Author's Note: The final chapter for Part 3. Its a big one, leading into an even bigger event! Thanks everyone for reading! And so, as always,

Read, Review, & Enjoy!

ONE PIECE: DESTINY

"I'm trusting you to head back to the Thousand Sunny on your own this time. Show me that you're a big kid by doing that for me, okay?"

The plea from her mother got Mika to be quiet. She was distressed for a moment before eventually nodding her head. Her compliance was rewarded with a smile from her mother, followed by a kiss to her forehead.

"Thank you, sweetie," Nami said relievedly. "I promise that we'll do whatever you want when we, Ace included, find you after all this."

After their talk, Nami closed the lid on the crate. Mika could hear her mother fiddling with the latch outside before everything going quiet. The young girl was now left with her thoughts and food supplies as she waited for something to happen. During her stay, Mika ate a few pieces of fruit and even some cheese to pass the time. Boredom soon overcame the girl, and she was beginning to fall asleep.

Then, a loud thud awoke Mika suddenly. She looked up as she heard the sound from above. A few more thumps came after before hearing a clunk on the other side of the wooden wall. Mika shuffled over to peek through a hole. What she saw was an adult standing up. Being even more curious, Mika quietly opened the lid a little to see more of the adult. Unfortunately, she could not see much other than that the person was a man with ear-length blonde hair.

"Hey! Wait up!" said another voice loudly but quiet.

Mika looked over to see another man leaped down from another set of crates. As he moved closer to the other person, Mika could see that the man was much taller and had brown hair slicked back, short, and had a lock of hair curled by his forehead. It appeared as if the man was older than the first as he seemed slightly exhausted from the excursion. The young man simply chuckled at him.

"Try to keep up, Hero-man," joked the first man.

The second man spoke between breaths, "Shut…up…you…brat…"

After changing their clothes, the two men were off. Mika had grown even more curious upon watching the duo. She wondered who the two men were and why they were switching outfits. No longer wanting to remain in the crate, the young girl slipped out and proceeded to follow the two men. Remembering her mother's request, Mika stopped for a moment, but then came to a quick revelation.

"She didn't say how I should get back to the Sunny," Mika said smugly.

Mika proceeded to follow the men. Unfortunately, they had already disappeared by the time Mika left the supply crates, but so were all the Marines as well. The ship was readying to go as the last of the people boarded. Seeing that she was in the clear, Mika took off for the massive building as she figured the men would go there.

It took Mika some time to figure a way in. The poor girl had a difficult time finding any doors open and unlocked. She circled half the perimeter when she finally found some way to enter. There was a hole in the wall, almost a perfect circle. It made her happy, and she entered through without question. As she now began to explore, the little girl was amazed at how enormous the fortress structure was inside. She soon found herself on the bottom floor of the indoor courtyard, which awed the girl.

"Whoa…"

Now wanting to explore further, completely forgetting her mother's request, Mika took off for unknown places. It was exciting for her, and she wanted to see everything she can. She hoped it would be like an adventure. But after searching through so many rooms, the little girl was becoming bored. Every room barely had anything of interest for the girl, no treasure, no toys, and not even any food. Her exploration was turning into a dud.

Then, Mika heard the familiar voice of Rear Admiral Auguste. "Come on, Gruffs. Time to turn in." She immediately knew what she wanted to do.

"Ooh!" Mika whispered excitedly.

The voice was close, so Mika continued to traverse the hallways. It only took her a few turns before she spotted the Gruffs by their tails going down. She began to trail behind the obedient Marine canines once she caught up. Despite her great-grandfather's warning, the little pirate wanted to see those dogs again severely. It was not long before Auguste led the hound into a room where Mika watched with bated breath.

"Good work out there," Auguste told his canines proudly. "I've got a big day tomorrow. Get your food, and stay safe. Hopefully, this will be over without a hitch."

All the dogs filed into the room through a dog door. Once the last of the pack was in, the tired Auguste took his leave for somewhere else. Mika waited a few seconds before making her move and advanced upon the room. The adventurous girl could have opened the door, it had not been locked, but she decided that it would not be fun. She, instead, went through the dog door.

"Doggies!" the excited girl shouted.

