"WHAT?!" Ace bellowed in the meeting room after Luffy gave the full story. When he saw Luffy's reaction, the flinch and sadness, he calmed down. Everyone was in shock. They couldn't believe that the school was attacked. But were happy that Luffy could fight for himself, even against the strongest of them.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't control it. My eyes just reacted, and my head wouldn't listen to me. All I thought about was protecting my friends. And seeing Aizawa like that, I just acted. I don't even really like him that much. He's depressing and grumpy. But he's still my teacher.

"And now he knows. Not everything, but the fact I'm not human. I'm sorry," he repeated. Then he sniffled, and Sabo and Ace started freaking out about the tears that they rarely saw coming from their baby brother.

Marco said, "It's not your fault. And Eraser Head promised. He also knows we wouldn't stand it if he told anybody about you. You protected your friends and possibly stopped the murder of the man. It was brave of you to do. We can't scold you for it." Thatch nodded, along with Whitebeard, who looked sad, sitting at the head of the table.

"I'm sorry there's nobody else we can find to help you through this. Growing up is hard enough, but being like you and with no help just makes it harder. We know, and we'll always be there for you," the number two pro-hero said sincerely.

Luffy wiped his eyes, and confessed, "I'm scared about what could happen. I don't know what to be scared of, and that makes it worse." He held his horns, not wrapped while at home. "I'm not ashamed of what I am, I'm just sad I have nobody to share the burden with, to understand what I feel, how I feel. I know I'm not alone and that you all love and support me.

"But you're all humans. I'm not. There's nobody like me. I used to think it was awesome, I was one of a kind. But now it makes me feel regret that somebody else didn't show up with me that day. Maybe that there was an encyclopedia for me. Not that I'd be able to read it," he laughed tonelessly.

He sighed and laid his head on the table. "What if something bad happens and I hurt anybody?" he asked in a depressed and hopeless voice. Sabo put his hand on his back in support.

"We'll cross that bridge if we ever come to it," the blonde brother said. The others nodded in agreement. "And you have two best friends to share your burden. Two people willing in your pack, if that's what you want to call it. They're not afraid of you, even in full demon form."

Luffy said, "I know in my heart that I would never hurt either of them, ever. Or any of you. But others… I don't want to lose control. I just… I wish I could be certain of things, but there are just so many unknowns," he confessed. He slumped in his seat and apologized for being mopey.

Thatch sternly said there was nothing wrong with being upset. That he's gone his whole life being different and there is nothing wrong with being sad about that. "You're amazing, Luffy. And we'll protect you."

Whitebeard said, "I will tarnish my name and reputation if it means helping you be happy. If your identity is ever made public, just know we'd do everything to protect you and your happiness." Luffy started crying, sobbing into his hands.

"I'm sorry I can't be normal for you," he cried. Ace rolled his chair back and hugged him, his own tears at seeing Luffy like this.

Marco said, "We love you just the way you are. We have always loved you how you are. Since that little horned and winged baby came into our lives, we all love you." The others added their affirmations. Luffy sniffled, trying to get under control. Ace and Sabo said they would always love him as his brother, human or not.

Thatch said, "You are normal, Luffy. Just because you aren't human doesn't make you normal. You're yourself, and act like a human while still being an amazing person, a badass, kind demon. Nobody knows that demons do exist, if that's what you truly are, and nobody knows how kind and sweet you are, since the beginning.

"We never had to 'train' you, or teach you to act human. We don't know if this is how demons act. But it doesn't matter. You're you and we couldn't ask for anything better," the chef said seriously, sincerely. Luffy thanked them all, for loving him despite his differences.

There was a big family hug of love and encouragement. There was no hero better than Whitebeard was. Not even All Might. Thatch made his favorite food that night, and he messaged with Sanji and Zoro, giving them descriptions of their reactions, but nothing of the super personal side.

He was glad nobody was mad about Aizawa finding out. He was glad they loved him so much even if he wasn't one of them. He never said that or they'd get upset and offended. He knew he was a Whitebeard, a part of the family, but he wasn't one of them in a more literal sense.

