Chapter Thirty-Three : Story
"Would you like more sake, Ace-chan? " Shakky asked while holding a bottle. "It's from West Blue and theirs has always been my favorite."
"Please do." Ace accepted and the bartender gladly poured it on his cup. He took a small sip, trying to know if it would be his liking. And just like what Shakky had tell, it held a sweeter and more refined taste.
Shakky's bar was also located on Grove 13. Ace eyed the place with sheer interest glittering in his eyes. He remembered the old days of the three of them visiting Makino's bar. This bar was no different than hers. Though, he must say that the drinks he had tasted here were better than the one in his hometown.
"I've been a fan of you since the whole fiasco at Lougetown," Shakky said while lighting up tobacco. "I must say that I'm impressed."
"Thanks. The idea just came to me on the spot." Ace laughed lightly, putting his glass away.
"Definitely got it from his father," Shakky smirked. "Don't you think so, Ray?"
Rayleigh nodded immediately. "Though I must say that Roger would have cause more ruckus than that!"
Ace eyed the old man seated next to him. He still didn't know what to think of Rayleigh. From his father's stories, Roger spoke highly of his first mate— even considering him the closest thing he had as a brother. Silvers Rayleigh was known in the world as the right hand man of the Pirate King, the man who was with him in the beginning and through the end.
It was true that Roger was the captain but Rayleigh was the voice of reason and kept the ship running through his leadership. In a way, Rayleigh was Roger's shadow, hence the epithet Dark King. He was the man who helped paved the way for Roger to achieve his dreams. He was as equally as strong as Roger and yet he chose to follow him to the ends of earth. And for that reason enough, Ace respected him truly.
"Would you believe me if I say that I met my father when I was ten?" Ace asked, finally finding the voice to talk about the topic.
"What can I say?" The old man replied whilst circling the glass on his hand. His genuine smile didn't falter. "Stranger things had happened in the Grand Line."
Ace released a long sigh. "I don't know where to start..."
"In the beginning would be better."
"I was adopted by the Marine Hero, Garp."
"Garp would be a more natural choice than any of Roger's crewmates," Rayleigh said.
"I agree," Ace nodded. Growing up away from everyone's eyes was better in his own opinion. The government could have easily figure out who he was if he was adopted by any of his father's crewmates.
"I was raised on Dawn Island on East Blue by the people who Garp trusts. There I met Sabo when we're both five. Garp also introduced us to his grandson named Luffy. Luffy is younger than us by three years." Ace continued, grinning as he remembered the memories. "We became brothers after exchanging cups of sake. They're my greatest treasure and I'm proud to have them as brothers."
Ace relaxed and allow himself to smile. Talking about his brothers has always been a great pleasure of his and he will never get tired of it.
"It was on one morning after we finished training and we're on our way back home. Sabo and I were busy talking to notice Luffy's gone missing. We found him together with my father on a beach. He saved Luffy's life. You see, Luffy ate a Devil Fruit but his straw hat flew towards the sea."
"Hmm..." Shaky hummed. "Roger suddenly appeared one day?"
"I don't know how or why, to be honest." Ace breathed heavily. His father never once explained it to them and they never mind asking. There were some questions in life that will ended up not having an answer at all.
"I see. Continue, Ace." Rayleigh encouraged.
"We invited him over and he immediately recognized who I was." Ace chuckled, lifting some tension over him. "It was the freckles, I guess."
"Roger has always been fond of Rouge's freckles," Rayleigh said staring straight at his eyes.
Ace nodded. "We didn't believe him at first. But one day, Garp came home to visit us, and well... They ended up fighting each other. I just thought that there's no person on par with the Marine Hero other than the Pirate King. Even Garp thought that he's the real deal."
"I guess we just accept him after that. He trained us, protect us, tells us stories about his adventures— he did everything a normal father would do..." Ace gulped. His grin was replaced with a sad nostalgic smile. "He was with us for like four months but that was more than enough for me. He appeared out of nowhere and he disappeared as quickly, too. He told us about his disease at the last minute. Well, I guess his reasoning was to allow us to enjoy the time and not dread on when it will stop."
Ace let out a laugh. "I always wanted to be a pirate. The least I could do is to take his name and be proud of it..."
