"So Robin, are you gonna tell me what's going on?"

Nami frowned as Robin ignored her question and kept walking. Nami was currently trailing after her best friend, who was walking purposefully in the direction of the hospital. Nami knew Robin wasn't purposefully ignoring her, but something clearly seriously had her rattled, and Nami had no idea what it could be.

"Robin! Just stop for a second and talk to me! What did Zoro tell you?"

Nami reached out and grabbed Robin's hand, halting her instantly. Robin turned around and looked at Nami, the orange haired girl's actions seeming snapping her out of her trance. Nami smiled weakly at Robin.

"Come on Robin. It's me. You know you can tell me anything, right?"

Robin looked at Nami for a second before sighing. "I... I did something bad."

"Something bad?"

"Nami, please I..."

Nami smiled at Robin, gripping her hand tightly. "Robin. Tell me. You're my best friend, I would never think less of you no matter what!"

Robin smiled sadly at Nami, who immediately was put on guard by Robin's expression. She was sure her words would cheer Robin up... so why did she look so guilty? "Robin..."

"Nami, if I tell you... please don't hate me. I never would ever want to hurt Zoro..."

Zoro's heart sank at the sight that greeted him when he entered Ace's room. Luffy was hunched over in a chair next to Ace's bed, sleeping, tear lines staining both cheeks. Ace was lying unconscious before him, various machines connected to his body. Franky and Brook were leaning on the wall on the far side of the room, both surprised to see Zoro enter.

"Where's Sabo?" Zoro muttered, glancing briefly at the two.

"Oh uh... He stepped out for a second, said he had to talk to someone," Brook replied.

Zoro made his way to Ace's side. "How the hell did this happen?" He said, quietly so as to not wake up Luffy.

"So if you don't mind me asking... Where the hell have you been? You've been AWOL for a SUPER long time." Franky asked.

"Long story..." Zoro said, his tone showing he had no intention of expanding. Franky and Brook exchanged a puzzled glance while Chopper eyed Zoro worriedly.

"We should go outside," Chopper suggested. "We don't want to wake Luffy. I'm relieved he's finally resting. he didn't sleep at all last night..."

Zoro, Franky and Brook nodded and the four teenagers headed outside. Once there, Zoro looked demandingly at the other three. "What happened to Ace? Who did this to him?"

"We're a little unclear on the details... But it seems like the police officer you and Luffy met during the summer, on the night you rescued Robin, was involved."

Zoro gritted his teeth, remembering Blackbeard well. "So it was him. I guess this guy really is another enemy huh..."

"What do you mean by that?" Chopper asked.

"Marco said that this Teach guy is working with Doflamingo. They're partners."

"Partners? Wow, this whole stuff just got SUPER more complicated," Franky said.

"In any case," Zoro continued. "It's not gonna be enough to deal with just one or the other. The full story is that both need to be stopped or else this won't be over."

"So what do you think?" Sabo asked, eyeing Dragon nervously.

The two were currently standing in the hospital Stairwell, Dragon demanding to meet Sabo to ask about the current situation, but Sabo not wanting Dragon to meet Luffy, worried that the truth may come out if that was to happen. Luffy of course still didn't know the truth about Dragon and Sabo was keen to keep things that way.

Dragon looked calmly back at Sabo. "Well... I could find this man easily enough probably. Marshall D Teach..."

"It seems like him and Ace go way back... And he also has some bad blood with Luffy on top of that. I won't forgive him for what he's done to my brothers..."

Dragon chuckled slighlty. "One of your brothers is a police officer. If he knew who you really were, I wonder what he would do..."

Sabo rolled his eyes. "Anyway... We need to go after this Teach guy. Can I leave this with you?"

"Oh? I was thinking you'd be the one I'd put in charge of searching..."

Sabo shook his head and stared into empty space. "I need to remain here, with Luffy and Ace."

Dragon remained still for a moment and watched Sabo. It would seem blood really didn't matter all that much, brothers were still brothers. "I see... Well in that case, I'll handle it. I'll let you know if I find anything. I may need your help."

Sabo nodded. "If it comes to that, then I'll come for sure."

"Moss Head, we need to talk."

Zoro looked blankly at Sanji, the blonde's first words to him not a "How are you doing?" or "Are you alright?", but that. Sanji and Usopp had just returned from the lobby, joining Zoro, Chopper, Franky and Brook, outside of Ace's room. Still it was strange. Was it him or did Sanji look... concerned? Zoro was so used to seeing Sanji scowling or glaring at him that that expression just didn't look right to him. "We do?"

