A/N: What is this?! An update? What kind of bizarre alien thing is that! *le gasp* lol I don't even have a proper explanation. I guess the reason I didn't have the chance to update is that I was very busy in school, too excited for my first cosplay and because I attended a camp that was hosted by our church and stuff. Anyway, I'd like to thank you guys for following/favorited my story! I'd be completely honest with you all, I was expecting just a few maybe 10 following and 5 favorites, but I was surprised to see how many followed this! I'm so greatful! Thank you *bows* I just hope that this chapter will turn out well, 'cuz I haven't written in 1st POV for what? 3 years? 4? I started writing when I was 11 so yeah 3 years.
Enough of my rambling, set sail~!
Holding a composure that completely display calmness and worry-less image. The blond walked through a scanning security device.
Without blinking, the scanning device let out a red light that checked his body for any sense of being an outlaw, the red light stopped and Marco stepped to a covered body checking portable room.
The blond nod to the guard in a sense of a greeting and the male guard nodded back, signing for him to enter.
Marco noted how this group came more prepared in checking. They had cctvs, cctvs that are connected and are being watched over in the main World Government office. In some cases, The World Government even made some cities have cctv in supposedly private places. But of course, a lot of people protested against it. Which is why only some have those kind of cctvs. Local rulers of 2nd to 4th countries can't do anything about it, because they themselves know their dirty work.
The room is also made of seastone. And he guessed the only reason they managed to carry a heavy material was due to Haki. It was smart, but because of them having 'not enough' funds, not every room is like this. Much to the outlaws delight.
They also made their guard wear gloves, not only for protection (an inciddent happened) but those gloves, aren't ordinary gloves. In it were microbots that scans and take pictures of the person being checked, the pictures are sent to the government so they could match the tattoo to a bounty and find out how much of a threat they are. And if it's proved that the person is an absolute threat, a buster call sized reinforcement would be immediately send on their way. Not only would the user be half-dead, or dead, by the time he's captured, his face would be then recognized and the lives of the people close to him would be endaganred.
"Take off your clothes, please." The man said with heavily thick accent.
He did what he was told without hesitation. Too used to this kind of thing.
Years ago around World War II, strange abilities exploded from nowhere and before anyone could fully wrap their head around the concept of Devil Fruits and where it originated—which by the way is still a mystery, that no doubt will remain as that since Roger died just few years ago, a mystery that haven't and probably will never be solved—devil fruit users started making havoc and in just a snap, everything changed in merely seconds. A lot of protocols, rules and other stuff were added to try and protect the world from destroying itself.
And he got to say, they're doing a very horrible job at that.
He slowly removed his clothes, revealing himself of being cleaned from ink. The guard checked every part of his body.
The reason why checkups like these are being practice is because of Devil Fruits, to check if someone has it by checking if one has markings like of a Devil Fruit user. Something strange about it is that devil fruit gives strange marking to those who use this. Some markings gives off what the power it gives, some don't. Though very powerful and useful, it also have great consequences. The only reason people still get it because of greed and hopes of being healed by it.
After the df thing was known in the whole world, tattoo was instantly forbidden. Or at least the big ones and the ones that severely resemble the marking of a df user.
Why not ban it totally?
Well, what's life without regretted tatts?
He thought that it was kind of them to let people wear at least their undies. In all honesty he doesn't care, but he'd rather to keep his privates from strangers. Because there are just so much of drag men that likes to stare at him and actually try to touch him. Let's just say that whoever did that had never have the pleasure to walk normally ever again.
"Clear. Sir, your ID please." He fished out his Id from one of the pockets of his dark blue leather jacket. After obtaining it, he gave it to the man and dressed while the man checked his name through the WG's list of wanted people who revealed their face to the whole wide world.
"Clear. You're free to go, sir." The man said, smiling as he extended his arm to the exit.
Marco nodded. Exiting the automatic room with his usual bored face. Years ago, he would be worried as to if they'll see it. But no matter how much amount of tech they dispatch, if the ones using it are fools then it would be useless.
As the technology of the government evolved, and a lot of outlaws are having harder and harder time to evade the police as the security became tighter.
So it's only logical that the one who's on the other side up their game too.
That's why the game of chase became more creative and more exciting for everyone in it. And who's Marco to complain about that?
Grabbing his phone he texted a simple message and not bothering to use the 'text codes', that mostly was developed by Thatch since he's the only one who's excited and dumb enough for it. Or at least Marco's not ready to admit that Thatch do have some brains.
'I'm coming.'
'Oh, you better hurry, featherbrain.'
