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Chapter Text

They received word that Cipher Pol was send out towards the East Blue. Ever since being able to steal a black den den mushi, meant that they were able to listen in on the exchange of information with marines and the world government. There was someone stationed in the information room for that exact reason. To listen in on any conversation that went on, no matter how small, to make it easier for them to act when the need arose.

At the start of the transmission, nothing seemed amiss. But as soon as the words Cipher Poll were uttered, it was clear that something else was going on. The dogs of the World Government weren't send out just because. Even less so to the East Blue when it was widely known to be the weakest seas.

Something that seemed to be so random, there was nothing in the East Blue that needed their attention. There hadn't been any of their reports stating that a kingdom was about to fall. There was nothing even indicating that CP1 was needed. So what was it that made it so urgent, enough that their information officer listen in. Trying to find out what it was that was going on.

Maybe it was that, or the fact that those high enough in the Revolutionary Army knew that both Dragon and Sabo were from there. There were rumors both their number one and number two came from the East. Nothing actually confirmed, but enough that they wanted to listen to that message just in case.

What could still be in the East Blue that would get the attention of someone like Cipher Pol. What was it that was hidden in the weakest seas that had the World Government send out their specialist teams to get to it.

Whatever it was, it couldn't be good. As such, they kept their ear to the ground, eyes going wide when they heard that Cipher Pol had gotten word that Dragon of all people had a child in the East. A teenager who might just be easier to take hostage and get Dragon to do what it is they want him to do.

There was no information at their books that said this was the truth, but from the transition it seemed that they had verified the information and were acting on it. Even if it wasn't true, they weren't going to let some child be taken and used like that. If Dragon didn't have a child, or a family, whoever they took would be dead if they made it to Marigeose.

“This can't be right?”

One of their intelligence officers looks over the message they received eyes going wide as he read over it, looking over it again before making his way to the door to look for someone higher in rank to report. As soon as they opened the door, they startled which is when Sabo appeared there. Their second in command looked over the officer with a raised eyebrow, “What's going on here?”

He looked curious, which he always did, but for once this wasn't a comfort. The intelligence officer was scared of what would happen now. He didn't want their second in command to tell them this wasn't correct. He wanted to do something, they needed to do something.

Swallowing, nervous in a way he couldn't hide, the officer handed the paper over, “We received this notice, but it can't be right. There is no way that someone like that is hiding in the East. Even if Dragon-san is from there, he wouldn't have left a child for the World government to find? None of us knew that Dragon-san had a child, he doesn't have one, does he?”

Blinking a couple of times, Sabo hummed, he didn't know the details but he was aware that Dragon had a family somewhere out there. He asked once but had been told that it didn't matter. That whoever it was, was safe and kept safe so Dragon could concentrate on the revolution. He didn't know the whole story but Sabo knew that Dragon kept a picture on his desk that no one was allowed to see. The short glimpse he had been able to throw at it revealed a smiling woman and child. Given that he had never seen the woman, and Dragon never spoke of her, he deduced that she was dead or otherwise gone.

According to the information in the missive CP1 was dispatched to get to that family and take them to Marigeose in an effort to get to Dragon. To get into the East without anyone noticing and get out without even less eyes wandering. This was an undercover mission, if they didn't have the white den den they wouldn't even have known about this happening.

Contemplating on what to do, Sabo looked at Paul, the information officer, “I'll take care of this. Make sure someone is here to listen to whatever other correspondence comes through. This might not be the end of it all.”

Turning on his heels after getting a nod, Sabo ran towards Dragon's office. Slamming open the door to the man looking up, used to Sabo's odd moods. He came barging into rooms all the time, this was no different. Especially as the look in his eyes spelled trouble.

“What is it?”

Without any further explanation, Sabo hands the paper to Dragon. Seeing the way the leader's eyebrows lift up on his forehead as he reads over what Information had gathered. It wasn't good, Sabo was good enough at reading the man to see this wasn't anything good. Before anything else could be said; the snail on his desk started to ring. Sabo blinked, he could count on one hand the number of people that had a direct line to Dragon. Almost all of those were the commanders, Koala and himself. There was also an unspoken rule that Dragon's personal number was only called when the world was ending and no sooner. So who was it that was calling him right now, was there any of them in danger?

Was the world ending, or was it connected to the missive Sabo and Dragon had been reading.

Wanting to ask Dragon if he knew, Sabo found that he couldn't say anything as Dragon was picking up, “What do you want, old man?”

The tone of voice was one Sabo hadn't heard from Dragon a lot, it was obviously someone he knew to be talking to them like that, but that still didn't explain why they would be calling Dragon like that and with such a tone.

The voice that came over the snail made Sabo think that he knew the person on the other side of that call. He couldn't state from where, but the voice was familiar. Something at the back of his head tingling at the sound of it. He had heard it before, he knew he had, but where. Which was odd, he had no idea who it could be.

Frowning, he listened as the man's voice sighed, “They found out, about Luffy. I'm sorry, son, there was nothing I could do. They have me stationed in Marineford and I can't get out of here. They're setting out for Dawn and they will find him.”

Sabo didn't know who Luffy was, but something triggered him there too. Almost the same as the bounty poster for Portgas D. Ace did. Were they people he had known before or were they just names that he had heard before? He didn't know, but it was getting annoying. He knew that something needed to be done, for some reason he wanted to drop everything and make his way to Dawn Island.

Sabo could see how Dragon paled, the man was known to be stoic and to need a lot before he was afraid. But the look in his eyes was telling Sabo that he was indeed afraid. That there was indeed a family member out there, named Luffy, who was now in danger.

“How?”

The person on the other side sighed again, “Someone saw him in Goa, I don't know what he was doing there but they heard him mentioning his name. As much as I hate to admit it, not a lot of people know your last name but those that do are a danger to him. He did a dine and dash, like he and the other brat used to do and was reported. No one caught him but he isn't shy to state his name.”

Another sigh left him, “Not only that, but he still proclaims he will be King of the Pirates. The wrong people heard and started an investigation, or so I've been told.”

Dragon grinded his teeth, seething at what he was told; “He was supposed to be safe with you, old man. I gave up Luffy so you could keep an eye out and protect him where I could not! I already lost Rose, now you're telling me I'll lose my son as well?”

The old man, Garp – all of the sudden the name popped up in Sabo's mind – started apologizing. Crying on the phone as he mentioned that he didn't even know it was happening until he'd been locked into Marineford.

“Senny, Sengoku, he locked me in. Told me I would get killed if I did anything to compromise this mission. Told me that after my son, they couldn't very well let my grandson do anything. I wanted to call Ace, but he's on the other side of the New World right now. He'd never make it in time, so I hope you will. I never wanted this, I tried to make marines out of them, but that didn't work out.”

Dragon shook his head, “You know as well as I do, Old Man, that no matter if they did become Marines or not, the World Government wouldn't let them live with the blood they carry. Luffy... Luffy deserves to be free and I thought that was at home, in the quietest of seas.”

Garp hummed, “He does deserve to be free, but I thought I could keep him safe like this. But it seems he looks too much like his mother for me to do so.”

A smile appears on Dragon's face, “I guess he does. He doesn't take after me at least, that's a good thing.”

“Will you go? Can you go and get him, Dragon?”

It looked as if Dragon wanted to refuse, the look in his eyes said that he was doubting himself. And if he had abandoned a child, Sabo could see why he would do that.. But Sabo cut in, “I'll go. Dragon, I'll go and get Luffy.”

He didn't know why he said that, why the headache at the back of his mind was giving him a migraine, but Sabo was certain that it had something to do with the Monkey D. Family. Just as much as it had to do with someone named Ace and someone else named Luffy.

“I'll go to the East, I'll get to Dawn without being noticed and I'll get him out.”

He didn't wait for confirmation, turning around and running towards the barracks where he knew Karasu still was. The man owed him anyway, he could give him a lift to the East Blue.

Chapter Text

Luckily, it was an easy task to convince Karasu to give him a ride to the East Blue. With the amount of card games the man had lost to him, and debts Sabo had collected he only needed to look at him before a sigh followed.

“I’ll go get ready, chief, where are we going?”

Grinning, Sabo shared it would be to the East Blue, mentioning they would leave in ten minutes in the front courtyard.

As the fastest means of transportation, Sabo knew that he needed to be quick. Something really was going on with Luffy. Even if he didn’t know the kid, he was important to Dragon which was reason enough. Additionally, Sabo’s face wasn’t known to the world. They didn’t know who he was, so he had more chance in getting in and out without anyone being the wiser.

The name seemed to itch something at the back of his brain though, a feeling he had gotten before as if he knew something but it was just out of reach. Shaking his head as he gathered a few of his stuff, Sabo was running towards the front of their base where Karasu should be waiting for him. He didn’t need a lot, but he had a feeling he would need some spare clothes.

He couldn’t help but have this warm feeling at the mention of Luffy, there was someone else, a hazy, older, dark haired boy too. Was this the Ace that Garp had mentioned, or was he someone else? He didn’t know what this meant, but it did seem that he had known Luffy before. That something about this was tied to his missing memories. That had to wait though, Dragon sounded distraught and the man who called, Garp, Jiji, seemed to be at the last of his possibilities.

Once outside of the building, Dragon was waiting for him. A frown on his face as he looked at Sabo, He knew that Dragon had been the one who found him after he had been shot by a Celestial Dragon. He also knew that it had been on the coast of Dawn. And while Sabo didn’t remember anything, he did know that he wanted to get away from that island as soon as possible.

“I’ll be fine, Dragon-san.”

Their leader sighed, “I just wanted to make sure, Sabo. You haven’t been back there in almost ten years after all. I wouldn’t want you to be presented with a trigger and unable to fall back on any of us to help you. As swift as Karasu is, he can’t stick around long.”

Nodding, Sabo smiled, “I know, and that’s fine. It’ll be fine, I just have to get to Dawn and get Luffy out of there. They won’t even see me, Dragon.”

All he got as an answer was a sigh. Which was kind of understandable, Sabo had the uncanny ability to be in the middle of trouble with the least amount of effort. Given that he was, willingly, going into a dangerous situation the chances of him being able to get out without being spotted were slim.

“Ok, I’ll try my best at not being spotted. I’m sure it’ll be ok.”

Grinning widely, he jumped on Karasu’s back as the man turned into a flock of ravens. Letting the winds guide them towards the East as Sabo rubbed his head to try and get the headache to subside. He didn’t know where that even came from, it had appeared as soon as he heard the names Luffy and Ace. Did those mean anything to him, before?

Karasu’s voice sounded from his changed form, “Is there a reason we’re making haste for the East, Sabo?”

Humming, Sabo mentioned that the World Government found out the location of Dragon’s son, and without Garp or someone names Ace able to get to him in time it was up to them to get the kid out. Even if he was Dragon’s son, he didn’t deserve to be hunted like that. Sabo, and most of the revolutionary army, still remembered reading about Nico Robin and how she had been chased towards the ends of the world for something she had learned on her home island.

“Everyone deserves to be free, least of all a child, don’t you think?”

Sabo also couldn’t help but turn over Garp’s words in his head. Luffy deserved to be free, and while the old man had the habit of telling them they would become strong marines, none of them ever listened. From the sound of it, Ace had already started his Pirate Career is he was in the New World.

With the speed Karasu was flying, they were making their way over the Calm Belt soon enough. Getting into the East Blue and in the direction of Dawn. The closer the got to the island, the more intense Sabo’s headache was becoming. This really wasn’t the best time for this, making him grind his teeth and try to ignore it. Not an easy feat, when it felt like a white hot knife was being jammed into his skill.

Dawn came into view, with Goa on one side and Windmill Village at the port. It was the village, and the way it looked that had the dam breaking. His headache bad enough that he yelped at the feel of it. Clutching his head as it all seemed to slide into place.

Choking all of the sudden, it was like a floodgate opened. The memories he had once forgotten returning to him. He did indeed know who Luffy was, had known who Ace was and why the bounty poster of one Portgas D. Ace had been so familiar. He knew them, he had forgotten them, had forgotten his brothers.

Running a hand over his eyes to try and stop the tears from spilling, Sabo couldn’t help but feel horrible for this. He had left them, had joined his father in an effort to keep them safe. Only to be able to get away and instead of going back, he set sail. Right at the same time a Celestial Dragon made their way to port and shot him.

To know that his memories returned by the trigger of his two brothers, as well as the notion that Luffy was in danger felt soo unreal. How long had he been wanting to remember, how long had it been since he wanted to know whe he had been before.

“I’m so sorry, Ace. I’ll make it up to you, somehow…”

Part of him knew that in the event of not being able to get away from Dawn on Karasu, he could set out to find Ace. Their older brother was a part of the Whitebeard Pirates and had been for a while now. While this wasn’t the way Sabo wanted to reunite with him, he did want to make sure Luffy was safe. Nothing was safer than an overprotective older brother, who also wielded fire as a second nature. On top of that, he was a part of the crew of the strongest man in the world, Newgate would let them come on board. Sabo was well aware of that, having known that the Whitebeards and allies had given rides to stranded revolutionaries more than once.

