One Piece: A King's Path Anew

At an inn, Doflamingo led Bepo inside. The owner was a man of keen perception. Although the young man before him had a rather scruffy "pet" in tow, he wouldn't dare to offend him easily. After all, life was hard these days, and if he happened to cross an existence he couldn't afford to provoke, a lack of discernment would quickly put him out of business.

"Valued guest, do you require my assistance?" the owner asked, approaching Doflamingo with an air of easy familiarity.

"One room. And prepare some food," Doflamingo stated his needs curtly to the owner.

"Yes! Right away, sir! We'll have it ready for you immediately!" the owner replied with utmost attentiveness.

"Let's go, Bepo," Doflamingo urged the bear behind him, who was curiously observing the inn's interior.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" Bepo, startled, only realized Doflamingo and the owner were watching him when it was pointed out, and he hastily apologized.

"Ahahahaha! Esteemed guest, your pet is truly amusing!" the owner remarked, finding the talking, sentient bear quite fascinating.

"Bepo is not a pet. He's my family," Doflamingo stated sternly, looking directly at the owner.

Seeing Doflamingo's expression, the owner instantly realized his misstep and hurriedly apologized. "My deepest apologies, honored guest! I didn't mean any offense!" he said, his sincerity quite apparent.

Doflamingo waved a hand, not making a big deal out of it. Bepo, however, had eyes brimming with emotion, on the verge of扑ing forward for a "Garchu."

"This way, please!" The owner personally led the way, guiding the man and the bear to their room.

Soon, a waiter brought in the food. Bepo, having enjoyed a comfortable bath, emerged to find a table laden with dishes.

"Young Master, is all this for me?" Bepo asked, licking his lips as he eyed the vast spread, his appetite thoroughly whetted.

"Who else would it be for? Hurry up and eat," Doflamingo urged, looking at the now clean and fluffy Bepo.

"Oh, okay!" Bepo sat down cluelessly at the table and began to feast.

He continuously stuffed food into his mouth. It had been a long, long time since Bepo had eaten such delicious food. To avoid unnecessary trouble, he had tried his best to stay out of public sight, surviving on scraps from trash cans and whatever he could forage in the forests.

"Young Master, aren't you eating?" Bepo asked curiously, his hands never ceasing to bring food to his mouth as he spoke.

"Alright," Doflamingo said, picking up some untouched food from the side and beginning his meal.

"Buurp~ I'm so full!" Bepo patted his round belly with satisfaction.

Doflamingo elegantly wiped his mouth, finding Bepo's contented state quite amusing. Cute things were indeed cute; their charm was formidable. Doflamingo almost wanted to 'rua' Bepo's bear head.

"Hooo... hooo..." A steady, guileless snore arose. Doflamingo looked at Bepo, who had fallen asleep leaning against his chair, and was momentarily speechless. To fall asleep right after eating his fill… Does he have the constitution of a Monkey family member?

With a slightly exasperated sigh, Doflamingo used his electromagnetic powers to gently lift Bepo's body and place him on the bed. Watching Bepo sleep so soundly, Doflamingo realized something. Perhaps, after all this time adrift, Bepo hadn't had a single good night's sleep. To fall asleep so deeply in Doflamingo's presence – didn't that speak volumes of the trust Bepo placed in him?

An unknown amount of time passed before Bepo finally woke up.

"Huh? What happened?" Bepo rubbed his sleepy eyes, looking around with a hint of confusion. He quickly sat up, glanced around the unfamiliar room, and when he didn't find the familiar figure he was looking for, his heart skipped a beat.

Did the Young Master abandon me?! Bepo's thoughts immediately veered towards the negative, his mind concocting all sorts of scenarios. He scrambled off the bed, intending to rush out and find Doflamingo. This was a big inn; he had no money! He didn't even know if the Young Master had paid. If not, they might have to sell a bear to cover the debt!

Bepo frantically opened the door and tried to dash out, but before he could leave, a large hand belonging to Doflamingo, who was standing right outside, pressed against his bear forehead, stopping him in his tracks.

"What's the matter, Bepo? Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?" Doflamingo asked, a little puzzled, then a thought struck him. This fellow isn't afraid I ran off, is he?

"Ah! I'm sorry!" Bepo stopped struggling, looking at Doflamingo and feeling sheepish about his wild assumptions.

Doflamingo was already used to Bepo's antics. But then again, wasn't this precisely what made Bepo all the more interesting?

"Alright! It's time for us to leave," Doflamingo announced.

"Where are we going?" Bepo asked, his spirits instantly lifting at Doflamingo's words. He looked eagerly at the Young Master, hoping for an answer.

"You'll know when we get there!" Doflamingo said mysteriously, not revealing their destination to Bepo.

"Aww, what gives!" Bepo pouted, feigning displeasure.

"Fuffuffuffuffu. Let's go, let's go," Doflamingo chuckled, pretending not to see Bepo's pitiful act, and strode forward.

"Hey! Young Master, wait for me!" Bepo cried out, surprised that Doflamingo hadn't let him in on the secret and had even left without him. He scurried to catch up.

Under the setting sun, the shadows of the man and the bear stretched long on the ground as Doflamingo led Bepo away from Swallow Island.

