Chapter 513: Dilemma


    As Trafalgar Law exined, Ian immediately understood.


    It was the consequence of the sinmitted by Domingo in the past.


    Domingos family was originally part of the Celestial Dragons, but for reasons unknown, his father, a well-established World Noble, unexpectedly expressed the desire to live as amoner. Eventually, he departed from Mary Geoise with his family, choosing to live among regr people. This decision sparked intense hatred among those who despised the Celestial Dragons, providing them with a target for their pent-up anger.


    Theter life of Domingos family was incredibly tragic. For Domingo, whose temperament was naturally rebellious, ruthless, and domineering  traits seemingly inherent in the nature of the Celestial Dragons  this was simply intolerable. Consequently, he resorted to killing his own father in a bid to present his head, hoping to earn an opportunity to rejoin the ranks of the World Nobles.


    However, the identity chip of the Donquixote family had been retrieved. Without this chip, how could the Celestial Dragons allow Domingo to return?


    Consequently, Domingo was left to wander the seas, bing a pirate. Nheless, his wild nature led him to undertake any venture and showcase extraordinary strength, eventually propelling him to be one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.


    Domingos younger brother, Rocinante, had witnessed his brother killing their father. Though he remained with Domingos pirate crew, deep inside, he could no longer recognize him as his brother.


    Rocinante held the position of Corazon within Domingos pirate crew, signifying Heart, but he never considered himself a member of the crew. Instead, he eventually found an opportunity to join the Marines, bing a disciple of a high-ranking Admiral, and infiltrated Domingos pirate crew as a Marine spy, secretly monitoring his own brother on behalf of the Navy.


    Trafalgar Law, on the other hand, had an unfortunate history. He hailed from a ce called White City in the North Blue. However, misfortune befell this city due to excessive excavation of a mineral known as Amber Lead, causing the umtion of trace toxins carried by this mineral in the bodies of the citys inhabitants. When the toxins reached a critical point, an outbreak ensued, afflicting the entire citys poption.


    Originally, this illness was neither contagious nor an epidemic, and a cure seemed usible. However, because the World Government concealed this information, neighboring countries remained unaware. Consequently, they feared the disease like a gue, not only blockading the city but also shooting anyone attempting to flee in search of a cure.


    Trafalgar Laws parents, both doctors, were actively seeking a solution to treat and save the citys people. Tragically, they were mercilessly shot by the governments cleansing squads. Even Laws young sister, lying in the hospital, perished tragically as the building was set aze.


    Alone and orphaned, Law escaped, surviving amidst piles of corpses. The copse of his family, the callousness and indifference of peoples hearts transformed him. As someone constantly on the brink of death, Laws personality contorted. Carrying a heart filled with vengeance against humanity, he joined Domingos pirate crew.


    However, within Domingos crew, Law encountered Rocinante. Compassionate towards Laws tragic past, Rocinante felt sympathy and sought ways to cure Law.


    He traveled the world with Law, seeking renowned doctors, enduring mistreatment and misunderstanding, yet never giving up.


    Young Law witnessed everything, and Rocinantes unwavering dedication gradually thawed his once icy heart.


    Unfortunately, at this juncture, Rocinante received news about the Ope Ope no Mi (Operation Operation Fruit), a Devil Fruit capable of performing miraculous surgeries. It was Domingo who informed him about this fruit, hoping Rocinante would consume it and cure Laws illness.


    Of course, this was a superficial pretext. In reality, Domingos aim was for Rocinante to eat the Devil Fruit and then perform the Eternal Youth Surgery on himself, thereby gaining immortality.


    However, Rocinante, being an undercover Marine operative and already a Devil Fruit user, couldnt consume another Devil Fruit for its abilities. Domingos n was doomed to fail. During the attempt to seize the Operation Fruit, Rocinante was unfortunately discovered by Vergo, who was originally Domingos undercover agent within the Marines. Upon uncovering Rocinantes true identity, Vergo informed Domingo.


    Ultimately, Rocinante was killed by Domingos own hands. At that time, Law, who was hidden in a box by Rocinante, heard their entire conversation, including the sound of Domingo killing Rocinante.


    Sobbing and traumatized, Law managed to escape by deceiving Domingo. From then on, driven by the desire for revenge for Rocinantes death, he regarded Domingo as his ultimate enemy, constantly plotting his demise.


    Had it not been for Ians intervention, Law might have continued advancing into the New World. Eventually, by using extremely brutal methods, he would have offered the hearts of a hundred pirates to the World Government, thus earning the title of one of the Seven Warlords.


