I am all up in my feels about the first chapter from the new Law novel. (I read a translation here.) General reactions under the cut for spoilers:
This seems to be taking place fairly early into the Heart Pirates' career, as we start out with just the OG Four on the crew. And Hakugan is the first recruit.
Law already has a bounty of 80 million berries, and he has his epithet of "Surgeon of Death." Chalic also says he's going to take the title of Strongest in the North Blue from Law. Again, when the Hearts are still just four strong.
Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin originally all wore orange jumpsuits. It was Bepo's idea, and Shachi and Penguin were all in. Law is too particular about his own fashion so won't wear one (😂), but he's fine leaving the others to it to create a sense of unity in the crew. They're very proud of their jumpsuits!
We get one of my favorite tropes: Devil Fruit users going into the water. This, apparently, is the impetus for the Hearts to take on their sea-based combat abilities; they want to not only take on ships from above and below the surface but always be ready if Law goes into the water again. They love Law so much. I cry.
Hakugan is the one to rescue Law from the water, and he does it because he thought Law looked like a "hero of justice." Law scoffs because pirates are hardly "heroes of justice," but he also doesn't hate it either because it makes him think of, amusingly, of Sora (Law, you nerd), but also his parents. 😭
Law goes out of his way to help Hakugan and some fellow villagers who were kidnapped by a defeated pirate crew by bringing them home. Law says it's because he owes Hakugan for saving his life ("Life is give and take," which he learned from Wolf), but Hakugan calls him on it. Law, your kindness is showing again.
Law originally had a graded sword, Koshou, but it broke during his fight with Chalic, and he only had the hilt after going in the water. He's pretty heartbroken about losing the sword. Oh, Law. Always having what you love ripped from you.
When they reach Hakugan's home island (Welbems Island), it has nice weather, so Penguin and Shachi change into Aloha shirts. Hilarious, and also clearly a nod to Wolf.
Law, thinking of Corazon and Wolf, also refuses to let Hakugan (who wears his mask because he has a severe burn on his face from rescuing an old woman and her daughter from a fire) avoid visiting the village chief. He even ruffles Hakugan's hair at one point and encourages him. Softie.
Law spends the whole chapter trying to warn civilians that they are pirates and probably dangerous, and everyone looks at them and goes
Hakugan's parents were killed by pirates who are in control of part of the island, and Hakugan wants to avenge them. Law tells him not to get obsessed with revenge. Trafalgar Literal Hearts on His Sleeve Law. He does, at least, recognize his own hypocrisy as his desire for revenge just keeps growing.
Hakugan has a little sister, Nanagi, who reminds Law of Lami, and he teases her, which feels nostalgic. Just rip my heart out, why don't you. Nanagi gives Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin nicknames but just calls Law by his name; they have a little rivalry going, and it's adorable.
The Hearts spend three days at Hakugan's house, and Law spends his vacation reading medical books and practicing swordsmanship. Giant. Nerd.
Law actually laughs quite a few times in this chapter. There are a lot of really wonderful little character moments showcasing how close the OG Four really are.
Looks like Law will meet Kikoku next chapter.
It's been way too long since Law appeared in the manga, so it's good to get some fresh Law content. That was a lot of fun, and I'm excited for the next chapter!