Author's Note: Another one coming right up! So, as always,

Read, Review, & Enjoy!

Far from Marineford and Impel Down, unbeknownst to the Marines, the Whitebeard Pirates were gathering all their strength for the inevitable confrontation with said origination of justice. Allies from the Grand Line's mysterious second half, New World, gathered as summoned by a single man whom they greatly respected. Pirates to be feared. All that sailed under "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate's name were on an uninhabited island gathering supplies and sharing intel. They all were preparing for the fight to rescue one of their own, Second Division Commander "Fire Fist" Portgas D. Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates.

But, before that time, the next day, there was still one final thing to do: party hard!

That was what was happening now as the sun began to set on the day. The island was aglow with festivities as pirates shared this single moment of their lives together in bliss and fun. Ship connected by boards allowed for travel where comrades old and new could meet, reminisce, and share a drink or two. Most were congregating on the Moby Dick where they could sit with "Pops" and regale in tales from long ago.

In the middle of all of this, young Akio and Biri sat among these incredible pirates. Akio looked absolutely stupefied.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend!

Whitebeard, Father and Grandfather

A little bit earlier…

"So," spoke Newgate, intrigued, "what do you kids have for me now?"

Having been standing beside the giant man, Rayleigh was surprised when he saw two awfully familiar faces. "Akio?"

Akio immediately gulped with nervousness. "L-Long time no see, Mr. Silvers."

"What are you two doing here?" asked Rayleigh.

"We didn't mean to—" Akio attempted to explain but was stopped when prodded by Eddy.

"No more talk from you, captive," Eddy stated bossily. He then turned to the adults and explained the situation professionally.

"We have caught two stowaways aboard our ship, captain! What should we do with them?"

Rayleigh looked at the captain with an imploring expression. "Whitebeard…"

Newgate let out a sigh before speaking. "Rayleigh knows the brat and bird; release them."

"What?!" shouted all the kids, Akio included.

Laughter soon erupted from all the adults around the kids. It was not out of mockery or pity but merely understanding their confusion. Eventually, Marco explained to the kids that Akio and Biri were a part of an entourage for the "Dark King." Of course, the children obeyed the order from their captain, but they remained puzzled afterward. Once freed, Akio and Biri rushed over to Rayleigh.

"Sorry, Mr. Silvers," Akio said apologetically. "We didn't mean to tag along."

While Rayleigh remained silent, Newgate posed a question. "Who is this brat that you would stick your neck out for, Rayleigh?"

"Well, it's more for his captain than the boy…" Rayleigh then clarified for Newgate, "He's the cabin boy for 'Straw Hat' Monkey D. Luffy."

Now, Newgate was intrigued. "Ace's brother?" he said familiarly.

Rayleigh chuckled. "He reminds me of a certain captain."

Having never met the Monkey D. Luffy, Newgate was able to understand what the man meant. He had heard of the new pirate from Ace, who would bring the name up then and now. The captain's intrigue was certainly peaked by this young upstart with Rayleigh's own testimony.

"Um, Mr. Whitebeard, sir." Newgate looked down to see the boy, frightening him in the process. The boy, however, continued to speak.

"Ar-Are you really going to be able to rescue Mr. Portgas?"

The Dark King placed his hand on his face, absolutely dumbfounded. "Oh boy…" he said anxiously.

Newgate instantly grew angry. He hollered out, "Huh? You dare think that I am unable to rescue one of my own?!"

The entire boat shook with Newgate's voice. Nearly everyone aboard began to lose their balance except the division commanders and Rayleigh. All the children were falling over with only Eddy, Anni, and Ollie maintaining their equilibrium enough to stand. Akio was barely able to keep standing thanks in part by Biri. It was even affecting the ships around them as they started shaking. Even the island was quaking as animals of all sorts began scurrying or flying away. The shaking continued, however, as Newgate continued to berate the young man.

"Do you know who I am, boy?! I am Whitebeard! My very name sends spineless fools cowering back to their mothers like children. Few among the countless sailors out on the sea dare try stand to my might. Do you think you have the guts to question whether I can or cannot?!"

Many of the kids that sailed under Newgate were frightened by the tone and volume of their parental figure. None of them dared to stand up. Eddy, Anni, and Ollie remained, but even they were feeling anxious. As for the Straw Hat Pirates' cabin boy, Akio was terrified. He, along with Biri, was wholly shaken by the man's declaration. The boy felt helpless before the unbridled fury of the "Strongest Man in the World." There was nothing he could do against such a distinguished man.

