Author's note: For what it's worth, I am grateful to everyone for reading. As always,

Read, Review, & Enjoy!

PART 5

"Paradigm Shift"

Mika repeated the name with great intrigue, "Sa…bo?"

The man, Sabo, smiled down at the girl. "It's nice to meet you, Mika…"

"Sa…Sa…Sa…"

Sabo turned fully to face his blood-brothers, giving Mika a full view as well. The little girl was astonished to see her father and uncle's shared emotions. Both were shocked but also in tears. She had never seen either do anything like it, and it was all towards the man holding her. Her father was so speechless he could barely say the same name she was able to speak.

Finally, Luffy was to speak the name and with utter joy. "Sabo!"

"I…" spoke Ace, still confused and shedding some tears, "…can't believe…"

However, Sabo quickly held up his free hand. "We'll have to save the emotional reunion for later, guys. We gotta get Ace outta here."

Though still emotional, both brothers agreed that time was of the essence now. Immediately, Luffy brought out his key, and at the same time, Sabo brought out his own. Neither had expected the other to have one, but it was assuring that they had at least one spare.

Below, having recovered, Sengoku quickly gave out orders. "What are you all waiting for? Blast them before they free him!"

After placing Mika down behind him, Sabo quickly turned to the three other participants on the scaffold. "Hurry, Luffy!" he shouted.

"Alright!" Luffy shouted as he ran behind Ace.

The Marines were already on it despite being momentarily paused by the attack on their leader. Any soldier with a gun fired up at the platform trying to hit either man. Many, however, were hesitant to aim with the child still in the arm of their target. More seasoned officers attempted as well, either to reach the scaffold or attack with some power. They found themselves blocked by the pirates defending their friend and his allies. Simultaneously, some of the bay wall's cannons had finally repositioned themselves and began firing. They could only hit the makeshift bridge if only to hamper the pirates' escape. However, more were on the field. All of them aimed for the top of the stand. Bazooka-wielding soldiers joined in as well. Every single one of them fired with little hindrance.

It was too close to call; all the cannon fire converged on the platform and exploded it into a ball of flame. A massive cloud of fire and smoke formed caused by the sheer amount of gunpowder incinerated. The battle froze as everyone looked to the scaffold with bated breath. The same question was on everyone's mind: did they succeed?

"Luffy! Mika! Akio! Biri!" cried out Nami in fear.

"Straw Hat Boy!" shouted Ivankov in worry.

"Straw Boy!" yelled Bon Clay.

"Sabo!" Koala shouted

Jinbe was shocked. "No way!"

"Ace!" hollered the entirety of the pirate force.

Whitebeard was full of concern as well but remained patient.

Suddenly, the flames began to behave oddly. They ceased their wild dance and now conformed to become the Whitebeard Pirates' jolly roger. It then became a tunnel of fire that broke through the black smoke to make an entranceway. Every person gasped with shock.

Meanwhile, inside the tunnel of flames…

"Dammit, you guys!"

Though they were falling, the group was being lifted momentarily by the heated air. Ace stood in its center, smiling proudly. He held onto Luffy's shirt, looking ecstatic, while he held onto Mika – also happy – and Akio, who was still conscious. Sabo was nearby them, grinning, as he held onto Biri and the other man who would have been Ace's executioner. All of them were unharmed.

Ace continued his speech, "Aren't I supposed to be the oldest brother? You never listen to me, and you do such crazy things!"

Luffy, Mika, and Sabo all cheered, "Ace!"

"Ace!" roared all the pirates in celebration.

Nami was nearly in tears. "Ace…" she said happily.

"Great work, guys," Koala said proudly.

"N-No way!" Ivankov stuttered in disbelief. "He did it!"

Bon Clay was crying tears of joy. "The bonds of brotherhood are so beautiful!" he announced emotionally.

Jinbe nodded proudly. "He really did it…"

Even from afar, Rayleigh saw the moment and smiled. "Good work, kids…"

Upon seeing the group succeed, Akainu began sneering with displeasure. He moved away from the distracted Rayleigh, knowing he had a more immediate issue to deal with.