"You look very much your father. Minus the beard perhaps." Rayleigh pointed out.
"Roger appearing out of the blue then raising three boys as pirates is such a Roger thing to do." Shakky marveled as she grounded her cigar on the ashtray.
"He's always doting with kids. Remember Shanks and Buggy?" Rayleigh smiled fondly.
Ace's eyes flickered after hearing the name. "Do you have any idea where Red-Haired Shanks is? I need to talk to him about something."
"Last time we ran to each other was about seven years ago," Rayleigh replied, reclining on his seat. "His left arm was missing along with the straw hat he got from your father. But he kept talking about one Monkey D. Luffy. Shanks must be very impressed by your little brother to allow him to have his most prized straw hat."
"Shanks spoke about Luffy?" Ace blinked rapidly. "He saved Luffy's life from a Sea King. That's why I wanted to meet up with him. I just wanna express my gratitude."
"I'm sure Shanks will appreciate it. And if you do want to meet someone who admired Roger, Shanks is your best bet. He viewed Roger as a father."
The conversations after that was mostly about Roger. Ace told stories about his father during those few months they shared. After that wrapped up, Rayleigh started a storytelling of his own. It was about Roger's piracy life from start to finish. Ace would recall some of them from his father's old stories. Ace listened, laughed, and almost cried, a swirling of emotions overcoming him. In the end, the emotion that prevailed was proudness. His father led a proud life until the end, something Ace aspired to do someday.
The sun was beginning to set and it was illuminating through the windows of the bar. The bells on the door rang revealing Deuce entering, halting the conversations that they were having. His first mate seemed more relax than he was earlier.
"Yo, Deuce." Ace greeted with a mock salute. He offered the seat on his left which the masked man gladly accepted.
"There are still Marines patrolling around the area. I think it'll be better if we moved as soon as possible." Deuce resisted the urge to groan. "The thing is, Skull hasn't found a person who will coat our ship."
"Coating you say?" Rayleigh intervened with interest. "If that's the case, I can help you with that. I've learned how through the years."
"You do?" Ace gawked.
"Things can get dull in here. One is ought to have a hobby." Rayleigh stood up and continued. "Let's see that ship of yours."
"This is for you, Golden Prince." The Marine Vice-Admiral Draw said. He was staring at him intently as he held a letter out of his pocket.
"S-Seven Warlords!?" Deuce gaped once he caught sight of its contents.
Just by seeing those words, Ace had already discarded the rest. Everyone knew who the Warlords were. Some considered them as one of the great powers of the world while others prefer to refer to them as the government's dog. And Ace was never the one to bow and obey someone.
It was wishful thinking of his that they can leave Sabaody peacefully. They were ought to leave later that day but trouble always knew where he was.
"Good offer, right? This way you don't have to quit being a pirate!" Isuka said too happily for his liking. She was a Marine ensign who had chase after him throughout Paradise.
"Warlords? Sorry but no thanks." Ace said simply.
"Why not? Don't you want the Marines to stop chasing you?" Isuka asked, taken aback by his decision.
"I just don't like the whole Warlords system."
"What a coincidence, Ace. Turns out we have the same thing in mind." Draw chuckled, tearing the paper down.
Draw raised his fists and put on a stance. With the help of Observation Haki, Ace quickly dodged the incoming attack by moving a few inches away.
"Weren't you guys here for a talk!?" Deuce shrieked, maintaining his distance. "Let's get out of here, Ace!"
"I won't run." He said firmly. "Besides, it'll be a good practice to finally meet a Vice Admiral."
Ace smirked, feeling the adrenaline run over his body. He can use a good fight.
"Rayleigh, thank you for coating our ship!" Ace said his gratitude while waving his hand. "Shakky, let's drink again sometimes!"
Ace smiled widely. He hadn't expected them to see him off his journey. It was a nice surprise. They were on the coast, silently smiling at him. Though their meeting was short, Ace already warmed up to the couple.
Their ship slowly descended the sea where the roots of the mangrove were seen. By then, Ace turned to his crew who all had a dumbfounded look on their faces.
"Eh? What's wrong with you guys?" Ace blinked.
"That man is Silvers Rayleigh!?"
"T-The Dark King?!"
