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Enjoy!

Chapter 27

Walking up to the little house left Shanks with a strange sense of deja vu. How many times had he walked the stone pathway up to Tsuna's house in the West Blue? How many times had Ashina come rushing out of the door to jump into his arms? This time was different. There were no stone steps. No heavily wooded forest. No little girl rushing out to meet him. This time, the woman who opened the door with a warm smile was not Tsuna, but his own little girl who had grown up much too fast.

"Morning, Papa."

"Morning, Little Girl," he replied, dropping a kiss to her head as he stepped into the little house.

The idea of her sharing a home with Ace left a funny taste in his mouth, yet at the same time it brought him a sense of peace. The young man had promised to keep Ashina safe, to protect her, and Shanks could easily see that Ace was keeping his promise.

"Where's Ace and Sabo?"

Ashina giggled. "Getting cleaned up. Sabo gave him a bit of a messy surprise when he went to change his diaper."

Shanks chuckled. "Pee or…"

Ashina snickered along with her father as she moved to continue making breakfast. "Just pee. He didn't listen to my advice to toss a washcloth over Sabo before he continued on with the diaper change. Lesson learned."

"Sounds like you may have learned that from experience as well. Oh, good morning, Ace!"

Ace waved his free hand in greeting as he moved to sit at the kitchen table. Sabo was awake and cooed happily when he heard Shanks.

"Is that Grandpapa?" Ace asked, looking down at his son.

Sabo cooed again, making loud, happy cries. He quieted when Shanks cooed back, mimicking the nonsense sounds. Sabo giggled loudly, smiling as his hands flapped.

Ashina watched from the corner of her eye as her father made ridiculous faces at her son. His joyous giggles filling the morning air. She turned back to her task and transferred the scrambled eggs onto a platter along with the pancakes and bacon. Setting the platter down on the table she turned back to grab three plates, utensils, and the teapot.

"I'm glad you came for breakfast. I thought for sure Lucky Roo would try to come along."

Shanks chuckled as he replied. "He did. Cook promised him a big breakfast in exchange for not crashing ours."

"Cook?" Ace questioned, as Ashina brought the little bottle of syrup to the table and sat down.

"Name of our cook is Cook. Well, not his given name, but he refuses to give that name to anyone. I think Benn dragged it out of him one night, but he's just Cook."

Shanks waited for Ace to give Ashina the baby while they ate, but was surprised when the young man kept his son as the platters of food were passed around. It was clear to Shanks this was not the first time Ace held his son during a meal. Shanks' smile was fond was he took the platter of pancakes from Ace's outstretched hand.

"You don't set him down for meals?" Shanks asked, curiosity getting the better of his manners.

Ashina snorted into her cup of tea. She set the cup down, picking her fork back up and stabbing a piece of the fluffy pancake as she answered her father. "He hardly ever gets set down. Someone is always holding him, usually Ace. Marco, Thatch, and Pops run in a close second. Deuce too, now that he's not as new."

Ace chuckled at her comment. "Half my men were too scared to hold him when he was first born, my first mate especially."

Shanks laughed. "Benn wouldn't hold Ashina, said she was too small, and she was tiny. You were only five pounds six ounces. Big set of lungs."

Ace grinned, looking over at Ashina as he chewed a large mouthful of egg. "See, he's got some of you too, he just looks like me."

Shanks laughed. "Got his grandma's eyes. Captain Roger's genes are strong, s'why the boy looks like his daddy."

Ace choked on his bite of food and Ashina scowled at Shanks. "Papa."

"What?" Shanks replied nonchalantly with a shrug. "I won't hide it, especially not when I'm in private. Roger was my Captain. I would never go around saying Ace was his son. Captain would wish for Ace to be safe, and I'd never betray Captain Roger. I know Ace is his son, I've thought about it since I met you, long before it was confirmed by Ace months ago. Makes me like you a little bit more, Rookie."

The nickname was spoken fondly, and Ace grinned despite the topic of conversation being about his father. Ace cleared his throat, his free hand moving to cover Ashina's on the table. "It's okay, Ashina. I appreciate that you won't say anything about my parentage. Luffy always spoke fondly of you growing up. You made quite the impression on my little brother. I may not be proud of half of my lineage, but my son's is one that I'm proud of."