He locked the screen and went to a uncrowded area, where a cozy looking café lays lazily around the corner. The area where he is in Thatch's turf, which means the only way he has to go there is by is one of the disguised passage. A passage to New World.
Pushing the glass doors as he entered, he nodded at the familiar faces that greeted him in the minute he entered.
Because of the location, the café doesn't have much costumers, which is why it wasn't a surprise when he only saw two people in the shop. Which is a good thing, by the way. Less people, less trouble.
"Goodmorning, sir. How can I help you?" Custom code. Jeffrey, one of the people in Thatch's division, said with a smile.
"Double Espresso, take out." Another coded message.
"Double Espresso, take out. Your order would be ready soon, sir." Marco nodded, and went to the men's restroom. He saw Klarence who was standing beside the open door of the restroom. Marco closed the door and Klarence guarded it, because of the soundproof door, he deemed it safe to speak.
"Klarence, how's it? Did your division got their share, yoi?"
The other man nodded. Before he started to look uncomfortable. "Ah, c-commander... I have a question... Are they... Ah, one of yours?"
Marco stared at him blankly. "I'm going to pretend you didn't ask that."
The man exploded in red, mentally reprimanding himself for thinking that way. He hung his head low while Marco made his way to the mirror, placing his thumb on a tile. Not a few seconds later the mirrors rippled like what water does, he then proceeded making his way into the mirror, which in that era's technology isn't much surprising at all.
In different famiglias, they use different tactics to hide their base and their identity, in hopes of searching "One Piece" they need to continue going incognito, or else before anything ever happens and before they knew it. They're dead.
As much as how The Whitebeard Famiglia pride themselves for their strength and ability to handle the Marines well, they're sure that the cities that they protect wouldn't handle it so good when every night they fear for their lives.
But... He doubt that the Marines would attack them anyway, they are doing them favor of keeping their trash in. Marines are scum, anyway.
Marco got the feeling of irony as he continued to slide down the passage.
A large snow furred dog with a peculiar mustached glomped Marco as soon as the hyper old dog saw the man, wagging his tail eagerly, the oddly large dog licked the not-so stunned blond as Stefan stared at Marco with cute large eyes. And for a dog in his age, and the amount of time Marco have already spent with Stefan, the trick still work so well.
Marco rolled his eyes as a tiny smile slipped upon his lips. He rubbed the top of Stefan's head, messing his fur. The dog barked at him and continued licking Marco's cheeks.
"Yeah, yeah. Hello to you too Stefan, as eager as ever, yoi?" He chuckled
The dog barked. He rolled over the floor and tugged Marco's pants, obviously asking for something.
Marco raised his arms in mock surrender after dusting himself. "Okay, okay." Chuckling more, he grabbed a plastic of dog biscuits that Stefan loved so much in his pockets, "And since you've been a good boy, you'll have 5. Now, don't look at me like that, yoi. Dinner is going to be after some time now." Stefan barked and ate the biscuits from Marco's palm.
"Commander!"
The latter snapped his head up, and saw another member of Thatch's division. He sighed, being reminded of the people waiting for him and no doubt will pester him and shoot him questions more than he can handle.
"Joe. Has every user recieved one?"
The other nodded curtly, "Yes, commander. But... A lot of us do have a question about the kids... In fact, pops called for a meeting for the commanders, might be about Kaido too. Said that some would be late but they'll appear later in the meeting room."
Ace's POV
Blinking awake, sounds of periodical beep welcomed my yet again return to the world of living, the smell of the nesuating stench of disinfectants reached and tickled my nostrils. Scowling, I don't remember being in a place like that. Attempting to open my eyes, I embraced myself for what I will see upon wakening.
White stark walls glared back at my stare.
Nononononono not again please, not again, not—
"A-Ace?"
That voice, whipping his head around he saw a head of blond locks, blinked blearily back at him, obviously just awoken from unconsiousness. Sabo blinked rapidly just realizing what he said.
"Ace... Y-You're alive." Sabo said shakily, as tears formed at his eyes.
"Sabo? Where are—"
"Idiots! I-I... I thought both of you are dead! What happened?! Did you think it was fun to joke like that, huh?!"
What the heck? "The heck ya' talking 'bout? I ain't playing jokes around." I can't help but level my voice with Sabo, I just hate being shouted at. Even more if I'm being accused to something I don't even have the slightest clue about. My head isn't giving me justice, either.
Head pounding I scowled at Sabo. Just then I noticed him, trying to dry his eyes desperately, though unfornately for him, his futile attempts did nothing. What the? Was he... Crying?
But... Sabo never cry.