Though eating at this moment, Mika's shout attracted the canines instantly. All of them were surprised at first before becoming friendly and cheerful. The beagle, the Newfoundland dog, and St. Bernard came over to the girl and began smothering her with their attention. As Mika crawled fully into the room, the German Shepherd and bloodhound joined showering the girl with more affection. The greyhound was more aloof about the situation but did not mind being near the girl. Mika gave as much fondness back to the dogs. She pets them, gave them rubs, and even feed them a bit. The little girl and the hounds were having a good time.

Then, there came a mighty and low growl. The sound of which frightened Mika and all the dogs as well. Everyone gathered to the farthest corner of them with all the canines circling around the girl.

"Wh-Wh-What was that?" asked a terrified Mika.

Of course, none of the Gruffs could literally tell the girl as they are only animals. That did not stop them, however, to move their heads to point in one direction. All the canines were gesturing over to a small window positioned ground level with thick metal bars. There was nothing to see as the room as it was completely dark. And yet, a figure of something moving made its presence obvious. It was huge with pointed ears and fur that seem to lessen that blackness around it. The creature inside did little before disappearing back under.

Everyone began to ease up once the creature was gone. Mika still had no clue what that was, and it was unlikely any of them would get any sleep. Fortunately, she was very much her father's daughter. With a pack of friendly dogs around her, the young girl and companions were fast asleep in no time.

And so, time marches onward.

9 HOURS LEFT...

On the island that became the gathering spot for Whitebeard and his allies, with the sun only barely beginning to peek above the horizon, every pirate crew was prepping for the inevitable battle. As every ship readied to sail, Whitebeard's main fleet was taking a different route. Each boat coated in a soapy film that would protect them once they began to move. There was, however, one last thing for the Whitebeard Pirates to do before they sailed off. With all the kids gathered around him, Newgate spoke with them away from the other members of his crew. He was giving them an important task.

"There is an island I would like you all to protect until we get back. Do you think you can do that for me?"

"Aye, aye, Captain!" said all the children dutifully and excitedly.

As Newgate continued to explain further to the kids, even handing them a log pose with "Sphinx" written on it, the division commanders waited for their captain to address them. They all could see what the man but not hear him; yet, they all wore a knowing smile. Among them was Rayleigh, outfitted with a brush, as well as Akio and Biri, looking sleepy. In watching his old enemy speaking with his grandkids, Rayleigh thought it would be fair to give Akio a choice of his own.

"You know," Rayleigh began saying to the young boy. "I bet if you asked, you could join Whitebeard's brats where it's safe."

Though sleepy, Akio could comprehend what the man was saying. "But I'm not a part of Whitebeard's crew, and I want to help."

"War isn't a place for kids," Rayleigh stated.

"I don't want to be in a war, but I want to rescue Mr. Ace. For Captain Luffy, Mika, and myself. Plus, I can help with Biri get him out of there fast once he's free."

Rayleigh could not argue against that idea. He did not like that the kid was doing it, however.

Soon, Whitebeard's grandkids gave their goodbyes to all the Whitebeard Pirates. Every member was warm and friendly to every kid, especially to Eddy, Anni, and Ollie. The three older kids also gave their farewells to Akio. Once all was said and done, it was time for the kids to leave, and they boarded the mini-Moby Dick. Also coated in the soapy film, the smaller boat began to sink beneath the swells as the children waved to the adults. The pirates did the same, some even becoming a bit teary-eyed. It soon disappeared into the deep blue ocean for a place unknown.

"All right, everyone. Save your sympathies for afterward," announced Newgate loudly. "Prepare for battle!"

Quickly, the pirates regained their emotions. They immediately obeyed their captain's command and began moving out. Sails were lowered, anchors raised, and every man armed to the tooth. The ships started to move out to the open sea. Whitebeard's ships soon took up the forward once out of the lagoon. All the division commanders stood on the Moby Dick together as it took the lead. Behind them, Akio and Biri stood alongside Rayleigh looking forward. And further, behind them, Edward Newgate, known as Whitebeard and "the Strongest Man Alive," sat on his chair and hooked up to his medical tubes. He would not allow his body to fail him now in his greatest hour of need.

Everything was ready. The pirates only now needed to sail for their destination: Marineford.

