I call this chapter an interlude because unlike most chapters which take place on the Straw Hats' ship (currently the Merry but of course will eventually be the Sunny, like the title suggests), this and further interludes will be set elsewhere, "From the Decks of the World"-style, so to say. But our favourite spirit crew will still be featured, of course!

Hope you'll like this chapter as well!

Chapter 11 - Interlude: First Bounty

The sun that day was flawlessly bright in the cloudless sky, casting its brilliant glow to light up the seas below to gem-like radiance. It was as such a perfect day for the news that would soon sweep the world, heralding hints of the beginning of a new age.

With the Moby Dick far out from any nearby islands and with no other ships in sight, the Whitebeard Pirates had been settling back to enjoy one of those peaceful days out at sea when a loud yell snapped the gentle lull of muted chatter and splashing waves. Startled, half the crew twitched instinctively towards their weapons before relaxing again when they realized that the cry had been made with enthusiasm, not from danger.

A moment later, their Second Division Commander barrelled from the other side of the deck towards where their Captain sat in his chair, a piece of paper clenched in his hand. The youth vaulted easily in one leap to stand on one of the chair's wide handles, brandishing the paper out with a proud grin that stretched all the way across his face.

"Oyaji, look! This is my little brother!"

Whitebeard's laughter rumbled in his chest as he leaned forward obligingly to inspect the bounty poster his son was presenting to him. Below, a curious crowd had gathered, the idle crew wandering over to find out what had gotten their crewmate into such spirits.

At a called-out request, the bounty poster was passed around among the crew. Thatch whistled, impressed as he took in the printed information. "Man, a 30 million beri starting bounty is pretty damn decent, especially coming from the East Blue."

Ace's responding smile was wide and blindingly proud. "Isn't it!" His whole body fair vibrated with overflowing excitement. He then plunged into an enthusiastic recounting of all sorts of tales about his 'cute little brother', talking the ears off anyone who would listen. In the background, Whitebeard's continued chuckles washed over them like waves.

Roger shared a fond grin with Rouge at Ace's unrestrained delight. Both of them had a soft spot for the boy their son called brother, starting from the time they spent watching them grow up together. Luffy was one of the few people who made Ace truly happy, and that was more than enough for them to love him as well.

Fierce approval bubbled up to the surface in the form of warm laughter as Roger looked again at the photo displayed with Luffy's first bounty. That was a fine expression for a future Pirate King to have, a smile unrestrained and daring in its message to the world. His grin widened in kind.

"Looks like the kid's been busy while I've been gone. I daresay it's time for another visit."

Miles away across the sea but still in the New World, another notable pirate crew had likewise received news of this milestone event. Banchina popped onto the island that the Red Hair Pirates had made dock at to find the crew in a mood of high spirits, with a cheer greater even than their usual merrymaking ways.

Catching a glimpse of the slip of paper being proudly passed around, her eyes crinkled in delight. The news of Luffy's first bounty had clearly reached Shanks and his crew, and they'd taken to celebrating this milestone event in classic pirate fashion. Even the newer members, who had never met Luffy in person, had thrown themselves alike into drunken song and dance, cheerfully fuelling the festivities.

Smiling fondly at the familiar antics of this boisterous crew, she made her way through the laughing crowd towards Yasopp, who was seated as per usual in the circle of Shanks' closest and oldest crew members. As expected this group was the source of the greatest revelry, the captain's loud laughter carrying clearly across the island as they all toasted to his young protégé's growing success. The presence of Mihawk seated by the red-haired captain's side, similarly tossing back a hearty swig of rum, was a bit more of a surprise, but fitting considering his newfound stakes in this rookie pirate crew.

Luffy's bounty poster eventually made its way round back to the officers, and Yasopp snagged the paper as it passed, lowering his tankard to stare at the photo again, this time with a considering furrow between his brows. "Could it be?" he muttered.

Banchina felt a burst of pride and affection as she followed his gaze towards the tiny, barely perceptible figure at the back of the picture. The angle only showed the back of his head, practically unidentifiable without further clues, but at the end of the day few things could outmatch a parent's instinct.

"Yes, Yasopp, that's our son. Our Usopp," she told him. "He's grown up healthy and strong, with a flair for storytelling just like you. He's sailing with Luffy-kun now, heading closer to you with every moment." She leaned her cheek into her hand as she smiled, watching over her two precious boys and the new comrades they had found in this vast blue ocean.

Parent and child, mentor and protégé, brothers, sisters, friends, family… Their fates were entwined in a myriad of ways, each string pulling them unerringly towards each other. One day their paths would certainly cross again, in this endless blue sea of freedom. Because what tied them together were the bonds of love, and therefore it was never a matter of if but a matter of when – in life, in death or somewhere in-between.

And so till then, they would wait together; waiting for that day when they and their loved ones would meet again.

Please review! (Chapter 12 - Loguetown)