But he was so thankful Marco took him that day, despite him knowing the baby wasn't human. Seeing him the first night in his full demon form, fluffy and cute. He wasn't fluffy and cute anymore.

That night, it was a Friday and there was no school the next day or until Tuesday while the school prepared for a more safe environment. Luffy was in his full demon form, standing in front of the huge mirror in the massive training room. He looked at his slitted, dark eyes. His sharp teeth that could kill easily. His massive clawed hands. His wide wings and thicker tail.

He turned to the side, looking at all of him, sitting on his hand legs, lifting his hands up and looking at them. He could be so dangerous. "Monster," he said in his warbly voice. The door opened and Marco walked in, seeing Luffy in his full demon form.

He was bigger than a large truck, taller than one, too. "You're not a monster, Luffy." Of course Marco heard with his enhanced senses. He walked up to Luffy and hugged him. "You're a blessing. You've lit up our days more times than we can ever count. You encourage us to do our best, to love one another more, accept differences." He looked up at the big, watery eyes. "You are a gift to this world, presented in a stroller. There should have been a bow somewhere on you."

Luffy chuckled in the gruff voice and hugged him back, hands soft against his back despite how strong and sharp his fingers were. He changed back and fell asleep, finally succumbing to the exhaustion that had plagued him all day. Marco carried him upstairs, now in his humanoid body, and tucked him into bed.

-x-

On Tuesday morning, Luffy was sitting in class with a book over his face, not wanting to talk to anyone, so pretending he was sleeping. Of course he heard about all of them being on the news, thinking it was cool. Luffy saw he was on the news, but all that was visible were his wings, thankfully.

They also talked about the USJ incident, Sanji interjecting that he was so happy about the ladies being unhurt. Kaminari demanded to know if he was glad everyone else was fine. The guys. "Of course. But you're all secondary for the ladies. And I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you and see all of you use your amazing quirks," he said in a gentlemanly voice. He was being sincere, and it was clear.

Nami said, "Aww. But you three barely talked to me the whole time!" she erupted suddenly. Zoro and Sanji put their hands up, saying they were distracted. "At least Usopp talked to me, you dipshits," she huffed, crossing her arms.

"Nami-san is so beautiful when she's mean~."

Mineta demanded to know how that wasn't creepy. Tsu said he had grabbed her boob, even if it was on accident, and hadn't apologized. "Damn it! Don't point things out like that!" he said with tears down his face in anger. Sanji grinned cockily and Zoro laughed. Luffy hid a laugh, only pretending to wake up when Iida came screaming into the room and telling them to sit, even though they were already all seated.

Zoro had Luffy's back and pretended to poke him awake, even though he knew Luffy was not sleeping. He pretended to jolt awake and put the math book on the table. He rested his chin on his hands on the table.

"What's wrong with you, Luffy?" Sero asked.

"Tired," he replied simply. Nobody asked him for any details since his expression was clearly closed off. They wondered who would be teaching since Aizawa was so hurt. But then he came inside, wrapped in bandages. Luffy wondered how he was seeing. Both arms were in slings, and Luffy looked regretful for not helping him sooner.

He looked in Luffy's direction and told him to not feel sorry for him. Luffy nodded once, and that small conversation was over. Everyone thought he came back way too soon, by the looks of him.

But everyone was no longer concerned when he told them the UA sports festival was coming up. Zoro and Sanji "whooped!" and the rest of the class cheered as well. Luffy was grinning, his mood lifted. He'd watched Ace and Sabo's, and it looked so fun.

But then Jiro pointed out that it wasn't safe to have it right after a villain attack. Luffy couldn't help but agree with that. It seemed… irresponsible to have it so soon. "What about the students who are still freaked out about it? Shouldn't they have a break to recuperate?" Luffy asked. Everyone looked to him and he looked to Mineta.

"Don't look at me!" the little pervert said.

