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Summary:
Ever since he came back, he suddenly longed for the shadows… the smell of the forest… and a specific soup based dish. But Marco knew that finding their crew and be confronted by the aftermath of that fateful day wouldn't be that easy. Or so he hopes it would.
Author's note:
In the beginning of our story, Naruto is around 11 years old. By the end, she is around 12. By the beginning of Shippūden, due to the two and a half-year time skip that occurs, Naruto is either 14 or 15 years old. I will be following canon for this one.
And per Jiraiya's insistence, Marco was physically examined by Tsunade herself to determine his current age. We won't know the exact numbers as the actual age did shock both Sannins when Marco supplied the said information. Physically, the Phoenix is 17 years old after the night of Mizuki's betrayal. In Shippūden, he is either 19 or 20.
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Of Flaming Feathers and Bloodstained Furs
By: Zelga Lim Li
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Part 34
Somewhere in the supposed-to-be weakest of the four seas, a certain man with gravity defying hairstyle observes the floating restaurant in front of him with a speculative eye. Pulling his cloak securely around his body, he laughed quietly when his 'pet' tugged him towards the said establishment.
Giving him a stern look, Pakkun may have rolled his eyes in annoyance if he did allowed him.
"Alright, alright. I know you're hungry and the smell inside is appetizing. But we do need to…"
Huffing, the dog would have scolded him in response when another set of customers came. Men wearing white uniforms with the word 'MARINE' printed proudly behind their backs. Some carry weapons and a few stayed by the door as if to stand guard. There are two who carried themselves quite differently than the others and did caught his eye just because he can visually sense their chakra.
Frowning, Hatake Kakashi carefully carried his companion and removes the harness on Pakkun's body so that his 'dog' can sit comfortably in one of the vacant chairs. They were approached by one of the waiters (if it wasn't for the commanders forewarning, he may have shown his dismay for being greeted by a barbarian… or looks like one instead of a pretty waitress).
"Welcome to Baratie, I am Patty and will be your server for today…"
Ignoring Pakkun's snickering who saw his reaction, he ordered his meal and something for his 'pet'. Casually observing the other diners and the not-so-noticeable group of men, Kakashi pulled out a set of new bounties he pilfered from that day's newspaper and checked a few names that interest him and may have heard in passing.
From his peripheral vision, he saw an old man with a wooden peg leg talking to another all-too-familiar face wearing a chef's uniform and pompadoured hairstyle near the enlarged wanted poster of a certain pirate rookie that is part of a crew that is currently causing ruckus in several places on these seas. Then he heard the whispers when the taller man turns to face the crowd and greets him with a cheery wave upon spotting his location.
"Is that…?"
"I can't believe this… h-he's alive?"
"Thatch of the Whitebeard Pirates…"
Ignoring the chatter and the attention the man receives (thinking what kind of problems he may encounter for being associated with 'him'), Kakashi took a bite from his meal and had this urge to moan in delight. The taste is indeed delicious and if it wasn't for the commander's teasing wink, he will never know that the said man prepared his meal.
"I will not ask the significance of the said mask since my Naruto or the others have never seen your face without it, but is the illusion really necessary, yoi?" A not-so-welcomed voice interrupted his meal and he had this urge to growl in response for the term he used to address Naruto. The nerve of this pirate scum!
Knowing that genjutsu is one of the other's weakness, Kakashi side-eyed the man-turned-teen beside him and nods dubiously to himself. Even with the said information, he doubts using it will give him an edge against the pirate in battle. Pakkun snorted and finishes his meal. "He does have a point you know."
Patting his companion's head, the famed jōnin of the Elemental Nations gave them an eye smile as he replaces his mask and dispels the illusion. From everyone's view, his plate is already empty with his favorite book in hand.
"Yes. Asking 'that' question is something I'd rather not answer since it isn't something I am comfortable with even after…" Clearing his throat, he waves his hand evasively, "…even after my father's death."
Humming interestedly, Marco didn't push through any other inquiries but places his chin on top of his palm and lazily observes Thatch's poor attempt to appease the former pirate while sensing the truth from his spoken words.
It was then another unexpected encounter came to their table when the light haired marine (one of the two men from earlier) drops his glass upon seeing the blonde sitting beside him.
"M-marco the Phoenix?!"
He wonders if he can get that dessert Thatch promised earlier ignoring the whispers that started to grow stronger around him. Hmm.