"You should be proud of him. I heard what those idiots in the East Blue had to say about my captain after his death. That's not Roger, Ace."

Sabo let out a loud cry, demanding the attention of the adults in the room return to him. Shanks chuckled. "I'll hold him."

"Papa, you can't eat if you hold him, no offense."

Shanks just chuckled. "I'll hold him," he repeated. "Won't be staying long, I want my fair share of baby time before I go. Whitebeard will get to hold him enough, you too, Rookie."

Ace nodded, the smallest of smiles tugging at the corners of his mouth. He stood from the table and placed Sabo in his grandfather's embrace. Shanks adjusted the small boy and grinned down at him while Ace moved back to his seat.

"Hey, little man. It's been a long time since your grandpapa got to hold a little baby. Had two arms when your mama was this little."

"Papa," Ashina admonished despite her smile.

"Well I did."

"I remember. You came back for my eleventh birthday without your left arm. Mama was horrified."

Shanks chuckled, looking down at his grandson and those beautiful, big green eyes. "Your grandmother knew I was a lefty like your own mama."

Ashina grinned as she caught Ace's eye. "Mama couldn't stand that I turned out to be a lefty like Papa, and that I liked sword fighting more than kunai training."

"She must have made you keep up with your kunai training, as your just as deadly with those." Ace turned his gaze to Shanks. "You still carry your sword." The comment trailed off like a question left hanging in the air.

"I learned to use my right hand. Mihawk enjoyed kicking my ass after he found out. Our friendly fights helped me train with my right hand."

"That's incredible. So you're friends with Hawk Eyes? Have you met him Ashina?"

"Once," she answered with a smile. "When I sailed with Papa for a year he visited the ship. He's rather… intimidating. He doesn't say much and those eyes," Ashina shuddered. "He was very polite though. I think I've said before, I'd rather not try to fight him in a sword fight. Any fight for that matter."

Shanks snorted. "Ah, Mihawk liked you. He wouldn't come after you. Now, while you eat, I want to hear about your adventures since the last time I saw you."

Sabo laid peacefully in his grandpapa's embrace as the trio shared stories and breakfast together late into the morning. Seeing the bond between father and child made Ace daydream of the bond he would share with his own son. He could envision long talks and lessons, adventures and spending days playing together. He would teach him to fight, and good manners like Makino taught him. Ace didn't care how his son chose to fight; sword, kunai, or by hand. If he happened to find a devil fruit later in life, Ace would help him learn to control its powers and use its ability to its fullest.

Ace thought about what Shanks said about being proud of Roger. Ace wasn't sure about that, but Sabo had completed something inside him. His son was the piece of himself he didn't know he was missing. Ace was proud of his son and that was enough to ease his own struggles of self-worth. He was proud of his son's family, even if that included Roger.

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Shanks and Ace strolled down the path to the little house together. It was late in the night. Ashina left the party hours ago with a fussy, tired baby boy. Shanks insisted on saying goodnight to Ashina, so he stepped onto the porch with Ace.

Ace opened the door, stepping into the dark house. He lit one of the lanterns and the candle on the table using his devil fruit power. Ace smiled as Shanks stepped into the house, closing the door behind them. Ashina was asleep on the couch, her body curled protectively around Sabo's sleeping form, laying so that she protected him from falling off the edge of the couch.

Shanks caught sight of the gentle, warm smile on Ace's face as he gazed at the pair on the couch. While Ace walked farther into the house, Shanks stood in his spot, his own gaze zoned in to his little family asleep on the couch. His legacy. Would his captain be proud of him? Of the grandson they shared?

"Down for a few more drinks and cards since Ashina's out?" Ace asked quietly, holding up the bottle of sake, two cups, and the deck of cards.

His voice startled Shanks out of his thoughts and he grinned widely, nodding his head. "Sure."

The two men folded themselves down across from each other at the living room table. Ace set down the cards, which Shanks slid across the table. Pouring two full cups, Ace watched in amazement as Shanks managed to shuffle the cards one-handed.

