Garp held out the picture someone on his ship had managed to take of the Whitebeard pirates newest crewmember, even if he insisted he wasn't part of the crew. He frowned at the boy in the picture, Milo. There was a really strong resemblance to his grandson, and according to Gadding and Figgs, Luffy had returned. Garp gritted his teeth as he handed the picture to the other marine in the room.

"How high should his bounty be?" Garp's subordinate asked.

The question brought Garp out of his musings. "20 million," he answered, returning to his thoughts.

"Isn't that a bit high?"

"He did attack an officer," Garp pointed out. The Marine shrugged and began making the poster. "Have you seen Gadding around? I thought he arrived yesterday."

"I think he's in the barracks," The Marine said, handing back the picture. "I'll send the posters out with tomorrow's newspaper."

Garp nodded, folding the picture and sticking it in his pocket before leaving the room.

"Gadding!" Garp shouted as he tore open the door to the higher official's barracks. "I need to talk to you!"

A figure rose from one of the beds. "Whadda ya want?"

"Sabaody Archipelago," Garp got straight to the point. "You put in your report Strawhat Luffy had returned. Are you sure it was Luffy you saw?"

"I've already told you," Gadding sighed. "It was him. His arm stretched and he had the hat."

"Was there anything else? Something you forgot to mention in your report? Other people with him?"

Gadding shook his head. "There was a woman and a little girl, and they were in my report." He told Garp. "A wife and daughter, according to Figgs. I didn't see anyone else with him."

"Are you–"

"I'M POSITIVE!" Gadding shouted, cutting him off and grabbing Garp's shoulders, shaking him. "I only saw a woman and a little girl! If there was anyone else with them, they weren't there! Ask Figgs if you want anything else. He was with them longer."

Garp sighed, thinking of his grandson. "How does he come back from the dead?"

"He might not have been dead," Gadding said. "We only assumed. He could have been in hiding."

Garp shook his head, "He would have written to me if he was in hiding. He would have somehow assured me he was okay."

"He's a pirate," Gadding said, talking slowly as if to ensure Garp understood the fact. "He doesn't care."

Garp paused, silent for a minute. Then he said, "You do realize the reason he has such a high bounty is because he's willing to go to any lengths to protect the people he cares about, right?"

Robin was in a great mood. Currently, she was sitting on the deck of the Thousand Sunny, watching Franky try to strangle Luffy while crying and shouting nonsense.

"They're quite lively, are they not?" Robin asked Nami.

Nami just sighed, "They're going to draw even more attention to us if they don't shut up. Then we'd have to get out of here."

"Should we stop them?"

Nami shook her head. "It's alright, they miss each other."

"I think you're right about us getting out of here," Robin said. "The sooner the better. The ship we were travelling on before was carrying people associated with the Marines."

"Yeah, Simon and the others." Nami said. "They came with us from the other world, although I suppose you already know this. I warned them not to mention Luffy and me a while ago. They probably know who we are now, so I don't think they'll be talking."

"Is that why Mr. Simon left so fast?"

"Probably,"

A loud thump caught the attention of both women. They looked over to the boys, watching as Luffy managed to hit Franky upside the head and Franky fall to the deck.

Bellemere's eyes were shining. "Are they gonna fight?" She asked excitedly.

"Your daughter is quite violent," Robin commented. "She's just like you."

"I know," Nami gushed, "Isn't it wonderful?"

"Hey!" Zoro's voice echoed down from the lookout tower. "I see Marine ships!"

"We should set sail, then," Luffy said, tapping the unconscious shipwright with his foot. "Oi, Franky. Wake up," Franky groaned, but rose. "We have to get out of here," Luffy continued. "Fast."

Franky's eyes lit up. "Roger!" He saluted, and then vanished below the deck.

"Everyone," Robin warned. "You had better hold on."

"What's gonna happen?" Bellemere asked.

Nami grinned, "We're going to fly."