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Returning to the blue seas does feel nostalgic. Thatch himself hums agreeably beside him. Their other companion nods in appreciation after seeing the unending sea on that first day.
Strangely enough, they arrived in between the Reverse Mountain and East Blue. They came out from the same large pillars they went into with a familiar set of symbols. He did remember Naruto's super secret journal about fuuinjutsu that she's been studying on her own. The said journal was found hidden in one of the apartment's concealed floorboards when they expanded the kitchen which happen to unlock after Naruto accidentally pricked her finger and droplets of her blood scattered on top of wood. Marco did control his flinch when he saw her bleeding (something that didn't escape Thatch's watchful eyes).
Kakashi himself looks shaken seeing the markings and those stone monoliths in the outskirts of Uzushio while the silver haired medic explained the meaning behind these seals and a brief history of the fallen village.
Seems like his Naruto isn't the last from her clan. Well, Karin is an unexpected find. But knowing that there are more Uzumakis running around especially in these seas… or anywhere in it… ah. Finding a few of them will definitely make her happy. If that's the case, then locating her family and introducing her will be in his next agenda.
Firstly, find the idiot (given that Ace did left their crew for his own selfless reasons makes him want to punch the man regardless). And then their crew. Either one works as he isn't picky. After sorting everything out including oyaji's sickness and their territories, he will finally focus on himself… and Naruto's dream.
Finding the rest of her family is just an added bonus.
Heh.
Seems like that woman's luck knows no bounds. Not that he minded really. Becoming Naruto's shadow will make sure that no harm may come before her.
After all, seeing Naruto's smile trumps everything else. Even if it is Akainu's so-called justice and his magma covered fists.
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Somewhere in the ruins of a fallen kingdom found in the New World…
Laffitte stilled when he felt his world shaken… as in quite figuratively. Van Augur who was working with him on their next expansion project drops his own map in surprise hearing the said noise.
Shadows started to creep out from their captain's room. Feeling the danger within, he motioned for the other man to bring the documents and cautiously transferred into another area. Much farther away from the Yami Yami no Mi user.
Sighing, Laffitte wipes the trepidation off his face just in case new recruits happen to pass by their temporary abode. Better to keep up appearances regardless of any situation they may face from Blackbeard's unpredictable ability. Seems like it is more worst than before.
Doc Q burst surprisingly into their room and he thankfully controlled a startle unlike the other. With a curse, Van Augur threw a marker towards the newcomer.
With bated breath, Doc Q thrusts the newspaper into their direction with a frantic look. Seeing its content did nothing but add further worry to his earlier predicament.
Perhaps he'll take that mission Burgess wanted just so he can steer clear from whatever is going to happen once his captain learns that the man he stole his Devil Fruit from is still alive.
Seems like the rumours surrounding these Devil Fruits are indeed real if Blackbeard cannot control his ability because its chosen user is still alive.
How very troublesome.
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As someone who lived all his life on land, Kabuto never understood the appeal in living on the wide expanse of open waters. Perhaps that lighthouse would be a better alternative. But then…
"Well, if our options are several islands with an ever-changing weather or those controlled by maniacal people who believes they are better than anyone…" Looking at Marco who chuckles in response to Thatch's words.
"The choice is obvious, kid. Besides, what is better than the sea who welcomes everyone regardless of where they come from and how they live their life?"
Perking up hearing Marco's spoken words, he started to ask questions about the different species found on these seas. Be they human or another.
He did have an enlightening conversation with the lighthouse and whale keeper they met after traversing that treacherous mountain.
Ah. There is more to learn.
The said man immediately recognizes the two Whitebeard Commanders (on that first glance) and agrees to give them a spare boat they can use to reach their next stopover.
Begrudgingly, Marco continuously ignore their other annoying chaperone who accompanied them on this trip. Not that he needed a protector. Technically speaking, he is jōnin-level and he is yet to reveal his actual strength and abilities. Not that the blonde pirate didn't notice the deception.
Or perhaps… he was sent to spy on him and possibly annoy the pirate who took a liking to Konoha's resident jinchūriki.
Hatake Kakashi laughs humorously and blocks his gaze with the perverted Sannin's latest book as if reading his thoughts.
"From the information provided by Zeff-oji and Crocus-san, the crew safely escaped Marineford courtesy of a certain flaming turkey…" Ignoring the slight twitch in Marco's brow and his ever-present scowl (come to think of it, the said 'face' remained ever since they passed thru the gateway… or perhaps after they parted ways with a certain blonde haired kunoichi), Thatch opened a map and marked several locations as he explained their next course of action. The jōnin took a peek and uses the telescope he handed over to scope their next destination from afar.
