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Chapter Text

Luffy and Law were both exhausted from the fight. The Marines had allied themselves with Black Beard to put an end to the rise of Monkey D. Luffy and his allies.
Little did they know that Trafalgar D. Water Law was more than a simple ally to the Straw Hats.

Indeed, he was their captain’s lover.

But only a very few were privy to that fact. The Alliance of the Straw Hats and Heart Pirates shook the government to its core.
For this very reason, the government set up a trap for both of them.
The five elders even dared to come out and fight to extinguish the flame of rebellion they carried with them.

It all happened on a deserted island, the infamous Laugh Tale.
They fought with all their might and power. Almost winning until the Elders appeared and transformed in front of all, pirates and marines alike.
They killed everyone, not caring a second for the terrified soldiers dying under their attacks, as well as their enemies.
The intent was clearly to kill every living being on the island. No witnesses.

Law and Luffy watched their comrades fall one after the other, and as their lives and presence disappeared from their observation haki’s reach. They held on and together put an end to the destruction, killing the five elders, but not at a small price.

They both fell side by side, the bodies of foes and friends surrounding them. Their breaths were laboured, their sight blurry. No strength was left in them as they bled out slowly.

Their wounds were fatal. But as they died slowly, they felt at peace, wishing to find their crews, their families, each other, in another life.

Luffy reached for Law’s hand, and as they held onto one another, they smiled, feeling no pain.

At the same time, their hearts stopped, and their last breath came out in a short sigh.

Chapter Text

Trafalgar awakened with a gasp. His memories played in his head like a fast-forwarded movie. He fell backwards, only caught by large hands at the last second.

His vision cleared up, and he came face to face with Cora-san, towering over him.
Tears started to flow down his face freely.

“Law, what is going on? I know the fruits taste bad, but it can’t be that bad, right?”

“Cora-san… you…you’re alive…”

“What are you saying Law? Of course I’m alive.”

The thirteen-year-old threw himself towards his father figure, hugging his waist with all his strength.
It took a minute of Corason patting his head awkwardly for Trafalgar D. Water Law to collect his thoughts.

For some reason, he was back in his younger body at the time just before the death of the man that had become his father through pain and trauma.

He needed to get them out of here and fast.
He tested his haki and the power of the op op fruit. Everything seemed to work just fine.
He would need to treat himself soon, he could feel the lead in his body poisoning him slowly but surely. But this could wait a few hours, even a day.

Law took Cora-san’s hand and pulled him in the direction of the port through the back alleys. He felt for the life forces of Doflamingo’s crew and avoided them. Still pulling the questioning taller man behind himself. He ordered him to shut up, looking seriously at him, he swore on his family’s honour as doctors that Cora needed to trust him to guide them out of this cursed town.

Some stars must have watched over them that day because the two clandestine managed to embark on a supply boat, leaving the port a few minutes after they boarded.
Hidden in the hold among merchandise, they had access to barrels of food and water freely.
Law took this time till the next port to explain the situation to an increasingly horrified Rosinante. The man seemed to trust the young boy. That only helped Law settle in his life, this life again. He was saving his father, and now he needed to find Luffy.

Maybe, if only, perhaps… if all this happened to him just…just maybe Luffy-ya just might remember too. He hoped. His heart might suffer if not.

He needed to find the man, or more likely a boy at this time.

He knew he had come from East Blue. Dawn Island, if he remembered right.

Think about the way to get there, using Rosinante’s connection to the marines might be the best option, despite his hatred of the government.

Ros could ask Sengoku to put him in relation with Garp, Luffy’s grandfather. And then he could save Sabo from losing his memories and save the two brothers from having to grieve him again.

For now, he needed to extract the lead from his body.

And so he started the slow and painful process of cleansing his body from the poison.

Chapter Text

Luffy woke with a start. Images playing in his mind: his brother dying in the flames, his other brother pierced by magma, his crew dying one after the other.

He felt like falling. Wait. He was falling backwards, a hand caught him. Strong arms helping him settle back into his seat at the bar… Makino’s bar. Shanks!

He looked up and saw the smiling red-haired man looking back.

“You’re okay, anchor? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” He said, laughing cheerfully.

Tears started running down his face. He could not stop the sobs coming from him as he relived the deaths of Shanks and all the Red Force crew.

The pirate was panicking at the sight of the usually cheerful child sobbing his heart out.

Makino looked at him as if he was the cause of the boy's pain.

He tried to calm Luffy down but nothing seemed to do the job until he took of his hat and placed it on the top of the boys head.

The familiar feeling of the straw hat weighing on his hair startled Luffy enough to make him stop crying.
A few sobs escaped his mouth still. But there were more hiccups than sobs by the end.

He looked around and saw everyone looking at him. he felt shy and slid the hat in front of is eyes to hide the tears there as he collected himself.

The red force crew was alive, Shanks was alive.
His eyes fell to his hands and he was startled by how small they were. They were children’s hands. He looked down at himself.
He was a child. He had the mind of a twenty-six-year-old in a seemingly six-year-old body.

He paused, his mind struggling with the reality.

Then he called on his conqueror’s haki.

Half of the Red Force pirates fell unconscious, the rest were struggling, and Shanks had caught Makino before she fell.

At the sight of the woman in the pirate's arms, Luffy stopped his haki. Feeling bad for her.

“I’m so sorry, everyone, I did not think before doing that. I just needed to know if I could still do it“

Shanks and the others were flabbergasted. How in the world could a kid do that?!

“Luffy, where did you learn that ?” Asked softly, Shanks.

“With Rayleigh.” He answered truthfully.

Shanks' mouth gaped open, still holding Makino.

He looked at her, settled her on a chair where she would not risk falling. Before coming back to Luffy.

“Okay, kid, explain.”

Luffy took a deep breath before going over everything that had happened to him in the years since what would have been Shanks' departure from Dawn Island, the last time Luffy saw him, until the younger man found the One Piece.

After a long explanation. During which Makino had returned to the bar and served a few bottles to Shanks as the tale went on.

At the end, everyone was in a stunned silence.

So much suffering. And what for to die at the ends of monsters?

Sure, they hated the government, but to think they would go to such lengths all in the fear of the D.

They could see the toll everything had on the once happy-go-lucky boy. The pain of losing so much.

The only thing Luffy had kept for himself was Law. He could not bring himself to talk about his lover. His fear of not being reunited with him was worse than anything else. The surgeon of death was his everything, his heart, his soulmate.

So Fear held back his words, keeping jealously secret his relationship to Trafalgar D. Water Law.
Luffy knew his grandfather hadn’t visited yet, so the date was easy enough to figure out.
He asked Shanks for one thing. His Gomu Gomu fruit. The man had it with him, and Luffy quickly swallowed the thing.

It was gross as before.

Then, without saying anything, he went to find a boat under the stunned looks of the Red Pirates.

“Oi, Luffy, what are you doing?” Yelled Shanks as he watched a six-year-old try to set sails on a fishing boat.

“I need to find my ally, his dad might still be alive, there might still be a chance to save them.”

“Luffy, wait! You can’t do it as a six-year-old boy”

“I’m twenty-six!” he yelled back, stubbornly working the boat.

“How about I find him?... Think about it, you will struggle all alone, and we would be much quicker on the red force.”

Luffy thought about it for a second.

“Okay, let's go, Shanks” He stretched his limbs and climbed aboard the Red Force.

“No, us without you. You said yourself that Garp will come by soon. You need to be there when he does. First, so the Marines don’t send reinforcements to find you, which would put you in jeopardy with your name. Second, you need to be there for Sabo and Ace, you said they were your brothers. Do you wish for Ace to never connect to you or for Sabo to forget you both ?”

Luffy jumped back of the ship, troubled by Shanks' reasoning.

Yes, he needed to become brothers again with Sabo and Ace. But how could he not save Law…

“Luffy. Do you trust me ?”

Luffy examined Shanks a second before nodding yes.
Yes, he trusted the man with his life. But did he trust him with Law’s?

Yes. He did.

And so he entrusted his heart to the Red Hair Pirates.

Chapter Text

The Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp had been plagued by nightmares lately.
Nightmares about his grandsons, and a blond kid dying. They kept coming back. To the point when the old Marine decided to rush his trip to see the grandsons in question. Although Luffy did not know yet about Ace. He had decided not long ago to send Luffy to live with Dadan and Ace.

The time had come to introduce his grandsons to one another.

As he set out for Dawn Island. He suddenly received a call from none other than Sengoku.

“Garp, I need you to do something for me before you go on leave.”

“Senny, you know I’m busy, can’t you call someone else?”

“No, I can’t trust anyone else. It’s about my son…. Rosinante.” At that revelation, Garp became serious.

“What do you need?”

“I need you to get him from Swallow Island in North Blue.”

“Sure, but you owe me for that one, Sengoku”

*

He arrived on Swallow a few days after.

He used his denden to contact Rosinante. After the third try, he managed to get in contact, he asked the man for a location. Which was quickly given when Rosinante recognized Garp’s voice.

They would meet him at his ship. They had decided.

The older man wondered who “They” were.

Half an hour passed, and the Marine started to get nervous; something wasn’t going according to plan. This should have been quick and easy.

As he was getting ready to leave the ship and find them himself.

A young man with a white spotted hat appeared in front of the ship. He was quickly followed by none other than Rosinante and two boys and a polar bear…?

What was going on here?

Before Garp could think they were followed by angry pirates. Seeing the children in danger. He quickly jumped behind them.

The pirates did a once-over of the man before them and quickly retreated.

No one was crazy enough to get in a fight with Hero, Monkey D. Garp.

He turned to Rosinante, but the one to address him was the boy from before.
“We need to go. Ros needs help now”

Garp could see blood coming from Rosinante’s Head.

He readied his fist to hunt down the pirates. But as if predicting his move, the boy with the hat quickly reassured him.

“This dumbass.” He nodded towards Rosinante. “Fell while walking, revealing our location to the pirates…. I just need some place safe to check him for a concussion”

Garp raised an eyebrow at that. But did not say anything. Guiding the five of them onto his ship.

*

Once Rosinante healed. The leader of the group, it seemed, was the boy with the power to heal, asked to talk in private.

Once in the Captain’s quarters. They settled on the floor.

Trafalgar Law asked a few very precise questions. Weirdly, about his nightmares.

When Garp told him about them. The boy nodded as if he knew about them already. Then Law explained everything, and as details fell into place, the old man remembered more.

“I guess like Shachi, Penguin and Bepo, won’t remember anything. It seems only I and maybe Luffy (as we died together and last) have full memory of what occurred until our deaths.Although it is just a theory.”

To say that Garp was shaken was understating the truth. He was devastated. How could he not have done more for Ace, more for Luffy?

“Don’t worry, I won't let it happen again”, said Law forcefully.

*

They sailed for a week or so to get to East Blue, and from there to Dawn Island, it took two days.

*

As they arrived on Dawn Island, he saw his grandson Luffy waiting on the deck.

That was unusual. Usually, he had to drag Luffy by the ear to get him to say hello to him.

But before he could say anything, his grandson had launched himself at something behind him.

Or someone, as he looked over there, he saw Luffy jump the Law Kid.

“Luffy, let me go, you’re crushing me.”

“You remember me? Do you? You do, right? What do you remember???”

Law smiled at his boyfriend.

“Everything. I remember everything, Luffy-ya”
They hugged each other tightly, basking in the revelation that they were both remembering the time they had together.

Garp had suspicions about the two’s relationship. But he could not bring himself to break the two appart, not now. When they looked so relieved.

Maybe their story and his memories had taught him that his love did not translate into his punches. Maybe he should have shown his feelings better, made sure his grandsons knew he loved them.

Chapter Text

Ace was waiting for Sabo in their tree. He had been having flashbacks for a day or two. But these flashbacks were not his memories. Or were they?

They were from his (or someone’s body he was in) point of view.

He saw a young man terrified in front of him, he seemed to be in shock. He looked down, and a lava fist was coming out of his chest. He remembered pain and feeling himself smiling?

Then another person came into view. A man with big blue flames forming wings, he looked horrified. Then just black.

Another memory (?) took over. It was of the same man, “I love you”, he heard clearly as day. Then black again.

He came to his body, shaking. He did not know who or why he remembered that, be he knew, somehow, that both men were important to him.

For some reason, he felt someone approaching before they got here.

It was Sabo, his best and only friend.

The blond froze when looking at him. He suddenly held his head as if in pain. Then he muttered “Luffy” in a shaky breath.

“Hey! What’s luffy?” Ace suddenly became anxious as if he had forgotten something really, really important.

“I. I do not know,” Responded Sabo, still shaky. “I just… I think I know someone named Luffy. I think they were very important to me… But I don’t know anyone named Luffy.”

Flashes of the young man appeared in front of Ace.

“Weirdly, I think I do, too?” He said, unsure.

They compared notes on what was happening and who they were missing. Luffy…who was he to them? Why did they remember things that never happened to them? Ace also talked timidly about the blue and gold flames, man.

They couldn’t come to a definite conclusion.

They talked about the possibilities well into the night until it was too dangerous for either of them to move back to their respective house.

*

After long minutes, Luffy finally let go of Law.

They look into each other's eyes, smiling.

“You know, its weird to see you as a kid”, admitted Law.

“I know, right?! It was weird being back in this body”
Someone scratches their throat, pulling them out of each other.

“Luffy, you won’t even say hi to your grandpa ?” Whined Garp.

Luffy looked at him intensely, feeling the weight of knowledge on his grandfather’s broad shoulders.

“Law explained everything to you then?” He asked more as an acknowledgement than a question.

“I’m sorry, Luffy. I failed both you and your brothers…”

Luffy examined him, his sadness and deep regret for something that had yet to happen in this life. And could not force himself to be angry at the man.

He used his rubber arms to pull himself to his grandpa and hug his neck.

They stayed that way for a few seconds before the old man started crying. Luffy wiped his tears away.

“It’s alright because you’re going to help me save them this time around.” He grinned at Garp.

*

They all spent the night in the Party Bar guest rooms. Waiting for the night to pass before adventuring in the forest to get Sabo and Ace.

*

The rather large group, composed of Penguin, Shachi, Bepo, Rosinante, Garp, Law and Luffy, trekked the familiar way up to the bandits' hideout where they would most likely find Ace.

As Luffy knocked on the door, a bandit came out armed and yelling and before anyone could do anything, the six-year-old threw a punch that knocked him out instantly.

“Ace!!!” Yelled Luffy, looking for the eldest brother. “Ace, where are you ??”

“He’s not here yelled Dadan. Who even are you ?”

At the revelation, Luffy started panicking. If not here, where was he? Was he in danger?

He felt someone guiding him out of the hut, and then a hug. It smelled like Law. He looked up and found the familiar eyes of his lover.

“Feel with your haki, Luffy. Ace is smart, and nothing happened until your birthday the last time around.”

Luffy did as advised. He reached out with his haki and searched for him.

Ace was in the forest. Luffy would bet any treasure he ever had, he was with Sabo at their tree.

He ran, pulling a startled Law with him. The others scrambled to follow after them.

Arriving at the place, Luffy started yelling, “Sabo! Ace! Sabo! Ace!”

Two disgruntled boys came out of their hiding place ready to fight.

But when they saw the small boy, something clicked in their minds.

“Luffy? Right?” they both asked together.

“It’s me!”

They got down the tree, their hands shaking.

“Luffy..I’m sorry…” Their head started hurting, screams, fire, hot, burning, flesh burnt, the feeling of falling.

They both fell forward only to be caught thanks to Law’s and Luffy’s quick reflexes.

Luffy was scared out of his mind. Looking at the surgeon for help.

Law did a quick scan of them.

“I can only guess their memories returned, and that was too much to process awake. Also, they have a slight fever. Nothing that we should worry about. But let’s get them back to the hut and let them rest as much as they need.”

Chapter Text

It took Luffy’s brothers two days to come out of their fever and another day to awaken.

Garp and some of the Bandits had taken down some of the surrounding trees and built a good-sized cabin in the matter of a day.

Luffy had been too preoccupied to give any attention to anyone or anything except his brothers and Law.

Law’s monitoring of the brothers was regular, but his monitoring of Luffy was constant.
He had firsthand experience with the trauma behind the loss of his two brothers. He tried his best to reassure his love. But only them waking up fine would stop the horrible images replaying in Luffy’s mind.

The first to wake up was Ace. With a heart-shattering scream, if grabbed at his chest looking for the burnt hole that used to be there.

The thing that calmed him was a sobbing Luffy shaking him telling him that he was fine, that Luffy was fine.That they were safe.

He repeated the phrases like mantras. Until Ace finally calmed down enough to understand what his little brother had been saying. He then clutched his brother hands and pulled the boy to him and hugged him.
His heartbeat slowed and slowed until it felt normal enough to Law's monitoring.

“How?” Was Ace’s first question. “I died. I remember it all, Teach, Marineford….Did you die then, too ?”

He sounded so broken.

“No. Law saved me that day. Then we lived until I was twenty-six. And I found the One Piece and became the pirate king.” Summarised Luffy.

“Why did you die at twenty-six and not later. It seems rather young. Who? What happened?”

A long conversation ensued between the three of them. Recounting what happened from his death to theirs.

At the story of Sabo’s return, Ace could not help but sob, glad and devastated that his brothers had to watch him die. But glad that Luffy still had a brother until Sabo’s death when Luffy was twenty-five. The pain was still present as Luffy explained it all.

The oldest of the brothers felt immense dread at the story of Luffy dying, beating such giant and terrible monsters.

Law, who had been completing Luffy's tale. Expressed what they all felt:” We need to be stronger and ready this time around. I don’t think we’ll have a third chance this time”.

Sabo made himself known after these words.
Law hadn’t felt him awaken with all that he was feeling.

“Trafalgar is right, I’d rather not die again like Ace,” Sabo said, rubbing his chest. “Moreover, we do not know why, how and who has knowledge of the future like us.”

“You’re right, Sabo-ya. I don’t see any rhyme or reason to our knowledge yet.”

“It was the One Piece,” Said Luffy, scratching his head. “ Don’t you remember Ace’s dad? He asked what I wanted for finding the One Piece.”

“What ?” Asked the three older boys at the same time.

Luffy looked at them, confused ”Yeah, you know it was like a wish. And I wished for my family to be with me again. He said he could give me something else. But he couldn’t bring back the dead”

“Luffy-ya, couldn’t you have told me about it before ?”

“Well, you said you remembered everything,” answered Luffy simply.

Ace and Sabo laughed. “Yeah, that's our brother, alright”

“Ace-ya, Sabo-ya, I notice you are both rubbing your chest. Do you feel any pain or discomfort?”

“Yeah”, said Sabo, Ace nodding in agreement.

“Let me scan you.” He said with a doctor's authority. “Room: Scan”

The scan lasted a few minutes.
“You both have no physical reason to be in pain. I would guess that you are experiencing phantom pains from the moment you died.”

“Will it go away?” asked Luffy, hopeful. Not liking one bit that his brothers were in pain.

“I’m not sure. Maybe with time. But most likely not. It is the same pain one would experience from a phantom limb after being amputated”

Chapter Text

Marco was in the crow’s nest when it happened to him.

A rush of memories, grief, pain, silence.
A vision of two people fighting a huge creature. He knew them, he thought. One was Ace’s brother.

Who was Ace?

Another vision, him kissing someone with black hair, dark eyes. Happiness.

Then grief again the man he had kissed. Ace. Dead.

His brother Thatch, bloodied. Dead. Teach a bloody knife in hand.

Other images appeared, he held his breath through it all. Then gasped, a breath of sea air filling his lungs.

He was dazed for a second, taking everything in. He did not know what had happened after his death. He died happy to join his pops and Ace. He had been serene and ready. Accepting. Not feeling any pain anymore. Only longing.

There must be a reason behind his memory of another life coming back to him.

But right now, he knew he had a job to do: Get rid of the traitor who would cost him everything.

He went to his pops because it’s a thing he could do again.

White beard was surprised by the revelation, but not that much. If the phoenix’s intuition was right, the man knew more than he let on.

They quickly agreed on a test to give a second chance to the Teach. Marco would watch as White Beard would tell everyone he had found the Dark Dark fruit and would be adding it to his collection.

Teach did not miss one beat in asking for a private meeting with their Captain. Unbeknownst to him, Marco had been hiding in anticipation.

As soon as the man tried to stab White Beard, Marco was behind him, killing him instantly in one sharp and precise strike.

The news of Teach’s betrayal had quickly spread, and his corpse was sunk into the sea, never to be seen again.

Marco had told his Pops about the three brothers and the imminent vanishing of Sabo. They decided to go to East Blue and save the two brothers from experiencing the loss of the would be revolutionary.

Chapter Text

Ace was the first to feel the presence of a large ship near their Island. It couldn’t be Gramps, the man had just left two days ago and wouldn’t be back until next month.

It might be Shanks. Although the man was looking in vain for Trafalgar. They had hoped Garp would be able to contact Red-Hair Shanks. But he wouldn’t have reached North Blue yet.

It was then that he saw Him.

Marco. The Phoenix soaring through the sky, Moby in tow.

Ace ran to the edge of the cliff. His heart was beating so fast, so happy to see Marco again. He did not even think about why the man was here. He only felt elation at the man’s sight. The burning in his chest was forgotten through his happiness.

The ship was still far away when the man landed next to Ace.

“Ace? Is that you? Do you know me-yoi?” Ask tentatively, Marco.

“Of course, I know you.” Ace smiled. “That must be weird for you, though. To see me as a kid…”

“Yeah, it is.” He paused. “But I’m so glad to see you alive and well-yoi.”

They kept a distance between them, not sure how to act. The situation was weird, no one could deny it. The twenty-year-old stuck in a ten-year-old body understood Marco’s reservation. How could he not.

They decided to sit at the cliff’s edge and wait for the Moby to arrive.

“Do you know why this is all happening-yoi?”

“Trafalgar guesses that the people Luffy views as close family are the ones to remember. They won’t tell me, but I’ve guessed that Trafalgar and Luffy were involved in the future. That must be why he remembers but not his crew members. But you remember. That is weird, I did not think you would get close after…after my death…”

“We did actually. I told him later on about us…and he kinda adopted me as his brother-in-law. We fought together several times, and I tried my best to protect him for you.” He stopped at the surprise on Ace’s face.

“I wouldn’t have guessed. But thank you for taking care of him. Really. It means a lot to me.”

“Who else remembers then-yoi?”

“Luffy, Trafalgar, Sabo, our grandfather, only bits and pieces for now. And myself. Who remembers on the crew?”

“Only myself.” He paused. “Don’t worry, I took care of Teach. Thatch is safe-yoi”

They suddenly heard footsteps running towards them.

“OI Pineapple!” Screamed an overexcited Luffy, Law in tow.

A small Luffy jumped at Marco, who caught him with ease.

“Hi Luffy-yoi. How are you?”

Luffy smiled with one of his biggest smiles.

“Great! I got my brothers back, and now you!”

Marco set him down.

“It is weird to see you as a small kid, what are you? five? You were a cute kid-yoi”

“I’m six in this body! Soon to be seven!”

Marco ruffled the boy’s hair. A young Law glaring at him all the while.

*

Later that night, the Moby’s crew and Captain listened to Luffy’s and Law’s tale on how they had gone back in time and their will to make the government fall this time around.

The WhiteBeards easily agreed to train them all at the demand of their first division commander.

Chapter Text

Shanks had been in the middle of a meeting with his crew on how to find a young Trafalgar Law and Rosinante, when it happened.

Adult Luffy screams ‘dad’ just before Shanks is impaled on a sword. Then Luffy unlocked Gear 5 to destroy the man who had his sword in him.

Law came to protect Luffy as the man held him while he lived his final moments. “You called me dad” was all he could say. The younger man nodded yes, tears streaming freely down his cheeks.

He died happy, if not a little sad, the pain in his heart echoing in today's body.

Shanks remembered.

The Red Force crew was worried. Their captain had frozen mid-speech and now was clutching his chest like he had a pain in his heart. The Doctor quickly rose and tried to examine the man. Only to be pushed away gently.

“I’m okay. I just remembered something.” He had a big smile on his face. “Let’s not deceive Anchor, all right? And let’s break Doflamingo’s face while at it.”

With his memory returned to him, Shanks had decided to prevent at least one thing from ever happening to Luffy or his boyfriend. He smiled to himself when he realised that Luffy had kept silent about his relationship to the surgeon of death when telling his story. Sneaky brat.
Probably for the best, Shanks wouldn’t have agreed with the six-year-old being in love with a thirteen-year-old. The idea was too disturbing. But as of now, with his memory returned, he knew that the man he saw as his son and the one he would call son-in-law were perfect together as grown-ups. It would be a weird decade for them to spend in their current bodies still. But in the end, they would go back to their adult relationship. He just hoped not too soon. Although thinking about it made him shiver and cringe anyway. But the reason had more to do with him than the two boys. What parent wouldn’t react this way to their baby growing up? Sure, he hadn’t known Luffy as a baby, but it was all the same to him.

The battle with Doflamingo in the North Blue made the world tremble. They levelled half of the city, going after the pink feathered bastard while looking for Trafalgar Law.

Shanks ended up killing the man after interrogating him on the whereabouts of Corazon and Law. It had been fruitless but extremely satisfying for the pirate to attack his son’s enemy with his full force. All the rage he held for his son’s suffering at the hands of that man was released.

Doflamingo’s face was broken in several places, making him unrecognisable, blood dripping slowly from his nose and brow; he had a hole in his stomach where Yassop had shot him point-blank. The last attack that took him out had been Shanks' sword slicing through the skin and bones, his arm having been cut off, and his heart and surrounding skin damaged, burnt enough that one could see the fragile muscle under the ribs and skin.

The rest of his companions were quick to submit when they saw the man fall, their loyalty being forced to begin with.

For good measure, they took his corpse and let it go into the sea at large.

But in the end, they could not find any trace of Trafalgar or Corazon.

The Red Force Crew was dreading to have to announce this to Luffy, especially their Captain who knew how devastated his adoptive son would be over the news.

They sailed for a day, avoiding Marines’ ships when the familiar boat with a dog’s head appeared in front of them.

Ready to fight their way out against the hero of the Navy. They did not expect a denden call from Hero Garp himself.

The Marine quickly explained that Trafalgar and his father were on Dawn Island. Then before anyone could respond. He explained that he had orders to take on the Red Force. For attacking a warlord.

To everyone’s (marine and pirate alike) surprise, Luffy’s grandfather launched several cannonballs towards their boat with his bare hands.
Shanks was quick to slice them in the air before ordering his crew to find a way out of this.

To say the RedHead pirate was annoyed was understating it.

“He really had to make our lives more difficult ?”

After several hours of chasing, Garp finally let up. Deciding to get back to Marineford and annoy Senny. His part was done. No one would suspect him, and his loyalty to the corrupt government.

Chapter Text

“Emperor Red-Haired Shanks disappears after defeating the Beloved Don Quichotte Family”- News Coo Printing.

Zoro read the newspaper something was wrong. It wasn’t supposed to go this way. They, were supposed to do it.

He remembered the fight with Doflamingo like yesterday. It had almost cost his captain’s lover his life. Only Luffy had managed by some extraordinary show of force to beat the feathered asshole.

Why were things different?

Luffy had always admired Shanks, maybe by some chance they had already met. And Luffy remembered.

The first mate needed to regroup the crew members near him and get to Luffy fast.

Hopefully, they would remember too.

First things first, he needed to go and get his swords. One wouldn’t be enough with what was coming after them.

*

For some reason, Zoro ended up all the way down to the Baratie. And The blasted cook hadn’t been surprised to see him.

But he did ask him where Nami and Usopp were. He’s voice grated on the Pirate Hunter’s nerves. Answering drily, that he was on his way to meet them when he found him instead.

“You got lost again, didn’t you? And where are your swords?”

“I was getting them when you appeared.”

“Sure you were…” Sanji looked at him for a moment before going away. He came back a few minutes later with onigiris. “Here, eat”

The swordsman did not argue; he knew better than to refuse food from the cook.

After explaining their situation to the captain. The man nodded and accepted Sanji’s resignation.

They sailed in Zoro’s small boat to Usopp’s Island. There, they found the young Usopp training and seemingly having recreated his sniper equipment.

From there, they got back Merry and voyaged towards Orange Town to get Nami.

Arriving there, they were surprised by how the orange-haired girl had defeated the Arlong Pirates on her own.

She was really happy to see them all and quickly asked after Robin. Sanji and Zoro explained in turns that only the East Blue crew members were accessible to them right now. And Zoro ordered that they find their captain before going to Arabasta.

They all agreed, and Nami set out to find the way to Dawn Island, where Luffy originated from. On the way there, they helped Zoro find his swords, making sure the green-haired boy did not get lost again.

They were all impatient to find their Captain, remembering the tragedy of their deaths, and Zoro (the last of the crew to die) completed the missing story for the three.

They could not imagine how much pain Luffy had been in watching his comrades die before his eyes.