“There should be a bar there, not too far from the shore. You can let me off there.”

Still trying to deal with the headache, Sabo knew that Makino would be his best bet at finding out where Luffy is. If he was with Dadan, or in the forest up the mountain. He just hoped his stupid little brother wasn’t in High Town. Not after what happened, they couldn’t affort for him to be in High Town now.

While Karasu seemed to hesitate, he did fly low enough that Sabo could jump. Touching down not too far from Makino’s bar and making his way inside with some anticipation brewing in his chest. His head still hurt, and he felt like he could pass out, but he would do so once he was certain they were safe.

“Makino?”

The woman in question appeared, a shotgun in her hands aimed at him, even when he held up his arms.

“I take it you’re Dragon’s man?”

Licking his lips as he nodded, Sabo slowly lowered his hands, “I am… But I’m also…”

Taking off his hat he looked at Makino with a silly grin on his face, “It’s been a while, Makino-nee.”

She gasped, before he had a gun in his face again.

“Who do you think you are!”

Scrambling back, Sabo shook his head, “It’s really me. I didn’t die, I just lost my memories when I was shot. I… I only now remembered on my way here. Jiji called to let us know about what happened to Luffy and I knew I needed to come and get him even if I didn’t know why. I… I’m so sorry for leaving them.”

Tears streamed down his face, something which was mirrored by Makino. Her lip trembling and the emotion obvious in her voice when she asked him to tell her something only he would know.

Opening and closing his mouth, Sabo smiled, “Ace and I, we didn’t like Luffy at the start. But like a fungus, he grows on you. He… A thug from the Gray Terminal took a spiked glove to him for hours in an effort to get him to spill and he never did. Ace and I went to save him, did save him, and brought him to you as Dadan and her band of bandits didn’t have the proper medical care available.”

With a trembling lip he added, “You were so mad, lectured us for hours as Luffy lay in your bed. But you also hugged us close, happy when you realized Luffy wouldn’t be alone anymore. That he would have brothers from now on.”

Makino sobbed, before she dropped the gun on the counter and ran towards Sabo. Hugging him close to her chest, or trying to as he had a couple of inches on her. Tugging her close just the same, feeling as if this was part of the life he had been missing, hating himself for doing this in the first place.

“I am so sorry, Makino-nee.”

She shook her head against his chest, “Don’t be, Sabo you were a child. But by the Sea, I am so glad that you’re alright.”

Nuzzling into her hair, Sabo sighed before slowly pulling back, “Makino, where is Luffy?”

She grinned, “Who do you think called Garp? He’s upstairs hiding, no one even knows that he’s here, thank the seas. To be fair I had half expected Ace to come running, but I guess he’s too far away now.”

Shrugging, Sabo nodded, “He is, he’s truly on the other side of the world. But if everything goes according to plan, we’ll be going to him for a chance to lay low. He assimilated into this huge crew who are big on family so…”

She smiled, “Good, that boy deserves all the family he can get. He truly grew up, you know, learned manners and everything. Shanks even called me about running into him and how polite the ‘little firecracker’ was. Give him my love.”

Nodding, Sabo pulled back to let Makino go towards the staircase where she whistled up. Steps sounded and before long he was able to see his younger brother in front of him.

“It’s been a while… Luffy.”

Luffy blinked, looking at Makino before really looking at Sabo. His eyes widening as he took in his clothes, the hair, the eyes and finally the scar over his eye. The way his bottom lip trembled was all Sabo needed to brace himself, catching Luffy as he threw himself at him with a wail.

“Sabo!”

Chapter Text

Hugging his brother close, Sabo felt so much fall off his shoulders. Why it made sense that he needed to be here. To know that the Celestial Dragons would take it out on Luffy for no other reason than who his father was. Dragon was the Revolution, he wanted to change the world and in a way that opposed everything the Celestial Dragons stood for. 

But having him here, knowing he was on time, it felt like it was everything that it needed to be. Despite the headacht still behind his eyes, Sabo knew that this is what needed to happen. He needed to remember and he would do everything in his power to protect his brother from now on.

“I am so sorry, Luffy, for leaving you and Ace.”

He could feel Luffy shaking his head against his chest, no doubt feeling that Sabo didn’t need to apologize for that. He knew he didn’t need to, not to Luffy, never to Luffy. If anything he would need to apologize profusely to Ace.

Their older brother was the one much harder to convince. But Sabo would do it, he would do it a hundredth times if it meant that he would have his brothers again.

A sniffle makes him look up to see Makino standing there, a smile on her face. Sabo grins right back, before his mind catches up in the sense that Makino and Dadan would be here alone now. What if the Marines come here and kill them?

“Makino, what about you?”

A soft smile is thrown into his direction, “Shanks is on his way to come and get me. He’ll also take Dadan and her band with him. Garp is making sure they’ll get safe but he can’t get here without alerting someone. We’ll get out of here, Sabo, don’t you worry about that.”

Sighing in relief, Sabo nods at that, he was worried about that. If Cipher Pol found out that these women had been willing and able to hide Luffy, he didn’t want to think about what might happen to them. Knowing that Shanks and Jiji were willing to make sure they were protected was a relief.

Humming, Sabo sighed again, “That’s good, I don’t want anything to happen to either of you.”

Smiling at that, Makino presses closer to kiss him on the cheek, “Aren’t you a sweetheart, but we’re the adults here. You shouldn’t have to worry about us.”

Frowning, Sabo added, “I’m the Chief-of-Staff of the Revolutionary Army, I worry about adults all the time. None of them can take care of themselves all that well. In case Dragon is indesposed I make the decisions around there.”

He can see how shocked Makino is about that, but she just shakes her head after a moment, “I should have known that neither you nor Ace would have been happy with a quiet life. One of your is the second in command of the Revs and the other is third in command of the largest fleet in the New World.”

Grinning at that, Sabo pets Luffy’s hair, “Don’t forget the youngest as we all know he’s going to be Pirate King.”

They laugh as Luffy beams at them. It does serve to make Sabo think about what needs to happen now. They can’t dely right now.

Turning to Luffy, he smiles softly, “Lu, do you know why you needed to hide?”

Luffy nodded, “Someone heard and saw me in High Town and let the Marines know. Apparently my dad is as bad as Ace’s and now they want to capture me for one reason or another. Makino-nee told me she called Jiji but he couldn’t do anything, so he called my dad. I didn’t think it would mean seeing you, but I’m happy I’m seeing Sabo again.”

Grinning brightly, as that was as close to the truth right now. He knew that Luffy understood which would make it easier to go about what he said next.

“That’s right, your dad, Dragon, is my boss. He leads a movement called the Revolutionary Army which is going against everything the Celestial Dragons and the World Government stands for. They never did get something to hold over him, as almost none of us are known to the world. But the knowledge that he has a child, it would be able to be held over him and we couldn’t have that.”

Taking in a deep breath, he continued that Luffy getting caught would leave the world in disarray, “Jiji would have done something, even if he doesn’t do it now, he did call and if we hadn’t been able to do something he would have called Ace. Going on with our older brother, he would have come and his crew with him. The Whitebeard Pirates are a terror in the New World, the largest fleet known right now, if they go to war the World Government would be hard pressed to win. Additionally, the Revs would take action, even without you being Dragon’s son and my brother they acted a lot of times in an effort to protect those who have been misused by the system.”

Looking at Makino, he added, “Lastly, I think even Shanks would go to war over this. He really likes you, the only reason Jiji didn’t call him is because there would be no reason to do so. Dragon is a given, being his son and your father, but there is no obvious connection between Shanks and Jiji.”

Luffy looked shocked at that, which is obvious. This is a lot of information, which was never his strong suit. But he listened so that’s something, Sabo would take what he could right now. He would protect his brother now, would make sure they got into the New World unnoticed and see about contacting Ace to lay low there.

“We need to pack, I didn’t have a lot to carry but I don’t know if you need a lot, Lu, we need to get going and we need to do so now. I’m certain we can get a ride to the New World as soon as possible. If I’m not mistaken there is also a cruise ship that travels between Goa and Sabaody, if we can stow away there we’re closer to the New World too”, he doesn’t mention that it would bring them close to Marigeose too, but he’s certain that in Sabaody there will be those in league with Whitebeard or Shanks who can aid them.

Makino bites her lip, but has Luffy going back upstairs to get his bag. She turns to Sabo to hug him close, “Take care of yourself and Luffy, Sabo.”

Nodding, he hugs her thighty, hoping that this won’t be the last time he sees her.

As she runs a hand through his hair and presses a kiss to his cheek, Makino smiles, “Don’t worry about us, now, as far as they know I’m just a barkeep and Dadan is just a mountain bandit. They have no reason to look into us. Not only that, but Shanks will be here soon enough to take us away.”

Part of him wants to hesitate. Wants to make sure that Makino and Dadan are safely on board the Red Force, but he knows they don’t have the time for that. It’s a wonder and a half that he got here before whichever Cipher Pol team they sent here. 
Instead he scribbled his den den number down and hands it to Makino, “Call me, whenever, wherever. But please let me know when you’re alright with Shanks.”
She takes a hold of it, hugs him close and does the same thing with Luffy once he appears from upstairs. The youngest of them is upset, it’s obvious in the pout on his lips and the look in his eyes. But there isn’t anything else that they can do right now. 

“Let’s go, Luffy”, Sabo states, holding out his hand for Luffy to take as he pulls them out of the Party bar’s back entrance. Karasu is already back on his way to Baltigo, there is no way he can ask his old friend to come back in an effort to get them to Sabaody. They will have to make due.

As if the Sea and the Gods have heard them, Sabo sees the ocean cruiser make its way to Goa. If he remembers correctly, it will be docked for 48 hours before taking off. Keeping a hold on Luffy’s hand he makes his way close before having Luffy jump on his back so he can swim to one of the service entrances on the other side of the ship. It isn’t the best for Luffy, but it’s the best bet they have right now. 

Sabo gets them in, pulling himself and Luffy into the service entrance before sneaking through the hallways in search of a uniform for both of them. Being a stow away is one thing, but being one for months on end without a disguise is just waiting to be caught.

Eventually he finds two for cleaning staff, he had found some for dining staff before, but knew with Luffy there it wouldn’t be a smart thing to do. At least with cleaning they could have an excuse for wherever they were on the ship. 
Finding a storage room, Sabo pulls them in, “Put this on, Lu.”

While pulling a face, Luffy does what he asks. Pulling on the uniform as Sabo does the same thing. Sighing in relief that at least this is something they managed. He just needs to find a way to not stand out, maybe someone of the staff bailed which gives Sabo and Luffy a ‘job’ on the ship. At least until Sabaody.

Whispering his plan to Luffy, Sabo is happy to note that despite not liking it Luffy hasn’t forgotten to follow their directions when they’re in trouble as they are now. With the number of nobles no doubt on board, there is a chance that Cipher Pol or the World Government isn’t going to search here and if they do, he’ll figure it out then.

Keeping a bag close, they get to the main room in the cleaning crew’s hallway. A strict woman waits for them there, asking if they are the replacements for the couple who had bailed on them. 
Grinning, Sabo mentions that they are, following the woman as she brings them to a small but useful room. Stating when mealtimes would be and what was expected of them, adding that once in Sabaody they decide what they want to do.

“Just don’t make trouble for me and I won’t look at you twice, understand?”

Nodding in agreement, Sabo can’t believe how lucky they are. He and Luffy nod, before they settle into the room they now have. Sitting on the bed, he has his lap full of little brother, Luffy’s hiding his head in his neck and the tears he feels there make it clear that this is a little bit too much going on all of the sudden.

“It’s going to be alright, Lu. I promise, we’re going to get to the New World and to Ace, This is a motorized ship after all, it will cut through the Calm Belt so it shouldn’t take us more than two weeks. Alright, we’ll see Ace soon.”

A hum is his only answer, but that’s enough for now. As they are in the privacy of their rooms, Sabo sends a coded message to Dragon and Koala to let them know his mission succeeded and they are making their way back to the New World. He’ll check in with them once he’s in Whitebeard Territory.

Once that’s done, Sabo swallows as he calls a number he had gotten from Hack at one point. Getting connected to Jinbei, who he asked for the number of the Whitebeard Pirates, stating that it is of utter importance. It takes him pleading and mentioning Koala before he gets it. Dialing it as soon as he thanks Jinbei and disconnects the call.

Calling the other number with anticipation, he doesn’t know what to say when the snail if picked up on the other side, “Moby Dick, Marco speaking, how did you get this number?”

Chapter Text

Sabo blinked, he didn’t think it would be this easy to get a hold of the Whitebeard Pirates. Even less so their Second in Command. Everything he had heard about Marco the Phoenix was that he was fair and just. Protected his crew to the point of not caring for his own wounds and loyal to a fault since he was fifteen.

Rumours also suggested that it was Marco who ran the crew, as Whitebeard was getting old but his name still held meaning. As such, Sabo knew he needed to act, he needed to make sure that he could talk to Ace. He couldn’t loose himself in his head right now, there were more important things on the line.