But Ashido did say, "He has a point. It's so soon, less than a week later…"

"Apparently, they think of it as the UA showing that our crisis management system is solid as a rock by holding the event," Aizawa explained. He said security would be strengthened five times more than previous years. The sports festival was a huge chance. "It's not an event that can be cancelled for a few villains." When Mineta complained, Aizawa said the sports festival was as big as the olympics used to be. They couldn't call it off.

All top heroes looked at it, where students can shine and make good impressions for the pros, who might accept them based on their performances. They scouted the kids at the sports festival, so it was important to do well at. The Whitebeards didn't accept interns. Which was strange for some. But they all got too attached to the students that it wasn't good for them anymore.

They'd told him that when Luffy asked why when he was 11. He'd laughed and still found it funny.

Aizawa said there was no missing it, but they had three years to shine. Three chances. The trio shared glances and Luffy held up one finger. Sani and Zoro glared at each other when they put up two fingers.

"Zoro, Sanji. You'll find out where you place during the event. There's no use arguing about it now," Aizawa said, making those around them laugh. Aizawa turned back to the class. "Don't slack on your preparations."

"Yes, sir!" the class said. Then all eyes turned to the monster trio.

"Let us train with you at Whitebeard's agency!" they shouted and begged. Luffy put his hands up awkwardly and said that wouldn't work. They don't accept strangers like that to come and use their facility.

Zoro smirked. "Besides, why would we help train people we're competing against? How does that make sense?" Many glared but Kirishima said they had a point. Bakugo glared daggers at them.

"This won't be like the entrance exam. You won't get top place," he snarled.

Zoro said, "Of course not. We can't all take the top place. Just the top three places. You guys have some competition, I hope you make it fun for us." Bakugo screamed at him to shut up.

Mineta said, "Please don't kill us like the villains." Zoro scoffed and said they could control themselves. He wouldn't use swords against them. Just metal bats. It didn't make anyone look any happier. It looked like they had cemented their places as top strongest in the class. With Luffy being number one after saving Aizawa and killing the nomu, along with holding down the two leaders. Even though both of them got away.

After Cementos' class was over, they were back to talking about the sports festival, wanting to stand out. Zoro was napping for real, not pretending like Luffy had been earlier. "Luffy, Tokoyami and Shoji stand out the most. Everyone else will have to try harder," Kirishima said.

Nami said she would have to stand out most. "Though Usopp can stand out more for his long nose," she said honestly. Usopp scowled at her. She winked and said," Just joking. Ashido-chan will stand out as well."

"Right, right?! I'm so excited!" the pink girl exclaimed. Everyone was buzzing besides Midoriya, who looked nervous. He should be, his quirk was pretty much useless.

"Everyone is so excited," he said, probably talking to himself and not anyone around. Iida stood up and said that they all enrolled to be heroes, so of course everyone should be excited.

Luffy leaned back in his chair and said, "You could do your best without using your quirk. Or leave it for the last round you make it to. You're smart, use your brain and not your quirk." Midoriya looked down and said that was easier said than done. "Well, that's what training is for, right? We have two weeks."

"I know. I'll do my best," Midoriya said with conviction, the fear and nervousness gone from his voice, Luffy smiled. "Deku-kun, Iida-kun, let's do your best," a deep voice said. They turned around and saw Uraraka looking quite more intense than usual. She must be really determined. "Everyone! I'm going to do my best!" she roared. Twice. Everyone agreed excitedly.

"God, I'm trying to nap, shut up," Zoro grumbled. Luffy handed him his ear buds so he would have some quiet. They were high quality. "You're a lifesaver," he mumbled and went back to his nap.

At lunch, Luffy pulled out three lunch boxes and handed two to Sanji and Zoro. "What's this?"

"Thatch wanted to thank you guys for supporting me for USJ. He cooked both of your favorites for you. It was the only thing he could come up with," Luffy exclaimed. Sanji grinned, loving Thatch's food. And plus, he'd learned a lot to cook from the man over the years. Zoro said he was too nice.

Luffy replied you could never be too nice. Zoro asked why Todoroki was sitting with them, since they usually sat with the others, but they were at a different table and Luffy didn't really feel up to socializing. Still in a semi-bad mood even days after his episode. "I thought we were friends."