    He would have teamed up with Luffy to devise a n against Domingo, aiming to strip him of his Seven Warlords title and sever his ties with the Marines before seeking vengeance.


    Rocinante understood Domingos true strength very well. He knew that even if he became a user of the Operation Fruit, he would have no chance against Domingo.


    However, Ians appearance changed many things.


    Initially, with a group of Seven Warlords, Ian chased Domingo away, causing him to abandon Dressrosa and exposing Domingos misdeeds to the public, resulting in the revocation of his Seven Warlords title.


    Despite the intervention of the Beast Pirates and Big Mom Pirates aiding Domingos escape, the moment this news spread worldwide through newspapers, Trafalgar Law knew that his hopes for revenge had now shifted to this individual known as ck Dragon, Ian.


    He formed the Heart Pirates and set sail on the Grand Line with the sole intention of finding Ian.


    Currently, Law was still a novice pirate, albeit with a substantial bounty. However, in front of Ian, he held no notable status.


    Historically, even after bing one of the Seven Warlords, Law was willing to ally with Luffy to confront Domingo, showing his willingness to use any means necessary for revenge.


    Facing Ian now, he couldnt possibly propose an alliance on equal terms. Thus, he chose a different approach: requesting to join Ians crew, the Dragon Hunters Pirates!


    In other words, if there were wine present, Law would even drink a cup of brotherhood with Ian, bing Ians subordinate!


    As a transmigrator, Ian understood the reasons behind Laws actions. However, Luffy and Hawkins were oblivious to this, leaving them baffled by Laws mention of the idea of defeating Domingo.


    In a moment, Ian understood why Law made this choice. Honestly, he was quite surprised because during the fight against Domingo, he never anticipated this scene with Trafalgar Law now.


    The butterfly effect wasnt a mere coincidence; there was a cause for its consequences.


    Since you seek revenge against Domingo, do you know where he is now? Ian asked Law in a serious tone.


    Yes, Law nodded, replying, He has now joined the Beasts Pirates and be one of the Four Emperors subordinates. I know Im not strong enough to challenge a massive entity like a Yonko, so I can only seek refuge under your leadership, Ian!


    Ian nodded. He was also aware of Domingo joining Kaido, the Beasts Pirates. However, he understood that he wasnt currently a match for the Beasts Pirates. Therefore, he had temporarily set aside the idea of confronting Domingo and was discreetly vignt against the Beasts Pirates.


    Since you know that Domingo is now under Kaido, you should understand that even if you join the Dragon Hunters Pirate Crew, revenge wont be immediate! Ian cautioned Law.


    I understand, Law nodded. Please rest assured, since joining the Dragon Hunters Pirate Crew, I will devote myself wholeheartedly. I only hope that you, as the leader, will remember your promise to me!


    Promises. Ian couldnt help but be lost in thought. Indeed, many members of his crew had joined for the promises he made. Robin, for example, was promised to help her find the true history through all the Poneglyphs, and Enel was promised to be released with the Arc after six years. Though the promises varied, to Ian, they all carried a sense of responsibility.


    For Ian to be a captain worth following, he needed to fulfill these promises.


    After some contemtion, Ian extended his hand, resting it on the sheath of the Kikoku that Law held. I promise you that one day, you will personally take down Domingo. Starting today, your Heart Pirates will merge into my Dragon Hunters Pirate Crew!


    This fulfilled Laws request to join Ians crew. And for Ian, adding Urouge, the Mad Monk, then another Supernova wouldnt make much of a difference.


    Watching Law join Ians crew, Hawkins pondered over his next steps. After witnessing the strength of Admiral Kizaru, he realized his own abilities werecking. Should he also seek an alliance with a faction? Ian, at present, seemed to be a good choice.


    However, before Hawkins coulde to a conclusion, Drake took his leave, expressing gratitude to Ian for his assistance and promising to repay the favor if the chance arose.


    Ian nodded without saying much. Drake departed, and Scratchmen Apoo, hesitating for a moment, also thanked Ian before leaving.


    Observing Hawkins uncertain expression, Ian understood his thoughts. If you want to leave, go ahead Ian said.


    He was well aware of the mentality of these Supernovas. While Law and Urouge might be exceptions, the rest were all high-spirited individuals aspiring to navigate their own paths. Aspiring to be the Pirate King was a dream they hadnt abandoned. Only when they truly entered the New World andprehended its cruelty would their attitudes potentially shift.


    Hearing Ians words, Hawkins stopped hesitating and nodded expressionlessly, bidding his farewell and departing as well.


    So, its just you guys left now!


    Ian looked at the Straw Hat Pirates and couldnt help but feel a severe headache. Uncle Kuma, youve left me quite a puzzle