Author's note:

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PART 4

"Hellbent"

Koala, Bon Clay, Akio, and Biri were about to follow Nami and Mika when they noticed a red glow behind them and felt the temperature rising. Looking back, the group could see a bright hue of violent crimson and embers floating into the sky. It was apparent something was happening, and the two adults and bird were on guard. No amount of preparedness could help them as the buildings in front of them began to crumble and catch fire. From the base of the building, lava was seeping through and destroying them slowly. Everyone quickly figured out what was coming and ran immediately.

"Akainu's coming!" shouted Bon Clay, afraid.

As the buildings sank further, they also began parting. From the newly formed pathway, Sakazuki trudged through the lava field with little resistance or hindrance. He wore an expression of intense anger as he spied his targets, turning a corner.

"You will not escape justice…"

None of the group stopped knowing what would happen if they stayed in any spot too long. A clear sign was when a giant column of lava smashed through the buildings behind them. Akio nearly screamed in fright of the sight, and Biri swiftly tucked under the boy to give him a lift on his back. Everyone then picked up speed and hurried to find Nami and warn her.

"Nami!" shouted Koala urgently once she saw her. When Nami looked back, the woman continued her yell, "Akainu's coming!"

"What?!" screamed Nami, both angry and shocked.

While she was looking back, Nami first saw the destruction caused by the Marine officer. It appeared almost apocalyptic as lava destroyed everything around. And then, the Magma Human himself appeared with a dash, unaffected by his surroundings. His unyielding ferocity was directed straight at the entire group, and he prepared an attack.

"Great Eruption!"

The group gasped, including Nami. She looked back forward to try to tell her daughter of the attack, but she had disappeared. Nami was worried, but she had no time; she could feel the heat rising and see the red glow shining brighter from the attack heading at them. Before it could get any closer, everyone shifted their direction down a nearby alley and avoided it entirely. The hot rock blast then continued crashing through a few buildings while Sakazuki continued after the criminals.

"Where are we heading?!" asked Akio.

Koala answered, "Towards the plaza!"

"Where the Marines are?!" shouted Bon Clay.

"But so are the Whitebeard Pirates now," Koala affirmed confidently. "We might be able to get Akainu off our back!"

Despite the danger, Nami was more focused on finding her daughter. Her previous frustration was now turned to worry and regret. She understood that snapping at her daughter was not helpful to the situation. Still, her actions could not be so easily overlooked. For now, she just wanted to find Mika and escape, even if it meant abandoning the rescue.

Eventually, the group made it to the plaza. Chaos had already reached even this far back behind the Marines' lines as pirates fought hard to overcome the soldiers of justice and vice versa. No one had noticed the group's arrival, which gave them time to search out for Luffy or Mika in Nami's case. Bon Clay quickly pointed out that there was action over near the wall. Everyone could see that many Marine officers were attacking Whitebeard but were swept away by the man's incredible strength and weapon. The man fought back even with two serious injuries, two gaping and bleeding wounds on his left shoulder. One of them appeared to have frostbite around the edge. His wounds and many high-ranking fighters were focused on hindering the man intensely, inflicting some damage.

It was Akio who noticed something happening on the execution scaffold. In different uniforms from the single Marine officer there, two men were holding long-blade spears up high. It clears what they were about to do.

"They're about to execute Mr. Ace!" the boy shouted in shock.

"What?!" shouted Nami and Koala.

Bon Clay, however, noticed something much worse. He shouted in a panic, "Move! That nasty admiral's coming!"

Looking back quickly, everyone saw the bright red glow of lava coming towards them. They all dodged immediately, with Biri taking flight with Akio still on his back. He did not fly too high but kept a distance away as he – and Akio – saw the Sakazuki step out from the town now on fire. The attack continued further and into the battlefield that shocked and struck several others. It was devastating for both sides.

Akainu knew this but directed his anger at his targets, "This has gone long enough, you pirate scum."

"Akainu!" Sengoku's shout roared over the fighting once he witnessed what was going on.

"Where have you been?! What are you doing?! You're needed on the frontlines!"

Sakazuki grimaced and sneered but complied. "Very well…" But he turned to Nami, Koala, and Bon Clay, who was attempting to leave discreetly.

"But first," Akainu reeled back his fist as his arm became lava, "I will finish up here."

"Oh no!" shouted Bon Clay in fright.

Though Koala kept her guard and Nami stepped back in fear, both knew they stood zero chance of either escaping or even surviving. It would take a miracle for them to make it out alive.

Thus, in a flash, a miracle arrived. As Akainu was about to launch his attack, his fist was met suddenly with the blade of a sword. The super-heated rock did not affect the metal as it was coated with advanced-level Armaments Haki. Sakazuki grunted with frustration as he stood to a standstill by his new opponent. A man he recognized with great animosity.

