Last chapter, we had so many things happen. Marek gets a vision of the Battle of the Best, a small glimpse, gets promoted to commodore, as well as seeing the promotions of the three admirals and the retiring of Zephyr. He meets six of the seven warlords: Crocodile, Jinbe, Kuma, Mihawk, Doflamingo and the newest, Hancock. He bests Crocodile and Jinbe with some difficulty, before finally meeting his second Yonko, Whitebeard, and his crew. With that stuff said, I have Marek's devil fruit narrowed down and this chapter will be a bonding chapter between Luffy, Ace and Marek, leading up past through Ace's departure from the island until Ace meets and joins Whitebeard.
Chapter 5: True family, start of a journey
Marek was sailing home to Fooscha as he groaned softly. "If I had known being promoted to commodore was just more paperwork and less fighting, I would've just stayed with Mom." He rubbed his head, finding himself to be the top power in the East Blue from his promotion and he went through reports and other items, forwarding them to Marine HQ.
He looked up as his door opened. "Tanner." He smiled. "Do we need to make a quick stop for supplies?" Tanner nodded. "Yes sir. At our current rate, we'd be empty on supplies by the time we reached your home island." Marek nodded in affirmation, "Make a stop at Loguetown, we can restock there." Marek then smiled fondly, "And I can meet up with an old friend."
A few hours later
The marine ship docked at Loguetown, the town labeled as the town of beginning and the end. Marek walked off the ship, telling the crew to resupply the ship for necessities. "We'll be here for about a day or so, get everything we need. Once I get back home, you boys will be under the command of the marine captain here. Treat him with the same love and respect as you have me, got it." "Yes Commodore!" They responded with a salute, which made Marek nod. "He's a good friend of mine, so you'll do well under him."
Marek's appearance unsurprisingly looked like a younger version of his grandfather. At the age of sixteen, the boy stood at eight feet tall already, something that was inherited from his mother and father. He was muscular, clearly seen even with his marine uniform on. He had short black hair and his commodore jacket hung off his shoulders, much like the admirals that were his mentors. He had a massive secret on his back, one that he wouldn't show anyone until the time came, but he had a tattoo the whole ways on his back of the Whitebeard pirates, signaling his allegiance with them. Now why did he have this tattoo? Simple, he saw Whitebeard as an uncle just as much as Roger. After their first meeting, and at Marek's request of a vacation, he spent a few months with the old man. He got along well with the commanders: Marco, Thatch, Jozu, etc. All of them had respect for him for even thinking of going there, and his goal to truly protect the innocents of the world. Despite his young age and his marine affiliation, he had brought some fresh life into the crew. More on that later.
Marek walked through the town, hands in his pockets until he reached the execution plaza. He looked up at the stand and frowned softly. "My treasure?" Roger laughed heartily. "If you want it, you'll have to find it! I left everything I owned in that one special place!" Marek shook his head, smiling softly. "Not everything uncle, not everything." Marek's eyes wandered up past the plaza, to the Marine Base overlooking it, before they went to the right of the plaza and saw a bar. He smirked lightly at the name, "Gold Roger Bar". He walked in and took a seat, not knowing that he had sat in his uncle's seat when he was there.
"Excuse me sir." He asked politely, causing the barkeep to come out. "Oh a visitor huh? We don't get very many here because of the White Hunter up there." Marek smirked softly. "Because of the lack of pirates, right?" Raoul, the bar owner, nodded. "Not a single pirate has managed to come through here and gone into the Grand Line because of him. He's doing good work, but he's hurting my business all the same." He noticed where the lad had sat and just smirked to himself. "But that's enough ramblings of an old man, what can I get for you son?"
Marek smiled. "A bottle of Jerez if you have any. I know an old man who I looked up to use to drink that in his downtime." Raoul nodded softly, "Yeah we got some." He turned his back to reach up for a bottle. "You know lad, the last person I had sit there was a true legend. I haven't seen a single person sit there since him, they seem to gravitate away from it." Marek chuckled, "Oh really? Seems like I'll be the next legend it." They both shared a laugh as he handed the bottle of Jerez to Marek.