No Marine soldier was going to let Ace walk away free without a fight. Likewise, the falling group knew they were not out of danger yet. As they began to fall, Ace sent a Fire Pillar technique down below them to open space for their landing. The first to land was Ace, who quickly set up a ring around them of fire to keep the Marines from encroaching on them. Luffy touchdown right behind Ace, with Sabo following next. The two men set their charges down and became guarded along with Ace. They needed to survey their surroundings before making the next move. Still, more importantly, they needed to wake up their three unconscious members.

"Akio! Biri!" spoke Luffy severely. "Wake up!"

"You too, Daisuke!" shouted Sabo. "I thought you're supposed to be the hero of this war?"

Both Luffy and Sabo's shouts were able to awaken all three unconscious allies. Biri was the first to get out and was happy to see both Mika and Ace safe, even hugging the little girl upon seeing her. Akio and the man woke up at about the same time. As he rubbed his head, the man removed his hat to reveal his slicked-back black hair with an odd strand of hair curled on his forehead. When he opened his black-colored eyes, he glared annoyingly towards Sabo.

"I would have been if I wasn't knocked out!"

Sabo chuckled. "If you're getting knocked out by my little brother's Conqueror's Haki, then you're definitely just barely gonna make it through the rest of this."

"Rest of what?" asked Daisuke.

After asking, the man immediately got a good look at the situation. They were surrounded by fire, and Marine officers were closing in around, ready to attack. Daisuke let out a terrifying yell seeing how bad their position was.

Interestingly, Akio had the same thought but did not scream. He loudly and dreadfully asked, "What's going on?!"

Mika answered with a happy grin, "We rescued Uncle Ace, Akio!

"G-Good," Akio replied, both relieved yet nervous.

"Hmm, Akio?" Daisuke took notice of the name, and he looked beside himself.

Akio turned as well, hearing his name. "Yeah…"

Both Akio and Daisuke stared at each other for about a second before both became shocked. Daisuke was wholly so, while the young boy also appeared mad.

"You!" shouted Akio first, venomously.

"Son?!" asked Daisuke in disbelief.

Luffy looked back as he overheard them. "Son?" he asked, confused.

"Deal with it later, Luffy," Sabo said quickly. He then looked back at Daisuke.

"You too! We need to focus on escaping!"

"Then let's get out of here!" Ace said confidently. He then brought his fist back, setting it ablaze, and threw it forward.

"Fire Fist!"

A fiery column of fire as large as a house hurdled through the flame wall and into the Marine force waiting on the other side. All the soldiers were blown away, some even receiving burns. The attack traveled far into the crowd before finally ceasing altogether. From this blistering blaze, a pathway was made reaching all the way to the walls.

Sabo looked back and told the kids, "Stay behind us."

"Biri," Luffy spoke next. "Keep Mika and Akio safe."

The bird cawed and nodded.

A little peeved, Daisuke understood the situation. "Fine then, I'll cover the rear," he told the other men.

"Let's go!" shouted Luffy, charging forward.

Immediately, Ace and Sabo followed with their brother. Biri followed his captain's order and scooped up the children onto his back. He then ran behind the men, with Daisuke following behind them. Upon leaving the fire circle, every Marine soldier jumped to strike down the fleeing criminals. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy were ready to fight back, but they would not need to.

"Death Wink!"

"Thunder Ball!"

"Shark Brick Fist

"Degenerate Swan Dance Recital!"

Several Marine soldiers were sent flying away by different attacks. Luffy and his brothers were able to keep running as the figures that protected arrived around them. It was Ivankov, Nami, Kola, and Bon Clay. And they were joined by all the remaining Newkama to further aid them. Inazuma was along as well by his leader's side. Luffy and Sabo were happy to see their friends' arrival, especially for the two ladies.

"Nami!" shouted Luffy.

"Koala!" shouted Sabo.

Nami smiled as she ran beside her husband. "You did it, Luffy!" she said joyfully.