"Dark King…"

The old man, appearing a slightly ragged, smirked as he continued blocking. "You punk, don't you know how to treat ladies…"

"Rayleigh!" shouted Nami, surprised.

Keeping his focus on the Marine admiral, Rayleigh announced to the group, "Don't just stand there! Go rescue Ace!"

"R-Right!" said Koala, a little shocked but understood clearly. She then shouted to her group, "Let's go!"

"Wait!" shouted Nami before turning to Rayleigh. "Hey! Where's my daughter, quickly!"

Silvers Rayleigh was surprised but complied. It only took him a quick moment of searching via Observation Haki before he found the little girl. The location put was instantly concerning for the man, but he relayed the information.

"She's near him!" Rayleigh shouted, keeping it understandable but vague.

Nami understood instantly. She turned around and looked towards the execution scaffold where Ace still kneeled unharmed. Unfortunately, it would not be for long as the executioners were about to lower their blades swiftly upon his neck.

"Ace!" shouted Nami

Every pirate watched helplessly as they could do nothing to stop the execution. Whitebeard's injuries, his attackers, and, worst, his illness hindered him from even using Conqueror's Haki. Many of his top men were indisposed as well, with most of them trying to protect him. Thanks to sea prism stone, Marco could not use his Phoenix powers and had been wounded. Jozu was frozen solid by Aokiji. The others that could do something were also unable to do anything like Crocodile. No one would be able to save Ace, which is what Sengoku and the Marines wanted.

"Watch helplessly, Whitebeard," Sengoku commented grimly.

"STOP!"

But then, an intense but invisible aura engulfed the area from the plaza. It stretched for nearly the entire area and to the execution scaffold. The shout came from none other than Luffy who's intense willpower – Conqueror's Haki – was now knocking out several people on both sides. Even those on the edge of the battlefield felt it; Nami felt slightly weakened but remained strong. Bon Clay nearly fainted along with Biri, who almost dropped to the ground with Akio. The boy, too, had nearly fallen to his captain's Haki.

Most importantly, it knocked out one of the executioners. It did succeed in stopping the other from continuing the act. It was an action no one from either side expected, much less Sengoku. Even Luffy's allies were amazed by this discovery of the young man. Once the aura receded, showing the man's lack of control, nearly every Marine officer realized the same idea. If this rookie pirate had such an ability, it would mean trouble in the future. Many began a harsher assault on the man to end this potential. And it allowed Nami and the others to know his location.

"Luffy!" shouted Nami worriedly.

Koala grabbed Nami's arm and started their run to him. "Let's get to him, Nami!" she said optimistically.

Nami was surprised but quickly nodded in agreement, soon running at full speed into the fray.

"Wait for me!" shouted Bon Clay energetically as he leaped after them.

Akio spoke to Biri, "Let's go find Mika." The bird nodded determinedly and soared towards the scaffold.

The fighting intensified at this moment. Every pirate was fighting harder, realizing that Ace's execution was nigh. They had to hurry and fast. Of course, the Marine soldier met that ferocity with their own sense of justice. But, among them all, Luffy was plowing forward and gaining ground. A single point breaking through the line, but it would only last so long. It was the only lead, and Whitebeard knew this and that young man would need help making it to his beloved son.

"EVERYONE!" shouted Newgate mightily. "Back up Straw Hat with everything you got!"

For the Whitebeard Pirates, those not protecting the man himself, it was a surprising order. But, they obeyed wholeheartedly. Many of the division commanders went to Luffy's side, aiding him and clearing the path. Even some of Luffy's enemies, Daz Bonez and Crocodile, helped as they blocked stronger opponents like Mihawk. But quickly enough, Marine soldiers were beginning to reach Luffy and slow him down with their attacks. Luffy was able to knock many of them back quickly, but time was running out.

"You!" shouted Sengoku frustratedly to the one executioner still standing. "Hurry and execute him!"

"Yes, sir!" obeyed the blonde-haired man.

"NO!"

A shout stopped the man from acting, for it was neither a man's voice nor an adult. For Ace, he recognized who it was instantly. Sengoku was already in a cold-sweat. All three men looked back to find a little girl, huffing and puffing tiredly, now on the scaffold platform. The bane of Sengoku's attempt to censor the media and Ace's only niece… Mika. And despite being out of breath, the girl wore a determined expression and rushed forward. She stopped between the executioner and Ace, standing between them defiantly.

"I won't let you hurt Uncle Ace anymore!"

