Chapter 81:Curing Law.

Inside the Marshal's office, Sengoku looked at Corazon, who stood before him, wearing a benevolent expression. He said softly,

"Welcome back to the Marines, Roxinante."

Corazon was touched. He had narrowly escaped death this time. Ever since his father was killed by his brother, he had become a complete orphan. Sengoku had taken him in, becoming a foster father in everything but name.

To Corazon, Sengoku was like family. He taught him discipline, the meaning of justice, and gave him a second chance by allowing him to join the Marines. Through Sengoku's guidance, he gained strength and purpose.

Thinking about it, Corazon opened his mouth with difficulty, his voice trembling,

"Long time no see, Fleet Admiral Sengoku… I'm back."

He had wanted to say "Father," but the weight of that word was too much. Every time he thought of it, the image of his real father's death flashed through his mind—too painful to bear.

"It's good you're back. This time, it's all thanks to Chiga. He's your savior—and mine."

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku…"

Corazon couldn't hold back any longer. Tears poured down his face, and his expression crumpled. Sengoku, too, felt a mix of emotions, and his eyes began to mist.

Suddenly—

Clack!

"Sengoku! Got any senbei? Huh?"

Garp burst through the door and froze mid-step as he caught sight of the emotional scene.

"Vice Admiral Garp, it's… it's been a while, hehe."

Corazon quickly wiped his face and tried to act like nothing happened.

A thick vein appeared on Sengoku's forehead, his fist clenched tightly. In a flash, he was right beside Garp.

"You disrespectful fool! No, I don't have any senbei! And how many times have I told you—knock before entering my office!!"

Wham!

Sengoku's punch landed squarely on Garp's head.

"Holy crap!"

It was obvious Sengoku had been waiting for this opportunity. The punch, though not reinforced by Haki or Devil Fruit, was fueled by years of suppressed irritation.

Garp dropped to a squat, cradling his head with a grimace of genuine pain.

Sengoku stood over him, a rare smirk on his face. That punch had been satisfying—he felt a decade younger.

He even wondered, Should I punch Garp before every battle to fire myself up?

Raising his fist again and studying it, Sengoku had a thoughtful look.

"You bastard! Sengoku, you actually hit me that hard?! After all these years?! I'll remember this!"

Garp stood up in disbelief, his face a mix of betrayal, frustration, and shock.

"Hmph. Let that be a lesson."

Sengoku returned to his seat. When he looked up again, Corazon was still staring at him—this time with a strange expression.

Damn it, I lost my composure again. Garp just makes it so hard to stay dignified. My image as Fleet Admiral... ruined!

Clearing his throat, Sengoku said solemnly,

"Anyway, don't ever forget Vice Admiral Chiga's help this time. He saved your life—and that child's. You owe him more than you can repay in a lifetime."

Corazon nodded seriously.

"I understand, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. My strength might be lacking, but if Vice Admiral Chiga ever needs me, I'll give everything I have—my life if necessary."

"There's no need for that," Sengoku replied bluntly. "If there's something Chiga can't handle, your sacrifice wouldn't change a thing."

"Uh…"

Corazon felt a little awkward. He knew Sengoku meant well, but the phrasing was rough.

"Your undercover mission is complete. You did well. You've earned a promotion to Colonel. Take some time and rest."

"Yes, sir!"

Saluting, Corazon turned and exited the room—sneaking one last glance at Garp, who was still holding his head and silently reevaluating life.

After Corazon left, Garp muttered,

"So… what exactly did Chiga do this time?"

Sengoku answered flatly,

"Nothing much. At least he wasn't loafing around eating senbei in my office."

"I ran out, you got any?"

"GET OUT! I told you already, not even the crumbs are left!"

---

The Next Day

On a barren stretch of land, Corazon stood silently, fingers interlocked, watching Chiga's back in the distance.

In front of Chiga stood little Law, too nervous to even look up.

He had witnessed it all—how Chiga had single-handedly dismantled Doflamingo and the Donquixote family. Vergo hadn't even lasted a single blow—it was more like he volunteered for defeat.

Law had been knocked out by Kaido's overwhelming Conqueror's Haki, but when he woke, what he saw next was something he would never forget:

A purple giant looming over the sky.

An azure dragon coiling across the heavens.

It was like watching gods battle.

From that moment on, Chiga became a divine figure in Law's eyes.

(Read it on Google,that law in the Canon is 26 years, what tf that means he should be older than Chiga... But since we already limited his age we gonna stick to it, so as not to overcomplicate things. He ain't gonna appear much anyways. Nothing special about him anymore since his fruit is gone, womp womp)

Now, standing in front of him alone, Law trembled with anxiety.

Chiga glanced down at the boy and chuckled. Am I really that scary to him?

Shaking his head, Chiga knelt slightly and reached out to pat Law's head. The boy flinched on reflex.

Chiga sighed inwardly. In his softest voice, he said,

"Don't be afraid. I promise—this won't hurt. It'll be over in a flash."

"Yes, sir!"

"ROOM."

Buzz! A translucent dome formed around them. Corazon watched from a distance, curious. He didn't know much about the Op-Op Fruit or how its powers worked. He only knew it could cure diseases, but had never seen it in action.

Through the scan, Law's body appeared like a mapped-out model to Chiga—highlighted with small, irregular white blocks.

Those blocks were the source of Amber Lead Syndrome.

Without hesitation, Chiga narrowed his eyes, and those infected parts peeled away from Law's body.

He retrieved a test tube, letting the white mass float into it—a paste-like substance that still radiated danger.

Better safe than sorry.

_____

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