A hand placed on his own had him smile, before he spoke, “My apologies, I didn’t think it would be quite this easy to get a hold of you. Jinbei gave me the number of the Moby Dick at a request of a mutual acquintance.”

It was clear from the silence that followed that the Whitebeard Pirate didn’t truly believe him. Which was fair as Sabo didn’t tell him a lot, especially with a crew like Whitebeard, there were more than enough people out there who wanted to get them to lower their guard. What none of them had, however, was the conviction of a brother in desperate need of help. That’s why he called in the first place, he needed a place to lay low where no one would be able to get to Luffy without having to give a lot of effort. The revolution wasn’t ready for that and as strong as Shanks was, he didn’t have the manpower to keep an eye on Luffy all the time. Whitebeard, however, did and would most likely love to give them a safe place to hide once he found out about their connection to his new Second Division Commander.

“Give me one good reason why I should listen to you”, Marco muttered, which is when Sabo played his ace, “Because we’re family, in a way.”

That got him another silence, which Sabo took as to wanting more explination, to which he stated, “We’re the brothers of Portgas D. Ace and we need the protection of your crew, at least for a little while. I know this is a shot in the dark, but there are no other options right now.”

Pulling Luffy into his side, hoping that he’d stay quiet, Sabo hopes that he gave them enough to at least consider this. To get Ace so Sabo can explain.

Relief courses through him when he hears the distant exho of footsteps before Marco’s voice sounds again, muffled as he explains something. They didn’t know who he is talking to, but he hasn’t ended the call so that has to count for something. Pulling Luffy closer, hoping that this doesn’t fall through as he doesn’t know what he’ll do if that happens.

After almost too long, another voice speaks, “This is Edward Newgate speaking, might I know who it is that wants my help?”

Nodding at Luffy, Sabo snorts as Luffy answers, '“Monkey D. Luffy, the future king of the pirates.”

There is a stunned silence, before a familiar voice speaks “Lu…”

Both Luffy and Sabo perk up at that, “Ace!”

Their brother comes closer, “Yeah… Luffy, who is there with you?”

As Luffy looks at him, Sabo nods, to which Luffy replies, “Sabo…”

Silence meets them from the other side, until Ace’s voice replies strained and angry, “Sabo is dead!”

Huffing, Sabo speaks up, “No, I wasn’t… I just needed the shock of a lifetime to remember. Getting hit by a cannonball as a brat left me amnesia, zero out of ten, would not recoment.”

Someone snorts on the other side of the line, before Ace’s voice is filtering through. Desperate as he slips into Goan, trying to make certain that the person he’s talking to is really Sabo. Answering comes as easy as breathing, all the codes, all the phrases they used as kids coming back as if he didn’t forget close to ten years of his life.

Once is Ace is reasured that Sabo is who he says he is, they switch to commone again. Which is when Whitebeard intervenes and asks what they need of them. Closely followed by both Marco and Ace asking what traumatic experience Sabo went through to get his memory back.

Wincing at the thought of telling this to his very protective older brother, Sabo took a deep breath, “Shitty Gramps called that someone heard the worst things when Luffy did a dine and dash in High Town. Called the Marines who called headquarters, which is when he couldn’t do anything except call Dragon. Word has it that they sent out CP0 to get to Luffy, by any means nessecairy. For them to capture him and use him as leverage against Dragon as there is not a lot that can be used against him these days. For all that he wanted us to be marines, he still called to have someone get him out of there.”

Ace made a stangled sound, not surprising as all three of them had a difficult relationship with their (adoptive) grandfather. Yet, to know that the man would risk it all to get Luffy out of there. To make sure that he made it off of Dawn.

Smiling sadly, Sabo shared, “I remembered on the way here, when I started to recognize everything. I didn’t know what was going on at first, I recognized the Old Man’s voice and acted on that. Despite my rank I’m still an unknown, able to sneak past and get Lu out of there. Dragon wasn’t in any position to get here without being seen.”

A whine comes from the other side, “Makino and the Bandits?”

Luffy answers that question, “Makino told me that Shanks was coming to get them, but Sabo told me Shanks can’t keep an eye on me as well as Ace’s crew could, so we’re calling you. I… I know we said seventeen, but this isn’t a broken promise, is it?”

Both Ace and Sabo reassure him that it isn’t a broken promise. They wouldn’t let Luffy keep this promise if it meant his dead. Even less so when both Marco and Whitebeard realized who Luffy’s father and grandfather were. Why they wanted him captured, The whispered conversation with Ace making it clear both men knew who Ace’s father was and how it compaired. Why it was needed for them all to be together, as chances were that once this became public, other news might follow.

“Where are you now, Sabo”, Ace finally asks.

Sharing what they had been doing, mentioning that they were en route to Sabaody on an ocean liner and should be arriving in a few weeks’ time. Adding that the head of staff didn’t think twice about seeing them there, but didn’t mention it either, so that was something going for them. However, that still left them stranded on this side of the Red Line and they needed a way to get to Ace.

Thinking out loud, Sabo mentioned; “Seeing as there isn’t a lot of Marine Presence in the New World, we’d be safer there for the time being. Especially if we stick to Whitebeard or Redhair Territory.”

It was obvious that none of the Whitebeard Pirates knew of their connection to Shanks, as they asked about that, which prompted Ace to start laughing and mentiong that Luffy was the reason was down a hat and an arm, “He saved Lu years ago, just after he had eaten his devil fruit and a bandit had gotten cocky. He’ll look out for us, he did so for me. Even tried to get me to change my plans on coming after your head, Oyaji.”

Hearing that Ace’s love language was at work again, Luffy and Sabo started laughing. Ace, realizing what he said told them to shut up without any real heat behind it. The joy in his voice to clear and honestly, nice to hear. Sabo especially hadn’t heard joy in Ace’s voice a lot. Back then, Ace had been a troubled kid, but he was happy to note that some things did get better.

Whitebeard interups them, making it clear that they had forgotten they weren’t the only people in this conversation. Ace sounds sheepish when he apologizes, only for them to hear Whitebeard and Marco laugh it off, mentioning that it had been the first time they had seen or heard Ace being so invested and happy. Along those lines, Whitebeard adds, “Family of my sons is always welcome on my ship. The added benefit of it pissing off the Elder Stars and Kong is a bonus. I never did like the way they did things, but to hear they would use a child as leverage against a man they fear is too much.”

No doubt part of that statement ties together with the other ‘Monsters’ on these seas and what that could mean for their children. Whitebeard’s are older and thus able to take care of themselves, but if they ever have children or Shanks procreates, none of them deserve to have that happen to them.

Sighing in relief, Sabo thanks him, thanks a man who he doesn’t know who already took care of Ace when he joined. Who welcomes Sabo and Luffy with open arms for no other reason than who they are to Ace. As if that’s all that’s needed and in a way that’s all that matters. Yet, none of them ever had people looking after them just because. Even Makino and Dadan, who grew into the roles they were given, did so after it was expected of them. It was never just a given.

Exchanging a look, Sabo and Luffy added, “Thank for looking after our older brother, Whitebeard-san.” (Although Luffy used Old Man Beard instead but the sentiment was the same.) To which Ace started sputtering in the background much to their amusement. They couldn’t wait to see him again. But now they would have to hold on, wait the three weeks it would take for the ocean liner to make its way to Sabaody and keep under the radar all the while.

Leaning back as soon as the call ends, Sabo pulls Luffy close, “We’ll see Ace again, soon.” Luffy just nods against his chest and for now, that’s enough.

—

In Marineford, Garp sighed in relief after the short call he just received. Makino had called him, mentioning that he was safe. That was all Garp needed right now, to know that despite it all, his youngest grandson was alive and well.

He had no idea where he was, or where he would be going and he didn’t need to know that either. Cipher Poll wouldn’t be able to find him and that was all he needed right now, he couldn’t work against the Marines directly, but the world would stop spinning the moment he chooses inbred fools and their loyal lapdogs over his own flesh and blood.

“Take care boys, and for the love of the sea, make sure that they can’t just catch you. I don’t want to have to sit to the side as they execute you or whatever it is they’ll do once you’re in their hands”, he whispered. Knowing he had to pull himself together soon enough. As soon as they found out Luffy wasn’t there and everyone who might know something had been taken away as well, they would investigate.

No one would find anything and if they did, it would point into the direction of Shanks. Who was someone none of them would dare to move against. The man was just too well connected and protected by his birthfather’s claim, as well as his own power. Once his brats did resurface, he was certain it would be once they were much stronger and able to protect themselves. He could stop worrying once they too reached Yonko status, but for now he waited on word that they had gotten to the New World from either Makino, Shanks or Ace.

Chapter Text

Ace didn’t know what to think when he was called into Oyaji’s rooms, the look on both Oyaji and Marco’s faces one he hadn’t seen before. They were both on edge, which put him on edge as he didn’t know what to expect. Right now he was preparing for everything, but not te hear a mention of brothers, even less so when he heard Luffy on the other side of the den den mushi.

“Luffy! What…”, he’s shocked when his brother answers. Sounging as if everything is going well, in a way that has Ace on edge even more. Luffy pretending everything was fine never ended well. He usually did that when he was hurt, or if he was being stalked or treatened.

Who could it be that had treatened to harm his little brother? Luffy should have been safe on Dawn, Jiji made sure of that. He had promised Ace that Luffy would be safe or Ace wouldn’t have left when he was seventeen despite their promise.

Luffy didn’t speak again, but someone else did. Someone who’s voice he recognized, and didn’t at the same time. It was older than he remember, deeper too. But those little tics where still the same, those intonations that came from his noble upbringing and despite trying to get him to stop, Ace and Luffy were never able to get Sabo to do so. Finding out that Sabo was alive, that he had never died but had lost his memories didn’t sit well with him.

The past worry, anxiety and shame filling him once again. If only he had gone hack to High Town to get the middle brother. If he resisted harder against Bluejam and his ilk to make sure that Sabo couldn’t be taken.

“Sabo…”, he whispers. Which it seems is everything Oyaji and Marco need to verify that it truly was his brothers who were calling.

His hand come up to cover the tattoo on his shoulder. He didn’t know how to proceed now, he would plead and beg Oyaji and the crew to let his brothers come here. More so once he knew tht Luffy’s life was in danger. Ace would do anything, even lay down his own life, if it meant that his brother… His brothers survived. Part of him still didn’t care about his own wellbeing. But his brothers, they meant everything to him. Sabo and Luffy were the reason he was still alive today, they were the reason he had woken up so many times. If he hadn’t found that blond kid in the Grey Terminal once upon a time, he didn’t think he’d still be here.

“Oyaji…”, he utters as he looks at his father, Ace doesn’t know what he has to ask. What he has to do, but nothing is too much to make sure that his brothers are safe. He would do anything right now, would give them everything they asked for, as long as he could be assured his brothers were safe.

The man held up his hand, “Any family of my family will always be welcome here. Especially ones that are in quite the situation. Sabo explained that they need a place to hide low from the World Government. A place that can’t be linked to the Revolutionary Army, as he’s apparently a part of that tying him even more to whatever it is that they had on the youngest brat.”

Nodding, relief flooding his entire being, Ace sighed, “Yeah, Luffy’s father is Monkey D. Dragon, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to think that someone found that out and they acted on it. Given the recent movement of the Revolution, it isn’t a surprise they want to try and put a stop to it before anything else were to happen. Luffy could be the perfect bargaining chip.”

Worry sinks into his soul at the mere thought of what had happened if Sabo didn’t remember. If Dragon or Garp didn’t care enough about the blood family they had out there and would have looked the other way. He was certain that Sabo wouldn’t have remembered then. He’d need another traumatic experience to kickstart his memory and Ace’s brain could think of several, none of which had a happy ending for all of them.

He’s biting his lip before he’s aware of it, worry is still something that holds him in their grip. Scenarios that he doesn’t want to think about come to mind, as Sabo and Luffy aren’t here yet. He knows they’re on their way to Sabaody but that is still a long way to go. They, as in Ace and the Moby Dick, are on the other side of the New World. His brothers are somewhere on an Ocean Cruiser making their way to the end of Paradise. Preferably he wants to just leave and get to them right now, but he doesn’t know if his crew would let him.

“Ace…”, Marco says as he puts his hands on Ace’s shoulders, “There is nothing we can do right now, we can’t just go to Sabaody without triggering those people we don’t want to know -yoi. Sabo called ahead and he made certain he and Luffy are safe for now.”

Despite wanting to do something else, he knows that he can’t just leave and get to his brothers. He wants to hug them close, especially Sabo, as he hadn’t seen the blond in ages. He wants to make sure Luffy is alright, as his youngest brother never did do well with being alone. He had been alone for close to three years, would break a promise to keep his own life safe and would be with Sabo and Ace now. On the other hand, he was happy that Sabo wanted to make sure that they were all safe. That he would have someone looking over all of them to keep them safe.

“I know… But I want to make sure that they’re alright”, he whispers. After all, he’s the oldest, this shouldn’t have happened. Sabo shouldn’t have to go through all of this to safe Luffy, that was Ace’s job.