Seeing the girl from where he stood, Whitebeard took an interest in her. "So, that is Straw Hat's daughter…"

The shouts from Mika drew the attention of many. No one understood how a little girl got onto the platform. More were shocked to see her standing between the executioner and Ace. Of course, only a few knew exactly who it was. When Luffy saw his daughter, he was overwhelmed with fear and shock for a moment. Only a moment; his determination to reach Ace now became tenfold as he now had to rescue both him and his daughter.

"MIKA!"

Again, Luffy instinctively released another blast of Conqueror's Haki as he ran for the scaffold. Unlike before, it had little effect as those who were knocked out before were already out. Neither the executioner nor Sengoku was going to fall to it. Mika did not either, for one reason or another. It soon retreated, again, due to his inexperience. He continued not to realize this and ran forward to his goal.

Unfortunately, a white blur suddenly caught him. It was Whiteout, returning to continue his hunt for the young man. No one had seen the animal coming, shocking Luffy's alley Ivankov. The giant wolfdog was biting down into Luffy's shoulder and pinning him down. Luffy screamed in pain before attempting to get the beast off him. Despite the strong punching, the canine was not letting go.

"Straw Hat boy!" Ivankov shouted as he attempted to free the man.

Elsewhere, Garp stopped in the middle of his battle with Shiki as he heard Mika and Luffy. He saw his great-granddaughter and shouted through a grunt, "Mika…!"

"Ji-hahaha!" Shiki then commented snidely, "Getting distracted by family matters, are we?"

Shiki took advantage of Garp's distraction. When the old vice-admiral took notice, it was already too late. With the man's sword leg, Shiki gave Garp a devastating slash across his chest. The man let out a pained groan as blood began seeping from his mouth.

From his location, Smoker too saw the girl. His frustration caused him to bite his cigar to pieces as he commented lowly, "Get out of there, girl…"

Hancock saw as well and was overcome with worry. "Mika…"

For all his concerns, Sengoku focused on the little girl stopping the execution. "Little girl," he spoke calmly but evenly, "you need to remove yourself from here…"

Mika did not look back but shouted defiantly, "Not until you release Uncle Ace!"

Ace shouted, "Mika! You need to leave, now!"

"Listen to him." Sengoku said, "Listen to him as his last request."

"No, it's not!" Mika shouted. "Uncle Ace is gonna do a whole lot more re-questing!"

"He's gonna ask to play with me! He's gonna wanna go adventuring with me and Daddy! He'll want to eat lots of food with us! And then he'll want to go back sailin' with that Whitebeard-y guy and have fun with him too! But I don't want him to since I wanna play some more but he'll go back anyway because he's cool like that! Uncle Ace is gonna do a whole lot of stuff because I won't let you all exe-e-cute him! Never ever!"

A shout came from the sky, "Mika!" It was Akio and Biri flying in an attempt to help the girl.

Sengoku's patience was at an end here. Though Akio and Biri had planned to crash into the fleet admiral at full force, the man's Tekkai (Iron Body) technique made it impossible. Both had collided with the steel-like defense and fell to the scaffold unconscious. Sengoku then proceeded to step closer to Ace but only to pick up Mika on the other side by her back collar with his right hand.

"Hey!" shouted Ace, now furious. "Don't you dare hurt her! Bastard!"

Luffy heard his brother and spied upward despite the pain. He saw the man holding his daughter, and he angrily shouted, "Let her go!"

Mika tried kicking and flailing her arms, but it was uncoordinated. "Let go of me!" she shouted before she was turned to face the leader of the fleet admiral's strict gaze.

"Little girl, you are only a fledgling in a world full of hawks. Your admiration for this criminal is misplaced, and your mindset is all wrong…" Sengoku then turned her to face the warzone still in progress.

"Do you see the destruction and chaos that had been caused not only by your father but also by your uncle and his crew? Pirates are nothing but selfish, greedy ne'er-do-wells that only seek glory and wealth no matter who it hurts or kills. Was there even any concern for your well-being when your parents brought you here?"

The question struck a nerve with Mika. It resonated with what her mother was yelling about earlier. She wanted her to be safe, but Mika wanted to help rescue her uncle. That was partially why she defied her mother.

Sengoku continued unabated, "Some may have a code, but it all becomes eroded with time. This is no life for a child. It's not even a respectable lifestyle. You deserve better than this."

Leaving her thoughts aside, Mika responded confidently, "I have the best life ever!"

"I have an awesome Daddy! A…" Mika paused for a moment, madly frowning for a second, before continuing in a low tone, "Mama."

Her energetic tone then returned as she spoke further, "And I have super cool uncles who'll play with me! A pretty and smart aunt! A best friend! A flying friend! The best home ever! So many adventures! And lots of yummy food!"

