuji crossed his arms in front of his, chest as he nodded along to the what Naruto said.
Law was baffled. He could never have imagined these three were "businessmen." Usually, a seller remembers their client's name at least until the contract is signed. He privately wondered if their employer was under the influence of something illegal. Probably roofies.
“Sure...?”
“We understand that you require a new supplier for textiles and other hospital materials since your previous contractor severed ties,” Yuuji explained.
A beat of silence followed as Law finally connected the dots from yesterday’s interrogation. “And? I already have a supplier”
“We know that! But as representatives of Gojo Enterprises, we are here to seek your approval for a new textile supply contract!”
“Yeah, we’ve come to help you!” Luffy added with unfiltered excitement.
Law’s train of thought screeched to a halt at the mention of 'Gojo.' His stoic mask slipped, revealing a flicker of agitation. He slammed his hands on the table, hie eyes searching their faces for a lie, “Wa-wait! You mean to say you work for Gojo?”
“Yeah!” Naruto replied.
“Ridiculously tall, white hair, wears sunglasses in the dark, high on sugar — you mean Gojo Satoru?!”
The trio burst into laughter at the description. Luffy confirmed, “Yeah! That sounds exactly like sensei.”
Sensei!?
Law stood up abruptly, pacing behind his desk as he struggled to contain a mounting rage. He rubbed his temples vigorously. The trio were surprised at the strong reaction. “I can’t believe it!” he shouted to the empty air, he threw his arms in the air.
“What do you — ” Naruto began confused, but Law cut him off.
“I told him! It’s an absolute no! I refused him even when he visited me the day before yesterday!”
“We didn’t know that,” Yuuji said quietly. The trio exchanged confused glances.
Law stopped pacing and slumped back into his chair. He took a deep breath. “Look. I told him I won’t accept the contract. He is pressuring me even though I’ve told him everything is under control. Furthermore, I already told you I have a supplier. I’m sorry, but I refuse the deal.”
Silence fell. Yuuji looked at Naruto, unsure of how to proceed, but then Luffy spoke up.
“But we heard the hospital might close soon.”
Law’s eyes snapped toward him. “What?”
Yuuji hesitated. “I mean, we assumed it might —”
“Why would you even assume that?!”
“Be-because,” Naruto attempted to pacify the doctor, “we heard the new supplier might eventually break off the contract too!”
“WHAT! Who said that?!”
Luffy’s voice remained steady, his eyes serious. “Torao, we don’t know much, but one thing is for sure — this hospital will fall if you don’t do something.”
Law stood up again, his face flushed with fury. “The hospital is doing just fine!”
“No, it isn’t,” Luffy stood up to meet his gaze.
Yuuji and Naruto were caught in the middle as they stood up too. Yuuji tried to intervene as he pushed Luffy back from the table, “Luffy, let’s calm down — ”
But Luffy pushed Yuuji's hands away.
“No, Yuuji. At this rate, if he doesn’t secure a stable supplier, the hospital will collapse. It’ll be because he didn’t make the right choice when he had the chance!”
“Luffy, don’t say that — ” Naruto warned, but Law was already past his breaking point, as he slammed his fist on the table, galring at Luffy.
“You don’t know anything! It’s easy for you to point fingers when you aren’t the one standing in my shoes! If anything happens, it’s my burden to bear! Besides, how can you call yourself a businessman? Someone who doesn’t even know how to conduct a sale nor who can’t even remember someone’s name for five seconds — shouldn’t be lecturing ME on how to save a hospital!”
Yuuji and Naruto went quiet, stung by the outburst. But Luffy didn't flinch.
“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t know how to do a sale. But...”
Law breathed heavily, glaring.
“If I can save something I care about, I won’t just sit quietly and let it disappear!”
The statement hung in the air, thick with tension. Yuuji and Naruto exchanged nervous glances. Law looked Luffy dead in the eye.
“You don’t know anything.”
“Do I need to?”
“Yes.”
“Then tell me.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
A heavy pause followed.
“Because you wouldn’t live to see another day.”
Luffy remained silent, staring back at Law, trying to decipher the shadows behind the doctor's eyes. Yuuji finally broke the silence, trying to ease the tension. “Law san, we understand your position, but please hear us out.”
Naruto nodded imploringly. “The contract is our way and the company’s way of showing support against whatever is troubling you.”