Franky reappeared on deck, taking his designated place at the helm and maneuvering away from the dock. They started sailing towards the Marine ships, probably here because the pirates were sighted. The ship was vibrating, the cola engines already powering up and waiting to be used. Luffy stood at the bow, Nami stepping up beside him and Bellemere holding onto her father's hand. Tom was standing beside Franky, watching him work, and Blake stayed by Robin. Kuina was coming down the ladder to the lookout tower, excited.

There were shouts from the Marine ship, but Franky was ready. He pulled a lever and grinned. "Coup De Burst!" He shouted as the ship rocketed from the water, soaring over the Marine ships. The children were screaming, but after the initial shock wore off, they began laughing. The landed a minute later, far enough away from the Marines. All four children stumbled as the ship hit the water, not used to the impact.

"Alright!" Luffy shouted, jumping up onto the figurehead. He pointed forward. "Let's go!"

Simon, Tim, Andy, and several others from New York watched the ship fly off into the distance. "Wow…" Was the only word they were able to muster out.

"It's cold," Milo complained, shivering. He looked up as snow began to fall.

"It's a winter island," Haruta pointed out.

"It's still cold," Milo muttered, wrapping his arms around himself.

Despite the cold, the island was a sight to behold. It was white, and in the distance there was tall, drum shaped mountains rising up and disappearing into the cloud cover. They sailed closer, and Milo could make out people gathered around a small bay.

He turned when he heard footsteps behind him, and got a face full of cloth. He tore the imposing fabric away, revealing it to be a coat. "You might want to put that on." Marco said, walking over to the helm and began giving directions to the one steering. Gratefully, Milo pulled on the coat, relishing in the warmth.

Less than five minutes later, the ship had dropped anchor in the small cove, barely large enough to fit it. Marco hadn't bothered putting on warm clothing, and had jumped over the side to speak with a large person wearing an equally large green coat.

"That's Dalton," Haruta said. "He's a friend, and removed this kingdom from the World Government."

"What does that mean?"

"It means, this place is safe for pirates. Like us. This place is under the Pirate King's protection though, so no other crews are willing to attack. Even though the Pirate King is dead, the doctor on his ship lives here." Haruta pointed to the small creature standing next to the massive man in green. "That's Chopper," She said, "He's the best."

"Is he human?" Milo asked, eyeing up the small creature.

Haruta laughed. "No. He's a reindeer."

"A bit small for a reindeer, isn't he."

"Don't let him hear you say that," Haruta warned. "He could kick your ass. And then patch you back up and kick it again."

Milo shuttered, not replying.

"Come on," Haruta grabbed Milo's arm and pulled him over the side, landing in a spray of snow. "There aren't many winter islands on this side of the Grand Line. Let's build a snowman!"

Milo felt immature, but he went along with it. Staying on the ship would have been boring anyway. They were joined later by several members of the 12th division. It was when Henry threw the first snowball that the fight began. Milo ducked behind one of the snowman for cover, not willing to get hit by a snowball thrown by someone with inhuman strength. He saw an opening in the crowd, and he leapt toward the trees and better cover.

He ducked behind a tree, which was stronger than a snowman, and caught his breath. His arm was tired from hurtling snow. He rubbed his sore shoulder, glancing to the side when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. It was the reindeer doctor, his arms braced against the tree and glaring suspiciously.

"Hi," Milo waved.

The reindeer yelped, darting back. "Who are you? I've never seen you before!"

"I came with Marco's ship," Milo said, raising his hands, showing he meant no harm.

"The reindeer came a bit closer, still eyeing him suspiciously. "So you're a Whitebeard Pirate?"

Milo shook his head, "No, I'm just travelling with them. My name is Milo. Haruta said your name was Chopper, right?"

Chopper nodded slowly, slowly closing the distance between them and began poking him. "You're a pirate though… right?"

Milo shrugged, "I guess. Wasn't raised as one though."

