Chapter 312: Medical Exchange Student
Wright was still mulling things over when Law approached, holding...
A heart!
A heart, still beating!
"The operation went smoothly—Wright-san, Judge-san, this is that guy's heart. Just a little squeeze..."
Law's fingers tightened abruptly around the heart in his hand, and the next moment, a blood-curdling scream echoed from the unconscious Caesar.
"Aaaahhh—"
"It hurts! It hurts so much! Why does a genius like me feel heart pain?!"
Tears and snot streamed down Caesar's contorted face as he stared at the heart in Law's hand.
"Huh?"
Thump!
The heart throbbed energetically in Law's palm, and Caesar's face quickly turned blue and purple.
"Aaaaaahhh—ugh!"
Caesar passed out.
"..."
"This ability is indeed terrifying. Even with Caesar's mental resilience, he can't handle it."
Wright nodded. With the powers of the Op-Op Fruit, Law had directly extracted Caesar's heart. Aside from an initial wave of weakness, it wouldn't threaten Caesar's life. The heart could exist independently, far from the body, functioning just like normal—as long as the heart remained unharmed. However, any damage inflicted on the heart would be reflected on its owner.
At this stage, it was the best method to keep Caesar under control.
"A truly miraculous power. You've developed the Op-Op Fruit to the point of embodying a 'concept.'"
Wright took the heart, examined it, and then casually tossed it to Judge.
"Keep this with you. If he acts out, don't hesitate. Notify me before you make a move."
"No problem, Highlord."
Law had already become well acquainted with Wright's Dawn Watch organization. Joining Dawn Watch had been a straightforward decision. His current relationship with Germa was that of a fan, collaborator, and apprentice.
Well... perhaps one more identity in Judge's eyes, but Wright chose to ignore that.
"By the way, Wright-san, so this is the Grand Line... When I first heard of Skypiea, I was shocked."
Law sighed. "The story of Mont Blanc Noland is widely spread in the North Blue. I never expected such a twisted truth behind it."
"The City of Gold... Shachi and Penguin were clamoring to see it, but I didn't bring them along."
"There will be chances."
Wright motioned for Judge to deal with Caesar, then walked off with Law.
"With your current strength and mastery of Haki, the first half of the Grand Line will be a breeze."
"As for Doflamingo, we're still gathering evidence to topple him. It won't be long before there's good news."
"Rosinante is currently stationed at the G-5 branch in the New World. As a Vice Admiral, his responsibilities are heavy."
"Then my adventure is about to begin."
Law's confident smile emerged. "These years as a pirate, I've learned a lot that only pirates could know..."
"The underworld in the North Blue is basically cleaned up. There shouldn't be any major disturbances for a while."
"But the new generation of pirate elites is rising—Basil Hawkins from the North Blue, Eustass Kid from the South Blue, Jewelry Bonney, Capone Bege from the West Blue... all troublesome guys..."
"...You left yourself out, 'Surgeon of Death' Trafalgar Law!"
Wright chuckled. Law smirked coolly, crossing his arms.
"I've already left them behind! Those guys aren't even worth my attention. If Hawkins from the North Blue ever dared face me, I would've taken him down ages ago!"
"Not bad, that's true."
Wright nodded. With Law's current strength, he could crush those rookies who hadn't even entered the Grand Line.
However...
"Law, with your combat prowess, you could make a name in the New World, but Doflamingo would inevitably notice you."
Wright pondered. "I suggest you seek further training in one more place."
"Oh? Is there somewhere with better medical technology than Germa?"
Law's interest piqued. In his eyes, Germa's medical technology was already top-notch.
"The renowned medical kingdom on the Grand Line—Drum Kingdom. Well, it's now called Sakura Kingdom."
Wright spoke seriously.
"Germa's background is well-documented in that comic you like..."
Law's face flushed. His love for comics... not something he wanted openly known.
Wright grinned. "Don't be embarrassed. The guy who publishes the Germa comics is a friend of mine. Most of the stories are true..."
"Except for the Navy hero part..."
"..."
Law cleared his throat. "So Germa only began researching medical technology after joining Dawn Watch?"
"Correct. They started after receiving my powers, though it's not the complete form."
"Germa's cutting-edge techniques are formidable, but for traditional medical skills, Drum Kingdom is still the pinnacle."
"Let me tell you one thing..."
Wright leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"The 'witch' Doctor Kureha of Sakura Kingdom is nearly 140 years old... and still struts around in a crop top in the snow like a young girl!"
"She smokes, drinks, and can split a table in half with one kick!"
"Huh?!"
Law's eyes widened.
"Don't tell me..."
He pointed at himself.
"Not sure. Want to find out?"
"Absolutely!"
Law's eyes gleamed, already eager.
"If I learn Sakura Kingdom's medical arts, I'll become even stronger!"
"Then I can help Rosinante-san in the New World!"
"Indeed."
Wright's smile was cryptic.
"You could take Bepo with you—there's an interesting reindeer there. They might get along."
"A reindeer? Getting along?"
Law tilted his head, question marks popping above it.
"Bepo's kin? The Mink Tribe?"
"No, he's... special. You'll see when you get there. That kid's about the same age as when I first met you, learning under Doctor Kureha."
"I originally planned to have him study at Germa later, but you two can get acquainted early. Consider it... an exchange student program?"
A reindeer? Studying medicine?
Well... if a polar bear could learn navigation, why not?
Law nodded. "I'll head to Sakura Kingdom after this."
Perhaps once that training was complete... he could finally attempt that technique.
Law clenched his fist.
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