I'm With you, Forever, The End

by Katsuki-1x

In the world of quirks 90% of the population has a quirk. Scientists believe that soulmates and quirks are somehow linked. Izuku and Katsuki are training at the beach when Izuku finds a fruit. Izuku eats the fruit and gains a power. On the beach the boys save a group of strangers that have washed up on shore. Izuku finds out what is power is and what it is called when the stranger

38. Chapter 38: The Dragon's Den

Chapter 38:

The Dragon's Den.

Summary:

The crews meet up with Dragon. Ace and Luffy are in for a surprise.

It's been two days since the fall of Doflamingo, and Law couldn't be more thankful. When the group came back to the ship Law was in a state of denial. Even though he was there, he has the wounds to prove it was real; the reality that Doflamingo is dead hasn't set in yet. When he entered his Submarine he walked straight past his crew to his personal chambers and collapsed onto his bed. He is sore and tired and in a state of awed disbelief. He decided he would get some sleep and then do a diagnostic on himself. He could hear his more curious crewmates (Sachi and Penguin) questioning Bepo if the bear knows what is going on. He smiles as he hears Bepo apologize "I don't know what's going on I'm sorry."

Law ignores the scolding the bear gets and Bepo's unwavering stance to not let Law be disturbed. Law's eyes flutter shut as the last of the arguing crewmates' voices fade away. For a man that has been suffering for the last 20 years with insomnia, sleep comes easy. He dreams of the time before Doflamingo and the massacre. He dreams of his parents both accomplished doctors, training him to be a doctor as well. He dreams of the first signs of Amber Lead poisoning and spending night after night looking for a cure for his sister and friends. He dreams of the destruction and senseless murders of his parents, sister, friends, and teacher. His escape underneath the corpses leaving the city and the hatred that festered as he walked around with grenades strapped to his chest. His only goal was to destroy as much as he could before the illness claimed him and he can be with his family again.

He remembers Doflamingo taking him in and learning that Corazon hated children when he was thrown out of a window. He swore his revenge and stabbed the clumsy man in the back. He dreams of an unlikely friendship with Corazon as they fled from Doflamingo to find a cure for Law. Hospital after hospital they were chased away, with no hope for a cure. He dreams of Cora-sans smile and goofy 'I love you's.'

He dreams of Cora-san taking his voice after force-feeding him a devil fruit, he screams awake with the sounds of gunshots fading from his mind. He has finally avenged Cora-san, Doflamingo, and perhaps Vergo is dead. He sighs as the reality sinks in Doflamingo is dead and he had a hand in it, Cora-san can rest easy now. But the question is, what does he do now? Besides his crew, he has no attachments to the world. He does feel like he owes Izuku for killing Doflamingo, even though the younger teen told him he would do it regardless.

Law sits on his bed in thought if he could bring his crew to this other world; give them a chance at real freedom. Most of his crew are pirates by circumstance, Bepo because he was lost and sided with the first person who was nice to him. Penguin and Shachi bullied the talking bear before Law stopped them with his powers. He later found out that the two were involved in a brutal Boar attack, he saved their lives and treated their injuries. Shachi and Penguin told him they had nowhere to go as they are orphans. Law offered them to become his subordinates and they agreed. Throughout the years Law gained more people his newest crewmember Jean Bart was a pirate captain who was captured and sold as a slave to the Celestial Dragons. During the chaos of the Marineford War, Law was able to rescue the man and offer him a place on his crew. Jean Bart agreed and, thanked him for giving the man a second chance at life. Maybe he can give his crew an opportunity for real freedom.

If Izuku's dreams hold any truth, which Law believes is the case because of what the younger teen knows of Law's past; then there is no point to pursue the One Piece and be the pirate king. Besides According to Shanks and Rayleigh, they are going to take to One Piece anyway so there really is no point. For the first time in Law's life, he has no goal, or plan for revenge, his heart feels light, but he has no purpose.

He finally after almost 2 days makes his way off his submarine to speak with Izuku. He wanders around deck looking for any sign of the group of teens. He can hear Katsuki loudly explain a recipe to the other cooks. Law smirks when he hears an explosion coming from the kitchen followed by a yelp that sounds suspiciously like Penguin follows. He spots the teen he was looking for hovering off to the side of the Kitchen with Ace and Shoto. Luffy and Kirishima have roped the other two teens, Bepo and Shachi into a game of cards. Law can't quite make out what game they are playing. He shakes his head and continues on his way to Izuku.

Izuku looks up the moment Law comes in his range, he has watched Law wander on the deck looking for someone, probably him or his temporarily kidnapped crew members. Luffy saw the bear asked if he was food, got hit in the head for the suggestion by Ace, and proceeded to make the Bear his best friend. Luffy dragged a reluctant Bepo and Shachi into a card game he made up and then forgot all the rules. The game has mostly turned into something vaguely resembling War but Izuku can't be sure. All he knows is Luffy is having fun, Kirishima is smiling, Shachi is laughing at Luffy's impersonation of a walrus, and Bepo is apologizing to Kirishima for Luffy's actions. Izuku chuckles and continues to watch the chaos happening with a fond gaze.

Law approaches Izuku, Ace, and Shoto and clears his throat, Izuku tears his gaze away from the shenanigans and smiles warmly at Law, "Hey Law, how are you feeling?"

"Better, after a couple of days of rest, I have full function of my arm again." Law confirms "What about you, you collapsed when you got back here."

"Most of my energy has returned, but I am a little sluggish still." Izuku comments.

Law nods "You didn't need to go that far for me" then a small smile breaks out on his face "But I am thankful you did."

Izuku smiles warmly "I didn't do it for thanks."

Law nods "I actually came over here to tell you, I'm going to go with you. I need to talk to my crew but I'm pretty sure they follow me because they have nowhere else to go. I want to go with you first before the rest of the crew. I need to make sure Bepo won't be frowned upon for being a bear."

"That's great Law, I'm glad you are coming with us." Izuku smiles, "Quirks are a funny thing, if Bepo says he has a bear quirk no one would judge him for it. We have a police Chief with a dog quirk, so I know he will be accepted. Even your powers could be explained as a quirk."

Law nods "That's a relief."

"Don't worry so much about it Traffy" Ace smirks "We have enough higher-end Heroes backing us that you and your crew will be safe at least until the calamities start."

"I won't lie to you Law, some of us will die in the Calamities." Izuku states seriously "But I can at least promise I will do everything in my power to save the most people."

"I guess that is fair" Law agrees "You are only one person, I won't blame you if someone dies. I know what war does to people." Something Dark flashes in Law's eyes "Besides you say these Calamities are tied to the corruption of the World Government." At Izuku's nod Law smirks "Then I have no choice but to help you, the world Government slaughtered my home island, if I can't get closure for my family here then I will help you put a stop to the Calamities for good."

"Thank you, Law." Izuku smiles warmly.

Law sits with them now that he has spoken to Izuku, there is another reason why he came over here. He looks at Ace, "how are you feeling? Any problems breathing? Is there any pain? What about your strength?"

Ace chuckles and brushes off the worried questions fired at him "I'm fine Traffy, I have mostly recovered."

Shoto looks between Ace, Law, and Izuku and blurts, "When Traffy worries about Ace, he looks like an older version of Izuku."

Izuku and Law blush, while Ace clutches his stomach and rolls on the deck with gut-breaking laughter. "That is just great, Sho you're hilarious." He gasps out between laughter.

Izuku and Law sputter for a few moments, Izuku glares at the still laughing Ace "Well if you didn't get almost killed, I wouldn't have to look at you like that!" He whimpers out "I thought I would have lost you."

"I'm sorry Izuku, But I couldn't let that bastard hurt Sho or Lu." Ace states guiltily.

"I know Ace, and I am glad they are safe, but I am going kick your ass for scaring me when we get back home. Probably after the exams." Izuku nods to himself then his face breaks out in a demonic grin "after all I can't have you fail the exam because I kicked your ass."

Ace gulps and grips onto Shoto "Sho you gotta help me."

Shoto smiles "Sorry Ace, but you brought this on yourself."

"But Sho, he'll kill me!" Ace whines.

"Nah, more like slight Maiming." Izuku laughs menacingly. "Besides I think Kacchan is next in line, so I need to make sure there is enough of you left for him."

"What about me?" Katsuki joins the conversation hearing his name.

"Oh Kacchan, I was just informing Ace of the ass-kicking I'm going to gift him with after the exams." Izuku smirks "Of course I'll leave some for Kacchan. Maybe next time he's about to throw his life away, he'll think twice."

"But it was for a good reason!" Ace tries to reason.

"Bull shit" Katsuki snarls "You didn't even use Haki to deflect Akainu. You know damn well that our Haki is better than most." Katsuki is shaking, whether in rage or fear no one can tell "So don't give me your bullshit, Ace!"

Ace gulps Katsuki must be really pissed off at him to use his name, he hasn't called him anything but Matchstick since he found out about Ace's fire. "I'm sorry, Blasty."

"Don't call me Blasty, you lost that right." Katsuki glares.

"All I could think about was saving Shoto and Luffy. If you're pissed about that then fine." Ace defends himself.

"I'm not pissed about you saving Icy-Hot and Luffy" Katsuki starts "I'm pissed because of your self-hating speech at the end. You think it is so surprising that we love you, you think it's ok to throw your life away. That your death wouldn't affect us as much as Shoto's or Luffy's. You think I'm ok with that! I was there I thought you were grabbing Shoto and I didn't want to get in your way. We could have gotten them out of the way safely, without you trying to be the self-sacrificing idiot."

Ace looks down in guilt, all these years of finding people who love and care for him regardless of who his father is, to want him to live, almost wasted because of one man. Akainu got inside his head and told him these people were dying because of him because he is a coward. "I thought if I died Akainu would stop killing people. He blamed me for their deaths, and I believed him."

"After you fell unconscious, Akainu was going to kill us all as we grieved for you. If it wasn't for the Nerd, we all would have died. Luffy and Shoto who you gave your life for would have been killed while they were in shock, as they held you and cried." Katsuki states all the rage has simmered down. "So when your healed, and the license exam is over; I'm gonna beat my love into your stupid, idiotic, thick, ash-for-brains head of yours. Maybe then I'll forgive you."

Ace sags he is not getting out of this, but he doesn't really want to either. He understands Katsuki's feelings. If what Katsuki is saying about his near-death is to be believed, he really is stupid for thinking Akainu would be satisfied with his death and leave the others alone. Now that he is thinking clearly; he knows he is not to blame for the other's deaths. They didn't know who they were until after they already started to fight.

Shanks approaches them "It appears I need to give Ace another lesson in using his head."

"Get in line Jiji!" Katsuki shouts.

"Oh, there is going to be a long line of people wanting to teach him a lesson." Shanks smirks ferally "Just wait until All Might finds out about this. Or Hawks." He pauses "Thank God we have Izuku to heal the damage."

"Oh, I'll heal him," Izuku smirks. "Will Shota have a lesson planned for him as well?"

"Oh, you can bet on it." Shanks laughs

"Ok so the Ass-Kicking Line for Ash-for-Brains, is me, Kacchan, Shanks, Aizawa…" Izuku pauses "What about you Shoto?"

"Definitely!" Shoto agrees happily.

"Ok, I'll fit you in after Aizawa. I'll go ask Luffy and Kirishima if they want to join." Izuku states dangerously.

"Not you too, Sho!" Ace groans.

"I need to make sure you understand what happens if you scare me like that again." Shoto states in his usual monotone voice.

"Please have mercy on me!" Ace begs.

"Nope." Shoto denies.

Ace slumps against Shoto and accepts his punishment. The commotion has attracted Luffy, Kirishima, Denki, and Ashido; along with several pirates including Shachi, Bepo, Marco, and Thatch. Luffy bounds to the group "What's up?"

"Oh, we are just ironing out the line of people who want to beat some sense into our Idiotic hot head." Izuku recaps with a smile.

"Ohh me, me, me. I want in." Luffy exclaims cheerfully.

"But Otōto…" Ace whine hoping the big brother card will work in his favor.

"No buts Aniki" Luffy smirks. "I'm doing this out of love."

Ace pouts as Kirishima, Denki, and even Ashido all call spots to "show their love" with Kirishima going on and on about Ace's sacrifice being unmanly. Denki sparks threateningly as he grins savagely at Ace, even Ashido grins "Oh yea, I can use this a chance to have a rematch of the Sports Festival."

"Ok so everyone wants a piece, that means I'll have to heal him before each match." Izuku plans out "does anyone mind if we drag his punishment on for a couple of days?"

"Nope" Is the unanimous vote.

"Good," Izuku grins savagely "Let's be clear Ace, I'm all for letting everyone go on the same day. However, keep in mind I also have to heal you. If you don't mind not being healed when I get too tired, then we can make everyone fit."