At least, that's what I know.
"H-Hey..."
The words dried at my mouth, not knowing what to say nor to do. I just stared. What? I grew up in the streets on my own without any friends and just the will to survive, how the hell do you expect me to react? But still... I just can't help but feel guilty and hatred.
Damn it, what happened? Before I can speak or fully process anything through my pain clouded mind, Sabo spoke between full blown sobs. And seeing my brother like that... I couldn't help but hate myself.
"You freakin' died on me! I thought I was gonna' lose 'ya both! I thought... I thought I was gonna be alone again..."
I furrowed my eyebrows. Dying? I'm pretty much alive as I know... I snorted. Maybe he mistakened my narcolepsy for dying. Pfft.
"Pfft- Hahahahaha!"
Before I knew it I pinned down and already flying to the other side of the room, and damn. I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt.
"What's gotten to you?!"
Dammit, call me stupid but I still wouldn't be backing down. No one hits me and get away from it. Besides, I still need to knock some sense to my stupid brother. I catapulted myself to him and jumped through mid air. I knew I went too fast because only did he saw me when I was really close in kicking him at his skull. Gaining momentum and weight, I outstretched my right leg and aimed at the blond head below me.
Pinning him below me, I fixiated a glare at the pair of ocean blue eyes, as he continued to squirm under me. Dang it, wasn't I supposed to be the reckless one?
I felt him get calmer and only notice tears that streamed down his cheeks.
"O-Oi..."
"I thought you were dyin', idiot! Your heart stopped at me and you're laughing?! Do you realize how I felt to be incapable of doing anything while you two were close with death itself?! I couldn't do a thing! What if you two died there? What I'm supposed to do?!"
I... I just didn't know what to say, I just looked at him with wide eyes as I continued listening to his sobs. I felt a massive pang at my chest, after all my brother is crying because of me.
"Sabo, look... I don't know—"
"What happened in here?"
A tall man appeared at the doorway, the way he dressed was of like the men I saw in alleys. He wore a white evening jacket and a black buttoned shirt he has a yellow scarf like thing around his neck, he wore white trousers and black shoes. The man was probably in his forties, he has a scar around his eye, his hair was styled to a classic pompadour, he has a black goatee unlike his brown hair.
Shock was written on his face. I didn't realize how tense I was when the man barge in, luckily enough the headache that earlier pounded my head.
"Who are you?" I said as hostile as possible, Sabo stood beside me with the same hostility. That's when I realize, we don't have our pipes. Which sucks because we could have a lot more upper hand. But, seeing as the man doesn't appear as much strong, we can take him down with little to no difficulty.
"Oi, Sampaguita! The boys are awake! Marco!"
I heard Sabo curse beside me, they're calling back ups. And that always meant trouble.
Sneering at him, I repeated my question. "I'll repeat my question, in case you didn't hear old man." Now I got his attention...
The heck... Is he pouting? Brrr—that'll give me nightmares. "Hey! I'm not that old, 'sides, whatsup with those disgusted face?" the man said, the poutin his face still present as he spoke.
"The heck are you doing, old man?" Sabo said, equally disgusted and incredulous like I am.
"Stop scarin' 'em, yoi."
A hand was outstretched to the man's shoulder, but because the sliding door was only half open, I don't know how the man looks like. But... That speech quirk...
"Ace," Sabo said in a whisper, "Let's attack 'em, now. I'll grab Luffy."
Nodding, I whispered an attack. "Flame Commandment:"
Third POV, earlier.
"So how did it go, son?"
Marco looked up with half-lidded eyes at the taller man—tallest man—slipping an indifferent face he always wore. "'S good. Local Police were too stupid, as expected. Though, this time the World Gov't finally did something more sensible about sending Pacifistas. But," Reaching for a packet of cigarretes and a lighter, he brought it up between his mouth and grinned lazily. "As usual, they didn't even bring a proper fight, yoi."
"Gurarara." Whitebeard laughed. He was going to reach out for a bottle of sake, but before he can reach it, Marco was already holding the humongous bottle with a disapproving look.
"What? I was just taking a sip." If Marco didn't know better he would actually fall for his tricks, but Marco wasn't a member of the clan the longest for nothing. So he let him sulk, because whenever without the head nurse around, it's his turn to look after his alcohol intake.
"Really, pops? 'Just' a sip?"
The older man sighed. Leaning his elbow on his equally big chair, "Fine. You win."
Smirking, trumphiantly. Marco gave the bottle to a nurse, whom she too carried it with ease. Then just when Whitebeard was about to spoke, Thatch barged in.