Marco doesn’t speak, but pulls him into his arms. All of the sudden Ace is aware that Marco is also an older brother. He’s the older brother to so many people, even to Ace, in a way. Realizing that he isn’t alone here, that he doesn’t have to care for or protect his brothers alone Ace allows the hug to calm him down.

Allows himself to break for a moment, to start crying into Marco’s chest at the worry and fear he is feeling now.

A large hands gets laid on his back, “We’ll make our way towards Sabaody, son, we can’t go under the Red Line but you and Marco can make your way there to wait for your brothers.”

Nodding as he wipes away his tears, some relief is found in knowing that they would make their way to the start of the New World and wait for the two of them. He just needed to wait for a little while longer and trust Sabo to keep Luffy safe.

“I’ll make sure Haruta let’s our contacts in Sabaody know what they need to look out for -yoi”, Marco mumbled as he let go of Ace to go and look for the other commander. Leaving Ace with Oyaji in the captain’s quarters. Allowing Ace to break once more as he hid his face in his father’s captain’s cloak.

Oyaji keept a hold of him, hushing him as they stay in the room to come to terms with everything that is going on. Making sure that Ace is able to come out of that room without wanting to run towards Sabaody or on the way back to the East Blue.

Leaning close still, he speaks, “I just want them to be alright.”

-0-0-0-

Once he disconnects the call, Sabo knows that Ace will start to worry. He could have heard it in his voice when he spoke. While he didn’t show it as a child, he had always known that Ace worried a lot. He always worried that he wouldn’t be good enough, that he needed to be the one to protect them both.

Right now he was on the other side of the Red Line, very far away from where Sabo and Luffy were. He couldn’t be here right now and that alone was enough to get Ace on edge.

It brought him back to how Ace would stand in between them and their adversaries. The thugs in Grey Terminal, Bluejam or Porchamy, as well as Garp. Ace would put himself in danger if it meant protecting them, which was one of the reasons Sabo knew that calling Ace would make the oldest of them freak out and feel bad about what he did or didn’t do.

“Nii-chan is going to come for us, isn’t he”, Luffy asked. Looking at Sabo with that look in his eyes. For all that Luffy looked and acted airheaded, he was quite perspective when he wanted to be. Having grown up with Ace as much as he did, he knew what Ace would do in this moment. How he would move heaven and earth to get to them and keep them safe. When he needed to stay put, to let Sabo and Luffy come to him.

Sighing, Sabo nodded, “You know he wants to protect us, Lu. He can’t do that right now, he couldn’t be there when you were in danger and that’s going to be hard for him. If… If Garp didn’t call Dragon, if I didn’t want to come, if anything went different this might not have happened and we’d find out what happened to you when it was too late.”

Luffy starts pouting, tears gathering his eyes, “I don’t want Ace-nii to feel bad about this.”

Sabo doesn’t want Ace to feel bad either, but he doesn’t know how else he could go about this. They couldn’t just arrive at the Moby Dick. Not when Ace had believed Sabo to be dead, when he wasn’t sure that the Whitebeard Pirates knew about him or Luffy.

Part of Sabo wanted to make sure that Ace never felt this way, but he couldn’t do that. Not when he needed to get Luffy out of that situation. Losing the light of their life (even if Sabo hadn’t known that for a long time) would break them in ways that the world wasn’t ready for. Ace, and Sabo, would do everything for Luffy. He held out against a grown man torturing him back when he was seven because he’d rather be hurt than being alone.

Opening his arms, Sabo found Luffy burrowing into his embrace. Cluthing Sabo to him, as if Luffy was also not certain that his brother was really here. They never did take a moment to go over everything that was happening. How everything had happened so fast and if they didn’t react the World Government would have gotten to Luffy and none of them would ever know. The world would be down one ray of sunshine without realizing that.

“We’re going to be fine, Lu, I’ll make sure of that. We just have to lay low for two weeks as we make our way to Sabaody. You heard the woman taking care of the staff here, if we don’t act out she’ll look the other way. We need her to look the other way for now; if you’re hungry we’ll fish a little bit and we’ll eat more once we’re with Ace”, Sabo whispered. Hating that he needed to do this. He knew the amount of food Luffy normally had (or used to have as a child), that will have gotten more in recent years.

Luffy, it seems, now that he knows he’s safe has fallen alseep leaning into Sabo’s side. Sinking lower and lower, until even Sabo feels the need for a nap. He had gotten too little sleep getting to Dawn anyway.

As he looks out of the window in their room and sees it being dark out there, he knows that they can settle down for now. No doubt they’re expected to be on post early in the morning to get everything in order for the guests of the ship. But for now, they can sleep and take a breather.

Chapter Text

Not for the first time since boarding the ocean liner did Sabo ask himself why he thought this was a good idea to try and hide amoung royals and nobles from East Blue in an effort to get a way from it. Everywhere he looked were things he would rather well forget. The people were still as stuck up as they had been, even before he regained his memories. All he could see was the fake way of living and the extravagant way of trying to one-up each other. Everything he could see was fake, to the point that it made him sick.

Even more so now that his memories had returned and he knew why he hated nobles as much. His memories made certain things make so much more sense. Certain adversaties or quirks that he hadn’t been able to explain were clear as day now. He could remember why it bothered him so much, why he didn’t like Nobles but dressed up like one. Why he knew how to act and impress and name all types of cutlery when he had no idea where he got that knowledge.

He had gotten it from his biological family, the ones who had birthed him in an effort to gain a better standing. To one-up people who had a daughter or a son who wasn’t quite as bright or diligent as Sabo had been. Not that Sabo had been anything close to what they had wanted for a child, but he didn’t care about that right now. What he did care about was it all fitting into place and making it easier to be here (although he did hate it) as he was able to blend in much easier.

Luffy being there helped, but taking care of Luffy was a fulltime business. Sabo needed to keep an eye on Luffy an on his own back. Make sure that no one was suspicious, as well as no one recognizing either of them either as those wanted by the Marines, as well as who they were on Dawn and in Goa. On top of that, where Sabo knew how to blend in, Luffy very much did not, he never needed to, making people look away from him instead. But that wasn’t something they could use on board a ship right now.

As much as he had made the younger boy promise what to do, or not to do, Monkey D.’s had chaos in their blood. Even if he didn’t look for trouble it somehow always found him too. To the point that he really feared that he needed to keep to the shadows now, as the matron of the staff was getting impatient and they hadn’t reached Sabaody yet.

“Luffy please, I know you can’t help this, but we can’t go antagonizing everyone who sets you off”, He whispers as they sit in their room. Not too long ago he had dragged Luffy with him when it became clear that something was setting him off. Something or someone had irked his brother and where he would act out before, they couldn’t affort to act out now. There was no place to hide, no forest where they knew everything top to bottom. The only thing that they had here was a ship full of nobles and businessmen in the middle of the Calmbelt headed towards Sabaody. If they made a wrong move the marines would be called and as much as Sabo would love to fight with Luffy at his side again, he knew that the two of them would never be able to take on everyone who would come for them once it became known who it was that was here.

He didn’t know why Luffy had been so on edge from this person, but he was certain that it had to do with what they had been talking about while Sabo was otherwise occupied. The group of men in the lounge area, who had been sneering at the two of them the whole time. No doubt believing the cleaning staff to be beneath them. Never realizing that staff knew more than they ever let on.

Sabo knew from the staff at the Outlook Mansion, they always were on top of everything. Be it what needed to be done, what was known, and what no one wanted to know. One of the maids had been the one to tell him to run away. To get out of there before they took away every bit of freedom he had left.

He knew what this could mean and yet, he knew that Luffy didn’t. He knew that whatever had happened impacted Luffy the wrong way which is why he acted like that. It made him curious as to what had triggered it, enough that he had asked, smiling softy at Luffy as he asked what had been going on.

His brother bit his lip, “They were talking about you.”

Blinking once, Sabo tilted his head, “About… me?”

He couldn’t think of anything that had made him catch the attention of anyone on board. He didn’t want to be here, he was aware he projected that. It was the main reason that the matron had given them both the night shift on the ship. She hadn’t had anyone else wanting to do that one and between the two of them and no on around during those hours they were able to get a lot done. Yet, Luffy almost had an altercation with one of the nobles on the ship. To know that they were talking about him didn’t sit well. Did they know a revolutionary was sin their midst? Or had they seen Karasu leave and made their own conclusions? Sabo hated not knowing and right now that was putting him on edge even more.

With a soft smile Luffy shared that the man he almost hit had been Stelly, the kid his biological parents had adopted to fill in the space that Sabo didn’t occupy anymore. On top of it all, it was clear that Stelly was made to be a noble while Sabo very much was not. He hated that life and knowing now, didn’t help in the slightest.

“What”, he couldn’t help but ask, “Stelly is here and he’s talking about me?”

Nodding, Luffy started sharing that he had overhead Stelly telling others that he had was the Outlook heir as their biological son had managed to fuck off and not come back. How Sabo had been too procupied spending time with low-lives and didn’t want the life they all had. He said other things, and as it went against Luffy’s believe in freedom for everyone he had acted on it. Nothing truly had happened as Sabo had intervered. But that didn’t take away that things would be tense now that he knew Stelly was out there.

If he was counting right Stelly should be sixteen going on seventeen, bethroded to whoever Outlook could find who would take tha adopted son of a lower noble. Knowing the man, he had been doing shady deals to get what he wanted, he had done so when Sabo had been younger. To the point that he knew that several of the girls of Middle Town as well as some of their maids had ‘dissapeared’ all of the sudden. The extra money that Outlook suddenly had couldn’t possibly have anything to do with that.

In a way it made sense that they were making their way to Sabaody then. He knew Outlook, and Stelly, wanted to become part of the World Government. If there was one thing that everyone knew about the Celestial Dragons it was that they held slaves.

Clenching his teeth, Sabo couldn’t contain the rage at knowing that this was happening now. That he needed to keep out of this, even if he was the second in command of the Revolution. The past was haunting him, and he wished it would leave him alone for now. He had more pressing matters to deal with and he didn’t know what to do now.

“I heard their plans, Nii-san”, Luffy told him, that big grin on his face that told Sabo he was proud of what he had done. Sabo was proud of him too, nodding and asking Luffy to share. Listening attentively and grinning with each word that was shared.

Luffy had indeed listened in on their conversation, he had made a scene to make sure that they didn’t know he had heard. Sabo had been telling Luffy what had he had been doing in the years they had seen each other last. Trying to fill the time so neither of them could blow their cover. He had never expected Luffy to take it all to heart and to react in his stead when it became clear these nobles, Stelly, was setting out to Sabaody for neferious reasons.

He should be angry, he should scold Luffy for almost giving them away. Instead he hugged his brother close, whispering, “Thank you, for being you, Lu.”

The arms wrapping around him was more than enough to let him know Luffy felt the same way. That his brother wouldn’t let anyone come inbetween Sabo and his dream. Freedom was everything, Freedom was the exact reason why they were even here. Hiding away when this wasn’t something neither of them was prone to doing. Trying to make sure they would end up in Sabaody and catch a ride tot he New World. Get to their older brother so he and his crew could keep them safe.

Keeping Luffy in a hug, Sabo knew they needed to watch their back even more now. He knew Luffy hadn’t actually attacked Stelly or the people he was travelling with, but chances were there would be a lot more eyes on them from now on. They needed to make sure that nothing felt off now, that no one recognized Luffy and let the wrong kind of people knew where he was. Even less so while they were still on the ocean. They needed to be in Sabaody to be able to dissapear.

“Lulu, I need you to listen to me”, At Luffy’s hum, Sabo continued speaking, “No matter what those people say we can’t act out. Not while we’re on the ship. Once we’re in Sabaody we can get back at them tenfold, to make sure that they get their just deserts. There are enough people willing to help up hide there but not here, not where a marine vessel can be docking at any moment and putting all we did up until now at risk.”

Luffy whined, which honeslty, was something Sabo had expected. Luffy hated being told what to do, especially when it was something he didn’t like doing. The boy had chaos in his blood (something that Sabo realized was heradetery as Dragon and Garp had the same thing going on, just in different ways). He wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if something were to happen before they reached Ace.

Taking a deep breath, he added, “Promise me, Luffy, promise me you won’t go looking for those guys and you won’t act out. Not until we’ve reached Sabaody.”

It was mean, Sabo knew it was mean, to ask Luffy to promise something. Even more so as Luffy help his promises, believed them to be sacred until someone else told him he could break it. It was the mean reason both Ace and Sabo told him it was okay if he set out before reaching 17.

“I’m sorry, Lulu, but I need you to promise me.”

Luffy didn’t want to, but he promised. He promised Sabo that he wouldn’t look for those people and he wouldn’t act out until they were in Sabaody. The way it was phrased made it clear that once they docked all bets were off. Luffy was going to go full chaos on them all, and Sabo couldn’t even blame his baby brother. Hell, he was looking forward to that as well. Wanting to be there when it all happened, just to see the looks on those people’s faces at what a 15 year old could do.

Hugging Luffy close once more, Sabo smiled, “Thank you…”

Chapter Text

Luffy had been on edge since Makino told him to hide. She never did that, hadn’t even done that when Shanks came to port. So to know that he needed to stay hidden didn’t do him well. Part of him saw it as a game, except that Makino was on edge as well.