"No, I'm good." Ace frantically waves his hands in front of him "I'd rather be healed before they murder me."

"Good, now that is settled… I'm glad you are feeling better." Izuku smiles blindingly.

Marco and the other pirates look on in shock "Are they normally like this?" Marco asks no one in particular.

Aizawa sighs "Sometimes, but they won't really hurt him. Mostly they will spar work out the things they can't say, then after it is all said and done, they will conclude with a puppy pile." Aizawa looks over his problem children "Ace really scared them, and they don't know how to talk about it. Usually, it's Katsuki who talks with his fists. But this time they really thought they were going to lose Ace. From what I heard Ace didn't even try to protect himself. Akainu made the kid want to die for his friends. Basically, Izuku and Katsuki feel cheated. They worked so hard to get Ace to like himself and stop thinking his life was worthless. I understand Katsuki's anger; those two are so similar. Before Ace came to us, he was hated because of something he couldn't control. When Katsuki was younger he was hated but his own mother, agemates, and teachers for something he couldn't control. Katsuki's mother even tried to kill him, if it wasn't for Izuku and Ace; Katsuki probably would have died at the age of seven."

"Why?" Marco asks shocked.

"In our world quirks are passed down generations. The child usually gets one of their parent's quirks, but sometimes the child gets a new quirk that mutated from both of their parents. Katsuki's mother sweats Glycerin, while his father's quirk allowed him to sweat acid and heat his palms. Katsuki's quirk mutated so he sweats Nitroglycerin and when he heats his palms, he causes explosions. After his father died, his mother started to view him as a bad omen. When his quirk manifested, she started to view him as villainous because every time he expressed extreme emotions, he couldn't control his quirk and his sweat would pop little explosions. The other kids were afraid of setting him off, so they cast him aside. The teachers would yell and scold him when he got frustrated and his quirk would accidentally be set off. For the longest time, Izuku was the only one who would approach Katsuki. He would calm him down and tell Katsuki he could be a hero like All Might. When Ace and Luffy came to Japan, the four became inseparable. Ace and Luffy acknowledged and accepted Katsuki, and Katsuki accepted them even after finding out about their dads. So if anyone deserves to be angry at Ace; it's Izuku and Katsuki."

"I see." Marco contemplates "It seems no world is perfect."

"True, but we do our best to make things better for everyone," Aizawa confirms. "There is darkness in every world. There is greed, and power, and people who try to suppress those under them. But it is a hero's job to find those people and if we can; help them. If we can't, they can't go to prison. Sometimes a Villain appears because they didn't see another way out of their situation. A poor man using his quirk to steal supplies for his family, we figure that out and give him the tools he needs to better his life on the right side of the law. Sometimes a person sees the corruption of the world and tries to fix it, but the way they go about it is villainous. There was a man named Stain, he saw the corruption in some heroes, but instead of apprehending them and bringing them to justice; he thought the only way justice could be served was by killing the corruption."

"Just like here there are people who are pirates because they want adventure and freedom," Marco begins "Then there are people who are pirates who want to rape, pillage, steal, and murder. There are a few people who are pirates because there is nowhere else for them to go, like Law. If people found out he was a survivor of Flevance as a civilian, he would be killed. The marines will do everything they can to cover their crimes."

"even if he stayed as a civilian?" Aizawa asks eyes wide in disbelief.

"There was an Island called Ohara, this island was the home of the knowledge tree. The natives just wanted to know everything. They stumbled upon these ancient tablets called Poneglyphs, they studied the language and started translating what was written on the tablets. They were close to uncovering the history of the Void Century. The marines ordered a Buster call on the Island."

"Buster Call?" Aizawa asks.

"A buster call is the ultimate form of Military attack used by the Marines. Typically consists of 10 warships, 5 vice admirals, and at least one admiral like Akainu. The buster call is capable of destroying entire islands." Shanks explains.

"yes exactly" Marco nods "Ohara was destroyed by a buster call, but one child escaped." He pulls out a bounty poster "This girl was 8 then, and when the marines found out she was a survivor of Ohara they placed a bounty on her head." He hands the bounty to Aizawa.

Aizawa studies the picture and hums in thought "Do you know her status now?"

"She pops up everyone once in a while, attaching herself to pirate crews for protection. Once the crews find out about her bounty, they betray her, and she escapes. The last rumor I heard was she was with the revolutionaries after being forced to read a Poneglyph for a warlord. She escaped near alabaster and the revolutionaries took her in." Marco explains. "That was a few months ago. She might still be there."

Aizawa contemplates this as a thought comes to his head "Shanks?"

Said man hums in understanding "Yeah?"

"Is there a way to contact the revolutionaries? We need to talk to Dragon, don't we?" Aizawa asks.

"Yea, I'll see if I still have the number for Ivankov. If anything he will hear us out and let us talk to Dragon." Shanks nods already walking off to go find what he needs.

Aizawa looks out over the ocean, he spots a small coffin-like boat. He taps Marco's shoulder to get the other man's Attention. "I believe we have company."

Marco looks over "It's Mihawk and his apprentice."

Aizawa nods now that the boat is closer, he can recognize the man. He relaxes and helps the man onto the ship. "glad you can make it."

Mihawk grunts as he takes the offered hand. "Thanks"

Aizawa nods, he notices a green-haired man behind Mihawk "That must be Zoro"

"Yes, I am going to bring him over to Izuku," Mihawk confirms. "Best not to leave him on his own, he has no sense of direction."

"Izuku" Aizawa calls.

Said boy looks up and makes eye contact with Mihawk and notices the other older teen grumpily taking in his surroundings, he nods "I'll be back." He tells his group. He makes his way over to Mihawk and the other man "Hi, I'm Izuku Midoriya."

The green-haired man grunts in greeting but doesn't say anything else. Izuku senses the tenseness in the man's shoulders and notices the hand that is resting on his swords. Izuku smiles warmly at the teen. "Follow me I've got some people to introduce you to."

The teen grunts again and looks at Mihawk he receives a subtle nod from the older man. "Fine" The green-haired man grunts and follows.

Izuku smiles widely "Great, come on." He pulls on the older teen's arm, the man glares at the smaller teen but lets himself be pulled along.

Izuku approaches his group with Zoro in tow, the man looks around and grunts not one for socializing. Izuku introduces the pack to the man "the teen with the wolf features is Kacchan"

"Katsuki" The teen growls "Call me Katsuki"

Izuku chuckles "The one with the Red hair is Kirishima."

"Yo!" Kirishima greets.

"The one in the Straw-hat is Luffy" Izuku continues. Luffy smiles widely at the man. Izuku moves on "The quiet one with the sword is Law."

"Call him Traffy, he loves it" Comes the teasing remark from one of the ravens.

Law glares at Ace and unsheathes his sword while creating a room. "Wanna go? You almost died once this week, let's make it permanent." Law smirks dangerously.

Ace laughs at Law's reaction and waves his hands in surrender "I'm teasing Traffy!"

Izuku laughs "Law no killing, Ace shut up." Getting them to calm down, Izuku continues "The Idiot is Ace."

"Hey!" Ace rages.

Izuku ignores Ace and continues "The female is Ashido."

The girl waves excitedly.

"The one holding Ace down is Shoto," Said teen nods in the other teen's direction. "And last but not least is Denki" Denki smiles brightly at the other teen. Izuku looks at the green-haired teen "Everyone this is Pirate Hunter Zoro"

Zoro narrows his still working eye, fingers twitching to take out his swords. "How do you know that name" Is growled out.

"I know a lot of things Zoro." Izuku starts. He smirks at the man's rising tension, he stands unfazed as Zoro holds a sword to his neck. "I know that you left Shimotsuki Village once you decided you would become an invincible swordsman. I know of your promise to a friend that one of you would become the best, you never told me their name, but you told me the promise is in your hands now. I know that the sword you carry in your mouth is your friends. I know that you left your island to find and beat the world's greatest, and I know you got lost trying to find him. I also know about Ashura."

Zoro's glare hardens "How can you know all that?" he presses his sword harder against Izuku's neck "Just who are you?"

Izuku keeps his stance relaxed "I'm not an enemy, you can ask Mihawk to verify this. I know this is unbelievable but a few days ago I got a warning about a major threat, I had a vision after that, and I saw you. I have memories of certain people even if all I really saw were the battles." Izuku explains confidently.

Zoro relaxes just a bit, he doesn't fully remove his sword, but he releases some of the pressure. "Say I believe you…" he begins "Why do I help you?"

Izuku smirks "Because of your ambitions, or maybe the thrill of fighting stronger opponents, fighting against powers you can't possibly fathom."

Zoro smirks "What type of enemy are we facing?"

"Not entirely sure, demons mostly. The enemy is strong enough to destroy entire worlds. In my vision, we fight multiple demons, superpowered villains, and trained killers." Izuku states.

Something in Zoro's eye flashes dangerously, he sheaths his sword "Your strong." He comments.

"Yes, stronger than most" Izuku confirms, no hint of arrogance or overconfidence.

Zoro nods and smirks "I want to test that."

"Fine by me" Izuku smirks ferally back.

Luffy breaks the tension with a chuckle "I have an idea."

Izuku looks over at him curiously "What is it?"

"How about we have a little friendly competition; you know let everyone battle against each other. See where everyone is at in terms of strength." Luffy suggests.

"That's a great idea, I'll bring it up to Aizawa and Shanks. I can also figure out where we need to work based on the results." Izuku confirms.

***With Aizawa, Shanks, and Mihawk***

Mihawk and Aizawa watch as Zoro gets dragged away, Aizawa looks like he wants to murder Zoro for drawing his weapon against his problem child. Aizawa stands down as Izuku doesn't flinch or appear alarmed. He settles a bit as he observes the group, Katsuki is being subtly held down by Kirishima, the others look just as ready to jump into battle as Katsuki. Aizawa believes it is only Izuku's clearly calm demeanor that stops them. Aizawa sighs he knows Izuku is strong, he knows that the teen has trained in his abilities and honed his skills to near perfection. Izuku's confidence stems from years of training rather than false bravado and arrogance. Sometimes Aizawa wants to strangle the kid for putting himself in heart-stopping predicaments. Aizawa groans when he hears Luffy's suggestion and the rising excitement coming from the group.

Shanks interrupts Aizawa's musing "I found what I was looking for, let's move to a quieter part of the ship."

Aizawa and Mihawk follow Shanks towards a quieter area of the Ship. He dials Ivankov's number and prays it will be answered. After a few moments, the line connects the transponder snail turns Pink with extremely long eyelashes with an effeminate voice "Emporio Ivankov here Buru."

Shanks sighs "Iva, it's Shanks."

"SHANKS MY BOY!? WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THIS TIME."

"I can explain later, I need to speak with Dragon." Shanks cuts right to the point.

Iva's face turns serious "Why?"

"Have the papers of the War coverage come out yet?" Shanks asks.

"Nothing yet Buru."

Shanks ponders "Iva-Chan, I can't tell you anything without being face to face, never know who is listening. Can you tell me if he is still where he was the last time?"

Iva is silent for a few moments, "Yes, are you close?"

Shanks breathes a sigh of relief "Yes about 3 hours out, tell him I have something he thought he lost 10 years ago."

Iva's eyes widen "How many can we expect?"

"3 crews, 2 ships, 1 sub. And a few tagalongs." Shanks supplies.

"Ok, I will meet you with Dragon and the second on the docks." Iva concedes.

"Thank you, Iva, I will explain what I can when we arrive," Shanks states relieved.

"I'm only doing this because it is you Shanks-boy" Iva starts. "I'll be waiting." With that, the snail goes back to sleep.

Shanks breathes a sigh, he turns to his crew "We are headed to Dragon, when we land stays put for now until I can talk with the man."

Everyone in earshot nods their agreement and starts breaking off to tell the others. Vista approaches Shanks, "Pops needs to talk with you and the cheeky brat"

"Cheeky brat?" Shanks raises an eyebrow.

Vista smiles "Pop's words not mine."

Shanks grumbles "Izuku or Katsuki?"

Vista shrugs "He didn't specify, better bring both."

Shanks sighs "Yea your right" his eyes scan the area falling on his targets "Izuku, Katsuki come with me."

Izuku and Katsuki share a glance and shrug, as far as they know they didn't do anything. They get up and tell the rest they will be back and head over to Shanks and Aizawa. "What's up, Shanks?"

"Whitebeard wanted to talk to us" Shanks explains.

"Old man?" Izuku mutters.

Shanks sighs "Let's not keep him waiting, could be important."

Izuku nods and follows Shanks to the other Ship, Whitebeard has a calm expression on his face there is something in his hand. Shanks stops in front of the older pirate "Whitebeard"

"Akagami" Whitebeard calls, his piercing gaze looks at the two teens "Cheeky Brats."