The way to Dawn Island was way smoother with Nami in command of the navigation.

It took them only a few days to find the small Island where the three brothers resided.

They were flabbergasted to find the Moby Dick accoast to the Island.

Zoro smiled knowingly. “Luffy’s been busy.”

Chapter Text

Law looks at part of Luffy’s crew being hugged by the extended arms of their Captain.
And his brain is taken with doubt and despair.

His crew did not remember him. He had found Penguin, Shachi and Bepo by chance while running away. They took to him when he defended Bepo against the other two. They had decided on following him.

But as he talked with the three, he could not help the point of sadness in his voice when he realised they had no memory of the future, just a good feeling about Law.

Maybe he shouldn’t get his crew back together as he first intended. It would be safer for them that way. He had asked the polar bear about his doubts. The Mink responded gingerly that he could understand his will to protect them. And to maybe let them find him instead of actively going after them.

It was with great grief that he shared his decision with Luffy. He would not look for his crew this time around.

He expected shouting and arguing.

But Luffy simply told him: “I understand, I was considering it for a moment if my crew did not remember me… I would have helped them when the time came, but I wasn’t sure whether to ask them to come with me or not.”

They shared a look afterwards. They could see in each other's eyes the profound pain of losing their crews in such terrible ways in their first life. Watching them die one after the other.

Now, looking at Luffy with his crew, he swallowed down his pain and went to greet them too.

Chapter Text

“Luffy!!! I’m so sorry we could not find Trafalgar and Corazon, so it took way longer than expected until Garp showed up to tell us the good news.”

“Shanks!” Luffy jumped at his father figure. “You beat up Doffy without me!”

Luckily, they were in Foosha Village as Shanks had appeared on the horizon.

Law was behind Luffy with Thatch and Sanji carrying boxes of fresh produce for all the crews, they had also got a cart to put the rest of it into. The amount of food as insane, but to feed all the pirates, they had to at least buy all of that.

“Oh! Luffy’s Boyfriend: Nice to see you again.” Said Shanks, putting his two feet in his mouth.

Of course, Sanji knew of their relationship.

But not Thatch and certainly not Ace! They had managed, until then, that anyone who knew of the couple would shut up about it around Ace.

Benn facepalmed. His captain still did not understand the mistake.

Thatch dropped his provisions in the cart before booking it back up the mountain.

“Room: Amputate”

Thatch’s body was cut into multiple pieces. His legs running in the air.

“I did something wrong, right?” Asked a confused Shanks.

“No, it’s fine”, said Luffy. “I just wanted to avoid Ace’s reaction to Law and I…But I should tell him now, I think. We can’t prevent Thatch from running and babbling to him forever...”

“You sure, Luffy-ya?”

“Yes, just hold him back while I run and tell Ace myself. It will go easier if I tell him”

Law nodded in agreement.

Then, as Luffy went back to the cabin. Law decided to thank Shanks for destroying Doflamingo's empire and the man himself.

“You did make sure the man was dead, right?”

“We did, do not worry, no one is coming back to haunt you this time around,” Affirmed Shanks.

Law felt a weight lift from his shoulders that he did not know he had been holding.

He then offered to show the Red Force the way to the cliff where both the Moby and Merry were moored.

Shanks was strangely happy to know White Beard was here. Talking about drinking sake with the old man.

*

“What!!!! He’s way too old! I forbid it! Sabo, how could you let that happen and not tell me !?”

Ace’s screams were heard in the whole forest.

“Thanks for the discretion,” thought Sabo.

“You have nothing to say to me. Look at you and Marco!” Screamed back Luffy.

“What about us?!”Responded Ace angrily.

“Well, Ace, Luffy has a point here. You have what? A twenty-year age gap between you two. And have you heard us say anything? Don’t be hypocritical now.”

Ace gaped at them.

“Fine! Why did you hide it then ?”

“Probably for the reason that you are shouting at them, and everyone can hear you.” Said Law calmly.

Ace blushed, embarrassed. Before he ran away.

Luffy went after him after telling everyone not to follow them.

*

“Ace, I know you’re here, come down, let's talk”

Ace climbed down after few minutes of thinking.

“I’m sorry, Luffy. I shouldn’t have shouted” Admitted Ace.

“Do you realise Ace that I’m technically older than you ever were ?”

Ace took a startled breath in.

“Yeah, it’s weird, I know. But you’re still my big brother. You always will be. Even if I grow up, and I did grow up already.”

“I’m sorry. I’m just scared that you growing up means you don’t need me anymore…I wasn’t there… I died. And you did great.”

“You’re kidding me, right? You died, and a part of me did too. You died, and it broke me forever. I still remember that day. The day I lost you. It almost killed me. It would have physically killed me if Law hadn’t been in the mood to save me that day.”

“I should probably thank him…” Ace muttered.

*

After a while, Sabo came. He saw the two sleeping, Luffy using Ace as a pillow; they looked like they had cried.

Chapter Text

Something was wrong with Luffy. Sabo and Ace noticed. He had dark circles under his eyes, was staying up unusually late at night and was up before anyone else.

Law was in the same state, but from what Ace had gathered from Sabo, it was a usual occurrence for the man.

When observing the two, he had quickly noticed that he wasn’t the only one to worry about Luffy. His brother’s first mate had been observing his Captain, too.

On the fifth day, Ace decided to approach the green-haired man.

He looked at him knowingly. As if expecting this conversation.

“Luffy is not doing well, am I right ?” Asked Ace.

“You’re right. He hasn’t slept much the past few days we’ve been here, and I would bet even before then,” said Zoro calmly.

“Why aren’t you doing anything about it? He’s your captain. Shouldn't you take care of him as second in command? Someone has to help him!” Ace was getting angry at the obvious inaction of the man.

“Watch. Before being so quick to judge Fire Fist.” He pointed with the hilt of his sword at Luffy and Law.

Luff,y that had been talking animatedly seconds ago, was now sleeping his head in Trafalgar’s lap. The surgeon stroked his hair minutely.

His little brother seemed relaxed for once and was sleeping peacefully.

“See?” Says Zoro.

As Luffy looked like he was having a nightmare. Trafalgar whispered something inaudible to the rest of them, and his brother relaxed slowly.

The swordsman nodded in agreement.

“Traffy is taking care of him. And he is probably the best person for the job, if not, I would have cut him already,” Said the swordmaster bluntly.

“I guess then I should be thankful to Trafalgar and you for watching over him”

“I know Traffy looks bad with the whole Surgeon of Death thing, but in the seven years we've got to know him, he hasn’t done wrong to Luffy. Trust me, if I saw anything wrong, I would have separated his head from his body long ago…He’s good to the Captain from my observations,” Reassured Zoro.

Ace went to find Sabo after his conversation with the boy.

The blond was training with Marco at that time. He had decided to train as much as possible before going after the Dark Dark fruit. His want had been fueled by the fear of losing one of his brothers to the fruit user again. But if HE wielded it, then no one could have it anymore until his death. No one would kill his brothers with it. And he thought that the Fire Fire fruit was Ace’s and Ace’s alone.

The WhiteBeard pirates had volunteered to look for the cursed fruit for him during the time he needed to grow in this body. Then, if they had not found it, Sabo would go and search for it alone. But for that, he needed to be strong. Stronger than last time around.

So, as Moby and Whitebeards other ships went to search for the fruit. Marco and Izo stayed behind to train them all, “kids”. Alongside Shanks’ crew and Rosinante, they worked on getting better and getting used to their current bodies. Their height, reach, weight… everything was different, and it made things weird for the adult children.

*

The next day.

Luffy was thinking too much about how to save Uta. His sister in all but blood. Sabo and Ace did not know about her, and Luffy had never talked about her after the day she disappeared.

“Shanks? Can we talk?” asked Luffy.

The red-haired man turned around, feeling a serious conversation coming, he put down his sake bottle and told Luffy to follow him into the forest for a walk. Then they could talk.

“You know I look up to you, Shanks.”

The man nodded in agreement.

“But sometimes you do stupid things. Like me.”

Shanks was ready to protest, but Luffy did not let him.
“You need to get Uta as soon as possible. Remember what happened?” asked Luffy.

The pirate frowned before recollection appeared in his eyes.

“Oh my god! Why didn’t I remember before ?! We need to save her quickly, he made a huge mistake back then, or I guess a few weeks ago, to her.”

“She’s my sister, I think she remembers or she will, Dad”, confirmed Luffy, a huge smile stretching his lips.

Shanks' heart skipped a beat.

“Sure …son. I’ll go get your sister and bring her back to us.” The man said with an equally large smile.

Chapter Text

Things had settled into a routine once Shanks had brought Uta back to them. She had remembered everything a few days before Shanks came to get her.

She was devastated to say the least, leaving her foster parent at a loss for what to do.

She cried and cried endlessly, full of regrets and blaming herself harshly for all that she did in the future.

Her father had to have several conversations with her to try and appease her mind. She had been controlled by the Tot Musica after all. Her actions were tainted by its dark power, and in the end, she had died to repair what she did.

She had cried herself to sleep several times.

She did not dare to use her fruit again, or even to sing normally.

*

When Luffy and Uta came face to face, she was terrified of his reaction and possible judgment.

How could she face him after all that she did to his crew and others? She was a monster. He would never accept her again.

But to her surprise, Luffy hugged her so tightly she could feel his heart beating. She felt pure joy radiating from him.

Why was he so happy?

“Hey Uta, you’ll become my ship's second musician, right? “ Asked Luffy with a whine.

“What?... Don’t you hate me ?” She asked quietly.

“Hate you ?! Why ?! You’re my precious sister! I would never hate you !” Her brother (?) shouted.

But it was a melody to her ears. She fell to her knees with Luffy following suit. And started sobbing loudly.

Luffy was at a loss. “What did I do ?” he panicked, looking around for help. But everyone around them was smiling.

“I’ll gladly become one of your crew, Luffy. If you still want me despite what I did. And if your Crew agrees…”

“Of course, I want you on my crew! I’m stealing you from Shanks. You’ll see we’ll bring a new era! And I’ll become the freest man in the world again! And then I’ll free the whole World! Just watch me!”

Shanks was shielding his eyes from everyone’s gaze. But Benn, next to him, saw the tears rolling down his cheeks and patted his captain’s back comfortingly.

Chapter Text

Sabo hesitated to go and meet up with Dragon. He knew the man was coming to the city on that very day.

He also knew that Ace did not approve of the man (having abandoned Luffy), and Luffy did not care about him.

But Dragon had been a father to Sabo for years. It made him feel guilty towards Luffy that he had the younger boy’s father as a father figure. From when he was ten until he died in his thirties..

Above all things, he did not want to hurt his brothers. And he could not meet with the man without talking to them first.

“Yo, Luffy, Ace, can I talk to you for a sec?”

The two who had been sparing stopped and agreed.

They sat on the grass at the edge of the forest.

“What’s up?” Asked Luffy.

Sabo hesitated a moment before getting into it.

“I know you both dislike Dragon, but I’d like to meet up with him. And ultimately, I’d like to go back to the Revolutionary Army. I know we promised to be pirates. But last time, I found my calling in the Army. Fighting against the perversion of the system. My dream is still to take down the world government.”

“I don’t like Dragon true. But the man raised you, so I get it. You know, I don’t agree with the fact that he abandoned his kid… But I get why you want to go back to the Army. So it’s fine, just stay alive even without us around, it’s all I ask.”

“And you, Luffy, what do you think about it ?” Sabo asked tentatively.

“I don’t care about Dragon.” Said the youngest.”Shanks’ my dad. I want you to fulfil your dream too,” He said, grinning.

“Thank you”, Sabo smiled at his brothers.

*

Garp had insisted he saw Luffy today. He knew it was his kid’s birthday. But as the leader of the Revolutionary Army, he should not take the risk for Luffy to be discovered. Still, his father had been adamant that he meet them in the mountain where he had apparently left his son to be raised by bandits instead of the nice people of Foosha.

He never understood the man.

So as Iva made sure their plan was going along perfectly, he made the journey to the place Garp had indicated.

Arriving, he felt many strong presences coming from the clearing.

He heard Garp’s voice, which made him cross the edge of the woods.

Garp was drinking sake with none other than the Pirate Emperor Red-Haired Shanks.

What the hell was going on here?

“Garp?” He called.

The old man who was laughing openly with his enemy. Looked over at him.

“Look, Luffy,, He said, turning one of the boys' heads with his hand. “It's your dad.”

Luffy (was that him ?) looked at him, then plainly stated.

“What him? He’s not my dad. My dad’s Shanks!”

That was like a sting in his heart.

“No, Luffy! Shanks isn’t your dad!”

“He is,” said Luffy. “He’s my dad. He was the one to play with me, tell me stories, and believe in my dreams. Not that guy,” He pointed to Dragon.

Red-haired Shanks seemed to become emotional as Dragon’s son said all that.

“Luffy, how about you go see Law? He seems lonely over there”, said Shanks.

Once, Luffy did just that. The pirate asked Dragon to sit with them.

They offered him sake.

“I guess it’s too late to fix your relationship with Luffy,” said Garp.

“I guess so.” Responded Dragon. “I think I have to thank you, Red-hair. For taking care of Luffy. I can’t hold a grudge when you did all that a dad should do. I am his biological father, and that is all, but if this is the way I can keep him safe, then it’s okay.” He said sadly.

The Marine and the Pirate then proceeded to inform Dragon of the future to come. The man had no memory whatsoever. But no one was cruel enough to tell him about the reason behind this lack of knowledge.

As Luffy’s birthday party died down.

A blond boy, who had been introduced to him as Sabo, his future second in command, came to talk to him.

“I would like, once I’m ready, to find you and become a member of the Army again. I still believe in your fight.”

“Are you sure that would mean leaving your brothers behind?”

“I’m sure. They know what I want to do with my life, and they support me,” Said Sabo with conviction.

“Then, I’ll be waiting for you in a few years. Meanwhile, take care of Luffy”. With these last words, the man disappeared into the shadows again.

Chapter Text

Law awakened with a start. He had nightmares again that day. The day he fought against Black Beard and lost. He knew that Marshal D. Teach was dead and buried. But the nightmares kept coming back.

He sat up in bed, slowly trying not to wake Luffy. The younger one needed his rest. He, too, had nightmares regularly.

Still, as he shifted, Luffy woke up. He cursed.

“I’m sorry I woke you up, Luffy-ya. Go back to sleep, I’m ok.”

“Liar,” murmured Luffy. His arms came up around Law’s midsection, his head against his side.”Come on, tell me what is bothering you”

Pause.

“The day my crew died. The day I couldn’t save them… Even as I chose not to put them in harm's way again. I’m scared for the three that already found me…How can I protect them? When I could not back then.” His body was tense, anger and fear swarming his brain. His hands were shaking. “If Bepo hadn’t been there, I would have died too. Maybe I should have…”

“You dying would not have helped anyone. I would have been devastated. And without your help, I wouldn’t have gotten to the one piece in time to save everyone and get this second chance.”

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re wrong. I believe you would have made it without me. You are the type of person who accomplishes their dreams and protects everyone while doing it. You’re that amazing”

Luffy could not help the blush rising to his cheeks.

“This time around, we’ll face things together.”

Law looked at him. And with a finger under Luffy’s chin, he made him look into his eyes. And in a low voice said: “I believe in you” before smiling and kissing his forehead.

*Flashback

After leaving Egghead they headed towards Erbaf, the land of the giants.

As they were sailing smoothly. Suddenly, Robin alerted the crew to something in the water.

They all looked, not knowing what the orange thing was, when suddenly. A head popped out, someone was on the orange thing.

Nami got her spyglass out and screamed in shock.

“Jinbe, quick, go towards them! It’s Bepo and Trafalgar!”

“What!” Everyone screamed.

Jinbe manoeuvred to get closer before jumping into the water to get the two.
Bepo was extremely grateful for whichever power had put the StrawHats on their path. He would not have been able to swim much more with Law on him.

He begged Chopper to save his injured Captain.

Of course, the reindeer accepted, and Law was transferred to the captain’s quarters, which Luffy seldom used.

They laid Trafalgar Law on the bed. At this point, the man was barely conscious.

Chopper quickly took care of the surgeon. Once bandaged up, and fluids were going down perfusions. The doctor concluded that he needed a lot of rest and food once he woke up. He had lost a lot of blood after all.

Then the tiny doctor asked Bepo to follow him to be able to examine him without bothering the other patient.

At first, the bear resisted, but with the promise to keep an eye on his captain at all times and probably also due to his fatigue. He went away to get checked out.

Luffy was feeling a lot of things right now.

Anger, Pain, Sadness… He would kill the person who did that to Traffy.

He was pacing in his room where Trafalgar rested. He was so furious he did not even know why.

Sure, he was friends with the man. But what he was feeling right now was more alike to what he had felt when his crew was in danger. Or it felt comparable to losing Ace again. He loved his companions to death. But there was an edge to his feelings, sharp and dangerous.

“Straw hat-ya, I can feel you are seething. What is the matter with you now?” Traffy asked slowly, as if uttering the words was painful.

“Who hurt you, Traffy?!

“Why do you care?”

“I care.” Answered simply, Luffy.

“They killed my crew. I should have been a good captain and died with them” He could not bite back his sob.

That sight alone of his ally crying broke Luffy’s heart.

Law had been suicidal for some time after the Strawhats fished him out.

The Strawhats and Bepo checked continuously on him. The man had tried to drown himself several times.

Only the deaths of Black Beard and his crew at his hands and the Strawhats’ hands appeased him.

And after that, he entered a period of quiet grieving, with an air of sadness always around him.

After two years, changes occurred slowly. He would start to call Strawhat, Luffy-ya. Then the pain got a little more muted as he found things to be happy about.

That year, he finally understood his feelings towards Luffy. They had taken the habit of walking around the ship at night and talking quietly. They would talk about who they lost and who they hadn’t.

One could have thought of Luffy as someone who would be loudly in love. But to Law’s surprise, he would rather keep things close to his heart. He was scared of losing anyone else, just like him.

Chapter Text

Robin had managed to get away after a few weeks of her memories coming back to her.
She decided that the first order of business was to find Franky. From there, the man would build back Sunny, and then they would set sail to find the others.

She wondered why she remembered another life and if the others would, too.

But even if none of them remembered, she knew their hearts, and she was sure they would sail again together, and this time she would be the one to protect them.

She found her way to Water 7 and quickly found Franky from there on.

The cyborg was already building a newer, better version of Sunny.

They did not linger long once the ship was ready. Robin remembered most of the crew's history and location, so they quickly crossed the demarcation between Paradise and East Blue. They would not cross the reverse mountain without their captain. So the choice had been made to get the others in East Blue and end at Dawn Island.

Jinbe and Brook would have to either wait for them all or find their way to Luffy’s Island.

To their surprise, only one of the crew was where they were supposed to be at this point in time. So Chopper joined them, having just chomped down on his Devil Fruit. To make sure none were forgotten, they did check on all of them before finally setting their course onto Dawn Island. Hoping the others had found their way there.

Robin was looking at the ocean, thinking about Nami, while looking at the horizon and the morning sun illuminating the sea.

The younger woman would be eight years old, it would be strange for both of them for a few years, Nico Robin guessed.

Still, even with the weirdness of it all, she could not wait to see all of them. The last memory she had of them was Zoro and Sanji fighting the monstrous things that the elders had become. And Nami is dying slowly in her arms. And her following suit after being transpierced by a giant and pointy limb. She still could feel the feeling of the leg crushing her bones and organs, killing her almost instantly.

She rubbed at her sternum mindlessly. She could still feel the pain.

*

“Oi! Robin, Franky, Chopper! “

They looked up the cliff where the Red Force was moored. And saw a small child calling and waving at them.

His signature hat on his head. There was Luffy as a seven-year-old. Beside him, a young Trafalgar Law was sitting on the edge of the cliff.

Luffy turned around and called everyone to come over and watch the brand new Sunny in all its glory.

They set up a grand feast to welcome the three new members of the crew. Of course, they were still missing Jinbe and Brook. But no doubt the two were making their way to this island. And if not, they would find them when, in a few years, when they started to sail again.

It had been discussed and decided that they would wait for Luffy to be seventeen in body like the first time around. This way, they would come in at the right time to save the people they had helped the first time around.

Law and Robin had quickly turned to each other, whispering about reasons, consequences, and outcomes of their time travel.

Robin had been greatly fascinated by the workings of the One Piece and curiously asked many questions to Luffy and his co-captain.

Meanwhile, Luffy and Nami looked at their lovers with happiness and endearment. The two were so engrossed in research that they had forgotten drinks and food.

*

A year after the second reunion of the Straw Hats. Jinbe and Brook made it to the Island.

The Red Force is nowhere to be seen. And two boats were waiting at the bottom of the cliff.

The Sunny and Merry stood proudly there.

It had been decided that the day Ace turned seventeen, he would take Merry and sail on his own to find his old crew and later on join the Whitebeards. Sunny had been remodelled and improved countless times by Franky to welcome the old and new crew members.

The Straw Hats, along with Sabo, Ace, Law and the three heartpirates had set up a nice enough life on the island. Waiting for the time to leave to come.

The Heart Pirates remnant had all chosen to fuse with the Strawhats under the divided leadership of Luffy and Law. Zoro remains the only first mate.

Shachi, Penguin and Bepo, who were the only real children, had quickly overcome the weirdness of the situation and had become the precious youngest of the crew. They were dotted on by everyone, and everyone pitched in to help them become stronger.

*

The Whitebeards, Red Force and Garp would come around regularly over the years, training and educating the group on all they needed to know.

Over the years, their bonds grew and developed to make them the greatest crew in existence. Or so everyone hoped, as they would need to be to defeat Imu and the elders.

Then the time for Ace and Sabo to leave came. Sabo would sail with Ace while looking for Dragon before leaving and enroling into the Army. He was sure to be an asset with the Dark Dark fruit he had eaten a few years back. A gift from Marco.

Ace on his part had eaten the fire fire fruit on his twelfth birthday.

*

Finally, on Luffy’s seventeenth birthday, the Strawhats decided to set sail.

“We’ll free everyone this time around and I’ll become the Pirate King once again,, Screamed Luffy from Sunny’s head, where he was standing arms up in the air in a victorious stance.

Chapter Text

Ages: real(body)
Law 43(24)
Luffy 36(17)
Uta 30(19)
Zoro 38(19)
Nami 37(18)
Usopp 36(17)
Sanji 38(19)
Chopper 34(15)
Robin 47(28)
Franky 53(34)
Brook 107(88)
Jinbe 63(44)
Penguin 26
Shachi 25
Bepo 20

Their first stop was Orange Town. Nami had the intention to rob all of Buggy’s treasure this time around.

As for Luffy, he intended to save the Dog’s treasure. Chouchou would not lose his precious place full of memories of his friend.

The crew was happy to get off the Sunny and walk around for a bit. The town was empty except for Buggy’s crew, but still it felt good to walk on land for a little bit.

Sanji had wished to go to the villagers and escort them back to the town. They would need to replenish the food stocks, and they would not be able to do that with all the merchants gone.

He took his time to go to their hiding place outside of the village, with Bepo and Franky.

They had decided to teach a lesson to Buggy. Nami and Robin quickly headed to the pirates' hiding place for his treasure.

Meanwhile, Luffy showed the town to Law with Zoro ready to destroy anything or anyone in tow.

They rapidly came across Chouchou. Luffy was so happy to see him and had preemptively brought dog biscuits made with care by Sanji.

The Dog looked warily at them before slowly coming closer, enticed by the divine smell of the treats.

He took one and returned to his spot guarding the pet shop.

“You’re such a good guardian dog, Chouchou,” said Luffy.

But as they decided to move on with their tour. They felt a large presence coming towards them.

For sure, it had to be the Lion and its master.

They both got ready to fight. They could hear the dog behind them growling, ready to defend his treasure.

Luffy got into position ready to defend Chouchou. Law beside him made sure Luffy would not go overboard and destroy the shop by inadvertence.

In one powerful punch, Luffy got rid of the lion, and its owner ran away.

“I guess it's one way to announce our arrival to Buggy.” Law agreed.

They said their farewell to Chouchou, who was looking at them, impressed and thankful.

“Let’s find Buggy,” said Luffy with confidence.

Zoro nodded in approval, ready to fight back at the clown’s swordmaster once again.

They quickly found them at the same place they had been staying at before.

Buggy had prepared his cannon and quickly launched a buggy ball in Luffy’s direction. Which Luffy promptly sent back his way, blowing up his body in a balloon shape.

The clown’s crew was terrified as they saw the ball coming their way.

It exploded, knocking out half the crew.

Buggy screamed, frightened.

“Gear second,” said Luffy calmly, activating his weakest gear attack.
He launched himself in the air above Buggy and fell fist-first towards the man, haki activated, almost destroying the man in one single punch.

Meanwhile, Zoro had sliced through the swords and the front of the swordmaster. He dealt him an almost fatal attack while holding back greatly his force.

Buggy, when he was conscious again, begged and begged for Luffy to spare him. To which the younger man answered: “The only reason I don’t get rid of you is because it would make Shanks sad”.

Buggy was enraged by the name of Shanks and the idea that he owed his life to the man. He cried in frustration, cursing Shanks again and again. But his body was incapable of moving a centimetre.

As they went back to the pet shop, they saw the villagers gathered around, praising them for getting rid of their persecutor. They applauded and cheered.

Chouchou even greeted them kindly, tail wagging and barking happily.

The mayor thanked them and proposed to let them shop around for all that they needed for free. To which Nami answered that they would pay them fairly with their enemy’s treasure, and not to hesitate to charge them extra. Which had some Strawhatsshocked.

Robin and her were carrying huge bags that, as they set them down, jingled with the sound of riches colliding.

Luffy acquiesced proudly at Nami’s idea.

Once the inventory was done, they had a huge feast with all of the villagers.

But as they got ready to leave. A bark was heard, and Chouchou went up to them with a pack of dog food in his mouth and determination in his eyes.

Chopper listened to the dog and translated that he wanted to come with them. Now that the pet shop was safe, he wanted to see the world his master talked about.

Of course, Luffy agreed, and the dog jumped at him, dropping his food to lick the man’s face happily.

That is how their sixteenth member joined them.

Chapter Text

Luffy had been sitting at the captain’s seat for a few hours. Feeling his crew’s life energy.

After another hour or two, Law decided to join him on Sunny’s head.

They sat there side by side for a moment. Then Luffy reached out for his hand, shyly asking for contact. Which Law allowed easily?

Since they had been reborn, they had decreased their skinship drastically. With the age difference and lack of privacy. It had been difficult.

They were both starving for touch, and now that Luffy had reached physically the age of seventeen, it seemed less out of place and weird than before.

Hand holding was nice, sure. But Law craved to feel Luffy’s lips again. But they had not found the right moment to approach the subject yet.

And to be honest, Law was ready to take it as slow as Luffy wanted it to be. He just wanted to make sure the younger man knew he had the option.

“You know… If you wanted, you could kiss me again. I would be comfortable with that if you were too.” Law said in a low, hushed voice.

“Can I? I miss kissing you too,” Answered Luffy sincerely.

Law directed Luffy’s head with a gentle caressing hand. Looking in his eyes before closing his eyes and gently kissing the pirate king.

They exchanged chaste kisses, not taking it further, just enjoying this kind of contact again after all these years of restraint.

It was their first kiss in this life, and it had been sweet as candy and soft as feathers.

They separated, both smiling softly.

“I missed it”, said Luffy in a whisper.

“me too”

Then Luffy decided to rest his head on the other’s shoulder, leaning his body against him.

Law and Luffy stayed this way for some time, enjoying the warm night air and looking at the stars. Occasionally, the older could be heard mentioning a constellation’s name and story..

To which Luffy hummed his interest. Before he finally fell asleep.

Law had noticed lately how Luffy would use his observation haki almost constantly to feel the life coursing through the crew. But that tired him a lot, and Law was worried about his health if he kept doing that again and again.

How could he convince Luffy that they were all fine and no one would take any of them away?

The co-captains did not talk about it at all, but they felt the burden of having to save so many people. And the fear of not being strong enough haunted them both.

They could not lose this time around. For one, there would probably be no more do-overs. And second, they would not be able to take it mentally. The loss of their crews had almost been the end of them once.

It couldn’t happen again.

The trauma seemed invisible in them, but Law, who usually fell asleep with Luffy, knew about his nightmares like Luffy probably knew about his too. They kept waking one another up in the middle of the night, soothing each other back to sleep.

At one point, they would have to address it, thought Law.

But not tonight. Tonight was sweet and tender, and they both deserved to feel this way a little bit longer.

Chapter Text

Loguetown, the place where Gol D. Roger died.

Luffy had been the one to insist they stop by before hitting the Grand Line.

He had confided to Law that he wanted to pay his respects to Ace’s dad for giving him a brother first and then giving him a second chance at life. Hopefully, one where he would keep his older brother alive for decades to come.