"Hmm… I do see a few ships coming from that direction all the way from that side…" With a pause, Kakashi scratches his cheek and hands the spyglass back to Marco. "Looks unfriendly though."
The blonde agreed with a frown after eyeing the direction the jōnin mentioned. "I don't want to deal with these guys unless absolutely necessary, yoi." But then he sense a somewhat familiar presence and groaned dejectedly giving Thatch an opportunity to tease him who also noticed the incoming presence that caught his attention.
Kabuto saw a coffin-shaped boat with a lone man sitting inside of it. Huh?
"Isn't this great? We're on the right route then." His friend laughs out gleefully and waves towards the World's Greatest Swordman who didn't return his greeting but Marco knows that the warlord's scrutinizing gaze is directed towards him and the unknowns with them.
Just what he needed. Damn it, yoi!
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Sailing from a safe distance, the contingent from Konoha and several pirates watches the commotion before them. Ignoring the floating girl beside them, Kakashi whistles in awe upon seeing the destruction the marines caused to destroy the pirate ship… or was it an island? Or a submarine? They also see the man from earlier effortlessly slices a gigantic cannonball in two (using a very large sword similar to Kubikiribōchō) that will probably affect their current location if it reaches its intended target.
From the wreckage hidden from the marines frontal view, another ship emerges with the pirate girl, Perona, supplying who it belongs to - another warlord by the name of Boa Hancock, the world's most beautiful woman.
Humming interestedly, Kabuto looks at Kakashi who shrugged his shoulders dismissively.
"Perhaps it is yet to be proven as we have our own standards back home…" Tapping a finger on his covered cheek, the silver-haired jōnin added with an eye smile that urges the devil fruit user to float further away in fear. "But it won't hurt to take a closer look, ne?"
Mentally, the medic brings a palm over his face for the meaning behind Kakashi's words. Tch. Such a pervert.
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Inside the World Pirates ship, Marco carefully navigated through empty hallways and the damage brought upon by one Monkey D. Luffy. Sensing them in one of the largest room, he silently observes the fight between Byrnndi and Ace's little brother from the shadow's covers. Wincing slightly when he heard the older pirate's tirade, he knew that the boy remembers everything that happened that day.
Granted that he choose to give up his life to save him, that didn't change the fact that the boy is no match from the pirates of the New World. Yet.
Perhaps his tenacity and never-give-up attitude will be his tools to get stronger. And be better.
Just like one particular shinobi he knows.
So when the boy's current attempt finally allowed him a direct hit (tasting the air with Ace's fire and his familiar bluish colored flames), it did surprise him knowing that the young pirate was able to manifest his will (and unknowingly procured chakra reminding him of Kabuto's observations about the similarities between the two) during the last-minute.
When both fell that finally concluded the battle, Marco cautiously approaches Luffy as he eyed the other pirate but then another figure came from the other side of the room.
They looked at one another but didn't stopped each other's attempt to tend for their wounded.
Closing his eyes, he willed his wings to materialize physically behind his back. Musing idly to himself that his first passenger happens to be another Devil Fruit user and what it means if he fail to retain this partial winged form… ah. It will probably be fatal to the both of them.
With a scoff to himself, spread his wings wider before he turned around to look at World and his older brother. "I can…"
"My captain has fallen… and our ship will soon follow. She… she was a symbol of our freedom." Laughing tiredly, Byojack added in a whisper. "I have abandoned them once. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes twice."
Nodding in respect, Marco flew without a backward glance just as he felt Byrnndi recovers and attacked one last time using his ability to launch a gigantic cannon against the Marines.
However, the projectile was sliced in half by no other than Mihawk and the World Pirate captain fell lifeless after using the last of his strength. As the ship started to sink because of the marines continued bombardment, the first mate stayed by his younger brother's side, forever loyal despite everything.
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"Would you prefer a direct approach? Or a subtle one?" Kakashi asks. From his peripheral, he can see Thatch's nonchalant look. And yet the feeling of excitement is clearly visible from the said pirate. Turning to look at Kabuto, the younger man shrugged his shoulders.
"You're the one who fought with a Kiri-nin back in Wave. You were able to copy a few jutsus, right?"
Ah. If he only knew they'll take advantage of his expertise, he shouldn't have come.