"So what brings a young lad like you here?" Raoul asked with curiosity. "I'm resupplying my ship before I head home. Going to meet an old friend here while I'm here. How much do I owe for the Jerez?" Marek said, taking out the cork. Raoul smiled. "It's on the house son." Marek shook his head, laughing. "I can't just have it Raoul, I gotta pay you for it." Raoul's eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't believe I ever told you my name lad, how do you know it?" Marek grinned softly. "I was here thirteen years ago, during Roger's execution. I was a child back then, you should recognize who I was here with, I look like him from what I've been told!" Marek laughed while Raoul's eyes widened, both at the information and the realization.
He smiled faintly. "Little Marek. It's good to see you in here again lad." He said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You've gotten really big since then." Marek laughed more. "Aye, so I've been told!" He placed a bag of beri on the counter. "That's why I have to pay for it. I want to see this place around still."
Marek's boisterous grin turned into a small smile. "Raoul, I want you and this place to be doing well. I have a little brother who dreams of following Roger's path, and I want him to meet you. You're one of the few people who knew Roger well outside of his crew. I can only tell him so much since I was only three back then, I knew how Roger acted when he was dying." He continued as Raoul was shocked at the information. "You knew him before then, the young kid who just wanted to dream before he became the man who wanted to conquer the Grand Line. When he comes, I want you to tell him his stories." Marek said with a smile.
Raoul bit his lip but nodded. "I will Marek. I won't lie, Roger was like a son to me. Always so full of life, dreams and happiness. I miss him." Marek saw a tear coming from the older gentleman before hugging him softly. "My little brother is just like him; you'll be able to recognize him old man." He let go as both men smiled before the door opened.
"Raoul, how's business going?" A rough, gravelly voice said as smoke came off his two cigars. Marek smirked softly. "Well he just sold a bottle of Jerez for about 100,000 beri to me, at my request, so I'd say business is doing alright. But enough about him, how are you doing," Marek said as he turned around and was face to face with a man that he could honestly say was the closest person outside of his family.
"Smokey?" Marek said with a grin, while Smoker had an annoyed look at the nickname before it faded, and he let out a faint smile. "Tsk, of course your annoying ass would be here Marek." They gripped each other's hands before shaking them. "It's been a long time Marek."
"Yeah. We were both recruits, then you got specialized training from Bellemere and made captain. Still a few years ahead of me but look where I am now. I made commodore before you did!" Marek said with a grin and a laugh, seeing Smoker get a tick mark on his head. "But you've done good yourself, haven't you? The "White Hunter" huh? Seems you've been keeping Loguetown pirate free." Smoker sighed but nodded. "Indeed. When I was assigned here, there were at least five different pirate crews harassing the people here and I came in and took care of them."
Marek grinned slightly. "Let's talk more at the base alright? I'm sure Raoul would appreciate us not discussing marine business in his bar that's named after Roger." Marek said with a laugh while Raoul let out a sigh he didn't know he was holding in as Marek walked out with Smoker. He glanced out to the side of his vision, seeing a hooded figure before nodding his head slightly. 'Dad…..' The figured nodded its head before leaving.
He walked with Smoker with his hands in his pocket before seeing an older gentleman standing at the execution stand in the plaza. Marek's eyes softened as he knew who the old man was until Smoker brought him out of his musings. "Oy, the execution stand is property of the World Government. Sir, I have to ask you to step away."
The older man let out a chuckle. "I apologize, but it's been so long since I've been here. I was here at the execution, and I haven't been here since. I just wanted to pay my respects to an old friend." Marek felt a tear trail down his face as Smoker growled. "Step away, now! I don't care who you are. Roger was the worst of the worst and it's my job as a marine captain to enforce the written laws here."
