Hi there. I have to ask you something before I forget it. I have an idea for one of the last chapters. It does have something to do with Ace's love life. I spoiler that much Ace won't be paired with anyone in this FF. There is just something I want to do and for that, I need Ace Pairs. I don't care if you suggest girls or boys as possible love interests for him. I just need lots of suggestion. Even crack. So yeah, just tell me every Ace pair you know and somehow like with a reason why ^^
But to the chapter... I said I had it finished on paper... well, I started to hate the beginning and then it was rewritten again, again. I lost count how many times I deleted it and had it written again. I already thought that I would finish the chapter after Eastern, but well it, in the end, it got easier. So I hope you like it ^^' I don't say much about the next chapter, but you guess what will happen in it ;)
CelineB: My pleasure ;)
Shahana-G: Yeah, that will be a bit sad. But still, it will be interesting as Luffy expressed his desire to thank them and we know how Luffy is. It's going to be fun.
He will be the queen for teasing ;) Otherwise, Luffy's explanation is enough. I was worried it got too complicated ^^'
Marco would let the opportunity go away to kiss Luffy. The kiss involved a bit teasing and provoking Marco to do more. Also, he didn't care that Vista there at the moment or he just enjoyed to show off a little bit xD
Be surprised for that ;) I already have the scene in my head xD And I want to write it now T.T but it has to wait for a few chapters (otherwise I won't get these down)
~Chapter 11 – Interlude of a straw hat~
Jinbe closed his eyes and let himself relax for a few minutes. The last days he helped out when help was needed. It felt right to help. After all, Luffy and he were unannounced guests and he didn't want to bother them more as they had to set up a room for him and a bed for Luffy and also provided them with food until the others would be able to pick them up.
It would still be a bit until that was happening. Jinbe talked with Nami on the first day and they decided (with asking Whitebeard for his permission) to wait until it was clear when Ace would be back from his mission to decided when and where they would come by. The rest of Straw Hats would decide on the island where they would hold the party and started to prepare little things like chairs and tables and also buy the food and other things.
He was a bit happy that he didn't have to help there. It could be quite a chaos if they all had to go shopping together. It was better that way it was now.
Jinbe turned his head to his captain. Luffy sat next to Whitebeard and listen to a story about the old pirate era with Gol D. Roger. Good thing, these kinda stories were keeping Luffy from getting into trouble if he got bored.
This was also a reason why Jinbe helped a lot. It decreased his thoughts about what kind of chaos his captain would make. Luckily the commanders and Whitebeard liked the boy enough to keep him safe to their best abilities. Therefore they probably relied on Ace's stories about his little brother. It was a well-known thing on the Moby Dick that the second division commander likes to rant about Luffy and didn't know how to stop, even after a narcoleptic attack.
The Fishman looked up at the sky where Marco flew circles. That the blonde was on main duty to keep Luffy out of trouble was a bonus. Jinbe didn't know a better person for that job. From his perspective, Marco had a lot of experience through Thatch and Haruta, the most famous pranksters on the Moby Dick.
A grin ghosted over Jinbe's face as he remembered Thatch's reaction to be pranked for the first time a few days ago. He heard the cook cursing about paperwork like he didn't hear him before. The reason for the cursing was simple. Haruta and Luffy had taken some paperwork from the other commander's and gave them to Thatch through Izo. It was quite a funny scene to see the cook cursing.
The good atmosphere of the prank had only lasted until they had to prepare for a storm and later the search for Luffy and Haruta, who got caught in the storm. Fortunately, both were found quickly (Haruta faster than Luffy).
It was quite a sight to see his captain, who normally couldn't stay still, wrapped up in blankets so that he couldn't move. Marco even had to feed him the meatless soup, which made Luffy whine a lot because of the missing meat.
Thinking about this sight made Jinbe remember something that he saw. A few days after the incident, the Fishman wasn't really sure what he had seen. He was on his way back from the little village and saw Marco and Luffy leave the ship. The blonde carried a basket and their hands were linked.
Jinbe blinked. Why would Marco carry a basket around with him? The linked hands didn't make him wonder, as this was possibly the best way to make sure that Luffy didn't run off. Perhaps his captain wanted to explore the island by night and the basket was a pirate lunch box. That would be logical. But wouldn't a backpack be better than a picnic basket?
He had just shrugged it off at the moment. But there had to be a simple reason.
„Ship sighted, Oyaji, yoi." Jinbe was interrupted in his thoughts and looked to Whitebeard and Marco, who had landed. „It is the Red Force, yoi." „Seems like Akagami wants to drink with you again", Izo said and grinned a bit. The rest of the division commanders, who assembled, also started to grin. Whitebeard started to laugh. „He seemed to have learned his lessons instead of sending another brat first."