"He's a living legend and you didn't even tell us, Cap'n!"
"Maybe if you spend more time staying on this ship rather than partying on the island, you'd have known who he is." Deuce sarcastically said, rolling his eyes.
Ace just laughed. His crew can be slow sometimes.
"Ace is a good kid," Shakky said while exhaling a fume of smoke.
"A teen who can still learn a few things," Rayleigh replied, still looking at the sea.
"Is that what you think of him?"
"He has Roger's recklessness and Rouge's stubbornness," Rayleigh answered with a chuckle. "His parents' worst attributes turned into one. It's either gonna be miraculous or disastrous."
"He will be fine. Let's just hope that he also inherited his father's luck."
"If I'll be honest, it's hard to look at him."
"Oh?"
"He really is a clone of Roger. Though, my age probably got the better off me."
"Ace has a great future to look forward to." Shakky marveled, smiling. "We're seeing more of him soon."
"He's the son of the King of Pirates, after all. He is ought to make himself known to the world."
The two befell into silence, brooding over their thoughts about the young teen.
"Your brother is the front cover of the newspapers today," Koala said happily as she approached her partner. She just got the morning newspaper from the News Coo.
Sabo raised his brows and smiled proudly. "Should I be surprised?"
They were en route on an island in the New World where a civil war was currently ongoing and for the Revolutionary to stop them. But before that could happen, Sabo can enjoy a peaceful moment aboard a ship.
"He turned down being part of the Seven Warlords. Not only that, he won a fight against a Vice Admiral and escaped to the New World." Koala explained while reading the article with wide curious eyes.
"Ace is not the type of a person to obey someone. They should have known better."
"I just don't understand it..." Koala mumbled while staring at him. "Why would the Marines want to have Ace as a Warlord? Isn't he the Pirate King's son?"
"To show off their power," Sabo stated before sipping on his coffee mug. "Having the Pirate King's son on their side will make them look stronger in the public's eye. Don't you think?"
"I guess so." Koala shrugged while handing Sabo the newspaper.
"Although I have a feeling that it's our grandfather who has suggested such thing in the first place..." Sabo sighed heavily.
"The Marine Hero Garp, right?"
"The only way he shows his love to us was through his fists." Sabo grinned. "But deep down, we know that he cares for us and still does till this day. It's just that our careers will never match."
"Have I ever told you that your family is weird? The Marine Hero as your grandfather. The Pirate King as a father. Ace is a famous pirate and you're a Revolutionary." Koala commented with an exasperated sigh.
"Just wait till Luffy sets sail and know who his true father is." Sabo mused with a laugh. "He's gonna make a name for himself soon."
Koala just stared at him and didn't inquire any further. Sabo enjoyed the curious look on her face but it was not the time for explaining yet.
"Are you serious about wanting to meet Red-Haired Shanks?" Deuce asked with his arms crossed over his chest.
Ace stared at him, scowling. "Have I ever joked about something like that?"
"Don't you think that it's too early for that?"
"You know, Deuce. There's a story back in East Blue before Shanks lost his arm." Ace began his tale with a smile. He sat down since he knew it was gonna be long.
Ace told his crew about Shanks's time on Fuusha Village about eight years ago. One day, their crew got in trouble with bandits. The leader of the bandit had mocked him and trashed a bottle on Shanks' head.
"What do you think he did, Deuce?" Ace asked, pointing a finger at his first mate.
"The bandit is dead at that point."
"Wrong. Shanks just laughed it off and apologized for the trouble."
Deuce's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Ace nodded and continued to tell the tale. He told them about how a young boy that Shanks befriended got kidnapped by the said bandits. The boy wanted to be a pirate and seeing Shanks apologizing made the boy angry so he went to pick a fight with the bandits.
"The bandit threw the kid in the sea where a sea king lives. But before the sea king could eat him, Shanks appeared and sacrificed his left arm to save the kid." Ace finished. By that point, everyone on deck was listening to his storytelling.
"Where did you get this story, Master Ace?" Skull inquired. "I am from East Blue but I have never heard of it."
"Have you met Red-Haired Shanks, Ace?" Deuce asked, raising his brows.
"Nope." Ace simply replied.