7 HOURS LEFT…

"MEAT!"

In Impel Down, a miracle has occurred. Monkey D. Luffy, once on death's door, survived his ordeal in record time. It came as a shock and joy to Bon Clay and the rest of the Newkamas, including Emporio Ivankov. Without a moment's hesitation, every member of Newkama Land began grabbing all the food they could and threw it into the cavern where Luffy was staying. They threw everything they had, even meat the size of a bus. All of it was wolfed down with gusto in seconds. It was an astounding sight for all to witness. Soon, all the food was gone, and Luffy stepped out having wholly recovered.

"ALL BETTER!" roared Luffy triumphantly.

Everyone let loose a cheer in victory for the man with Bon Clay dropping from sheer exhaustion from all his support. It was a surprise to Luffy to learn what his friend did for him, even going so far as to even use Nami's voice to cheer him on. He was grateful for the Okama's effort. Now though, Luffy had no time to relax for long as he had to rescue Ace. It was a noble motive to Ivankov and the New Kama Landers, but they would only assist this much for Luffy's cause. That is, until, Ivankov learned something about the straw hat-wearing man.

"YOUR DAD!"

Luffy had let slip his relationship to Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionaries. It was this group that Ivankov, as well as his loyal lieutenant Inazuma, was a part of. He reasoned that if Luffy was that man's son, then so was Ace. Though, had he asked Luffy, the leader of the Newkamas would have learned differently. It was, thus, due to Ivankov's negligence that allowed him to change his mind and now provide Luffy with the full support of his group.

As well as Ivankov's abilities as well. "Emporio Energy Hormone!" He immediately stuck Luffy with his extending nails and injected him with adrenaline to last a day.

And just in time as well. The Marines had arrived much earlier to transport Ace to his execution. With Ivankov and Inazuma beside him, Luffy rushed down to the lowest level of Impel Down, Level 6. Unfortunately, when they arrived, Ace had already been taken out of his cell. By this time as well, the security of this facility had caught on to Luffy's group and prepared to detain them. They trapped the group on Level 6, allowing the Marines to transport Ace safely onto a Marine battleship. It seemed hopeless for the group.

Outside of Impel Down, the Marine battleships began to sail out. All were heading towards the enormous Gate of Justice behind the great prison. Onboard one of these giant vessels, Ace sat in a chair and restrained heavily by seastone prism chains. He was being guarded by some of the Marines' finest such as Vice Admiral Onigumo. There was also another and friendlier face aboard watching over the transport. Ace had yet to take notice of their presence.

"So, this is finally it for you." Ace took notice of the speech and looked to see a female Marine with vermillion hair standing off to the side. The young man was able to recognize the voice and was surprised.

"Ensign Isuka…"

"Captain," corrected the woman, not looking back.

Ace, for the first time in a while, smiled though only a little. "I haven't seen you in a while…"

"Well, being Whitebeard's underling kinda gave you some protection…"

Now, also for since being captured, the second division commander let out a chuckle. "I doubt that's what actually stopped you."

Isuka was smiling, though definitely not showing to Ace. She continued their conversation, "I always hoped I'd be the one to capture you, Ace. But it seems that fate had other plans."

"You should share that with that traitorous bastard Teach. Perhaps with your sword even…"

"What are you even doing here?" asked Ace curiously.

Before Isuka could answer, Onigumo approached the area looking mad. Ace quickly frowned as the man spoke to the lady Marine, "What are you doing talking to our prisoner, Captain Isuka?"

Quickly, Isuka straightened up and saluted towards the commanding officer. "Sir, only telling our prisoner how disappointing he is as a human being. And that he best hope to be reincarnated as a good soul in his next life after serving his term in Hell."

Onigumo was appeased by the answer. He soon walked away as he began inspecting the surrounding seas. Ace was surprisingly glad that Isuka did not get into trouble because of him. He decided that it would be best not to speak any further to the Marine captain anymore. The same person, however, did not share the same thought.

"I wanted to see you one last time," answered Isuka quietly, just so no one could hear but Ace. "Even though you are a pirate, I can't help but have some respect for you."

Ace did not react physically, as to not attract any more attention. He did respond, sounding a little happy, "Too bad we can't have this conversation face to face. Be nice to see someone as pretty as you before the end."

