Snowfield Clearing – A New Proposal
The bitter wind howled across the island, but the storm of battle had calmed. Amid the wreckage, Law gathered the Straw Hats together near the abandoned lab. Snow crunched underfoot as everyone circled around him.
"I have a proposal," Law said, adjusting his hat.
Zoro crossed his arms. "This better be good."
Law pointed at the unconscious Caesar, who lay bound and gagged in a reinforced cart. "With him, we have leverage. Doflamingo won't ignore this."
Franky raised an eyebrow. "You planning to bait the guy?"
"Exactly," Law replied. "But I can't take him down alone. That's why I want to form an alliance with you, Luffy."
Everyone turned to the captain.
Luffy squinted. "So… we'll fight that flamingo guy together?"
"Yes."
Luffy smiled. "Sounds fun. Okay!"
Usopp stumbled. "H-Hey! Don't just say yes so fast!"
Nami sighed. "We should at least talk this through first…"
Brook nodded. "But I suppose we have already been dragged into this, yohoho."
Robin looked to Kael, who watched quietly from behind. "And what about you?"
Kael looked away. "I'll help… until Doflamingo falls. After that, we're even."
Chopper gave him a small smile. "That's good enough for me."
---
Smoke on the Horizon – A New Arrival
"Captain! We've found something!" a G-5 Marine shouted.
Tashigi followed the Marine through the snow, where an open steel door stood embedded in the hillside. Inside, huddled and shivering, was a man with a samurai's topknot and a ragged robe.
"I am Kin'emon of Wano!" he declared once helped up. "I seek my son—Momonosuke!"
Tashigi blinked. "Your son is here?"
"I have tracked him across the seas… and I sensed he was here."
Back at the lab, the Straw Hats were startled as Law returned with Kin'emon. The samurai stormed into the group, blade raised.
"You! Surgeon of Death! Where is my son!?"
Law held up a hand. "Calm yourself. He's safe. One of the G-5 marines found him."
Kin'emon narrowed his eyes but slowly lowered the sword. "If that's true, I'll spare you for now."
Moments later, the group turned as another G-5 Marine carefully led a small pink dragon through the snow. The dragon looked embarrassed and muttered, "I'm not a dragon—I'm a boy!"
"Father!"
"Son!"
Chaos erupted as Kin'emon charged, mistaking the dragon's identity again before finally embracing the creature in a clumsy but heartfelt hug.
"Wait, wait! That's your kid?!" Usopp exclaimed.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "This place keeps getting stranger."
Luffy burst into laughter. "This is great! We got a samurai and a dragon kid now!"
---
Inside the Lab – A Samurai's Story
Later, gathered in the warm interior of the lab, Kin'emon and Momonosuke told their tale. The Straw Hats listened quietly, some sipping hot drinks Chopper had heated.
"We hail from the land of Wano," Kin'emon began. "We came searching for my lord… and for my son. But we were separated. I feared Momonosuke was lost."
Momonosuke huffed, folding his arms. "I wasn't lost. I was… just flying around."
Kin'emon chuckled. "Indeed. We also came in search of our companion—Kanjuro. He was last seen headed toward Dressrosa."
Law's eyes narrowed. "Dressrosa…"
Robin looked toward him. "That's where we're going, isn't it?"
"Yes," Law replied. "Doflamingo's base."
Kin'emon straightened. "Then I shall accompany you. For Kanjuro's sake, and for Wano's honor."
Luffy grinned. "More samurai friends? I'm in!"
Zoro gave a nod. "Could be useful."
Usopp sighed. "I have a feeling this just got way more complicated."
---
Lab Interior – Final Preparations
As the two were reunited (somewhat awkwardly), Law pulled Luffy aside.
"I'll take Caesar to Green Bit. We'll arrange the trade with Doflamingo there. After that, we move."
Luffy gave him a thumbs-up. "Got it."
Zoro glanced toward the horizon. "If Doflamingo's behind this Core stuff too… we'll make him talk."
Robin nodded. "There's more history buried in this than we realize."
Franky tapped his fists together. "Then let's uncover it the hard way."
Kael looked toward the sky, the wind blowing snow through his white hair.
"We're not done yet," he whispered.