"That's all. Just rest for two days and you can move normally again."
After returning home, Law swiftly treated Gray's injuries and instructed him to rest in bed. He then turned to Rhodes, his voice hinting at exasperation.
"I'm surprised you didn't get yourself seriously mangled this time."
After gradually mastering the power of the Ope Ope no Mi, Rod would occasionally appear at his doorstep, carried by Neru, on the verge of death. Relying on the presence of a doctor, he would unscrupulously push his body to its limits, a behavior Law loathed.
Of course, thanks to Rod's recklessness, Law's proficiency with the surgery fruit had developed remarkably quickly.
"Hahaha, you should understand, Law."
Rhodes chuckled and patted his chest confidently.
"I am very strong now. It won't be easy to put me in that state again!"
When he was younger, even though Rod possessed the [Sit-ups] golden finger, he only trained moderately. Following the training methods of the "Turtle School" from his memory, he enlisted a few others to plow fields, deliver goods, climb mountains, and swim (Rodeo rowed a boat), combining work and training simultaneously.
He also adhered to the principles of the [Turtle School] - train diligently, study diligently, play heartily, eat nutritiously, and rest adequately!
Ensuring at least a half-hour lunch break every day!
However, as his training progressed, with the aid of [Sit-ups], Rhodes' physical prowess improved rapidly and soon reached a plateau. Conventional exercise no longer provided a significant challenge. Even lifting the heaviest weights yielded minimal impact on his body.
At this juncture, after rigorous training, Law's fruit ability had reached a more advanced stage.
Thus, Rhodes embarked on all sorts of perilous practices, pushing his body to the brink of collapse multiple times. Just when he was about to succumb, Law would intervene and rescue him.
With Law's medical expertise and the dual protection of [Sit-ups], his physical condition improved at an astonishing rate.
Until now...
"At least for me, there's no way to push myself to the absolute limit anymore."
"Unless..."
As he spoke, Rhodes slung his arm around Law's shoulder, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.
"You use your—"
"Impossible!"
Law broke free from Rhodes's playful headlock, rejecting the suggestion outright.
"I will never attack you, no matter the reason!"
"That's so cliché, Law!"
Rhodes roared with laughter, but upon seeing Law's serious expression, his smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of earnestness.
"Now, we have all trained to a considerable degree. Even Penguin and Shachi are already quite capable. So, it's time to raise our flag on the sea!"
"Just what I wanted to hear, Boss Rhodes..."
Penguin and Shachi were practically weeping with joy beside each other.
"I've been waiting for this day for so long!"
Law's expression also turned serious, a cold glint flashing in the depths of his eyes.
"Before that, there is one thing I need to tell you. Please think carefully before making a decision."
Law lowered his head slightly, the shadow of his hat obscuring his eyes, making them appear even gloomier, as if he were sinking into darkness.
"I have a goal. After we set sail, I must settle things with him, and he will undoubtedly take notice of me soon."
In Law's mind, scenes from the past unfolded one by one, recalling his childhood experiences.
He remembered the outbreak of the Amber Lead Syndrome in Flevance, the White City, where friends and family around him perished one by one;
He recalled his fortunate escape, joining the Don Quixote Family to destroy the world;
He remembered being repeatedly thrown out by Corazon.
He remembered Corazon taking him everywhere in search of a cure, his anger at the indifference of doctors and nurses; he remembered Corazon force-feeding him the Ope Ope no Mi that he had risked his life to obtain, and then collapsing in a pool of blood;
He remembered the smile Corazon had given him at the very end, and the word "love" he had whispered;
And he remembered Corazon being shot and killed by Doflamingo!
"That man is one of the current Seven Warlords of the Sea, Donquixote Doflamingo!"
Law lowered his head further, his eyes downcast, consciously avoiding eye contact with Rhodes and Neylu. He clasped his hands together, his fingers unconsciously clenching tightly.
"If you venture out to sea with me, it means you are destined to encounter one of the monsters that dominate the seas."
Law pursed his lips, more words catching in his throat, but he chose not to voice them.
"Shichibukai - Donquixote Doflamingo!"
Hearing the name from Law's mouth, Nia was slightly stunned. She had been sailing the seas for several years. How could she not have heard of the title of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, let alone this notorious pirate from the North Blue?
Thinking of this, Nia involuntarily turned her head to look at Bellamy, whom she had casually tossed aside. The yellow-haired boy had briefly regained consciousness in the interim but had been promptly knocked out again by Rhodes.
"What an idiot!"
Rhodes suddenly chuckled and nudged Naylu with his arm.
"You read more books. Is this guy's personality type called tsundere?"
"Yes, but generally speaking, this is a feminine character trope in stories."
Nelu suppressed a smile and spoke seriously.
"I'm going to kill you two bastards!"
Law's composure crumbled in an instant, and his face flushed slightly.
"That's more like it!" X2
After the brief playful squabble, Rhodes placed a hand on Law's shoulder, his expression turning serious.
"Do you think Neru and I are oblivious? You underestimate us! There have been rumors circulating in the underworld about the incredibly valuable Ope Ope no Mi back then, and the Donquixote Family that once ran rampant in the North Blue and still wields significant influence today!"
"We were just waiting, waiting for you to say it yourself. And we have already considered it. If you dared to leave without explaining, we would beat you up!"
"As your captain, I have to shoulder your dreams and expectations! In return, you must help me conquer this sea!"
"You know how to talk, Rod!"
A relieved smile spread across Law's face, and the cloudiness in his eyes seemed to dissipate.
"Since we have decided to venture out to sea, how can we be timid? They are just the Shichibukai, they are our target to be eliminated!"
"Well, I look forward to your guidance from now on, Captain Rhodes!"
"Captain Rod!" X4
Rhodes turned to look at Nia and extended another invitation.
"So, after hearing the title of Shichibukai, do you still dare to board my ship?"
"What a poor attempt at provocation."
Rolling her eyes at Rhodes, Nia tossed her hair back and then grasped his hand.
"Then I'll entrust my life and fortune to your shoulders, Captain Rhodes!"
(End of this chapter)