Zoro asked why he thought that. "Just cause you heard some shit doesn't make you our friend," Zoro said defensively. Todoroki simply said that he didn't hear enough to form any hypothesis and that they seemed like the most interesting people in the class. Plus, he saw them fight and decided he wanted to sit with them. "I can move."

"No, it's fine. Zoro, stop being cranky," Luffy scolded. Zoro scowled and looked away. Sanji called him immature. Nami slid into the seat next to Todoroki.

"Whatcha' talking about, hmm? Secrets? Hmmm?" Zoro said it was none of her business. And for once, Sanji didn't defend her. He kept the secret, too. It wasn't just Zoro and Luffy involved in the massive secret. All of them were. And Sanji supported Luffy more than he supported any girls. He never said it, but it was clear.

The next day, the students were trying to get out of the class for lunch when the doors were swarmed with other students. Students Luffy didn't recognize. Some were getting mad at them being there, trying to get out. Bakugo said they were checking out the competition.

"I'm hungry. Let's go the long way," Luffy said, and grabbed Zoro and Sanji and jumped out of the window, flying down smoothly. They walked the long way and went to lunch, not wanting to deal with others. They were perfectly fine and were halfway done when their classmates arrived. They grumbled about Bakugo making them all look bad.

Nami sat across from them. "It's not fair you guys got to escape like that. They were such assholes! Checking us out just cause we fought villains, like we're special. The ones they wanted to see weren't even in there." She pointed her form at the three. "You three are who they wanted to see yet you bolted! Gosh."

Zoro said that they didn't want to deal with petty shit like that. Then he grinned, "They'll just have to see us on the battlefield." Sanji nodded and Luffy smiled and laughed. The sports festival seemed like it'd be so fun! He already knew who he wanted to get scouted by. Hawks. He was sure Marco would get mad, but he'd always wanted to meet him. Besides, there was nobody else he could think of to want to be scouted by.

During the next week and a few days, the trio trained at the training room violently. Luffy spewed blood everywhere, Zoro and Sanji healing over. "You can't do that to normal people!" Sanji shouted. Luffy pouted, but knew it was true. "Work on beating the shit out of them without your claws!" Luffy protested that nobody would see them that way. Zoro said he had a point. "Still, you can't slice open fellow students. You'll be disqualified and possibly a murderer!"

Luffy huffed and kicked the sanded floor. He got rid of his claws and fought without them, punching and kicked devastating blows that made his friends spit out and have to rest. He went all out, and Zoro slammed him with the bats, throwing him into walls. He threw Sanji into a training pole and hurt his back badly.

But the broken bone healed over. "You asshole!"

"I didn't mean to make you land there," Zoro said, though his expression was apologetic. They were all close, even if they argued sometimes. Sanji lost his anger. "Pussy."

"What did you say?!" Sanji roared, and Luffy laughed loudly.

He grinned and said, "We have to get the top three spots, no matter what! If we get all three, it doesn't matter who gets number one, we'll still have ranked the highest." Zoro smirked and Sanji smiled. They knew he was right about that. They'd cement themselves further into being the top three of the class, of the first years.

Sanji said, "We can't let anyone land hits or they'll see the healing and that could be bad for all of us." The other two nodded. They had to be extra careful to not get burnt or stabbed. That's why it would be hard to fight Bakugo. He would have no problem trying to blow them to pieces. The burns would heal over immediately.

It would be a dead give away that something was up.

Ace and Sabo came in, cracking their knuckles. "Ready to battle?" Zoro and Sanji's faces went white, knowing both of them were amazing fighters, merciless. So they fought them, punched over and over until they finally got good hits in, Zoro useless against Ace since he was made of fire. Luffy fought Sabo, even when he turned into blending in with the environment.

"Somebody's been training their senses," Sabo teased.

Nobody won, but everyone was exhausted by the end. They didn't just train with fighting, but cardio and endurance, too. Running marathons, Luffy flying as fast as possible. They did everything to get in perfect shape, more than they already were. Their muscles screamed at them by the end of the days, but it was all worth it.