"What do you want Jiji?" Katsuki predictably erupts.

Whitebeard takes no offense "Jimbe has contacted us."

Shanks sighs "What did he say?"

The transponder snail makes itself known "I have the package, where do you want us to meet?"

Shanks ponders "How long till you reach Whitebeards territory?"

"If I don't stop, I can be at Sphinx tomorrow morning," Jimbe tells.

"Do you still have my Vivre Card?" Whitebeard asks.

"Yes," Jimbe confirms.

"Follow it from Sphinx, you should catch up to us tomorrow Afternoon" Whitebeard informs.

"Understood." Jimbe states.

"I'll be waiting for you, my old friend," Whitebeard states softly. "We will talk when you get here."

"I'll see you then." Jimbe hangs up.

Whitebeard sighs "Jimbe is a Shark Man, he can travel far distances in a short amount of time. Where it has taken us three days to get here, I have no doubts that he'll catch up with us soon."

"Then Sanji will be here. All that's left for now is to speak with Dragon." Izuku summarizes.

Shanks clears his throat "I have talked to Iva-Chan and we will be meeting him, Dragon, and their Second in Command in a couple of hours."

Izuku's eyes narrow "We make an intimidating force; can I suggest something."

Shanks sighs "Go for it, what do you suggest"

"When we can see the island, we detach one of the ships, we only bring key players for now. Let them know we aren't a threat. Explain what we need from them and tell them what we know. I suggest we bring Shanks, Whitebeard, Rayleigh, Mihawk, Aizawa, Myself, Kacchan, Ace, and Luffy. When it is safe, I can communicate with Marco or the pack to come closer." Izuku plans out eyes glazing over as he works through possible back-up plans.

Whitebeard glares "Why those people?"

"Simple, I assume Dragon knows and trusts Whitebeard, Shanks, and Rayleigh. I'm sure he has met the pirate king at one point, so if he has, he will recognize fuji, and at least, believe me, Kacchan would most likely sink whatever ship he is on if he doesn't go. And Ace and Luffy because that is pretty obvious, if we show him, we saved his Son and Ace he would be more open to listening." Izuku explains.

"What about Mihawk?"

Izuku smirks "Having the world's greatest swordsman as part of the meeting crew and to confirm our claims wouldn't hurt."

Whitebeard ponders the reasonings and then bellows "Cheeky brat"

Izuku laughs back "Old Man."

Shanks sighs relieved.

"Nerd." Katsuki calls to gain the attention of the others, "wouldn't it be wise to bring Marco with us?"

As Izuku thinks this over, Shanks blurts "Explain."

Katsuki sighs recognition shows on Izuku's face "Because it is proof, we saved him from the war. While it is not in Whitebeard's character to retreat without saving his Son, it wouldn't be unheard of. If Marco is present it adds some merit to our claims. Surely Dragon would know who was involved in the war, he might not know at the moment what the outcome was, however, Marco and Whitebeard in attendance would give him all the information he needs on the war."

"Without him having to take our word for it. We give him information without speaking at first. He will conclude that Marineford has taken a massive hit. The papers would probably try to cover up our involvement." Shanks realizes.

"Exactly." Katsuki boasts.

"What do you say Whitebeard? He is your subordinate." Izuku addresses Whitebeard.

Whitebeard contemplates the reasonings and nods, "I'll inform him."

Izuku pulls Katsuki away to head back to the group. "As much as this place interests me, I can't wait to go home." Izuku sighs.

"I know Nerd." Katsuki states "I don't like all the attention you are getting here."

"Is Kacchan pouting?" Izuku faux gasps.

Katsuki turns his head away "'m not pouting" he grumbles out.

Izuku laughs "It's ok Kacchan" he leans to whisper in Katsuki's ear "When we get home, you'll have me all to yourself again. I'm thinking of a little stress relief that would help the both of us." He finishes suggestively.

Katsuki gulps "Yeah?" Katsuki really can not be blamed for sounding so hopeful, can he?

Something primal flashes in Izuku's eyes, as he nods "I wanna take Kacchan apart." It comes out more like a growl than anything else. To Katsuki it sounds like a threat, and if that turns him on just a bit, and makes him feel weak; well Katsuki can't wait until they are back home. Izuku's groan breaks him out of his thought "You like that though huh?"

Katsuki looks at Izuku in confusion, but he won't deny it. Izuku points to his tail that, to Katsuki's embarrassment is wagging like an excited puppy. Katsuki glares at Izuku but judging by the increase in chuckles it's not nearly as threatening as he intends it to be. "Stop laughing Nerd! I can't control it!" Katsuki tries to rage. "It's got a mind of its own." He grumbles out.

"Oh Kacchan," Izuku coos "I like your tail, it is very expressive."

"Shut up Nerd!" Katsuki shouts.

"Ok, Ok Kacchan" Izuku waves his hands in surrender. "I'll stop teasing you."

Katsuki glares and tries to will his tail to stop wagging. It doesn't work Izuku notices and runs his fingers through the fur. To Katsuki's mortification, the tail wags more, but he's conflicted, on one hand he wants to rip the tail out of the nerd's curious fingers stomp off, and explode something. On the other hand, it feels really nice. Well, he decides he will milk the touch now, then go explode something later. As they reach the Pack and others, he glares at their knowing looks. Perhaps wisely Shoto clears his throat before anyone can comment on Katsuki's embarrassment.

"What did old Pops want?" Shoto asks.

"Sanji is on his way with Jimbe he should be here sometime tomorrow." Izuku starts he looks at Luffy "We will be meeting up with Dragon in an hour or so. Luffy and Ace will need to come to shore with us. The rest of you will stay here and wait for the all-clear."

Izuku can tell Shoto and Kirishima want to pout and complain but they decide against it, Izuku smiles warmly "It will be fine I'll keep them both safe I promise. We don't know how they will act if we show up with so many people. Shanks and Aizawa will be with us. Shoto, Law I'll leave them to you."

"Why me?" Law grumbles

"Because you pack" Izuku smiles.

"I didn't agree to that," Law argues.

"Didn't have to" Katsuki smirks "Whether you like it or not you've been claimed, Traffy."

Law glares and his fingers threaten to make a room, he decides against it, for now, he doesn't feel like getting his ass kicked today. "Fine. But I'm taking a nap" he stands and goes to find Bepo. At least the bear doesn't both him if he promises nap time.

Izuku laughs bright and happy, he sits down and drags Katsuki down with him. Shoto observes Izuku with a small frown on his face. Izuku seems a lot more worn out than usual, besides Katsuki (who is, in his own way fretting over the Nerd) Shoto is probably the only other one who notices just how tired and worn out Izuku is. It comes as no surprise when Izuku leans against Katsuki and closes his eyes. Shoto knows he is not going to fall asleep, at least not fully, he'll keep an eye out on the pack to ease Izuku's mind.

Shanks spots the island off in the distance almost 2 hours later. He has Rockstar signal the Island with the light they have on top of the crows' nest. Shanks nods when after a couple of moments he spots the returned signal. Shanks unties the Marine ship from the Red Force, he told his crew their plans and everyone has made their way to the Red Force to wait. With everyone that is needed to make the Marine ship go and everyone required for the meeting on the Marine ship, the ship approaches the island. It doesn't take long maybe 15 minutes he calls off the deck "Dragon, Iva-Chan, and Second in Command, permission to drop anchor?"

"Granted" Comes the deep stern voice from a man wearing a green cloak.

With practiced ease, the pirates are docked, and 10 people are on the shore. Ace and Luffy look out over the group and gasp that top hat, and wavy blond hair is familiar "Sabo?" is barely whispered.

Izuku looks concerned over his present packmates "Ace, Luffy?" he calls out to them, he notices the blonde tense. As if everyone is under a spell the three boys make eye contact. Izuku observes shock, disbelief, and recognition flash through each of the boy's eyes.

Luffy starts balling "Sabo!"

The boy possibly Sabo looks at the two with tears in his eyes "Ace! Luffy!" he runs to meet them. Completely abandoning his post by Dragon's side. He reaches the boys and Luffy wraps himself multiple times around the other teen sobbing happily and trying to cram his life into the other teen's chest. Sabo laughs softly and ruffles Luffy's head. Ace glares unsure if he wants to fight him or cry. Sabo notices this and his laughs die out to chuckles "I'm sorry Ace, Luffy"

This appears to be the wrong thing and Ace combusts into flames "You're sorry, that is all you have to say. We thought you died, what happened? Why didn't you come home?"

"After that Celestial shot down my boat, I was drowning Dragon was in the area and saved me. I couldn't remember anything. I got my memories a few months later when a paper with your pictures came to us. It said you died, after that, I put my all into training, I wanted you both to be proud of me if you were watching." Sabo bows apologetically. "How did you both survive? We went to Dawn Island after the Marines left to look for survivors, I thought maybe you guys would be there."

Luffy calmed down a bit "Shanks saved us; we have been in Japan this entire time."

Shanks speaks up "you will have time to catch up later, we have important things to discuss."

Luffy and Ace pout but nod, Sabo moves to stand next to Dragon.

Shanks sighs "I will try to explain everything I can please hold your questions until the end" Dragon nods. Shanks begins explaining about what really happened 10 years ago, how he was there right before the attack and left before the Dragons could get there not wanting to get the Island in trouble. How he saw smoke on the horizon in the direction they came from. How Shanks took a small boat to the Island and saved the kids as they jumped off the cliffside. He told them how they were heading for Shanks' crew and were caught in a storm. How they capsized and woke up on the shore of an Island, not in this world. He pulls out some currency as some sort of proof of his tale. He explains that this other world has a power system similar to Devil Fruits, but these powers are genetic. He explains that he trained these four boys and how he works as a Hero while explaining this society to him. He opens the floor for any questions pertaining to this information. When no one asks anything Izuku steps up and introduces himself.

"I'm Izuku Midoriya, I found Shanks, Ace, and Luffy after I ate a devil fruit. I healed them and offered to help them find their ways home. We found out they were stranded. Kacchan and I became friends with Ace and Luffy, and as the traits of my devil fruit started to show they became my pack."

Dragon studies the teen and hums "What devil fruit do you have?"

Izuku smirks "Can I show you; you might recognize him?" Dragon nods, Izuku starts to transform. Dragon stares wide-eyed as in the teen's place stands a very familiar wolf.

"Fuji." Dragon states, "He has Roger's devil fruit?"

"Yes, the fruit called out to him when he was five. He ate it and used it to heal us." Shanks explains. Shanks goes on to explain Fuji's warning, the truth of the void century. Everything they have done in this world so far, Izuku's visions. When he is done, he waits for Dragon to say anything.

"If what you are saying is true, what is your plan?"

Izuku takes over "Our plan is to amass a grand army to fight the Calamities and make a world that will accept everyone. In my visions, we had Pirates, revolutionaries, Ninja from the Elemental Nations. And 11 spirit gods. It's the only vision that was successful."

"What happens to this world?" Iva questions.

Izuku looks down guiltily "I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do here, the corruption spreads every day and if I tried to fight it all, we would lose just as Joy boy lost 900 years ago. The Calamity has had 900 years to suck the power out of this world. If I was here then, if they had the same knowledge as back then I could have helped."

"I see." Dragon ponders "So there is no hope left for this world."

"I'm sorry," Izuku bows "I know what you have been fighting for. But the longer we fight here the chances we lose gets higher. The Calamity has already corrupted 2 of the remaining D- Clan members. Your father, and Blackbeard. If we lose any more D-Clan members we might not win at all."

"Ok, what do you need? When is this supposed to happen?" Dragon asks.

"Right now we are grabbing the one piece to get back to Japan, we were hoping you could use your connections to recruit and train people for combat. We will be making another trip here soon; we need to make sure we have a spot set up for an Army to remain without drawing too much attention." Izuku explains.

Dragon considers this "I will send Sabo with you to set up a headquarters for us there. I will stay here and recruit and train who I find."

Izuku bows "Thank you Dragon-San."

Dragon waves off the thanks "It is I who should be thanking you."

Izuku looks confused.

Dragon points to his son that is pretending Sabo is a tree while Luffy is imitating a Koala Bear. "I can tell he has had a happy life so far. Thank you for saving my boy."

"I didn't do it for thanks" Izuku states "Once I found out what happened to them to make them wash up on my shore, I claimed them. They are my pack, I would give my life to them. No child should be hunted for the crimes their fathers may or may not have committed."

"I agree with you, that is why I didn't immediately kill my father for taking him from me. I was hoping if Luffy grew up outside of my influence he would be safe." Dragon states with remorse.

"Garp betrayed them," Izuku states.