"You learn a lot of tricks once you lose an arm," Shanks joked. "Poker?"

Ace nodded, lifting a bag of small colorful stones onto the table. "Don't feel right taking my… Ashina's father's money."

Shanks chuckled. "I'm gonna let that go, whatever it was you were about to say because I don't think I want to know. And, who says you'd be taking my money, Rookie?" He lifted one brow as he smirked. The smirk morphed into a smile as he started to deal. "The pebbles are fine. Split em' fifty-fifty to start."

Once the stones were divided into two piles, they picked up their cards.

"How much longer will you be staying?" Ace asked, studying his cards.

Shanks chuckled again. "Trying to get rid of me?"

Ace grinned. "No, just wondering. It's hard for Ashina to see you go, but I know it's not safe for two yonkos to be near each other for a long time."

"Or grounded for a long time," Shanks added. "I'll be leaving in a couple days. There's some things I need to discuss with Newgate."

"Such as?"

"Nosey Rookie, aren't you? His plans for Ashina and my grandson once you return to the sea. Things I need to know to ensure my daughter's safety, and my grandson's."

"I promised to keep her safe."

"That you did. You've done a good job so far, you know, other than knocking her up."

Ace blushed. "That wasn't necessarily intended."

Shanks shrugged. "It happens. Ashina wasn't planned either, but I wouldn't trade her for the world."

Tossing down their hands revealed that Ace won the round. He slid the betting stones into his pile and then shuffled the cards, dealing the next hand quickly.

Shanks eyed his cards and then flicked his gaze to Ace. "Tsuna's labor lasted forever it felt like. Couldn't stand to see her like that. Doc stayed with her through the whole thing, but I had to step out. Came back in just in time to see Ashina enter the world."

Ace smiled fondly. "Marco noticed Ashina was in labor first. Early stages. He was monitoring her, and it freaked me the fuck out, but later that evening I got her to come back to the house to rest."

"You dip out when it got rough?"

Ace shook his head. "No. I stayed with Ashina for the entire process, start to finish, even cut the cord."

Shanks' eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting that answer from the young man. A fond smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Good. That's good." Shanks cleared his throat, trying to make the lump that had suddenly formed disappear. "I like you a bit more, Rookie."

Ace snorted. "Crew took bets on if she was going to kick my ass. She didn't. Didn't even cuss at me. It sucked though, watching her go through that when there isn't anything I can do to help her."

"She's tough. You being with her through the labor was enough."

They fell into a peaceful silence then, the only words spoken were of bets and cards. Shanks was surprised to see that Ace was in fact taking his money, or in this case, luckily, stones. The Rookie was a better poker player than he'd given him credit for, if only he could manage to control his poker face. Slowly Shanks was picking up on Ace's cues and began to win his stones back.

Ace shuffled the cards next and then dealt. He picked up his cards, glancing at them before he set them back down, staring at Shanks.

"I heard you talking to Pops tonight about Gold Roger, you both seem to have fond memories. All I ever heard growing up was how Roger was the devil, an evil man who did horrible things. When I hear you talk about your Captain, it's like it's two different men. Will you tell me about him?"

Shanks grinned. "Thought you'd never ask," he teased. "Anything specific you're searching for here?"

Ace was silent for a moment before he shrugged. "I guess I just want to hear about him from someone who was really there."

"When you went through Sabaody, happen to run into a coating mechanic by the name of Ray?"

"Yeah, he coated the Spadille."

"That was Silvers Rayleigh, Roger's first mate. He'd a been a good one to ask."

"He asked me if I was Roger's boy, said I looked like him. I refused to talk about it, claimed I didn't know what he was talking about."

Shanks grinned. "He probably saw right through that. I understand why you would hate your father. I heard what people on Dawn Island had to say about him too, you'd been about nine or ten then. They're wrong, Ace. You remind me a bit of Roger, only in ways that are good, mind you. Roger wasn't what people said he was, but he wasn't a perfect man either. You look like him, must have inherited your mother's nose, but you're his son no doubt. Rayleigh must have seen a young Roger in you then. He would have known Ashina was mine, too."

"That red-hair is a dead giveaway."

