The world is vast, with tens of millions of islands scattered across its oceans.
However, the Red Line divides the Four Seas, and the Calm Belts mark the boundaries of the Grand Line.
These natural barriers have created the world's current state—a staggering array of differences and transformations from ancient islands to technologically advanced ones.
This disparity between islands can be stark, as clear as comparing a stone spear to a Gatling gun.
Strictly speaking, the root of these differences lies in two factors: inconvenient transportation and the isolating presence of the Red Line and Calm Belts.
Because of these unfathomable differences, the scene before Law's eyes was enough to elicit a sneer of disdain.
As a qualified doctor, Law immediately recognized the significance of the crow-like mask with dual lenses.
The person wearing the mask was undoubtedly a plague doctor hailing from a medical island somewhere within the Grand Line.
Yet, due to the lack of transportation, and even scarcer communication, the residents of Lorre Island knew nothing about the crow mask.
To them, this mask-wearing outsider—intending to save them—was seen as an ill omen. Instead of receiving help, the islanders intended to burn this "plague doctor" alive to ward off the misfortune they believed the mask represented.
The reason for this reaction was simple: on Lorre Island, crows had always been seen as harbingers of doom.
With calamity already looming over them, the appearance of a stranger wearing a crow mask only cemented their superstition.
To the residents of Lorre Island, burning away the ominous figure to rid themselves of the disaster seemed like the logical course of action.
From Law's perspective, watching the ignorant islanders prepare to light the pyre, he could only shake his head and mutter, "Utter stupidity."
Of course, crewmates like Lafitte and Gaya didn't fully grasp the absurd relationship between Lorre Island residents and the plague doctor.
"That person in the crow mask is a plague doctor. Without a doubt, they came to Lorre Island to deal with the plague. Unfortunately, the locals have always seen crows as symbols of disaster," Law explained, noticing the curious gazes from his crewmates.
"To them, using fire to purify disaster and eliminate the source of the plague is just common sense."
"Hohoho... Fascinating," Lafitte remarked, his eyes lighting up. The irony of a patient burning their doctor for treatment provided him with a peculiar sense of amusement.
It had to be said—Lafitte wasn't entirely normal.
Law, wearing a dispassionate expression, watched the group of ignorant islanders as they prepared to light the firewood. He sneered and said, "Such deeply ingrained beliefs, refined over time, aren't something a doctor can hope to change. If anyone tries to interfere, they'll only be seen as an enemy. Ultimately, the one unlucky here is that 'wandering doctor.'"
"Not worth saving?" Gaya asked calmly, tilting her head.
Law glanced at Gaya.
After spending several weeks with the Maude Pirates, he had come to understand his new crewmates. He knew Gaya to be kind-hearted.
Without hesitation, Law replied coldly, "Whether they live or die has nothing to do with me. But let me remind you—if you want to move freely on this island, don't meddle."
Hearing this, Gaya hesitated, then turned to Maude to gauge her captain's opinion.
But as she shifted her gaze, she realized Maude was gone.
At that moment, the crowd ahead erupted into chaos.
Law looked up, puzzled, only to see Maude appear beside the masked doctor, carrying them away with a stealth walk.
He had rescued the crow-masked doctor in plain sight of the islanders.
"Captain Maude, you—"
Law's forehead twitched with irritation.
Are you trying to make Lorre Island's residents kill us? Or maybe you want them to chase us off the island altogether?
Maude gently placed the unconscious masked doctor on the ground, his gaze fixed on the sleek, crow-like mask. "What a cool mask," he mused aloud.
"???"
"???"
"???"
Law, Lafitte, and Gaya were collectively speechless.
Right. Maude did have a particular fondness for crows.
Lafitte and Gaya exchanged silent glances.
"It's stylish—no doubt about that. Captain's taste is unmatched!" came the enthusiastic voice of Bailey, the first of the Maude Pirates' "loyal dogs." He gave a thumbs-up, offering swift praise.
"That mask... uh... yeah, as expected of Maude! What an eye for detail!" added Bepo, the second "loyal dog," scrambling to find the right words before settling for echoing Bailey.
Whap.
Law smacked Bepo on the head with the hilt of Kikoku.
Rubbing his sore head, Bepo looked at Law in confusion.
Ignoring him, Law turned to Maude.
"Captain Maude, saving that person will only make the islanders see us as enemies. Not only will we lose our freedom to move around, but your earlier training plans will also be impossible to execute."
"Law, there are three kinds of approaches to treatment," Maude said, running a hand over the sleek surface of the mask as if it emitted a radiant glow. He then held up three fingers.
"One is voluntary cooperation. Another is passive compliance. And the third is forced intervention. We're pirates—we don't need their cooperation."
"A patient who doesn't want treatment isn't my responsibility," Law replied, frowning.
"That's a perspective you can adopt when you're stronger," Maude countered, his words cutting like a blade.
The implication was clear: the weak had no right to choose.
"..."
Law fell silent, the words striking a nerve.
Even if it was meant to push him, constantly being labeled as weak was far from pleasant.
The worst part was that he couldn't refute it.
With a sigh, Law stopped dwelling on the matter and turned his attention to the masked doctor on the ground.
Scanning the exposed patches of the doctor's skin, he noticed faint green blemishes.
Infected, huh...
"Room!"
Law expanded his surgical domain, scanning the person before confirming his earlier suspicion.
"Captain Maude, step back... away from her."
"What's the issue?"
"She's infected."
"Alright."
Reluctantly, Maude withdrew his hand and stepped back, giving Law space to work.
Unbeknownst to Maude, Law had no intention of treating the woman in public—he preferred privacy for his medical procedures.
Meanwhile, the confused and furious islanders finally noticed Maude's group and the ominous presence they had brought.
"There they are!"
The crowd erupted, their anger boiling over.
"Lafitte, put them to sleep," Maude ordered, his eyes still on the doctor and, more specifically, the captivating crow mask.
"Understood," Lafitte replied, smiling as he twirled his cane. Advancing toward the angry mob, he began hypnotizing them with practiced ease.
As the noise faded, Maude glanced at Law. "Go ahead."
Just as Law was about to respond, the supposedly unconscious doctor abruptly sat upright, startling everyone.
"...The incubation period is five to seven days. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and bruising. Without suppressive measures, the disease progresses to greenish bruises, swelling, necrosis, and hemorrhaging during the outbreak phase..."
The woman, oblivious to her surroundings, muttered incessantly as she staggered to her feet and began walking forward.
Thud.
Seemingly unsteady, she tripped and fell, her mask's long beak embedding itself into the ground.
Moments later, she propped herself up and continued, her voice unwavering.
"My symptoms haven't reached the outbreak stage yet. It's clear the virus has a high mutation potential... hmm, Fullo Grass extract, Butterfly Flower petals, Snake Root... insufficient. These only suppress the symptoms. What's missing? What is it?"
After a few more steps, she collapsed again, this time unable to rise.
The group exchanged awkward glances.
Could it be she wasn't even aware she'd almost been burned alive?
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