"I know, I have been building my strength to bring him down" Dragon snarls. "There is someone else that is not safe here."

"Oh?" Izuku tilts his head.

"She doesn't trust often, but if I tell her it will be safe, she might not give too much hassle." Dragon begins "Her name is Nico Robin."

"The only survivor of Ohara." Izuku states.

"Yes, she would be interested in hearing the truth of the world." Dragon states. "I suppose you all are going to want to be on land for a bit huh. Considering the war was just days ago, you've been sailing non-stop since."

"Yea, we can stay out of the way of your business, the young ones are getting pretty restless. Anywhere they can Spar to release some of their pent-up energy?" Shanks asks.

"No particular areas just don't destroy my buildings. There is a clearing about ½ a mile to the east." Dragon points.

Izuku sends the message over coms, Shoto relays the message and the ships make their way to the shore. After a few moments, the ships are docked and the rest of Izuku's pack arrive onshore along with Law and his crew and Zoro. Izuku walks over to Ace, Luffy, and Sabo.

Izuku observes Ace and Luffy with a soft smile on his face when Sabo starts talking "So you were taken to another world?"

"Yea, we grew up in Japan." Ace confirms.

"What's Japan like?" Sabo asks.

"Do you remember the Goa Kingdom?" Luffy asks.

"Yea." Sabo nods.

"Well Japan is about the size of Dawn Island and there are multiple cities like Goa without the stupid Nobles." Luffy tries to explain.

"What about crime? How is that settled?" Sabo asks intrigued.

"Well there's the police force, but because we live in a super-powered society the police look for help from Heroes. The heroes take care of the Villains that commit the crimes." Luffy excitedly explains.

"So there's no pirates or marines. Or anything like that?" Sabo questions.

Izuku takes this moment to interrupt "There have been pirates, some countries have a military force but most of the countries have Heroes that are better suited to handling crime."

"There are other countries?" Sabo asks

"Yea Japan is a small island compared to the rest of the world." Izuku states.

"I see" Sabo ponders, he studies Ace, Luffy, and the other two teens he doesn't know the names of yet. "So what is your relationship with my brothers," Sabo asks with a protective tinge.

Izuku takes no offense and answers honestly "They are my pack."

"Pack?" Sabo lets confusion take over the protectiveness.

"I'm a wolf, so they are my pack." Izuku tries to explain, then a thought occurs to him "like family but more. They mean more to me than Family or friends. When I found out they were stuck with Me and Kacchan, we decided we will be heroes together with our Soulmates."

"Soulmates?" Sabo questions quietly

Izuku blushes a bit and rubs the back of his neck "Right I forgot, In my world there are soulmates. When Ace and Luffy came to my world they got a mark that would match them to another person who bears the same mark."

"Really?" Sabo asks. Then he looks over to his brothers "Did you find your matches? Can I see your marks?"

Ace blushes as Shoto come into view, Sabo watches the newcomer with a studious gaze. Sabo watches as the other teen comes to sit next to Ace, he didn't notice the tension Ace was carrying until the other teen sat next to him and the tension melted off Ace. Shoto notices a bright softness in Ace's eyes as he looks at the other teen. Content just to watch and learn more about his brother he smiles softly. Luffy breaks the observation with an excited shout of "Kirishima!" as the rubber boy launches and tackles another teen. Sabo watches as they crash to the ground and the teen named Kirishima laughs with Luffy. Luffy wraps Kirishima with all his limbs excited babbling about finding his missing brother that he thought was dead. Luffy starts sobbing into the other teen's chest and Sabo watches as Kirishima just lays back and rubs small circles on his brother's back. Sabo watches as Kirishima's finger brushes a spot in the middle of Luffy's shoulder blades and Luffy quiets his sobs and relaxes into goo. With Kirishima's help, both teens are up on their feet and walking back toward the group. Sabo stares as Luffy is holding Kirishima's hand and doesn't seem to want to let go anytime soon. Kirishima smiles at Luffy something soft, and fond, and completely smitten. Once the two reach the group Kirishima looks around and blushes almost as red as his hair as he notices all the attention is on himself and Luffy. He clears his throat with a nervous chuckle "Luffy, what were you trying to tell me about finding a missing brother? Ace is right here?"

"Not Ace." Luffy corrects "Sabo was dead, but now he's not, and he is here and he's alive and, and Kiri Sabo is alive and,"

Kirishima looks confused and the recognition flashes through his eyes "That's great isn't Luffy. I know you missed your brother. I'm happy for you."

Luffy smiles wide as he remembers to introduce his Soulmate to his long-lost brother "Kiri can we show him our marks? Please?"

Kirishima smiles at Luffy "Of course, he's your brother." Luffy detaches himself from the red-haired teen and shows his brother his back, Kirishima turns around and lifts his shirt as well off his back.

Sabo looks at the matching marks curiously, he wants to touch them. He didn't realize he lifted his fingers to brush against his brother's back when a hand gently but firmly stops him. "Don't touch them, it will cause your brother pain if someone other than Kirishima touches the mark." Sabo looks up to see a pair of sharp green eyes. He drops his hand and looks a little guilty.

"I'm sorry, it looks so beautiful" Sabo rubs the back of his neck.

Luffy smiles "Sabo this is Kirishima, my soulmate."

Sabo bows politely "Thank you Kirishima, for looking out for my reckless brother. I hope he hasn't been too much of a handful."

Kirishima bashfully rubs the back of his neck "At least he's not as reckless as Izuku."

"Hey! Take that back" Izuku shouts.

"Shitty Hair does have a point though" Katsuki smirks "My nerd is too reckless."

"Kacchan, not you too," Izuku whines dramatically.

Shoto and Ace both nod their agreements "I think most of our near heart attacks come from Izuku's many attempts at self-sacrifice" Ace chuckles.

"Like your one to talk hot-stuff" Katsuki sneers "Or did you forget your idiotic attempt at self-sacrifice."

Sabo notices the change in the atmosphere "can someone fill me in?"

"You heard about the War, right?" Katsuki growls out.

Sabo nods.

"Well this idiot, thought it would be a good idea to throw his life away by letting Akainu shove his fist through the idiot's chest." Katsuki snarls.

"I was protecting Shoto and Luffy!" Ace shouts.

"Fuck you," Katsuki breathes out "you still don't get it." He walks away ignoring the others trying to stop him. He is going to find somewhere he can let off a few explosions.

Sabo watches him leave and turns his attention to the group, Izuku senses Sabo's confusion and explains in more detail what happened. Kirishima fills in some of the blanks. Shoto holds Ace tighter with a lost expression on his face. Luffy keeps looking at his hands and shaking. "Obviously I healed him, and he is making a great recovery." Izuku finishes.

"Why is the other so mad then?" Sabo asks confused. "Isn't he glad that everyone survived?"

Izuku sighs "Kacchan feels cheated. Kacchan sees Ace as his best friend. When we met Ace, he was so convinced he shouldn't have been born. He felt that if he wasn't born Luffy would have never had to leave Dawn Island. He believed everyone would be better off if he didn't exist. Kacchan had similar thoughts about himself when his quirk came in. They understood each other, Kacchan found someone who accepted him for him. For a long time, it was just me and Kacchan. Kacchan is my soulmate, I love and accept him no matter what. I was never hated because people feared me, at first, I was hated because I didn't have power. Ace understood Kacchan in a way I didn't at the time, both knew what it was like to be feared and hated for basically existing. Watching Ace sacrifice himself like that, letting Akainu get into Ace's head, broke Kacchan's heart. When Ace was saying his goodbyes, he couldn't believe that we would love him, he called himself worthless." Izuku pauses "Basically Kacchan believes Ace doesn't think our love for him is good enough for Ace to want to live. So that is why he is mad."

Ace looks down in guilt "I'm sorry" is whispered so softly no one but Izuku hears it.

"Ace" Sabo whispers softly. Ace looks up at him and Sabo continues "Remember when we were 5 after we saved Luffy from Blue Jam?" Ace nods again. "remember how shocked we were when we found out Luffy didn't tell them where the treasure was, and when we asked why he told us if he gave up the location, we would hate him." Another nod "Do you remember yelling at him saying that Luffy's life was more important than your friendship? Do you remember Luffy saying being Alone is more painful than death?"

"Yes, I remember Sabo" Ace mumbles.

"Then you remember our promise that no matter what happened we wouldn't leave him alone." Sabo scolds. "If I was really dead, then you would have left him alone."

"He has others. He has Kirishima, Izuku, Katsuki, Denki, Ashido, Shoto, Shanks, Aizawa, Hawks." Ace argues.

"But he won't have you" Sabo points out "Look at him, Ace."

Ace looks over to Luffy, the teen is still looking at his hands, his body is shaking, Luffy's eyes look panicked and full of tears. "What about your Soulmate, how do you think they would feel if you died. How do you think your Soulmate would feel if they couldn't hold you anymore if you just left them behind?"

Ace looks down "I would hurt him."

"And why do you think that is? If you think no one loves you, then why would your Soulmate be hurt if you died? If we go by your logic, then wouldn't your soulmate, or Luffy, or Izuku and Katsuki be happier if you died?" Sabo states, he knows he is stepping over the line but Izuku isn't killing him yet even if he is glaring.

Sabo can feel the rage inside Ace build "Sabo! What the hell? How can you think or say that? Shoto, Luffy, Izuku, Katsuki, and the others would be heartbroken if I died!" Ace's eyes widen he finally knows why Katsuki is so mad at him, he finally understands "They would be heartbroken because they love me."

Sabo and the other smirk as Ace finally get it "Thanks Sabo, I always responded better to your tough love. I need to go talk to Katsuki"

Izuku nods "He's over there letting out some steam, just follow the sounds of explosions."

Ace nods and takes off in the direction he watched Katsuki disappear to, as the sounds of explosions get louder Ace slows down. He observes the explosive teen as he gets close, he notices that Katsuki is just standing in the open field with his head down. The sound of explosions coming from Katsuki is from the teen clenching and unclenching his hands. There is a slight shake to Katsuki's frame, and Ace can pick up the hitching breaths between the sounds of explosions. Ace realizes with wide eyes that Katsuki is crying. Ace steps forward and pulls Katsuki's back into his chest, knowing the explosive teen doesn't want Ace to see him cry.

Katsuki struggles against the person holding him, he breaks out of the hold and whips around to face the person holding him. He wipes his face furiously trying to dry his cheeks. His eyes lock onto Ace "What are you doing here?" he asks sounding almost cold, but to Ace Katsuki just sounds tired.

"I'm here to apologize to you Katsuki" Ace says softly.

"I don't want to hear it," Katsuki mumbles out.

"I understand why you are so mad at me" Ace starts "It took a tongue lashing from Sabo, to truly understand."

Katsuki glares at him to continue.

Ace sighs "you feel betrayed because you think I don't care that you love me. You feel like I don't believe that you guys love me. And you're mad at me because I thought it would make you all happier if I died. And I'm sorry."

"You're God-damned right I feel betrayed, Ace." Katsuki agrees "you're my fucking best friend. I fucking need you, who is going to push me to be stronger, who is going to beat the shit out of me when I won't listen to reason. Who is going to fight me, just because I'm stressed and need to work out somethings without hurting anyone? Izuku is my soulmate but you Ace, you're my rival, my best fucking friend, and my brother, my idiotic Matchstick. We understand each other, how can you possibly believe I would have been happier if you died." There are angry tears streaming down his face as his rant is cut off by a sob.

Ace has guilty tears running down his face "I'm sorry, so very sorry Blasty. I realized how much I could have hurt you, with my careless actions. I didn't think it mattered" Ace ignores Katsuki's growl to finish what he needs to say. "I knew it would hurt you, but I thought you would recover easy enough. But I know now if I died there would be no recovery for you, Luffy, Shoto or Izuku there would always be a gaping void of grief that would never truly heal. I might need you to remind me when the thoughts get too loud, but I promise I won't throw my life away without trying everything I possibly can to survive."

"I'm still going to kick your ass" Katsuki states like a promise. "If I have to kick your ass every day for the rest of our lives to make you remember this promise I will gladly accept."

"Thank you Katsuki." Ace smiles softly at the other teen.

"Shut up Matchstick." Katsuki smiles back. The explosive teen stomps his way in front of Ace and grips the front of the teen's shirt "If you ever scare me like that again, I'll kill you." Katsuki studies Ace's eyes until understanding flashes through them and Ace nods. Satisfied Katsuki loosens his grip and pulls Ace in for a hug, he whispers softly "If you understand that, then I forgive you, Matchstick."

Ace hugs the explosive teen tightly, silent tears run down his cheeks "I understand, Blasty."

There is a sniffle coming from Katsuki as he mumbles out "Good" into the other teen's chest.

