I cannot emphasize enough that Shachi and Penguin are the guard dogs of the Hearts. If it’s not with Law, for Law, or because of Law, they are not sailing anywhere. Fiercely loyal, extremely efficient, and terrifyingly deadly despite their very silly nature, they often use their ‘I’ve murdered for a breadstick’ vibes to protect their crew from anything from ‘some dick who won’t go away’ to ‘a literal yonko’.
They’re weird little fucking dogs who were deeply traumatized (much like Law) and fought to survive in extremely harsh circumstances. Where Law remains broody and closed off, Shach and Pen mirror him, being bright and goofy and messing around.
But all Law has to do is say the word, make one move, utter one command and their whole demeanor can change on a dime. And sometimes not even that. They’re more than capable of discernment, and are pretty good at reading the room and body language. If they sense danger, they’re on their toes in an instant.
They don’t even need to say much to each other. They’ve long since learned to speak to each other without words. It’s extremely rare they aren’t on the same page, especially in serious situations. They’ve been fighting together for decades, learning each other. It takes one glance to get it between them.
AUGH I love characters who can flip between Sillay and Serious like a switch.