"Me neither," Chopper said. "I'm a doctor."

Milo nodded, "Haruta said you were a great one."

The reindeer broke out in a grin. "Saying I'm great won't make me happy, you asshole."

Milo raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. Haruta was in his sight, and Milo scooped up a handful of snow, packing it tightly. "What are you doing?" Chopper asked.

"Getting in a hit," Milo grinned. "I'm not inhumanly strong like everyone else. I need to use strategy to beat them." He aimed, bringing his arm back and hurtling it forward, hitting Haruta directly in the back of the head. "Oh… shit…" Haruta had turned toward him, her eyes full of fury. "RUN!" He took off, not wanting to face Haruta's wrath.

Chopper was keeping up with him, and then he transformed, looking more like a reindeer than before and running on all four legs. The sudden change caused Milo to stumble. "Get on!" Chopper said, and Milo didn't complain, jumping onto his back and holding onto his neck.

"CHEATER!" Haruta shouted, as Chopper put distance between them.

Chopper stopped a few minutes later, as they reached the village, and the two of them collapsed in the snow, laughing. Marco and Dalton had been walking down the road when the pair emerged from the trees. Dalton laughed at the sight, while Marco sighed. "What did you do?"

Milo rolled over and pushed himself up, resting on his elbows. "I hit Haruta with a snowball."

Marco shook his head, a smile crossing his face. "You have to deal with the consequences. Chopper," Marco acknowledged the reindeer. "I see you've met Milo. How are you?"

"Great! Milo's nice. And he smells good." The little reindeer had transformed again, into his smaller size. "How's your wound doing?" Chopper had taken on a serious expression, walking up to the pirate.

Marco rubbed his shoulder, "It's doing better," He told Chopper. "Really, I haven't been pushing it."

"You were hurt?" Milo stood, brushing snow from his coat.

"He was being reckless," Chopper corrected. "He was lucky he wasn't far from here. You might have lost your arm if that infection had gotten worse."

Marco looked embarrassed, "It was a stupid mistake. I let my guard down. We were fighting Marines, and one of them nicked me with a sword."

"I thought you and the Marines were… well, not friends, but…" Milo trailed off, gesturing uselessly with his arms to get his point across.

"That's just with Garp and his crew," Marco said. "Other Marines, not so much."

Milo groaned, "I'm never going to understand," He muttered.

Dalton was eyeing him curiously. "You weren't here last time Marco stopped by."

"He's the newest member," Marco said.

"I haven't joined yet," Milo elaborated. "I just want to find my parents."

Dalton nodded, taking both explanations. "How soon do you plan to head out?"

"As soon as we can," Marco said, "I have a bad feeling, and I want to be on the water as soon as possible."

Dalton nodded again, calling out to several people as he walked away. Marco looked over at Milo and Chopper, who were talking. "Milo, since you're here, could you help carry supplies?"

Milo looked up, nodding. "I'll help too," Chopper said. Milo was handed several bags, and he followed Dalton through the snow and back to the ship. He ducked behind the larger man when Haruta came into sight, relaxing when they got on the ship. There were four more trips before everything Marco had bought was loaded, and during the third trip, Haruta had spotted Milo and tackled him to the ground. Marco had to pull her off of him.

Finally, they were ready to go. Chopper had forced Marco to sit down so he could examine the remains of his wound before he let them cast off.

"It was nice meeting you, Chopper," Milo said, as Chopper prepared to leave.

Chopper smiled, "You're nice," He told Milo. "I want to see you again. Are you going to stay with Marco?"

"I don't know," Milo said. "The only reason I agreed to come with him in the first place was because I fell off the ship I was on, and landed on an uninhabited island. I was just going to travel with him until I found my parent's ship."

Chopper's face fell, "Will you still visit?"

"Of course," Milo said. "You don't seem to mind pirates, so I'll ask my parents to stop by."

Chopper's sad expression changed. "Promise?"