But the idea of knowing where the Phoenix came from (or how he came to be) is an opportunity he cannot pass. Curiosity surpass any other emotions he felt for the said teen… with all his secrets to uncover. Hmm. The choice is quite obvious. "You guys owe me a drink." The pompadoured haired pirate laughs in response as he formed the necessary hand signs. When the illusion washes over them, their boat carefully approaches the pirate ship. Kabuto boarded with Perona disappearing (possibly returning to her original body or to her companion from earlier) and left them a few mocking words along the way.
On deck, they saw Marco kneeling in front a boy with his bluish colored flames while another voluptuous woman crouches beside them, worry clearly visible from her beautiful face. They were hoarded by several women with snakes that are large enough to serve as their makeshift bow with arrows aimed dangerously towards them idly wondering how they detected his illusion.
Thankfully enough, Marco acknowledges their presence and motioned for Kabuto to help treat the wounds of the boy. The woman (who indeed is very pretty) fretted more but the Phoenix assures her that the medic can help.
Arriving in Rusukaina several hours later, a very strange island that has forty-eight seasons, they learned that the other man they are looking for left a few days ago. Marco doesn't seem to be bothered since the boy he died for is there, who is training to be stronger. So that Marco or anyone else won't sacrifice themselves for any other reason just so he can live another day.
Monkey D. Luffy is a one odd kid that reminds him of one Uzumaki Naruto. Mentioning it to the older men earned him a droll stare (from Marco), a flabbergasted look (Thatch's) and a disbelieving reaction (Kakashi's).
The human physiology of a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit does intrigue him to an extent and decided to study the boy knowing that it will help treat the sickness of another.
Then there's the matter with Thatch's sudden affinity with darkness.
"Eh?"
The Phoenix did eye his friend incredulously. "I already mentioned this to you before, idiot. How can you forget, yoi."
"'Coz the idea of it is absurd as hell? And too far-fetched and utterly inconceivable even to our own standards?"
Rolling his eyes at him, the Phoenix raised both hands in frustration. Perhaps the knowledge isn't wide known but…
"Seriously though, what's the big deal?" The pompadoured haired pirate muttered in confusion. "It's not like I can summon darkness if I wanted to…"
The elder of the Kuja tribe eyed the man before her. Now she knew what the current user of the Yami Yami no Mi lacks.
Using her staff to pull the pirate to her level (and continuously ignoring the Snake Empress' poor attempt to snare the rubber boy's affection), tugs his cheeks, peeked on his mouth and streches his eyelids to take a better look, Gloriosa releases the man and chuckled in response to his indignant reaction. "No one really knows how these fruits came to be. But one thing is certain… these fruits will only show themselves to their chosen wielders."
"Are they sentient?" Kabuto asks curiously.
"No. But if living on these seas taught us anything… is to accept all kinds of weirdness that happens whenever or however." The old woman answered mysteriously as she tapped her snake staff.
That isn't even a conclusive explanation.
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A week passed with Marco disappearing for a few days with the rubber teen, the Snake Empress finally decided to lend them a skiff that will tow their boat across the Calm Belt with the assistance of one of Kuja's serpents even giving the rest of them a haughty look enough to scare Thatch (or even the self-proclaimed pervert himself). Perhaps Marco is an exemption because of what he did before and that the recent events convinces her to look at him in respect and gratitude for saving her beloved's life (not that the teen acknowledges her affection).
From then on, the voyage was too mundane even for Kabuto's tastes. But the silence is more than enough to focus on his tasks. Marco did give a brief rundown of their captain's symptoms. If what he thinks the old man's health issues are, the condition can still be dealt with (if it is still in the early stages). However…
"His Devil Fruit?" Both commanders looked at one another asking for the same thing. It was Thatch who voiced it out though. "What about it?"
"It is called the Gura Gura no Mi, correct?"
Nodding, the two waited for further explanations when Kakashi called out and pointed an incoming ship.
"Damn it, there's no flag. I cannot be certain if they are civilians, traders or another…" Handing the spyglass to Marco, they waited for any cue that the ship spotted them. Maybe posing as fishermans would be ideal but the two are noticeable enough to warrant unwanted attention.
Already expecting for the worst, he and Thatch prepared weapons, Kakashi's hands poised to do a seal and cast a genjutsu over them so that they can escape quickly. But then a harpoon was fired from the larger ship even in such distance and it securely attaches to their boat. Instead of fighting back or cut the line just to give enough range for an illusion, Marco held them back and shook his head.
"Let's play by the ear for now. Until we determine their threat, we will not fight."