She hid it, but he could see it in the way that her eyes weren’t that soft anymore. Her lips set in a firm line and the riffle with usually stayed behind the bar in her hands almost all the time. He was aware that something was going on since he had pickpcketed that one man in High Town and the man had called the Marines on him. Something had changed all of the sudden, to the point that Makino called Gramps to let him know what was going on.

Hearing, one evening, that he had a dad. Not just any dad, but someone who was regarded the same as Roger had been amazing. At least until he realized that others had made the connection and wanted to use him as a way to keep his father under their tumb. Makino, and Gramps when he had heard him calling in, were scared that whoever came for him now wouldn’t let him live once his use was over. They wanted to kill him, like they had wanted to kill Ace so long ago.

Shivering at the mere thought, he had allowed Makino to hide him. To wait until his father, or one of his father’s men, to come and collect him. At least they would keep him safe, even if it would mean breaking his promise and setting out before he was seventeen. His mind went to Sabo and how he too had set out before he turned seventeen.

“Ace will forgive me for setting out early, Makino did tell me that the reason he’s not coming is because he’s too far in the New World to make it here in time”, he said, biting his lip as he pondered about how his older brother would react.

Makino assured him already that Ace wouldn’t mind, that his older brother would want him to be safe first and foremost. The rest would come later, there wouldn’t be a later if Luffy was captured or killed. Killed like Sabo was, when he tried to set out before he was seventeen, Luffy was setting out as to make sure the same thing didn’t happen to him.

Wondering what would happen to Makino, Dadan and the bandits, he was happy to hear that Shanks had been told and he too was on his way to Dawn. He’d be taking Makino and the bandits away to keep them safe. But in order to do that and to make sure that they couldn’t be suspected of hiding Luffy, he needed to be gone before then. It wasn’t easy and for a moment Luffy didn’t care about that promise either. Anything was good now that he knew what was on the line. Now that he knew that in time they might start hunting him how they had hunted Ace at one point.

As Makino called out to him at one point, he hadn’t expected Sabo to be standing there. Wondering how that had happened, but finding that he didn’t care. In fact, it made him like his father more as the man had saved his brother from death which was more than Luffy could wish for. He’d be able to spend time with Sabo now. To make up for the time lost, the time they hadn’t been together.

Finding out that Sabo had plans to get them to the New World, to get them to Ace was even better. He had missed his older - oldest - brother something fierce. But knew that Ace had his own adventures to get to, he wouldn’t just put a hold on them (he totally would if he knew Luffy was in danger, which was one of the reasons he was happy Sabo was here instead of Ace). Just keeping track of his oldest brother through articles and wanted posters wasn’t the same thing.

Setting out, they managed to hitch a ride on an ocean cruise heading to Sabaody. Luffy had a vague idea where that was, but he didn’t really care. Always assuming he’d find a kick-ass navigator to lead the way so he didn’t have to. When Sabo told him that it was close to the entrance to the New World and as such safer for them to be (once they entered the New World) as pirates rules those waters instead of marines.

If they managed to get to Sabaody and make the pass under the Red Line towards the New World they would be safe. In fact, once on Fishman Island they’d be safe as the island was protected by the crew Ace joined. They would be able to wait there until he, or someone from his crew, could meet them there and bring them towards Ace. A part of Luffy was sad that Ace never thought to join his crew, that would have been fun. But again, he knew that Ace needed to go his own way. For now he would just see what time would bring, enjoying the time with Sabo and see where they would end up at before anyone caught up to them.

Calling Ace was also fun, even more so as he didn’t know Sabo was alive. Returning to old codes and phrases they used as brats to make sure that the brother they thought lost was there once more. There were even tears, he heard it in Ace’s voice, and while he wouldn’t admit to that Luffy knew that once they were together a lot of hugs would happen to make sure they all knew they were together again and could watch out for the other once more.

What he didn’t expect was to be sneaky all the time. Luffy hated being sneaky, but then again not being sneaky had gotten him in this mess to begin with.

“Sabo… Why can I do something else”, he whined as he cleaned the hallway once more.

Cleaning was all they did right now, clean up messes, or tidy up rooms or the ship as a whole. Having to bear the sneers and glares for the nobles that were on the ship. He couldn’t even pick pocket them as there was nowhere to run. He couldn’t just dissapear into the forest as he did back home.

All around them was water, so he couldn’t just jump off either. Well, he could, but that wasn’t the brightest idea. Not when they were trying to be sneaky and not get Marines called on them. If Marines, or whoever was called to collect him caught up to them here they would be in shit. Sabo told his as much as it wasn’t just Luffy’s life on the line, it was also Sabo’s. He wasn’t as well known as his father '(Although he was the man’s second in command) him being captured now meant that Ace would need to worry about two brothers. Their eldest brother would do something stupid and get himself captured as well, which would end in all three of them in deep shit. Even more so when or if they figured out who Ace’s father was.

Sabo sighed, “You know why, Lu. We’re cleaning crew so we clean to get our board and passage on this ship. Once we’re in Sabaody things will be different, but for now that means holding on for another two weeks.”

There is something harsh in his voice when he adds, “That also means no getting in trouble or challenging one of the nobles on board. We don’t know who they are in contact with, and again, we don’t need the wrong people on our asses.”

Luffy didn’t know what the deal was, but Sabo had explained that the people send to retrieve him were called Cipher Poll. There were, in a way, the people send after those that the normal Marines couldn’t handle. They opperated in the dark and wouldn’t look twice about killing children or maiming them.

“It’s why we can’t let them know we’re here. They would do anything and everything to make sure you’re broken before they deliver you to the Elder Stars. Which is a whole other can of worms, those Old Bastards don’t think about anyone else but themselves. They don’t care that you’re a teenager, or that you’re still a child in the eyes of some. All they want in an ace against Dragon, so that’s what they will use you as”, it’s something in Sabo’s voice that has Luffy listening.

Even if he didn’t like most of the nobles, had seen the brat that Sabo’s biological parents had adopted to take his and Ace’s place that made him want to act out. Hearing that the prat was going to Sabaody to pick out a slave was even worse. Knowing that the brat wanted to be a celestial dragon was something Luffy couldn’t comprehend. To know that little shit wanted to be in the same spot as those that held the reigns of the marines, that could do whatever it was they wanted and wouldn’t be brought to justice.

Sharing as much with Sabo, he could see his older brother purse his lips before admitting that making the Celestial Dragons pay was something the Revolutionary Army was working towards. They all wanted to see those bastards pay and they would make sure that it happened one way or the other. The disgust on his face to know that a title like that was what the Outlooks were looking forward to was even worse.

Wrapping his arms around his brother, Luffy leaned into his side, “You’ll never be like that, Nii-chan, you’re too set on freedom and enjoying the adventure the world can bring to ever be like that.”

Luffy didn’t know why he said that, but it seemed like the right thing to say at the time. He didn’t know everything, didn’t want to know everything either. But he knew, in his heart, that his brother would never be able to be like that.

Sabo’s arms wrapped around him slowly, before he was crushed into one of the hugs he adored so much. Being rubber had the added benefit of being hugged as hard as possible and never feeling any pain from it. At times, when they were children, Ace and Sabo had used that to their advantage to get something out of their system. It would seem that Sabo reverted back into old habits and did just that.

Giggling, Luffy just enjoyed the hug, knowing that he needed to go back to cleaning soon after their moment. They had their breaks and food was provided, even if it was less than he was used to. He’d survive thought, knowing that once they were at Ace’s side there would be all the food in the world waiting for him.

Taking a moment to gather himself as Sabo released him from the hug, Luffy gave him a bright smile before setting out to clean part of the deck (again). As much as he didn’t like it, he took it as practice for when he did set out as he had every intention to contribute to the maintenance of his ship. Shanks had told him that a good captain worked like the rest of them, making sure that whatever ws going on they were in the middle of.

Humming Bink’s sake under his breath in a way to keep it up and to enjoy a little piece of home, Luffy wondered about his Nakama and if they were safe once he arrived in the New World. He knew Sabo and Ace would be with him, but part of him hoped that Makino and Dadan would be safe as well. Neither of them deserved it to be killed for something he had done.

In that moment, he promised himself that he would grow to be strong enough that no one would be able to hold him back. That something like this wouldn’t happen again, that he’d be able to take on whoever it is that came for his head.

Chapter Text

Of course, despite Sabo and Luffy keeping their heads down that doesn’t mean that trouble doesn’t find them. With the kind of people on board it wasn’t that out there that at least one of them felt threatened by Sabo and Luffy’s presence there. Outside of that one incident, nothing had happened, but Nobles did love drama so it being escalated wasn’t that far-fetched.

It was something Sabo had hoped wouldn’t happen. But he had seen the looks some of them had been throwing Luffy and him. Seen the way their eyes lingered and he didn’t like it one bit. Sadly, especially given where they were in their journey there are enough people on board to warrant Marines coming to investigate as soon as they enter Sabaody waters. Even more so if someone called ahead about suspicious activety.

After hearing what Luffy had picked up, and more importantly, who else was on board of this vessel, he just knew that something was set to happen. The Outlook Family never did like someone goin against them. Stelly must have picked it up, so when Luffy tried to interfere the brat might have recognized him (or believed himself able to get a marine to act against the servants) or just wanted to make their lives hell.

Just the thought of his biological family getting wind that he was still alive was enough to get Sabo nightmares of what happened last time. While he was happy to have his memories back, that also meant he remembered what had happened and how he had felt when he lost them. The pain, the fear and most importantly the hopelessness of never seeing his brothers again. Especially that last one stuck with him even now. Knowing he had lost so much precious time with his brothers when they could have grown up together past the age of ten. Even older and more sure of himself, that didn’t take away the fact that as soon as Outlook or Stelly recognized him it was over and done with. They would call the marines for certain, just because of who he had been and who he was connected to. Ace was in the New World too, so there was no way he could come and help them.

Grinding his teeth as he told Luffy to not act out, at all, to keep his head down and to hope that whatever happened now they could sneak off as soon as they docked in Sabaody.

Talk about a marine vessel approaching and being expected to reach them by morning had him preparing for the worst. The stares and the sinister grins making it more than obvious that he and Luffy were the reason the marines were tipped off to something happening here.

Sabo had hoped it didn’t come to this, that they would just let the ship pass by. But it seems at least one person went to complain about the two servants on board who were quite rowdy and disruptive. Their matron, as much as she looked the other way, couldn’t very well lie to Marines. She could, however, circumvent the truth. Which she did when she came to wake them in the middle of the night.

Gasping as a nightmare woke him up, Sabo glanced to the side to see Luffy still asleep. Small mercies that, as Luffy was so in tune with him and Ace that he usually woke up as soon as either of them were. Even more so when they were distressed.

Blinking as he tried to recall what the nightmare had been about, a part of Sabo was glad he couldn’t. He had an idea what it had been about, giving their proximity to Marigeose and the nobles on board. Before he could contemplate going back to sleep a knock at their door had him out of bed and feeling even more on edge, opening the door just a smidge to see Marjory standing there with a frown on her face, “Marjory?”

She nodded, “The marines are on route to the ship, I don’t know what your deal is but you haven’t been making too much trouble for me. Less than some others on this ship. But I know that they aren’t running away. The two of you are, and part of me doesn’t want that to happen.”

It’s obvious that she isn’t totally comfortable with all of this. But as usual Luffy had been his usual self and made friends in places they didn’t even expect. Marjory reminded him a bit of Dadan, but she too fell for the charmes of the youngest brother. No doubt because he was just that likeable.

Smiling wryly, Sabo nodded, “Thank you…”

Marjory nodded once, “There is a dinghy waiting for you on the starboard side, get on while you still can!”

With that she turned and made her way back to her own quarters. Sabo woke up Luffy, packed what meager belongings they had and hurried towards the dinghy. As Marjory said, they didn’t want to wait for the marines to get there. Despite what this might mean in the long run, at least like this they still have a chance to get away. Whoever came after them would recognize Luffy without a doubt and Sabo didn’t know if he could take on multiple marines and look after Luffy.

Biting his lip, he waited until they were far away from the ship to sigh in relief at nothing having happened. The lights of Sabaody were shining in the distance so he was certain he could make it there even under the cover of night. For once the lawless city was good for something as the lights never went out there. The feris wheel made it easy to spot from a long distance as well, so Sabo set out and started rowing.

“Lu… Call Ace and tell him there is a chance of plan”, he muttered.

Luffy must have caught on as he did call Ace, or the number of the Whitebeard Pirates and told whoever picked up that there was a change of plan and to let Ace know. Mentioning that they were rowing towards Sabaody by rowing as the marines were on to something and were expected on the ship by morning.