He chuckled again. "Really? Is that so?" The gentleman turned around, fixing his glasses. "Who's going to stop me? You?" Smoker's eyes widened before grabbing his jute. Marek gripped his arm, stopping him, and shook his head. "You won't win the battle that would ensue." "But I have- ""It doesn't matter if you have the Moku-Moku no Mi, it'd be ineffective against his haki. Right, Silvers Rayleigh?"
Rayleigh grinned, "You've grown Marek. It's like I'm looking at a young Garp again." Marek smiled with tear trailing down his face. "And you look good for the former first mate of Roger, old man." Rayleigh smirked before letting out a burst of Conqueror's Haki, knocking out the incoming marines and Smoker. Marek's breath hitched before straightening out. "Impressive lad, you've managed to withstand my Conqueror's. Guess Garp has been training you well indeed." Marek shrugged off his commodore's jacket, smirking. "He has, I fought two of the Shichibukai and came out on top."
Rayleigh had an amused smirk on his face. "Oh? Two of them? You know I'm stronger than all seven. I guess I'll see where you lie, in the older generation's power." Marek grinned. "Marco told me how you easily handled him in their last fight, and I wouldn't want it any other way. But let's not do this here, even if it's a sign of Roger's end, it's still a memorial to him." Rayleigh nodded. "Agreed." Both men disappeared away from town.
They reappeared in the nearby forest. Rayleigh had his back up against a tree as Marek reappeared. "Oh, you have gotten faster. Did you know that Shanks is know a Yonko, like Newgate?" Marek nearly tripped. "Red-head's a Yonko now? Who the hell made that call and what were they thinking?" They both laughed before they both turned serious. They both disappeared, a series of flashes and quakes following their ensuing clash before half an hour later Marek was bounced off the ground and through some trees.
"Ow, that hurt like hell…." Marek groaned as he shook the cobwebs out. He tried to get up but couldn't. Rayleigh looked at him with a small smirk. "Not bad, lasted half an hour at least. You've got some work to do before you can stand up to the higher ups still Marek." He cupped his chin, thinking. "If I were to guess, I'd say you're at about Shanks and Buggy's level when we faced off with Whitebeard's crew."
Marek groaned as he raised a thumbs up before reaching into his pocket. "Get going Rayleigh, I'm sure you've got more people to liberate." Rayleigh went to leave as Marek pulled out a flare. "Oy, Rayleigh." Rayleigh stopped. "Do you know a Boa Hancock by chance?" Rayleigh smiled softly. "I do indeed. I saved her and her sisters and took them back to Amazon Lily. I assume you've met her."
"I have, she's the newest warlord." Rayleigh smirked. "Don't let her tough act get to you, she's just a scared little girl in that tough ice-cold exterior of hers. She and her sisters were slaves to a Celestial Dragon until Fisher Tiger freed them and the others at Mariejois, something I still see as a big risk for him to do but respect him for to this day." Rayleigh fixed his pockets. "Well, it's time for me to go. If you need me, I'll be at Sabaody. If I'm not there, go to Shakky's bar and tell her that you know me." Marek groaned in pain but nodded, before firing off the flare.
Three days later
Marek had bandages wrapped around his chest. It seems as if in his spar with Rayleigh, the old man broke a few ribs. He rolled his shoulder before opening a chest. He smiled faintly, a fruit with fiery looking swirls around it was in the chest. Beside it was another fruit that had oceanic looking waves on it. "At least I'll be home for your birthday, Ace." He watched the ship come ashore and smiled. "I'm home."
He grabbed the fiery fruit before putting it in his pocket. He looked at the other fruit in the chest for a long minute. 'Should I even…' He shook his head. 'No, it's not the time yet. I have to get stronger first, I don't want to be like everyone else who relies on their fruit powers more than their own strength. Where did Rayleigh even find it?' He pocketed the other fruit for safekeeping before walking off the ship and into Fooscha Village.