Luffy replied, "We did it!"

Sabo told the Koala with a grin, "Looks like it worked out."

The capped woman rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks to the help of your little brother and his wife," she reaffirmed playfully.

Blinking with surprise, Sabo turned his head to look at Luffy and Nami. "Wife? Luffy?" he asked.

While Luffy began grinning brightly, Nami took it upon herself to explain. She told him respectfully, "Oh, I'm Nami. I'm Luffy's wife, his navigator on his ship, and Mika's mother. Nice to meet you, brother."

"B-Brother…" Sabo said bashfully.

Koala chuckled and gave the man a light punch to his shoulder. "Aren't you lucky to get such a nice sister-in-law," she told him teasingly.

Ace laughed loudly and boisterously. "Weird, ain't it," he said back to Sabo humorously.

From where he stood, Whitebeard could see his precious son. He could also see the smile he was making as he fought and talked alongside his other family. It made the man happy, and he did not want to see such a family meet an end here. And he would not let them either. He gave out a command to all his crew, his last one as their captain.

"IT'S TIME TO PART WAYS! YOU MUST ALL SURVIVE AND RETURN TO THE NEW WORLD!"

Every member of both the Whitebeard Pirates and their allies was stunned. Many tried to talk their father-figure out of such an order, but Edward Newgate resolute in his determination. He would give his sons and daughters the chance to live on. There was no future for him anymore.

"I'm a relic of a bygone era! No ship can carry me into the new age!" Whitebeard then pulled his arm and hand. As an intense aura surrounded his hand, he threw his arm forward.

"GET AWAY FROM HERE, MY CHILDREN!"

The man's Tremor-Tremor power, unabated by the sturdy bay walls, struck through the entirety of Marineford. It destroyed many of the swept away many Marine soldiers. Small buildings were brought to ruin, and the fortress-like stronghold began to crack and shake. Even the island itself started to tilt and sway like a rocking chair. The world's strongest man was going to unless devastation upon his enemies.

"Whitebeard!"

Sengoku moved into action. The spear had long been removed, and so the man could utilize his own Devil Fruit power, the Human-Human Fruit model Daibutsu. He grew to become a large and overweight golden man once again and marched towards Whitebeard unintimidated.

Whitebeard grinned, seeing the fleet admiral coming to him. "Let's fight like old times, Sengoku…"

"Pops!"

Before Newgate could march forward to face his adversary, he heard the voice of his son, Ace. He glanced back as he saw his entire left flank cleared of his crewmates, obeying his order, but also of Marine soldiers as flames covered the area. In the center, he found Ace on his hands and knees before the man. He was fighting back the urge to aid the man he called "father" but abided by his last command. Still, he wanted to give Newgate one last moment of respect and gratitude. Whitebeard appreciated it and asked but one thing from his son.

"Were you happy…with me as your father?"

And Ace instantly and loudly replied, "Of Course!"

Whitebeard laughed with satisfaction. "Gu-ra-ra-ra! Good! Now, go enjoy your own family, my son!" he announced proudly.

Newgate had said all he needed to Ace; he only had to stop the Marines from destroying his family. As Ace left to join his family, Whitebeard marched forward with haste as he met Sengoku, a head taller than himself. The two prepared to punch the other—Newgate with his quake-enhanced fist and the fleet admiral with his shockwave-producing aura. As the two powers collided against each other, the whole island began to shake and rock from the opposing forces.

"Whitebeard, you sentimental old fool!"

From afar, Shiki watched on and disliked the sappiness of the situation. He respected Whitebeard for his strength and command, but he could only stand so much of the other side of his comrade. The fight he had with Garp had left both injured and bleeding, but with pirates in retreat, Shiki lost his cover from the rest of the soldiers.

"Stay and fight, you bilge rats!" Shiki shouted in disdain. "We can destroy this whole organization!"

With Shiki wrapped up in his own issue, others took this opportunity to escape. Buggy and Galdino lead the retreat to Marine ships. Many had already been captured by Whitebeard's allies to escape.