Haruta, one of the commanders, took note of all that and promised he’d let Ace and Marco know. Both commanders were away which made them on edge. Exchanging a look at the notion that Ace was away while they were so close to Sabaody. Sabo especially didn’t know what to do if they were discovered. Sabaody was the one place he didn’t think he’d be able to slip away unnoticed despite the people he knew looking out for strays there. Biting his lip as he tried not to show Luffy how nervous he was because of everything that was going on. He couldn’t show Luffy he was onb edge, not when he was the only one who could get them out of there should need be. They were in the middle of the ocean, Luffy couldn’t swim and he had a devil fruit, if things went South, Sabo had to be able to keep a level head.

Sighing, he thanked Haruta for sharing that bit, adding that they would be alright. They had to be alright and he hoped they would hear from either Haruta, Captain Whitebeard or Ace himself soon. Not listening to whatever Haruta said, concentrating on rowing and getting them as far away from the ship, and as close as possible to Sabaody in record time.

Luffy shuffled where he sat, “Sabo…”

Humming, he glanced at his brother again, to which Luffy looked uncomfortable, “Is Ace-nii ok?”

Opening and closing his mouth, Sabo didn’t know what to say to that. He hoped so, Ace was strong. He had always been strong, so he didn’t think that just about anything could get him harmed in a way they were thinking. A part of him also knew his own mind was still on edge with everything that had been going on.

But, he also didn’t want to lie.

“I don’t know, Lu, I know it’ll take a lot to take on Ace. Especially if he and Marco are together wherever they are. Even without knowing who Ace was to me, I kept an eye out. He made it to the New World in record time and he made a name for himself while doing so”, resting his arms for just a bit, he added, “The reason he’s the Second Division Commander is because he’s one of the strongest on board Whitebeard’s ship. He’s one of the strongest on a Yonko crew and that alone makes it clear that he isn’t someone easily harmed in these waters.”

He was proud of Ace for being able to do that, for being able to be strong enough to be seen as a commander on a Yonko Ship. Even if Whitebeard wasn’t the same as other Yonko, that didn’t mean that Ace wasn’t up there tied with Marco on strenght.

Looking at Luffy and the starry eyed look he was sporting, Sabo started sharing little things he knew about Ace. How he managed his crew, what the Spade Pirates had been doing, how he joined the Whitebeard Pirates (as far as he knew at least) and how he had been made Commander. Some of that was public knowledge, or it was if you were in the Revolutionary Army and you already kept tabs on everyone.

Laughing at the way Luffy stared at him as he shared what he knew, Sabo knew why he had missed this so much. Luffy was a league all on his own in terms of getting people to love him for who he was. In turn, he would love you with his whole being.

For the longest time, Sabo and Ace had been his entire world. He adored them to the moon and back, so to hear that the brother he looked up to so much had done so well for himself was aiding that image on who Luffy believed Ace was. Sabo knew that the same had happened when he told Luffy about himself during their downtime on the ship. Making sure that this little brother was caught up to what he had been doing. It waso nly fair he did the same with the things he knew about Ace, it was amazing to see Luffy absorb it all and it served as a great way to pass the time.

As he was sharing just how the Whitebeard Pirates operated, he could hear something getting closer to them. It wasn’t a regular ship and for a moment Sabo feared that it was one of the few steam opperated ones used close to Water 7. If the marines had one of those, there was no way they would be able to outrun them.

Ready to fight, Sabo prepared for everything.

Except for a flare of blue to pop up, followed by a small yellow vessel which carried someone.

“Ace”, Luffy yelled as he noticed the man there. His eyes growing wider as he took in the man next to Ace. While he hadn’t seen Marco the Phoenix is action, the prowess of his powers has been shared among the Revolutionaries. Yet, nothing could have prepared Sabo for seeing the man gluiding next to Ace, his fruit being able to keep him in the air and on pace with the little boat that Ace used to move himself over water.

Swallowing thickly, it became clear that this is where Ace and Marco had left for, they were on their way to Sabo and Luffy. No doubt Haruta had made sure they knew what was going on and urged them to make haste. Yet, nothing had prepared Sabo for seeing his older brother again, nothing had prepared him for the fact that despite the image he still had of his older brother. This Ace looked more free, less burdened by his name or his blood.

“Ace, it’s good to see you again.”

Chapter Text

Ace was on edge and he knew it. For one he never expected to hear Sabo again, to know that he had survived against all odds was making his head spine. Currently not all of the details had been shared as there were too many chances of someone listening in on their den den mushi call. Still, he was happy that someone knew what was going on and that Dragon apparently cared enough to send his second in command to get Luffy out before any Marine could get to him.

The knowledge that he was so close to losing his baby brother and not even knowing was adding to the stress he was already feeling. He had honeslty believed Luffy to be safe on Dawn, so to here that even there they could find him made him happy that no one looked into him when they were younger.

A hand landed on his shoulder, making him turn to see Marco standing there. The blond was sporting a small smile, even if it didn’t reach his eyes, “They’ll be fine.”

Shaking his head, Ace whined, “You don’t know Luffy like I do. That brat can get into trouble by breathing alone. You don’t want to know the number of times Sabo or I had to pull him out of whatever trouble he wandered into.”

Running a hand through his hair, Ace smiled softly, “I miss him, I miss Sabo too but as far as I knew he was dead and it would always stay with missing someone who wouldn’t be there again. To know that he survived, that he’s coming here, I don’t know what to think about that".” Clasping a hand over the tattoo on his arm, it was clear that he had gotten that tattoo to remember his fallen brother. The tattoo could grow to have a different meaning, but that didn’t mean that any of this was easier.

Marco lays a hand on his shoulder again, “Can you tell me about him, about Sabo? We have all heard about Luffy for years now, but no one knew about Sabo -yoi. Except maybe Deuce, but he wasn’t inclinded to share.”

Nodding, Ace admitted that Deuce did know. Being stranded on an island alone made you share stories with the other. He took a moment to try and collect his thoughts, finally admitting that he had been scared to leave Dawn, scared to leave Luffy alone.

“We’ve been together for so long, I hated that I had to leave him behind when I knew he hates being alone. But I did it anyway, he wanted me too, wanted me to chase my dream”, looking away, over the sea, he added, “Now I feel like the wordt big brother because I wasn’t there when he needed me most. If Sabo hadn’t gone, if Dragon hadn’t been called, we would have found out about Dawn being raised to the ground too late and I would never have been able to forgive myself.”

Wrapping his arms around himself, Ace felt like he couldn’t do anything anymore. He couldn’t just speed over to Sabo and Luffy, they were making their way to Sabaody and that should be enough for him, for now. But part of him wanted to jump onto Striker and just make his way to them like a bat out of hell. He wanted to make sure his brothers were alright, that nothing could harm them and he knew he could keep whoever it was that wanted to get to them at bay. As much as he knew he wouldn’t be able to handle the Admirals, he would be willing to take them on if it meant keeping his brothers safe.

Marco’s hand is still on his shoulder, and for once it acts like an anchor. Ace doesn’t know what he needs to do, he’s terrified of what will happen now. Will he be able to sit and not do anything, no he won’t. Part of him still wants to set out on his own if need be, and get to his brothers as soon as possible.

The hand clenches, “I know that face, don’t even think about it, Ace -yoi. There is nothing you can do for them alone or on Striker. Hell, for all that it’s an amazing boat, you can’t transport two people on there. Least of all when there would be two devil fruit users. Cut Sabo some clack, if something were to happen, he’d be torn apart diving after both of you.”

Shrugging, Ace mumbles, “It’s always Luffy first, that was something we agreed on.”

The firm hand becomes almost painful and he knows quite well why. Marco was one of the few people on board who knew how Ace felt at times. He had been there for the dark days Ace had on the Moby Dick. Listening and offering his advice, almost like he was doing right now. Except now Ace really needed it, he would do something stupid because it’s his brothers at stake here. He would never been able to forgive himself if he couldn’t be there for them during these times. He was already pissed off at the fact that Garp hadn’t called him and he might have never known that Luffy was in any kind of danger.

Biting his lip, he adds, “If Sabo never remembered, he would have taken Luffy back to Dragon and I might never get to see him again.”

It’s a whisper, a fear that he can’t quite shake. He knows, that if Sabo did remember, he would never try to take Luffy away from Ace. But if he didn’t know, if he had stayed as Dragon’s Chief-of-Staff instead of Sabo, brother to Ace and Luffy, they didn’t know what would have happened.

Instead of Marco holding him tighter, the hand releases and reached down to take a hold of his own, “Come with me -yoi.”

Marco helps Ace to his feet before making his way to Oyaji’s room, knocking once before entering as their Captain beckons them to. Standing there, Ace doesn’t know what they are going to do here, he’s scared in a way. He wants to be there for Luffy and Sabo, wants to be there to make sure no one can get to them.

“Oyaji, we need to set course to Sabaody -yoi”, Marco says, and Ace doesn’t know what to think of that.

Without waiting for their father to reply, he adds, “Ace is nervous that something is going to happen to his brothers and I can see why he should think that -yoi. After all, it’s not that surprising to know that the Marines might try something. Dragon has been quite the name after he took over from Roger in fame. Given that there is probably cause to think that they aren’t just going to rest it might be a good thing to be there if they need back-up -yoi.”

Oyaji laughs, “I can see where you come from, and in part I did see Ace panicking more than I ever saw him doing that before.”

Flushing, he looks down, he knows he’s been panicking. But these are his brothers. The crew will understand once they meet them. No one can resist Luffy’s charm for long, and as much as he hasn’t seen Sabo in a while Ace does know that the middle brother had his own kind of tricks. Especially regarding his brothers. Sabo would have done anything if it kept his brothers safe, if one were to look at the things he did before, Ace was certain that this hadn’t changed at all.

Swallowing thickly as he looks as Oyaji and Marco, “Can we, make way to Sabaody?”

He’s scared that they aren’t going to do that. That he will have to get out of there alone to make sure his brothers are alright. He’s scared, in a way he hasn’t been in a long time. For all that Ace doesn’t want anyone to discover the resemblance he has, as well as the blood ties he has, to Gol D. Roger. He’s even more scared of losing his brothers. Of not being there when they need him most.

A warm chuckle passed Oyaji’s lips, “Of course we’re setting out to Sabaody. I don’t think I’ve seen this side of you before, Ace and I quite like it. Maybe it’s because in this scenario you’re the eldest of these brats.”

Opening and closing his head, Ace wants to share that he’s the one holding the braincell most of the time. But he knows that no one will believe him now if he said that. They will have to experience that once Luffy and Sabo arrive.

“Thank you, Oyaji”, he settles on, stating that with all his heart. Knowing that he’ll be closer to them and will be able to keep them safe helps in making sure that his heart doesn’t keep racing.

Oyaji grins, “Go and set course, have the second division on standby as much as possible. You and Marco can set out as soon as we’re in Fishman Island.”

Nodding, beaming at his father, before looking at Marco and approaching the man to hug him close as he had helped in so many ways, Ace left them in the room while he went to corrale his division in getting them to Fishman Island yesterday.

-0-0-0-

Once in Fishman Island, Marco took one of their spare bubbles before settling on Striker and going with him to get to Sabaody. If everything went right they would be arriving at around the same time. He hoped he didn’t overshoot, or undershoot this. Neither Marco or he were people that could stay hidden in Sabaody for long. Too recognizable as they were, if news got out there would be Marines called from Marineford to deal with them.

Once topside, Ace took a deep breath of fresh air before setting out towards the open sea. He needed to find that oceanliner and he knew how Goa’s flag looked so it shouldn’t be too hard.

As soon as he found it, he was flaring his flames high and making his way there at top speed. Only stopping and almost having Marco fly into his mast when he saw a dingy not too far from the large ship.

“What the hell, Ace -yoi. What was that for?”, Marco sounded annoyed, making Ace wince.

Altering his course, he made his way to the dingy. Already feeling the tension in the air, at least until he could see who was in it. Who had seen him and when he heard Luffy call out to him.

His heart stopped beating as fast when he took in his brothers, feeling Marco next to him as the man realized what was going on and settled next to him to see what was really going on with the two of them. Sabo was relaxing as well, no doubt on guard the moment he saw someone gaining on them. That was one thing he never did let go, maybe in a way awakening haki way too soon and acting on that.

“Ace, it’s good to see you again”, is the first thing his brother says to him, making Ace smile. Stopping his flames as he drifts close to the dingy, he grins, “Likewise, although I had hoped it could have been under different circumstances.”

He can feel Luffy pouting at him, but keeps his gaze on Sabo. The blond smiles softly, “You and me both, altough in a way I am glad that this happens as I got the two of you back with me.”

All three of them laugh at that, with Ace letting Striker bump into their dingy, “Hang on tight, I’ll get us to the shore and we can see from there.”

Without question, both Sabo and Luffy pull in their spades and settle back. Letting Ace light up his devil fruit and set out at speeds that has Marco cursing before he needs t put in some more effort to keep up. Bringing them to shore in no time and closer to where Ace doesn’t have to worry about not being able to see them at all.

Chapter Text

Marco actually thought he had seen it all, Ace on his own was a riot. But to meet his brothers was even more of a surprise. He hadn’t known what Ace had been planning on doing, so hearing him ask his brothers to pull their paddles in, he was on edge. Nothing prepared him for Ace pushing Striker against the boat his brothers were in and flare his flames to start pushing the little dingy to the shore.