He placed his hands in his pocket, yawning softly. His eyes widened. "Oh shit, I better not be taking after Kuzan. If I say something about some type of big ass number or get tired from standing too long, I'm going to lose my damn mind." He walked through as the crowd gathered and cheered for him, making him smile softly with tears going down his face. "Big brother!" He heard and felt two weights crash against him. He looked down and smile, rubbing the heads of his brothers. "Ace, Luffy….."
He grinned softly, which they reciprocated. "Your big brother is a commodore now! But I didn't come without a present for a special someone on his birthday." He smiled at Ace whose eyes widened and watered. Marek pulled out a devil fruit, looked at it. "Oops, wrong one. That one's mine." He put it away before pulling out the other one. "Here Ace, this is for you."
Ace stared deadpan. "You got me a fruit, for my birthday? You are the worst – "" It's a devil fruit." "Best big brother ever!" Ace finished with a grin before taking it and looking it over. Marek spoke up, "It's the Mera-Mera no Mi. It's a logia fruit that'll turn you into a fire man. I found it before meeting up with a friend."
Ace teared up before hugging Marek tightly. "T-thank you big bro!" Luffy pouted, "Hey where's my gift!" Marek stared at him. "You'll get one when it's your birthday you snot. It's Ace birthday, so he gets it. I know in about six years you'll be starting your journey Ace, so this will allow you a head start on it." Marek smiled at the son of Roger.
He took a closer look at Ace's appearance before smiling. "You've got mom's beads too huh? Good on you Ace. I've got a few months off after fighting some strong pirates, so I've got some time to train you and talk to you about some things Ace."
Ace wiped his tears away before grinning happily. Dadan made her presence known. "What's with all the racket?" Marek smiled at her, his coat covering his back as the bandages were still wrapped around his chest. "Hey mom." Dadan gasped softly at seeing the bandaged chest. "Who did that to you?! I'll kill them for hurting you Marek!" He chuckled at her going all mother hen on him. "Mom, you couldn't if you tried. It was a spar and I asked for it, he brought me down a few levels to keep me humble." He leaned into whisper in her ear. "He's a friend of Ace's dad." Dadan's eyes widened before nodding.
"Alright. Despite HQ's orders for me to take it easy, we've got some training to do Ace." Marek said with a grin before Ace shouted in excitement.
A few days of training later
Ace yelped as he bounced off the ground. "How can you still hit me big bro? I thought Logia type could become untouchable." Marek smiled. "And that's why we're training. One, you're not used to its powers yet, and two, once you are, certain people will still be able to hit you. Why do you think Gramps can hit Luffy and he still feels pain from it?" Ace grumbled before sitting up. "It's best to come up with your own moves too for it. Trying to replicate someone's is a bad idea. I've trained with at least four logia users when I was going through the ranks, so I know how the fruits work."
Ace grumbled more before looking up. "Marek, where did you go after your promotion? Gramps told us that you had some business to take care of but didn't say what it was." Marek sat down beside him. "I talked with one of the seven warlords, a fishman by the name of Jinbe."
"I asked him if he could arrange a meeting between me and Whitebeard." Marek said softly, surprising Ace. "That meeting was a discussion of a few things that I had questions about, before it turned to you." Ace's eyes widened. "M-me? Why me?" "Whitebeard and your father had many clashes Ace, he was one of the few people who could rival Roger. He's a family-orientated pirate, sees all members of his crew as his children. I talked to him and we agreed on it, I want you to meet him and possibly join his crew. I know you want your own crew; you don't have to go to him immediately, but I feel like you'd thrive best under him. The protection of a Yonko can do wonders for you Ace."
Ace looked down as Marek place a hand on his shoulder. "He can tell you a bit more about your father, but there's a reason I want you to go to him first. There's another man I want you to meet; his name is Silvers Rayleigh and he was the vice-captain of your dad. He hangs around at Sabaody, which is a known place for slave auctions. I don't want you to end up becoming some Celestial Dragon's slave, so that's why I want you to go see Whitebeard first."