As soon as they dropped their anchor, Luffy was out to the scaffold picking up flowers and Sake on the way there.

Law followed him mostly to make sure the other did not cause any trouble. Luffy had always been a trouble magnet, and not even a new life could change that.

Most of the crew had chosen to stay on board with Brook and Franky, who would attract many curious looks with their appearance alone.

The rest of the crew went shopping around. Sanji had tasked himself with making sure Zoro did ot get lost this time, all the while shopping for food.

They arrived at the town centre, and Luffy, against all advice from Law to stay on the ground, launched himself to the top of the gallows.

People gasped around them. Whispering and one soldier ordering Luffy to come down. Which Luffy, of course, did not.

The soldier called quickly for reinforcement, describing quickly the situation: an unknown man had gotten on top of the gallows and outright defied the order to come down.

Law got ready to handle the soldiers wanting to let Luffy pay his respect properly.

Luffy sat up at the top and set down the white flowers. He then got out the Sake and two cups before pouring the liquid into the two cups. Set one down and clinked glasses with the dead. Before drinking down the alcohol which he made a face to, hating the taste.

He presented his apology for not being able to save Ace the first time around and then his thanks for the second chance the First Pirate King had gifted them.

He then observed several minutes of silence.

Meanwhile, Law had blocked the attack of Smoker and Tashigi. He had been warned about them by Zoro and Luffy.

Although they did not know about them being pirates, they did not tolerate someone disrespecting the Marines.

Luffy came down, and then Smoker tried to hit him with his power.

But he did not even get to Luffy, the man had been punched with Haki by Law.

“You’re not touching him. And if you don’t mind, my boyfriend just wanted to pay his respects,” He spat out at the colonel.

He then felt movement to his right, but before Law could do anything, Luffy had knocked out Tashigi.

“You called me your boyfriend!” Screaming Luffy while punching down several Marines.

“Of course,” answered Law simply with a smile of his own.

“Hey! Am I bothering you maybe?!” snarked out Smoker, attacking again.

“Room: Amputation” Smoker’s heart was in his hold in an instant.

Law nodded to Luffy towards the exit. They ran. Luffy, knocked out everyone still standing except Smoker with a Gum Gum Gatling, punching and kicking everyone at high speed.

Smoker came to a knee, as Law gave him back his heart, making the man gasp out in pain.

“Who are you ?” croaked the Marine.

“I’m Monkey D. Luffy, and I’m the new pirate King,” said Luffy, laughing.

Law facepalmed, of course, Luffy would answer honestly to that question. Shaking his head, he grabbed his boyfriend and pulled him back to the boat.

On the boat.

Sanji and Zoro were missing. Law had done a quick head count everyone was there except for the two in charge of the food.

He sighed.

He asked Nami to go and see where the two were and to quickly bring them back.

It took her five minutes to find them and return with Snaji and Zoro.

The men were arguing like usual, but maybe even more cutting than usal on Zoro’s part. At this point, the cook was mostly defending himself.

Law interrupted them.

“Thank god Luffy and I knocked out all of the Marines, or you would be in jail by now. Come on, get everything on board and let’s move.”

“Yeah, we’re going to the Grand Line! Let's have a feast!” screamed Luffy.

Chapter Text

Luffy watched Zoro as he trained with one of his swords. His body was tense. The captain was used to watching his first mate train. He had been for many years.

For sure, something was bothering the swordsman.

Luffy stopped the man’s blade before telling him to come to his reserved seat with him.

Then as they sat there. The captain waited for Zoro to speak. Understanding that, the green-haired man was conflicted and did not want to speak.

He knew Luffy would not force him to talk if he did not want to. But he also knew he wouldn’t be able to handle Luffy’s stare for long.

“Fine”, said Zoro exasperated. He looked up to the sky and started talking as if he were talking to the clouds. “I am in love with Sanji. And the blasted cook drools over every woman like it’s some kind of mission for him to make me suffer. I am tired of pining after a fool. I had hoped that in this life at least I could get rid of that infatuation…”

“You should tell him.” Said Luffy plainly.

“Why? So, he can ridicule me?”

“No, so you can be free,” Luffy responded right away. “It was like that with me and Law. I knew if I told him I would be free of the secret, and either way, I could move on.”

They looked at the sea in silence.

“It’s actually good advice…”

“I know. Law and I talked about it a lot.”

Zoro got up. “Thanks for the talk, Captain”

Luffy continued to watch the sky and the different cloud shapes with a smile on his face.

It was about time Sanji and Zoro stopped wasting time. He chuckled thinking about the two.

*

Sanji was cooking, focused as always on the meals he was making. He was so engrossed in his preparations that he did not hear the kitchen door open behind him.

“Can we talk?” Zoro said seriously.

Sanji’s heart jumped in his chest, but he did not let it show.

“Sure, Moss Head. What do you want?”

He continued slicing through the veggies rapidly.

“I will say it and then leave. Just listen, okay.” Zoro firmly answered.

“Out with it, don’t you see I’m busy?” whined the cook.

Zoro took a breath. He could hear the rhythmic noise of the knife. It was sort of soothing.

“I’m in love with you”

“Argh”, Sanji screamed. He had cut his hand with the sharp knife.

“Shit. Sanji that looks bad. Let’s get Chopper to look at it.” Zoro instantly reacted as the cook was bleeding onto the tiled floor.

“Wait!” exclaimed the blond. “Did you mean it?” he paused gathering his thoughts for a moment. “What you said, did you actually mean it?”

“What? You need a doctor. Now. It doesn’t matter what I said.”

Sanji reached out with his unharmed hand.

“It matters to me. Say it again.”

“What? No!”

“Please”, Sanji begged.

Zoro was shocked frozen when he heard the plea.

“I said that I love you,” answered Zoro.

The other man reached out with his hands, forgetting about the blood running down his left hand. And he got impossibly closer until they were kissing under the warm light of the kitchen.

They kissed for a moment before Zoro felt the wet feeling of the blood staining his cheek.

“Fuck! Your hand” He grabbed a tea towel to envelop his hand in before pulling him across the room to the door. Once outside, he called out for Chopper.

The reindeer quickly came out and ran to get his kit when he saw the blood staining the cloth.

Once his hand was bandaged and Zoro’s face cleaned, and after a reproach from the doctor about fighting with their own crew and in the kitchen, nonetheless.

Sanji came from behind Zoro and murmured, “Me too. I love you too” in his ear.

Chapter Text

As the crew got ready to go through the Reverse Mountain. Brook was singing happily.

The skeleton man was excited to see Laboon for the first time in a really long time. He could not help but sing his joy as Uta accompanied him in his singing. The two harmonised together perfectly after the time they had spent rehearsing together back on Dawn Island.

They sang about the Grand Line and the adventures awaiting them along their journey.

Their song was cheerful and melodious. And most of the crew members were humming along.

Law had taken the time to explain reverse mountain to the younger members of the crew: Bepo, Penguin and Shachi.

Everyone had implicitly agreed to look after the three of them. Watching out so their first life did not end early. Everyone was protective and understanding of them. Which moved Law more than he cared to admit.

Of course, the motherhenning of the crew annoyed the three a little, but knowing the stories of their first lives and especially how Law had lost them, they could not resent the protectiveness.

As they came down the mountain.

Luffy screamed excitedly as everyone was holding on for dear life.

“Laboooonnnn!”

The whale turned towards the man, screaming his name. He did not know the man and was intrigued that he knew his name.

When suddenly, beyond the scream, Laboon heard his voice. The voice of the man who saved him.

He had finally returned.

Tears came to his eyes.

“Yohoho Laboon,” shouted the skeleton. “I’m back. I came back for you”

Laboon did not care about the physical change of the man. It was him, his friend. The one who sang with him all these years ago.

The whale started crying with joy. Singing along with Brook and the girl singing with him.

The crew could only admire the singing of the three. They quickly decided to spend a few days with Laboon.

*

They took the time to meet Crocus. He had quickly compared Luffy to Gol D. Roger and had laughed and nodded along when Luffy told him about his dream, “I want to free everyone”, Luffy had said firmly.

“No one can free the whole world”, Crocus told him, “not even Roger could.”

“Just watch me !” had said Luffy. “We’ll bring out the new era, you’ll see.”

They laughed together, enjoying dinner, Sang songs and fell asleep well into the night, exhausted from all the fun.

Law had guided his lover to rest his head in his lap. Stroking gently his hair.

*

On the third day, they got the latest News Coo.

Nami read the paper, then read aloud the portion about Luffy’s and Law’s scene in Loguetown, informing them about their first bounties in this life.

Luffy, of course, was way too happy about having a bounty on his head, and Law just tsked before asking to see the posters.

Monkey D. Luffy 200 000 000
Trafalgar Law 200 000 000

Luffy bounced happily around, and Law just threw the papers on the ground face up for all the crew to see.

“Starting higher than before”, said Zoro grimly. “This is going to attract unwanted attention,” mused the swords master.

Law agreed with him. “We’ll have to be careful, Luffy and I, with hiding our faces if we want to avoid being recognised before going after Crocodile.

*

Luffy had been ready to say goodbye to Brook, having accomplished his dream. But the other explained that his dream was now to sing along with them till the end of his days.
He had fulfilled his promise to Laboon and was determined to see the others through their own dreams.

After another day spent with Laboon and Crocus. They got ready to set sail. They said their goodbyes to their friends and each went to their place on the ship.

Of course, Luffy sat on Sunny’s head, Law not far behind him.

Chapter Text

Mihawk arrived on the Island where Shanks had told him he would anchor down for a little while.

The redhead’s crew, when they saw him, were terrified and tried to fight him. But one swipe a his sword got them backing down.

“Could you not hurt my crew”? Asked in an annoyed voice, their Captain.

“Sure, tell them to get out of my way," responded Mihawk without missing a beat.

The emperor told everyone to back down.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Shanks smirked.

The best Swordman in the world got a paper out of his coat.

“This reminded me of one of your stories”

“Ohh! Look, everyone, Luffy made it!”

Mihawk raised an eyebrow at his reaction.

“Let’s drink to this”, Shanks said, slipping both arms around the man’s shoulders. He pushed him to sit with him, serving him sake and himself rum. Before clinking their glasses together.

Mihawk, as they drank, through another bottle and listened with intent as the man talked about Luffy and Uta. The red-head cooing about the picture taken of his son…

Wait? Son? Since when did the man have a son?

But before he could ask about it, the other man had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

He finished his sake. And gently pushed Shanks' head to rest on his seat instead of himself.

He got on his boat and sailed away, ears ringing and jealousy churning in his stomach.

*

On Mobydick:

“Luffy has a big target on his back now. Silly him. He didn’t have to do that…”

Ace was holding back tears, moved by what his brother had done to honour his biological father.

His feelings towards Roger were complicated, but talking about him with his pop, Whitebeard, had given him more of an understanding of the man.

“He wanted to do it for himself and you,, said Marco softly. “He wanted to thank him for giving him back his brothers, his crew… his family” He pushed Ace towards the main deck of the ship.

“Gura gura, Ace, let’s drink to Luffy and Law. It’s a day to celebrate,” Said Whitebeard.

Ace found himself being handed a beer by one of his brothers.

And before long, he was playing games with his brothers.

He caught Marco looking at him with a fond smile. He smiled at the phoenix, too inebriated to be shy.

Marco blushed and looked away, smiling.

*

Revolutionary Army Undisclosed Location:

“Sabo!” Called Koala.

She ran to him and pushed the papers towards him.

Under her insistence, he opened it. He rapidly read how Luffy offended the Marines by honouring Roger in front of none other than Colonel Smoker. And Law decided to wipe the ground with the Marines present.

He laughed. There wasn’t one to be better than the other when it came to getting on the Marines’ nerves.
He looked at the posters included. He frowned. Their bounties were unusually high for rookies.

That did not please Sabo. His brother was now recognisable and with a sizable reward for a new pirate. They were bound to find trouble along the way now.

He sighed.

“I swear they’re going to give me grey hairs soon.”

Koala looked at him worriedly.

“Don’t worry, they are strong. And so is their crew. It’ll be alright,” The second in command reassured.

*

Marineford:

Garp was eating crisps in Sengoku’s office, talking with Rosinante, when they received the report and what had happened in Loguetown.

The hero laughed loudly while he listened to his grandson's troublemaking habits.

But Rosinante was worried about the high bounties. He did not want Law to be dragged into trouble by Luffy. But this time around, Law had been the one to metaphorically open fire!
The spy was not sharing the pride that Garp exuded when looking at the posters.

Was he a bad parent for that? For not approving of the Law’s way of doing things.

But then, what they had told him about the future might excuse it.

He rubbed his eyes and looked at his father. The man was nodding along to what Garp was saying. Praising and honouring Roger.

He realised that both men respected The Pirate King while being enemies.

Maybe he and Law were not doomed.

Chapter Text

Vivi had stayed in Arabasta this time around, working alongside the Rebel Army she had helped to create. Not to overthrow the king but to help defeat Crocodile.

She needn’t go undercover in Baroque works as she remembered everything that had happened the last time.

And looking at the posters she had received of Luffy and Trafalgar Law. Who were apparently boyfriends now. She was pretty sure the Strawhats remembered their past lives, too.

This would make everything much easier once they got here. And she knew they would come, they would not abandon her to her fate.

Even with her memories, she could not fight all of Baroque Works alone. Although she was stronger this time around, she could not succeed alone.

He father and Igaram were difficult to convince until she told them about Imu, the five elders, Pluton and other secrets like her real name, Nerfatari D. Vivi. She should not know about it.
But she did, and so they trusted her. To guide them out of this situation, and after that, to become queen and lead the country towards the liberation from the Celestial Dragons.

*

Crocodile was furious that his plan to use the Rebels was annihilated once again.

He could not get his people to infiltrate the Army successfully. They seemed to always know the traitors inside their ranks.

Moreover, none of the existing members seemed to want to betray the cause. The fervour with which they followed their leader, Koza, was unshakable.

He crushed his cigar in the ashtray and angrily got up. He started yelling at Miss Doublefinger to find her way in the Rebel Army.

His second problem was the Palace, which seemed even more impenetrable than the Rebel Army.

How had the king Cobra managed to thwart his plans with that much success?

Nothing was going as it should. He had chosen this country for its potential to be overthrown and its legendary weapon, Pluton.

But he had made no progress on one and little to no progress on the other.

*

Back on the Sunny.

Nami and Robin were in their room, enjoying the presence of one another. Robin was reading a history book as usual. While Nami tweaked with her Clima-Tact.

Once done with her weapon, Nami reached out to close Robin’s boo,k making sure to slip in it a bookmark.

The other woman looked at her, wondering what she wanted.

But before she could voice her question, Nami was guiding her to lie with her on the bed.

The dark-haired woman smiled, guessing that her partner was missing her presence and touch.

They kissed tenderly. Lips brushing one another gently.

They were both facing each other, lying on their side, heads resting on the same pillow.

They had started being more intimate when Nami had been sixteen in body. But since then, they only authorised themselves to go further than kissing after Nami had turned eighteen in body.

That had been a long wait. But both felt weird doing more than kissing while being in bodies that young. Especially with their age difference being non-negligible.

But now their patience had run out.

They kissed more forcefully. Teeth biting lips. Open mouth meeting one another and ands trailing on the other’s body.

They were panting as they separated, hearing a fight start on the deck. Robin giggled.
“We’re never having alone time with the lot of them…” Said Nami.

She gave her partner one last kiss, more chaste this time, before telling her to go back to her back, she’ll handle the fight herself. She exited the room, and the door closed with a click.

Chapter Text

Luffy woke up with a start, panicking, shaking, his heart beating like crazy. It took him a few minutes to get his bearings.

His breath was shallow, and he could hear someone trying to talk to him through the panic attack he was having.

Once he came back to reality, he reached out for Law, who did not stop muttering reassurances.

“Everyone is here, everyone is ok. Ace is alive. So is Sabo. I’m here with you…” Repeated over and over again.

Until it registered in Luffy’s brain.

His boyfriend hugged him back gently. Wrapping his arms around his torso. His head nestling on his shoulder.

He repeated the words again and again until Luffy’s breath settled down again.

Strawhat’s hands came up and held him back. He inhaled deeply the smell of his favourite person, making him relax slowly.

They sat like this, intertwined for several minutes before Law pulled back. Looking in his lover’s eyes. Seeing the pain of loss still present in them.

He guided him to lie down and rest his head on his chest. Luffy liked doing this since before they got together in their first life.

It calmed the pirate King to be able to hear the steady beating of his heart. It allowed him to fall asleep with the knowledge that the surgeon was alive and safe.

They slept for a few more hours before the Co-Captains went to get breakfast, with an enthusiastic Luffy devouring half of the food while Law chewed on some onigiri.

Most of the crew had already eaten their share, thankfully. So Sanji only had to quick the rubber man out after a long while to leave their shares to Franky and Chopper.

They separated, Luffy going to see Usopp and Robin. While Law went to Nami to check on their positions and in how many hours they would reach Arabasta.

Thankfully, due to the crew's experience with the region, sailing went relatively smoothly, and they would arrive in the next day’s afternoon.

The plan was to divide the crew into three groups:
Group 1 going to Rainbase: Luffy, Law, Jinbe and Uta.
Group 2 going to Alubama: Zoro, Nami, Franky and Brook.
Group 3 going to Katorea: Sanji, Robin, Usopp, Penguin and Shachi.

Chopper, Chouchou and Bepo would guard the ship and avoid the heat. All were really sensitive to the temperature.

Each group was invested with a mission. Group 1 destroys Baroque Works and stops Crocodile. Group 2 finds Vivi and protects the royal family. Finally, Group 3 was to go find the Rebel Army and rally them to their cause.

Now, the most difficult task was to keep Luffy on track. And not deviated from the plan. Law could feel the headache coming just thinking about all the ways the love of his lives could destroy their not-so-careful plan.

As the Heart Captain was discussing the plan with Nami. He could feel someone's stare on the back of his head.

He caved and turned around to see Luffy looking straight at him with a smile.

Law raised an eyebrow in asquance. But his boyfriend just shrugged and smiled even bigger, before coming to him and back hugging him gently.

The crew had noticed how much more touchy the two were in this life than in the one before, when they had tried to keep things under wraps between them from both their crews and enemies.

But seeing them together now, they looked so happy. It was a sweet sight for them all. After all they had to endure, the two deserved to be able to love freely.

Although Zoro, ever the wise one when it came to understanding his Captain, had noted that there was fear mixed in their gestures, and he really hoped that fear would leave them once they defeated the World Government.

Chapter Text

First order of business was to get the Sunny fully stocked up on everything they would need, fuel, food, water, cola… Everything needed to be ready for when they would have to leave the country in a rush.

Luffy had also wanted to sample the town’s restaurants with the time they had to kill before getting into things seriously.

Law had taken up the duty of making sure Luffy did not get lost on the way.

While Nami watched Zoro like a hawk. The man was even worse than the Captain about getting lost. Thankfully, he still attracted way less trouble than him.

They entered a restaurant together. Luffy is talking excitedly about the local food. Making big gestures and smiling widely.

Their order was taken rapidly, and they sat in a corner at Law’s insistence. He liked seeing his surroundings at all times. Needed to protect his loved one.

At the third restaurant, a crowd had formed under the rumour of a man devouring everything in sight.

Trafalgar Law had been rather annoyed by them and could be seen scowling at the people. Luffy was sitting in the left corner of the bar while Law sat back to the bar on a high stool. Observing the entry points.

He was a bit amazed himself at how much Luffy could eat. But it was not news to him. Even in their first life, he ate a lot. The surgeon had wondered several times if that was the case because of his Devil Fruit. Becoming Nika, the Sun God, took a lot out of his body and left him dehydrated and famished every time he used it.

It was a common subject of discussion between the Surgeon and the crew’s Doctor. Trying to come up with a solution, like a supplement Luffy would take to avoid becoming a weak target after using all his powers.

This idea was still in the works. But both medicinal experts worked hard on it together.

A voice suddenly pulled him out of his thoughts. He blamed himself for losing his focus when Luffy was vulnerable beside him.

“I’ve been looking for you, Trafalgar, Strawhat”, said a deep voice.

Law looked up and saw none other than fucking Smoker.

But before he could do anything.

A burst of flame made the colonel jump out of the entryway.

“Fire fist Ace”, said the marine accusingly. “What is the second in command of Whitebeard’s fleet doing here?”

“Looking for my brother”, Ace grinned.

Then Marco came up behind him.

Smoker got his seastone weapon out, ready to fight.

“Come on yoi. You don’t have a chance against all of us” The phoenix played with his flames, making them appear and disappear at will on his hands.

Luffy, who was still eating. Finally paused at the sound of his Brother’s boyfriend's voice.

He turned around and gulped down loudly the food he was still chewing on.

“Ya! Luffy, stop eating. Aren’t you going to say hi to your big brother who's been waiting for you?”

Smoker’s eyes got bigger looking between the two “brothers”. “What kind of family is that…”

“So Smoker, what is it going to be? You taking all of us on or you’re backing down ?” asked Ace.

Smoker did not back down. Instead, he enveloped everything in smoke.

“Of course he’s going to be a pain in the ass…” Mumbled Trafalgar.

“Luffy yoi! Let us take care of this one. Meet up at your ship in an hour,” Said Marco.

The younger couple agreed and went to the exit.

The colonel tried to strike Luffy with his escrima stick, only for it to be stopped by Ace’s hand with armament Haki.

“No one touches my little brother.” Said Ace firmly.

As they fled the restaurant. Luffy was grinning madly, so happy to have seen his brother after so long apart.

They could hear the fight going on behind them between the three. Ace and Marco weren’t going easy on Smoker and the city buildings.

Chapter Text

Marco and Ace quickly knocked the Marine out. Then they left to join the Strawhats.

They arrived just as the pirates finished loading the ship with their purchases.

They were saying goodbye to Bepo, Chopper and was that a dog in the reindeer’s arms?

Nami quickly told them about the groups they were forming and asked them if any which group they would want to be a part of?

It was a no-brainer for Ace. “We’re going with Luffy”.

Before they set out. Zoro came to Ace.

“I entrust you with the Captain. I know he looks fine, but trust me, he’s not.”

“He’s strong enough to take down Crocodile,” said the oldest.

“I don’t doubt that… Just make sure he does not go too far”

Ace looked at him, shocked, but the green-haired man’s tone of voice left no room for arguing.

So Ace nodded in assent. “I will”

The first group to set out was the one who had to travel the furthest away: group 1, the two whitebeards, Law, Luffy, Jinbe and Uta.

They travelled the desert under Marco’s direction, who had been there in the past.

It would take them several days to reach Rainbase. Despite this, time taking the shorter way and cutting through the desert in a straight line to the casino city.

Ace and Luffy were happily chatting ahead of the group. The two brothers hadn’t seen each other in a couple of years and kept firing questions at each other, eager to know more about the other’s journey.

How was the old whitebeard? Did Law finally make a move on Luffy? Was Marco his brother-in-law again? Was he sleeping ok?

They kept on with the questions for a while.

Meanwhile, the rest of them were walking in relative silence.

Although at the reminder of the Whitebeard’s captain’s poor health. Law started up a conversation with the first division commander.

“I might be able to cure him.” Said Trafalgar. “With the op op fruit, it might just be possible”

Marco looked at him in wonder.

“We’ll need to see if our father agrees first… But I would really appreciate you helping him, and so would everyone on our crew”

“After this mess is resolved, we’ll talk about the details.”

*

Group 2, Alubarna: Zoro, Nami, Franky and Brook.

They left not too long after the first group. Going in the direction of the Capital city under Nami’s direction.

Their mission was to keep the King and Vivi safe from harm this time around. Making sure that group 3 failed to convince the Rebel Army to back down and help take out the Croc’s men. That they would not reach the Palace.

Brook sang as they walked to the city.

Nami made sure Zoro would not and could not get lost again. The green-haired man was a pain in the ass when trying to travel quickly and as a group.

Nami did not have enough fingers to count all the times the man got lost in a critical moment.

*

As for the 3rd group: Sanji, Robin, Usopp, Penguin and Shachi. They left at nightfall, trying to avoid the heat and prepared for the cold night. Their goal was the hardest, trying to convince the Rebel Army that Crocodile and his men were the ones destroying the country.

Katorea wasn’t as far as the Rainbase and Alubarna. So the group wasn’t as pressed by time as the others.

They arrived in two days. Then it was time for the better orators, namely Robin and Usopp, to talk their way into the Rebel Army.

Chapter Text

Group 2 arrived in Alubarna a few days after leaving.

They established a plan to get to Vivi and King Cobra. Between Brook, who was a skeleton, and Franky, who had optimised and cybertized his body to the maximum, they would never pass as normal citizens wanting a hearing with the King.

Their best bet was to infiltrate the Palace as discreetly as possible.

Nami looked at Zoro, scolding the other two for being too noisy once again.

“Yep. Good start,” thought Nami sarcastically.

They were currently hiding in a side street a bit away from the plaza.

She still remembered which way was to Vivi’s bedroom and had chosen to wait for the cover of the night to scale the exterior wall.

After that, they would need to cross the gardens and walk along the buildings until they got under Vivi’s bedroom window.

Hopefully, their theory that she remembered, too, was correct, and they would not have to handle a scared and startled Princess in the middle of the night.

That being said, they should be ready for the blue-haired girl not reacting according to plan.

That is why Nami would be the one to go up the building first as not to frighten her that much. Just in case…

They waited a little past sundown to be protected by the darkness.

They ran along the wall and stopped her Nami indicated.

Franky used his grappling hand to hook it up the top of the wall before basically hugging the others while he retracted the chain of his hand. Effectively pulling the four of them up.

Zoro had mumbled about it being degrading. To be held and tracked along, but a hit from Nami had stopped his whining.

Once in the garden, they barely avoided two guards coming their way by hiding quickly behind a bush and Franky behind a large tree.

It was a close one.

Once the two are gone. Nami let out a sigh.

“God.. That was so close,” Murmured Nami to Zoro.

“Let’s move before they come back”, responded Zoro, nodding towards the way the guards had disappeared.

They managed to reach said window before anything else happened.

Nami climbed up with a boost from Franky.

She quietly knocked on the glass. When no one came, she picked the lock and slipped inside without a sound.

Nami looked around.

But no one was there…

“Shit” Nami whispered out.

She was positive this was Vivi’s room, but no one was there. Not even Karoo.

This was not good. Where was Vivi? She should be right here. What if something changed and Crocodile had her?

She ushered the other ones up to help her look around and maybe find some clues on the whereabouts of the Princess.

Zoro was the one to find what they were looking for.

Vivi, a smart girl, had left a note hidden in a drawer where Nami remembered she kept her weapons before.

“If anyone with a cross on their arm find this, I went to find a childhood friend of mine. I’m hoping for rain before our Utopia ends”.Said the not. Simple, clear for anyone who knew her intimately, like one of the Strawhats.

“Well, if she went to find Koza, should we go after her?” asked Brook.

“No”, answered Zoro. “We still have for mission to find and protect the King.”

“Well, let’s find him.” Nami smiled, opening the door to the rest of the palace.

They found the King holding a council in an office tastefully decorated.

At the sight of the intruders. The King instead of screaming for help, which Nami had anticipated. King Cobra smiled.

“Oh, good. You’re finally here. You are less than I expected... I wonder why?” Said the man.

Chapter Text

Group 1:

“We should arrive in Rainbase by midday tomorrow.” Guessed Marco, who had flown ahead before sundown to be able to guide them in the morning.

“Let’s camp for the night, then”, proposed Jinbe.

The fishman sat down heavily. The lack of humidity in the air made him almost regret not staying with Chopper and Bepo.

Everyone settled down around the fire Ace had created.

After some food and water, Luffy fell asleep against his boyfriend’s shoulder.

Ace smiled at the sight as much as he disliked Luffy having a boyfriend. He did not have it in himself to separate the two. They were clearly attached to the hip in this life. In a way that Marco had admitted did not exist the first time around.

As everyone fell asleep one by one. Ace and Marco stayed up to watch over them. Although Ace was useless because of his narcolepsy. Still, they talked quietly until the fireman fell asleep.

*

In the morning, they left early to get to Rainbase.

Luffy was whining about being hungry and thirsty. Begging the others for food and water.

After a while, Law whispered something in Luffy’s ear that had the younger man blushing and agreeing. And then he got quiet.

Ace, watching the exchange, was stopped from saying anything by Marco holding a finger to his lips. Effectively shut up his boyfriend.

As they arrived in the city. Luffy ran towards Rain Dinners. Screaming “Crocodile”, the all-time.

Law, Ace, and Marco followed after him, leaving behind a dehydrated and exhausted Jinbe.

They ended up running into the Casino, Luffy ready to fight the croc-guy. Only to end up trapped with his boyfriend, brother-in-law, sister and brother.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that”, said Luffy, smiling sheepishly. As they fell into the seastone cage.

Silence.

“Luffyyyyy!” Ace got ready to hit his brother. But he was stopped by Law.