Looking around, he was somewhat glad it was still early and people might think it was the sun or something bouncing off of the water. He hoped as much, at least. Rumor was it that a marine vessel had been deployed to meet the ocean cruiser the boys had been on. If they hadn’t gotten off he didn’t know what would have happened.

Sighing once, he turned around and set out after Ace. He needed to keep them safe for now, they were alone on this side of the Red Line after all. If Marines closed in on them now, he didn’t know what he would need to do. They didn’t have any back-up here, unless Rayleigh showed up and even then it wasn’t certain they would hold up against a whole battalion of Marines.

Settling down, he glared at the three younger men, “That was very stupid -yoi.”

Ace shrugged, “It got us out of there, didn’t it? Besides, the Marines are way off but we couldn’t keep on peddling so this seemed like the best solution.” He smiled softly at his brothers before turning back at Marco, “I needed to get them out of there and I would have done that again a thousand times if I had to.”

That seemed to be all it took for Ace’s brothers to start hugging him close, telling him they were so happy he was there. It showed him a whole other side of Ace, one more caring and level headed. However, it also made Marco wonder that if Ace was the level-headed one, what that would mean for the other two. The soft smiles on their faces seemed to be a trap, there was no way they were truly that sweet. No one sailing the ocean was that sweet, everyone had this rough edge, they little dent in their brain. Because no sane man would want to go to the New World and an even insaner man would do so in a couple of weeks. Even if they didn’t plan for this to happen Ace’s brothers were looking way too excited to be here.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he sighed, “We need to form a plan -yoi. One where we can all make our way back to the New World and be safe for the time being. It’s only a matter of time before Marines are onto us and I know we won’t be able to keep them off for long.”

As if he jinxed them, several marines fell out of the greenery surrounding the bay there were in. Rightening themselves and taking in the four men in front of them, from Marco with his alliance proudly displayed on his chest. To Ace and his very distinct hat, passing over Sabo as he looked like a noble but no one of interest, before landing on Luffy. Their eyes widened which is when Marco knew they were fucked.

Before he could do anything however, a pipe slammed into one of the marines, with a flaming fist following. Before Luffy knocked out the two remaining ones before they could call for back-up. Giggling the whole time with his eyes grinning as if he was having fun.

Groaning, Marco ran a hand over his face, “Of course they’re as insane as you are, Ace -yoi.”

Luffy and Sabo looked at him, something in his eyes almost scary before the twosome told him that Ace was the sane one. Ace, the same one who spend almost three months trying to kill Oyaji. He just couldn’t see it. But of course, the moment the two younger boys heard that they cooed at Ace, “Aw, is your love language popping up again.”

The blush on Ace’s cheeks was something to behold, enough that even his shoulders and freckles flickered with little flames. He was embaressed but in the best way, it showed how much he had missed his brothers if he didn’t even care that they were teasing him. Again, a whole other side of Ace that he wasn’t used to seeing. It was adorable, really, to the point that Marco hoped they would see more of it. Even if he had the feeling that he was going to go gray with everything these three were going to put him through. He couldn’t find it in himself to mind terribly.

Movement to their left had him crouching down, only to sigh in relief at the man that came out of the greenery, “Rayleigh… I take it Oyaji called ahead -yoi.”

The man nodded, “He did”, his eyes went to Ace before jumping to Luffy, “So you’re the kid my brat gave an arm for?”

Luffy blinked, “You know Shanks, old man?”

Blinking once, before turning to look at Luffy, Marco had to admit that the strawhat he wore was familiar. Yet, nothing was preparing him to see what exactly Shanks had lost his arm for. Then again, from what he had seen Luffy did herald a new era. One where he was certain Ace would take part in, he looked at Luffy as if he hung the sun and moon. Having found out just what Luffy, and Sabo, had done for him Marco could understand that. Yet, nothing prepared him for the way it all tied together.

Chuckling, he turned back to Rayleigh, “Any chance you can get us back to the New World?”

Rayleigh nodded, “Boa-chan is heading back, she’s allowing it reluctantly but hearing that a child was in danger she turned around. That is, as soon as you all get off of her ship as soon as you’re able to.”

Nodding, all four of them followed the man to one of the docks. Looking on as a ship with Sea Snakes rested in front of them. The woman waiting there was obvious Boa Hancock, one of the warlords of the sea and if he remembered right the adopted daughter of Shakky, Rayleigh’s lover. Again, it all tied together, to the point that Marco didn’t even want to think about it. He wanted to get away from here.

For all that she wasn’t all that happy with transporting them, they did get on her ship and were diving before much else happened. Maybe a good thing too, as Marco had every believe that the Marines would be onto them before long.

Looking at Hancock, he nodded, “Thank you, Ms. Hancock -yoi.”

She sniffed, but nodded in return, “For all that I don’t like men, I do have to respect Whitebeard for at least having decent men on board. The fact that the Marines were chasing after a child does not sit well with me so you have my graditute for helping there.”

While Marco didn’t know the whole story, he did know that Hancock had grievences with the World Government. For all that she was a warlord now, she had done so to protect her people and he could respect that. He gave her another nod, before making a note to himself to talk to Oyaji about it. If anything were to happen the Snake Princess could be a good ally to have. On top of that, he could see the way she was looking at the three younger men he had brought along. It was clear that something was speaking to her in that regard. Wasn’t she also a part of three siblings?

Their voyage didn’t last long, as one of the Mini Moby’s was waiting for them in Fishman Island. Jinbei with it, as was Haruta and Thatch, to make sure that Marco and Ace were alright no doubt. The other two commanders, and Jinbei, stared as they saw Ace so different from what they were used to. When Marco grinned and told them that he was the responible one, they almost had a heart attack. Which was fair, Marco couldn’t quite believe it either and he had been with the troublesome threesome for a little while longer now.

“Ace really is different here, isn’t he”, Thatch asked when he came and stood next to Marco. With the Mini Moby here, Hancock was going towards her own island while they could restock, check in and make their way back tot he Moby after all of this.

Smiling softly, Marco nodded, “It’s odd seeing him like this -yoi. The difference from gremlin when he was still gunning for Oyaji’s head and the man we chose to be Second Division Commander is still so very different from the man I saw since his brothers arrived here.” With a grin, he added, “Which, apparently, is Ace’s love language.”

Thatch blinked, “What is?”

Grinning wider, Marco stated, “Murder…”

If anything it took a while for Thatch to get that, as he blinked and blinked again before looking at Ace, and back at Marco; “Murder is his love language?”

As if that wasn’t enough both Sabo and Luffy pop up, crooning about how they had that stage in Ace’s life as well. With Sabo bragging that it took Ace six months before he stopped trying to murder him, while Luffy pouted and mentioned it had been four months and a couple of days. Looking at Thatch and Marco as if wanting them to share how long it had taken Ace with them, the two commanders grinned before looking at each other and glancing at Ace, turning back to Sabo and Luffy before sharing that it took him three months with Oyaji.

Then, as if it was the most normal thing in the world they cooed at Ace and told him he was getting soft, in that most annoying voice Marco heard from his siblings all the time. He half expexted Ace to react to it, and he did. Just not in the way that he expected. Instead of getting angry or acting out, Ace’s eyes turned soft before he pulled his brothers close and hugged them. The odd thing was that both Sabo and Luffy let him. They cuddled close, wrapping their arms around the eldest. Or Sabo did, Luffy just wrapped his arms around the both of them multiple times and giggled as if he had missed this.

Going by what he had learned about Ace, and his brothers, Marco could deduce that they had all missed this. That despite it all, the three of them were closer than he would expect of them. Then again, despite just regaining his memories, Sabo flew to the East Blue, gathered Luffy and set out to get him to Ace and protect him as if that’s what he needed to do.

When they were finally set and leaving Fishman Island, Ace came to join them again as his brothers slept. Both of them had been dead on their feet, not having slept a lot in that ocean liner and even less so when it became clear Marines were on their tail. After tucking them in, the youngest Commander joined them once more with a soft smile on his face.

“This is so different from what we’re used from you, Ace”, Thatch mentioned.

Looking at him, Ace blushed, “They… Luffy and Sabo, they’re everything to me.”

Haruta giggled, “We can see that, it’s cute!”

If at all possible, Ace blushed even brighter. His freckles glowing like Fireflies. Yet, he didn’t do anything to make them stop mentioning it. It really was a good look on him, and one they were content to explore once back on the Moby Dick and able to defend whoever it was that would come after Luffy and Sabo. Ace wouldn’t stand for them being harmed and Marco had to agree, gremlins they might be, but they brought a certain kind of life to the party that he wanted to see nutured.

Chapter Text

They had been aware of the threat on Luffy’s life, had been vigilant as much as possible. Marine vessels were shot down before they could get close, with those brave enough to attack on one of their island being defeated quite soundly.

Ace had shown a different side of himself and they were loving him for it. As the oldest, and very obviously the one with the braincell, he kept his brothers in check as much as possible. At times he let them persuade them, but never anything harmful. If anything, it showed the crew a whole other side of their young commander. A side they didn’t know about and how they felt that this could mean a lot for them all.

With the Marines knowing where Luffy was, as despite Marco’s actions there was an article about where Luffy was now. The picture showing Marco and Ace in full view. The both of them weren’t easily mistaken with Marco’s tattoo on his chest and Ace’s on his back. Oyaji and Marco had promised that Luffy would be safe here.

But nothing had prepared them for someone from within their crew to act against them.

It had been a night jut like any other after a party, there were crewmembers all around them on the deck. Some were passed out, while others were still drinking or just enjoying the atmosphere. Ace was seated close to Marco and Oyaji, his haki spread out as he kept an eye on Sabo and Luffy. His brothers were running around on the deck, so he didn’t expect anything to happen.

He was on his feet as soon as he heard Sabo call out, Luffy’s haki went silent, like it went back at Dawn. That had been his first clue. Marco was close behind and what they found didn’t make sense.

Teach had been on the crew for close to twenty years, he was on the second division under Ace and had mentioned he didn’t want to be a commander. Yet, he looked so different than how he usually looked. Where before he was bulky and somewhat clumsy, right now he looked like he was concentrated. The grin on his face wasn’t spelling a world of good either. Ace didn’t know how he could explain it, Luffy had mentioned he didn’t know how to feel about Teach and called him slimy. But to see Teach holding him by the neck, haki coating his fist so Lu couldn’t pull away while Sabo was laying at his feet groaning as he held one hand to his cheek.

“Teach, what the fuck?!”

The man looked at Ace and Marco, a grin appearing on his face; “I always expected I needed to wait until I found that devil fruit. But I guess delivering someone to Marineford they would love to have might get me the start I want to have, regardless.”

Ace’s eyes widened as he read in between the lines. Luffy’s comments were making sense. Teach wasn’t who he said he was, he had been pretending and doing so well enough to stay undetected for twenty years. He had been someone Ace liked, but to see his youngest brother in his grasp, something broke that he hadn’t felt in years.

“Let him go”, a rush of something left his body making Teach stumble and release his hold on his haki. Luffy was quick to get out of the grip with a kick to the balls for good measure. Running to Ace and hiding behind him.

Marco had taken a hold of Sabo and was putting him on his feet once more, one eye on Ace and Teach and one on his patient as he healed the bruise on Sabo’s cheek. It was darkening quickly, so that wasn’t a good sign.

The deck was quiet, with Oyaji flaring his own conquror’s haki to counter Ace’s. He didn’t say anything but made his way close to them regardless, his eyes troubles as he took in what was going on. He had heard what Teach had said, no doubt, feeling like he had failed his other children by allowing that one bad apple to reach them at the heart.

Ace wasn’t letting up his haki, his eyes on Teach still. Only moving to bring his hand back and hug Luffy close, “You would take my baby brother…”

Before Teach could reply, Ace had pushed Luffy to Oyaji. Looking back once and moving towards Teach at a nod from their captain. His hand was coated in haki as he pulled Teach up, showing everyone the strenght he kept so carefully curated. Marco had done the same with Sabo, as soon as one of the nurses took him over, he’s making his way to stand next to Ace his gaze on Teach judging after everything that he heard.

Neither of them were surprised to hear Teach trying to retract his statement, but Ace wasn’t having any of that, he had a hold of Teach again, "“You wanted to deliver my baby brother to the Marines, and for what? A title? A way to gain fame, what the fuck even!”

Marco huffed, “Don’t take all of that back now -yoi. You spoke your true feelings, maybe it’s about time you just shared with everyone.” A grin on his face as he kept on poking and prodding until Teach broke. It was something not a lot of people knew, but Marco could be a little shit if he wanted to be. No one expected it from him, but he knew how to get under you skin especially when it was about the crew and those he held dear.

Teach broke, starting sprouting that he had only joined the crew to be able to get to a certain devil fruit. But he had gotten bored and didn’t want to stay here longer than he needed to be. He even mentioned trying to take on Ace and turn him in, a sleezy smile as he grinned, “The son of Gol D. Roger would get me a lot of fame.”