"We do. About last night."

Zoro scowled at Sanji but nodded and complied, the two walking away from the rest of their friends, who were left puzzled by the interaction. "Where... are they going?" Chopper wondered aloud.

Usopp shrugged. "Beats me. It's weird that it's something they can't say in front of us though. I guess it must be something private between the two of them... Anyway, how's Ace doing? And Luffy too?"

"Luffy's finally sleeping, so that's a relief. No news on Ace yet though," Brook replied. Usopp nodded.

"Right, right. I was thinking... we should probably call someone back home to let them know what's happened. I assume we've all texted or called our parents, but I say we also call Mr Shanks so that he can let people in school know why we're not there."

"Yeah, good idea," Franky said. "He was probably SUPER confused when he came into homeroom today and no one was there."

"You guys, any news?"

The four teenagers turned around at the sound of Sabo's voice, him at last returning to the room after his meeting with Dragon. Usopp shook his head. "No change with Ace. Luffy's sleeping though, which is why, I assume, we're out here."

Sabo smiled slightly. "I'm glad Luffy's finally getting some rest... Anyway, listen, I've talked to my friend, Professor Dragon, and he's been able to sort you guys out some rooms at the College. He was only able to find 3 free rooms, so unfortunately you're gonna need to share..."

Usopp gulped. He glanced back at the others, all wearing the same uneasy expressions. Sabo sighed. "Yeah, I thought it might be like this..."

To say Sabo was mad when Nami had confronted him last night and told him that the entire group knew about who Dragon really was was an understatement. Not mad at Luffy's friends of course, but at Dragon. He had completely jumped the gun and put not only himself in a bad situation, but he had totally put Sabo himself on thin ice with Luffy's friends. Sabo could definitely tell that they no longer trusted him, and he honestly couldn't blame them. "So... I take it you guys want nothing to do with Dragon then?"

Usopp looked warily at Luffy's older brother. "Sabo... what kind of person abandons their own child...?"

"It's... complicated... But I wouldn't be helping him if I didn't think this was what was best for Luffy."

"We don't know why you're helping him," Franky said, standing in front of Usopp. "We don't actually know much about you. But one thing is for SUPER sure. And that's that we're not leaving Luffy alone with you."

Sabo clenched his fists, not liking what was being implied by Franky. But in the end of the day, this was all Dragon's fault for telling them the truth without giving any of the context, he couldn't blame them for feeling the way they did. Sabo's hand unclenched. "Alright. Well actually, I was hoping you guys would take Luffy with you. I don't think being here is doing him any good, plus he'd rest easier away from this place."

Sabo winced at the uneasy expression the teenagers still held. Looked like they weren't comfortable leaving Ace alone with him present either. Dragon really had well and truly messed things up. Luffy's friends genuinely were scared of him.

"Maybe we should split up," Chopper suggested, seeing it may be up to him to be diplomatic since Franky and even Usopp surprisingly were in no mood to do so. "Two of us can return to the college and talk to uh... you know... And the other two can remain here with Luffy and Ace. Besides, I bet Robin and Nami are worried and will want an update too. And Hancock too."

"Chopper is right," Brook agreed. "How about he and I go back to the college and you two remain here for now, Usopp. Franky."

"Fine by me," Franky nodded, Usopp also agreeing as well.

Sabo nodded. "Alright then. I mean, you guys would be more comfortable settled back at the college than here I'm sure. I'll give you Dragon's number. Call him when you reach the college and he'll meet you guys."

"So what's this about?" Zoro asked, him looking over at Sanji with a sour expression. The two were standing in the hospital stairwell, actually only a couple of floors directly above where Sabo and Dragon had been talking only minutes earlier.

"I want to know what Law told you last night."

Zoro shrugged dismissively. "Nothing important."

"I know that's not true. Law wouldn't have taken you aside to talk privately if that was the case. Besides..." Sanji tensed slightly. "I've just seen Law. Unless he broke his nose by walking into a door or something, I'm pretty sure your conversation didn't go well. What happened?"

"It's none of your business," Zoro said bluntly, turning to walk away. Suddenly, Sanji slammed his foot into the wall besides Zoro, blocking his way and preventing him from leaving.