Ace can feel the tears soaking his shirt from where Katsuki has buried his face, he strokes Katsuki's head to calm him down. It only takes a few moments for Katsuki to settle down and Ace chuckles "Shall we head back to the others. They might be worried you finished me off, they might send out a search party and see Blasty crying."

"'M not crying!" Katsuki rages as he lets go of Ace and stands up. He dries his faces off again and glares at Ace. "Let's go before I do kill you." Katsuki stomps off to rejoin with the pack. Ace follows behind him; he may have been forgiven but he doesn't feel like he should have been. He decides that he will earn back Katsuki's forgiveness and learn to love himself in the process. As they make their way back to the group, he observes everyone chatting with Sabo, even Law and Zoro are dragged into the conversation about everything. Izuku is answering questions and he pauses in his explanation of some nerdy equipment designs and flashes a small understanding smile toward Ace before his gaze turns into concern as he looks at Katsuki. Ace knows Izuku probably heard their entire conversation, but he can't find it in himself to care. He sits with Shoto and just watches as everyone talks with each other. He can't believe he thought everyone would be happier without him.

Sabo's voice breaks Ace out of his thoughts "So I heard Luffy's love story. Tell me, Ace, how did you and Shoto find out you are Soulmates. Who approached who? How did you find out?"

"I found out first, but I believed it would be best to ignore it at the time" Shoto states almost sadly. "We were in class doing rescue training. Heroes don't just save people from villains, but natural disasters as well. We were at a special training ground on campus when the class was attacked by villains. We were holding our own until the pro heroes could come to help us. Our teacher was holding off the worst of the villains until the boss unleashed a monster. Our teacher was almost killed before we could step in and help. Izuku was healing our teacher and Katsuki was holding down a villain that could make portals to escape. The boss villain told the monster to kill the kid. The only other pro with us thought the boss meant Katsuki since he was holding down the villains' way to escape, so he moved Katsuki out of the way. Izuku took a hit to save his teacher and Ace, Katsuki and Luffy ran after him. Ace told me and a couple of other classmates to get the teacher to Safety. While we were escaping the main villain guy started to come after us. Right before the guy attacked us Luffy and Ace appeared out of nowhere and protected us. Luffy punched the guy a few feet back and Ace erected a flame wall to protect us. Ace's shirt burnt off and I saw the mark."

"Why would you ignore it? If you don't mind telling me." Sabo pries.

"My father is not a good man. He may be the number one hero, but he is a terrible father." Shoto starts "Since I was five, he subjected me to intense training, my father raised me to be a tool to surpass him and be stronger than All Might. I inherited my mother quirk…" he uses his ice to show it "and my father's quirk" he lights his other hand on fire. "I refused to use my father's quirk, and for a while, I believed the universe matched me with the wrong person. I was afraid that Ace would be like my father, so I never told him."

"What changed?" Sabo asks curiously.

"A couple of months later we had the Sports Festival, it's like a tournament to show what the next generation of Heroes is capable of. I was a cold bastard then, and sent a declaration of War to Izuku, telling him I would win because I was stronger." Shoto smiles softly "I got my wish for a fight during the second round of the finals, I wanted to prove that I would be the top hero without my father's quirk. Izuku is a healer and kept breaking himself to beat some sense into me and make me see that even though I got my quirk from my father doesn't mean I will turn out like him. He told me it's my quirk not his, that I can choose what I do with it. I realized at the end that Izuku could have won in seconds, but he wanted to get through to me to accept my other half. I used my fire in that match and for the first time, I didn't think of my father when I did. Izuku won and after the match, he healed me. When I used my fire my shirt caught fire and my mark was revealed."

"Then what happened?" Sabo asks.

"I tried to talk to him about it, but he kept avoiding me." Ace pouted.

"I needed to think about what I wanted, there was a lot going on in my head. Just because I accepted a part of who I am didn't mean I was ready to put my fear of fire users behind me." Shoto explained "At the end of the tournament they were awarding the winners with medals. Ace and Luffy made third, when they came up to be presented they were shouting something, but I couldn't hear what was being said, I only saw fear in their eyes. The awarders either didn't hear them or ignored them. Next to be revealed was Izuku and I could see the panic in his eyes, and I heard what he said to the presenters he told them Katsuki was bound and to not let the world see him like that. The presenters listened and brought up Katsuki hidden from view using someone's quirk. Shanks and All Might presented the awards, and All Might approached the hidden Katsuki, When the Wall dropped, I saw what had Izuku, Ace and Luffy so freaked out."

"What was it?" Sabo asks.

Izuku growls "Kacchan was chained and muzzled to the podium because he snapped defending me. The ex-hero that was bringing Kacchan to the waiting room baited him, calling me a monster. All Might got the Muzzle off Kacchan before anyone in the audience could see it, but the walls dropped before chains came off. I didn't know Shoto saw that."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you; I didn't want to bring it up and hurt Katsuki." Shoto apologizes.

"It's fine Icy Hot, just continue," Katsuki grumbles out.

Shoto nods "Well after the award ceremony I looked for them, I wanted to talk to Izuku, to thank him. I wanted to tell Ace that I wasn't rejecting our bond, but I needed time before anything could happen. In our world a rejected bond will kill the rejected soulmate, I wanted him to know I was not going to condemn him to that. I just needed some time to sort out what I wanted from it. See not all soul mates are romantic, some soulmates are platonic."

"I see" Sabo ponders this information "what happened next?"

"Our teacher asked Kirishima to stay after class, I noticed Kirishima has been close to the group, so I waited for him outside of the classroom." Shoto states.

"Aizawa- sensei told me what had happened and that Izuku, Bakubro, Ace, and Luffy went home and needed to be around the pack. I tried to convince Shoto to talk with them another day since I didn't know the state the boys would be in." Kirishima laughs.

"I didn't listen and probably would have followed him anyways, Kirishima knew that so he told me that when we get to the house to wait outside. I waited and Ace came out he looked stressed, so I was just going to say what I needed to and leave. I told him I whatever he wanted out of this bond I would try my hardest to get there for him." Shoto explains "I didn't understand what Ace meant by; he wanted everything, so I asked the only other pair I knew that were soulmates. After watching them, and listening to them I understood what Ace wanted, and I wanted that too. I just didn't know how fast I could get there."

"Was there an event that brought you two closer or did it happen over time?" Sabo ponders.

"There was one event, shortly after the Sports Festival our class went on our first internships. We would work alongside the heroes for a week, get a chance to get some real-world experience. I got a request for my father's agency and so did Ace. I was training with my father when Ace stepped in and took control of my father's flames to prevent him from burning me. Ace threatened my father he said, "if I ever hear about you intentionally harming my soulmate, there won't be enough left of you to identify." The look on my father's face was murderous, when Ace didn't back down, he laughed and said to Ace that he was glad I had such a strong soulmate and to look after me. Ace then glared at my dad and said "I don't make threats, I make promises. Let me assure you I won't hesitate to protect what's mine." Shoto reminisces with a small smile. "After that our relationship grew."

"I'm glad, thank you for taking care of him" Sabo bows.

Shoto nods he tries his best to take care of Ace, but so far, every time it mattered, he has failed. "I try" he whispers quietly. Shoto doesn't know if he wants to cry or scream in rage, he has almost lost Ace, his soulmate twice. He hasn't fully healed from the last time Ace was taken from him. His chest hurts, a deep throbbing, agonizing pain, that threatens to steal his breath and suffocate him; he thinks this is grief. His mind plagues him with thoughts that if Ace died; Shoto wouldn't be able to tell him all the things that are left unsaid. There is so much Shoto still wants to tell Ace and learn from Ace. He realizes he almost lost his chance to say and experience everything he wants to with Ace. He grips his chest above his heart because that thought hurts as nothing has ever hurt before; because he almost lost his soulmate again, and still he hesitates. There are things he hasn't let himself feel because he is scared, scared of feeling open and vulnerable. Scared of what it means to love and be loved. Scared of his insecurities and inexperience. Scared of the person Ace will see if he lets all his walls down, the child still inside him that begs and pleads with his father to stop, that he hurts. He knows it's stupid to be afraid, he knows the fears are unfounded, but there's that voice that tells him what if. What if Shoto bares his heart for Ace and he gets rejected, because he has failed to keep his soulmate safe twice now. With all his training, and practicing, and nerding with Izuku on hero tech and quirk use; he was still unable, ill-prepared to help where and when it mattered. Both times he almost lost Ace, he needed Izuku to bring him back; while he sat and cried. He sat and cried when Ace was taken 2 weeks ago. And all he could do when Ace's chest was impaled was cry. His vision blurs as his eyes fill with unshed tears "I almost lost him again, I failed to keep him safe" is softly whispered.

Ace hears this and feels guilty he has put Shoto through so much, yet here the teen is still trying to comfort him. Ace has hurt Shoto twice now with his recklessness. His soulmate is hurting inside because of Ace. Shoto is hurting because Ace didn't think his life mattered, that even though Ace could have died Shoto would have eventually moved on. Ace has never regretted anything in his life, and until now that hasn't changed. He regrets hurting Shoto and stealing his smile for a second time. If it wasn't for Izuku he would have died; Shoto would have never known Ace loved him. He would have died and left Shoto broken-hearted and empty for the rest of Shoto's life. Ace feels a pit of nervousness grow in his chest; how can he convince Shoto he loves him if he doesn't even love himself. He promised Katsuki he would work on loving himself, but maybe he should have promised that to Shoto. Not for himself, he realizes; but for Shoto. So when Ace finally learns to love himself, he will know how to properly love Shoto. "I'm sorry Shoto." Ace whispers "None of this was your fault. You have not failed at keeping me safe. I broke my promise to you, and I'm so very sorry."

"Ace?" Shoto mumbles out.

"I didn't take your feelings into account when I sacrificed myself for you and Luffy, and for that I am sorry. I thought with the others' help and support you would recover, but I realized that there would be no recovery. I'm your soulmate and should have realized that my death would hurt you more than anyone else. The first time I hurt you, was due to not being aware of my surroundings after I helped Luffy. At that time I didn't know I was being hunted by the people of this world. I didn't think it was possible for them to find us there. But this time I knew what we were getting into, I knew who Akainu was targeting and I let his words get to me. I let his words cloud my judgment and convince me everyone would be happier if I wasn't here. All the work you and the others have put into helping me see that I am someone worth loving was clouded by that man. Hearing not just Akainu, but all the other Marines call for my death clouded my mind. I was pushed into reliving my self-hatred from before I met Izuku and Katsuki. Back then I would go to bars and ask the random groups of drunks what they would do if the pirate king had a son. I was so desperate for someone to tell me that it wouldn't matter, that the child would be accepted regardless of who the father was…"

"If the Pirate King had a son?" drunk hiccups "He'd be beheaded, no doubt about it!" the drunk sways on his feet with a drunk giggle.

Another drunk sneers "his last words should be something like this: I'm so sorry I was born! I'm just garbage!"

"You want to know about Roger, you say?" a man asks. Ace nods as the man steps closer and puts his almost burnt-out cigarette in Ace's face causing the boy to lean back so he won't get burnt "He was… just a liar and a murderer! Pirate King?! Don't make me laugh! He wasn't the Pirate King more like the Bullshit King!"

Another drunk man cheers and raises his mug "You can say that again!"

"Roger?" a drunk man slams his mug down onto the table causing the liquid to slosh and spillover. "Don't say such disgusting names, kid. You'll spoil my beer" the man glares "Get Lost!"

Ace sits on top of the cliff overlooking the ocean when a large man comes up behind him "Why are you looking so down?" Ace ignores the man and hunches his shoulders not really understanding the feelings in his chest. The man sits behind Ace "Hey Ace?" still the boy ignores the man the man sighs "looks like you have been causing problems lately."

Ace sits quietly for a moment "Gramps?" Garp looks at the boy "You have a grandson, right?" Garp perks up "Does he seem happy to you?"

"Oh, you mean Luffy?" Garp asks. "I'm raising him well."

"Gramps." Ace calls quietly "Was it… good that I was born?" something very close to breaking in his voice.

Garp sits for a moment in silence and contemplates what he is being asked "Well, you… as long as you are alive, you'll figure it out eventually."

Ace walks into Dadan's hut after a bath "Besides, I've had enough of that Ace too! in my opinion, it'll best if he just went somewhere and died. Then we could tell Garp it was an accident! This is what they mean by "A devil's child has a devil's luck". He is the child of a devil, too. just think about what would happen if the government found out! What do you think would happen to us?"