Then, Akio had flashbacks of the incident at Sabaody Archipelago. Seeing all his crewmates and friends disappear before his eyes before cowardly running away. The feeling of helplessness and disappointment in himself that he remembered throughout his wandering afterward. The boy did not want to feel like that again, and so, he turned those emotions into something else.

"I-I-I…" spoke Akio stutteringly.

Newgate retorted loudly, "Huh?"

Finally, Akio summoned his strength. "I…Of Course I Know You Can!" he shouted back.

Everyone watching was surprised by the boy's answer. Rayleigh, who was about to speak for the boy, remained silent as he decided to continue watching and judging the situation. All the kids, including the older three, were horrified by how and what Akio said. None of them would dare utter something so defiant and disrespectful. The kids' shock grew as they watched the stowaway speak further.

"I know exactly who you are!" Akio shouted, forcing himself to stand up against his own fear and nervousness. Once he was standing fully, he continued to shout back at the old man.

"There isn't a kid I know who doesn't know you and your crew! But Mr. Portgas…!"

Akio recalled the time back on Merveille when he was afraid of Ace and running away whenever he caught up with him. He knew the man could catch him easy; yet, the second division commander never tried to force himself. The man bided his time while also looking out for him. Despite knowing that he feared him, Ace never let his petty feelings affect his own.

"Mister…Ace! He is a really good guy! Even when I was afraid of him, he stayed around and helped me until I found my crew. I know he's strong, but if someone like him could get captured…"

"He's also important to my captain, Mrs. Monkey, and my best friend! So, I just want to make sure that you can do the job and be the 'big, bad Whitebread' pirate guy that everyone is probably afraid of!"

Everyone and thing went quiet. Many were speechless by the boy's speech, one way or another. The kids that called the man "grandfather" were horrified that someone their age would stand up against the man. Those who had sailed for years with Whitebeard became intrigued by the boy. Rayleigh looked a bit proud of the tyke before looking over to Newgate to see what the old pirate was reacting to.

Newgate looked absolutely pissed.

The man slowly rose from his chair, surprising everyone around him. He began walking towards Akio, shaking the ship with every step. Like before, many had a hard time keeping balance, but this time, Akio remained firmly and courageously in place. Biri, too, stood by the boy, just in case of the worst. It only took the large man a few steps before he stood directly over the child and bird. He wore a contemptuous frown as he gazed down upon the two stowaways. Without warning, he extended his hand and picked the adolescent up by the back of his shirt.

Akio was shocked by this but could nothing while he was hoisted high. He was sure that the old pirate was going to bring him face-to-face to scare him; instead, he was raised even higher into the air. Now, he was confused and not sure what the man was about to do.

"Listen here, my sons and daughters!" Newgate resounded like a mighty whale's call through throughout the island.

No matter who they were, every pirate turned their attention to the Moby Dick. All could see their beloved captain and leader from all points as he stood on display for all. Everyone was curious about the scene, but all listened as Whitebeard continued his announcement.

"This brat says he's here to make sure we recover our crewmate Ace! A child! He dares to question my and all our resolve to rescue him?! Does my name mean so little now that any snot-nosed punk can walk up and spout whatever nonsense they feel?! It must be if the Marines think that they execute one of our own!"

"Show this punk your resolve! Show him your pride as members under my name, Whitebeard!"

A roar erupted from every ship, including Newgate's own. An even louder one was soon heard as the waters began to stir. From one of the nearby ships, a giant as large as a galleon ship with yellow skin and horns raised his arm as he joined all the pirates around him in shouting. No one bated an eye to the scene. Every pirate let out their support towards Whitebeard, even those aboard his ship. Akio was stunned by the display.

"That'll do," Newgate stated quietly. He then lowered his arm and set the young boy down.

Confused, Akio looked up with a dumbfounded expression. "Uh…"

"Now, then!" roared Newgate suddenly.

"Before our battle, let's celebrate our camaraderie!"

"Party!" shouted a random pirate aboard the Moby Dick.

Again, the entire island erupted in cheer. Every crew soon began bringing out their stock of food and drink. Ships were brought even closer together with more planks laid out between them. The set up took some time, but by evening all was ready for the party. Music started playing, and the merriment became infectious. All the different pirate crews were mixing and sharing stories, drinks, and memories. It is here that we left Akio and Biri, still very befuddled to the turn of events.

"Gura-ra-ra-ra!"