"Marco! Finally! I almost had a heart attack when Stefan brought 'em. I mean, what were /i you thinking?! Why did you let Stefan carry 'em?! Anyways, there aren't yours are, are they? 'cuz if they are they look nothing like you, b'cuz they're too cute—" Immediately the chatter box of a man was cut off with a girlish yelp as Marco threw the remaining of his cigar at Thatch's hair.
Now, Marco knew it wasn't much a good idea to let Stefan carry the kids and the packages (via sled) somewhere near a checkpoint, but with Garp, and some guy named Spandam, hot in his tracks it's impossible to move with ease with cargo and unconcsious kids in tow. So knowing Stefan is just nearby a passage, because he was chasing a butterfly, he blew the dog whistle that was conviniently in one of his pockets.
"Now, son. No need to be violent to your brother." Whitebeard said with a grin. Marco snorted.
"Anyway who are they, Marco? Where did you find them?" Pops said.
Sighing, Marco scratched his head and leaned against a wall. "Well, remember the mission you assigned me? I saw them where the boxes were. Unconscious."
"Sheesh, well look at that, pineapple is actually a huge softie for kids." Thatch teasingly, "Must be because you're going to be an elderly—" He then broke in cold sweat as a scathing glare was thrown to him by the said blond, he whistled innocently and looked away. Because a pissed or annoyed glaring Marco is something in the bottom list of what you want to see.
"Oi, oi. Am I missin' somethin' good?"
A voice interrupted their conversation, something that came from a small device that floated in the room. The device is something like a mini projecter than can receive and transmit calls that projects the image of the caller realistically. Thatch immediately used this as a distraction and greeted the man with too much forced enthusiast.
"Vista, how's it—"
CRAAAAASH
"What's gotten to you?!"
"I'll check what happened, pops!" Thatch said hurrying to the infirmary, worried about the boys and because he wanted to escape the blond's wrath.
Marco watched as Thatch leave in a rush, Vista muttered. "What the heck happened?"
The blond shrugged, "They probably woke up."
Vista arched a brow, "'They'? Did we just get some visitors?"
"Not at all, son. Only fools would think of sneaking in our base." Whitebeard said, who had taken advantage of the moment and stole a bottle of sake from who knows where. He chugged on the alcohol like it was water and laughed merrily. Half because he manage to sneak a bottle past Marco's nose and half because of the idea of someone sneaking in their base.
"Pops." Marco just sighed, knowing that he wouldn't be able to snatch it now from him.
"Gurarara."
Vista laughed. "Stop tryin' Marco, by the way how's the mission gone? Our intellect are never wrong so—"
"Oi, Sampaguita! The boys are awake! Marco!"
"Got to go, yoi." Marco then proceeded to the infirmary and this leads to our current scene,
Present
Third POV
Ace was taken by surprise when he was suddenly dumped on the shoulder of the blond like sack of potatoes. He saw blue flames at the place where he shooted the flame just a second ago, and like nothing happened the other didn't react differently, he acted with the same poker face he wore, which made Ace irritated further.
"Ace!" Sabo yelled, he thought, 'They captured Ace!'
Grabbing anything near him that resembles a pipe, he spinned the long dowel rod with a hand and thrusted it forward after putting on a fighting stance. With narrowed eyes, he gritted his teeth. "Bring Ace down you, b st rd."
Ace squirmed out of the man's grip, but no matter what he do, the man didn't budge. His grip was like of an iron, making it impossible for him to break free.
"What do you want from us?! We ain't participating in your experiment shits anymore! D mn it! Let me down or else—"
"Government?" Sampaguita, the head nurse in Moby Dick, repeated. She sniffed. "What the heck does the Government wants from you brats?"
With a glare, Sabo answered. "Like you don't know! You ain't gettin' anythin' from—"
"A-Ace? S-Sabo? Where are we? The air smells funny." The youngest said, just waking up. Blear eyed he stared at the uknown men with confusion.
"Eh, who are you?"
A/N: Woohoo~! Chapter One
finished~ So in Japan, based on my reaserch, yakuzas have more freedom than I have written. Though, it's kind of expected with the World Gov't taking over. Still, because yakuzas are already a part of Japan's culture, there are some exception for them of course, like... Y'know, getting a free pass on some festivals... I guess? Lol
*Squeal* Marco appeared in the manga! For those who are aware of the stunt I pulled, yes I haven't got over it *v* hahaha though I'm sad and scared about what happeaned to him, I still want to see him.
And please! Give suggestions for fillers! QAQ I suck at fillers.
~ XxFire-PhoenixxX
Published: May 15, 2016