He glances at Kakashi who is regarding the pirate as if it is the first time he saw the teen. Well, he wouldn't blame the man. Even back in Konoha while living together under the same roof (or since the failed invasion), the said blonde always surprises him in every turn.
"Well, well, well… this is quite a surprise, no?"
A shadow falls before their skiff as everyone looks up with Thatch warily appraised several men (and women) on the upper deck with another set weapons (entirely different from the ones the Kuja Pirates used) pointed at them.
Marco took the lead and carefully approaches the speaker who jumps into their vessel despite the distance.
Even before the commander can utter any word, the silver-haired jōnin gasps and dropped his hands in shock seeing the 'unknown' who blocked our path.
"Y-you?!"
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Somewhere in the New World…
Several ships are sailing near the bay. Some are easily identified as pirate ships. But not just any pirate ships.
One was the Moby Dick, the primary vessel of the Whitebeard Pirates along with several others or allies of the crew.
Not far from the same coast where the great ship was anchored, a shadow approaches the docks. His fishing rod (somewhat like a props but his woman refuted the claim before he can say it out loud) drops slightly to the edge of the planks knowing that his chances to catch dinner is hopefully better than yesterday's.
Taking his portable den den mushi out, he called him to report. It only take a few rings.
"Hello?"
"It's me. And I do know that there is one person you wanted me to find and gather intel from, but…"
"I don't give a damn about these pirate scums. If this information isn't about the Pirate King's son… I am not interested."
"But sir, the rumors about some Whitebeards Pirates spotted in East Blue…"
"Their captain is about to keel over. And now that their first mate is dead, the Whitebeards Pirates are no longer considered a threat."
He did attempted one more time and mentioned the news he heard earlier from one of his contacts but the old man didn't even let him start and added the current dilemma they are facing with the upstart traitor who may have contributed to the 'demise' of the said crew. He even had the audacity to berate his current lifestyle and how he wastes his life from settling down. After that, he ended the call without even saying goodbye.
So typical.
If it wasn't from the debt he owed the man, he wouldn't even bother to misspend his time waiting for someone who will never come (if he is on Fire Fist's shoes, he will disappear and never return… ever!).
Granted that the guy has issues with his lineage and all that… he felt sorry for the man called Portgas D. Ace.
Then a familiar scent assault his senses when two arms wrapped around his neck. Her ash blonde hair tickled his nose when he turned to face his wife and gets a kiss in his cheeks.
"Did Baka-ainu ruined our day again, hmm?"
Chuckling, he tugged her down so that they'll both face the expansive view of the sea and despite the ships that anchored nearby (quietly disregarding the flags decorating them), it was indeed a magnificent place he will never grew tired of.
"The old man's intentions are in the right place even if his methods are questionable," Scratching his day old beard, former Ciphor Pol agent Orion Krauss noted absentmindedly and pulled his Remi closer. "I happen to be one of those few that knows the man before he became what he is today."
Huffing annoyingly, his wife rolled her eyes at him and took the fishing pole from his other hand. "Regardless of his humble beginnings, the Red Dog is someone who is as bull-headed as his so-called justice that only sees black and ignores the white or grey ones." The love of his life grumbled and took a can of baits from the basket she brought along. "Now then, our dinner needed catching. So go ahead and find me a nice snapper, you lazy fool." Ouch.
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Unknown to Marco and the entourage from the Elemental Nations, one of the people they are looking for is watching over a similar gateway (albeit in the opposite end of the Red Line).
That the trauma caused by the events in Marineford… his continued existence… Portgas D. Ace lost his will.
Not about dying of course (or the memories of those who gave up their lives to save him might come to a waste). He acknowledges the fact that no one should suffer his presence any longer or he will bring the wrath of the World Government upon them.
So he decided to cut himself off from the rest of the world, his nakama… and his younger brother. It will be his penance. Rather than letting them be tainted by his accursed existence, he finally concluded to himself that it is time to leave.
True that he's a D and that will never change. That he is not afraid to die. But knowing how his crew… his brother will react or will do in the event that he plans to sacrifice himself - that he doesn't deserve to live! - the thought itself is inconceivable. Especially now that one of the people who accepted him regardless of the blood running through his veins died because he existed.
That he got too attached.
So when he heard about a certain passageway that goes into an unknown land entirely separated from the blue seas…he took the chance without any preamble.