Law regarded them for a long minute. “Do you really think the previous suppliers broke their contracts by choice?”
The trio was taken aback at this new information. Before they could press for details, Law moved. He walked past them, footsteps echoing through the stunned room. Luffy did not turn back to follow him. He held the door open.
“You should leave. The deal is off.”
“Wait!” Yuuji started, pushing the chair to the side.
But Luffy intervened, looking at his friends. “Let’s go.”
He slung his and Yuuji’s bags over his shoulders and walked through the door. Law did not look at him. He was staring at the floor, his jaw set. Naruto followed closely behind sending a hesitant glance towards the doctor. Yuuji hesitated, casting one final, lingering glance at Law before he, too, departed.
A Few Moments Later…
Nanami and Ichiji were reviewing reports in a boardroom. Gojo was already five minutes late, but to the COO’s chagrin, his boss had messaged saying he’d be delayed as he wanted to consult with a colleague, Dr. Shoko.
Kiyotaka Ichiji had a sinking feeling. Gojo had warned him not to tell anyone, especially Nanami, about the "special assignment" involving the trio. Nanami had frequently argued with Gojo about "minding their own business" regarding the hospital, but Gojo had remained adamant.
Knowing Nanami would object, Gojo had bypassed him entirely to send the trio to negotiate.
“Gojo speaks with a friend for two minutes, and now we end up reviewing fashion show venues and advertisements for Hammers&Nails,” Nanami muttered, displeased by the sudden workload. He set aside a report and rubbed his temples before taking a sip of coffee.
“Don’t worry, Nanami-san, everything will be fine,” Ichiji assured him, though it sounded more like a prayer for his own survival as he fumbled with his files.
Then, the telephone on the desk rang. Before Ichiji could reach it, Nanami answered and switched it to speaker.
“This is Kento Nanami-”
“How many times do I have to tell Gojo to stop disturbing me?”
Nanami was momentarily speechless as he glanced at Ichiji in confusion. “Is this Trafalgar Law?”
“Yes,” the doctor snapped, and Ichiji visibly flinched. “I’ve told him repeatedly to stop pestering me with this deal. What do I have to do to make him understand?”
“Is he still — ?”
“Yes!” Law let out an exasperated sigh. “He met me the other day and I clearly said no. Now, he literally sent three guys to my hospital to harass me about a contract while I was treating patients!”
Ichiji looked frantically between the phone and Nanami. The COO was about to find out everything, and Ichiji was doomed.
“I’m fairly certain I would know if three of our employees had approached you regarding a deal,” Nanami reasoned, searching for logic. “It isn’t possible — ”
“Oh, I am quite certain those three employees parading about their sensei, belong to your company. I am deeply disappointed in Gojo’s tactics, and I expect you to look into it.”
There was a silence before Law added, pleading, "Please. I hope you understand the situation better than anyone, Nanami san"
Everything clicked for Nanami at the word sensei. Only the other day did Nobara had asked certain two people about this. He realized exactly who Law was talking about, and he knew exactly who had helped Gojo go behind his back. The fact that Ichiji was currently sweating bullets and hyperventilating confirmed every suspicion.
He sighed, his voice dropping into a professional but weary tone.
“Please leave it to me, Law san. I will handle it. I'm sorry about that”
"Thank you"
Nanami turned towards Ichiji who jumped in his seat at the attention. Nanami sighed,
"Call Gojo. Now"
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
In the heart of the western side of the city, occupying a fifty-story skyscraper, lived the Donquixote Family. In their world, "family" wasn't defined by blood, but by a terrifying brand of loyalty. Once you were in, there was no backing out. One member had tried, and the consequences hadn't been tearful farewells; they had been celebrated with wicked cruelty. The irony was that the deserter was the only one who had actually shared the patriarch's blood.
The patriarch in question sat in a luxurious chair, draped in a flamboyant, long pink-feathered coat. He wore sharp blood red sunglasses in the dim room, curtains effectively blocking the sunlight seeping through the room — save except for few inevitable gaps. He was reading a report sent by his servant earlier.
To the public, he was a wealthy businessman, the owner of a luxury hotel and resort chain. In reality, he was an intimidating mafia lord of the underworld. Normally, he reviewed boring statistics on illegal exports.
But this report was different. It concerned a dip in illegal drug trades due to a "bothersome incident" earlier in the week. The man had been livid when he first heard the news, nearly smashing a servant’s head with a wine glass.