"Except to the marines. Pissed me off to see them call her Whitebeard's daughter in the papers."

Ace grinned. "Pissed her off, too. Ashina sailed with you for a year, did she not meet Rayleigh when you went through last time?"

"I didn't take Ashina into the New World. You got that honor, Rookie. We didn't cross through Sabaody until after I'd left her with Dragon. I trust Ray, but at that time I still didn't want the world, or anyone really, to know about her, too afraid the World Government would do to her what they tried to do to you."

"Did you know Roger had a kid?"

"No. Captain disbanded the crew before he met your mother. Ray may have known her. He was the last to leave Roger's side. But by the time you'd have been conceived I was already in Wano and Tsuna was pregnant. You and Ashina would be about the same age if your mother didn't sacrifice herself and hold onto you for as long as she did. I wish I could have met the woman who caught Captain's eye. Wish he could have met Ashina and Tsuna."

"Did he like kids?"

"Had a couple aboard his ship when we made it to Raftel. Oden's two kids. Buggy and I were cabin boys on his ship from a young age. I joined when I was about eleven. Tried to play it off that I was older, Roger saw right through it, but he let me join anyway. Didn't get to see him interact with his own, but he didn't dislike kids. Knew how to entertain little Momo and Hiyori. If Buggy and I got into trouble Roger would always just laugh, it was Rayleigh who dealt out any punishments."

"It's hard to picture him being this carefree guy."

Shanks smiled. "Unless Luffy has drastically changed over the years, Luffy's got the Captain's spirit and spunk. He still saying he's going to be the Pirate King?"

Ace chuckled. "Yeah. He'll be setting sail soon."

"World won't know what hit it. He still have the straw hat I gave him?"

"He loves that hat," Ace answered. "Acted like it was his greatest treasure."

"He should. I gave it to him after the sea king took my arm. Roger gave it to me when I was still a cabin boy."

"It was Roger's?"

"Yeah. Before he got that awful captain's hat he wore around he had the straw hat. I saw that same spark of determination in Luffy that I used to see in Captain. I see it in you, too."

"I'm not like Roger."

"You're more like him than you think, Ace, and that's not the bad thing you think it is. You protect what's yours fiercely. You're loyal. You're brave and you're kind. Roger wasn't a cruel man, Ace. He wasn't the devil. The World Government painted that portrait of him. I've encountered many a pirate that was truly evil and cruel, but Roger's media portrayal was wrong. Had you known your father, I think you would have liked him."

"I didn't want to pass on the Gol D line, but Ashina… she was always so confident, always so sure that I was good. That I was worth it."

Shanks smiled softly. "If you're worried about what you may or may not pass on to your son, rest easy, boy. There isn't anything bad that you could give him, maybe except for a shit poker face."

Ace snorted then, cracking the smallest of smiles. Before he could speak Shanks added, "My daughter's a good judge of character. If she's known from the start that you're Roger's son, then it doesn't matter. She made her assessment of you long before she joined your crew. She chose you, boy. I know one conversation isn't going to change years of bad thoughts, but just remember, Roger was a good man and so are you."

Sabo made a soft coo of discontent that caught Ace's attention. Shanks watched in amazement as Ace moved like lightening to scoop up the still sleeping baby.

"Shh, don't wake up mama. Did you just want to be held? You always want to be held."

"Soak it up," Shanks interjected softly. "That doesn't last long. Soon he'll be walking and won't want to be picked up. Ashina was always on the go as soon as she could go."

Ace grinned, flicking his eyes up to look at Shanks while he talked and then back down to his son, who was now sleeping peacefully once more. "I'll be right back, going to put him in his cradle."

With a nod, Shanks watched him disappear into the bedroom. Shanks took the chance to stack the cards into a neat deck. Then he swept the little stones back into the pouch. When Ace returned to the room, Shanks was already standing.

"It was good talking to tonight Ace. Get our girl in bed, I'll see you tomorrow." Shanks reached out his hand and Ace shook it. Shanks pulled him into a hug, moving his arm to clap Ace on the back. "Goodnight, Rookie."

Ace heard the fondness in the nickname and a warm smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Goodnight, Shanks."