“Let’s not do that,” Law warned, looking at Uta too as she raised her hand.

Ace kicked the cage with frustration. Before running his fingers through his thick black hair.

Marco came to him, a hand rubbing his back soothingly and kissing the side of his neck.

It relaxed Fire Fist almost instantly.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” A voice came out from the chair before them. “What, do two whitebeards and two rookies, and a nobody, do here together yelling after me?”

“Crocodile!” yelled Luffy. “I’m going to beat you down!”

“And how will you do that, from this cage?”

Luffy, who was holding the bars, felt his strength diminish.

Law pushed him away from the cursed material.

“I’ll get out and then I’ll beat you up, you’ll see”

“Right”, said Crocodile sceptic. “You’re going to die here”

He called the banana alligator. And launched the key in its maw.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a country to claim.”. He exited through the stairs, laughing like the bad guy he was.

“Well, we better hope Jinbe finds us quick”, said Marco. Watching the water rise slowly but surely.
“Jinbe!” Yelled Luffy. Trying to shake the cage in vain.

“Will you stop it. He won’t hear us. You’re just killing everyone's ears off screaming like this,” Law calmly said. Making sure Luffy wasn’t touching the bars anymore.

They waited until the water was mid-thigh. Before the fishman found them. He must have dived in the lake around Rain Dinners.

And he killed all the gators.

He then broke the cage with one haki armed punch.

He got all of the devil fruit users out. Swimming with them on his shoulders.

On the bank, the five humans were hacking and coughing out the water. Marco thanked Jinbe for saving them.

“Well, Luffy-ya, any more things you forgot?” Law asked a tiny bit exasperated.

“Well, no. At least not anything else than the cage and when croc ran me with his hook and I almost died. No.” He said, smiling happily, shaking water droplets out of his hair.

“Luffy..” Marco winced at the thought.

“And do you know where he went so I can kill him?” Ace asked angrily.

“Well, last time he was going to Alubama”

“You mean Alubarna?” Marco asked.

“Oh yeah, that.”

“Well, let’s go and catch him”, Law responded. He was furious. The man had almost killed Luffy…He needed to die; that was final. He looked at the others around him; the competition to kill the man would be great. Each harbouring a murderous look on their faces.

Chapter Text

Vivi ran towards Sanji and Usopp. She had come upon them as she was guiding people to the nearest inn to get food, water and rest. Refugees from drier parts of the country were common in Katorea.

She hugged the two men tightly. So happy to see them after all that time spent apart.

She looked behind them, and saw their companions, they were two other men she did not know.
And behind them stood a woman.

She turned towards her, and Vivi came face-to-face with Miss All Sunday.

She knew that Nico Robin had joined the Strawhats later on. But she never thought about actually meeting her.

She had hurt Pell and Igaram. Almost killed them in their first life.

“Princess Vivi”, said Robin. “I think I owe you an apology.” She paused. “For all I did the first time around, I am deeply sorry.”

The air was tense.

“Thank you. For the apology,” simply answered Vivi.

This was not forgiveness. Robin nodded in understanding. The princess had all the right reasons to be angry, everyone knew that. And even Sanji chose to stay silent.

“Come with me” She told the group.
Vivi guided them through the city to arrive at the Rebels’ location, a bit on the outskirts of the city.

She got introduced to the Heart Pirates on the way and she explained how she had decided this time around to be with the Rebel Army, not needing the intel on Baroque Works anymore, as she remembered everything from her past life.

She was pleased to see the two Strawhats and demanded to know everything that had happened since they left Arabasta. Of course, she knew about some of the things making it in the News, but she wanted their own words to describe everything.

Meanwhile, Robin stayed silent. Not wanting to antagonise the princess.

They were introduced to Koza, the co-leader of the Rebellion, with Vivi.

The two explained their plans to take down Baroque works, starting with Mr 1, Miss Doublefinger and Mr 2, in the town of Nanohana.

The aim was to prevent them from rallying the people against King Cobra and stop Mission Utopia from ever happening.

On their part, the Strawhats explained the plan they had followed. Group 1 is going after Crocodile directly in Rainbase, and Group 2 is going to protect the King from being captured again.

Vivi was pleased that her friends would protect her father.

A few hours after they had made the trip back to the port town, accompanied by the Rebel Army led by Vivi and Koza.

Once there, they waited for the plan to fall into place.

As soon as the false king(Mr 2) and his army arrived, the fighting started..

Vivi was struggling against the ballerina man disguised as her father. She wasn’t as strong as the other members of the Strawhats. And she hadn’t been able to manage learning Haki.

As she went down from a swift kick. Nico Robin appeared in front of her and took the brunt of another hit aimed at the princess.

After blocking the attack, she reposted with her Devil Fruit power, holding the man in a crushing hold.

She looked at Vivi and nodded towards the captured “King”. The blue-haired woman understood the assignment and raised her weapons to strike the man pretending to be her father.

He went down fast and lost control of his transformation power, revealing to all his true face.

Seeing the trick being played on them, the Rebels and citizens took the weapons in the boat that Miss Doublefinger and Mr 1 had crashed into the city.

On the other side of the city, Sanji, Usopp, Shachi, and Penguin were all fighting the two other Baroque Works agents in a fierce battle. Sanji finally took down Miss Doublefinger with a Haki-powered kick. Leaving only Mr 1, who fled after sustaining injuries from Usopp’s bombs and Shachi’s attacks.

Turning towards Robin, who had saved her, Vivi thanked her, holding out a hand to shake. Robin took it, responding quickly, “My pleasure”. A smile on her face.

That smile was so different from the one on Miss AllSunday’s that Vivi’s heart finally settled down and understood that the person in front of her was far from the woman she had been when the princess had first encountered her.

She could live with that. She did not forgive the past actions, but she gave the woman a chance.

Their group quickly headed for the capital city.

Chapter Text

When they arrived in Alubarna, the fight was already going on.

Zoro was fighting Crocodile in the inner court of the Palace. Seeing this, Luffy ran from his group and catapulted himself using the buildings surrounding them. To arrive in front of his first mate. Back to the enemy.

“His mine, Zoro. Find someone else to fight,” Luffy ordered.

The first mate did not argue, putting away his katanas and running back into the town beyond the wall.

“You’re alive.” Said Crocodile. “You’re worse than a cockroach,, He called a Desert Girasole. Luffy was engulfed in the sandstorm.

Mr 0 really thought he killed him. After all, he was just a rookie.

But as he turned towards the King. He was stopped by a punch coming his way.
He jumped out of the way, just in time to avoid being hit.

How did the man see where to aim with all the sand?

The mini-storm stopped.

In front of him stood Strawhat unharmed.

“Gum Gum Pistol”. He fist armed with haki, hit the warlord square in the mouth. Crocodile did not expect it to hit at all, and suddenly he went flying under the strength of the punch. He gasped, blood coming out of his mouth.

Crocodile tried to find his bearings. When he heard ”Get up”, he blinked, stunned. “I said get up,” said Monkey D. Luffy.

He managed to get up and tried his attack “crescent cutlass”. But the younger man avoided it by jumping up in the air.

Before he went falling towards his enemy full speed, a fist raised. It hit the man straight in the chest, forcing the air out of his lungs. He started hacking up blood.

“How are you, a rookie, that strong?!” Yelled Crocodile. Coughing up blood.

He was kneeling in front of Strawhat. Blood pooled in his mouth before he spit it out.

“Because I have people to protect.” Said Luffy.

“Such a stupid reason”, the man answered, wiping the blood from his mouth.

At this moment, Ace ran up to Luffy, not looking at the enemy. And started complaining about Luffy leaving him in the dirt.

“It makes you weak!” Shouted Crocodile, trying to strike Ace with his hook.

Luffy saw red. A memory of the gaping, bloody hole in his brother's body made him act instantly. He caught Crocodile mid-action and punched the man so forcefully his ribs broke in a sonorous crack.

Shock in the Warlord’s eyes.

“See, you should never have raised a finger against anyone I love, and then you would have lived.” Luffy spat out.

He put even more force into the punch, penetrating the man’s heart, hand coming out the back of his body, killing him almost instantly.

Blood was running down Luffy's arm when he pulled it back.

Ace and the King were looking in shock at the men who had been fighting a minute ago.

Luffy was shaking, looking at his bloody hand, trying to wipe away the liquid on his clothes.

Luffy, his little brother who disliked killing, had just transpierced a man with his fist alone.
Ace got closer to his brother, hiding the cooling body behind him. He cupped his face with his hand, looking in the haunted gaze of his brother.

“I’m okay, Luffy," he said, taking his clean hand and putting it on his chest. “See, my heart is beating, I’m alive.”

Luffy’s gaze cleared a little bit. He looked up at his brother and hugged him forcefully. Breathing in the smell of his brother.

It smelled like home.

As the fighting went on in the city, Ace chose to hold his brother after having covered the body with the King’s coat, which the man had offered silently.

Chapter Text

Mr1 VS Zoro

Zoro had been happy to leave the Croc guy to Luffy, running into town to claim the fight with Mr 1, aka The Killer, Diaz Bonez.

The man did not know him this time around.

He would enjoy carving his name in the man’s memory once again.

He went easy on the blade man. Before getting seriously into it, covering his katanas with armament haki.

One strike. It was all it took for the other man to fold.

Zoro looked at the unconscious bounty hunter, disappointed. He guessed things would feel this way until they got back to the New World.

One down, four left.

Mr3 VS Usopp

Usopp mostly used non-explosive ammunition against the wax man. To keep him in a sense of safety.

Until he had the man fully turning into wax, then he used his best explosive ball. The one creating enough flames to melt the man-made out of wax.

And as simply as that, he had the man crying and begging for someone to stop the fire.

Feeling generous, the snipper launched at him his fire-retardant ball. Followed by one of his strongest nets.

Two down, three left.

Miss GoldenWeek VS Robin

It was easy for Robin to fight Miss GoldenWeek; she knew her power and how it worked on people.

She did not hesitate and took action before her enemy even noticed her. She enveloped her with her hands, hiding her eyes, then knocked her out. In a swift move of her limbs.

Three down, two left.

Mr4 VS Sanji

Sanji did not waste time humouring his enemy. Mr 4 tried to hit him with his bat, only for Sanji to block the attack with his leg,
Then he launched into a flaming kick powered by Haki. The man went down flying a few meters away into a building.

His gun dog tried to go after Sanji, who blocked again and gave the dog the chance to flee, he did not like harming animals. But would defend himself if needed.

The dog hesitated, then looked at its master before running away.

Miss MerryChristmas VS Nami

Nami was fighting some of the Billions and whining on and on about missing Zeus, when she came upon Miss Merry Christmas.

She did not have the patience for the mole woman.

She used her “Black Ball: Raiun Rod” to make rain appear at her location. The rain covered the ground around her. Millions and Billions, citizens and Rebels looked in wonder at the localised rain cloud. Everyone stopped fighting.

Then she waited for her enemy to appear.

When she did, she jumped in the air using her thunder trap.

She basically grilled the mole woman.

As for the rest of the crew, Guards and Rebels, they were fighting to the dozen versus one, the Millions and Billions in the city.

One thing they still had to do was take care of the bomb in the tower.
Vivi tried to find a way to disable it and avoid Pell’s fate.

But before she could do anything, the timer almost ran out, and Pell took the bomb, intent on flying with it above the city.

But as he tried doing that, Marco the phoenix took the explosive from him and flew at high speed as high as he could.

Ace sees the action unfold. Started screaming at Marco to stop.

And then it exploded. Ace was in shock, as was his brother.

They waited for a minute, then two before…the blue and gold phoenix appeared in the sky again behind the explosion.

He landed in front of Ace. Transforming back only for Ace to scream at him, “Never! Never do that again! You understand me !?”

His hands were grasping at his shirt, pulling the man into a deep, searing kiss.

Only pulling away as Luffy cleared his throat loudly.

Chapter Text

As soon as the fighting was over, it started to rain. People were dancing in the streets.

While the Guards and Rebels took care of cuffing everyone who had belonged to Baroque Works and was still alive.

The Strawhats were invited to rest and feast at the Palace.

Vivi hugged her father tightly and cried, thanking them all for their help.

To which Luffy responded simply: “It’s nothing”, but his smile, Law noticed, did not quite reach his eyes.

He had learned of what happened with Crocodile. And he was impatient to have a moment alone with his boyfriend to check on him.

After all, Luffy would not be pleased if he did it in front of the crew or in front of his brother.

They had a majestic feast after having rested and cleaned themselves. After all, Vivi had promised them one. Well, she did so in their other life, but a promise was still a promise even if you died and were reborn.

Luffy got a little happier with each bite, and each moment passed with his healthy, uninjured crew.

They all slept in a huge room. With several double beds. Ace had been reluctant to let his brother sleep beside his boyfriend, but Luffy had just made a face at his big brother before falling asleep on Law’s chest.

Marco had guided him towards another bed. And pushed his boyfriend to lie on the bed, he protested that he needed to watch “that Law guy”. But as soon as his head hit the mattress, he was out like a light. Everyone had chuckled at that before they went to sleep.

Nami, Robin and Vivi shared a bed. Jinbe and Uta are on another. Shachi, Ussop and Penguin share another, Franky alone and finally, the cook and Zoro share the last. Brook chose to wander the garden during their sleep.

They all fell asleep quickly enough, exhausted from having to run all over the country. And fighting along the way.

The morning after, they quickly packed up, knowing the Marines would soon be looking for them.

Having prepared their exit. It made them able to travel light and regroup with the crew on the ship.

This time, Vivi accompanied them to the river.

She said her goodbyes to everyone, hugging each one of them, even Robin. To whom she whispered, “You’re not so bad”, with a smile on her face.

“Remember, wherever we are, we are comrades. Our lives are linked with yours”, Luffy told her.
“I know. I would have loved coming with you. But I love my country so much, I have to stay and help see it through,” Vivi concluded, looking up confidently at Luffy.

He smiled happily at her decision.

They got on board. And Chopper and Bepo were crying in relief. Having worried for everyone the whole time they were gone. Chouchou barked happily at the sight of the crew whole.

The crew was quick to comfort them.

Marco and Ace had chosen to stay with them until they got past the Marines before going back to the Mobydick.

Leaving the Sandora, they came at the mouth of the river, and before them were the boats of Colonel Smoker and Rear Admiral “Black Cage” Hina.

Marco and Ace looked at each other and nodded in a silent agreement.

“We’ll take care of them,” Said Ace with confidence.

“It’s our “welcome to the Grand Line” gift,” Marco added.

Ace jumped the rail to land in his boat which was tied to the Sunny while Marco transformed into his Phoenix form. He winked at them before taking off.

The two of them utterly destroyed the boats. Watching the Marines swim around helplessly, some carrying devil fruit users.

The Sunny passed under the powerless gaze of the Marines. Usopp, Luffy and Chopper laughing their asses off.

Once they had passed, they saw Ace saying goodbye to them with big gestures. And the blue phoenix is flying above him.

Everyone settled down when they were out of sight.

Chapter Text

Luffy 300 000 000
Law 300 000 000
Uta 60 000 000
Zoro 120 000 000
Nami 66 000 000
Sanji 100 000 000
Usopp 66 000 000
Chopper 0
Robin 100 000 000
Franky 44 000 000
Brook 40 000 000
Jinbe 230 000 000
Penguin 32 000 000
Shachi 30 000 000
Bepo 0
Chouchou 0
Total = 1,468,000,000 B

The Next News Coo messenger bird, brought with it their Bounties. Nami had quickly calculated their total and was horrified when she realised how much money was on their head.

The newspaper had blamed them for everything that occurred in Arabasta. Calling Luffy a dangerous overpowered killer who had murdered one of the respected Warlords of the seas in cold blood.

Luffy had visibly cringed at the name “killer” and went away to the Captain’s quarters. Followed discreetly by Law.

Meanwhile, the crew loudly compared their bounties to each other’s.

Law knocked lightly on the door. He got no answer. He decided to enter anyway.

Luffy was lying down, staring at the stars painted on the ceiling.

“I always tried to avoid killing uselessly, you know,” Said Luffy softly.

Law hummed as he lay down beside Luffy to watch the stars with him.

His hand searches for Luffy’s to hold.

“I never liked killing, and usually I could avoid doing it”, Luffy continued. “This time when he went for Ace, I saw Marineford all over again… Ace was dead, his body mutilated…” His throat clenched around the words. “And I couldn’t help but react. I couldn’t control myself at all”

Law rolled on his side to look at him.

“You are probably the only pirate I know who values life. And that's why only you could be the Pirate King. You reacted on instinct. No one, on this ship or any other, would ever blame you for defending your brother... After what you went through… After what we all went through. No one will ever think less of you for that.”

Luffy’s eyes filled with tears. They started rolling down his cheeks silently.

The surgeon reached to wipe them away, only for Luffy to reach out to him, rolling on his side and snuggling up to Law’s chest.

They stayed this way for a long time, and it was night again. And Luffy’s stomach started grumbling in his sleep. The older man smiled and shook Luffy gently to wake him.

The smaller man took his time to wake up. But once he was, he started complaining about food. So they went to the kitchen where they found a note on the table informing them they had onigiries and cured meats in the fridge and pantry so Luffy and Law could eat when they woke up.

They ate in silence.

“I was so scared of losing Ace again…” quietly said Luffy.

Law took the time to think about his answer.

“Ace is ok, the crew is ok and I’m ok. You did what you had to do.”

“What about it being cold bloated murder? What if I go too far?”

“I am the Surgeon of Death. I will follow you till the end of time wherever you go. You can’t go far enough for me to leave you. Ever” Clarified Law. “I’m here to stay, Luffy-ya”

Chapter Text

Sabo ran inside with the day's paper. His protégé, Jewelry Bonney was in the living room eating doughnuts he had made in the morning.

He had taken up the habit of cooking after he had saved her by chance a few years back. The kid was left alone after Kuma had been cybertized.

And Sabo and the rest of the Revolutionary Army had quickly taken a liking to the now ten-year-old.

She was a cute kid. The more she had gotten comfortable, the more she had let the habit of changing her age constantly go. And everyone had a soft spot for the child.

Being older had always been a defence mechanism for her.

She had quickly adopted Sabo as her brother/caretaker. Trusting him like she had her father.

Her dream was to one day get her father back.

The Revolutionaries hoped that it would happen too.

“Look, Bonney!” Sabo held out his brother’s new bounty.”That’s my little brother!” He said proudly, pushing the paper in front of her food.

“Ya! Sabo! I’m eating!” She said around a mouthful. She finally looked at the thing out of curiosity for her big brother’s brother. “Oh! 300 000 000 he’s worth so much money !” she exclaimed.

“Bonney, let’s celebrate! I’ll even make pizza”

“Pizza! Make ten!”

“Ten might be a lot for me to make.” Bonney used her best puppy eyes. “Ok, ok… I’ll try my best”

“Yeah!” Bonney cheered.

She spent the rest of the day making, or more likely eating, pizza, with the other Revolutionaries.

At the end of the night, Sabo had to carry a sleeping Bonney up the stairs and tuck her into bed.

He smiled at his sleeping little sister. And closed the door quietly.

He rubbed his eyes tiredly. But knowing he would not be able to sleep for a while. He still needed to go other the latest mission with Dragon and Ivan.

Chapter Text

Edward Newgate’s laugh could be heard from all over the ship. The pirate in high spirits as he was reading the paper.

Marco came to see why his father was laughing so loudly. Only to find the man drinking Sake and holding in one hand the News Coo and in the other a huge bottle of alcohol.

Marco instantly went to get the drink away from his ill father. Why did he always find some despite the phoenix’s best effort in destroying any reserve the Captain had?

Ace arrived, seeing his father and Marco wrestling over a bottle of sake.

“Ah, Ace!”Exclaimed Whitebeard. “Look,, He showed the posters to his son.

Fire-Fist took them. Looking over the wanted posters.

“Oh, Marco!! Look! Look! It’s Luffy!”

Ace was almost bouncing with excitement.

Marco took the paper on top and saw the highest bounty for a rookie captain he had ever seen. “Oi, he's doing great”, Marco smiled back at his boyfriend. “You must be proud”.

“Let’s celebrate tonight!” Said Whitebeard forcefully.

That is how almost the whole crew ended up plastered by the early morning.

They had sung, danced, drunk and eaten, making sure the cooks were overworked. Mostly thanks to Ace.

Around four in the morning. Ace and Marco were sitting side by side near their captain's chair.

“He is in all points similar to Roger, this kid, " the old man said, nodding towards Luffy’s poster on the floor next to Ace.

The fire man blinked at him, confused for a moment not sure if the man was looking at him or the poster beside him.

“You mean Luffy ?”

“Yes”, Whitebeard clarified. “That kid has the spirit of the Pirate King”

“He sure has”, Marco muttered. His head rested on Ace’s shoulder.

Ace smiled proudly, looking at the poster.

“Gol D. Roger had the same smile, a pirate king's smile. He was devoted to his crew and would do anything to protect them from any harm” Pause. “That is why he surrendered himself when he learned he did not have long to live. He protected you (he nodded towards Ace), your mother, and his crew from the Marines. And then on top of it all, he revived the age of piracy with only a few words. The words of the Pirate King”

“I used to think you would be Pirate King, but I’ll have to admit now that Luffy is cut out for it. It’s meant to be him,” Ace said then laughed loudly with his father.

Marco shushed them, warning them not to wake the others.

The Captain got up slowly and said he would retire to his quarters now. He rolled the IVs along with him. Under Marco’s careful gaze.

The couple moved to the bow of the ship. No one was there. So they sat and watched the stars disappear into the early morning glow.

After a few minutes, Ace lay down. His head resting in his lover's lap.

“What are you thinking right now?” Asked Ace.

“You. Us. How lucky I am to have you back…” Said Marco in a low voice. He started caressing the dark-haired man’s hair.

His hair was soft and thick. Marco loved it. He loved running his hands through it.

“I love you”, murmured Marco, just for Ace.

The other gave him a huge smile. “I love you too”.

Chapter Text

He had done it again.

The grovelling for the ladies thing. Zoro had hoped it would stop once they got together.

But no. It did not.

He felt… hurt, unsure of himself, of their relationship…Jealous. He did not like feeling this way at all.

So he started an argument like the ones they used to have before dating.

At least he had the decency to, he waited for the crew to go to sleep before arguing with the cook. Otherwise, he would have been embarrassed by the scene he made.

They were washing the dishes together. Zoro dried, Sanji cleaned.

The silence was tense, and the blond man could feel that something was going on.

“What is it?” Asked the cook.

“What?”

“You’re not talking to me. You are, in fact, acting as if I don’t exist,” complained Sanji.

“I’m not,” said Zoro curtly.

“Sure. Stop lying”

“I’m not, and it’s none of your business”, the swordsman said defensively.

“Okay, that’s it. Stop.” He let the plate he had been holding sink back into the water.

He turned towards his boyfriend and caught his hands, making him drop and break the plate he was holding. But he did not care.

“Tell me,” Said Sanji, looking into the man's eyes.

Zoro tried to escape the grip and gaze of the blond, but did not want to risk hurting the other man. So we avoided his eyes. Looking down the whole time.

“Out with it, marimo,” encouraged the cook in a soft voice.

“It’s nothing. I am being ridiculous,” muttered Zoro.

“Ridiculousness aside, you are feeling something… And that… that matters to me”

The cook forced him to look at him with a hand under his chin.

“Come on. Talking about it is the healthy thing to do here,” Said the blond encouragingly.

“I’m… I’m just being insecure…” Whispered the green-haired man, eyes still avoiding the other’s.

“Oh.” Sanji paused, surprised. “I.. Why would you be insecure?”

Zoro was blushing fiercely.

“I don’t mean for my question to embarrass you, I just genuinely don’t know why you would be insecure?” added the blond.

“You don’t?” Zoro raised his voice a bit before continuing with a more normal tone “What about the girls? The ladies man attitude? What about the flirting with them ?”

Silence. Sanji was stunned by the revelation.

“Oh god, I thought you knew why I did all that,,, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have assumed” He took a slow breath. “It’s a facade, an act, always has been. I’m bi and I wasn’t allowed to be growing up. So I made up the ladies man persona. It just went well with me liking taking care of people”.

“What?”

“I like taking care of people, haven’t you noticed? Your favourite wine is always in stock, Luffy always has his favourite meat, Usopp likes mangos and many other things I do for the crew. I just am more ostentatious when it comes to the ladies on board.

“I’m sorry. I let my insecurities take over.” He had a lump in his throat. Embarrassed and weirdly happy at the discovery.

“You know I loved you almost from the beginning. I had this massive crush on you. Nami and Robin would always tease me about it… They even got me that awful apron. I felt so shy about putting it on, but every time I did, I secretly hoped you would “kiss the cook.”

Sanji’s face was red.

Zoro was stunned. He got closer to the blond and cupped his face before tenderly kissing him.

“I’m sorry. I was being passive-aggressive instead of talking it out with you. And just so you know, I had the biggest crush on you since Whiskey Peak” He collected his thoughts “You know you’re really emotionally mature and well adjusted. You should teach me.”

They exchanged a laugh.

“Maybe I’ll dial down the ladies man persona”

“You don’t have to,” said Zoro with sincerity. “I get it now”

“I’m not doing it only for you. I think it’s time to drop the mask with all of my crew.” Sanji mused.

Chapter Text

“Senny! Look at my grandson!” Monley D. Garp barged into the Fleet Admiral’s office. Almost taking the door with him.

He threw the report on Luffy and his crew’s bounties.

“Yes, I read it, Garp,” The man responded flatly.

Another person came rushing into the office. And started panicking while Garp kept on laughing.

Sengoku held his temples, feeling a migraine coming over.

“Rosinante, will you stop that, please?” Asked Sengoku.

“But Law has such a high bounty! And giving him the “surgeon of death” title. My son is not a murderer!”

The spy started crying loudly.

The Fleet Admiral got up to close the door before anyone heard things they shouldn’t.

“Will you both stop? You are way too loud for a morning. I haven’t had enough tea yet”

His goat started to munch on the report Garp had brought in.

“Stop being so proud of pirates, especially when audible to people other than the three of us.”

Chapter Text

On the Red Force, New World:

“Are we flirting or are we fighting ?” Shanks asked.

That stopped Mihawk in his tracks.

“What do you mean?”

“We have been 'fighting' for two days straight,” He ran his hand through his red hair. Mihawk wished he were the one touching his soft red hair. “And I still don’t have any idea about what exactly we are fighting about.” The Captain sighed. “So I repeat, are we flirting or fighting, because it feels like one and not the other. But it also feels like you are mad at me for some reason?”

“Children.”

“What ?”

“You have children, and you never told me about them. I thought I was the only one. But I guess a pirate emperor does whatever he wants.” Mihawk looked hurt and confused.

“Wait, what?” Shanks paused. “Are you saying I cheated ?” He was livid.

“Children? Remember?”

“What about them?”

“Well, I thought we were… exclusive, but I guess I was wrong” He turned around, ready to get in his boat and leave this place.

“What the hell?” Shanks grabbed his right shoulder, forcing him to stop. “ They’re adopted !?” he screamed.

Mihawk halted.

“What?! Couldn’t you have said that earlier, like maybe the last time we saw each other?” Mihawk closed his eyes, rubbing his temples.

“Well, I thought it was obvious? I only ever liked you…” Shanks was blushing and shyly dragged the other back to the deck.

He realised then that his whole crew was a bit too quiet… “Get back to work you spying shits! No fucking privacy on this boat… I swear to god…” He stared at the scattering bunch.

“I’d like to know more about them,” softly said Mihawk.

“About the crew?” The pirate was confused.

“No idiot. Your children?”

“I’d love to…” his smile radiating love. “You know what, let’s go see them, they just entered the Grand Line.”

“Wait, isn’t that a bit fast?” Mihawk started to panic.

What if his children disliked him? Would Shanks stop whatever they had had for the past fifteen years or so?

*****

On a small uninhabited Island in the Grand Line.

Luffy had been whining since Law left in the morning four days ago. He had gone to get his tattoos on another island, where going with Sunny would attract too much unwanted attention.

So Luffy was moping, like a lost puppy. As if his boyfriend wasn’t due to come back that very day or tomorrow morning.

What they did not expect was for them to pick up the transmission of Shanks, who was back on their side of the Grand Line. It got Luffy to finally stop talking about missing Law and cheer up.

Luffy decided they have a feast with the Red Force crew. It had been too long since they last did one.

The only weird thing had been that Shanks sounded strangely anxious on the Transmission Snail.

But Luffy forgot about it almost instantly. Running to tell Uta about the news.

*****

“Luffy! Uta!” yelled Shanks, who was on the figurehead of his ship, making big gestures.

As soon as the ship was close enough to shore, Luffy launched himself straight into Shanks' arms.

“Hey, Dad. What’s up?” Said Luffy with a bright smile.