Garp chuckled as he commented to his enemy, "You gotta hand it to Whitebeard. He knows when to cut his losses."

Shiki growled at the vice admiral. "Dammit…!" said the man. The Flying Pirate quickly realized that he would need to do the same.

Though running away, all the pirates gathered around Ace and his group as they made for an escape. The Whitebeard crew and allies – Jinbe among them – would shield Ace and them from the Marines to make a clean getaway. Not just Ace, but they also helped others of their crew like the frozen Jozu and the impaired Marco to flee. Every Marine soldier was attacking harshly upon the ever-expanding parade of pirates, but none could stop them.

"Ace!"

Hearing the woman's voice, Ace was surprised and looked around. He soon spies the owner as she pierces through the pirates until finally reaching Ace's circle. Once through, the woman launched forward with blinding speed. Ace was nearly caught by surprise, but he saw the rapier aimed at him by his hands.

"Isuka…!"

Stopping, Luffy and Sabo witnessed the scene and were worried. "Ace!" they shouted.

But Ace was fine. He looked at the woman who was staring at him with the appearance of resolve to defeat him. It was confusing as Ace knew that Isuka was an unyielding warrior; what was going on? Ace got his answer silently when he saw a smile.

"Now I have the chance to capture you!" Isuka said eagerly.

Ace smirked and replied mischievously, "You gotta beat me first!"

Ace clenched the rapier and began swinging. He took both the weapon and the lady Marine soldier for a short spin before throwing her over the crowd. Isuka was shocked, but her smile returned as she became more amused. After adjusting herself, she landed on the ground among her fellow Marine soldiers. She stood back up but found it pointless to continue as the volume of people was simply too large now.

And yet, Isuka still smiled, now full of determination. "Next time, Fire Fist…" she said.

When Ace rejoined his brothers, Sabo gave him a curious look. "Why didn't you use your flames there?" he asked.

"She has a bad experience with fire. I thought I'd be considerate…" The entirety of Ace's family felt there was a more obvious reason but running for their lives was more important.

Another encounter came from out of the crowd. It was Whiteout, the wolfdog, aiming for Luffy again. It appeared just behind the group, nearly scaring Biri, Mika, and Akio. The canine charged forward at the rubber man, uninterested in the bird and kids. He let out a growl to warn them as such. It was a scary sight, but Biri was undeterred of his duty and loyalty. As the wolfdog closed in behind them, Biri jumped and floated to avoid him. However, instead of entirely keeping out of the way, Biri landed straight down upon the biped hard. The dog was momentarily hindered but kept running. Biri, remaining on Whiteout's back, then began pecking furiously and impeded him further.

"Bad doggie!" shouted Mika

Even Akio shouted, "Go Biri!"

"Hey!" shouted Nami back to the kids. "Keep up! If you fall behind…!"

Daisuke shouted, "I'm on-!"

Before Daisuke could do anything, someone else beat him to it. "5,000 Brick Fist!" Biri leaped off the canine as Jinbe arrived. He struck the hound with a mighty punch, sending it flying back into the fray.

Biri then landed in a run, keeping up with the others. As the bird sped forward faster, the kids looked back, and Mika waved to the Fishman cheerfully.

"Thanks, Blue Fishy guy!"

Jinbe took the words with a kind smile and nodded.

"Hey!" shouted Daisuke annoyedly. "Don't take my moment!"

The whale shark Fishman ignored the complaint and continued defending the group.

"Come on, Ace!" shouted Squard, standing atop Whitebeard's last remaining vessel. "The ship is ready!"

Everyone in the group was overjoyed. Their escape and rescue were practically assured.

Suddenly, a giant fist of lava crashed through a crowd of pirates near the group. A surprise attack from Admiral Sakazuki was decimating the pirates. Fortunately, he was too slow to catch the runaways. It was not too unfortunate for him; he had a way to stop his target.