"I love everything that I have, and it's all mine!"

Sneering, Sengoku found the girl's conviction annoying. Convincing her into vilifying her pirate lifestyle would not work.

Below, Luffy, with Ivankov's help, finally got Whiteout off him. The canine did not stop his assault, and it was soon coming again for a strike. However, it was so focused on his target that it did not see two fighters coming at him.

"Shark Brick Fist!"

"Swan Arabesque!"

The kick punch combo blasted the large canine as it lunged at Luffy. It landed far away, knocking many Marine soldiers as well. The woman and okama landed in front of Luffy and Ivankov, prepared and guarded. Both Luffy and Ivankov were surprised to see Bon Clay again, but Ivankov was shocked to see the woman on the scene as well.

"Koala! You're here?!"

Koala smiled at the large okama and was ecstatic. "Iva! I can't believe you finally escaped!"

"You know her, Iva?" asked Luffy.

"Indeed! She is one of your father's officers!" Ivankov then had a thought cross his mind and spoke it, "Hold on, why are you here? Ace isn't one of Dragon's kin?"

The woman smiled cheerily. "I'm here helping his brother!"

"Wha?" Luffy said, confused.

"There's no time for that!" Luffy blinked and gasped as he recognized the voice. He turned and saw Nami joining their group.

"Ace and Mika, and now Akio and Biri are still up there!"

"Nami!" Luffy said happily. He wanted to hug her, but her reminding him of his goal quickly brought his focus back on target.

"We gotta hurry!" said Luffy determinedly.

Bon Clay defeated a Marine soldier quickly before asking, "How, Straw Boy?"

Ivankov had the answer. From his giant and puffy hair, a subordinate and Revolutionaries' member popped out on command. The okama was Inazuma who ate the Snip-Snip Fruit and was now a "Scissors Human." Transforming his hands into scissor blades, Inazuma cut a long chunk of the ground and moulded it into a bridge up to the scaffold. It was a sight that surprised nearly everyone and brought Mika great triumphant joy.

"Yes!" Mika shouted.

Below, Ivankov told the group, "Get going! We'll cover you!"

"Go, Straw Boy!" shouted Bon Clay cheerfully.

Nami quickly gave Luffy a kiss before telling him confidently, "Get them all back!"

Luffy smiled and nodded. "Thanks!" He immediately began running up the path.

Once out of ear shout, Koala could not help but smirk knowingly. "He's going to be so shocked when he gets up there…"

Sengoku was not too worried about the pirate reaching him. Regardless, he knew that finishing the execution would demoralize every pirate here and thus. "Hurry and finish this!" he ordered quickly.

The blonde executioner nodded. "As you wish…" he then pulled up his blade.

"No!" Mika shouted and attempted to struggle again.

Nothing the girl tried was working, no matter how desperately she tried. Luffy saw the executioner begin to move and pushed himself to go faster. The Marine soldiers below were starting to attack the man and the bridge to stop him. Some officers like the admirals or vice-admirals tried to make their way but found themselves blocked by someone to keep them at bay. Luffy was nearly there as the man held his blade high to chop off Ace's head.

"Ace!" shouted Luffy desperately.

"Uncle Ace!" shouted Mika frantically.

Sengoku shouted impatiently, "Do it now!"

Executioner suddenly began grinning. "You got it!" he shouted before suddenly disappearing.

Before Sengoku could even perceive what was going on, the executioner was already in front of him. His spear blade was now drawn back before he thrust it into Sengoku's left shoulder. The man groaned in pain and felt weak. He also let go of Mika before stepping back in shock. Mika fell, but the man caught her with one arm and cradled her close to protect her. His other arm reeled back his fist and punched Sengoku off the scaffold and onto the battlefield. Mika was confused by the turn of events, as was Ace, having watched it, and eventually Luffy when he finally reached the top.

"What…?" said Ace, baffled, as he stared at the man's back.

Luffy, however, was ready to fight. "Let go of my daughter or else…"

The executioner turned around wearing a smile. "It's alright, Ace, Luffy…" the man then proceeded to take his uniform's hat off.

"I'm here to help…"

It took both brothers only a moment upon the man revealing himself to them. At that same time, both their expressions contorted to show the single most tremendous shock they had ever experienced at this point in their life. Tears were even forming from the sheer emotional overload in seeing the man's face. On the other hand, Mika was clueless about their reaction but was curious about the man who caught her. She then looked up to see the man's face. The girl saw his scar around his left and his ear-length blonde hair. None of it was recognizable for the girl, so she inquired further.

"Who are you?"

Looking down at the girl, the man became a bit bashful before answering. "Well, the short of it is…"

"I'm Ace and Luffy's brother, Sabo."