"I heard rumors that he's part of your father's crew before setting out on his own..."
"That is true," Ace confirmed, grinning. "But that's not the reason why we're visiting him. I wanna thank him for saving my brother's life."
"So the kid on the story is your brother," Deuce said with a chuckle. "Is it Luffy?"
Ace nodded happily. Every once in a while, he would tell his crew stories about Sabo and Luffy. Those were the times that he felt homesick. But after talking about them, it made him feel better in some way.
"I also wanna know how Shanks made it to the top. How he clawed his way to be one of the Four Emperors. I could learn a thing or two." Ace mused then turned to look at his information broker. "Skull, do you know where he is?"
"Red-Hair is harder to pin down than the other Emperors. Still, I managed to have a list of islands on his possible whereabouts." Skull answered, scrambling to find the paper.
"Perfect." Ace's grin widened. "Let's go then."
Ace felt a strong presence of Haki once he arrived on a winter island. This place was definitely it.
Ever since he had eaten the Mera Mera no mi, Ace never felt cold again. It was always the same story whenever they land on a winter island. The snowstorm will stop and the sun will light up as long as he was there.
His crew still felt uneasy about meeting an emperor but their loyalty was above all else. They already made an oath to follow their captain. Their hunch was soon confirmed as the watch out of the Red-Haired Pirates found and question them. They were wary over Ace but still allowed him to meet their boss as long as the other Spade pirates just stay outside.
And now, Ace came face-to-face with the man who once saved his brother's life and used to be the cabin boy on his father's old crew.
Ace felt a flicker of Haki coming his way. It was from Shanks who was staring at him with unreadable eyes. Ace gladly accepted it full-on, wanting to prove himself strong.
"So what does a Super Rookie like you want from me...?" Shanks questioned. His tone wasn't friendly nor serious.
Ace cleared his throat. "I just wanted to pay my respects to you."
"Pay respects to me?" Shanks repeated, feeling baffled. He looked over to his crew who seemed to have no idea as well.
"Uh... I don't mean it that way..." Ace scrambled awkwardly, trying to maintain his composure. "Pardon me, I just want to introduce myself. It's an honor to make your acquaintance."
Ace extended his hands inviting a handshake in which Shanks accepted. The red-haired man still seemed to be confused about his actions but Ace carried on.
"I am of birth in Baterilla on South Blue but was raised in Dawn Island on East Blue. My name is Gol D. Ace and I'm just starting on my pirate career. The world knows me as The Golden Prince and my bounty is... uh... How much is it again?"
"How are we suppose to know!?" one of the Red Hairs replied.
"This kid can barely get his words straightly." Another deadpanned.
"I'm getting secondhand embarrassment from him..."
Ace bit his tongue. Nervousness can ruin one's reputation. His lessons over manners took Makino years to drill on his head. But now that his long-awaited moment was here, he seemed to have ruined her hard work.
"So what's all this show for?" Shanks asked with a teasing tone. He had a friendly smirk on his face which made Ace slightly feel better about himself. "You look like Captain Roger but you don't act like him."
"You think?" Ace blinked before sighing loudly. "I remember Rayleigh saying the exact same thing..."
"So you've met up with Master Rayleigh, huh? How is he?"
"He's fine. Can still beat a battalion of Marines all by himself." Ace answered with a chuckle. "But what I came here for today is not for my father. I'm here to thank you for saving my brother's life."
"Brother?"
"His name's Luffy. We're brothers by bond." Ace grinned widely.
In an instant, the Red-Haired Pirates seemed to warm up with the mention of Luffy's name. They all stare at Ace with a glint of excitement and happiness.
"So you're Luffy's brother!"
"You could have said that from the start!"
"How is he? Staying away from trouble, I hope!"
"Is he still training about his Devil Fruit?"
Even Shanks seemed to lighten up completely. His smile became more genuine. He grasped Ace's shoulders and offered him to the seat next to him.
"Men, it's time to party!" Shanks announced making everyone yelp in agreement.
"Aye, Captain!"
"So that's what happened..." Shanks said, sighing.
Ace just silently nodded, not knowing what to reply. He had told this story many times but it still hit closer to home.