“Oh, you know.. not much..” He cleared his throat a few times. “Actually, there is someone.. a friend I’d like you to meet.” He managed to get out. He nodded to the left of the boat with his head.

Down at the side of the ship was a small boat tied to the Red Force by several ropes.

“Cool!” Said Luffy unbothered, “The more the merrier” He grinned and jumped back on land as the ship dropped its anchor a bit away from the beach.

Chapter Text

As Mihawk disembarked, he suddenly felt a killing intent coming from his left and quickly drew his sword to block the attack.

He was sword to katana with a young green-haired man who was smiling, looking like some sort of demon.

The kid and he were almost on par with each other, and that made the green-haired man grin like a madman.

They exchanged a few blows. Engaged in a deadly duel.

Until Shanks and the kid wearing his hat started whining in tandem.

“The food is going to be cold!” and “Ya stop that!”

Neither he nor the other swordsmaster wanted to interrupt this match. But insistence from both captains made them slowly back down. They grudgingly stopped.

Swords still drown out.

A blond man attacked the green-haired one from behind. And he let them almost hit him with a kick, only blocking it at the last second.

“Come on, let’s eat!” The Strawhat Captain screamed.

The swordsmen finally withdrew their swords.

As he was doing so, green hair said only for him to hear, “Next time we’ll see each other, I’ll be taking your title” He grinned. And turned around to join the others, a hand resting on his three katanas.

He learned quickly that the kid’s name was Roronoa Zoro.

He liked him, he had guts. And he was strong. Strong enough to spar with him.

Shanks pulled him out of his reverie. Insisting he sat beside him and his kids.

“Mihawk, these are my children, Luffy and Uta. And Luffy, Uta, this is Mihawk, my boyfriend”

“Hi, nice to meet you.” Said the woman politely.

“Hi. I’m Luffy, I’ll be the Pirate King” The other grinned with confidence.

With his hat and way of talking. You would think he was Shanks' biological son.

They were so similar in a very touching way. The man had been influenced greatly by Shanks while growing up.

And he noted that the redhead did not see any problem with declaring he would be the pirate king. Hadn’t it been Shanks’ dream before?

Now the man looks proud and happy for his son to beat him to it.

He mostly kept to himself during the feast. Shanks and Luffy ate tons of food each while talking loudly. It was really cute to watch them exist in each other's space. And Uta sang with the skeleton man. She was pretty talented.

And, Shanks, the man, seemed so happy to introduce him to his children. He could feel the man’s pride, in his words, his smile, his gaze...

He felt the deep urge to protect this small family with all his might and power. He would go to war to preserve this perfect family.

In the middle of the feast, around midnight, another small boat landed on the beach. And Luffy jumped up and ran towards the ship.

He threw himself at the man who had been first to disembark. He wore a white and black spotted hat.

Mihawk and, seemingly, Shanks were not pleased by the proximity of the two.

And how Luffy was flushed from something the unknown man had said.

Instinctively, his hand came to his sword. But Shanks reached and grabbed his hand to prevent him from doing something rash.

He whispered, “No one likes seeing them grow up. But even I have to admit, Law is the perfect person for him. They are perfect together.”

Chapter Text

“You tell me you want to ride this Knock up Stream up to get to a sea in the sky ?” Asked, Law perplexed.

“Yep,” said Luffy, determined. He had decided to take the stream rather than the other way up. Like Roger had before them.

Nami had been upset with the 50/50 chance of success, but in the end, the Captain’s words were law on the ship. So they complied.

Franky had added the necessary wings to Sunny.

Of course, no one told Trafalgar Law about their chances. At least not until they were up in the White Sea.

He had been tempted to scream at them once he knew, but was dragged by an overexcited Luffy to the figurehead of Sunny. He told him everything that he thought was cool about the Sea in question and Angel Island. As a result of his enthusiasm, Law mellowed out and forgot about screaming at the crew for taking useless risks, again.

Suddenly, Luffy was silent. His boyfriend looked at him, intrigued.

“I’m glad he’s dead.” Luffy was looking at the horizon, gazing lost in memories.

Law was wondering who he was talking about. Before he could ask, Luffy continued: “Black Beard, I’m glad he’s dead and gone. The first time around, we met a little before taking the Knock up stream...”

The surgeon could hear the implicit “Before he killed my brother” in the other’s words.

Screams from the deck attracted their attention. They ran over there in time to see a giant octopus attacking the ship.

Luffy started salivating and, with stars in his eyes, he knocked out the monster, only to drag him to the ship.

“Sanji! Sanji! Giant tokoyaki!” Screamed the Pirate King at the cook, almost drooling at the thought.

Sanji agreed, and several minutes later, he was preparing enormous takoyaki for everyone to eat.

Even Law had to admit they were good despite the dough used for making takoyaki.

Like before, the sky knight, Gan Fall, came to defend them and gave them a whistle.

Law had noticed quickly that the air was thinner up here and that it would cost them more to move and fight in these conditions.
Luffy, Chopper and Usopp had been excited to show them the bouncy clouds, convincing Bepo, Shachi and Penguin to get on them too.
They were all bouncing around, playing and enjoying themselves.

No one on the ship had the heart to bother them. It had become a rare treat to see the rubber man this careless and happy. Even the Heart Captain was smiling at them.

So they let them play.

Once they had their fill. They got back on the ship and headed for Heaven’s Gate.

From there on they got on the Lobster Express to get to Skypiea, God Land.

They emerged in the White White Sea.

Luffy and Chopper were quick to get down, but the ship was still far from shore, and Zoro had to go and get the two back from drowning.

He took them to shore and they started playing on the cloud beach.

When the others reached them, they had already built Cloud-men, and Zoro was sleeping under a tree.

“So I guess we’re having a Beach Day first,” Said Robin, chuckling.
They dropped the anchor, and everyone got off the ship to enjoy the beach.
Some were sleeping, others drinking pumpkin juice.

Until Conis came to see the newly arrived people.

“Heso”

She invited them over for food. And everyone agreed to have a meal at her father’s place. Luffy was excitedly talking about all the food he would it. And Sanji was excited to use their kitchen again.

Nami and Usopp talked about dials and started negotiating with Conis’ father on buying from him multiple dials of each type. The man was happily talking about engineering with both of them.

Conis and her father warned them against going to Upper Yard because of the unforgiving God Enel.

To which Luffy answered with his mouth full, “Oh yeah, we’re here to beat him” before continuing eating as if he hadn’t dropped a bomb in the conversation.

Conis was in shock, like her father. “What?!”

“Yeah, he’s no god and he’s mean,” simply answered the Strawhat Captain.

Zoro was laughing loudly. While most of the others facepalmed.

Discretion really never would be Luffy’s forte.

*****

Near the end of the day, the White Berets came to get them, and Luffy single-handedly knocked them out.

That was the signal to stop playing around and to go to the Upper Yard.

Chapter Text

They separated into two groups, like the first time around.
First: Law, Zoro, Nami, Robin, Uta, Brook, Penguin, Shachi, Chopper and Franky would divide later on into a group protecting the ship and another exploring around.

As for the other group, they had chosen multiple people able to swim with them, as they were going to the Milky Road. Which was a sea cloud river. Still, Luffy had insisted on coming to fight with the “fun ball guy” again.

Team Ship raised their anchor and waited for the Super Express Lobster to take them to the Sacrificial Altar.

Team Priest had told Conis not to worry and to lead them to the boat so they could get on the Milky Road. She had been crying, confused and scared for them. Telling them the almighty Enel would strike them.

But Sanji gently told her, “It’s fine, Conis,” and that everything was going to be fine and that they would meet up at the end.
They also warned her about the destruction of Lovely Street and Angel Island as a whole.

The team ship had arrived at the sacrificial altar. They divided themselves again into two: the ship repair and protect, and the explorers.

Team protection included Uta, Chopper and Franky. And of course dear Chouchou was standing guard proudly.
As for Team exploration, they comprised Law, Penguin, Shachi, Robin, Zoro and Nami.

Meanwhile, Team Priest was arriving at the Milky Road.
They avoided the first trap, a swinging blade coming down on them. Then, Stakes were thrown at them from everywhere. Luffy caught one and swung it like a bat to knock all of the others out of the way.

Creatures tried to attack them, but a wave of conqueror’s haki got them scrambling to get away from them.

Luffy was laughing loudly the whole time “ It’s becoming fun,” he said while throwing his improvised bat/javelin at a disk blade coming down on them.

They arrived at the choosing point. And started debating about which road they would take, Sanji arguing that they at least knew how to beat the Ball one. To which Usopp argued that the other roads could be easier, but before anyone could choose, Luffy had had enough and chose the “Ball” route again.

Because “It was so much fun”. The rest of them looked doubtful at the statement, but knew better than to argue with Luffy against Fun.

The man lived for his Fun.

Sanji took the little time they had to warn Jinbe and Bepo about this road. And then they were falling.

Team Explorer went to find the ruins Robin and Law wanted to visit so much.
They walked peacefully around the trees until some snakes or other creatures tried to eat them. Which Zoro sliced up neatly.

“Not using your fists this time,” Nami had teased the Swordsmaster.

He responded with a dark look. “You'd rather I not protect you. That can be arranged”

She scoffed at him. “As if you would let your navigator be hurt”, she singsong: “ First mate-san”

The green-haired man shook his head exasperated.

The worst was that she wasn’t wrong. Never would he let one of his comrades be hurt on his watch.

Robin, Law, Shachi and Penguin had kept on going, so they had to run for a bit to catch up with them.

Chapter Text

Everyone winced when the boat dropped.

There were white balls everywhere around them. And Luffy, of course, decided to jump on one. Which proceeded to explode under him.

He fell into the cloud river, and Jinbe had to jump in to save him from drowning.

Back on the boat Luffy was laughing his ass off before Sanji intervened and promptly told him he would only cook for him again if his captain got rid of the Ball Guy quickly enough.

The threat did not fall on deaf ears.

Luffy jumped up to the nearest branch with Sanji behind him.

Jinbe, Bepo and Usopp were in charge of keeping the boat safe and sound. They fought against the different sea creatures coming out of the clouds and kicked away stray balls.

Satori appeared suddenly on a branch above them.

The Priest was not expecting to be opposed by three people who knew observation Haki as well as him.

Luffy tried to kick him several times while the enemy tried to surprise him with his attacks, but they were matched in observation haki, or mantra, the priest called it.

Luffy made the man focus on him and him alone. So Sanji could prepare his attack.

Satori did not know what to do. The man was sweating and anxious.

Never before had the Blue Sea people been able to use Mantra. And here and now, they were at least two able to use it.

He scrambled, trying to keep up with the bouncing man.

So much so that he forgot about the blond. Until he was kicked in the middle of his chest while evading a hit from the dark-haired man.

He spat out blood. His hand came up to his mouth and touched the blood running down his face.

Never had he been touched by a Blue Sea person. And now he was injured by one of them.

He was scared. Petrified even.

He tried to flee, but the weird man he had been fighting stretched out his arms impossibly and, anticipating his move, managed to hold on to him. Then he propelled himself and jumped into the priest. His limbs wrapped around him in a death grip.

He looked up in front of him and saw a flash of black before he received a powerful kick in the head.

Sanji kicked their enemy that Luffy was holding tightly with a powerful “Concassé”.

Sanji and Luffy jumped back into the boat. Luffy was happy to have been able to play with the ball man.

Chapter Text

They were expecting him when Priest Shura appeared.

Chopper and Franky were in command of the cannons and started firing as soon as the man got close enough to be hit.

The Priest did not expect that for a second. He had thought he would find desperate and begging pirates. But instead, he was having to avoid cannonballs left and right.

“You won’t lay a hand on Sunny!” Screamed Franky with all his might.

“Yeah! You won’t touch Sunny,” Chopper added to it.

Chouchou barked in agreement,

Then, as they were loading up the cannon, the man got closer and closer.

Uta, seeing this, started singing and transported the man and his bird to her World. Where they would not be able to hurt Sunny.

Now, let worry fall away.
No fear allowed to stay.
My dream is now your wish, and my hope never never-ending
When clouds build up inside
My song can clear the sky
Everything is alright
"I'm invincible"

My voice carries birds in flight.
With every note, they go higher and higher
See how I move with such grace
Just like a dancer on the stage
Your voice carries life within
Calls me to action again and again
If you're hurt and you need me
I'll always be there, I swear

In the Uta World

Shura woke up. He was in the same place but different somehow.

There wasn’t a pirate ship anymore, and weird creatures were flying to meet him and his bird, Fuza.

He tried to escape and fly away, but as he moved, the distance was extending and moving. As if the world were distorted.

Then a lion with a sun-like mane. Attacked him.

He tried to evade, but suddenly his body wasn’t moving like he wanted anymore.

And still this song is in the Background. He tried to cover his ears, but nothing seemed to block out the sound as if it was coming from inside him.

I'll always protect you.
We'll have the chancе to go to brand new heights
You and I, unstoppable whеn we're together. We can have it all
A fire burns within our hearts

He got hit in the stomach by the weirdly shaped lion. And suddenly he was falling and falling without end.

He screamed, terrified.

And he stopped just before touching the ground; he fainted.

Real World

The Priest and the bird were both knocked out after living through Uta’s World illusion.

They were falling, and before anyone could do anything. A sea serpent jumped out of the water and ate the two in one bite.

“Oh my..” Said Uta, “ I did not take that into account… I hope they will be okay…”

“Don’t worry, Uta, even if they don’t make it out. You did what you had to do to protect Sunny,” Comforted Franky.

“Yeah, Uta, you did great,” Cheerily said Chopper.

Chapter Text

The three groups came together and decided on what to do next.

In their crew, they had three people who could withstand electricity: Bepo, Nami and Luffy. So these three were the ones going up against Enel together.

Meanwhile, Chopper, Jinbe, and Law would go after the remaining Priests.

The rest were in charge of getting the ship to the right place to be able to steal the gold and run for it.

“Let’s go!” Screamed Luffy, full of energy after having rested and eaten a whole meal thanks to Sanji.

“Sorry”, said Bepo as usual.

“Stop apologising, you’re fine,” Said Nami gently, smiling at Bepo.

Luffy, who had run ahead, started calling them, “Come on! Come on!”

“Yah, stop being impatient!” Nami screamed back, annoyed.

They found Enel in the ruins being attacked by the Shandians, Wyper especially.

The man kept getting up. Enduring so much pain.
Luffy came closer to the man and told him to rest for now, to the mans surprise. He stood in front of Wyper and challenged Enel to a fight.

The man tried to fry him with electricity only for nothing to happen at all.

He tried “60 Million Volt”, again “100 million volt”, again and again “, Thor”. To zap Luffy but nothing happened at all. The “god” started to lose his composure.

He regained his confidence quickly enough.

And tried to go after Bepo and Nami. But they just redirected the electric current.

Wyper looked at them from where he was standing in awe.

“See? You’re no god,” Luffy said, grinning.

He went to hit the man who dodged last second. Only for Luffy’s arm to bend and hit him in the chin.

The false God’s eyes got impossibly wider. He fought to regain his composure and smiled as he tried to punch Luffy.

But the captain easily dodged the hit aimed at his chest.

Enel started to sweat; “You know Mantra,” He said with horror.

Nami went to hit him with her staff. Which he avoided only to be hit by Bepo with his large paws aiming straight for his chest.
“Bepo, Nami! Fall back,” ordered Luffy.

They jumped away.

Luffy launched into a “Gum Gum Riffle”. He placed a few hits on the man, who had him spitting up more blood. But got his arm encased in the gold ball again.

“Oh no, not again, “Said Nami.

The rubber man extended his arm and started punching and punching using his “Gum Gum Fireworks”. He hit everything around him, breaking the stone ruins and hitting Enel. He kept hitting and hitting until the damn ball broke off his arm.

Only then did he stop.

Nami and Bepo had helped Wyper, who was looking at Luffy like he was a god, get away from the fight.

Enel still stood bloody and beaten. He jumped at the sight of Luffy’s raised fist.

Luffy closed his eyes and dodged. Then dodged the second and the third hit.

And on the fourth, he took Enel's fist into his hand, blocked, and with his other hand punched Enel.

One

Two

Three times.

His enemy fell backwards. Beaten and unmoving.

Luffy went to check on Wyper. And told Bepo to bring him to Chopper or Law to get treated.

The mink agreed and carried the man to try and find either.

Luffy was complaining about being hungry again when suddenly Nami asked where the false god was.

No one saw him as he moved slowly and quietly to his ship.

Nami and Luffy ran to where the ship was whiring with power.

On the central seat was Enel. The man must have crawled over there while they were talking.

Luffy quickly decided to break the ship apart.

And swiftly did so.

By the end, the thing was barely holding on for dear life as it went down and down, crashing into the Blue Sea and breaking on impact.

Enel must have drowned.

Nami and Luffy returned to the ruins where everyone was waiting for them.

The following day, they woke in the early morning to steal the gold Enel had accumulated in his hideout.

As they did so.

Law and Robin came back, accompanied by the people of Skypiea and looked at the crew running to the ship with bags full of gold.

Hurrying, they did not wait for the gold pillar that would have made them the richest pirates in the world.

The two laughed before joining the rest of the crew.

The people carrying the pillar asked Robin about it.

“I think we don’t need it,” She smiled. Trafalgar Law was shaking his head beside her, not disagreeing.

Chapter Text

Chopper and Law were in the doctor’s quarters and laboratory.

They had been trying for a year or two to develop a drug for Luffy to take in case he needed to use the power of Nika, the Sun God, in a short time after having already used it.

Luffy had, at the very beginning, helped them by transforming into Nika for a short period, and then for longer periods. While the doctors took notes carefully.

They had quickly gathered that sleep and eating were the key to restoring Luffy to his full health. But then the issue was that resting and eating were difficult to manage during battle.

Chopper and Law had decided to pursue the idea of making a pill which would allow Luffy to postpone the need to refresh (as they would call the time needed to regenerate). The main problem with creating these kinds of things was the dosage.

The Surgeon was mainly worried about them shortening Luffy’s life expectancy.

From the pills was born the issue of how to heal Luffy from the damage made to his body.

It wasn’t the kind of medicine Chopper practised. But with the Op Op Fruit, Law could, in theory, treat the accelerated ageing of his body.

Of course, when Luffy learned of their issue to preserve his health. He had just shrugged, and that led to a huge fight between the lovers.

Trafalgar Law had screamed at him (so much so that the whole crew had heard him) that if Luffy died early, Law would burn the world and follow him into the grave.

Luffy had tried to riposte. But Law had shouted back: “What would you do if I died tomorrow?”

“I would destroy the world and probably lose my will to go on,” had answered the Strawhat Captain.

“See, we are the same. And if you go overboard, I’ll be the one to treat you, so don’t go too far or I’ll make it extra painful,” responded Law.

Luffy knew very well that it was all bark and no bite. But he acknowledged the feeling Law communicated through snark.

The research was slowly progressing. They had decided on a blend of the energisers and sugar, as well as some analgesics.

The biggest flaw was that the King of Pirates would not feel being wounded. You could chop off a limb, he would bounce as Nika anyway. That meant he could go way too far in a fight and destroy his own body.

They were still working on the perfect version, or at least the closest thing to perfection they could reach.

Taking this into account, it had been decided that Luffy would carry only one pill at a time, limiting his exposure to the drugs. And using Nika was to be a last resort option.

Luffy had whined about it, but in the end, the whole crew had voted in favour of the rule.

Nami had sewn the pill into a pocket hidden in Luffy’s straw hat like she had before with Ace’s Vivre Card.

On the other side of the ship.

Nami and Usopp were working on improving the Clima Tact with the dials Usopp had traded back on the White-White Sea.

He had exchanged for some flame dials, wind dials, electric dials and water dials.

Then, under the watchful eyes of Nami, he had constructed the almost perfect version of the Clima tact.

Only Zeus was missing to complete Nami’s arsenal.

But for that, they would need to wait for the New World.

They went on the deck to test it out within the limits of being on the boat, so no going all out with anything flammable.

She summoned a rain cloud above the fruit trees and let it rain for a bit before getting rid of the clouds.

“This is perfect, Usopp!” Name thanked the man standing on the main deck. “Well, almost perfect. But as soon as I get Zeus back, it will be.”

Chapter Text

Koby and Helmeppo were on the training grounds repeating the same sword moves again, and again and again.

Bogard was overseeing them, correcting their stance, force of impact and focus.

Garp and Sengoku were resting on the side of a bench.

The Vice-admiral had looked for a while for Koby and freed him from Alvida. He then offered a choice to the boy. Either live in peace or become a Marine.

The small kid had been shaking like a leaf as he declared wanting to be a strong Marine and bring peace to the world.

They had enough warmongering Marines in their ranks; at least this one would be working towards peace and not death.

He had smiled at the kid while telling him he would make him stronger until one day he could beat him. Laughing loudly at the small, muttered “I could never”.

‘You will become the future of the Navy, ’ he had thought to himself in that moment.

Now he looked at Koby and smiled proudly. Every day, the boy shed his air of a beginner to show his true colours: defender of Justice and Peace.

The colours of his successor.

As for Hermeppo, he had found the boy almost killed by his own father. And he offered him a safe place to grow into himself, away from his suffocating father.

He wasn’t as good as Koby for sure. But once set in the right direction.

Koby would influence him to be better and get stronger.

Garp had been scared at times that not meeting Luffy in his early days of journey would set Koby back, but seeing Garp destroy Alvida and save him seemed to have a similar effect in the end.

The kid had always had the potential for greatness even before anyone, especially himself, knew it.

Senny was looking at the recruits with approval in his eyes. Koby had the will and drive of a "Benevolent Justice”, like a younger Garp.

“The Future of the Navy?” Said Sengoku.

“Hmm?”

“He still needs more training. I’m not sure if he will be ready in time. The elders are planning many things. They have put Doctor Vegapunk on watch. As well as myself”

“I can imagine I am being watched, too, then.” Responding, Garp not taking his eyes off the recruits.

“You need to watch where you are going, then. No more trips to Dawn Island if you want to keep everyone there safe”

Garp nodded in agreement.

He took two small stones and threw them at the ones training. Making them lose their balance and whine from the pain.

Koby was the quickest to get back up and keep on training, adopting a better form on instinct.

Helmeppo took a bit longer, which made Garp launch another stone at him.

He yelped and finally got back into training.

“Let’s hope the kids are ready for what's coming to them,” Said Garp somberly.

Chapter Text

Law could not sleep. It wasn’t unusual. Although he did sleep a few hours every night at the very least since he and Luffy started to sleep in the same bed.

Chopper had offered to provide him with sleeping herbs, which he refused immediately, explaining that a Surgeon needed to be operational all day and night if needed.

He wasn’t a huge fan of the octopus-like version of Luffy. He became when asleep. The smaller man basically extended his limbs and coiled around his body, making him a prisoner incapable of moving.

Although Luffy had mostly stopped the habit, seeing how it bothered Law to be kept immobile all night.

His boyfriend still did it with prior agreement when he had a nightmare or felt especially anxious.

It wasn’t that often anymore.

Mainly, they had found common ground with Luffy resting his head on his lap while he read in bed.

He would always have a hand on his neck’s pulse point to feel the steady beat of his boyfriend's heart.

Luffy had never been bothered by lights while sleeping, nor by noises. It was an impressive feat in itself. And fairly useful.

At least for the surgeon who struggled daily with sleeping for more than two to three hours nightly.

Even more impressive were his boyfirend’s habits of sleep eating and being able to dodge attacks while being asleep.

Law was fascinated by these abilities of his.

He looked at the ceiling, painted stars in many different colours and special ones for the fifteen members of their crew. Nami had been the one to paint them on with Franky’s help. They must have used some sort of glowing material because the stars shone in the night like real ones.

The first time Luffy saw them, he had cried and counted every one of his crew members who were in a circle around a straw colored and red star, and beside it a white spotted star.

He liked them, too, to be honest. They were a good reminder of what they still had.

Especially when waking up from dreaming of the past future.

Sanji was cooking, making onigiri for tomorrow's lunch.

Meanwhile, Zoro was sitting at the bar. Watching the cook in action. Sanji had even got out his favourite wine from the East Blue.

The swordsman was sipping slowly to make the rare treat last longer. They probably did not have much of it left in the storage rooms. And it would be some time before they went to East Blue again.

They were at their happiest like that. Together doing what they enjoyed side by side.

Every once in a while, Sanji would take a piece of food and feed it to Zoro, asking if the taste was right; not too much salt? Sweet enough? Spicy enough?

Every time he fed his boyfriend, he carefully held his chin with a finger. It would make the green-haired man blush and turn his head to the side. Attempting to hide in embarrassment.

Of course, Sanji found it adorable and kept doing it again and again.

Chapter Text

They had been sailing peacefully on the Grand Line when finally the Whitebeard's Pirates made contact with them again.

Marco, on the transponder snail, demanded that Nami listen to his instructions. He gave her in code the location and day, they would meet up.

They had thankfully thought of working on a code with all the people with future memories.

Although in the Strawhats crew, only Nami, Robin and Law were fluent in it.

The others knew basic words at the very least.

When Nami hung up, she explained where they would meet up with the other pirates.

They had decided on a deserted Island not far from Banaro Island.

Of course, Luffy was not pleased with the memories he had of the nearby Island. But Law had reminded him that they were going to meet with Ace, and his big brother was fine. Both of his brothers and sister were fine.

Luffy looked over at Uta, who waved at him. She got closer and took his hands, and made a gesture for Brook to follow.

“Come on, Luffy, let us sing, it will make you feel better”

Law followed after them with the rest of the crew. Franky got the piano out.

Uta sat at the piano while Brook got his violin out.

They sang a calming lullaby at first. And everyone watched and listened to them for a long time. So long that the sky turned dark, and Luffy, Chopper, Bepo, and Zoro were all sleeping in a pile of limbs.

******

They arrived after the whitebeards they had had to make a detour to get food. Luffy had broken the fridge’s lock again while sleeping. And eaten everything to the bone.

Luffy did not even wait for the ship to berth before catapulting to shore. It was becoming a habit at this point.

Luffy looked around for a second before jumping at his brother’s boyfriend.

“Pineapple!”

In a second, the first division commander was holding a handful of Luffy, he only caught him thanks to the force of habit.

“Yah, Luffy! Say Hi to your brother first!” Ace shouted in outrage.

Luffy jumped down and hugged his brother with way too much force for anyone else than them.

Ace squeezed his little brother back happily.

Dying had that effect on people. They stopped pretending to be tough to not care. They showed their love now unashamedly.

When Law joined them, he asked straight away about business. Marco nodded towards the ship where Whitebeard was still.

Marco and the surgeon followed soon by chopper went on the Moby dick. Leaving the others to feast.

Newgate had suggested they wait for the feast in the following days. But Law had been insistent to do it first. They were bound to attract attention to wanted ships in one place, and meeting up again so soon after would not fit in their plans.

Once in the emperor’s room. With Marco and Chopper supervising. Law extended a hand.

“ROOM: Scan”

“I see. The disease has metastasised. It's a wonder you’re still alive. This is going to be long and painful, but not impossible.”

“Do your worse”, said Whitebeard.

Trafalgar used his powers again and again, using ‘Radio Knife’ again and again, cutting out the disease from the organs and then forcing them to heal.

After three long hours, he stopped. It was over. Edward Newgate was brand new and cured.

Law fell to the ground, only being caught last second by Marco.

“There you go,” The Phoenix said. Sitting him in one of the surrounding chairs.

He then joined Chopper in checking Whitebeard’s vitals.

“Everything seems fine”

“Thank you”

Whitebeard woke up a few minutes after the end of the procedure.

“Thank you, Trafalgar Law”

Law looked up “Well, you’ve done a lot for us. I’m just paying it back. Don’t mention it. Of course, I would ask you to drastically reduce your consumption of alcohol. Don’t destroy my hard work.”

Marco nodded in agreement “He will.”

Law had been escorted back to his ship by Marco and Chopper. They almost had to carry him. He had to convince Luffy not to come with him, telling him to enjoy his brother’s presence. He would not see him for a while after that.

After repeating he was fine almost three times, he agreed to have Chopper stay on the ship in case he needed anything.

Chopper happily slipped into the role of doctor and caretaker again.

Chapter Text

They gathered around the dining table, reviewing the last bits of the plan. Or as much of a plan as the Strawhats could manage. Meaning Luffy was a lost cause, and the others just worked around him.

The policy here was to get in, get out as fast as possible, while doing as much damage as possible.

They were going in a straight line. The ship would drop them at one point and then move to the retrieval point as they destroyed everything and everyone in sight.

Enies Lobby was going to be their playground right under CP9’s noses.

And they were all too happy to beat the crap out of these motherfuckers of assassins.

On the boat would stay: Shachi, Bepo and Penguin. They were great swimmers, perfect for the retrieval team, as they would need to swim to get the Devil Fruit users out. Also, Law had deemed them too inexperienced to get into this one. The overprotective Captain.

Also on Sunny would be Uta and Jinbe. She would handle protecting the ship with her ability. And he would man the ship.

