When they returned to Wolf's house, the sun was already sinking toward the horizon.
Without even taking off his cloak, Wolf sat down at the table and unfolded a fresh newspaper. Law took a seat beside him — reading the news together had already become a quiet habit.
The headline caught their eyes immediately.
"Candidates Found for the Shichibukai System!"
Wolf frowned, raising an eyebrow.
"...That fast?" he muttered.
Law didn't answer and continued reading. Beneath the headline were three names:
Dracule "Hawk-Eye" Mihawk
Sir Crocodile
Gecko Moria
Law slowly exhaled.
So it's already begun…
If Moria's name is here, then his battle with Kaido has already ended in defeat. His ambition was crushed long ago, leaving only shadows behind.
"So that brat Crocodile really became a Shichibukai…" Wolf scoffed, clearly irritated.
Law wasn't surprised that Wolf knew the name.
Just yesterday, while working on the Polar Tang, Wolf had suffered a severe burn on his back. Law had offered to treat him — using only medical knowledge, not the power of the Devil Fruit.
That was when he saw them.
Sword scars.
Bullet wounds.
Old, deep injuries.
Far too many for an ordinary island resident.
"Wolf-san… you traveled the seas, didn't you?" Law had asked.
"Yes," Wolf replied simply.
Nothing more.
Law understood.
It was a secret.
And he chose not to pry — after all, he had secrets of his own.
But now, hearing Wolf's words, his doubts had nearly vanished.
Wolf truly was a man of the sea.
But what was he?
A Marine?
A pirate?
Or an agent of the World Government?
For now, there was no answer.
Evening came.
Law had just finished his training and was about to head inside when he heard a familiar sound again. He looked up.
The sky was filled with News Coo birds.
"What the hell happened this time…" Wolf muttered as he stepped outside.
He called one of the birds over, bought a newspaper, and began reading.
The next moment, his eyes widened — the paper nearly slipped from his hands.
"Wolf-san?" Law said cautiously.
He stepped closer and read the front page himself.
BREAKING NEWS!
Pirate Donquixote Doflamingo of the North Blue attacks a World Government ship carrying tribute gold and escapes after looting it completely!
Law felt a chill run through his body.
"That damned pirate…" Wolf growled.
"Does he have a death wish? Attacking a World Government ship… for that, they'll send admirals and Marine heroes after him."
Law remained silent.
He knew the truth.
There will be no punishment.
Quite the opposite.
Doflamingo knew too much.
He knew the World Government's secrets.
And instead of execution…
He would be welcomed into the Shichibukai.
After that — the New World.
Dressrosa.
And the web that would trap an entire kingdom.
Law clenched the newspaper in his hands.
The world had begun to move.
History was once again following its cruel path.
But this time…
I'll be ready.