The Red-Haired Pirates welcomed the Spade Pirates with a heartwarming atmosphere. The Spades were still in shock at how they ended up partying with a world-renown crew. But still, they didn't try to hide their true selves and became friendly with the Emperor's crew immediately.
And with all that commotion, Ace was glad that he had found the time to talk with Shanks. They were in the middle of the party but no one bothered them much. They were drinking a booze Ace had bought from Lougetown just for this moment.
"It might be a short time but it meant a lot to Captain Roger and you."
"As I said, I used to hate him..." Ace whispered, looking away. "But meeting my father for a few months made me have a change of heart. I probably would have chosen my mother's name if that didn't happen."
"Rouge-san would prefer if you keep your father's name." He laughed.
"You've met her, right? Dad told me."
"Multiple times," Shanks answered with a smile. "She used to come aboard once in a while and steal our food. Then she'd fall asleep while eating— like the one you did earlier."
Ace smiled sheepishly. Earlier when he was telling his story to Shanks, his narcolepsy kicked in, and ended up landing on the ground first place. The party halted but the Spades were there to explain it before it became a bigger issue. Ace became weirder by the eyes of the Red-Hairs after that.
"She's quite the charmer, too. We would always party all night long whenever she's on board." Shanks stared at Ace straight in the eye. "She's a woman you can be proud to call your mother, Ace."
Ace can never get tired of hearing stories about his mother whom he had never met. If only there was some way he could honor her, he needed to think of something.
In just a few hours of meeting Shanks, Ace already concluded that he's a great man. No wonder Luffy idolizes him. There's something about Shanks that made people respect him. The red-haired man both had the charisma and integrity to made him rule over various islands over the world.
"So what are your plans now?" Shanks questioned after a while.
"I honestly have no idea." Ace answered, sighing again. "Probably just have an adventure in the New World. Treasure hunting, sailing around, exploring... The list goes on."
"Then I have an offer to make." Shanks smiled while leaning towards him. "Come sail with us."
In an instant, everyone stopped on their doings and tuned in to the conversation of the two captains.
"Can I ask why?" Ace asked with a dumbfounded look still on his face.
"Why not? You can also do those things with us."
"I'm sorry Shanks but I don't want to have a special privilege just because of my fath—"
"It has nothing to do with Captain Roger, Ace." Shanks interrupted.
"Then why?"
"As I said, you're a nice kid and I want to know more about you."
Ace was silently thinking to himself. He closed and opened his mouth several times but no words came about. Finally, he found the voice to say it.
"You really want me...?" Ace asked again, looking down.
"Yes, Ace." Shanks nodded patiently.
Ace turned to look at his crew who were all drunk and scattered all over the place. They all had their eyes wide open that could pop out any moment. Some of them looked nervous and the remaining were smiling as if agreeing. One person made him conclude a decision. It was Deuce with his encouraging smile, supporting him on whatever resolve he had. Hearing no complaints from any of them, Ace answered the older pirate.
"We would like to."
And Shanks's smile widened. "It's settled then."
"You're getting your personal feelings on the way," Benn said, staring at his captain.
"Are you complaining though?" Shanks asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Not really. Through the years we've been through, this was one of the tamer things you have decided on your own."
"Glad you approve of it." Shanks laughed. "I owe Captain a lot. The least I could do is look his after son."
"And now you're becoming his guardian? A big brother?" Benn joked with a smirk.
"Maybe I am. But you see it too, right? Ace's potential?"
"I do. But not strong enough for New World."
"That's what I'm trying to change, Benn. He has no experience whatsoever. Naive if I may say. We can teach the Spades some things." Shanks explained lightly. "Because I'll be damned if I won't."
"I'm tired, Deuce..." Ace whined while bowing his head on the table. "Shanks ain't joking about being hard on me."
"You're the one who asked for it, Cap'n," Deuce replied, crossing his arms.
The eighteen-year-old pirate captain groaned heavily. Training with Shanks turned out to be difficult than he had expected. Once Shanks learned that Ace has Conqueror's Haki, the red-haired man set his mind on training him about it.
It's been seven months since they've sailed under Shanks. For Ace, it was enjoyable. Not only did Shanks was training Ace but so was the rest of the Spades. He would forever be thankful for it. Over the years, he learned to accept help from others and that's what they needed on the New World.