Back at the Donquixote Family headquarters, Enel was sparring with Law. Doflamingo had been away from the Family for quite a few days now. The others were patiently awaiting his return, diligently taking care of the Donquixote Family in his absence.

It had been some time since Law ate the Op-Op Fruit, and the Amber Lead Syndrome had begun to recede, allowing him to recover into a normal, healthy child. And now, Law, believing himself to be quite strong already, decided to challenge Enel to see just how much power he currently possessed.

Enel looked at the battle-ready Law before him, a wide grin splitting his face. "Yahahaha! Law! Let me see what you're made of! Let's see if you can live up to the Young Master's expectations!"

Law took a deep breath. "Don't worry, I will absolutely not fail the Young Master's expectations! Here I come!"

"Bring it on!" Enel said dismissively with a wave of his hand.

Enel had expected Law to charge at him, but surprisingly, Law remained rooted to the spot.

"What's wrong, Law? Not going to attack?" Enel watched Law curiously, wondering about his next move. He didn't think Law's inaction was due to a lack of courage.

Law opened his palm and uttered in a low voice, "Room."

Enel's gaze was fixed on Law, though he couldn't quite tell what Law had done. But he wasn't in a hurry, patiently waiting for Law's next move.

"Shambles!" Law did his best to expand the 'Room' to encompass Enel. The next moment, Law made a dismembering gesture, unleashing several invisible slashes towards Enel.

"Interesting attack," Enel noted. The invisible slashes quickly passed through Enel's body as he elementalized to avoid them. Soon, Enel's body reformed, apparently unharmed by Law's attack.

Law naturally knew about the elementalization unique to Logia-type Devil Fruits; without Haki, it was impossible to land a hit. However, Law wasn't discouraged. This fight was, after all, just a way to gauge his current capabilities.

Shlick! Law suddenly appeared beside Enel, his small fists flying towards him.

Enel wasn't startled by Law's sudden appearance. A faint smile played on his lips as he casually dodged Law's punches. So this is how it felt when Doffy used to 'educate' me? It's pretty damn satisfying! Enel thought.

"Damn it!" While Enel was thoroughly enjoying himself, Law was growing increasingly frustrated. None of his attacks could even touch Enel.

Law teleported to the side again and asked the effortlessly composed Enel, "Is this Observation Haki?"

Enel was taken aback by Law's question for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Yahahaha! Don't underestimate the strong, Law! I haven't even used my Observation Haki!"

Hearing this, Law's face paled. He couldn't believe Enel hadn't used any special powers, dodging his attacks purely through physical prowess.

"You're too weak, Law. So weak you can't even see your own standing. Fine, let me show you the true disparity in the world! It's not good to be a frog in a well," Enel said seriously, launching into a lecture. Enel had always been envious when he heard Doflamingo speak like this. Now that it was finally his turn, Enel certainly wasn't going to miss such a prime opportunity to sound impressive.

Law felt a surge of defiance at Enel's words. The gap couldn't be that vast!

Enel quickly closed in on Law. All Law could see was Enel's fist rapidly growing larger. Just as the punch was about to connect, Law swiftly teleported himself away. Before he could even catch his breath, he once again saw Enel's fist, as large as a sandbag, hurtling towards his face. Law hastily teleported again, but Enel's fist seemed to have a tracking system, relentlessly pursuing him.

Law's current 'Room' couldn't expand very far, and his Devil Fruit abilities were still largely undeveloped. It could be said that Law was currently a total newbie, even worse than a newbie.

"Room: Shambles!" Law knew Enel's fist was unavoidable. Even though his own speed was like teleportation, Enel still managed to catch up. His stamina was draining fast; this was all he could muster for a final attack.

Thwack!

Enel's fist made intimate contact with Law's little face. Law's attack caused Enel no trouble whatsoever. Law crashed heavily to the ground, somewhat dazed.

"What's wrong, Law? Just going to lie there?" Enel stood before Law, taunting him.

"Ptui!" Law spat out a mouthful of blood. Although Enel had held back most of his strength, the punch had still inflicted considerable damage.

"No way… I'll continue!" Law struggled to his feet, speaking stubbornly. He had no intention of giving up unless he was beaten unconscious.

"Very good! Continue!" Enel looked at Law with approval, quite satisfied with his attitude.

Law stumbled forward, attacking Enel again.

"What's the use of such feeble punches! Can they help you achieve your heart's desires? Can they protect your family? Can you bear the weight of your family's expectations?" Enel knew nothing of holding back, training Law as harshly as possible, intending to crush him not just physically but mentally as well.

"Argh!" Law's eyes turned bloodshot as he glared fiercely at Enel. Even after so much time, the scars in his heart still ached, unhealed. Perhaps it would take a long, long time for them to ease.

"What, feeling angry? Remember this, Law: impotent rage is a sign of weakness. The strong must always maintain a calm heart," Enel said, not ceasing his lecture upon seeing Law's current state. "Therefore, you are still too weak. For now, just stay down!" he added ruthlessly.

His hands didn't stop moving. He instantly appeared before Law and punched him in the abdomen, directly knocking him unconscious.

So fast! Am I really this weak? Damn it! were Law's last thoughts as he collapsed.

Enel caught Law's falling body and quickly took him for medical treatment. Although Law's current performance was dismal, his potential for growth was immense. Enel eagerly anticipated Law's development.

"Grow strong, little guy."