Thanks to her stance, Ace could not see the woman blushing. She wanted to deny and refute the man's compliment, but she feared she could not do so quietly. It would be embarrassing for her to have everyone think she could be swayed so easily by words of a pirate. Even if she felt that he was not all bad, it would ruin the reputation of female Marines. Something she knew that her commanding officer, Vice Admiral Tsuru, worked hard to prove.

Still, Isuka did think the comment was nice.

6 HOURS LEFT…

Now, at Marineford, every Marine was preparing. Everyone needed to be ready at a moment's notice encase Whitebeard planned for an early attack. Every soldier was to be on the field and ready. Of course, every member had to be fed and brought up to snuff as well. Nothing was to go wrong today.

Though, wrongdoing was the intention of a many without the Marines knowing.

There were two in the Marines that had no intention to help. Moving through the base in plain sight, two lady Marines were making their way towards a specific destination. As every Marine was busy getting ready, no one paid much mind to the ladies. It played into their goal, which they eventually reached.

However, the two women discovered something.

"You will open the Gates of Justice for anyone coming through…"

One of the Blackbeard Pirates, Laffitte, was hypnotizing the Marines in the control room for the Gates of Justice. Neither of the women could believe it and decided to allow him to continue.

"Why is he doing that?" asked Nami, still disguised as a Marine. "Isn't he part of a Warlord's crew?"

Nami's ally had a thought. "They clearly have other plans than just helping the Marines, but we can use this to our advantage."

"If those guys are going to let anyone through, that means they'll let Luffy when he arrives here. We can help free Ace when he arrives."

The woman quickly noticed the solemn expression Nami was making. She immediately attempted to lighten the mood, "I mean, if we need to. Maybe Luffy will rescue Ace beforehand."

"Sorry," Nami apologized embarrassedly. "I just hope he's alright…"

Meanwhile, elsewhere within Marineford, young Mika was now awaiting her chance to escape. She had slept through the night with the Gruffs but was awakened when the light finally reached her. The young girl was immediately hungry once so but could eat nothing as all the food was for canines. Luckily, the Gruffs were smart, and the German Shepherd understood the girl's dismay. Within a short time, the pack leader returned with a "doggie bag" of food for the girl. Mika was grateful and accepted it. During her time eating, she noticed the small window from where the monster was from lighting up. A voice then spoke.

"Alright, Whiteout! It's time to get your ready," spoke Auguste commandingly, whose voiced echoed through the room.

Now curious, Mika crawled over to the window to see the creature. The Gruffs joined her but were hesitant. What she and the dogs saw was shocking. Inside the chamber, the beast was revealed to be a canine but was three times larger than either the St. Bernard or the Newfoundland dog. It also had distinguishing wolf-like features along with a pure white coat of fur. The beast proceeded forward, moving one paw at a time, and causing some shaking each time. It exerted a presence that nearly terrified the Gruffs and Mika. Auguste was the only one to remain calm as even his subordinates were afraid of the animal.

"Come on," spoke Auguste said before turning. "We have to prepare."

Obediently, the canine Whiteout left the room with rear-admiral.

Now that the Marines were gone, Mika could not help but comment as she huddled with the Gruffs. "That is not a good doggie…"

Back in Impel Down, things were turning for the better for Luffy.

Within Level 6, the group was able to acquire some help. The first was none other than the man who tried to destroy his friend, Princess Vivi's, country, Crocodile. The former Warlord of the Sea wanted nothing more than to escape and be a part of the battle to come. His hope was to kill Whitebeard himself, but Ivankov knew a secret about the man, which would keep the grizzled pirate in check. Luffy, thus, accepted him in. Next came Ace's former cellmate, a blue and large Fish-Man by the name of Jinbe. He both Ace and Whitebeard a tremendous debt and would proudly join Luffy's group to stop the war to come. Unlike with Crocodile, Luffy felt more willing to let the Fish-Man join them, sensing no dishonesty from him. It would look like their group was set.

Then, one more spoke up from another dark cell. A deep and accented voice commented wily, "Well, well, quite an entourage you have, Straw Hat. And while you may escape this level and the prison, there's a whole ocean between you and Marineford. I would be a great asset to your cause."