Ace and Deuce were currently in a tavern on an island that is part of Shanks's protection. His whole body was screaming for sleep but his stomach was a different issue. His hunger was more important than his tiredness.
As the food was served in front of him, he fell unconscious.
When Ace woke up, he silently cursed his narcolepsy. Of all the places it could happen, it was on his dinner time.
"So you're still the same idiot who keeps on falling asleep on his food, huh?"
"Hello to you, too." Ace greeted, scowling.
Sabo was smirking while he removed his top hat. Ace wouldn't lie. He missed Sabo's playful smirk even though it's one of the blond's annoying features. Ace examined Sabo closely. His brother didn't change at all. Not even his clothing. He still dressed the same way he did back when they last saw each other.
"Mind introducing me?" Deuce asked, clearing his throat.
"Deuce, meet my younger brother, Sabo. Emphasis on younger."
"Only by two months." Sabo rebutted with a glare. "And besides, everyone knows I'm the mature one. Even Dad said so."
"Dad also said you're the most sophisticated!"
"Well, you're the one who he called a spoiled brat!"
"As if you're not an old-fashio—!"
"You're no better than him, are you?" Deuce deadpanned at Sabo who was laughing.
"Hello, my name is Sabo and I thank you for keeping up with my brother." Sabo shook hands with Deuce.
"It's pretty hard but manageable." Deuce shrugged.
"Ah, that's true. Just treat Ace with utmost care and love and he will soften. That's what Luffy did."
"Are you guys seriously bonding over your love for me?" Ace sarcastically said, rolling his eyes.
"Wanna trade stories with me?" Sabo asked, ignoring his brother. "I have lots of embarrassing stories of Ace while we're growing up."
"I would love to," Deuce smirked. "But I believe you and Ace need to catch up first."
"Fair enough."
"Take your time. I'm going back to the ship. It's nice meeting you, Sabo." Deuce stood up, leaving the two brothers alone.
"How did you know that I'll be here?" Ace asked, leaning back on his seat.
"Pure coincidence, brother," Sabo said as he grabbed a piece of meat from his plate.
"Hey, that's my food..." Ace grumbled but didn't do anything to get it back.
"We're just here for a restock. I'm afraid that this meeting will be quick. We're leaving first thing in the morning."
"Understandable." Ace sighed. They're two grown-ups living their own separate lives after all. "So how's Luffy?"
Sabo grinned. "Still yelling about kicking our butts and telling everyone that he's gonna be the Pirate King. You know, the usual."
"And how about you?" Ace asked while taking a bite of his meal.
"Fine... I guess."
"What's with that reaction?"
"Nothing." Sabo sighed heavily, shifting his eyes away. "I'm exhausted, that's all."
"Is it that bad?"
"Not really. It can be hard and there are things I saw that I want to erase in my mind." Sabo explained with a heavy tone. "And can we please drop the subject? I can't talk about my profession in a public place, Ace."
"Okay, Mr. Spy."
"You're not helping at all..." Sabo rambled in annoyance making Ace laugh. "What about you? How's life hanging out with Shanks?"
"It's fun." Ace answered with his grin widening. "I can understand why Luffy and Dad liked him so much."
"Can I meet him?"
"You just missed him. Shanks left this afternoon."
"Well, there's always the next time."
Once Ace swallowed the last of his meal, he suggested something to his younger brother. "Wanna tour our ship?"
Sabo's eye lit up with the idea. With a grin, he answered. "Sure."
"And this is the captain's cabin. My room." Ace said as he opened the door.
Sabo was the first one to step up inside. The moon gave enough lighting for the revolutionary to admire the room. A bed was placed in the middle along with a nightstand. There was a bookshelf on the left corner but Sabo was sure Ace never touched them. What surprised Sabo was the contents of the bulletin board located on the left side.
"You have Dad's old bounty posters..." Sabo stated, mouth agape in incredulity. He slowly approached the board to admire it closer.
"It's kinda hard to find. Some of them have collection value. Shanks helped me anyway." Ace snickered proudly.
"He still has Luffy's straw hat on this one," Sabo said, pointing the picture.
"That's his first bounty poster."
