Earlier that day, when Bepo went out to look for Law and call him back home, he ran into two boys.
When Bepo tried to walk past them quietly, they immediately noticed him.
"Hey, bro, look," one of them laughed.
"That bear is talking. How stupid does that look?"
"Yeah," the other sneered. "It's ridiculous."
They blocked his path.
"Hey, dumb bear," the first one said. "What are you even doing here?"
"This island isn't a place for creatures like you," the second added.
"Get lost before we start beating you up."
Bepo clenched his paws.
Fear—and shame—rose inside him.
But the more he stayed silent, the more they mocked him.
Then—
"Hey."
The voice was cold.
The boys turned around and saw Law standing behind them. His eyes were dark with anger.
"You two," he said quietly. "Why are you picking on my friend?"
The boys flinched for a moment, but when they realized Law was alone and about their age, they relaxed.
"Who are you supposed to be?" one of them scoffed.
"If you don't want to get beaten up," the other said, "you'd better leave and stop interfering."
They stepped toward Law.
Law didn't answer.
Instead, he punched the first boy straight in the face.
Before the second could react, Law struck him as well.
Both of them fell to the ground.
"W-What the—?!"
They scrambled up and tried to attack Law, but the fight was short.
Less than a minute later, both boys were lying on the ground, beaten and gasping for air.
Law stood over them, breathing heavily.
"If I ever see you bullying Bepo again," he said coldly,
"you'll regret it."
The boys exchanged looks, then quickly stood up and bowed.
"S-sorry!"
"We won't do it again!"
Law was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Good. Go home."
One of them hesitated.
"We… don't have a home."
Law frowned.
"We live on the streets," the other said quietly.
Bepo looked at them, pity in his eyes.
"Law…" he said softly. "I feel bad for them. Can we… help them?"
Law stared at Bepo in shock.
Seriously?
They were just mocking you… and you still want to help them?
He sighed deeply.
Your heart is too kind.
Law turned back to the boys.
"What are your names?"
They looked at each other before answering.
"I'm Shachi."
"And I'm Penguin."
Law's eyes widened.
…What?
Shachi. Penguin.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
Looks like… I've just found two more future members of the Heart Pirates.