A heavy silence lingered in the air, broken only by the rustle of wind through the enchanted vines. Trafalgar D. Water Law steadily climbed the winding ladder vines that spiraled upward toward the floating marvel—Celestial Garden Castle, the very heart of the Voidreign Kingdom.
As Law ascended, he couldn't help but take in the surreal sight around him. The clouds parted gently like curtains welcoming royalty. Above, the majestic silhouette of the castle loomed, glimmering like a divine temple suspended in the heavens. Yet what caught his sharp eyes was not the architecture—but the botanical miracle encasing it.
"So many rare herbs… medicinal plants I've only seen in ancient texts," Law muttered, brushing a hand along a vine glowing faintly with healing energy. "This place… it's like heaven for a doctor."
Moments later, he reached the landing—a shimmering platform made of polished white stone inlaid with silver roots and pulsating vines. Before him stood the main gate, a celestial archway adorned with vines that bloomed constantly with flowers of impossible colors.
Flanking the gate were two silent figures—both cold, composed, and deadly in aura.
Seraphim Hancock stood on the left, arms crossed, her cold gaze appraising Law as if already judging his worth. On the right, Seraphim Mihawk rested his hand casually on the hilt of his black blade, his crimson eyes scanning Law's every breath.
They said nothing.
Instead, the massive gates parted slowly with a quiet hum, vines pulling back like theater curtains. Permission granted.
Law took a step forward, not missing the immense pressure that radiated from both Seraphim. Though artificial, they bore the will and power of their originals. This was not a place for the weak.
"As expected of Voidreign Pirates..." he thought. "Everything here breathes strength."
The moment Law stepped inside, he was met with a sight that took his breath away.
The Celestial Garden was not just a name—it was reality. Towering trees with crystal leaves, floating blossoms suspended mid-air, waterfalls that defied gravity and flowed upward, and medicinal herbs that had long gone extinct in the outside world grew in harmony here.
In the center of this divine garden sat a simple circular table under the shade of a radiant soul tree. Seated calmly, Jessie—the Void King—sipped his tea, clad in a black and silver robe with starlight threads woven into it. His presence was serene, yet carried the weight of galaxies.
As Law approached, his Observation Haki flared instinctively—and instantly, his knees nearly buckled under the immense pressure Jessie exuded. It wasn't just power. It was authority. The will of a king.
Jessie glanced up, eyes like twin galaxies—calm, unreadable, ancient.
"Come. Sit," Jessie said softly, his voice not loud but commanding.
Law swallowed, calming his haki, and walked toward the table. He sat across from Jessie, back straight, hands resting on his thighs—but never far from his nodachi.
"Tea?" Jessie offered.
Law shook his head. "I'll pass."
Jessie set his cup down and leaned back, studying the infamous surgeon.
"So," he began, "How was your battle with Marshall D. Teach?"
Law's jaw tightened slightly. His fingers curled into his palm.
"They're strong. Too strong. Every one of them felt like a high-tier commander… some, even Emperor level," he admitted.
Jessie nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing.
"Hmm. Not surprising. You've been riding the high ever since your victory over Big Mom and your alliance's fight with Kaido. It's easy to feel untouchable… until someone stronger punches you back to the sea."
Law didn't speak immediately. Instead, he clenched his fist—remembering the chaos, the overwhelming force, the separation of his crew, and the crushing pressure that came from facing Teach and his monstrous abilities.
"...I underestimated them," Law admitted quietly, his voice low. "And I paid for it."
Jessie said nothing for a moment. The only sound was the soft trickle of a levitating waterfall nearby and the occasional chirp of celestial birds overhead.
Then he spoke.
"What are your plans now?"
Law's eyes met Jessie's. Calm but resolved.
"First… I need to find my crew. We scattered after the battle, but I embedded Vivre Cards on everyone. As long as they're alive, I'll find them."
Jessie nodded slowly. "Good."
There was a pause—a long one. Law sensed something more behind Jessie's eyes, as if the Void King was contemplating something… weighing possibilities, considering futures.
And then, as quickly as it came, it vanished.
Jessie took another sip of his tea, then set the cup down with finality.
"I was thinking about inviting you to join my crew," he said casually, as if discussing the weather.
Law blinked, caught off guard. "You… what?"
Jessie chuckled lightly.
"But I changed my mind," he continued. "Too many crew members, too much headache. I've already got gods, demons, sword saints, and diva superstars on my ship. Adding a brooding surgeon would tilt the balance too much."
Law couldn't tell if it was a joke—or if Jessie was simply being Jessie.
Still, something about that offer lingered.
A chance to be part of something greater… something that might actually challenge the world government, the Celestial Dragons, and the gods themselves.
But Law wasn't ready for that. Not yet.
He stood up.
"Thank you for the tea," he said, nodding respectfully. "But I walk my own path."
Jessie nodded in return, eyes closed, sipping his tea once more.
"Then may your path lead you where it needs to go, Trafalgar D. Water Law."
Without another word, Law turned and began walking back toward the gates.
As he passed once more between Seraphim Hancock and Mihawk, the doors opened again, granting him exit—but not before he cast one last look at the floating garden, the Void King, and the empire rising quietly above the world.
He had come seeking answers.
What he found instead was a glimpse of something terrifyingly powerful… and strangely beautiful.