However, there was more to their situation. Where Akio and Biri were sitting was at a table with all the kids apart from Whitebeard's crew. It was a full table with a lot of food on it for the group. Many partook in eating, but many more were doing so while glaring dangerously at their two stowaways. The only ones not doing so were the older kids, Eddy, Anni, and Ollie. All three were sitting around the two, as a deterrent. Of course, these kids' table was located close to Newgate as he sat on his chair and partied with the other adults, Rayleigh included.

"Look, kid," spoke Eddy suddenly. "I know Gramps said it was okay for you to stick around, but don't think that we are getting chummy."

Anni rolled her eyes. "Ignore him. He's just trying to act like Grandpa."

"I am not!" Eddy shouted back, indignantly.

"Maybe if he lowered his voice again…" Akio joked nervously.

Immediately spitting out his drink, Ollie began laughing along with many other children. "That's a good one!" he said much to Eddy's embarrassment.

Hearing the laughing and teases, Newgate grinned before taking a drink from his large mug. He was surrounded by his closest crewmates, both current and past. Among them was also Rayleigh, who also had a giant cup to drink down the delicious alcohol. He, too, could hear the children laughing despite the rambunctiousness of the pirates around him.

"It's good that the kids are getting along," Newgate said to Rayleigh quietly. "Kids are better at getting along than fighting each other."

Rayleigh could not help but chuckle. "Still the same ol' Newgate," he commented nostalgically.

"And still loyal to your captain, eh, Rayleigh," Newgate commented back.

"What can I say, I owe him a lot," Rayleigh stated casually.

The former Rogers' crew pirate than spoke vaguely, "Never expected you to know about that, though. I only learned about it recently."

"Ace told me. Not like it mattered then or now, but how did you come by that information?" asked Newgate.

Casually, the 'Dark King' pointed his thumb back towards the kids' table, specifically towards Akio, now warmed up to the others. He then stated, "He told me, and that his captain Monkey D. Luffy and his family know too."

"'Straw Hat,' huh," Newgate said with some intrigue. "To think that such a loud upstart would already have a family."

"You should hear the circumstances," Rayleigh stated jovially.

Newgate did not mind the situation of his junior captain, but his concern was still evident. He did, however, have a more pressing thought. "Do you think that brat will turn up?" he asked.

"Undoubtedly," Rayleigh answered quickly, "no matter where Kuma sent him."

After taking another drink, Newgate responded, "The more help, the better."

Rayleigh became severe upon hearing the old pirate. "You are worried, aren't you," he said, almost accusingly.

"I will take every advantage I can to rescue any of my sons and daughter, 'Dark King.'" Newgate stated severely.

"Even using the kid to boosts your men's morale," stated Rayleigh knowingly.

The old pirate only responded with a smirk before taking a sip of his drink.

Nodding in understanding, Rayleigh then asked, "What about your disadvantages then?"

The question was not all too surprising for Newgate, though he found the wording distasteful. Whitebeard looked back behind his chair, where he could see his grandchildren enjoying themselves like his sons and daughters around them. None of them had a care in the world despite knowing of the battle to come. They were willing to go above and beyond to rescue one of their 'uncles' like any Whitebeard crew member would do. In them, Newgate could see a bright future that gave him even more conviction to fight, but he knew something else as well.

"I have enough experience to know when the odds are stacked against me," Newgate finished before taking up his drink again.

Again, Rayleigh nodded. "I doubt Akio and his bird friend will go so willingly."

"They're not apart of my crew anyway, so I don't care. What the boy does, he does by his own conviction and strength," Newgate stated sternly.

Smirking, the former Rogers Pirate member raised his mug. "To the pirate's life," he said casually.

Newgate smirked as well and followed suit. "To the pirate's life."

"To the pirate's life!" a roar of cheer erupted as many of Whitebeard's crew joined in.

Neither old pirate was too concerned about the show. Both then drank up their mugs until they were empty before immediately demanding another. More cheer erupted as nearly everyone was amazed by the display. Even Newgate joined in, raising many more shouts across the bay. All the while, he did not notice the approach of the kids.

"Hey, Grandpa."

Hearing his familiar title, Newgate turned around to see Anni leading the kids with Eddy and Ollie beside her. He noticed that the young girl had a hopeful expression along with many of her juniors behind her. The man could already tell what was on her mind.

"Yes, Anni," Newgate responded.

"Do you think we could sing one of your pirate songs now?"

Newgate grinned. "Of course," he replied kindly.

"Yay!" All of Whitebeard's grandkids cheered out joyously.

