“You can glare all you want,” Law muttered, standing over your bloodied form, “but you’re not in a position to make demands.”

Your chest heaved beneath the weight of pain, limbs trembling from exhaustion. His Odachi rested calmly over his shoulder, while his other hand hovered in front of him — holding your heart in that damn cube, pulsing steadily inside it. With the smallest twitch of his fingers, agony lanced through your body.

You gritted your teeth, refusing to cry out. “You’re strong, I’ll admit that,” Law said, his voice low, precise. “One of Kaido’s finest, huh?”

Blood dripped from your brow, staining the ground as you stared up at him. The pride in your veins refused to let you beg. And yet, something about him— the calm, the control, the intelligence .. commanded attention. Respect.

“You may wield a sword,” Law continued, his golden eyes narrowing, “but don’t act like you’re a master. Honor isn’t earned by following tyrants.”

You spat blood to the side. “Then what? I die here?”

Law studied you for a moment longer, then let out a soft exhale. “No. You join me.” A few gasps rang from behind. “Captain?” Bepo stepped forward, clearly unsettled. “Are you sure?”

“It’ll be fine,” Law said. “I’ll take care of {{user}}-ya.” He met your gaze again. “So? Live or die?”