"The gateway will open in a few minutes from now…" The old man he met during this self-exposed exile told him the other day. He was a former resident from that unknown land and entirely different from those he met in Wano (thinking about Yamato and the little girl… aahh). Taking a harsh breath, Ace clutches his chest tightly and failed to respond in time. Despite being blind, the old man patted his shoulders reassuringly as if understanding his pain. "If you are really sure about this… to leave everything behind, go beyond the twin pillars. It will lead you to a different place, far from those who wanted to harm you."
Eyeing the said pillars hesitantly, the pirate willed himself not to care. And yet he hesitated. His emotions… chaotic. Something the stranger did notice.
From his own cloak, he took an old tattered scroll with a red insignia stamped in its body by a waxed seal, tracing the symbols reverently. "These pillars are made solely for the intention of keeping my family safe… and to keep both worlds separate from one another." The old man shrugged his frail shoulders in humor about something that concerns the two and Ace thought the storytelling he unexpectedly heard was over. "Time passed, so we all decided to keep the purpose of the seal intact but modify it to an extent and allow those who wish to leave their life behind, to start over… as long as they do not have any ill intent towards our clan."
"There you are jiji-sama…" A younger man whose hair color matches the blood of his fallen nakama (biting the flesh inside his mouth to stop himself from making any unusual noises) rushes towards them and bows apologetically upon gazing at his stilled form. The younger man did frown seeing his expression and proceeded to scold his grandfather from leaving the safety of their home. Ace may have zoned out in the middle of the their conversation as he stared at the scroll in his hands. Contemplating his next move.
With a soft tap on his hands, he raises his eyes and the pirate eases away from the old man whose focus can rival Luffy's when it comes to meat but now the attention is directed at him even if his eyes sees nothing but a shadow. "Look for the tall trees, the vast forest with a mountain of carved faces… a village hidden among the leaves. It is… a good place to start a new life. They will treat you well as long as you show this scroll."
The redhead opens his mouth as if to comment but decided against it when the old man started to walk away. He did turn twice but his attention was suddenly preoccupied by his elder who tried to reach for something in front of them.
Finally alone, Ace gave a weary sigh while the pillar in question illuminates brightly as another set of stone monolith located somewhere else signaled the arrival of 'visitors' from the same land he plans to go into.
If only Ace turns around, he will notice something strange is happening which will make him question his decision.
Blanking out, the D may have struggled internally feeling the weight of desolation and the need to end everything… even his own life. Ace sits down letting his hair cover his face with his arms surrounding his head to gather his thoughts thinking of what the old man said.
It was already decided even if he didn't learn about the said gateway.
As it is, fate wanted to make things so complicated. That and the law of the universe just wanted to screw everything up.
With a firm set of his jaw (after pulling himself together for the nth time that day), Portgas D. Ace walked through the gateway (ignoring the heavy feeling of his heart) without looking back… leaving the blue seas behind… and into the unknown.
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Interlude: Thatch 2
Passing through the twin pillars of stones and seals does feel familiar even if he never saw one in his entire existence (even on this second life). The feeling is strange but welcomed.
Kabuto is cool as a cucumber but his eyes sparks in wonder knowing that some people from the Elemental Nations have already known about the blue seas. Perhaps Kakashi's reaction to the pillars are unexpected… but the most noticeable of the group is his best friend.
He can see the tension on the blonde's shoulders especially after turning his back away from Naru-chan while the girl herself is the worst of them all and despite the tears in her eyes, she held her chin up and masked her features with that 'smile' Marco hates so much.
The Phoenix did told him everything that had happened and he cannot blame the man-turned-teen for slightly loathing the village and all the damage it brought upon their favorite kunoichi.
So finding their crew is their foremost priority. Hopefully it is quicker with the help of Konoha's elite (Kabuto may deny all he wants about the said claim). And along the way, gather the necessary information on how to deal with the traitor who broke apart their family.
"You're scaring the cyclops, Thatchy."
A slight kick on his shin, he could have squawked in response if it wasn't from the medic's familiar nickname (taken from Karin's slip out that first day). He did pouted petulantly towards Kakashi who is eyeing him cautiously.
Voicing out his apologies, he scratches his head and contemplates the tasks he have in mind while toning down his expression ignoring Marco's sigh somewhere from his peripheral.
Yep.
He will make sure to fix everything on their return with the crew… that way Marco can focus on his own love life… er happiness. He is sure Izo and the other commanders (including oyaji himself) wouldn't mind.
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Author's other note:
Cross-posted in AO3. Enjoy! And keep safe everyone!
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