"And I've got the perfect one too," the large man states as he stood up.

Overhearing, one of Whitebeard's men, shouted, "Hey, everyone! Time for one of Pops' classic pirate shanties!"

Another round of cheers went before a quick hush came over the party spreading quickly. Everyone wanted to hear what their respected father figure would sing. Many already had a feeling on which one since one of the kids asked for a song. It was among those who did who grabbed their instruments and readied to play. Rayleigh, too, was curious about what his captain's rival would perform. Joining by his side, Akio and Biri waited for the performance to begin. As an accordion began to play, Newgate stood and turned to the kids thoroughly before kneeling to see them eye-to-eye.

"Now listen, my grandchildren…" he spoke.

"When I was just a lad looking for my true vocation

Someone once said 'Now son, this choice deserves deliberation

Though you could be a doctor or perhaps a financier…'"

Immediately, strings, woodwinds, and horns began to play along with the accordion.

"'My boy, why not consider a more challenging career."

Most of the pirates aboard the Moby Dick then sang the chorus.

"Hey ho ho

You'll cruise to foreign shores

And you'll keep your mind and body sound

By working out of doors."

Newgate then stood up as he continued singing, "True friendship and adventure are what we can't live without…"

Chorus: "And when you're A Professional Pirate…!"

Marco approached the kids, "That's what the job's about."

The captain then spoke, "Now, I'm sure you all remember this name…"

"Who?!" asked the kids excitedly.

"Now take the fishman Jinbe ("Jinbe!") the Marines all despise him

But to the Fishmen he's a hero, and they idolize him

It's how you look at buccaneers that makes them bad or good

And I see us as members of a noble brotherhood."

Chorus: "Hey, ho ho! We're honorable men

And before we lose our tempers, we will always count to ten!"

Newgate: "On occasion, there may be someone you'll have to fight and rob."

Altogether, the pirates sang, "But when you're a professional pirate…!"

One of Newgate's division commanders, the large and horned 'Water Buffalo' Atmos, then took a line, "You don't have to wear a suit!"

As nearly everyone erupted in laughter, Atmos soon turned to one of his crewmates. "No offense, Vista," he said jovially.

The man is known as Vista, a dapperly dressed man, after sipping tea, grinned towards his comrade. "None took," he said before placing his drink aside and stood.

"I could have been a surgeon…" sang Vista. In a flash, he used his swords to cut off both of Atmos' horns. Leaving his crewmate shocked and everyone else laughing, the man continued singing with a grin, "I like taking things apart."

Marco then stepped in and handed Atmos his horns. He then sang, "I could have been a lawyer, but I just had too much heart."

Next came the stern-looking "Diamond" Jozu. He began singing almost poetically, "I could have been in politics 'cause I've always been a big spender."

A feminine looking man stepped forward wearing a pink kimono and hair styled like a geisha. He is Izo, and he had a part in this song as well. "And me… I could have been…a dancer."

Immediately, Izo began to dance, doing so elegantly and skillfully. Everyone began to cheer and whistle at the man, impressed by his display. The kids, too, were amazed, Akio especially. Soon, the dance was over, and the singing continued from Newgate.

"Some say that pirates steal and should be feared and hated

I say we're victims of bad press it's all exaggerated

We'd never stab you in the back, we'd never lie or cheat

We're just about the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet"

Chorus: "Hey ho ho

It's one for all for one

And we'll share and share alike with you and love you like a son

We're gentlemen of fortune, and that's what we're proud to be

And when you're a professional pirate."

Whitebeard: "You'll be honest, brave, and free

The soul of decency

You'll be loyal and fair and on the square

And most importantly…"

And then, altogether they finished up their song, "When you're a professional pirate..."

"

You're always in the best of company!"

Roars of shouts and applause filled the island. Everyone enjoyed the song. Akio and Biri were especially amazed by it while Rayleigh was nearly baffled while still clapping. Once the song was done, all of Whitebeard's kids jumped onto the man without much warning. The man caught them immediately before giving out a joyous laugh. All the pirates around them did; it was a display they had all been used to. Every kid attempted to hug some part of the grandfather figure, with Eddy being the only one not to out of embarrassment. He sat on the man's shoulder while Ollie took the other and Anni on Newgate's head.

It was perfect; one last happy memory before the inevitable war tomorrow.

20 HOURS REMAIN…

TO BE

CONTINUED…

Author's note: This goes without saying, but~

A Professional Pirate belongs to Muppet Studios and Walt Disney Pictures (probably).