Upon recognizing the voice, Luffy became even more scornful than he was with Crocodile. He named the person, venomously, "Shiki!"

The man, also known as the "Golden Lion," was hanging within his jail cell by his arms and legs. All were restrained along with his hands encased, given every precaution to stop him from escaping. His swords, which composed his legs, were even broken. Only the hilts remained. He looked as if he had been tortured, but his sly grin showed an undefeated spirit. He was quickly remembered by all those older than Luffy, and all of them recommended against setting him free.

However, Luffy understood precisely what the man was offering, but he would not set him free without a condition. "Will you leave Nami and Mika alone?"

"Ha!" laughed Shiki in ridicule.

"I may be a planner, but I'd be stupid try the same plan again if it already failed once. No, I just want to help my old crewmate, Whitebeard. It'll be the perfect revenge against those Marine bastards when they fail in their endeavor to kill him."

"So, let me join you, Straw Hat. And you'll definitely make it before that punk gets executed."

Luffy was silent for a moment before finally answering. "Fine."

With his team assembled, Luffy was able to escape to the upper level before the guards arrived. Upon reaching Level 5, the group was joined by New Kama Landers as well as Bon Clay, now reenergized thanks to Ivankov. As the group proceeded to climb further, on each level, they freed prisoners to join their mad dash for freedom. Among them, Daz Bonez, "Mr. 1," was recruited in by Crocodile. Impel Down was not slacking, however. Guards were sent in droves to recapture the escaped prisoners. The Jailer Beasts, Chief Guard Sadi, and even Vice Warden Hannyabal attempted to stop them only to fail.

And then, the group unexpectedly encountered another group.

"Looks like a lot of big names have gathered here. Hope we're not interrupting something. Ze-ha-ha-ha…"

Blackbeard and his crew had arrived only a short time after Ace's departure and made their way down the levels during the chaos. They, in turn, helped cause even more confusion for Impel Down. Despite their march. Teach was an unwelcomed sight for many among Luffy's group and soon became one for Luffy once he learned about Teach's involvement with Ace. Of course, a small fight ensued but was stopped quickly as Luffy's group had no time to waste. As for Teach, he had no business with any of the group as he proceeded forward. Luffy's group did the same, especially as Chief Warden Magellan was closing in on them.

Luffy's group ascended the levels as rapidly as possible. Upon reaching Level 2, the group was joined by another riot caused by the flashy Buggy and his partner-in-crime "Mr. 3" Galdino. Escape was nigh, but Magellan was still hot on their trail. Now, fortunately, Luffy could fight the Poison Man with the help of Galdino's Wax-Wax powers. While he kept the warden busy, others lead the prisoners further up and out. The time soon came to acquire a ship; except, all the Marine battleships had repositioned themselves far from the underwater prison. It would be next to impossible to escape.

"Child's play," spoke Shiki cunningly.

A small group consisting of Shiki, Crocodile, Daz Bonez, Jinbe, and Buggy, who wanted to escape, took a piece of the large door and made their assault. Together, the group ejected the Marines off and acquired the vessel. Of course, getting everyone else on board would be tricky, but Jinbe, fortunately, had one up his sleeve. Just when the other group needed it the most, the whale shark Fish-Man summoned whale sharks to pick them up and deliver them to the boat. Now, with the remaining members of their party, it was time to disembark for Marineford.

"Hang on, you dogs!" shouted Shiki excitedly.

The man then threw his palm onto the deck of the battleship. Using his Float-Float powers, he made it so the Marines' vessel could now fly. The stunned Marines could do nothing as the enormous ship defied logic and flew over the Gate of Justice. As it disappeared, only a loud cheer could be heard echoing on the wind.

"We did it!"

On this day, 243 succeeded in escaping from the world's greatest underwater prison, Impel Down.

But this incident is not over yet.

4 HOURS LEFT…

"It's time to move," said the blonde, ear-length haired man.

Somewhere within Marineford, where no light could reach, two guards began the procedure to bring the criminal Portgas D. Ace to the scaffold outside. Both told hold of the seastone prism chains that restrained the man and lead him forward through the dim room. Ace followed direction willfully, feeling no point resisting. All he had left were the memories of those happy days long ago. The men forced the pirate to walk for a short bit before stopping suddenly.