"… When I met Sabo, I thought he was only my friend because our goals to be pirates were the same. We needed money though to start a pirate fund so we banded together because we were stronger together and we could rob stronger thugs. When Luffy came to live with us I thought he was a spoiled little kid that never had to work hard for the things he wanted. He was just brought to us one day Garp dropped him off and told the bandits to look after him. He spent weeks chasing me, following me. I was such a bastard then; I would wait for him until he got to the bottom of a hill then roll a boulder down the hill to get him to stop following me. I would knock down trees and have them roll down hills and slam him into walls. I pushed him off a bridge into a ravine because he found me. I didn't trust him, so my five-year-old self decided to make him go away. He still followed me, and every day I would try to lose him. One day I was meeting up with Sabo at our pirate hideout dropping off the loot I made that day. I let my guard down and didn't realize he followed me."

Sabo chuckles this was a funny memory because they were five and had no idea how to actually be kids living in the Gray Terminal was a savage lifestyle, murders, pirates, thugs, you name it they were there. Sabo and Ace didn't really know any better. "I remember that, man we were harsh back then"

Luffy smiles "I liked trying to track Ace! And because I'm rubber none of the boulders or trees did any damage. Except for that one time, he pushed me into the ravine, and I ended up being chased by wolves."

"Did they know you ate a devil fruit then?" Kirishima asks, he heard this story before and has forgiven Ace but still.

Luffy smiles "Nope" popping the 'P'.

"Then he tried to kill you." Kirishima tries to reason.

"Yep," Luffy smiles again popping the "P".

"And your ok with that?" This time it is Law's deadpanned voice that rings out.

"Yea, it all worked out in the end" Luffy states like it was his plan from the beginning.

Katsuki sighs "This idiot." Complete used to Luffy and his way of thinking "Just continue with it already"

"Ace and I were in the tree talking about how much it would cost us to get a ship, we still had a long way to go. Luffy must have heard us because he shouts "Pirate Ship?! You guys! Are you gonna be pirates?!" he was waving at us excitedly "I'm gonna be one too!" Ace was angry that he found us, that he was gonna blab where our treasure was. I was shocked Luffy managed to track Ace down. So we ran down the tree to punch him to keep him quiet, so he wouldn't let the people we robbed find us. We tied him to the tree, but the idiot didn't realize he was in danger, he kept smiling "Ace! I didn't know that you travel this far every day!" Ace tells him to shut up and I glare like Luffy is a pest "Is this the Luffy that you were talking about?" I asked Ace. Luffy smiled even wider "Oh, you told him about me?" he was so happy until Ace told him the only thing, he told me was how annoying Luffy was. I also told him Ace told me he was empty-headed. All he did was laugh he didn't even realize we were dissing him, so we let him continue laughing." Sabo continued.

"I still can't figure out how he followed me, I didn't take any walkable routes." Ace pouts.

"I was so excited to meet another person and I figured since Sabo was Ace's friend, he would be my friend too." Luffy Laughs. "I tried to get him to tell me his name, but he was mean."

"We still didn't trust him, and I scolded Ace for not taking me up on my offer to live with me." Sabo rubs the back of his neck "but something needed to be done about Luffy."

"He found our secret." Ace states "We thought it was only a matter of time before he told someone."

"We agreed we had to kill him" Sabo informs "But we were 5 and didn't know how to kill anyone, we didn't have the stomachs for it either. Robbing people? Fine. Starting fights with thugs? Fine. But when the thought to really take someone's life sunk in, we couldn't do it."

"Not that it mattered because as soon as we said that Luffy started panicking and alerted Blue jam to where we were." Ace mutters. "We untied Luffy and went to hide. We were just gonna wait for the pirates to go away but somehow Luffy ended up in their grasp."

"He was talking shit about you" Luffy pouts "I couldn't let him get away with that."

"So your brilliant plan was to get captured, tortured, and almost killed to prove a point?" Sabo glares at Luffy.

Luffy chuckles bashfully "Well I may not have thought that one through."

"Thank god we leave all the planning to Izuku" Kirishima laughs.

"Danm right Luffy would get us all killed," Katsuki smirks.

"Jerk I'm not that bad" Luffy glares at Katsuki.

"Anyways Porchemy lifted up Luffy and the idiot started yelling at him to put him down or Ace would come to save him. Porchemy started asking Luffy questions if he was Ace's friend then he should know where the treasure Ace took from them is." Sabo continued.

"Luffy is a terrible liar." Ace informs "so Porchemy took him to Blue Jam's hideout to beat the answers out of him."

"We thought Luffy would tell them, so we used the time to move our pirate fund because we didn't fully understand what Luffy was going through. We didn't think he would hold our secret and almost be beaten to death because of it." Sabo states guiltily.

"After we moved the pirate fund, we went back to the tree to wait for Luffy, we waited for hours and no one showed up. No Luffy, no pirates it was then we realized Luffy didn't blab and we needed to go save him." Ace whisper regretfully. "We charged to the hideout and Luffy was tied up to the rafters bleeding heavily from multiple wounds, Sabo cut him down and we retreated."

"It was scary! I really thought I was going to die." Luffy panics.

"I was angry because I didn't understand. So I took my anger out on Luffy, he was crying, and I couldn't think so I called him annoying and shouted at him to shut up. Told him I hated weaklings and crybabies!" Ace reminisces. "It got him to shut up, in fact, he shut up so fast I didn't really know what to do next. The idiot fucking thanked us and for some reason, I got even angrier at him."

"I had to calm Ace down before he hurt Luffy more" Sabo chuckles.

"My head cleared a bit and I needed answers to my thoughts. I couldn't understand why he didn't tell them. So I asked." Ace sighs. "I felt he needed a lesson that adults can't be trusted. Maybe Garp didn't teach him that adults don't care about children. Those guys would have killed us without a second thought."

"Why didn't you tell them Luffy?" Shoto asks.

"If I told them… I could never be their friend." Luffy said quietly.

"That would have been better than dying, right?" Denki asks. "You obviously patched things up by now; but why did you try so hard to Ace's friend in the first place?"

Luffy shrugs. Ace sighs "Even after all the shit I put you through, he still followed me every day. I just didn't get it."

"Why Luffy?" Ashido probs.

"There wasn't anyone else, Gramps took me away from Windmill village and left me with mountain bandits. Shanks was gone and I didn't think I was ever going to see him again, well at least not for a long time; I needed to be Pirate King before I could see him again. If I didn't chase after Ace, I would have been all alone!" Luffy explains. "Being alone is much worse than getting Hurt."

"That is when I realized Luffy was just like me, no parents, Garp took him away from everyone he knew and dumped him in an unfamiliar bandit hut to fend for himself." Ace says quietly "my heart still wasn't convinced though, I needed to know so I asked him the same questions I ask everyone else. It isn't so bad when I'm here? He nodded. It'd be bad if I wasn't here? He nodded again. And then the memories would come back 'If roger had a kid? It would be really bad! He'd be a demon who wouldn't deserve to be born, or to live!' The jeers and laughs still sometimes get to me. And something in my soul or heart or wherever that wound is wanted… no needed to know. Something desperate, and angry and hollow begged to know if some out there could ever want me to live."

"I told you then, even if I didn't know why you asked me; of course I do!" Luffy smiles "even after I found out who your dad was my answer never changed."

"Lu, I'm pretty sure the Matchstick knows that" Katsuki glares "Even if we need to beat it into him every day" he finishes with a feral smirk and a small explosion.

Ace rubs the back of his neck "Yea Blasty I get it, but I didn't believe him then. I was still cold to him, still told him I hated crybabies and spoiled brats like him."

"I righteously raged because I was strong, I'm not a spoiled brat." Luffy laughs "Ace still kept calling me a cry baby. Have any of you been punched with spiked gloves for hours on end, not knowing if someone is going to save you? Oh and not to mention you were 5 at the time?!"

"No can't say we have" The group looks a little green at the confession. Most of them have never really been hurt like that. Shoto understands being beat but not to that extent. Katsuki can somewhat understand due to his abusive mother. Izuku understands being bullied and having his ears and tail cut off but nothing exactly life-threatening.

"They argued all the time after that, but Ace filled the role of the over-protective older brother, I obviously was the smart, logical older brother." Sabo laughs.

"What? Take that back, Sabo!" Ace rages.

"Yea" Luffy rages with Ace.

The group breaks out into laugher. When the laughter dies down Ace sighs "There was a point to this story, I got a bit better after that. Even after Sabo blabbed to Luffy who my dad was. All I wanted to do was run away, I knew Luffy idolized Roger, but I couldn't take Luffy leaving me once he found out. I didn't want to see the hatred, and scorn or his face when he found out I had a devil's blood in my veins. So I tried to push them away. It wasn't until Sabo was found by his father that I remember I wasn't the only one who hated their parents. While Luffy and I were orphans, Sabo had a dad he was a runaway."

"Why did you run away?" Izuku asks curiously.

"I ran away because I didn't belong there, I wanted adventure. I wanted to be free. I felt more trapped being a noble than I did fighting in the forest with my brothers. I was expected to be used to increase my father's influence among the nobles. To be used to marry someone in a high family to boost my father's prestige. I just couldn't live like that, so I ran away and pretended to be an orphan." Sabo explains "One day we were selling stuff from the terminal in the capital when my father spotted me. He hired the Blue Jam pirates to capture us. I didn't want to go with him, I wanted to live with my brothers. The pirates pointed guns at Ace and Luffy and my father said if I didn't go with him, he will have the pirates kill my brothers. I couldn't let that happen, so I left and went with my father."

"If you went with your father why did Ace and Luffy think you died?" Kirishima asks.

"A couple of days later I found out a world noble was coming to the island; the nobles were talking about kids in the woods that needed to be brought to justice. I thought they were talking about Me, Ace, and Luffy. So when the nobles came, I set sail and became I pirate to get the noble to chase me instead of coming to the island. The noble sank my little raft. They must have seen that and thought I drowned." Sabo explains.

"We didn't even have time to grieve before the forest was set on fire. We were pushed back to the cliffs and it didn't matter which way we went the fire would have burned us alive and since we are fruit holders the water would have made us drown. But then we felt something powerful below us and Luffy stopped panicking and told me to jump. Shanks came for us, so we jumped." Ace explains.

"Next thing I remember we are waking up on a beach" Luffy cheers "We met Izuku and Katsuki then, and we were stranded. I had to change my promise to Shanks. I couldn't be the pirate king anymore."

"What about now, you could stay here and be pirate king?" Sabo asks.

Luffy glares "I won't leave my pack behind."

"What if you all stayed here?" Sabo asks.

"No, I gave up trying to be the pirate king when we couldn't find a way home." Luffy states. "I was so distressed I would have to break my promise to Shanks, that I would have to give back my hat. But Izuku and Katsuki helped me come up with a new dream."

"What is your dream now?" Sabo smiles.

"I will be a great hero; I will stand at the top with my pack as the best Heroes." Luffy declares.

"Why not strive to be the best hero Luffy, it is not like you to be a subordinate to anyone." Sabo probs.

"Because Izuku and Kats will be the ultimate duo. They will stand as the pillars of Justice and I will stand next to them with the rest of the pack as a pillar of strength to help carry that burden." Luffy states as fact.

"That is an admirable dream Luffy. I'm sure Shanks is proud of you." Sabo ruffles Luffy's hair.

"You think so?" Luffy asks bashfully.

Shanks makes himself known "I've very proud of you Luffy."

"Shanks!" Is the startled yelp that comes from the group.

Shanks smiles "You have all made me proud. The way you have all handled this mission has been impressive and I couldn't be prouder." Shanks sits with the group "I just wanted to inform you, Jimbe will be here tomorrow morning and we will depart here soon after that. Tomorrow night we will dock at Lodestar. Also Dragon has explained everything to Robin she will be departing with us in the morning. Luffy you have time to talk with your father before we leave tomorrow if you want to."

"He is not coming with us?" Luffy asks, to be honest, he doesn't know he feels about his father. On one hand, his Dad let him be taken by Garp. On the other hand, if he didn't then he wouldn't have met Ace, Shanks, Sabo, Izuku, Katsuki, Kirishima, Shoto, Denki, and many others. He doesn't know if he wants to talk with him or not.

"No, not yet, he is going to stay here and recruit people. Sabo and Robin are coming with us to set up a base of operations in Japan. When our army gets bigger and we get closer to the Calamities that will be our headquarters." Shanks informs "I have given Dragon a coms set so he can stay in touch with us when we go back."

Luffy nods "I guess it would be nice to meet my dad." He fidgets "Do you think he would want to meet my soulmate or my friends. I mean I understand if he's too busy to talk to us."

Shanks smiles fondly at Luffy "I'm sure he will make some time for you and your friends to say hi."

Luffy smiles, "I don't want to interrupt his work so if he wants to, he can come out here whenever he has some free time."