Ace sniffled before nodding. "O-okay big brother." Marek smiled softly. "Listen, I would never let anyone hurt you, Ace, never. Whatever happens to you, know that I'll always have your back and I'll always have Luffy's back. Even if it's a direct order from Sengoku himself, I will never come hunting for either of you." Ace teared up before hugging him tightly. Marek held him as Ace started to softly cry into his chest before looking up into the sky.
Six Years Later
There were footsteps heard as Ace was setting up his ship to get ready to leave. "You know it's quite rude to not say goodbye to your family." Ace stopped and looked up, looking back to the person who said it. He smiled softly before the voice continued. "I thought I taught you better than that Ace. Just because I've been gone for a few years, training under several vice admirals and training with my fruit doesn't mean you couldn't have waited for me to see you off."
The person behind the voice stood at eleven feet tall, a smirk crossing his lips. Rear Admiral Monkey D. Marek, Ace's older brother had come home. In the years since Ace's birthday, he had worked his ass off, getting out of the dreaded commodore position he loathed before he reached rear admiral. Once the rank was achieved, he focused on dealing with the absolute scum of piracy and achieved a better epithet than "Silver Hand." While their grandfather was known as "Hero of the Marines", Marek was known as the "Hero of the People", boosting the image of the marines in general in being able to help others with their problems.
Some of the higher ups in the World Government didn't take too kindly to it, due to the fact that he had freed eye-catching slaves from slaver ships, as well as slave auctions, he had the full backing of his grandfather and Admiral Kuzan. His crew was also not one to be taken lightly; "Tank Man" Tanner, the man who could brawl with the strongest of pirates due to his bull devil fruit, "Markswoman" Miya, one of the best snipers ever seen, starting to catch up "Chaser" Yasopp of the Red-Hair pirates in aim.
Marek smiled softly. "So how about it, little brother? I came here to see you off, so how about the very least you say goodbye to all of us?" Ace teared up before hugging him. Marek laughed softly. "Christ, you're taking after Luffy, crying so much." Marek smiled, "Hey, since this is the day you go off on your own, how about I treat you to some real good food?" Ace grinned softly, wiping his tears. "Of course Marek. I'll follow with my ship." Marek nodded, "I'll keep the waters smooth so that you can."
A few hours later
Marek smirked softly, 'Ahh the Baratie. I wonder how the old man is doing.' He ordered the crew to pull up along the ship. "Now I don't want anybody causing any trouble. This is neutral ground for marines and pirates, so I don't care about anyone having a bounty here. This is one of the best, if not the best, place I've ever gotten food. If anyone outside of this crew starts something, the chefs can handle it. Unless we are asked for assistance, no causing trouble." "Aye Rear Admiral!" The crew responded as Tanner crossed his arms. "You think anyone will cause trouble here?" Marek sighed softly. "Not of our crew, but you know how egotistical some pirates are, and we both know Mihawk frequents this restaurant as well."
Tanner took a puff of his cigar. "You think someone might challenge him?" Marek nodded, "Yeah, and if they do, I don't want any damage to come to the restaurant. Zeff's a good man, as are these chefs."
Ace jumped onboard, "This is where we're eating? Why?" Marek chuckled, "It's the best food in all of the Blues, as well as the first half of the Grand Line, and possibly even the second half. You'll see when you try it; as much as I love Makino's cooking, Zeff's cooking beats her by a longshot." Ace's eyes widened, before nodding.
The two young adults and teen walked over to the other ship and into the restaurant. Marek had his hands in his pockets. "Oy, Zeff. Are you open or not?" Patty came up to the entrance. "Good morning gentlemen, how would you be paying today?" He greeted with a smile. Marek smiled, "Good morning Patty, we'll be paying with the usual of course." He looked around the restaurant, seeing that it was empty. "I'll take my usual spot Patty, I brought someone who hasn't tried Zeff's cooking yet." Patty put on a face of surprise. "Oh my! You're in for a real treat then lad!" Ace chuckled in an embarrassed manner as Patty led them to their table.