He tossed the report aside, cursing internally. He was bored. He needed a toy to occupy his mind, and after a few minutes of pondering, he decided on his favourite. Smirking, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found the name.
He hit dial. It rang once, then twice —
“I’m a busy man. And I told you never to call me again.”
The man laughed. A loud, sinister sound. “Now, now, Law. Is that any way to speak to me?”
“I would hang up, but I know you’d just find a way to torture me further.”
Doflamingo laughed again, highly amused. “You know your uncle so well! I expect nothing less.”
There was sigh and few mumbling resmbling a curse, “Stop calling yourself that. You aren’t my uncle, and you never will be.”
“Don’t be such a bad sport.”
“I am not.”
“Anyone who has ever spoken to you knows how dull and boring you are,” Doflamingo chuckled.
Law rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with deadpan sarcasm, “What a wonderful observation. Should I congratulate you?”
“Praises are mere words; they have no intrinsic value,” Doflamingo replied. “But praise from my nephew, especially one as stoic as you, truly makes my day.”
“I wasn’t praising you,” Law said, his grip tightening on the phone. “And don't make me repeat myself: I am not your nephew, and you are not my uncle.”
Doflamingo sneered, “How is that possible? Isn’t my brother’s son my nephew? A great doctor like you should understand genealogy better than me.”
“Don’t call him your brother!” Law stood up, knocking the chair to the floor, his voice rising in rage. “You don’t get to call him!”
“Why not? You are so harsh-”
“You murdered him! That's what you did!”, Law’s voice shook, “You murdered your own brother! Your own flesh and blood!”
“But I never killed him, Law,” the man replied calmly, savouring the moment. “He met with an accident.”
“An accident that YOU caused!”
“Now you’re being delusional.” Doflamingo took a sip of wine. “You didn’t see me driving the car, did you? You have no proof. I am no murderer, Law.”
“Anyone who has spoken to you knows what a liar you are,” Law snapped, throwing Doflamingo’s own barb back at him.
“This conversation is pointless. As I said, you’re a bore. And here I am, thinking you would entertain me for a while”
Law gulped the pain. He has always been a toy, when has he been treated like a human?
There was a brief pause. “Actually, I called for a different reason. I wanted to know how my hospital is doing.”
Law gasped, stunned by the man’s audacity, his voice shaking, “How dare ...how can you possibly believe it’s yours? Have you lost your mind?!”
Doflamingo’s laughter made Law’s blood boil. “If anyone has lost their mind, it’s you. Naturally, when one brother dies, the other is bound to inherit the property.”
“Only you would think that! I am Corazon’s son!”
“You’re a random kid he took in out of pity. You are adopted”
“And my father certainly didn't care! He clearly stated in his will that the hospital belongs to me!”
“Mere words on a document.”
“Words that mean everything to the law, Doflamingo. But I suppose you wouldn’t know about that, assuming you even know how to read.”
A deafening silence followed. When the voice returned, the amusement was gone, replaced by pure venom.
“I suppose warning you once wasn’t enough,” Doflamingo said in a low, terrifying tone that sent shivers down the doctor's spine. “I told you that isn’t how you talk to me. I won’t be deterred by your idiotic drama regarding why my fool of a brother gave you the rights. I have as much right to that building as you do, if not more — whether you like it or not!”
Law’s throat felt tight.
"Remember", Doflamingo's voice was deeply cruel, "I don't even care about you. You are no way related to me. You are just a waste of space"
He had heard these threats and dismissals nearly every week, yet they still left him feeling hollow. Law mustered up all of his courage as gave his only possible response:
“This hospital is Corazon’s legacy. I will not let a monster like you taint it. Even if it costs me my life.”
Silence stretched between them. A second later, Doflamingo laughed again.
“All you can do is bark, kid. You’re a worthless, naïve child who is only good for theatrics. Listen to me. One of these days, when I pay a visit to your 'legacy,' I’ll teach you a thing or two about business and perhaps, some manners.”
“I’d like to see you try.”
“Ooh, now you’re being fun! Well, I can’t play forever, can I? I have work to do. Perhaps I’ll play with you later?”
He laughed one last time and abruptly cut the call.
Law collapsed back into his chair. He stared up at the ceiling, fighting with everything he had to keep the tears from falling.