"Listen... You may be a shitty annoying moss-head with no sense of direction... But you're my friend. If something's up, then I need to know. I had a bad feeling last night when you went to talk to Law... and my bad feelings are normally right on the nose. Tell me what happened."

Zoro sighed. Sanji being sincere towards him definitely weirded him out. But it was hard to not be begrudgingly touched by his concern admittedly. "Trust me on this. This is between me and him. It's not something I can tell you, or anyone else."

"Then answer one thing... is this about Robin?"

"No," Zoro lied, but Sanji didn't buy it.

"It's about Robin... Moss head, what's going on? Did he do something to Robin? Because if so I'll kick his shitty as-"

"I told you, this is between me and him. But no. He didn't harm or hurt Robin."

Sanji looked evenly at Zoro before nodding. "Alright then. If this really is between you two, I'll leave it alone."

Zoro nodded back. "Thanks."

Law held Monet against him as he passionately kissed her. Law had had more than a few kisses in his time, but this was by far the best one of his life. Monet briefly pulled away slightly, their foreheads remaining lightly pressed together though. Law smirked, tightening his grip around her waist. "I'm never letting go of you ever again..."

"Traffy..."

Law pressed his lips against Monet's once more briefly. "I mean it. I... I don't understand why you had to leave me, but you don't have to do that ever again."

Monet pulled apart from Law, suddenly looking guilty. "You know... You know I can't stay with you..."

Law narrowed his eyes. "And why is that? I dealt with Vergo. I already dealt with Caesar. Whoever comes after you, I can protect you."

"This is bigger than you, than both of us..."

"That's not true! Listen, Doflamingo is here, in this city now. I'll find him and I'll make sure he gets arrested. Once he's gone, then you'll have nothing to fear. It'll all be over."

Monet gasped. She looked worriedly at Law. "No way, you can't go after Joker yourself! He's too much even for you to handle."

Law gritted his teeth. "I don't care. I will stop him. Monet... stay with me from now on, I can protect you!"

"Traffy... I left to protect you."

"You don't have to protect me from anything!"

"Traffy, if he's here... I'm going to have to leave."

"Monet, don't do this! I'll find him tonight! Give me until tomorrow morning! I'll find and stop him tonight and then we can go back home together! Everyone misses you..."

Monet shook her head. She stepped towards Law and kissed him, not passionately, but firmly. When she pulled away, Law could see the tears slowly making their ways down her cheeks. "Goodbye Traffy..."

Sabo crossed his arms, glancing up slightly at Luffy's friends, standing on the opposite side of the corridor, an uneasy stalemate seemingly having been reached. Suddenly, Sanji turned the corner, finally returning to the group after his and Zoro's 'discussion'. He blinked when he reached the group, the tense atmosphere between Sabo and the others hard to miss.

"Is something up?" Sanji asked.

Usopp eyed Sanji carefully. Luffy wasn't here, so they could tell him. Plus, if Sabo did try something, Sanji would be one of the best capable of actually stopping him. Surprisingly though, Sabo was the one who answered. "The guys don't trust me. For good reason too. There's no sense keeping it secret from you." Sabo turned to Usopp, Chopper, Franky and Brook. "Go on. Tell him."

Sanji blinked. "Tell me what? What's going on?"

Franky looked warily at Sabo, whilst Usopp gulped once. Sanji furrowed his brow. "What the hell's up? You guys are freaking me out."

Usopp opened his mouth to speak when two familiar faces turned the corner of the hospital and began hurrying towards Sanji and the others. "Hey! Sanji!"

Sanji turned around to see Nami and Robin hurrying towards him, his eyes turning to hearts at the sight of the two girls. "Nami-swan! Robin-chwan! So good to see youuuuuuuu!"

Nami looked seriously between her friends, Sabo noting that she intentionally made it a point to not look at him. "Are Luffy and Ace OK? Has anything happened since we last spoke?"

Usopp shook his head. "Ace is fine and Luffy is finally sleeping."

Nami nodded. "I see, that's a relief. I guess you guys are waiting out here to not disturb him. Also..." Nami glanced back at Robin nervously. "Where's Zoro?"

"Yeah, where is Zoro?" Franky asked Sanji. "The two of you went off to talk and then only you came back..."

Sanji shrugged. "Moss-head said he wanted to do something and went off on his own. I was a little worried about him getting lost, but then I realised I don't care if he gets lost so I let him go. Anyway, what were you guys about to tell me?"