"Patty's a bit over the top, but he means well. Don't worry about it Ace." Marek said with a smile. "Order whatever you want, we've got enough beri to cover it." Ace nodded as Patty returned with their menus. Marek's eye wandered out towards the entrance of the Baratie before centering back with a smirk.
"I'll have one of everything sir." Ace said politely to Patty's shock. "Oy, Owner Zeff! This kid wants one of everything!" Patty yelled out to the kitchen. The peg-legged owner walked down and over to the table. Marek smiled, "It's been a while Zeff. How's it holding up?" Zeff narrowed his eyes. "Monkey D. Marek, Hero of the People huh? You have some nerve." Ace gulped slightly, feeling the tension from the older man.
Marek just smiled. "What nerve? I wanted to bring my little brother here before he set out on his journey. Ace, meet Head Chef Zeff of the Baratie." Ace shrank slightly as Zeff's gaze landed on him. "So you're the one who ordered one of everything?" "Y-yes sir." Zeff stared at him before smiling. "A kid who wants to try all of my meals huh? I haven't had that in a very long time, not since that old bastard Garp brought this nutcase." "Oy, I'm not a nutcase." Marek said with mirth as the two men laughed. The marines from the ship all started to order their food. "Don't worry, I've got enough saved up to pay. This little cretin eats just as much as I do." Marek said, rubbing Ace's head and messing up his hair. Ace shouted indignantly, "Damn it Marek, I'm seventeen! Stop treating me like I'm ten!"
Marek grinned, "It doesn't matter how old you are, you're still my little brother Ace." Ace smiled faintly and nodded. Marek turned serious as he looked at Zeff. "He'll be here shortly, he's quite a few miles off but it'd be best if you got his meal ready." Zeff nodded. "He's on his way huh? Your Haki's gotten stronger my boy." Ace looked between the two in confusion before Zeff left. "Wait, who's coming? What's Haki?"
Marek smiled at him. "Haki is a power based on your will, observation and armament are the two primary ones. Observation allows you to predict and sense your enemies intentions and act on them. My uncle is a master at it, so much so that he can see a few minutes into the future." Ace had stars in his eyes. "Whoa…" "Armament allows you to make your attacks stronger, improve upon your body's strength. It's what allows me to hit you in our spars, and what allows Gramps and me to hit Luffy and make it hurt."
To show him, he gripped his hand and it turned to silver. "That's how I had my old epithet of "Silver Hand" Marek. My Haki for some reason is silver instead of the normal black, I can't explain it and everyone I've talked to about it can't explain it either." Marek unclenched his fist as the Haki faded away. Ace gulped slightly. "And as for who's coming here?"
Marek narrowed his eyes slightly as Patty came back with their drinks, a bottle of Jerez for himself. He took a drink of it and sighed. "One of the seven. He doesn't care for our agenda, to which I don't blame him, but he has taken down dangerous pirates and overeager swordsmen to claim his title. Defined by his eyes…." A collective gasp was head as a small ship docked at the ship. The man climbed aboard, his giant cross sword on his back as his hat covered his eyes as Marek glanced over at him.
"Dracule "Hawkeyes" Mihawk, the Worlds Strongest Swordsman." Ace gulped in nervousness as Mihawk lifted his head to show his eyes. "Rear Admiral." He said in his ever-serious tone. Marek nodded his head. "Mihawk. How's red-hair doing?" Mihawk took a seat at the table, the seat Tanner had taken before getting up. "It's not my place to tell you how he's doing. You have his number; you can call him yourself and ask him." Marek shrugged. "True enough. I told Zeff of your arrival, he'll be out soon." Mihawk nodded slightly, his gaze staring sharply at Ace who flinched under the pressure.
"Who's the kid? He another recruit?" Ace stood up before Marek forced him down with a hand on his shoulder. "Portgas D. Ace, and no he's not joining the marines. He wants to be a pirate, much like Him." Mihawk had a ghost of a smile and nodded. "My advice to you kid, try not to piss anyone off. It's a dangerous world out there, and people will try to kill you for even the smallest sleight." Ace nodded slowly and went outside to get some air that he didn't know he needed.