Shanks nods "I will let him know." Shanks looks at the Blonde "I'm glad they found you, after I left the island, I search the area your ship sank but I couldn't find you. I'm glad Dragon rescued you. When I couldn't find you I felt Dragon's presence I was sure he saved you but I didn't want to get the boys' hopes up."

"You knew old man!?" Ace shouts in rage.

"I had a feeling yes." Shanks states.

"Why didn't you ever tell us?" Ace whispers.

"What would you have done if I did. At the time there was no way to get back here. When the opportunity came up there were more important things going on. What would you have done if I told you before the war 'oh yea Ace, Luffy your brother Sabo survived and is with Dragon.'?" Shanks explains.

Ace blushes "We would have been distracted. Sorry, Shanks."

"It's alright Ace, I understand the pain of losing your family. I didn't want to get your hopes up even after the war just in case we wouldn't have been able to meet up with Dragon during this trip." Shanks states.

"I'm glad you didn't tell us, Shanks." Luffy smiles.

Ace pouts confused "What do you mean Luffy?"

"I liked the surprise. It felt special." Luffy tries to explain.

"I think what Luffy is trying to say is that if Shanks told you, you would have had time to overthink things and come to conclusions about what happened. The surprise made the emotions real." Izuku explains.

"I guess your right. Thanks, Izuku" Ace blushes. "So does this mean Sabo is coming with us when we go back home? Will we be able to see him often?"

"Sabo will be coming with us, possibly getting a room in the dorms for the time being. I will talk to Nezu when we get back to see if we can make him an exchange student for the time being." Shanks starts.

"Law could be an exchange student to Recovery Girl since he is a licensed surgeon. We could make Zoro and Rayleigh instructors that we have flown in, to beef security due to the recent villain attack. Marco can work with Night eye under All Might's agency or work with Hawks. And if I'm not mistaken Thatch was Whitebeard's chef, right? Then he can work with Lunch rush for now. I can even come up with a plausible role for Robin." Izuku begins.

"What is Robin's role then?" Shanks asks.

"We could have her be the overseer for the females' dorm. There are plenty of female rooms open so Nezu would allow it. That would be her way in. If All Might hasn't gotten the Island yet this would work. Besides, 10 people wouldn't be enough to staff the new island. We can't pull other heroes because he doesn't trust them yet. This way when Nezu comes out with the plans for the island we will have enough people to staff it." Izuku finishes.

"Impressive as always Izuku" Shanks smiles. "I will write this all in a report and send it to Nezu when we get back."

The group studies Izuku "Who are we bringing home with us, I know Law, and Sabo for sure but who else" Denki asks.

Izuku strikes a thinking pose "Law, Sabo, Zoro, Rayleigh, Marco, Thatch, Robin, Mihawk, and if we meet up with Sanji before we leave and can convince him we need his help then that gives us 9. That leaves us with a spot open. I don't think it would be wise to bring more than 10 at the moment." Izuku looks a Law "Law did you want to bring another crewmate?"

Law hums "I'll ask my crew members. But really I would only bring Bepo possible Jean Bart."

Izuku nods "Ask them, Sabo do you have any recommendations?"

Sabo considers this "Koala possibly, she can help Robin with the girls." Sabo makes a face similar to Izuku when he gets a really crazy idea "Hey Izuku, have you considered any of the marines for your grand army"

Izuku makes a face of disgust "No, none of the marines I met fit the bill. They were so ready to kill Ace and Luffy even when they didn't do anything wrong."

Sabo hums a look of amusement takes over his face "just like not all pirates are bad, not all Marines are good." He pauses "But there are a couple of marines that are good."

"Explain." Izuku considers.

"I had a mission in Alabaster, about a year ago. The mission was to stop a civil war between the king and the warlord Crocodile. Crocodile has a sand devil fruit; it allows him to suck all the moisture out of the air and land. He caused the island to experience a drought. There is also this powder that stimulates cloud formations causing it to rain." Sabo begins.

"Why didn't they use this stuff?" Denki asks.

"Because, while it may benefit the island at the time, the powder works by stimulating existing clouds making them rain before they are supposed to." Sabo takes in the looks of the others, the only ones who really get it is Izuku, Katsuki, Shoto, and Law.

"It steals the rain" Izuku gasps.

"Yes, exactly. That is why it was outlawed." Sabo nods "Crocodile planted a shipment of this powder to be delivered to the capital. The only place it rained in years."

Sabo can witness the wheels turning in Izuku's mind as he figures it out. "So he framed the King with this powder to make the citizens believe that the King was the cause of the lack of rain?"

"Yes." Sabo smiles "The king hired us to investigate. We ran into some issues with the marines that were looking for some pirate. I ran into Smoker; he was trying to capture me to get information on Dragon." Sabo smiles "So during a fight between me and Smoker I told him what I was doing there with all my evidence. We called a truce, to help the island and take out the Warlord Crocodile. When it was all said and done, the higher-ranked Marines gave all the credit to Smoker."

"Why?" Luffy steams.

"Because the world government didn't want to paint the revolutionaries in a positive light" Izuku summarizes.

"Yes, for that exact reason they offered Smoker a promotion to Vice Admiral." Sabo informs "But he flat out refused to take credit for saving the country if the world government wouldn't tell the truth. He told the Marines he would prefer punishment over accepting something he didn't earn."

"Do you know how to contact this marine?" Izuku contemplates, he figures he can talk to the Marine at least he can come to his own judgment of character.

"I have his Transponder number." Sabo smirks "We can call him and ask him to meet us somewhere."

Katsuki grunts "I'm not sure we have the time to meet up with someone, we have to leave in two days, if he is not close then we will have to wait until we can come back. And even so, he might be a good Marine, but we can't be sure he won't tell the other Marines. The last thing we need is to bring a bunch of power-hungry Marines to Japan."

"Kacchan has a point, we could ask Dragon and Whitebeard to meet up with Smoker. Smoker might believe them. If not, well I don't think I have to worry about Smoker attacking Whitebeard and Dragon." Izuku suggests. "There was also a pink Haired Marine that was trying to stop the war before Shanks got there. I think the young Marine was overwhelmed by the awakening of his Haki."

"What do you mean Izuku?" Denki asks "What is Haki? How do you know about it."

Izuku's eyes go wide, how could he forget Denki and Ashido didn't know about that "Oh sorry Denki, it didn't come up before. First of all, you know the Lightning some of us have?"

"Like Shanks' red Lightning? Or your green Lightning?" Denki questions.

"Yes exactly. That isn't lightning, well not really." Izuku starts he pauses trying to find out how to explain this. "In our world, it appears as lightning. But it is a power that is native to this world. It is called Haki. There are three types of Haki, Conquerors which appears like lightning. So far Shanks, Ace, Luffy, Kacchan, and I are able to use this in Japan. Conqueror's Haki cannot be taught and only a few are born with it. Then there's Armament Haki, this can be taught. It is a manifestation of your will as physical armor. So far Shanks, Aizawa, All Might, Hawks, and the pack can use this. And Observation Haki allows you to sense the presences of others, predict movements, and if trained enough see into the future." Izuku explains. "I'll speak to Shanks to get you both started but let me tell you this training is very unorthodox."

"Can we get an example of this power?" Ashido asks.

"Most of you have felt it, I unleashed my Conqueror's Haki at Marine Ford when they released the information on Ace and Luffy." Izuku ponders "Also I unleashed it to answer Whitebeards call when we landed on his ship. If Me, Kacchan and Ace didn't you all would have passed out."

"What about the others?" Denki asks.

"I can show you that" Izuku states. He activates Armament Haki on his arm making the limb turn black. "Who here besides Ace, has an elemental fruit?" No one volunteers.

"Sorry Izuku, I think only Ace has a Logia-type fruit," Sabo confirms.

Izuku hums. "Well as much as I want to beat on Ace, he is still recovering."

"Haki suppresses Rubber as well, Izuku you can use me." Luffy suggests "You can just heal me after right."

"Of course Luffy." Izuku smiles. "First I'll hit you without it. Then I'll hit you with it." Luffy nods and stands up he moves over to the side of the clearing. Izuku stops a few feet away "Ready?" Izuku asks

"Of course" Luffy smiles.

Izuku gets into his fighting stance. He throwing punches and kicks at Luffy. Luffy chuckles during the beatdown. Luffy's body absorbs the hits taking no damage from blunt attacks. Izuku stops punching Luffy and steps back. "Now I'm going to use Arms, Armament Haki bypasses the defenses a devil fruit gives its holder. With Luffy he is immune to blunt attacks, I can punch, kick, and beat on him all day and no damage will happen. If I use Haki, then I can inflict damage." He activates his Armament Haki to show everyone a shiny black fist and punches Luffy in the stomach. Luffy folds in on himself and has spittle dripping from his mouth. Ignoring the gasps from the others Izuku lights that same fist on fire and heals the damage.

"Danm 'Zuku I forgot how hard your punches hit." Luffy chuckles between coughs.

Izuku rubs the back of his neck "Sorry Luffy. That was the weakest I could punch you."

"I know, you didn't even activate your quirk," Luffy confirms.

"Danm Izuku." Denki gasps. "What about the other one? Observation Haki can you demonstrate this without hurting anyone."

"Of course," Izuku looks around "I would usually have Kacchan spar with me. But we know each other's fighting style so well we can dodge without Observation. So I'll need someone I have never fought before to demonstrate."

"Can I use my swords?" Zoro asks with a predatory glint in his eye.

"Of course." Izuku smiles. "Whenever you are ready Zoro." Izuku smirks "Don't hold back."

"Are you sure?" Zoro smirks "I could kill you."

"I doubt it" Katsuki mumbles

"Even if you did manage to cut me, I'll heal the damage." Izuku smiles a challenge "So come at me with everything you've got."

Zoro places his bandana on his head and withdraws his swords he places Wado in his mouth and holds his other two swords in a reverse grip. Katsuki comes up next to Izuku there is a piece of cloth in his hand. Izuku and the rest give him a questioning glance. Katsuki shrugs "your combat experience will make the predictions for you. Figured you'd wanna give them a show."

Izuku smirks "Of course Kacchan." Izuku puts the piece of cloth over his eyes. Katsuki tests to make sure Izuku can't see. When Izuku is blinded Katsuki gives Zoro a simple nod.

Zoro dashes to Izuku in a flurry of sword strikes, putting his speed and strength behind each strike. Izuku barely moves but when Zoro disengages Denki and Ashido are surprised to see the Izuku is unharmed. They have seen Izuku injured before and they know that if Zoro managed to cut him they would see the green fire. Zoro smirks demonically and gets ready to unleash his special attacks.

"Three sword Style Secret Skill: Crossroads of Six Paths" Zoro announces. The sword in Zoro's mouth glows an eerie green. He begins to unsheathe his other two swords and performs a quick draw before twisting sharply to force the air slashes to curve. Izuku dodges the attacks with a smile on his face. Zoro continues to unleash a barrage of attacks at Izuku. To the audience, it looks as if the sword strikes slightly veer off course and around Izuku.

Katsuki calls it "Ok that should have been a good enough demonstration."

Zoro grunts as he sheathes his swords. Izuku laughs brightly as he pulls off the blindfold "That was great Zoro. I would like to test my sword skills against yours."

Zoro nods "I'm looking forward to it." He studies Izuku "where are your swords?"

Izuku rubs the back of his neck "I don't use swords." He ponders for a second "Shanks taught us how to use swords but, I have something else."

Zoro looks confused, in fact with the exception of Katsuki, Ace, and Luffy, the rest look just as confused. Izuku smiles and plucks two of his longer feathers.

Zoro glares thinking Izuku is fucking with him "Feathers? Seriously?"

Izuku smirks and coats the feathers in Armament Haki he turns to a tree and does two quick slashes into the tree bark. To the shock of everyone the tree collapses. Mihawk walks to the group feeling Zoro's bloodlust rise. "Don't be so quick to judge him Zoro," Mihawk calls out.

Zoro levels a confused glare at his Master "What do you mean, even if he can cut down a tree. That doesn't mean he can block a sword strike."

"During the war, Izuku with just a feather stopped Yoru in its path. He is strong." Mihawk states.

"I learned how to make my feathers work in place of a sword. It didn't make sense to carry a sword on me when I could use my feathers." Izuku looks on fondly at his feather that's in his hand "These feathers are really compressed fire. I can shape the fire into whatever shape I want. By compressing the flames to the thickness of paper and adding Haki to them, the feather is sharper than most swords that were available to me. I also don't need to worry about it breaking because the fire takes the impact and distributes the force through the entire feather." Izuku explains.

Zoro relaxes his stance now having an understanding of how Izuku uses his feathers as swords. He grins it's an interesting concept and he is dying to test his blades against this technique. "I can't wait to test my blades against yours. I can't be the best if I can't defeat you."

"You really think shanks will train us?" Denki asks hopefully.