When they pulled apart, Shanks hovered in the doorway for a moment to watch the pair. There was a tenderness to his touch as he brushed Ashina's hair back and then scooped her into his arms in an effortless motion. Closing the door behind him, Shanks took the few steps across the wooden porch before stepping onto the dirt path that led back to the party still going strong. He gave one last look at the little house that was home to his daughter, grandson, and Ace. The boy had troubles, but Shanks hoped maybe his words tonight would ease some of the young man's struggles and doubts. It was clear that he knew how much Ashina thought of him. Shanks was just happy that Ace cared for his daughter. He saw glimpses of their feelings for one another when he came for Ashina's birthday, but now, the love the pair shared was clear as day, obvious to anyone who watched them for even a few seconds.

His daughter's happiness and wellbeing were all he wished for, and if Ace made her happy, Shanks was accepting. The bitter touch of fatherly protectiveness still clung to him when the rare thought crossed his mind that the Rookie knew her intimately, but he also knew her emotionally and personally, just as she knew him. The fact that Ace was Roger's flesh and blood was truly a point in Ace's favor, as Shanks respected and loved his late Captain.

"Our girl's found a good man, Tsuna," Shanks whispered to himself. "You'd like him, Roger's boy, Ace."

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The sun was beginning to set as Ashina headed for Pop's cabin to inform him an early dinner was ready. The voices caught her attention as she stepped onto the porch. The front door was partially open, making it easy to pick up the hushed but intense conversation.

"The sea isn't safe for a baby," her father's voice was tinted with what Ashina knew was controlled anger in the growl of his words.

"I can protect my grandchild. It is Ashina's wish to go, as well," Pops defended her. "As well as my son's. They are his parents."

"And you are his Captain, hers too, make them stay."

Pops laughed gruffly. "She's your daughter, Red-Hair. Why don't you make her stay?"

"The sea isn't safe for a child," Shanks repeated. "Ashina should stay safe on this island with Sabo."

"And hide her away like you did, Tsuna? End her dreams here and now when she's so young?" Pops jab must have hit home as Shanks fell silent.

Ashina stepped out from hiding, fairly certain both men knew she had been listening to them, and smiled softly at her father. "Papa, Ace and I both want to sail. We're going to take Sabo with us. My crew and my family are strong. I'll be smart. If I need to go to land I will, but when Pops gives the order we'll set sail with our crew."

"When you think you need to go could be too late," he said, his eyes catching hers. They spoke silent volumes of his worry.

Ashina closed the gap between herself and her father, hugging him tightly. His arm came around her.

"I worry about you, little girl. I want to keep you the way you were, innocent, hidden from this side of the world," he whispered. "Just a little girl… it's how I'll always see you. Now you have a baby." He pulled back and lifted his hand to cup her chin gently between his fingers. He spoke in his normal deep timbre, loud enough for Pops to hear, "I'd like to demand you stay here or come to one of my territories..." Whitebeard made a noise of discontent, but Shanks continued. "but I know how stubborn you are, and if we start that argument we'll be here for weeks. I'm not trying to hold you back from your dreams, baby girl. You're just like your mother. She'd be proud of you, Ashina. I'm proud of you. Be safe. Keep my grandson safe."

"I will, Papa, I promise."

Shanks pressed his lips to her forehead before he pulled back, looking up at Whitebeard as the other man spoke.

"Don't worry, Red-Hair, she won't be on the front lines anymore. Won't get sent away on any missions either. She'll remain on the Moby Dick with me."

"What?" Ashina interjected, taken aback by Pops' sudden statement.

Pops just laughed. "Once we sail, you're not to set foot off the Moby Dick unless we are docked in friendly territory. You are a member of the second division, but you are now first and foremost a mother. That is your role on the ship, mother your son, protect him from the safety of the ship, and should a fight ever take place on the ship, you are to stay far below deck."

Shanks grinned at Ashina. "I like those rules."

"Not funny, Papa. Does this conversation mean you're leaving soon?"

"Yes. We'll raise anchor in the morning, so I get to spend the entire evening holding my grandson."