"Turning tail once you free your crewmate, eh? The Whitebeard Pirates have fallen. Nothing but a pack of cowards, but considering who your captain is, it's no surprise…"

"Whitebeard is a loser of a bygone era."

The man's words reached his intended target: Ace. He stopped immediately upon hearing the statement. It caught the attention of his family and allies. Ace stood for about a moment along before turning to glare at the Marine admiral.

"Take that back!" shouted Ace in rage. "Take Back What You Said!"

Blinded by his love and respect for Whitebeard, Ace no longer cared for escaping. He turned fully towards Sakazuki, ready to fight. It was exactly as the man wanted, and now, the admiral had the young and hot-headed pirate in his control. All he had to do is antagonize further to isolate him.

"Whitebeard Will Die A Loser! A Fitting End For The Leader Of A Band Of Human Trash!"

Ace was about to retort righteously, but he quickly received a knock to his head from Sabo. "Idiot!" he shouted angrily.

"He's trying to kill you! Do you think that's what Whitebeard wants?!"

Sakazuki sneered with displeasure. "That punk…!"

Recovering quickly. Ace attempted to retort. "But he…!" As he spoke, his fists became partially on fire.

Sabo then grabbed Ace and told him, "Whitebeard wants you to live!"

"We want you to live!" Sabo forcefully turned Ace around so he could see Luffy, Nami, and the kids. All of them looked worried for the man.

Seeing their faces, Ace's temper cooled, and his flames disappeared. His brother then smiled as he saw understanding in Ace's eyes.

"Enough of this…" Akainu reeled back as he was about to throw another column of lava towards the pirates.

Before the group could react, another was already intercepting. A slash from a sword brought the sturdy Sakazuki a grievous wound across his chest. His blood began to soak through and darken his already red suit. The man stumbled back as he forced himself to withstand the pain. He could only glare at the defender of the group, once again, Silvers Rayleigh.

Though breathing more heavily, Rayleigh stood confident but defensive. He looked back at the group and told them, "Get going!"

"Thanks!" said Sabo quickly.

Ace did not give the same gratitude aloud but was silently grateful to the man. To find one of his accursed father's crewmates here helping was surreal to the young man. He had thoughts and even questions, but he left those aside. After all, he had to survive this for everyone fighting for him. The young man turned and followed his brother.

As the group continued further, Akainu retreated further. He was bleeding seriously, and Marine medical staff was already around him. It was clear that he would not be able to go much further with Rayleigh in his way. And now, more Whitebeard Pirates were standing in his forces' way. There was nothing more he could do, and yet, he pulled out a mini-Transponder Snail.

"If you're in position, take the shot."

As the group was running, Luffy looked to his brothers as they caught up with him. He chuckled and shouted out energetically, "Let's go-!"

BANG!

"-AHH!"

A scream unlike any other sent a chill through Nami, Mika, Akio, Biri, Ace, and even Sabo. They all turned to Luffy, the source of that agonizing yell. Luffy was falling with blood spluttering from a wound in his shoulder. Everyone was shocked, and they immediately stopped. The adults then quickly rushed over to the rubber man, unintentionally blocking the children's and Biri's view.

"Luffy!" shouted the adults in fear and worry.

Mika shouted fearfully, "Daddy!"

"Captain!" Akio, too, shouted with dread.

Many of the group's allies stopped immediately when they saw the group cease their running. Confusion and concern spread among them as a few – Ivankov, Bon Clay, and Koala – rushed over to see what was going on. A quick examination of the struggling man quickly made it evident as to what occurred. It was, however, alarming.

"Straw Boy's been shot?!" shouted Bon Clay.

"Impossible!" said Ivankov befuddled. "Straw Hat Boy is made of rubber. He can't be hurt by bullets."

Nami could not understand it either. She had seen her captain and husband take on many barrages of bullets before. All of them simply ricochet off his body thanks to being rubber. It had been the same during this situation as well. If it was not a massively produced bullet in a battle full of powerful foes to the Marines, then it had to be something specially made and rare.

An idea then clicked within Nami's mind: "Sea prism stone…" she mumbled in astonishing realization.