Milo nodded, following as Chopper left the room and walked outside, jumping up onto the railing. "Goodbye," he said, jumping off.

The Moby Dick II cast off, sailing out of the bay. Milo waved from the rail until Haruta jumped him again, dragging him away from Chopper's view.

"Chopper," Dalton said as the ship sailed further away, "You aren't usually this friendly with strangers. Why was he different?"

"He smelled nice," Chopper said. "And he was nice."

"What did he smell like?"

"He smelled like Luffy," Chopper answered.

Chopper sat on the snow bank, watching the ship until it vanished from his sight.

After Haruta dragged Milo off, Marco sent Namur to rescue him. Milo wasn't strong enough yet to put up with what she would do to him. Namur came back with Haruta slung over his shoulder, shouting, and Milo trailing behind, looking relieved.

Marco smiled at the trio, but when he turned away, a frown crossed his face. He still had a bad feeling, and having water surrounding them wasn't helping that twisting in his gut. No one else seemed worried, many of them trying to get into the sake they just picked up.

He walked away, climbing up to the crow's nest and looking around. He froze suddenly, the sky becoming brighter, despite the sun and clear sky. He jumped down and circled the ship, but no matter where he went, the brightness continued to increase. He arrived back at the bow, where Milo was standing. He had a strange expression on his face, a mix between confusion and disbelief.

"No way…" Milo muttered. He pressed a hand to his chest and looked even more confused for a minute, but then dropped his hand and nodded to Marco.

"Do you know what's going on?" Marco asked him. By now, others were beginning to notice the strange glow around them.

"I… I think," Milo said. "I wasn't outside last time, but… When Mom opened the door it was all white… It's the same. I think…"

Milo was stuttering, looking nervous. Marco put a hand on his shoulder. "I said you're welcome to keep your secrets unless it harms the crew. Right now, I feel like the crew is in danger."

Milo nodded, "I wasn't born in this world," He said.

Marco was taken aback, "What?"

"I was born in another world," Milo repeated. "It sounds crazy, but it's true. We… came to this one by accident. I was inside when it started, but when we looked outside, everything was white. Just like the sky is now."

Marco looked up, the sky continuing to get brighter, almost white. A distinct ring was forming and starting to descend. "Another world?"

Milo nodded, "I'm almost sure this is the same thing. I have no idea what's going on, but…"

"Will it hurt anyone?" Marco demanded. "Is that a threat?" He pointed up at the ring.

Milo paused, "No, It won't hurt anyone. Bumpy landing, but that's it. If we end up in New York, or anywhere in my world, we'll be okay."

Marco gritted his teeth, looking around at the crew. "Everyone hold on tight. Milo, is there any way to avoid it?"

"I don't know," Milo answered truthfully.

Marco grimaced, "Hold on," He repeated his order. "I don't know what's going to happen." He turned to Milo. "I expect a full explanation after this."

"Yeah…" Milo didn't like the expression Marco was giving him. The ship was in trouble, and Milo felt guilty. He grabbed onto the rail until his knuckled turned white, frowning as Marco started shouting orders, preparing to outrun the light. "Is it following me?" The sudden thought startled him. Had this happened to his parents? Probably not, they were from this world. But he wasn't. Neither was Bellemere. Was this happening to her too?

The ship lurched forward as they began to pick up speed. Unfortunately, they weren't fast enough, and the ring of white descended on them. Milo squeezed his eyes shut at a fierce howling roared in his ears, and he held on. Then suddenly, almost as abruptly as it started, everything stopped. The light faded from behind Milo's eyelids, and he cracked open an eye, looking around.

"There wasn't an aftershock," He mused, releasing the railing and looking around. There was only ocean when he looked out, but when he turned around, there was New York. The city scape was impossible to miss, the buildings rising taller than he had seen on any island they landed on.

Marco narrowed his eyes at him. "Milo, where are we?"

"Welcome to New York," Milo said. "This is where I was born."