As for Franky, he was in charge of the Battle Franky BF-38. It will open the fence for them to come in and later for them to come out.

The rest of them were going to have a party on Navy land.

They hadn’t told anyone they were doing this. And it all started when Robin had another nightmare of the Buster Call. Luffy had been furious in her stead. And then had decided to go to Enies Lobby and avenge Robin.

And of course, everyone followed the Captain of the Strawhats.

The Thousand Sunny was approaching the target at high speed. As they got closer, Battle Franky left the ship. Flying low in the sky, just a couple of centimetres above the sea.

He extended his arms and accelerated, opening the gate forcefully with a grating sound of bent iron.

The ship dropped them just in front of the Main Gate. They jumped off. and ran towards the doors.

Zoro focused on the doors, readying to slice them open. Meanwhile, Sanji was at his back, kicking and sending confused soldiers flying.

The Sunny had moved away, choosing to attack from the sea. The three youngsters were having fun with the cannons.

Luffy, of course, had just jumped up the Gate on his own. Already aiming for the Main Island’s Front Gate.

Law wasn’t pleased with that. But Luffy will be Luffy, and it was one of the reasons he fell for him.

He focused back on his fight. Reaping the hearts of soldiers left and right.

“It’s the Strawhats.” He heard an officer yell into a portable transponder.

“Room: shambles” Body parts went flying, terrifying the men. Law caught the transpondeur in his hands. Thinking that could be useful.

Zoro had managed to slice the door in a triple hit with his swords.

They ran towards the opening on Nami’s signal.

Over the battlefield, she had slowly been creating dark, black clouds. And as she passed through the entrance, she gave a zap. And suddenly, everyone still in the field was shocked unconscious.

“Nice one, Nami,” Said Zoro.

They ran together towards the second gate. The giants appeared to be in deep conversation with Luffy, who was standing on top of the Gate.

The soldiers and officers below were screaming at the Giants to stop talking and do something. Usopp smiled. Happy to have been useful in sharing the story of how the two giants had joined them.

Telling Luffy about it made things quicker for all of them, especially without the Franky Family or the Galley-la-company, to help them. The giants were vital to the plan.

The giants were opening the doors of the second gate.

Now came the difficult part.

Luffy was forbidden from using Nika or the Conqueror’s Haki. They shouldn’t let the enemy see all of their cards at once, Law had said.

But Haki of observation and armament were fair game.

Now, how to get to the courthouse…

Robin and Nami were now fighting back-to-back. Knocking out enemy after enemy. Electricity cracking in the air in tandem with bones breaking under the “Trentas Fleurs Clutch.”

Law and Chopper were working hand in hand. The reindeer would force the men to gather in groups that Law would either amputate or shamble.

Zoro and Brook were both working with their swords, with the bonus from the skeleton of terrifying their enemies with his ghost ability.

Sanji had run straight ahead to support his Captain.

They were both fighting Luffy, getting more and more impatient. He told something to the cook, and then he was up on the side buildings running like a madman to reach the Courthouse.

Law pressed the others to hurry up. While Luffy started the fight with CP9, they would destroy as much property as possible.

They were weirdly hoping for a Buster Call, but there was no guarantee of it happening without Robin in the enemies’ clutches.

From the side of the Island, the Sunny was bombarding the Southern part. It was already on fire in many places.

The Strawhats on the ground focused on the east side.

Nami created fires, Robin's giant hands coming out of the ground to hit soldiers and buildings alike. Zoro was slicing through stone like butter, and Sanji broke down building after building with his powerful kicks.

Brook, Chopper and Law focused on the men standing in the way of the group.

Oimo and Kashii, the two giants, went ahead to open the way to the courthouse.
And as for Usopp, he was on the shoulder of the giant Kashii he had been entrusted with the special mission of destroying most buildings. From his vantage point he kept shooting the improved the Firebird Stars in every direction. They now had the feature of being made to resist water, burning to ahes everything it touched.

They had been fighting for who knows how long, but everyone was still fired up. They were all feeling it. The drive to go further and further. Reach the impossible.

Luffy was the Sun that shone above them and showed them the way. They had been together for so long that it had become second nature for them to look at Luffy like you would the sun after a storm.

Slowly but surely, they made their way.

Then the Watchdogs of the Law came out.

They fought hard. But not hard enough to slow the Strawhats down. They wiped the floor with them.

Finally, they got to the Courthouse where the Chief Justice, the three-headed Baskerville, was.

Once again, Zoro made short work of slicing open the doors.

Chapter Text

“I do not know why you came here, but you have no future. This is an act of revolt, and you will be punished for it,” said Blueno.

Luffy set his body into gear second, steam rose from his reddish skin. His blood was pumping faster and faster.

“Door” His enemy invoked a door in mid-air and disappeared.

Luffy waited eyes closed for him to reappear. Then he felt a presence with his haki. He dodged in time to launch himself into an attack, “Gum Gum Jet Pistol”. He punched the agent square in the face, sending him crashing into the stone edges.

Blueno got up with difficulty and readied to kick Luffy. Calling another door at the last second. He teleported to the other side, “Tempest kick”, he said. His kick almost landed only to be blocked by the pirate. Luffy took the opportunity to hit with his “Gum Gum missile”.

The man tried to block using his Iron Body Technique. But Luffy’s haki infused his body, and he punched the man with the full force of his armed gear 2nd.

Blueno went flying. Crashing into the Tower of Law and denting the stone before falling to the ground in front of the tower. His unmoving form was limp and broken.

Luffy looked at the massive destruction all around him with a satisfied grin.

Suddenly, a loud noise came from down where the drawbridge had been opened and was settling into place.

Before long, Nami, Robin, Zoro, Usopp, Sanji, Law, Chopper, and Brook were all standing on the rooftop with him.

The members of CP9 and their leader, Spandam, were looking at them from the Tower of Law. The Strawhats got on top of the raised edge of the building, standing in line, the Co-Captains in the middle, Robin beside Luffy.

“This is for Robin,” Muttered Luffy.

“For all the nightmares,” added Nami, reaching out to hold he girlfriend’s hand.

Luffy stood tall and proud.

“I, Monkey D. Luffy, declare War on the World Government,” he said loudly to their enemy.

He then gestured for Usopp to shoot the flag. The white and blue thing burst into flames on impact.

The pirates were looking straight at the CP9 members solemnly.

“You’re crazy if you think you’re coming out of this alive. How dare you mock us?” Spandam screamed.

Law turned towards the others and quietly said:” Remember, we have until the Gates of Justice open up to leave, then it will be over for us”

They were lucky that all of CP9 were gathered here on this day. But then, when was Luffy unlucky in his travels? Luck seemed to favour him.

Once the Strawhats had found their way into the Tower of Law, they separated to find the CP9 members.

Chopper and Usopp went together. They quickly found Fukurou. Usopp positioned himself at the edge of the battle. Aiming to shoot at the large man as soon as he found an opening.

Chopper ate the first Rumble.

The enemy unlocked his iron body as the reindeer rammed into them. Chopper, using the power of the Rumble, hit the man again and again, never letting up in the short time accorded to him.

He could not get this wrong, their comrades were counting on them being quick and efficient.

The transformation stopped, and Chopper backed down, resting behind Usopp, who fired at will. His explosions were so much better than before. One hit and he would burn the man alive. He cringed at the idea. But this was the CP9, the ones that tortured them and Robin especially.

“For Robin”, he thought.

Chopper ate another Rumble and attacked with frenzy.

And then the perfect shot.
Just once.

Usopp shot his Starfire ball at the enemy. It hit. Usopp could cry from relief. The man tried to roll around to extinguish the fire in vain, the thing was like tar and oil mixed up, it would burn until it consumed.

They watched the man go insane from the burning.

Then he stopped moving, unconscious or dead.

Chopper and Usopp went to the rendezvous point.

Meanwhile.

Kumadori had tried to ambush Law with his hair, which the pirate avoided with disgust.

“Your hair really shouldn’t touch people. This is gross”

Law jumped back again. “ROOM: Amputate” The man found himself separated from his limbs. Trafalgar then used Scalpl to reach inside the man’s chest and cut his heart out. The Surgeon crumbled in his hands without an ounce of hesitation.

In another part of the Tower.

Nami entered the room slowly and saw the familiar bubbles on the ground. She did not get inside, yet she pushed the end of her Clima-Tact through the door and created a cloud.

Kalifa went to reach for the door when the cloud started raining, she was soaked through in a few seconds.

Nami followed up with “Thunderbolt Tempo”, which earned her a fainting and slightly crispy agent.

She was happy to have found the one she had been looking for, easy to defeat if you knew the trick.

Zoro and Sanji were arguing about why the other was following them. As they went in the same direction.

They got interrupted by the Wolf guy. Sanji hadn’t bothered to learn his name.

“His mine find your own,” Sanji said, grinning.

The villain started the hostilities by using one of the six techniques: “Iron body kempo, Iron fingers” Sanji took the hit and used the closeness to his advantage.

“Troisième Haché”, kick.
“Basses Côte”, kick.
“Tendon”, kick.
“Flanchet”, kick.

He kept going one after the other.

The wolf was bleeding heavily from several places by the end of it.

“How could you pierce my Iron Body ?”

“Wolf Plantain Stance”, he tried to defend himself.

Sanji responded in kind after having been hit in the face. Spitting out blood. He used his special technique:” Diable Jambe, Flambage Shot” his flaming kick came down on the wolf so fast that it barely saw it coming.

Zoro got lost. Of course he did. Not that he would admit it to anyone. He had been looking for the giraffe man, Kaku.

By pure chance he found him rather quickly, all things considered.

“Roronoa Zoro, I hear you are a good enough swordsman.”

The man transformed into his giraffe form and took out his swords.

They exchanged a few blows, but the Pirate Hunter quickly noticed the difference in swordsmanship.

It must have felt this way to Mihawk the first time they had fought against one another.

“Find me in a few years and we’ll duel again,” Said Zoro around his sword. “Nine-Sword Style, Asura. Asura Silver Mist.”

He cut through the man easily. Cutting his swords into several bits and pieces. Kaku fell forward and was knocked out.

Luffy had stayed with Robin, not wanting her to be alone with any of them, CP9.

They found Lucci and Spandam together in the office of the chief.

“You take Spanda, Robin. I’ll take Lucci.”

In a few seconds, Robin had the disgusting excuse of a human being under her control, using her ability to immobilise him.

She then sat on the desk and waited for Luffy to be over with his fight.

The man exchanged a few blows with Luffy. But he seemed to realise that Strawhat was holding back. This enraged the leopard man, who transformed into his animal form.

Trying to hold back, Luffy took many hits but always got back up.

He tried to control his Haki and Nika at the same time, which was no easy feat.

He got into Gear 2nd and came after the man like a demon.

Punch, kick, jump, he was finally getting into the rhythm of the fight.

He started playing, laughing, so much so that Robin called out his name in warning.

His attitude resembled that of Nika, the Sun God.

Luffy sobered up after the reminder. Gear 3rd: “Giant pistol, Jet Axe” One after the other, landing on Lucci.

Finally, as the agent was getting ready to attack again, Luffy launched himself at him with high speed, “Gum Gum Jet Bazooka,” he yelled as he hit Lucci in the chest.

His body flew with the impact and crashed into the wall, breaking it, then the wall after that and again.

The two pirates waited for a moment. But Lucci wasn’t getting up any time soon.

Luffy turned to Robin and asked what to do with the weakling.

She simply said, “Leave it to me.”

She looked the Chief in the eyes. “Your Justice is pathetic. Your power jackshit. And I’ll never fear you ever again. Trendas Fleurs: Clutch”

And just like that, she broke the man’s spine. He would never walk again. He would never threaten anyone ever again.

They all met up on the bridge going to the Gates of Justice, the huge doors were slightly open, and one could see Warships waiting for it to open just a bit more.

They saw on the side the Sunny waiting for them underneath the bridge. They all jumped in the water at the same time as Bepo, Shachi and Penguin who would fish the Devil Fruit Users out of the sea.

The doors opened enough for a ship to pass through. Back on board, the soaked Strawhats went into action, defending their ship against the cannonballs.

“Franky! Now!” Screamed Luffy.

“Aye aye, Captain!”

The Sunny’s boosters were activated, allowing them to move at the speed of a sea train into the air before slowly landing back on the sea.

The Sunny had taken some damage, but nothing that Franky and the Franky Family could not repair.

Chapter Text

They got to water seven and hid the Sunny in a warehouse near the Franky Family’s hideout to get the Sunny fixed up.

The members of Franky’s Family were excited to have their leader back for a few days. They told Franky all about what had been going on in Water Seven since Franky had left a few years back.

It wasn’t until the next day that the news of the Strawhats pirates destroying Enies Lobby went around. They all received much higher bounties due to the distinctive nature of their attack. The newspaper likened them the the Revolutionary Army.

Luffy 500 000 000
Law 500 000 000
Uta 88 000 000
Zoro 300 000 000
Nami 100 000 000
Sanji 300 000 000
Usopp 100 000 000
Chopper 40 000 000
Robin 200 000 000
Franky 70 000 000
Brook 90 000 000
Jinbe 260 000 000
Penguin 50 000 000
Shachi 50 000 000
Bepo 33 000 000

Total = 2,681,000,000 B

The crew took the time while restoring Sunny to rest, eat and train in Zoro’s case.

A few days later and they were almost ready to go.

That is when a member of the Franky family ran inside, warning them about the Marines arriving in Water Seven.

They got ready to fight. Franky sped up the last touches to Thousand Sunny.

“Distract the Navy while I put Sunny in the water,” yelled Franky in action.

“Luffy!” They heard a shout coming from the outside.

They ran out.

“Grandpa?!”

“What have you been doing, Luffy, you crazy kid?!” Garp went for a halfhearted punch, which the pirate avoided easily.

A murmur travelled across the Marines accompanying the Vice-Admiral. “Hero Garp is Strawhat's grandfather?!” Everyone was shocked.

“What are you doing here?” Asked Luffy.

“Some respect for your Grandfather! You brat, I came to arrest you. But I’ll be generous and give you a head start” He looked over at their ship and was pleased to see it moored and ready to go.

Luffy screamed at his crew to go to the ship. He would hold his grandfather back.

Garp looked at his apprentice, “Koby. Why don’t you try beating him?”

The pink-haired boy came forward, determined to win. He tried to hit Luffy several times, only for the pirate to avoid every strike. And place a single punch into his stomach, sending Koby flying.

The marine crashed loudly into the ground. Luffy towers over him.

“Find me when you get stronger, Koby.”

Koby was startled and in awe of the man who had been pulling his punches. Weren’t pirates supposed to never play fair?

Meanwhile, Garp was laughing his heart out.

Luffy took the opportunity to stretch out his arms, grabbing the masts of his ship to catapult himself on board, to the surprise of all the marines except Garp.

The Vice-Admiral got on his dog ship and waited a minute or two for the Sunny to get further away before throwing cannon balls at them. Which were easily stopped by the pirate crew, even sending some back their way.

Thousand Sunny went flying ahead into the sky, getting further and further away by the second, with the crew laughing happily.

Chapter Text

“Luffy…You’ve gone on quite the rampage…” Shanks thought aloud.

“Declaring war on the World Government… This kid is ushering in the new era.” Whitebeard laughed loudly before drinking his iced tea.

Shanks raised an eyebrow at his choice of drink. To which Newgate had simply shrugged and said, “I’d hate to make the surgeon mad”. More loud laughter.

“More for me,” Shanks responded.

“Cheeky brat”.

Shanks and Whitebeard had met in the New World and destroyed a Navy fleet in the process. Just to talk about the Strawhats and their last adventure.

“These kids are unpredictable and impulsive, mostly thanks to Luffy, I guess,” said the redhead, drinking another swing of sake from the bottle.

“They should be headed for the New World soon enough now,” Marco said as he and Ace came to the main deck.

They had gone to check on the crew members Shanks had rudely knocked out with conqueror’s haki.

“I swear Luffy is trying to give me grey hairs,” Said Ace, a hand going through his perfectly black hair.

“It would suit you, I’m sure,” responded Marco. Making the younger man smile brightly and blush.

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” winked Fire-Fist. “We should have a feast, a big one. In honour of the Strawhats.”

Shanks laughed, and Newgate agreed.

The Red Pirates and Whitebeards would then celebrate for three days.

*

Dragon entered the room with the latest News Coo in hand. He dropped it in Sabo’s lap.

The blond who had been reading raised an eyebrow in asquance. The Revolutionary leader just told him to read the paper in answer.

Sabo set aside the book he had been reading. And opened the newspaper. As he read, his eyes got bigger and bigger from shock.

He then started laughing uncontrollably. “Luffy, you crazy pirate. You had to do that?”

He shook his head. This was unbelievable. Luffy had sent his first message to the World Government and Imu by destroying one of the three pillars of the justice system.

Pirates were amazing, thought Sabo.

Later that day, Dragon and Sabo were talking about their latest plan.

Sabo and Bonney were to find a way to get Kuma’s memory back. The Dark Dark Fruit user had wanted to go alone, but the young girl had refused. Threatening to go alone if Sabo didn’t go with her.

Dragon had stressed the need for the girl to follow Sabo’s lead in every and any situation.

They would try and infiltrate Egghead Island to gather as much intel as possible. From a somewhat cooperative Vegapunk.

The two left the day after.

Dragon watched them leave from the upper story of the building.

“Live as you please, Sabo, Luffy.” Said Dragon to the wind, thinking about the dangers ahead for his two sons.

*

Sabo should never have come to this Island. It was a trap. Set especially for them.

Chapter Text

The first morning back at sea after Enies Lobby, Nami had woken up because of the rays of sunlight coming from her window.

She looked over at Robin sleeping soundly beside her. It was a rare occurrence for her. She usually slept for only a few hours at a time and got up insanely early.

That is why Nami was careful not to wake her. She stayed unmoving, waiting for the day to start basking in the sun like a cat. For now, she enjoyed the quietness and peacefulness of the cabin.

After all, with their destination in mind, it would be quite some time before the day they would be able to enjoy sunlight again. Much to her dislike. But she understood the need for Moria to pay for his deeds. And Luffy, the freest man alive, cared too much not to free the shadows the Warlord of the Sea had taken.

She felt her girlfriend move on the bed.

Robin opened her eyes slowly. And smiled.

Nami’s heart clenched and started to beat faster at the sight.

“She is so beautiful,” thought Nami in wonder.

“Good morning,” said Robin softly.

“Morning,” answered the ginger. She got flustered by the voice of her partner. And her cheeks got a rosy tint from it.

“Sleep well?”

“Like a dream. For the first time in forever, I had no nightmares.” Robin grinned.

“Really? I hope it stays that way,” Nami smiled hopefully.

“Me too…Let’s get up and go enjoy the sunlight. I feel today is going to be a great day.”

They got up, changed, and took the stairs to get to the deck.

There, they saw everyone enjoying the sun and warmth it brought. Especially Brook, who always cherished the sun more than anyone, having been unable to see it for years and years before.

After half an hour or so, Sanji brought them their breakfast and tea.

Robin had to admit the man was much more enjoyable to be around since dialling back the flirting and worshipping.

She thanked Zoro for the change in the cook’s attitude. Of course, he was still gentlemanly, but in a less obnoxious way.

Chapter Text

Shachi and Penguin were trained in swordsmanship under Law and Zoro.

The two swordsmen were demanding and borderline cruel in their training. Both had learned to use a sword from a young age and excelled at it. And they expected their students to be as good, focused and attentive as themselves.

Mistakes were treated with harder and longer training sessions. That is how an expected two hours of training time could become a whole day of training.

Their masters were preparing them for war. The youngest crew members knew that too well. And applied themselves carefully so as not to trigger the wrath of their teachers too much.

Also, they knew they had to try and catch up to the rest of the crew, which was extremely difficult with them having two lifetimes of training.

Luffy would usually be nicer about it, but Law expected perfection. Penguin and Shachi knew it stemmed from wanting to keep them alive, so they accepted the extra training gracefully.

They hoped one day to be strong enough so Law would stop worrying over them so much.

Still, they were grateful for both captains, and especially Law.

Meanwhile, Bepo learned to use his Mink’s ability with the help of Chopper. The reindeer had provided him with Mink Sulong medicine, with strict orders from Law and Chopper to use it only during emergencies.

Luffy had also helped to work on his brute force.

They trained almost every day, and the Captains would also do surprise attacks on the three just to test their reaction time and their strength.

But their strength came from the ability to swim. They won against everyone but Jinbe. The three were excellent at swimming. They would regularly train in the sea, testing their endurance and skill.

They would also regularly fish out the Devil Fruit users from having, for whatever reason, fallen into the sea.

Luffy was always a great encouragement, praising the skills of the youngest. But the one person they wanted compliments from the most was none other than Law.

And when he did, although rarely, praise them, their eyes shone with pride and tears.

Chapter Text

Luffy and Law were sitting under the shadow of a tree. The clearing was small and covered in little white flowers.

They were sitting on a green blanket that the cook had given them, along with a large bag.

Sanji had made sandwiches, finger foods, desserts, and onigiri for Law. He also included cured meats in large quantities for Luffy.

The thing was huge, but Luffy had carried it up the hillside easily. They had come upon the clearing while walking around the previous day. And the younger man had decided to go on a date with his boyfriend.

They set up the blanket and leisurely enjoyed each other’s company.

They had finished their meal. And here, lounging on the cover. And looking at the clouds.
Luffy kept on looking back at Law.

“What is it? ” asked the surgeon. “You’ve been looking, or more accurately staring, at me the whole afternoon. So what is it?”

Luffy was blushing. A pink tint dusted his cheek. He was avoiding his boyfriend’s gaze and muttering something unintelligible.

The surgeon grabbed his chin with a two-finger hold. Forcing him to look into his eyes.

“Your tattoos”, answered Luffy simply. Eyes avoiding Law’s still.

“What about them?”

Luffy was trying to free his face from his hold. Not wanting to say any more embarrassing things.

“Don’t you like them? I thought you did?”

Luffy was getting redder and redder with each passing second.

“I love them.” He said timidly.

Law smiled his most confident smile, clearly liking how things were unfolding.

“Do you want to touch them?”

Luffy paused and then nodded in agreement, and Law guided his fingers at first. Then he let his boyfriend trace the freshly healed tattoos.

Luffy’s face was red as he traced each tattoo carefully from his chest to his shoulders, then to his hands and fingers.

“Yeah…I like them. They’re a part of you. They remind me of when I first fell for you.” said Luffy shily.

Law took his hands, which were touching his fingers, into his own hands and pulled the other man up against him.

They kissed under the pinkish sky, the sun disappearing into the horizon. Exchanging soft kisses and then more urgent ones. Luffy’s hands came to rest on the expense of his chest. Whereas Law‘s came to cup the other's face tenderly.

They stayed that way for a few minutes before separating, but still looking at each other, enamoured.

But as the sky got darker, they decided to go back to the ship for the night.

On their way, the Strawhat Captain pointed at all the moths and beetles he could find.

“That’s a Rosy maple moth.” He pointed at the pink and yellow insect. ”And that’s a Millionia Basalis,” he said, walking closer to the deep blue and orange moth.

They kept on going as Law nodded along to the others’ explanations.

“Oh, look! A giant peacock moth!” The moth was brown with sort of eye-shaped darker spots.

Luffy seemed so happy like this. Just then, Law made the silent vow of always protecting him and his smile.

They arrived back at the Sunny, and Luffy ran to Nami to show her the Golden Tortoise Beetle he had caught. The insect was of a beautiful gold colour.

The woman screamed so loud she could have been heard all across the old port town.

Chapter Text

Fortunately, this time around, Brook had never been to Thriller Bark. Never lost his shadow to the Warlord of the Sea. All of this would have happened five years ago, but Brook found his body earlier in this life and managed to get to Luffy ten or so years ago.

Not everyone had been inclined to go through the Devil’s sea. Mainly, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, and Bepo had been against it. Sanji had stayed silent throughout the debate. But the rest of the crew had been loudly agreeing with their captain.

“How can I be the freest man alive if I don’t free these shadows?” Luffy had said with conviction.

And so, they would go there and free everyone from the shallot man.

They sailed through the Florian Triangle for a few days before they finally found it.

Usopp was the one to spot the offering’s barrel. They quickly got it up and on the ship.

Everyone had been briefed on what would happen once the barrel was opened and once Thriller Bark got to them.

Bepo had been told way too many ghost stories by almost everyone on the crew. He had been incapable of sleeping alone for a few days and had been crashing with Law and Luffy.
Which, admittedly, Law got quickly annoyed about when the bear stole his ‘Luffy cuddles’ from him.

But even after three days of smooth sailing through the sea. The bear was still scared to death of the infamous Thriller Bark.

So Law endured.

After they unleashed the flare, indicating their position, they were falling into Moria’s trap quickly enough.

Luffy was overexcited to get to explore more of the Island this time around.

Meanwhile, the cook was keeping a close eye on his boyfriend. Praying that Kuma wouldn’t show his face this time around. Because he had no idea how he would be able to stop Zoro from protecting Luffy. It went against the Swordsman's very nature after all.

Last time, he had almost lost Zoro because of Kuma. And only Robin, Zoro, and he knew what had occurred with the cyborg.

As soon as the barrel was opened, the sky got dark, and the storm started. They shifted the Sunny into paddle ship mode.

The paddles came out on either side of the boat from the 0 doors.

They could not see much around them. With the thick fog surrounding Moria’s ship.

Bepo was hiding behind Luffy and Law, looking over their shoulders minutely.

Nami and Sanji distributed bags of salt to exorcise the shadows of all the zombies. After all, it was the best weapon against the undead residing on the Ghost Island.

Then Sanji gave Luffy his pirate lunch. Knowing how hungry Luffy got during and after fights.

Afterwards, they waited for the Thousand Sunny Go to moor, or well, more accurately. They waited to get caught in the spider monkey’s web.

Once they were, they had decided to stay as a large group for a little while and to separate once they got to the Creepy Mansion (as Chopper called it).

“Don’t get caught this time,” Franky told them.

“Yah! Don’t jinx us!” Usopp had whispered-screamed at him.

They disembarked and went to follow the path going down and then up into the forest.

“I hate it here, it’s just as creepy as last time”, Nami complained loudly.

Robin walked to her side and offered her her hand to hold, which Nami accepted gladly.

They walked on the skeletons, careful not to fall. The path was covered in bones and gave off a cracking sound with each step they took.

“We’ve got company”, said Zoro at some point.

A low growl was heard in the trench they were in.

Luffy’s eyes shone with delight at the sound. Meanwhile, Usopp, Chopper, Bepo, and Nami yelped in terror.
The Strawhat captain pounced on the three-headed dog, and his arms wrapped around its neck tightly.

A wave of the man’s conqueror’s haki had the dog relenting to the assault and sitting like the good boy he was.

Most likely, Chouchou would be angry with them smelling like another dog, thought Law. The white dog was fiercely attached to Luffy, especially.

“Good Cerberus”, said Luffy while patting the zombie dog. Before he decided to climb onto its back.

After some time, they finally reached the forest.

The tension accumulated dropped a bit more with the bone path behind them. Yes, the forest was creepy as fuck too, but everything beat the feelings of bones crushing under your steps if you asked Usopp.

The forest was even darker than the rest with the cover of the trees. Bepo kept on jumping in fear as the zombie trees moved and tried to scare them.

But besides Bepo and Chopper, the rest of them barely reacted to anything the zombies did. Nami and Usopp were…well they were trying very hard not to look too scared.

Curiously, Hildon wasn’t there to welcome them with the carriage Nami had described. Luffy was a bit disappointed, even if that meant he could keep the dog longer.

They did not use the salt against the graveyard zombies, not wanting their enemies to know yet that they indeed knew their biggest weakness. Instead, they used fire attacks and brute force to force them back into their graves.

They were welcomed to the Mansion by an irritated Cindry, who launched several plates at the pirates. Which were dodged easily by them all. Which seemed to annoy the zombie woman even more.

They met Hogback, who showed them to their rooms and bathrooms. Informing them that dinner would be served in an hour.

From this point on, they formed four groups with their targets. They separated, each following a different path to the centre of the ship that was Thriller Bark.

Chapter Text

Group 2 was composed of Chopper, Brook, Jinbe, and Penguin.

They waited for their host to go away before slipping through the secret passage into the fireplace.

Chopper did not remember much of the place, having been terrified and on the run the first time he came here.

So they walked along the corridors, looking into the different doors. The zombie paintings were mostly quiet and still. Which Chopper appreciated.

They mustn’t have received orders to spook them quite yet. Hoping for it to last, they hurried a bit their pace.

They found Cindry’s picture room, where all her living pictures and mementoes were kept around by Hogback.

Then, as they exited that room, chaos unfolded.

The Surprise Zombies were starting to try and drag them into the paintings. So they started running for their life. Brook was leading the group. And Jinbe was bringing up the rear.