"If you're serious about learning it, then yea" Izuku supplies.

"Shanks-Sensei does not accept quitters" Katsuki glares in a warning.

Denki nods "If it can make me stronger to help out more then I'm all for hard training."

"It's not just hard Denki." Ace shivers "His training methods are brutal."

"Oh, yea I remember when he started teaching us after the Hosu incident" Kirishima rubs the back of his neck.

"I still wake up in the middle of the night to block imaginary attacks" Shoto sighs.

"What did he do to you?" Denki shrieks.

"He blindfolded us and made us hit each other with sticks until we would instinctively dodge 100 times in a row. If we got hit at all we had to start all over again." Kirishima explains.

"Lucky Izuku can heal or else we would all have brain damage" Ace laughs.

"I think the nerd messed up on you Matchstick," Katsuki smirks. Hey just because he forgave him doesn't mean he's gonna let it go and stop teasing the hothead.

"Not fair Blasty." Ace grumbles

The group laughs at Ace's expense. Izuku controls his chuckles first "Denki, Ashido if you are really serious, I'll talk to Shanks. However, I think we should focus on powering up your quirks first."

"Wouldn't learning Haki compensate for our lack of power?" Ashido asks.

"The only reason why I was able to kill Akainu is that I used Armament with my quirk. Think of it like this if I was to use a fraction of my quirk with Armament Haki I would have killed Luffy. When I use Armament with my wolf form my feathers are capable of cutting through tungsten." Izuku pauses his face turning serious. "Remember the other night when Fuji forcibly took control?"

"When you had that nightmare for Katsuki dying?" Denki supplies.

"Yes." Izuku confirms "He didn't take over to save me."

"Fuji took over to save everyone in a 10-mile radius" Katsuki states.

"What do you mean?" Ashido asks. "What would have happened if Fuji didn't take over."

"I would have unleashed all of my power" Izuku begins "Conqueror's, One for All, My fire and feathers. Worst case scenario everyone except me would have died. Best case scenario everyone would survive but everyone in our building would be crippled for life. Conqueror's Haki attacks the minds of people with weaker convictions or will power than the wielder. Depending on the force released I can turn a weaker willed mind into mush. Most of the time I use this force with my wolf side to instill fear in people."

"Is this why Iida hates you?" Denki asks.

"Part of it." Izuku sighs "He singled me out during Present Mic's entrance exam speech."

"Everyone knows the Nerd is well a Nerd. He was muttering poetic justice about Present Mic." Katsuki informs.

"Iida thought I wasn't taking the exam seriously." Izuku explains "If it was only that, I could have patched things up with him. But when we were released and broke off into our groups, he tried to syke me out. He tried to intimidate me and wasn't expecting me to hold my ground. He touched my mark, so I used Conqueror's on him to instill fear, to make him feel like a rabbit in front of a fox. When the exam started, I stayed back for a bit to calm myself. He thinks I was attacking other examinees with my feathers to get more points. When we had the battle training with All Might we were against each other. We got into an argument before our match when he caused me to go into a panic attack. Even during the battle while I healed my partner, he kept calling me a monster. After the battle, I even healed him, and he attacked me while I was healing his partner. He hasn't been able to let go of his hatred for me. He keeps demanding I tell him everything my quirk does."

"That is stupid." Denki states "No one has the right to ask anyone for the secrets of their quirks. That information could get out to the villains."

"Exactly, I told him I'm not gonna tell someone the secrets of my quirk if they are just gonna use it against me in the future." Izuku nods. "But yea I thought we were getting better after the Hosu incident. But that doesn't appear to be the case."

"What makes you think that? He hasn't called you a monster in a long time." Luffy asks confused.

"He thinks we should have been punished for saving Ace and Kacchan," Izuku informs.

"Huh? Why?" Denki asks.

"In his eyes what we did was no different than when he went after Stain to avenge his brother." Izuku states.

"How, that was completely different?" Luffy shouts.

Izuku shrugs "in his mind he was bringing Stain to justice for the crimes against his brother. In his mind, we hunted down the villains to get Kacchan and Ace back. When in reality he planned to go to Hosu and intern under Manual and used his patrols to hunt Stain down. He then confronted said villain without back up putting himself and another hero in danger. When Kacchan and Ace were taken we worked alongside the police and heroes and only got Kacchan and Ace to safety. We didn't confront the villains and we used minimal quirk use in order to rescue our friends. He feels there is favoritism happening because he was scolded for going after Stain, while we were praised and awarded licenses for going after Kacchan and Ace."

"I could understand his reasoning if we charged into the villains' hideout and engaged in a fight to get them back. But what we did regardless of licenses was completely legal." Shoto states, his father taught him the legalities of quirk use without licenses. The fact is Iida has no reason to be jealous or to think they should have been reprimanded for doing the same thing a civilian could have done.

"Yes and he knows that, he also feels what he did was legal on the same clause. The law states anyone can use their quirk in self-defense or the minimal use to save someone else. In the event, there are no available heroes in the area. In Hosu Iida tried to use the idea that he was protecting Native to engage Stain. When Native's statement came out, he told the chief Iida didn't even know he was there until after he already started fighting Stain. Native told the chief that Stain had to tell Iida to rescue Native first, before trying to take him down. Iida believes there were plenty of heroes that could have gotten Ace and Kacchan to safety, but he conveniently forgot I could heal. Recovery Girl wasn't in the area. I also healed everyone once the fighting was done, as I was ordered not to interfere with any of the battles." Izuku explains.

"Now that you have your healing License it shouldn't matter in the future, right?" Luffy states.

"Right, even if for some reason I don't pass the Provisional License Exam I will still be able to participate in rescue and healing missions." Izuku nods.

"I don't think any of us will have a problem passing the exam" Katsuki smirks, full of confidence that they all will pass with no problems. Their teamwork is flawless, they can work alongside other people. Even though Izuku does most of the planning and strategizing the others are not terrible at it either. Not to mention they are stronger than lower-ranked heroes. They are going to ace this exam, there is no doubt in his mind.

The next day after breakfast Dragon walks with Robin to meet up with the boys. Izuku nudges Luffy to get his attention when the man comes into view. "Good Morning Dragon" Izuku greets.

"Morning" Dragon greets back. Dragon watches the group loading up and saying their goodbyes to the rest of the revolutionaries. Sometime last night Sabo came in to give Dragon a suggestion of talking with Marine Smoker. Dragon considers this request and decides he will give the Marine a call. Dragon watches Sabo reconnect with his sworn brothers he smiles at the fond look in Sabo's eyes as he watches Luffy and Ace do back and forth. He remembers when Sabo got his memories back, the young boy cried for his brothers when he learned of their supposed deaths. That day the sweet happy boy Sabo was left; in his place stood a soldier ready to train, fight, and protect Dragon and his cause. Sabo saw the truth of the world, he saw the corruption, he witnessed two innocent kids be hunted for the crimes of their fathers. Sabo's five-year-old brain couldn't comprehend the darkness the surrounds the government, but he trained to put his heart and soul to fight for Dragon's cause. Sabo was already his second in command since he was 13, already proven himself to be capable of leading supply runs, and recon missions.

Dragon Watches as Izuku and Katsuki break away from the group and move to a quieter area to explain everything to Jimbe, a blond teen, and Robin. He thinks sending Robin and Sabo to this other world is a good choice. For Sabo he gets to reconnect with his long-lost brothers, he gets to experience how his brothers grew up. For Robin, this is a chance for her to start new, to make a life where she is not constantly on guard or on the run. He makes his way to Sabo and the rest of the Boys including his son and nephew. He makes his presence known with a clearing of his throat "Morning boys."

The boys look at him in various cautious states. Luffy fidgets not knowing what to do in this situation. The red-head hovers close to Luffy equally unsure what to do in this situation. Ace stands slightly in front of Luffy to shield his younger brother from view. Even the Heterochromatic boy is standing protectively in front of Luffy. The other two teens are hovering close to the fidgeting teen, trying to offer him comfort.

Dragon smiles softly his boy has found some amazing friends "I came here to talk to you Luffy. I am sorry I let Garp take you. I thought you would be safer with him than with me. I didn't know he was going to betray you. When he told me he had Roger's boy I thought you could grow up together. I came to dawn Island to try to visit you when I saved Sabo from drowning. I was going to rescue you and Ace from the fire, but Shanks beat me to it. I thought it was for the better Shanks is a capable man and was strong enough to protect the both of you. Up until yesterday, I didn't know where you were. I have contacted the red-haired pirates multiple times, but they always told me Shanks never came back. I hope in time you will forgive me for not being there for you."

Luffy glares at Dragon "For so long I thought I wasn't wanted; I was all alone. Gramps left me at Windmill Village, to be raised by the villagers. The kids my age were scared of Gramps so they wouldn't play with me. I hung out with Makino in her bar, she would read to me, tell me stories, play with me. She would let me help her clean the bar. Then I met Shanks and he became my friend, my mentor. I wanted to be the Pirate King because of him. He left as well and couldn't take me with him. Then Gramps camp back and took me away from my home and sent me to live with Mountain Bandits. I met Ace then, but he didn't like me at first, but I was alone and didn't give up, so he became my friend, Sabo became my friend. And then they became my brothers, my family. Then, then Sabo was taken from me, and there was fire, only Ace was with me. I was scared, I didn't want to die. I didn't want to break my promise to Shanks. But Shanks saved me, and Ace and we ended up meeting some really nice people. Izuku, Katsuki, and Inko didn't care we were from another world, they didn't care who my parents were. They accepted me, taught me, got me clothes, helped me understand things, and got me into school. Inko treated me and Ace as her own kids. After I met them, I grew up happy, we trained with Shanks and other top heroes and got accepted into the best Hero High School. I met my soulmate there and he's the best. He makes me feel safe, and protects me, and comforts me. He's my unbreakable shield." Luffy cries as he spills his heart to his father "I want to hate you so bad, but I can't because if I hated you, then I would hate everything that has happened to me. I just can't do that."

Dragon nods his boy is strong physically, emotionally, and mentally. He bows in front of his son "Still, when I can go to Japan with the others, I would like to get to know you and your soulmate. I would like to get to know everything that is important to you."

"You will have to earn it." Luffy states coldly "Shanks basically raised us, and I view him as my father."

"I understand Luffy." Dragon nods "I will do my best."

Luffy's glare softens a bit "I guess saving Sabo is a good start."

Sabo chuckles "I have always thought you can never have too big of a family. Even if you consider Shanks your dad, your heart is big enough to one day let Dragon in."

Luffy nods "Shanks gave you a comms set right?"

"Yes he did, he explained it to me as well." Dragon nods.

"Then keep in touch?" Luffy fidgets again.

"Of course" Dragon cracks a small smile "Even if the conversations are short. I'll contact you as often as I can."

"Thanks" Luffy blushes a bit "Dad" his eyes look hopeful. Then in a normal Luffy way, he pounds his fist into his hand like he made the greatest discovery "This means you're Ace's dad, too right?"

"Luffy" Ace grumbles.

"What Ace doesn't have a dad. I don't mind sharing mine." Luffy states completely serious.

Dragon laughs full-bodied "You are just like your mother."

"My mom?" Luffy gasps "Can you tell me about her?"

"She was stubborn, hard-headed, and reckless." Dragon states fondly "She was loyal to her friends and would do anything to protect what she loved. She would save entire islands for one person. She was fierce and strong, beautiful in the way of natural beauty. She wasn't obsessed with her appearance and didn't care about what she was wearing as long as she could fight."

"She sounds awesome." Luffy states with stars in his eyes "Can you tell me more?"

Just as Dragon was going to tell them more about Luffy's mom, Izuku interrupts "Shanks and Aizawa are ready to leave, if we want to make it to the next island by nightfall, we need to leave now."

Dragon nods "I'll tell you about her some other time, Luffy." He turns to Izuku "Keep looking after him for me."

"Of course Luffy is Pack." Izuku smiles.

"Thank you." Dragon smiles. He turns his attention to the Red- Haired teen "You are his soulmate, right?"

"Yes, sir" Kirishima blushes.

"Take good care of him, I leave him in your care." Dragon orders.

"Of course sir." Kirishima promises "By the way my name is Eijiro Kirishima, I'll protect your son until my last breath."

"I'll hold you to it, Kirishima" Dragon bows.

The group turns to board the ships, Sabo smiles and waves off the side of the ship, shouting he will see everyone again, and to be safe. Dragon can hear Luffy sobbing in someone's chest, Dragon smiles "Just like your mother, Indeed." He watches as the ships leave port, sailing out to sea. He waits until he can no longer see the ships before he sets himself to get back to work. He will do his part of recruiting potential people for their grand army. And then when it is time, he will meet his Son again as a man Luffy will be proud to call dad.