Marek sat back in his seat as Mihawk placed his elbows on the table. "So… that's His kid?" Marek nodded, "Aye. Garp has been watching over him, as have I when I have the time. Any new information you've come across?" Mihawk cupped his hands together. "Capone Bege has started to pack up his things. Seems he's moving on from West Blue and will be venturing to the Grand Line soon." Marek's eyes narrowed. "I figured. We can't touch him do to his connection to Big Mom either."
"There's more." He places a set of bounties on the table as Marek looked them over. Eight other pirates have started their journeys, as I'm sure you're aware." Marek nodded. "Trafalgar Law, "Surgeon of Death" from North Blue. Eustass "Captain" Kid, the worst of these nine, from South Blue. Scratchmen Appo, the only one from the Grand Line. Basil "Magician" Hawkins, also from North Blue. Former Rear Admiral "Red Flag" X Drake, user of the Ryu-Ryu no Mi: Model Allosaurs. He was a joy to be around." Marek said in a sarcastic tone.
"" Massacre Soldier"" Killer, Kid's vice-captain, just as dangerous as Kid himself. Urouge, the mad monk, rumored to be from the Sky Islands. How much of it is truth is unknown. And finally, Jewelry "Big Eater" Bonney, the youngest of the nine from South Blue. Seems the branches in South and North Blue need more training; so many of this rookies coming through them with ease." Marek said, cupping his chin. He slid the bounties back over to Mihawk who took them.
Mihawk then took a sip from his wine that was brought to him while they were talking. "Indeed, if we come across them, we'll take care of them." Marek nodded, "I figured as much, East has been quiet with my presence and of Smoker's. Nothing big except for that incident with the Black Cat pirates." Mihawk stood up, his food being brought over to him by Carne to go. "I take my leave Rear Admiral." Marek nodded, "It's been a pleasure Mihawk. Tell that brat to come back in or else I'll eat his food." Mihawk smiled faintly, tipped his hat and left out the restaurant.
Marek sat back, going over the information. 'The Kid Pirates are going to be issue; from what I saw from the poster they've been slaughtering innocents left and right as well as other pirates and marines. Trafalgar Law, I've heard of before. Laid-back, very calm, understanding, not very many qualities seen in a pirate nowadays. Urougue I know next to nothing about, while Bege I'm quite familiar with. Hawkins is also an unknown, but with his title of "Magician" there's gotta be more to him. Drake…' He shook his head, sighing softly. 'He still can't leave his father's shadow. I had hoped by befriending him, I could've swayed him from following in his father's footsteps, all for naught I suppose. Last but not least, Jewelry Bonney. Seems she has a tie with Kuma in some way, unsure of what it is though. She has a devil fruit that can age people, either older or younger, including herself, making her the perfect escape artist.'
He sighed slightly, seeing Ace coming back in with a frown and took a sip of Jerez. 'Law's a good kid, Sengoku seems interested in him for some reason or another, as does Grandmother.' "This is where we part ways Ace." Marek said to him, shocking the boy. "W-wait, I thought you were going to see me off!" Marek smiled, "I am. This is the perfect place to see you off from. I'm a well-known marine and if we did it publicly, the results wouldn't be good for either of us. That doesn't mean I won't check up on you." Marek reached into his pocket and pulled out a Den-Den and two pieces of paper, one had a number on it. "Your own Mushi and my number, the other piece of paper is a Vivre Card to get you to Whitebeard, when you feel you're ready to meet him."
Ace bit his lip, "Big bro…. I can't just." "Yes you can. Consider it a last-minute birthday gift from me." Marek said with a smile as Ace nodded and hugged him. "Be safe little brother, try and stay out of the big trouble that'll get the Warlords or Yonko's eyes on you." "I will Marek, thank you for being the best big brother in the world." Marek smiled softly as Ace packed up his food and left, leaving Marek to sit there and enjoy his meal in peace.