So they ran and ran until Brook exclaimed in victory, having found the laboratory of the surgeon.

The man was there with Cindry, working on his latest zombie. They looked at the group who had just entered in shock.

“Doctor Chopper, and everyone, what a surprise. You should be in your rooms,” Said Hogback in a syrupy voice.

“Doctor Hogback,” responded Chopper. He looked at the mutilated and sawn-up body on the table in the middle of the room. And continued angrily, “I don’t think you bring honour and respect to the title of Doctor, though.” he paused, trying to keep his calm. “You are disrespecting the profession and disrespecting the dead by doing what you are doing. You are playing with death instead of preserving life.”

Hogback’s smile was gone. Instead, he had a deep scowl on his face.

“That is not a nice thing to say, Doctor Chopper. I am revolutionising the cycle of life and death here. Look at my creations.” He gestured towards Cindry and the Zombie waking up slowly on the table. “Aren’t they wonderful ?”

“No! They are monstrous. A cheap parody of life!” Chopper looked at the woman. “Cindry, don’t you regret the time when you were alive and being an actress and surrounded by loved ones? Is being that man’s servant what you had hoped to become? Remember the smell of the theatre, the lights on the stage!” Chopper yelled, tears blurring his vision.

“What are you trying, Doctor Chopper?” The surgeon snarled. “Cindry, get rid of this reindeer and its friends!”

Brook, Penguin, and Jinbe got ready to fight. But nothing happened. Cindry was frozen in place. Tears were rolling down her face.

Suddenly, she whirled around to face her maker. Plates in hand, she started throwing them at Hogback in rapid succession, and with impeccable aim, they crashed into the man’s head.

Hogback was knocked out swiftly.

“Cindry? Do you want salt?’ asked Chopper gently.

“Yes, please.” She held out her hand, and Brook gave her some salt, which she promptly threw in her mouth.

The shadow inside her rose above her body, which fell to the floor uninhabited.

Chopper then turned to the barely awakened zombie on the table and put some salt in his mouth. The shadow quickly left the body to return to its original owner.

They left the laboratory behind and threw salt at all the Surprise Zombies on the way to the nearest footbridge leading to the rest of the large ship.

Chapter Text

Group 1: Nami, Robin, Uta, and Franky.

Nami had warned them about the Invisible, perverted man: Absalom.

She had also warned them about Lola, with whom she had a rough start but who was, in fact, a sweetheart. And one of Big Mum’s daughters.

They came across the panther-faced man by pure chance, or was it misfortune? With that man, it would be more of the latter. If one were to be honest.

The man made a mistake trying to go after any of the women for sure. Because before Franky could intervene, the three had already launched attacks against their misogynistic enemy.

“Go to hell!” shouted the women in chorus. As if they had rehearsed it.

Uta punched him in the nose, Nami kicked him in the balls, and Robin used her Devil Fruit.

“Dos Fleurs; Clutch.” The man felt his bones breaking under the pressure, contorting his skeleton brutally.

The man ended up in a sad pile on the floor, body twitching from the pain and forced contortion. And his nose was bleeding profusely.

And just like that, the man was knocked out.

He probably never expected women to respond this way to his disgusting flirting and leering. And that played in their favour.

They heard heavy steps running their way. And Lola appeared. When she saw her dear Absalom on the floor, she saw red and charged towards them.

“What did you do to my Absalom ?!” She tried to hit all of them, one after the other, and they had to jump out of the way. “What did you do to my future husband?!” she continued screaming, enraged. “Are you trying to steal him from me ?!!”

“Lola, calm down, please.” Said Nami. Jumping out of the way of a powerful punch that ended up making a large hole in the wall. “I’m not even into men”, she continued, nodding towards Robin: “She’s my girlfriend. Look,” She showed her the picture of them kissing in her locket.

Lola stopped. She looked intently at the picture, then looked back at the two women in front of her.

“What about that one ?”

She pointed at Uta.

“I am as aromantic and asexual as one can be. And even if it wasn’t the case. I’d rather die than be with an ugly pervert like him. You deserve so much better, Miss Lola.”

“That's true, Lola, you deserve so much more than a cheap guy like Erosalom.”

“You think so ?“ Asked the boar zombie, tears in her eyes. “It’s the first time someone tells me that.”

“Anyone who told you to settle for any man is a liar and an idiot,” Robin said gently, and, slowly getting closer, extended a hand.

“We’re your friends now,” Nami added.

“Yes, we are.” Uta smiled at the zombie woman.

Franky was astounded by the scene before his eyes.

He decided to follow them silently as they talked about standards in men, and never settling for less than what they deserved.

Women could be terrifying, he thought, looking back at the twitching body behind them.

One should never anger women, thought the Cyborg. Especially so in the cases where women were also well-known pirates.

Nami, after a few minutes of walking and laughing, asked Lola about the treasure in Perona’s room.

Lola was all too happy to show them the way to the hidden room in Perona’s quarters.

They followed her. Chatting happily, ready to empty Thriller Bark’s treasure room.

“You’re the best, Lola dear!” Nami said, twirling happily. “Let’s get this treasure on the Sunny as fast as we can”.

Uta could have sworn Berry signs were showing instead of Nami’s eyes…The woman really lived for riches.

“Well, good for her,” Thought Uta.

Chapter Text

Group 4: Law, Luffy, and Bepo.

Hildon was flying over the breezeway when the Strawhat extended his arms (Freak) and grabbed him out of the sky.

The bat hybrid was face-to-face with the Surgeon of Death when he opened his eyes again.

Were everyone on this crew as terrifying as them? That couldn’t be possible. The two were emitting a scary energy while smiling the whole time.

How come they got such a powerful crew into their web? Hildon had seen the posters and the huge bounties from the crew that had attacked Enies Lobby for no reasons. They were insanely high.

“Do you think we can eat it? I’m hungry again…”Said the man on the left.

“Luffy, I’m pretty sure it’s not edible,” the one on the right said.

“What?! Eat him?! What were they?!” Thought the man-bat. “They were crazy! Someone help him!”

When Luffy looked down at the bat, it had fainted.

“It doesn’t seem well…You’re probably right. I don’t think it's well enough to be eaten.”

Luffy threw the thing away.

Hildon’s unconscious body went flying far away into the forest in front of the Mansion.

They arrived at Perona’s Wonder Garden.

Luffy looked at all the pretty decor and trees, and lights.

He loved it all.

Everything was just so pretty and wonderful.

Luffy reached out for Law's hand. And squeezed it affectionately.

“It would be so cool to have a date here. Don’t you think so? It’s like the perfect place.”

“Anywhere with you is the ideal date for me,” Law answered, squeezing his lover's hand back.

“I’m still here,” Said Bepo, embarrassed to see this soft side of the Heart Captain. Law threw him that look…that made him apologise profusely.

“It’s ok, Bepo, I got distracted,” reassured Luffy. “Let’s go that way,” He pointed at an archway built into the building.”I have a good feeling it will be the one to get to Giant Shallot, man.”

They were walking a while in the deem lit corridor. Until they felt someone's presence. Or multiple presences along with theirs.

Bepo was going to get hit by an attack, which Luffy intercepted with his own body. He got webbed by the spidery mice. And tried to get free, but couldn’t because of the stickiness of the thing.

Law managed to avoid another attack meant for him. But before he could do anything, Luffy had disappeared, and so had Bepo.

“Fuck!” He swore loudly. And just like that, the plan to avoid the birth of Oars went to shit.

They were distracted, and it got the best out of them.

The crew was going to be pissed.

He was furious at himself.

He ran to get to the end of the tunnel-like corridor. And find Luffy and Bepo, hopefully, before their shadows get taken away.

Chapter Text

Group 3: Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, and Shachi.

They found Perona being escorted by the samurai zombie Ryuma.

“This one,” Zoro pointed at the bodyguard. “Is mine alone,” His deep voice cut through the air like one of his swords.

He turned to face the Samurai, who recognised him as a fellow swordsman and a worthy opponent.

They exchanged blow after blow after blow…

The green-haired sporting a grin the whole time.

“This sword,” He said, looking at the enemy’s katana. “I want it.”

“Come and get it then. It is one of the 21 o-wazamono swords, Shusui. It has accompanied this body through all the seas.”

The zombie smiled. As it felt the shift in the fight. The younger man was putting more behind his hits. The edge of his sword felt sharper. His movements were swifter.

Finally, Zoro wasn’t holding back anymore.

He looked at the sword with hunger in his eyes. Longing for its powers, for its strength.

“Three Style Sword 108 Pound Phoenix.”

A blue phoenix-like shape appeared in front of Zoro. Emanating from his swords. He moved, and the attack struck his opponent. Burning his body almost instantly.

The zombie admitted his defeat and chucked his blade and scabbard at his enemy. Before letting go of the shadow inside his flaming body.

Meanwhile, Sanji had refused to fight Perona. Saying that he “wouldn’t kick a woman”.

Which got aimed at him, an attack from Perona’s ghost. Thankfully for him, Zoro was too busy at the moment to notice him wallowing in self-hatred and wishing he had never been born. The depressing effects only stopped after a few minutes.

Usopp kept her busy being immunised from the wallowing ghosts. He had told Shachi to find her real body while he was distracting her.

And the younger man had followed suit.

Usopp was attacking her with his “Special Attack Flame Star”. Suddenly, she froze.

Back in her room, Shachi had tied her up and had thrown a glass of water that was sitting on the bedside table at her face. She instantly got back to her body and screamed so loud that the man had to cover his ears.

“You’re alright… Calm down,” Said Sachi softly.

“What have you done ?!” She screamed in his face.

“I just threw some water at you.”

She was angry and red in the face, trying to untie herself.

“You freaking beast, moron, idiot, asshole…” She kept on swearing at the man.

He just tuned her out.

Sanji yelled at him for having tied their enemy. Zoro and Usopp just told him not to pay attention to the cook.

Still, Shachi could not help but feel bad. So he apologised to Perona.

Meanwhile, Zoro offered to get her out of Moria’s ship. As they were planning to destroy it all and he felt sympathy for the woman who had spent two years annoying him in another life.

She was wary, but stuck in a corner, she accepted the offer.

Zoro got her bindings off and told her to take her wild zombies and load their ship with food and treasure. And then wait aboard the Sunny if she wanted to stay alive.

Chapter Text

Group 2: Chopper, Brook, Penguin, and Jinbe

The group finally found their way to the bridge crossing to get to Moria’s part of the ship.

Suddenly, Brook and Jinbe alerted the other two of the Monkey Spider above them.

They had not noticed at first, but a huge web had been created above the bridge in a sort of second footbridge.

On the web, dozens of Mice Spiders were crawling.

Chopper could not help but scream at the sight. He felt like creepy crawlers were running on his fur. Disgusted, he ran to the other side of the bridge.

Penguin and Brook got their swords out, and just like the skeleton had taught them, they attacked together and did their three-pace notch slash on the giant, monstrous spider.

One step

Two steps

Third step

The gigantic Monkey Spider was sliced twice and fell to the ground with a big thud.

The group continued ahead. And joined Chopper while the Mice Spiders were panicking.

Chapter Text

Law kicked in the door.

But he was too late. Moria was already putting Luffy’s shadow into the body of Oars, Berserker, Devil, who had died freezing, five hundred years ago.

“Gecko Moria! I’m going to rip you to pieces! ROOM: Takt”

Law sent flying all the coffins’ lids in a swipe of his katana. He saw his boyfriend's body in the third coffin and Bepo’s in the first. And still using his Takt, he levitated both of them to him.

With his boyfriend in his arms and his best friend resting at his feet, he looked once again at Moria.

“I’m going to annihilate you, moron.”

“You’re just a rookie. What are you going to do with your Captain unconscious anyway?”

The rest of the crew arrived in that instant. Zoro looked at Luffy’s unconscious body and saw red, drawing three of the four katanas at his belt. Sanji wasn’t much different, getting ready to kick the shit out of their enemy.

“We're missing: Uta, Nami, Robin, and Franky,” Thought the Heart Captain.

But Law had a good idea of where they would be. Helping themselves to Moria’s treasure…

Good.

The bastard won’t need it anymore anyway.

Law asked Jinbe and Penguin to take Bepo and Luffy to the Sunny. And to not wake them under any circumstances.

He did not want Luffy to participate in this fight if he could avoid it. Gear 2nd was taking a heavy toll on his boyfriend’s body and keeping Nika in, too. So the decision to let him sleep was taken in seconds.

Soon they would be in the New World, and Nika would be free. But not yet. Not that close to Marineford.

He turned back his attention to Oars and Moria.

“The Shadow Shadow Fruit won’t save you, just so you know. And for your information, this crew has two captains.”

A crash could be heard. Oars had woken up, and like the original one, the Strawhats had described. The Berserker was out of control, destroying the wall and roof, keeping him prisoner. So now was the best moment to take down Moria.

Oars asked for food, meat, and screamed about becoming the King of Pirates. Law cringed at how Luffy’s shadow resembled its owner at first. Before finally settling down and submitting to Moria. Which made Law grind his teeth.

Not long after the shadow settled, Moria disappeared into the shadows.

He was most likely hiding in Oars’ belly like the first time around.

They needed to get rid of Oars first. Chopper had told them that the Giant had a fatal flaw. His right arm and upper back had had frostbite on them while Oars was still alive. This made him much weaker on this side than on the other.

Law and Zoro looked at each other and agreed. The captain used his powers to amputate the giant's feet from under him, and at the same time, Zoro ran up to the falling monster and used his “Three Thousand Worlds” attack using the memento of the giant’s fall to slash him from head to toe.

Moria screamed as he fell too. He rapidly got out from underneath the berserker.

Then the final fight started.

Moria had absorbed all the shadows he had previously harvested from everywhere on the Thriller Bark.

Chopper, Brook, Zoro, Sanji, Usopp, Shachi, and Law attacked simultaneously.

Fire, kicks, punches, swords, and Devil Fruit powers were used left and right.

Moria blocked most of their attacks by invoking his shadow bats. And using the abilities of the shadows he had consumed.

They were struggling for a few minutes already when Luffy arrived, followed by Jinbe, Franky, and Robin.

Luffy woke up, looking around him. He was back on the Sunny. Why? The last thing he remembered was his shadow being snipped from his body… No one had woken him up.

He jumped and ran to get to the place where the sounds of fighting were the loudest.

“Law!” He screamed.

His boyfriend got distracted and was almost punched by the giant Moria. He must have eaten all the shadows like last time. Luffy blocked the hit, jumping at the warlord. And jumped back with Law on his shoulder.

He set him down gently. Even as he could feel the anger rising. He saw red. His boyfriend did not wake him to fight…

“Why?” Asked Luffy simply.

Law did not back down at the reproach.

“You can’t use Nika and Gear, 2nd shaves of your life. Do you think I’ll let you kill yourself slowly ?!”

He was equally furious.
Seeing them both distracted, the Warlord tried to attack them. But Sanji and Zoro swiftly attacked him to keep him engaged in the fight against them.

“You can’t always protect me,” Luffy said. He understood where Law was coming from because he had the same fear every time Law overused his powers. But keeping him out of the fight was not the way to do it.

Luffy said so to Law. And the latter assented.

“I’m sorry. I should not have done that. But please don’t hurt your body for a fight that is not worth it.
I understand sometimes you must make sacrifices. But this time, please fight with your haki and not the Gears.”

The other agreed and promised to be safe.

“Oi, Luffy, Law, if you could focus on the fight now and talk later,” Zoro said around his sword.

The two captains finally got their heads back into the game.

Law amputated the arms and legs of their enemy, and Luffy took the chance to hit him with all his strength and armament Haki.

Moria was shocked at them using Haki. This was going towards a really bad direction for him.

Why did the kid know Haki? Who was he really?

He spat out more shadows. And then more and more.

Until he was almost empty.

Then the shadow man looked at the Strawhat carrying over a large piece of the building.

He was scared.

He scrambled to try and unsettle his opponent. Make him hesitate.

“The real nightmare awaits you in the New World!” Screamed Moria ominously.

“I am the world's worst nightmare,” Said Luffy without missing a beat, before dropping the large part of a building onto the Warlord.

Moria threw up all the shadows he had left.

Luffy’s shadow returned, and he jumped happily in place when he saw this.

Chapter Text

“Who are you?” Said Perona.

“Where would you like to go on vacation?”

“Oh! Somewhere gloomy with an old castle, I guess.”

The man touched her, and she was gone.

Nami came back on deck with a box in hand. Which she promptly dropped when she saw him.

“Is it true that Monkey D. Luffy has an older brother?”

“What are you doing here ?!”

She reached for her Clima Tact at her side. But before she could do anything, the man had gone away.

“You and your crewmates have earned quite a reputation.”

Everyone froze. And turned towards the voice.

Kuma was standing there.

Luffy ordered the crew to back off and stay away from the cyborg.

Sanji slowly put himself between Zoro and Kuma. His hands were shaking. And one of his hands grabbed the Swordman's left arm.

The cook held on firmly, almost painfully.

“Is it true that you, Monkey D. Luffy, have a brother?”

“What !? And what if I did ?!” Luffy asked back.

“The government ordered me to annihilate everyone, but… I will spare your lives. In exchange for what he did,” He paused. “You might want to know. He is to be executed.”

Then Kuma went to Moria’s body and grabbed it, and a faint moan could be heard from the Warlord.

“I’ll be taking him.”

And the cyborg was gone with Moria before anyone could do anything or say anything.

“What the fuck was he talking about?” Sanji wondered, finally letting go of Zoro.

But Luffy did not answer.

Luffy’s mind was shutting down, and soon he was on all fours trying to wrestle with his emotions, fear making his brain loop again and again, Ace’s death.
He could hear Law talking. But the sounds were all muddy. He felt his heart beating faster and faster. Suddenly, he was smelling burnt flesh, red beads falling all over the ground.

He can’t breathe. The air. It’s thick.

He can’t breathe. Help.

He can’t breathe.

Everything goes black.

Chapter Text

Luffy woke up in his room on the Sunny.

He had no idea how he got there in the first place. Had he been knocked out?

He thought about it for an instant, then it dawned on him. Ace was in danger. He was going to be executed, murdered by the Navy, again.

He jumped out of bed and ran up to the deck.

There, he frantically tried to use the transponder snail. He managed with trembling hands to dial the Moby. But it did not work. He started to get angry when a hand came up to take the snail from him.

He looked up at Nami, the one who had taken the transponder. She was talking, but he couldn’t hear her, like his brain had stopped doing everything but thinking about Ace.

Nami stopped talking. Then she turned to call someone over, Luffy guessed. Suddenly, Law was in front of him.

He spoke, but Luffy couldn’t focus on what he was hearing; the buzzing in his ears was too loud.

Law approached him. And slowly raised his hands as if asking permission to touch him.

He nodded, and his boyfriend’s hands came to rest on his shoulders, grounding him.

Slowly, very slowly. Luffy’s breath, that he hadn’t realised was laboured, steadied itself. Sound came back to his ears. And he managed to ask about his brother in a breath.

“We haven’t been able to reach the Moby; they’re out of range," explained the Surgeon.

“We have set sail in the direction of Marineford. Whatever is going on, we’ll be there in time. Marineford isn’t far from our current position,” said Nami reassuringly. “We should know more about the situation when we get the latest newspaper.”

“Meanwhile, you need to eat and rest. So we can go all out at Marineford, and get Ace-ya back,” said Law while pulling him towards the kitchen, where the cook was busy at work.

Luffy was tense as he ate everything in sight.

He did not eat for pleasure, but more like it was his mission. Arms out to grab the food and stuff his face full. But, if one paid attention, one would see his eyes were full of unshed tears.

*****

It was most fortunate that the Whitebeard pirates were coming up from Fish-Man Island and into the Sabaody Archipelago.

Most convenient, as it allowed them to get the news rather quickly. As usual, Marco in the crowsnest would receive the News Coo paper and start reading it as he flew down from his perch.

Engrossed in his reading, he misstepped and almost fell over. Which made the all crew laugh at him and joke around a little.

Marco did not even register the laughs. He asked for Ace. He rushed his confused crewmates to tell him where he was.

Finally, someone understood the gravity of the situation and said he was with Pops in the Captain’s quarters. It was one of the few moments when Ace accepted that someone talked about Gol D. Roger. And only because it was from someone who knew his biological father personally. So every so often, they would isolate themselves and talk for hours about the former Pirate King, and on Ace’s part, talk about his brothers, which the Captain always enjoyed, laughing along, listening to their adventures.

Marco always found it sweet but never actually dared to tell anyone.

He ran to the Captain’s quarters and barged into the room. Still holding the newspaper in his hands. Although it was creased now.

Ace and Pops looked at him questioningly. Knowing full well that never would the phoenix interrupt their bonding time if it wasn’t important.

Marco opened the paper to the pages of interest to them, and showed it to Ace.

“OH HELL NO!!!” Ace shouted. “I’m going!”

“Ace!” Yelled Marco, trying to catch up to him.

But the other man was already jumping down into his fire-propelled boat.

Behind them, Whitebeard had read the news article. And crumpled the paper into a ball before going after them.

Ace was being held back by his boyfriend. Screaming and barely controlling his flames.

“Let me go! I have to go save my brother! Let - me - go!”

“Idiot son,” Started Newgate. “You’re going. But not alone. We’re all going. He’s your family, and so he's ours,” he laughed. “Besides, I quite like Sabo.”

He looked at his other sons watching the scene, confused, before he informed them they would be heading to Marineford and to call all the Division Commanders who were away to come to Sabaody, and from there they would all go to the Navy’s HQ.

*

On the Thousand Sunny Go, a day after.

They received the latest edition of the newspaper, and inside was the special announcement of the capture and upcoming execution of the Dark Emperor: Sabo, chief of staff of the Revolutionary Army.

Luffy’s control over his conqueror’s Haki slipped at the news. And Bepo, Penguin, and Shachi almost fainted from the sheer force of his power. Still not used to it from the few times they had felt it back on Dawn Island. Still, Law gave them a few good words for not fainting this time around.

Chapter Text

His extremities tingled from the cold of the cell he had been isolated in.

Some blood had caked on his face and body from the attack he had taken while trying to protect Bonney and the fight that ensued against Akainu. In the end, he had to push the girl away and send her home with the rest of the revolutionaries while he held up against the Admiral alone to give them enough time to get as far away as possible from that place.

He did not know what made the cell this cold: the blood loss, or the prison’s walls. The cold chains against his skin did not help much either.

He rested his head against the wall and looked at the grey stone ceiling. His face ached from the burn he had earned while fighting the magma bastard. It did not touch his left eye, but it had been from luck alone that it did not.

How ironic that in both lives, he ended up with a burn scar on his face. Luffy and Ace would go crazy if they saw this…

Good thing they weren’t there. He only hoped they wouldn’t do anything rash the moment they got the news. He would die before being the reason his brothers got hurt.

He laughed bitterly.

Right, as if they would stay away. He knew them, knew how they would react. And the crazy shit they would pull once they found out.

“Shit,” he muttered to himself.

The door opened, and someone slipped into the room where his cell was located against the North wall.

He looked down and saw Garp in front of him. The man who had been a constant parental figure in both his lives. He was now standing on the other side of the metal bars. His gaze avoided Sabo’s, and his fist clenched. From what he wasn’t sure, but he could imagine: Why did you become a criminal? Why did you get caught? Why couldn’t you be a marine like I asked?

Garp sat down, legs crossed, arms crossed.

He said nothing.

But Sabo saw. He saw the tears rolling down his face.

Sabo looked back up shyly at the ceiling. It seemed wrong to witness his Grandfather’s moment of weakness.

“I’m not sorry.” Said Sabo to a stain up on the stone ceiling.

“I know,” Answered Garp to a speck on the floor.

Neither wanted to acknowledge the situation nor their positions.

“I wish I could see my brothers once again…” Said the blond. “I’m dying soon. Yet I want to live so badly. I wish I had more time…”

The old man said nothing. His throat had closed up from the anguish he was experiencing.

“I always hoped I would die a free man. Turns out, I’m not going to…”

He closed his eyes, eyelids heavy from exhaustion and the weight of reality.

Garp held his head in his hands, choking on the feelings he was experiencing. His boy, his grandchild, who had appeared one day and found a way into his heart in no time. Sabo, the one who never got as reckless as the others. But in the end, proved to be reckless enough to be captured trying to place a bomb in Mary Geoise.

His sense of duty and justice was making him struggle. How could he let one of his grandsons die like that again?

He had failed to protect them once already… Was he really going to repeat history?

“Stop worrying so much. We made our choices. He chose to go against the law. We chose to fight against the system. You tried to prevent all of this back then,” Sabo said. “I’m not angry at you, not anymore. It’s fine,” He gave Garp a small smile.

The old man couldn’t return it. Fists clenching even more.

Someone, a soldier, came in calling for Vice Admiral Garp. Sengoku had been patient long enough, it seemed.

The Hero of the Navy got up slowly and, after one last look, turned around and exited the room.

The door shut with a loud metallic sound. Cutting Sabo off from the outside world.

He waited in the dark for the moment he would have to go out and face death.

He sighed. Looking up at the ceiling again. A tear rolled down his face.

Chapter Text

Sabo was being escorted by two executioners down the long corridor, his chains rattling loudly and filling the silence.

Destiny was quite ironic. He would die the same way his brother had. How poetic…he thought bitterly.

They came upon the stairs, and the guards ordered him to climb. So he did, one step after the other, head hanging low.

As they climbed up, they finally saw a door at the top. He paused, and his jailers pushed him to reach the door. It opened up as they set foot on the last step. Suddenly, the sea air pushed through the opening in a strong gust. It slapped him in the face. It startled him out of his torpor. Eyes wide, he looked at the expanse of the sea in front of him. It was so beautiful and peaceful. What a good day to die under the shining rays of the sun.

He was pushed again, this time towards the scaffold. Another staircase to climb. He almost lost his balance, distracted as he was. The guard on the left let out an exasperated sound for the second time, as he almost fell again.

Sabo let out a satisfied hum when they reached the top. It was a structure made of wood and metal. From this high point, he could see the sea again. He fell to his knees as he was pushed down forcefully.

He breathed in the pure air, which beat the stuffy air of his cell. And he watched longingly as he was chained to the floor.

In all honesty… He wanted to be saved. Who wouldn’t? But at the same time, his friends and family risking their lives for “just him, just Sabo” made his stomach churn in protest.

He would never ask them to do that.

But then again, he would never need to ask. They would just act on their own accord. Because at the end of the day, they were free. And they all took pride in that fact.

Hell, it was Luffy’s dream to free everyone…

But still a voice, his biological father’s voice: You are not worth it, you are not worth anything. You are a waste of space, a troublemaker…

That fucking voice.

He deep down hoped to prove it wrong, to prove wrong his shitty father.

His real dad, the one who saved him, might just do it.

He looked down at the Marines all over the place. He was scared shitless. Not for him, though. For them…

The admirals were there, all of the vice-admirals, Garp included. Apparently, being the second in command of the Revolutionary Army made you prime entertainment. He noticed the Camera Snails ready to show the world how scary Sabo was and how good the Navy was for having captured such a high-class target.

Hope was hard to maintain in these conditions.

He held back his tears, looking up at the sky. Noticing the two or three small clouds above.
He remembered when the three of them, brothers, used to watch the clouds lying about in the clearing near the cliff.

Such good and peaceful times.

Now all he had to do was wait for something, anything, to happen.

He closed his eyes. Listening to his surroundings.

He picked up the voices of Sengoku and Garp at the bottom of the scaffold.

“Garp, if you need to sit this one out, I won’t hold it against you,” kindly said Sengoku.

“I’m staying. But is… all this… really necessary?” He pointed at the cameras.

“He is not only the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army. He has attacked the Navy in Mary Geoise and has the potential of becoming an even bigger threat than he is already with his Devil Fruit powers,” He said with authority.

Sabo wondered if his Grandfather would ever stop bending his will and beliefs for the sake of that… Justice. Would he one day be free of those shackles? Maybe when he finally retired, he would be.

He could see the old man in Fuusha Village. Lounging on a rocking chair and laughing with the Mayor.

Chapter Text

All around the world, people were wondering about the execution of one of the most hunted and dangerous men in existence.

Everyone was scared of the possible clash between the Marines and the Revolutionary Army. Some were convinced the Navy would win; others were not so sure about it all. Anyway, it would be the start of a great war.

Some even remembered how, twenty years ago, Shiki the Golden Lion invaded Marineford and destroyed half of the Navy’s Headquarters.

On the archipelago of Sabaody, reporters were watching the big screens set up for the occasion. They were waiting to report anything and everything that happened during this historic moment.

On Marineford, every civilian had been moved under an evacuation order, as well as the Marines in training. Only the very best of the Navy had been gathered on the island. But still amongst the soldiers, the rumours of the disappearances of every look-out ship had travelled fast. They were nervous. On edge at the idea of facing the Dragon. The man was a legend, and not many people knew much about him.