Jinbe shivered as the looks on the commander's face darken, but they were all still grinning. He had heard the story how they all pranked a new member of Shanks two years ago. They wanted to make their father laugh as Thatch was in a coma, Ace was chasing after the traitor and Shanks had the nerve to send a newcomer instead of coming himself.
The prank was easy. All commanders had dressed in different clothes and even died their hair to make sure there weren't easy to recognize. The so-called Rockstar tried to be impressive but was talked down by a black-haired, at that point, Marco. Also, Whitebeard's reaction didn't seem to help much.
Jinbe hoped that Shanks didn't let the guy back on board. He feared a bit what the fifteen commanders would plan. It was scary if they all agreed to prank someone together.
„Red Force is next to us. Akagami requested permission to come aboard with Benn Beckmann, Yasopp and Lucky Roo." A crew member reported.
„Permission granted."
Jinbe stepped behind his captain.
„Oi, the weaker minded member go below now, if you don't want to be knocked out by his Haki, yoi."
Luffy turned his head to him. „Is asking for permission and using Haki the normal way to come aboard?" Jinbe sighed. „Asking for permission, yes. Using Haki, no." Luffy picked his nose. „Sounds boring."
That was a typical Luffy answer. Normal was boring. That could be Luffy's motto next to meat is life and becoming the pirate king.
Then Jinbe shivered. The wave of Haki that crushed on them was strong. Not all members were quick enough and got knocked and also the ship took some physical damage. Did Akagami do that every time he visits? If yes, the Fishman knew why Marco looked so angry.
„Hello, Whitebeard." Shanks was now standing in front of the older captain. His three crew members were behind him with three big bottles of sake.
„You really have to that every time, brat?" „It makes me feel safer as this is not my ship." Whitebeard started to laugh. Jinbe couldn't understand what was so funny about this.
„Then you should stay on your own ship, yoi." The Fishman looked at the first division commander. For some unknown reason Marco hated Shanks with a passion, but he seemed to be a bit more tolerant after the war.
„Marco, will you join…" Shanks didn't get to finish his question. But Jinbe felt that everyone already knew what he would ask because they all had an annoyed look.
The interruption was Luffy's fist which went by close to Shanks' left ear. Jinbe felt his heart drop. Why did the boy have to attack another Yonko? Hadn't he a friendly relationship with Akagami?
„Anchor?!" Shanks seemed surprised. „What are you doing on the Moby Dick?" Luffy crossed his arms. „Visiting and I don't talk with cheaters."
The whole ship was silent. What exactly did Luffy mean by cheaters? Jinbe thought hard what could have happened to make his captain attack the Yonko who inspired him to become a pirate.
Then suddenly Izo, of all the people, started to laugh. The cross-dresser had to hold onto Thatch to not fall down. It was rare to see Izo bursting into laughter for no clear reason. But what did the 16th division commander knew what they didn't?
Izo had to wipe a tear away before he started to speak. „It seems that Luffy does know a bit more about your love, Akagami. Enough to think that you are a cheater when he got the information that you have a lover and also a child with that lover when the rumours are true." The cross-dresser smiled devilishly. Luffy nodded in agreement and had a dark look on his face.
Jinbe felt bad for the red-haired Yonko. Izo wouldn't let him off the hook until the information was confirmed and his captain wouldn't be stopped that easily if he decided he wants to fight with Shanks.
The crew also started whisper. „Akagami a father?" „Can you picture him as a father?" „No, too immature sometimes." „He acts too childish like Thatch sometime." The last one made Thatch pout and he wanted to protest, but he didn't do it. It had something to do with Izo, Jinbe guessed. The cross-dresser had put his hand on Thatch's shoulder and patted it lightly.
Then Izo turned back to Shanks after he lifted his free hand. The voices quiet down. „Well, Shanks? Do you want to tell us more? Because if I remember Luffy's story right, he will mostly think that you have or had a relationship with Makino, a dear friend to Luffy, Ace and Sabo. And now just an idea how this can possibly play out if Luffy believes that you cheated on Makino then Ace and Sabo will, too. That means the Revolutionary Army's chief of staff, also known as No. 2 of the Revolutionary Army, our second division commander and a pirate, who is crazy enough to go against Kaido, Big Mom and the World Government to protect people dear to him, would be against you. Bad mix to be your enemies. I'd say you lose." Izo grinned and Jinbe shivered.
The thought of fighting against these three brothers at the same time would be a nightmare to many people. The Fishman heard that Fujitora had called them something like a terrible set of brothers. And that would mean something if an admiral of the marine said this about his enemies.
Shanks sighed and lifted his hand. „Then I should probably tell the reason for our visit. We have just returned from a trip to the East Blue. We have some greetings from Makino to Ace, Sabo and Luffy. Everything is fine in the village and Dadan throws a party every time one of you three get a new bounty. Also, Makino gave us the number of the den-den mushi in her bar so we would give it to you to check in sometime. But the main reason is also to ask you what you guys would like more become big brothers or uncles?"