Sabo smiled. Their father was grinning proudly at the photo. They didn't have any photos with him but his old photos can also trigger nostalgia.
Ace flicked his finger and with that, the chandelier in the room lit up making Sabo winced in surprise.
"You never explained to me how you got your Devil Fruit, Ace."
"Can we not...?"
"Nope," Sabo answered, popping the p. "Sounds like a great story."
Ace sat on the bed, annoyed. "I got stranded on an island with Deuce. I saw a weird-looking fruit and we ended up eating it. Turns out, it's a fire logia. The end."
"You got stuck on an island?" Sabo teased with a chuckle. "That's so stereotypical for a pirate."
"S-Shut up..."
Sabo ended up flopping on his brother's bed. It was soft and warm making the blond cozy. Sabo didn't have this privilege most of the time. They were on the run so a simple cot was the only luxury he had.
"I'm happy that you found yourself a nice crew," Sabo said fondly as he put his arms in his nape.
"Glad you approve of them." Ace smiled while laying next to him. "I never imagine that there are people who will follow me. Well, because you know I'm—"
"It doesn't matter who our father is." Sabo consoled. "You deserve love, too."
Sabo heard his brother's breath hitched, not saying a word. Silence befell upon them as the night goes on. Sabo believed that one day, Ace will realize his worth. Because hell knows how much his brother needs it.
"I know, Sabo." Ace murmured. "Dad won't like it if I think this way. I'm always in battle with my demons and I'm trying everything to win."
"I'm here for support. Luffy and I." Sabo smiled staring straight at Ace. "Now, wanna sleep together? For old time's sake."
"Fine by me."
Sabo finally rested his body. His brother's company made it a hundred times better.
When Ace woke up the next morning, Sabo was gone.
"I am Ace." Ace said with a small bow as a sign of respect. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Whitebeard."
Ace found himself staring at the old emperor. He had heard stories about Whitebeard while growing up. He was regarded as the Pirate King's rival. But his father never regarded Whitebeard as such. Not an enemy but as a friend.
"You're the Super Rookie who's causing ruckus everywhere he went," Whitebeard said simply after drinking his booze.
"My reputation precedes me, then." Ace replied with a proud smile. He didn't cause troubles. He is the trouble. It was one of the things he was good at.
"You seemed strong, cheeky brat." Whitebeard grinned. "Join our crew. Become a son of mine."
"Oyaji," Ace turned to the source of the voice whom he remembered as Marco, the first division commander. "You keep on recruiting weird kids."
Ace blinked. He didn't know whether to think of it as a compliment or as an insult.
"I appreciate the offer." Ace answered with a respectful smile. "But I already have a father. And his name is Gol D. Roger."
Whitebeard can only laugh at his reply. "Truly a cheeky brat. Too bad, the red-haired brat got you first."
"I know."
"Break out the booze, everyone. We're having a party!" Whitebeard ordered.
Ace can only smile with the hospitality.
"Name is Thatch. Ace, right?"
Ace looked up and saw a man sitting next to him. By his clothing, Ace can already tell that he was a chef. It was his pompadour made him stand out from the crowd.
Ace nodded before taking a bite of the sandwich.
"Are you enjoying the food? I'm the head chef here so tell me if you want anything else." Thatch explained lightly.
"Why?"
Thatch raised his eyebrows.
"Uh, I mean the food is great." Ace quickly complimented, minding his manners. "Thank you for it. I rarely eat delicacies these days."
"No problem, kid. You're the guest here." Thatch smiled brightly. "Can you tell me what's your favorite food? I'm sure this won't be the last time you'll be onboard the Moby Dick. Oyaji has taken a liking of you."
"Thatch, give the kid his space." Marco scolded.
"But he's fine, Marco! What's wrong with asking someone about food?"
"There's more in life than food, yoi."
Ace didn't intervene. He silently ate and listened to their argument. It weirdly reminded him of home.
The Whitebeard Pirates turned out to be better than Ace thought. At first, Ace got weirded out by their family dynamic. But remembering his own family, Ace had no right to judge. Every family has their own quirks and weirdness.
If Shanks didn't offer first, Ace would surely agreed to join Whitebeard.
A/N: Thank you for the follows, favorites and reviews. See you next week.