Marines were running around, getting into place and ready to defend their headquarters. They had three hours to endure. Three hours to hold against the Revolutionaries. Hopefully put an end to the organisation.

There were a hundred thousand elite soldiers. Fifty Navy ships surrounded the base. Four of the Warlords of the Sea were present: Kuma, Moria, Mihawk, and Boa Hancock. The three Admirals were also here: Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokijji. Even eight giants were summoned that day.

Marineford’s walls were also equipped with their best artillery. Cannons everywhere, and that is without mentioning their special defensive wall that could rise from the sea and effectively block out or block in any intruders, out or in the bay if needed.

*****

On Mary Geoise,

The five elders were sitting in the Room of Authority in Pangaea Castle.

Jaygarcia Saturn, Marcus Mars, Topman Warcury, Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, and Shepherd Ju Peter were all watching a broadcast of the upcoming battle of Marineford. Ready to watch the execution of Sabo, a former noble turned Revolutionary. And with him the up and coming downfall of the Revolutionary Army.

They were confident the Navy would crush their enemies.

They had gathered the best of the best. They had a plan set up for every possible attack for every riposte.

They were confident in the Admiral's skills, especially Sakazuki, who shone the most through his sense of Absolute Justice.

The man would not fail them and, for sure, would handle Garp if his son convinced him to join the revolutionaries. Although the Vice Admiral had never shown any inclination to help his son in any way.

Chapter Text

The silence was tense on Marineford. Soldiers and officers alike were waiting for the pin to drop.

A storm was brewing, in a quite literal sense. Black clouds had appeared slowly, and it was starting to rain on the people gathered on the Island.

Akainu looked at the sky knowingly: He was coming.

A thick fog also started to settle on the sea. So, between that and the rain, it became difficult to see anything more than seven meters away.

Only a masterful control of one particular devil fruit could produce such an effect on the weather.

They were effectively blinded for an unknown duration of time. The ones who could started to rely on their haki to feel for any unwelcome guests.

Suddenly, a massive presence could be felt. And a great shadow appeared in the middle of the bay.

The wind picked up and started dissipating the fog around the Island. Letting everyone see the ship in the middle of the bay. Black flags with red dragons atop the masts.

Announcing loud and clear the presence of one Dragon, the Revolutionary Army leader.

This was perfect; everything was going according to plan, thought Akainu.

Suddenly, thunder split the sky in two. Making the soldiers gathered on the Island jump just enough to earn themselves the stares of their superiors.

As the fog cleared up, the clouds got darker and darker as if they had been gathered in this place by the wind. Which was blowing strongly from the east. Bad weather had been reported in the area earlier in the day.

The revolutionaries brought with them a dark cloak made of clouds. Clashing with the side of the Island opposite to them, which had clear sky and sunshine. This weather phenomenon added to the mystic surrounding the Revolutionary Army Leader.

The Marines could now see the Army members busy on the deck of the large ship. Dragon and Emperor Ivankof stood tall at the prow of the ship.

“Sabo! We came for you !” Ivan shouted.

“Sengoku” Dragon’s deep voice came out like thunder. “It would be wise for you to give me back my son. Unharmed”

“And why would I do that, Dragon?”

“We’re ready to fight to the end for our cause.”

“And how is saving one man helping you, cause exactly?” Sengoku asked.

“Sabo is our future. And obliterating the symbol of your unjust and violent world government not only serves to free my second in command but also frees all people from their oppressors.” Dragon said. The man’s words carried their meaning heavily upon the Marines.

The implication of an all-out war between the two parties did not fall on deaf ears. The soldiers recoiled from the force of it, and the people and journalists watching whispered, frenetically afraid of the consequences of such an event.

The tension rose even more. You could have cut it with a knife as thick as it was.

Then bubbles appeared in the bay.

It kept on bubbling and bubbling, larger and larger. Until the top of a mast appeared from the water, followed shortly by a full-size boat. It had appeared just in front of the Wind Granma.

Soon enough, two other ships appeared on each side of the Revolutionary Army vessel.

All three ships' heads were shaped like whales. Announcing proudly to the world to whom these belonged to.

Front the fronting ship. Ace’s voice could be heard screaming, “Saboooooooo!!!”

Sabo looked intently at his brother.

“Ace!!! Go away! I don’t need you! This doesn’t concern you, idiot!”

Ace was taken aback, not at his brother's words per se. But more on the similarities between Sabo’s and his words to Luffy in his first life.

“You idiot!” Shouted Ace, “You’re my brother, I’m not going to turn a blind eye!”

Whispers all around the world could be heard. “Brothers? They’re both Dragon’s sons?”

Even the soldiers couldn’t help but participate in the gossip.

Admiral Akainu quickly put an end to it just by looking at them.

Chapter Text

Just as Aokiji got up and jumped down from his perch, he got ready to freeze the bay and trap their enemies.

Suddenly, a loud bursting noise could be heard everywhere on the Island. They all looked around for the origin of said noise. But they did not expect to see what they did. It was bright and colourful. With a huge lion figurehead. It was soaring through the sky, defying gravity.
It was a ship!

A flying ship.

The flames coming from behind the vessel sputtered one last time before dying out.

Then it fell from the sky and dropped like a stone in a puddle.

“LUFFYYYY!!!” Screamed someone on the Moby Dick as water splashed everywhere.

“ACEEEEE!!! What are you doing here ?!” yelled back the Strawhat Captain angrily.

Ace seemed to be both annoyed and vexed by the question.

“He’s my brother too! And I’m the eldest! It's my job to protect you three!”

Uta was silently moved to be included in the people Ace considered his siblings. And a small smile escaped her control despite the dire situation.

Luffy was ready to jump up to the Moby and respond to Ace’s statement. When Law reached out, holding him back with his hand on each of his boyfriend’s shoulders.

The three crews present were looking defiantly at the Marines assembled on the Island.

The soldiers seemed unsettled at being confronted with so many enemies. They had been told, or at least rumours had informed them, that only the Revolutionaries would be present. Then why were they suddenly confronted by one pirate Emperor and the crazy super rookie crew that had attacked unprovoked Enies Lobby?

Most soldiers were now trembling in fear. Their weapons were shaking slightly in their hands.

“OI oi, what are the Supernova Rookies doing here?” Asked Admiral Kizaru lazily.

No one answered his question.

Sakazuki was clenching his fist. Heat radiating from the man.

Seeing this, the light wielder took a few steps away from the other Admiral.

The magma man was raging silently. How dare some rookies defy the Navy again? How dare they interrupt justice’s work?

His blood was literally boiling. His hands are transforming slightly from human lava-shaped hands.

He got ready to move.

But Sengoku sent him a sign to wait. Wait to see if any more pirates would fall into their trap.

The Fleet Admiral had only shared so much of his plan with Sakazuki and the other Admirals.

Of course, he had kept Garp in the dark concerning this situation.

The man was too attached to the kids and was definitely hiding something with Rosinante.

But if what the vice-admiral had let transpire during the past years was to be taken at face value. Then, not just one Emperor of the sea would appear today.

It was the perfect occasion to get rid of the revolutionaries. The perfect trap. And as a bonus, Whitebeard and Shanks' red hair would be either dead or imprisoned.

They were in a standstill, still neither party moved, and the air was tenser by the minute.

They were waiting for the moment to break.

The moment was broken by the most unlikely of persons. Dracule “Hawk Eyes” Mihawk himself reached for his sword. And slowly unsheathed it.

The commanders around him told him to stand down because no order had been sent out to attack yet.

The swordmaster did not answer any of their questions, orders, or anything they could say to try and catch his attention. He took a few steps towards the bay. Before suddenly turning around and slashing towards where the admirals sat on their fancy chairs. Everyone on the Navy’s side gasped in shock at the sudden attack.

All the Admirals dodged it.

Sakazuki, fuming, sent out a magma fist flying towards the Warlord. Which he deflected with his sword coated in haki.

Sengoku asked him calmly why the man would sacrifice his peace for outlaws.

To which Mihawk calmly answered that he was defending his family. If a man like Sengouku could understand the concept of such a thing, maybe he would not be so eager to destroy everything.

“The Navy is family," answered simply the Buddha man.

Rosinante, beside Garp, cringed at the statement. Was it really all that his father thought about family? What about himself? And what about Law then?

He shifted uncomfortably, and Garp exchanged a charged look with him. Shaking slightly, his head to appease him. Not yet, it said. Not yet. Soon. But not yet.

Chapter Text

Sengoku stood at the edge of the platform. Sabo is struggling against his chains behind him.

He looked in the direction of the bay. And breathed in the sea air. And then he changed the world.

“Do not fret because today will be the end of piracy and the end of the Revolutionary Army. Monkey D. Luffy, son of Monkey D. Dragon, himself, son of Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp. Today will be the end of your lives for both of you.”

“You’re raving old man if you think you’ll do anything to my brothers!!!” Screamed Ace from the boat.

Sengoku lowered his gaze towards Fire Fist.

“You demon child will be the first to die. Portgas D. Ace, or should I say Gol D. Ace. You are guilty of the crime that is your mere existence.”

“Shut up!” Screamed both Sabo and Luffy in tandem. “Don’t you dare say anything to our brother!”

Whispers cut through the Navy ranks. Were they sons of Roger or Dragon? Confusion went around.

Garp's teeth ground. Rosinante had a hand resting on the old man’s shoulder. Holding him back from reacting to Sengoku’s declaration.

Akainu jumped up and went to strike the moby dick with his lava fist. Only to be struck by White Beard's power.

He fell back towards the water. Aokiji reacted shortly and froze the bay as he had first intended. Saving the Navy dog from inevitably drowning in the sea.

He slid across the frozen expanse of the water and straightened up his face, expressing his rage and disgust.

“Justice is absolute. And under its fist, you will all die.”

As he got ready to launch himself at the pirates again, he found himself blocked by a sword. His fist collides with it. But not ending up moving it back even an inch.

He looked up. His gaze was met by the serious one from Red Hair Shanks. He tried to look around to find out where the man had come from.

And then he saw at the edge of the bay, the Red force, and of course, the soldiers present had been knocked out with haki before they could do anything about the new ship.

“Useless weaklings…” The Admiral was thinking.

Red Hair must have jumped at him from where his ship stood before the ice.

Shanks smiled cockly at the marine.

“I heard you tried to kill one of my children? That’s no good,” He pushed back against the lava man with his sword, projecting him a few meters back.

“Red hair, Shanks, you have no children. Stay out of this. It does not concern you.” Said Sengoku loudly enough to be heard from everywhere across the bay.

“Don’t be so sure, Sengoku, you old goat.” He smiled evilly. “Uta, Luffy, Ace! Let’s get Sabo out of here! And then let’s have a banquet!”

“Saboooooo! We’re coming for you! Just wait a bit more!” Luffy screamed at the top of his lungs.

Rosinante sees this and how everyone was distracted. And decided to take action now. He looked over at Garp, who seemed to have the same idea.

They were determined to save their own charges this time around.

Garp moved slowly up the scaffold. And under the suspicious gaze of Senny, he sat beside him and in front of Sabo.

Rosinante used his powers on himself as the two old men were talking. He made himself completely silent and moved slowly towards the platform. Ducking as much as his size allowed. Thankfully everyone was distracted.

Arriving at the top of the stairs, he moved to make the chains silent as well as Sabo himself. He told him to move slowly and be ready to jump when freed.

Sabo was looking at him with wide eyes. As Rosi produced a key from his pocket.

He unlocked the cuffs and looked up only to see his father looking down at his crouching form. Disappointment was clear on his face. Garp sees his friend getting ready to strike his own son and Sabo. And he jumped up, aiming a fist at Sengoku.

The fist connected with the force of someone defending their family.

Sengoku was pushed down violently against the wood and metal of the platform.

His body crashed loudly and destroyed the scaffold.

“You won’t lay a hand on my grandson Sengoku”, stated the old man simply, jumping down the scaffold to get in front of the fleet Admiral. Obstructing his view of his son and Sabo.

He told Rosi and Sabo to move away and not get in the way of this fight.

Chapter Text

Garp looked at his old friend.

Sengoku got up and stood again, tall and mighty, facing him.

They started exchanging blows. And contrary to Garp, Sengoku had no kindness, no hesitation in his movements.

Whereas, he felt torn about his long-time friend, whom he had known since the very beginning of their careers, when they were only soldiers dreaming of Good beating Evil. Long before they learned, or at least Garp learned, that grey was the most common colour amongst people. That good and evil were, for most before, just a curtain shrouding the truth. That all living creatures were capable of both.

It hurt to challenge his oldest friend in a battle of life and death. But. It would hurt far more to see one of his grandsons die on this day or any other.

Garp would rather die on this day himself than let any of that happen.

Both older men were standing before each other at the bottom of the destroyed scaffold.

Rosinante was taking Sabo forcefully through the crowd of soldiers. Taking advantage of the few seconds of utter confusion and surprise.

Meanwhile, Garp tried to reason with Sengoku:
“Don’t you see how wrong taking a stand with the world government is? Don’t you see the harm and suffering they have caused??”

“Garp…” the fleet Admiral said, grinding his teeth. “I won’t let you deface Justice in such a way. Sabo was judged and will be executed for his misdeeds.”
“What about Rosi and Law? Don’t you care about them? Will you not side with your own family?”

Marines were watching the conversation carefully, especially the Admirals. Since when was Sengoku supposed to care about a pirate? Akainu especially seemed to await his superior’s answer to Garp’s questions.

“My family is the Navy. So should be yours, Garp! Or will you be going down in history as a traitorous fool? You used to care about Justice…”

“I do care about Justice. I believe in a benevolent, forgiving Justice. A Justice who can admit its wrongs without resorting to a buster call.”

“There is no redeeming you then.”

Sengoku took a fighting stance before transforming into a giant golden Buddha.

The people around them seemed frozen in time; only Rosinante and Sabo were moving towards the bay.

But Akainu, ever the watchful bloodied dog. Caught up with them rapidly after ordering Aokiji and Kizaru around.

To the other Admirals’ great distaste.

Kizaru went along with it rather easily. Letting an annoyed Aokiji grumble about the magma man’s illusion of authority over himself. The ice man would rather die than bow to the other man.

And so he chose a higher spot to watch the diverse fights unfold. Ignoring the soldiers asking for orders all around him. He just leaned on the wall and stared at his only superior, fight the Hero of the Navy. Long had he wanted to see these two fight for real.

On the side of the pirates.

The Admirals, having retreated they had moved up towards the walls surrounding the bay. Walking on the fairly useful ice that Aokiji had created,

Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, White Beard and Shanks had ordered their crews to move quickly.

They needed to reach the walls before the ice melted enough, or Aikainu would melt it himself, for the extra walls to go up and enclose them all in the Navy’s trap.

The Strawhearts did whatever they wished. Some stayed on the ship to defend it. While others, like Luffy and Law, moved along with the other pirate crews.

The Revolutionaries mostly adopted the same attitude. Shouting about wanting to free Sabo and swearing that they would save him.

Meanwhile, Garp and Sengoku were exchanging even blows, not one taking control of the fight.

“Garp.” Said the Fleet Admiral. “Is it worth everything we ever fought for? Is one man worth all your loyalty? Is one man worth throwing away the world? “ he tried to convince Garp of his misconduct. “I can still understand your turmoil, you can still come around…”

Garp landed a hard hit, injuring the other man. His left hand seemed to have become difficult to use and move at will.

“I used to think the way you did. But can you really justify all the blood and pain we inflicted on the people we were meant to protect, and so what? So that the Celestial Dragon could have some fun. Can’t you see that the ones worthy are the ones for whom you would live for? To have to live for them because you care and they care about you. I don’t think the five elders would ever ask you such a simple thing, and yet you would die for them at any moment. You are the one chained down.”

“You will never wash off the blood, Garp. The so-called innocents we killed have meaning in death. You used to find meaning in their deaths, too,” Reminded the man sharply.

“I know my sins are too great… Now I’m fighting for their future. Not mine. That is why I won't lose to you.

Garp's hands wrapped around the Buddha’s good arm and started to spin him at high velocity, his hands coated in a mix of hakis.

Then he threw the man, who went crashing into a wall. The scene seemed grotesque: the smaller man throwing a giant golden Buddha into a wall? That sounded like a children's book.

Not letting up, Garp projected himself towards a barely aware Sengoku. Fist raised all the while, gathering power, from the speed, the force of his intent and the wish to protect.

The punch hit in his stomach, effectively cutting off his breathing and breaking his transformation.

Blood was spat from his mouth.

In shock, he looked at his oldest friend and comrade. He could not recognise him. Since when has the man been this powerful?

His vision got blurry, and slowly, pitifully, he fainted from the force of the attack.

His last thoughts were about retiring, if fate let him live.

Garp sat down exhausted.

An eerie silence covered the battlefield.

Chapter Text

Akainu and Sabo had interrupted their fight like many others.

Sengoku, Fleet Admiral. Had fallen. To the hands of none other than his best friend, Vice Admiral Garp.

Akainu hoped the communication with the exterior of this Island had stopped. And that no transponder snail was recording now. He should have been more preoccupied with that aspect of the war.

From that point on, the Admiral ordered that the snails be turned off and even destroyed if no other choice was presented to them.

No one should know what was going to unfold here. No one should sympathise with pirates.

******

Around the world, journalists were frantically trying to connect the transponder snails back to Marineford’s video feed.

Suddenly, someone on Sabaody, dressed brightly, got to the transponder snails and did something to them.

No one knew who that person was, and some Marines tried to stop them.
They were unsuccessful in stopping it, of course. But as the people present on the Sabaody Island press conference were starting to shout at the man, the feed connected back up to Marineford.

Although the angles of the videos seemed to have shifted from the Navy’s point of view to the Pirates’ view.

They tried to question the person who seemed to have made this happen, but when they turned towards them… No one was there anymore.

But their attention quickly shifted back to the situation on the screen. Several different angles were established, and all seem to come from the point of view of the Revolutionary Army. They could hear them beside the fighting noises. And Emperor Ivankov’s voice boomed from the snails.

The soldiers who came to disconnect the new feed were quickly pushed back away from the transponders by the journalists, the people and some people who looked like they were some of Ivankov's revolutionary subordinates.

All of them together quickly subdued the Marines, who were understaffed. Never having expected this resistance.

Curiosity was a powerful sentiment.

The Revolutionaries, of course, took the radios off the soldiers' belts and kept them out of reach of anyone else.

That is how the world government got caught red-handed trying to massacre people. Yes, they were pirates.
But pirates and Revolutionaries who were known across the world for protecting their territories (Islands and Kingdoms abandoned by the Government) and saving them from many other pirates, but also, in some, not-so-rare cases, from the Navy and the World Government itself.

This event would definitely, by its brutality, shake the world. And blame would fall even further on the World Government despite its post-war propaganda.

Nothing could save them from the fallout of Garp’s, hero of the Navy, desertion and its consequences.

He had been the most beloved and relatable Marine after all.

Chapter Text

Sabo was struggling.

He and Corazon were barely holding their own against Admiral Akainu. That man was much like an unpredictable, enraged street dog.

He was ready to tear them and all obstacles to pieces. Meaning he did not hesitate to hit any other Marines in his way.

The only one who used to barely be able to hold his leash was now down, crashed on a pile of rubble.

Many had frozen in place while the fight between Sengoku and Garp had been going on. And of course, Sakazuki had kept pushing against the two pirates he was tracking.

Magma fist after magma fist, he hit the shadows of the young blood man.

Clearly, the pirate was holding back. Most likely to avoid touching other people with his shadow powers.

How weak? Had thought the Marine.

Worrying about his enemies… What a fool.

The battle noises had picked up all around the three fighting.

The pirates and revolutionaries had kept on advancing, while the Marines had been frozen in time.

And only now were the fights happening as the opposite sides clashed together in a bloody and brutal wave.

Ace and Luffy had quickly picked up pace as they saw the Magma man oppose their brother.

Once the Sunny Usopp was leading the strategy, calling on people to aim more for one side or another.

He was himself perched in the crow's nest and was holding onto a transponder snail, one for short-distance communication.

Each attacking group's leader had been equipped with a receiving transponder snail to let them communicate with the Strategist Leader, God Usopp.

He led everyone smoothly across the frozen bay and up to the walls.

There, they set up huge siege ladders throughout the bay. Opening ways to climb up and wash over the soldiers.

The revolutionary army was following Koala’s orders to spread the Snail Cameras they had brought with them. They aimed to show the truth about the Navy and, in extension, the World Government itself.

How the lower-ranked members were used as nothing other than cannon fodder.

And the higher-ranked marines, cruelty and glee at the show of pure violence. Their orders yelled at the fleeing soldiers, commanding them to keep fighting or die at their own hands.

After all, a cowardly marine wasn’t any use to them.

Only strong, hot-headed, and murderous people were 0of use to them.

The rest could only be used as an example to marines, citizens and pirates.

A show of their Strength.

Of the World Government’s Strength.

Dragon sees through this all. Having left the Navy because of these kinds of things. Had decided to expose them. What better way to turn the people of this world against the Government?

This was also an insurance that if no one were to survive this war. The seeds of the revolution would grow slowly into the minds of the oppressed of the land. Letting them dream of more.

Speaking of the revolutionary leader, he had called on his powers to create localised rain. Strong and heavy, it had fallen on the soldiers. No one seemed to have questioned the rain falling on the Island and bay.

Only for the armed navy men to try in vain to shoot at the pirates… The wet powder in their gun serves the effect of a damp towel on a small fire.

With this advantage, the casualties started to be heavier on the Navy than on their enemies.

Watching this unfold, Marines tried to flee only to be caught between a heavy hammer and an anvil.

More scared of their superiors, they turned back to the fighting occurring behind them, only for the Revolutionaries to offer them an out, to join them and save their own lives.

Sabo jumped to the side in time to avoid the burning, melting fist.

He was drenched in sweat from trying hard to protect the other people present around them. So much so that the Navy dog was now targeting his own men around him. Fully knowing that the Shadow Emperor would not be able to resist helping them.

And it went on and on until Luffy and Ace arrived at their level.

“Sabooo!” Screamed Luffy loudly. Punching a marine in his way at the same time.

“Luffy, watch out!” Ace shouted, pushing him out of the way of a magmatic fist.

Which Ace had caught in a Haki-covered hand.

Akainu tried to burn the Fire Fist’s hand in vain. Annoyed, he grunted and tried to use pure strength against the younger man.

Only to be kicked back by a Haki-coated foot.

Chapter Text

Luffy had kicked the Marine with all his strength. A predatory smile on his face. He had not hesitated one second before acting.

He could only see the magma fist near his brother, and, as a switch flipped, he lost all restraint. And just hit the guy with all he had. The cursed image of his brother's dying face was etched in his mind.

Akainu got up slowly, seething with rage.

The three brothers had regrouped and stood tall together, facing the nightmarish man.

The one who had started their descent into hell in their previous lives.

They had no shame in fighting the Admiral altogether. Shame had died in their previous life. They weren’t limited by this anymore. Now. It was all about survival.

The three of them attacked the Navy dog in tandem. Alternating their attacks.

Sabo was still limited by the proximity to his brothers and allies. And if he were to be honest, even the lower-ranked Marines. Ace was also limited for almost the same reason. Except for the Marines. He had no sympathy for them, no hope to change them. They had chosen this life after all. Now they reaped what they sowed. Meanwhile, Luffy was limited only to the extent that Nika shouldn't be revealed just yet.

That is how they found themselves mostly using Haki to beat the man up: Pure strength against magma.

But centimetres after centimetres, they slowly tired the man out. He got more and more sloppy. And each inattention had consequences.

One brother would attack, then another would come up behind their enemy. Then, as he turned around, another would aim and strike from another angle.

Sakazuki did not know which way to look anymore. He felt more and more wary and tired. He tried to predict the brothers' move using defensive Haki. However, it is clear that the brothers also knew Observation Haki. Maybe even better than he did.

At the same time, Shanks had sent a wave of conquerors' Haki. Knocking out most of the Marines present. Only the higher-ranked ones remained standing. And so the real fight started.

It was brutal. Both factions are struggling to maintain their position. Pirates and Revolutionaries alike were determined to get out of this alive, and they did not hesitate to fight with all their strength for those with no powers or easier powers to control, or simply ones with a smaller range.

Like Law, for example. The surgeon had a precision that many envied and never hit his allies with it.

On another side of the island, Zoro and Mihawk were seemingly bonding, fighting back to back against the Navy's best swordmasters.

Uta and Whitebeard were in charge of protecting the ships. The two of them intercepted and redirected all attacks against them towards the entrance of the bay. Carefully and subtly destroying and melting the ice behind them. Opening up the way to flee at any moment.

Once the way opened up. They started aiming at the defences of the Island. Redirecting cannon balls toward the firing canons in place at the points of the crescent-shaped Island.

Of course, they left the ice at the front untouched to allow their comrades to come back easily to the ships.

But just in case, Robin was ready to create a bridge out of interlaced arms and hands. To guarantee an easy escape from this hellish place.

For some reason, Luffy got distracted and got hit in his chest by a magma fist. Sabo and Ace saw red. Ace ran towards the man endangering his brother and punched his half-magma face. Sending the man back a good distance.

Luffy was holding up somehow, but that shit was going to scar, thought Ace.

Luffy gritted his teeth under the pain of the skin being burned off. After a few seconds, he thanked his brother and apologised, saying it was nothing. Just a future scar.

Ace resisted the urge to hit him himself.

“Why did you get distracted? I hope you have a good reason.” Asked Sabo approaching the two.

“Sanji, he was going to get stabbed in the back… But then he turned in time…” Answered Luffy, ashamed.

The three were distracted enough for the Red Dog to prepare a powerful attack. Aiming for Sabo.

No one saw it coming. Repeating that same mistake.

The boys, distracted, only saw red… bright red liquid… coming out of his torso.

Chapter Text

The brothers looked up in shock.

“No!” Someone or several people were screaming in unison.

The battlefield had gone entirely silent.

The bloody Marine hound had his hand fully transpercing his bust.

Luffy, Ace and Sabo were in shock. Looking down at the wound. Images from another life were superposed with reality.

Was Ace the one hit?

No Ace was fine. Luffy could see him at his side. Chest unmared.

Then who?

Tears troubled his vision. He could only see broad shoulders and a destroyed blue shirt. Blood was coming out of his mouth.

“No! No No NO !” Sabo screamed.

Everything was dark, but then he could make out the shapes.

Sabo, Luffy and Ace as children in their first life. They were playing in their tree.

Laughter could be heard. Echoing in the forest. Tangible life. Innocence.

He smiled.

He was happy.

He had managed to protect them this time around.

Maybe he had atoned a bit for his crimes. Atoned for letting Ace die.

He was happy.

Finally, he could rest.

His only regret was that he could not see them grow into the wonderful men they were going to become.

A satisfied grin graced his lips.

He had protected his family.

Good. Everything was good.

Garp coughed up more blood. Which fell on the ground in a loud splat.

Sabo and Luffy hit the Magma Man with all their strength.

The Marine was sent flying into a wall. Crashing loudly. His body sagged a bit, having fainted from the sheer strength of the strike.

Ace, meanwhile, screamed for Marco to come and help them. He had carefully laid his grandfather down onto the textured ground.

The old man was barely conscious.

He called for his grandsons, weakly. Which Ace repeated loudly for the other two to come quickly.

They ran back to Garp’s side.

The man opened his eyes and smiled happily.

“My grandsons…” He coughed loudly, and some blood dripped down the corner of his mouth. “I love you... All three of you…I’m so happy with who you have become.” He stopped, struggling to breathe.

Sabo tried to shush him. Telling him everything was going to be ok.

After what seemed to be an eternity to the three. Marco arrived with Law in tow.

They quickly and carefully examined the damage done. Then exchanged a few words. Before turning back to the brothers.

The old Marine was barely holding on. And his breath slowed more and more.

“He’s too far gone. I’m so sorry.” Said the Phoenix.

Ace closed his eyes from pain. Sabo started to cry. And Luffy…

Luffy’s gaze fell onto the murderer.

He charged at the Marine. And started punching the barely conscious man.

“No No NO, Not again!!!” Screamed the Strawhat Captain.

He beat the body to a pulp. Until a voice reached his ears.

He had no idea how much time had passed.

His vision finally focused on the man who had talked.

Red hair, scar across the eye, face grave and mournful.

Shanks.

The man talked some more, but Luffy could not hear him clearly.

Shanks reached out a hand, cupping his cheek.

“Let’s go back to your grandfather. The enemy is no more,” He said, looking at the heap of a man on the bloody ground.

He took Luffy by the hand and guided him back to his grandfather’s side.

Akainu was left for dead.

Once within arm's reach, Sabo and Ace took him from Shanks. And they hugged as their grandfather breathed his last breath.

The three of them cried as Aokiji finally called a truce. To stop this bloody mess. He told the Pirates and Revolutionaries to take their dead and leave this place in peace.

Franky carried Garp onto the Mobydick, where the family gathered. Uta hugged Luffy tightly.