Franky and Usopp briefly glanced warily at Sabo. Nami instantly guessed from their actions the topic of conversation. She chuckled, although it wasn't a happy one. "I see Sanji-kun still doesn't know about the secret Luffy's dear older brother was keeping from him..."

Sanji blinked. "Secret? I don't get it, did something happen?"

Usopp looked seriously at him. "That guy from yesterday Sanji, Dragon. He's actually... Luffy's father."

Sanji's eyes widened. "H... Huh?! No way! There's no freaking shitty way! Luffy's dad!"

"We were all SUPER shocked," Franky said, his expression completely stern. "I'm still not convinced it's the truth... but there's definitely something up."

Sanji glared at Sabo. "Oi, why the heck are you friends with that guy? What's his angle trying to get close to Luffy now?"

Sabo looked calmly back at Sanji. "That's between Luffy and Dragon. I apologise, I wish I could tell you. But it wouldn't be fair on Luffy or Dragon to do so."

"That shitty deadbeat," Sanji growled. "Where is he? I need to go kick the shit out of him!"

"Sanji, please calm down," Robin said worriedly. "I think we all feel the same way about this man... But violence won't solve anything."

"Nah screw that, go kick his ass!" Nami angrily said, urging on Sanji. Robin sighed.

"It's important that Luffy doesn't find out about this until he's ready. With what's happened, the last thing Luffy needs to is find out about something like this right now..."

"Robin's right," Sabo agreed. "Let's calm down and talk this all out later, with Luffy."

Nami scowled at him. "Fine, whatever."

Sanji eyed Sabo warily once more before turning to Usopp and Franky. "By the way, where are Chopper and Brook?"

"At the College," Sabo replied. "Professor Dragon was able to find rooms for the rest of you, so they went over to meet with him and sort that out."

Sanji nodded. " Yeah, that sounds good now that I think about it. We can't leave this city now considering everything. Why don't I take Luffy back to the college if there's somewhere there for us to stay? I know he's resting, but he'll be more comfortable there. Besides, I think being by Ace's side may be doing him more harm than good..."

"I think that's a good idea," Robin said, Nami nodding in agreement.

"Luffy definitely needs to rest properly..."

"Law..."

Law's eyes widened at the sound of the familar voice. He turned around to see Zoro walking towards him, a neutral expression on the green haired teenager's face. "Roronoa..."

Law was currently sitting outside the hospital, staring out into the distance, feeling completely helpless. Once again Monet had left him, and Law had no idea how to make her come back. Although now seeing Zoro, Law was remembering what he'd been doing initially when leaving the university. He'd been searching for Zoro, who, surprisingly to Law, sat down on the bench next to him. He stared out into the distance in the same way Law had been doing. "So where did Monet go?"

"She uh... she left again..."

"I see..."

And awkward silence settled over the two teenagers, Law having no idea what Zoro was thinking. Eventually, Law spoke, something he knew he had to say. "Roronoa... I am so sorry..."

"I know." Suddenly Zoro stood up to Law and held his hand out to him. "Come on, let's go."

"Roronoa?"

"Law... you crossed a line. But... we'll finish that later. For now, we have more important things to deal with... so let's face them together."

Law stared at Zoro for a second before taking his hand, Law also standing up. "Roronoa, after all this..."

Zoro turned around and began walking back towards the hospital. "We're in this together. We have been from the start."

Law smirked slightly before following Zoro. "You really are amazing... Roronoa..." He muttered, too quiet for Zoro to hear.

"So I guess we're on the move, huh boss?" a pale man with a black top hat asked.

Marshall D Teach grinned. "Zehahaha... that's right Lafitte."

A man with a cigar glanced at Teach and looked seriously at him. "The police officer, Edward Newgate. What a frightening man."

"Wehaha! Are you scared Shiryu?" Jesus Burgess roared before coughing loudly. A sickly man hobbled over to him.

"Hmm... You're still beat up from yesterday Burgess. I don't think you're in any condition to fight," Doc Q mumbled.

Teach laughed heartily."Zehahaha I'm surprised you lost so badly Burgess! And I had no idea Ace had another brother."

"Boss..." Shiryu said. "Are we going to call the others? Pizarro, Devon, Vasco and Wolf?"

Teach chuckled. "No need. We're all that's required. Because tonight's the night we'll..."

The expressions of Teach's crew, the Blackbeard gang, collectively mirrored those of their boss as he spoke.

Teach grinned menacingly. "Kill Whitebeard!"