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Pressing a kiss to the baby's forehead caused him to elicit a mixture of giggles and coos that tugged at Shanks' heartstrings. The days went by too fast, as he remembered they always did when he was spending time with his loved ones. Once again, he would be sailing away from his little girl and now also his grandson. Two people in this world that shared his blood. The two people he would do or give anything for and it was time to say goodbye.

Shanks stared down at the big green eyes that reminded him so much of Tsuna. "Your grandma would've been head over heels for you," Shanks spoke softly to the little boy. "Spoiled rotten, not that you won't be with this group. Your, uh, other grandparents, they've have really loved you too. You got a good set of angels watching over you. Grandpapa loves you, kiddo."

Shanks pressed another kiss to the boy's soft skin, this one landing on his chubby cheek. A little hand smacked his face and Shanks pulled back with a grin. "I know, I know, I'm being a sentimental, mushing old man. I'll stop. For your mama's sake I hope you stay little and sweet for as long as possible, but on the other hand, give em hell, kiddo."

"Papa," Ashina admonished, catching the last bit of his sentence as she reached his side.

Ace was beside her, her hand tucked in the crook of his arm.

"You know, Rookie, it wouldn't kill you to wear a shirt every now and then," Shanks teased.

"Can I leave it mostly unbuttoned like yours, then it's like I'm not even wearing one?"

Shanks snorted. "Smart ass. Here, take my grandson so I can hug my daughter."

The switch between holds was effortless. Sabo babbled happily at his father, hands instantly trying to grasp the bull medallion of his hat. Shanks gazed at the little boy, the perfect blend of his parents, before he slid his gaze to Ashina. He could see the tears in her eyes that she tried to blink back quickly.

"Hey now, don't start that. You ain't cried when I left since you were little," Shanks said, pulling her in for a tight hug.

Ashina sniffled. "It just feels different."

"Eh, that's just the mama hormones talking. The sea might be vast, but we're on it together. You have my vivre card, you can always come find me. Welcome anytime, so long as you bring my grandson with you."

That made her chuckle and Shanks smiled. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "I love you, baby girl."

"Love you, Papa."

As soon as he released her, Lucky Roo swept her up into a crushing hug that made her laugh.

"Gonna miss you, squirt. Take care."

"Yeah," Yassop added, pulling her into a quick side hug. "You did good, Ashina. Cute kid."

"Thanks," she replied. "Take care of Papa."

"Always," Benn answered. "Someone has to be the voice of logic and reason on the ship."

"And I trust you'll continue doing so for the whole crew?" Ashina teased.

"Of course." Benn held out his arms, an action familiar to Ashina, and she jumped into his embrace. "Bye kid. Take care."

Benn set her back on her feet, patted her shoulder, and then strong armed the rest of the crew toward the Red Force which was anchored off the coast.

Ashina turned back to Shanks and gave a smile. He stepped forward and wrapped her in another hug. "See you again soon, baby girl. You can't be a stranger now that you've got my grandson."

"Same, Papa."

Shanks chuckled and nodded. He kissed her forehead once more before turning to Ace. He stuck out his hand for Ace, who dodged the hand to hug the man instead, careful to not squish the baby between them. Shock ran through him for a moment, before Shanks grinned and returned the hug, clapping Ace on the back with his hand.

"Take care of our family," Shanks said, too low for Ashina to hear.

"I will." When they pulled back Ace added, "Safe travels, Shanks. It was good to see you again."

"You too, Rookie. Bye, Little Sabo." Shanks ruffled the little boy's dark hair and then gave a short wave to the young parents.

It was hard to turn around and walk away, harder than it had been in all of the twenty-one years his daughter had been alive, but this was a new journey. The next stage of the adventure that was his life, and Shanks couldn't wait to see where the seas took his daughter, his grandson, and Ace - his Captain's boy. As Shanks strolled across the gangplank to his ship, listening to Benn give orders in preparation for sailing away, Shanks made a silent promise to his Captain to watch out for Ace, to protect and guide him like he had done all these years for his own child.

The gentle breeze lifted the edges of his cloak and Shanks turned his head up to the sky, while his crew raised anchor. "You'd be proud of him, Captain. Your son's a good man."