„To put it short, Luffy, the captain is asking if you and your brothers would accept his and Makino's child as part of the family. Also, he just wants to throw a party, because of this and decided it would be more fun if you guys drink with us, too", Benn explained.
Luffy looked confused at first. Then he seemed to realize what exactly was told? „I'm an uncle?!" He cheered. „So Shanks didn't cheat on Makino. I'm an uncle. How is the baby?" Luffy started to ramble and asked question after question, which the Yasopp and Lucky Roo mostly answered.
„Shouldn't you stay with Makino and the child?" Whitebeard looked at Shanks and stopped Luffy's ramble. „It is safer for now. As long as Akainu is the Fleet Admiral children of pirates will be hunted and children will have to pay for their parents' faults."
Everyone's face darkened as the name of the Magu Magu no Mi user. It awoke some bad memories in all of them. No one had forgotten what he had planned during the war and what made this worse he had nearly succeeded. The memories made Jinbe clenched his fists. His eyes wandered to Luffy's scar. This was a reminder for him how he nearly failed his friend Ace's wish and Luffy's trust in him.
„Can we skip the gloomy atmosphere? We have here to party my fatherhood. There is an island close by to stop. Otherwise, our ship is open for entry if you want", Shanks said and grinned.
„Wel will stop at the island but leave some sake here, brat."
Jinbe wasn't surprised at the answer. After all, a party would mean lots of sake and other alcohol. The nurses would be angry.
„Well, then see you there. Benn, leave the sake bottle. We still have enough to enough even if we leave on here", Shanks ordered before he left the ship with his three trusty crewmates following him.
„So that means prank time against this Rockstar-guy?" „No, Thatch. It would be boring if we prank him again. Also, our favourite mother-hen didn't seem up for a prank against Akagami." „Perhaps you should do you work first before you think about the party, you two, yoi."
Jinbe saw how Haruta and Thatch mumbled something, but couldn't understand them as they to their rooms. The other commanders looked at each other before they also went their own way's to get some work down before the party as it seemed.
That could only mean that the chance for a prank at the party is very small. But even if there was no prank, the party was going to be fun. The Whitebeard Pirates and the Redhaired Pirates had lots of different people who knew how to party in their own way without making it seem like a bad mix.
Jinbe turned his head to Luffy only to find him gone. Wel, that was no wonder. The couldn't stay still for long except when he was fishing.
There wouldn't be much to do to help out if most of the crew were already preparing themselves for the party. So Jinbe decided to go to the lounge and perhaps read a bit until they arrived at the island Shanks mentioned.
But he stopped in a hallway when he heard Luffy's voice. It sounded like a mix of anger and happiness. The angry part did make the Fishman worry a bit that something had happened. So he decided to investigate.
Jinbe turned to a door which was fully close but stopped when he heard Marco chuckle. „So the little future pirate king wasn't only angry that Akagami may have cheated on your friend, but also jealous, yoi?" The blonde voice had a teasing tone it. This surprised Jinbe a bit. He wasn't sure at the moment if he should enter or not.
„He can't just ask you to join his crew", Luffy whined and Jinbe could hear Marco laughing. „Don't worry. I don't intend to leave Oyaji's crew. After all, this is my family, yoi." „Good, but if you would leave, you would join me, right?" „I would join you. But like I said I do not intend to leave my family at the moment, even if it is a hard decision when you really would ask, yoi." A giggling from Luffy could be heard. „You are happy here. I wouldn't want to take that away from you. A family is a treasure." „It is. Just say what you want about your new addition to the family, yoi." „Do you think I would be a good uncle or big brother? I was always the youngest… Chopper is younger than me. But…" „Don't worry. You don't have to act differently. If you are ready to protect the baby, then you can take the job as a good uncle or good big brother, yoi."
Jinbe smiled softly. Luffy would be ready to protect the baby if it would ever need it. And the Fishman knew that the whole crew would follow to help their captain.
„You don't plan to work before the party, do you?" Jinbe frowned. His captain normally wouldn't ask. „I don't think, there would be any work that couldn't wait, yoi." Jinbe could hear Luffy cheered and then a noise like someone fall on a bed.
The Fishman blinked before he silently closed the door fully and went his way again. He already did feel a bit bad for ears-dropping on his captain.
Well, he couldn't make it undone. The conversation and the sound at the end did feed a suspicion he had since they arrived on the Moby Dick. He noticed a few small changes in Luffy's behaviour, but until now he couldn't really put the pieces together.
Jinbe sighed silently. It would be the best if he forgot about it until Luffy will tell him and the rest of the Straw Hat crew. It was, after all, some private business of his captain he found out. It didn't matter to him that Luffy hadn't told them, yet. He knew his captain wasn't good at keeping secrets normally, so there had to be a reason. This is why he would wait until Luffy told them on his own.
Even if he had to wait until they found the One Piece because it wouldn't matter when they got to know.