"There's some stairs to go up," spoke the brown-haired man.

Ace understood before continuing his walk.

"It'll all be over soon," spoke the first man again, sounding kind yet determined.

Eventually, the group reached the top, and the doors opened, letting in the sunlight. They walked out of the stairway and outside as they approached the scaffold. Another set of stairs the group climbed before finally at Ace's last destination. He was moved to the center and forced to kneel. His chains were locked down, and the men were given their execution blades. Now standing on both sides of the pirate, the men crossed their swords in front of the man and awaited their orders.

In front of them, one hundred thousand of the Marines' best soldiers waited for the inevitable attack. Fifty of their battleships were stationed around the island with most near the crescent bay of the island. Its coastline was fortified with heavy cannons. And at the head of this massive force, there stood the five remaining Warlords of the Sea, Boa Hancock among them. At the rear, the platform the held Ace was guarded by the Marines' most powerful officers, the Three Admirals.

Everything on the Marines part was ready. They only now needed to wait.

3 HOURS LEFT…

"I have something to say to you all."

In the Gruffs' room, Mika brought her interest to the voice echoing through the stone walls. The dogs, too, took notice and even stood at attention like soldiers. Mika did not notice as she approached the door.

"The execution of this man, Portgas D, Ace, is a matter of enormous import!"

"No!" Mika shouted, realizing what was going on.

Quickly bidding the Gruffs goodbye, Mika left the room and took off through the empty fortress. She had no idea where she was going, but she ran regardless in hopes of getting to where Ace was being held. It had slipped her mind that her uncle was in trouble, but she had also thought that her father would have already freed him. If he failed, does that mean there was no way to rescue Ace?

"No, no, no, no!" Mika said defiantly.

As the man continued speaking of boring things, in the girl's opinion, Mika rushed towards the sound of the voice with this terrible thought. It was hindering the girl's speed as she worried overmuch. She tried to focus on the voice and use it to lead her to her uncle. The echoing made it a little difficult for her to pinpoint a direction. Still, the man's continuous speaking helped reorient herself to follow. Every right direction made the man's speech louder, which granted the girl some confidence each time.

Mika did not believe that awful thought any longer. Neither her father nor her mother would ever give up. And neither would she!

"Your Father…!"

The girl then shouted desperately, "Uncle Ace!"

And then, Mika finally made it outside.

BOOM! The broadcast was interrupted just before the speaker, Sengoku, could finish. A shadow spared Mika from being blinded by the light and its reflection off the white stone. The shade continued moving, however, which prompted the girl to look to see what it was that made it. Mika was shocked to witness a flying Marine battleship descending into view ton shock the Marine soldiers. The ship then settled over the middle of the bay.

Then, from out in the ocean, a fleet of pirate ships appeared and sailed for the cove in Marineford. It was followed by an immediate arrival of the Moby Dick and three of its convoy ships. At the same time, something yellow was launched up into the sky. The flying battleship soon joined around these ships.

From the Moby Dick, Newgate and Rayleigh walked out and onto the figurehead. Both looked surprised by the Marine battleship nearby. Behind them, all of Whitebeard's division commanders wore the same expression.

On the flying battleship, Luffy stood in front before all others. Behind him were Bon Clay, Jinbe, Ivankov, Crocodile, Daz Bonez, and Shiki. Further behind the group was the many Impel Down escapees ready to fight. Buggy and Galdino were peeking their heads over the railing, hiding from potential attacks.

Above even the flying ship, Biri soared with Akio on his back. The boy was shocked to see not only the flying battleship but his captain as well.

On the other side of Marineford, Nami witnessed the arrival of Luffy and was smiling enthusiastically. Her companion, the brown-orange haired woman, was shocked to see the man appear along with so many others.

Finally, Mika, alone, had her Observation Haki activate. Though the overwhelming presence of thousands of people was tremendous, she could sense both her parents were here among them. A smile formed as she became excited and confident. Without any fear, Mika threw up her arms with determination.

"We're coming, Uncle Ace!"

All the Players Are Gathered!

The Summit War Begins!

TO BE

CONTINUED…