As Ace paled, there was another wave of conqurer’s haki, this time from Luffy as he glared at Teach, “My Nii-chan isn’t his dad and he took the old man as his father, that’s all that matters. I wouldn’t let you, just as he won’t let you take me.”

The deck stopped for a moment before Teach laughed as if this was all a joke, “I knew I couldn’t take him, but I would be able to take on a kid! But then the brat came with a guard detail, so I took my shot when Commander Ace was otherwise occupied.”

While he was still trying to get over everything, Ace sneered as well, “So you chose to show your true colors?”

Before Teach could act again, or even worse, try to break away and leave the ship Marco was there to press him to the deck with a haki coated talon. A smile on his face, except that it wasn’t even close to the normal warm smile that could be seen on his face, “Nice to know you showed your true colors -yoi.”

Then, he turned his head, “Make way to the Calm Belt, let’s show this piece of shit what we do with traitors -yoi.”

The Moby Dick moved, gaining speed as Oyaji sat back down with Luffy and Sabo on his lap. To be able to protect them from whatever happened now. He had hated knowing that this was happening, but had been willing to listen when Ace said him at one point that something was going on with Teach. That Luffy clocked him as bad luck and as much as he didn’t want to change the way the Whitebeard Pirates functioned, be also didn’t want them to be unprepared for someting happening.

Teach seemed to know what was going to happen as he started to plead for them to let him go, that he didn’t mean it. But with everything that he had shared, including a secret Ace didn’t even tell him they couldn’t risk it. Everything he had done or had been trying to do, was breaking apart once he tried to go after Luffy. He had thrown away years of planning and for what even, none of them were going to let him go now. Ace especially wouldn’t allow that to happen, he had done too much to allow someone like that to just roam free and go after Luffy once more.

He was glaring, only stopping when arms wrapped around his shoulders and Sabo leaned against his back, “Nothing happened.”

Scoffing, he shook his head, “It sure didn’t look like that, he knocked you over and had Luffy in his grasp. If I didn’t act…”

Sabo hushed him, “But you did act, stop trying to come up with the worst case scenario when that hasn’t happened yet. Luffy is fine, he’s leaning on Whitebeard for a nap. Marco and Whiskey patched me up in no time, I might be sore for a few days, but we made sure nothing else could happen.”

His face turned darker, “I take it the crew dumps whoever tried to betray them into the calm belt?”

Ace nods, “Yeah, a large portion of the people on board have a devil fruit so throwing them into the ocean helps. On top of that we noticed that if you flare your conquror’s haki (or Oyaji does it often enough) seakings come looking what’s going on once it gets pulled back meaning that everyone not having a devil fruit won’t get out of there regardless.”

Flinching at hearing that, Sabo nods, “That makes sense.”

Ace gives a soft smile, before he’s turning around and hugging Sabo close, “I never did thank you.”

Laughing, Sabo shakes his head, “You never need to thank me, Ace. I love him just the same and knowing we might have lost him just couldn’t be done. Luffy needs to be free, and he needs to be loved, so that’s what we’re making sure he is. We’re going to keep him safe, you’re going to keep him safe and once he sets out you can bet your ass I’ll make sure he’s safe every step of the way.”

As if hearing something that Sabo didn’t say, Ace turns to him, “You’re leaving soon, then?”

Paling slightly, Sabo nodded, “Dadan, the bandits and Makino are all safe and sound with either Shanks or an island no Marine would dare go. I can’t keep ignoring Dragon’s messages, he let me know that he can’t let me stay much longer even if he wished he could. Things are running along and we’re slowly coming to the end of a plan we’ve been looking after since before either of us were born.”

It’s clear to see that Ace doesn’t like it, but he understands. Knows that Luffy will be safe soon enough. It’ll be one more year and he’ll ask to be lead back to Dawn to start his journey. He already had his bounty but that doesn’t take away that by the time he’s setting out Ace and the Whitebeard Pirates will make sure he has a grasp on haki and he can keep up with people in Paradise just fine. That isn’t to say he isn’t going to miss Sabo something fierce when he leaves, he had gotten used to his brother being around again. Even if he knew that this wouldn’t be forever, it doesn’t help in dealing with missing him.

“Did you tell Luffy yet”, Ace asks instead. Grinning when Sabo shakes his head, he hadn’t, wanting to leave that until the last possible moment as to not have to deal with a Luffy who wouldn’t leave him alone for days on end, “I’ll tell him soon.”

Ace nods, grinning as the Moby starts slowing down before Oyaji’s consuror’s haki gets thrown around. Not long after he pulls it back in and several seakings pop up to come and see what the commotion was.

Marco, ever the efficiant one, grasps Teach in one of his talons and flies up. Dropping the traitor into the ocean, in the middle of several sharp teeth more than willing to deal with him for them all.

Chapter Text

As expected, Luffy cried as soon as he heard that Sabo would be leaving. He did understand, he would always understand, but a part of him had gotten used to being with his brothers again. As much as he wanted them both to have their freedom Luffy had missed them both something fierce. Especially Sabo, as they had believed him to be dead.

“Promise me you’ll be careful”, he asked, to which Sabo nodded, “Promise and I won’t be that far. As much as possible at least, but the Revolution can’t go without me for long.”

It was hard to say goodbye, for all of them. A certain kind of familiarity had gotten to them with all of this. Given that they had been able to be together again, all three of them, it helped in dealing with whatever it was that was going on.

The marines might know that Luffy was on the Moby Dick, but after Teach and their way of handling him no one wanted to go against the largest fleet in the New World. Something that was only added when Shanks visited them, grinning widely as he hugged Luffy close. Ace and Beck had shared that they were both morons in that the promise stated Hat wouldn’t be given back, nothing had been mentioned about them not seeing the other. Makino had done the same, as she wouldn’t go without Luffy now that they were once again in the same sea. Marines had been able to capture that moment, making the connection between all of them and wisely took a step back.

“We’ll miss you”, Ace whispered once Luffy released Sabo and he was able to hug his brother close. He also know why Sabo needed to go back, why they couldn’t stay together for longer, but that didn’t mean that he liked it.

Sabo smiled, a sad look in his eyes, “I know… I wish I could stay. I’ll check in as much as possible and drop by whenever I’m close enough to do so.” Looking back as he said that, both Marco and Whitebeard nodded in agreement, giving him leave to get onto the Moby Dick whenever he was close enough.

Sighing in relief, he pulled both his brothers close, “Look after each other, and make sure Lu doesn’t set out before he’s seventeen.”

The youngest pouted, his cheeks blown like a chipmunk, he had been getting the speech from them for a while now as he had turned sixteen not too long ago. However, as he tried to point out that Sabo had been younger, both his brothers hushed him and tried to pretend they couldn’t hear his arguments. It had become a joke between all three of them, but Ace and Sabo did want Luffy to wait until he was seventeen. To make sure he would be able to protect himself with everything the Marines and the World Government would throw at him once they realized he was off of the Moby.

A murder of crows approached the ship, letting Sabo know his ride was there. For all that Karasu told him he wouldn’t be his transport anymore, the revolutionary commander had been the first one to offer to come and pick him up once talk started about that.

Smiling softly once last time, he pulled Ace and Luffy close, “Look after the other.”

With an arm around Luffy’s shoulder, Ace nodded, “You too, I don’t need Dragon or Koala calling me that something happened to you because I will come bailing you out.”

Laughing, Sabo raised his arm to allow Karasu to pull him up before they were making their way to Baltigo. He smiled at the people that were waiting there for his return, grinning at Dragon before cheerfully telling him his mission was complete. The older Monkey D. shook his head before nodding at the mission room. He had a very long report to share before they could start on whatever needed to he shared after that. He was certain he would see Luffy and Ace again, would make sure of that. If nothing else, he would be there once Luffy officially set out.

-0-0-0-

Ace looked as Sabo left, hearing the sniffles from his side where Luffy was just about burrying into it. He had known this would happen, had told Sabo as much months ago when they first mentioned Sabo leaving again.

He had known that this wouldn’t be able to last. They all had jobs to do, if one could call it jobs, but staying together no matter how nice it had been wasn’t what their lives should be from now on. Sighing once, he pulled Luffy along, “Come on, Lu, let’s see if Thatch wants to make us something to eat.”

The mention of food always helped, which had Ace smiling as Luffy got some of his brightness back. He hated seeing Luffy like that, even more so when it had been almost too late last time. Sabo had made it to Dawn in time, but if that hadn’t happened he wouldn’t know what he would have done. Burned down the world no doubt.

As if predicting what would happen, Thatch was already finished with cooking them a snack. Giving Luffy a plate of mostly meat with a grin, Ace set down with a smaller plate (he was a commander, he knew how he needed to ration now, thank you very much). Talking about anything and everything to keep Luffy’s mind off of Sabo leaving until they were out of topics to talk about.

Inviting Luffy for a spar, Ace laughed loudly as his little brother proclaimed for the world to hear that he would beat him this time. He did not, not even close, but Ace was happy to note that Luffy was getting stronger. He had a good grip on his devil fruit and he was making headway with Haki so that was one less worry on his mind.

“You’re doing great, Lu, you will be able to beat me before long”, he said once they finished their spar. Turning the frown on Luffy’s face into a smile at the realization that he had been getting stronger. He wasn’t quite on Ace’s level just yet, but then again Ace had been in the New World for over two years at this point. He would still need to get there on his own merrit with a crew that would be able to follow.

Marco, who had been watching hummed, “I’m qutie certain you’re doing better than most rookies at this point -yoi. You learn very quickly and that’ll help you from this moment on, as you’ll need it once you set out on your own.”

For once, Luffy had no trouble listening as he knew it was all for the best. Not once did Ace see him yawn as if this was boring him. Then again, this was an older, more experiences crew, who were willing to share their knowledge with him. For all that he wasn’t always the most focused person and could be a little bit of an airhead, he knew when he needed to listen and when he could do without.

As his big brother, Ace could only be proud of him, Luffy had come such a long way since the brat he left behind on Dawn. It hurt, that they would go their sepparate ways at one point in the near future, but he knew everything would be alright.

Later that night, as Luffy was asleep, he sits with Marco and Oyaji, mentioning that he wants to be there when Luffy set out.

To his surprise, both the other men laugh and agree. Marco even mentioning that Luffy is a riot and they would love to be there to see him succeed in his dream. The idea was to get to the Calm Belt leading into East Blue so Ace could go the rest of the way on Striker with Luffy as his passenger. They would be able to sucure a ship at one point for Luffy to use which left Ace to wave him goodbye.

“Sabo will be there too”, Ace said, mentioning the promise they both made to be there on Luffy’s big day.

-0-0-0-

Luffy was just about vibrating out of his skin about a year later. He would be turning 17 in two weeks. The Moby Dick was making its way towards the East Blue where Ace would take him the rest of the way towards Dawn. He had been adamant to start his journey there, it had been the idea for so long, he didn’t feel like changing that.

He knew Ace didn’t like having to say goodbye, but his brother didn’t say anything about it. Knowing that Luffy needed this freedom, they would still be in contact over a den den muchi, just in case the marines did try something he and his crew wouldn’t be able to handle. He was certain they could, but it was nice to have that backup should it be needed.

Once on Dawn, it became clear that they weren’t the only ones there. Sabo was waiting for them with a man who could only be Dragon. Meanwhile Shanks and his crew, as well as Makino were there as well. The later had made sure he had a boat to start his journey with. Beaming at the woman who was both a mother and a big sister, he hugged her close at seeing what it was she did for him.

“Makino is the best”, he exclaimed. Although no one corrected him on that.

Ace and Sabo hugged him close before they both provided him with a stack of maps and a log pose. They were aware that chances were slim he’s think about buying one once they set out towards the Grand Line.

Grinning brightly he thanked them both, before settling into the boat and starting to peddle. He was certain that he would be having a grand adventure.

Let it be known he didn’t want to use his connections this early in the game, but after hearing what Nami had been through he took out his den den mushi to call the Moby Dick to ask if Jinbei was aware of what was happening here. The silence that met him told him they don’t, his new crew was shocked to hear a Yonko crew on the other side but didn’t mention it. Even less so when he just walked up to Arlong Park with the den den still in hand, able to get a hold of Jimbei who chewed out the other fishman something fierce. When he still didn’t listen, Luffy took action, making use of haki to knock Arlong out and make sure that the marines that tried to lay claim to Nami’s treasure was able to put a face to his name. His bounty shot up, but he had expected it too where it had been untouched while he was on the Moby Dick.

“Oops, they’ll come after me again”, he mentioned when they were making their way to Loguetown after that. Finally coming clean to his now crew that he had a bounty since he was fiveteen for something he didn’t even do. It had been his father they were after and when they couldn’t get to the man, they came after him.

As Nami and Usopp exclaimed that something might still happen, Luffy shook his head, “Nah, I have enough people keeping an eye on me from the shadows, they’ll make sure no one can take me when I don’t want to.”

Such a thing was proven when Smoker tried to capture him in Loguetown, only to be met with Sabo and his dad, both ruffling his hair before wishing him well on his journey. He would continue his journey and make sure he would get to the New World soon enough. After all, his dream was to become Pirate King and he wouldn’t let anyone stop him.