"Oi!" shouted Ace to the crowd anxiously, not hearing Nami. "Marco! Deuce! Any doctor! We need help!"

Nami continued thinking. More thoughts came from her new understanding: why would they aim a sea prism stone bullet at Luffy? She knew that he was a high-profile target, but the Marines' main goal is to kill Ace. Luffy had been near Ace when he received his wound. Another realization dawned upon her.

"They're aiming for Ace…" Nami spoke quietly.

"Anyone!"

Nami then looked over to her brother-in-law as he stood entirely in the open and unguarded. "Ace!" she shouted. The woman then quickly pushed Ace down.

Ace was shocked. "Nam-!"

BANG!

Ace's anger shifted to shock as he saw Nami fall to the ground. "Nami!" he shouted, horrified.

Despite his own pain, Luffy heard to shout and shot up. He, too, saw his wife on the ground, blood beginning to pool around her. He called out fearfully, "Nami!"

Ivankov soon realized what was going on. "S-Sniper?!"

Jinbe, realizing the same, quickly ordered out, "Cover them!"

Many pirates and allies began surrounding the group, forming a tight circle. The rest kept to keeping the Marine forces at bay. Together, both groups looked out for the sniper. All the commotion caused much confusion for the kids and Biri as they could not see what was going on. The other adults of their group were blocking their view.

"Nami!" Both kids heard Luffy's shout.

Then came Ace's shout, "Marco! Deuce! Where are you?!"

"Mama?" spoke Mika, confused as she tried to see her mother.

However, Akio was anxious. "What's going on?" he asked as he attempted to peer through the adults.

Daisuke quickly retorted, "Don't!"

Akio quickly became mad. "Get out of the way, old man!" he shouted.

Surprisingly, Bon Clay joined Daisuke. "Please, children," he said pleadingly.

Behind them, the others were with Nami. She was being held by her husband with Sabo and Koala trying to help. The woman had received a fatal wound as her heart and body had been pierced through. Neither one had any profound medical expertise. Nami was breathing erratically and losing blood fast; she was fading by the second.

"Nami…! Nami!" said Luffy desperately.

Equally so, Sabo tried to ask for help. "Iva! Use your power!" he pleaded.

The Newkama could see the damage clearly, and he grimaced. "It's too large. The hormones wouldn't be enough…" he said solemnly.

Koala gasped. "No…" she said despairingly.

Luffy looked up at Ivankov, confused. "What are you saying?" he asked, almost heartbroken.

"You helped me…" He then shouted, "HELP NAMI!"

While Ivankov was brought to shame at his uselessness, Ace tried to give his little brother hope. "Don't worry, Luffy! Marco will be here soon…"

But as he looked out, Ace could not see the man. He immediately shouted loudly, "MARCO!"

Meanwhile, Marco could hear Ace but could do nothing. He was still handcuffed with sea prism stone. One of his crewmates was trying to crack the lock, but the man was having difficulty. All the commotion around them was hampering his work.

"MARCO!" Ace shouted again, more desperately.

Still unable to see, Mika was getting worried. "Mama!" Her eyes then began to glow that familiar red of Observation Haki. She could sense her mother, and her light was dimming slowly.

Unfortunately, Mika did not know what that meant. "Mama…?"

"MARCO!" shouted Ace a third time.

Sabo spoke, "Just hang in there, Nami…" He then turned to try and desperately find someone nearby to help them.

"Lu… Luffy…" Nami suddenly spoke weakly.

Luffy heard his wife and looked down with a hopeful expression. "Nami!" he said.

"Luffy…" Though smiling, Nami also began to shed tears. "I'm sorry…"

Confused though still optimistic, Luffy asked, "What are you talking about? You…"

"I don't think I can continue being your navigator…" All the light left from Luffy.

"No, no, no, no, no—" Nami placed her hand on Luffy's face.

Smiling brighter, the woman told her husband, "But I will always love you and be your wife…"

"Nami!" shouted Luffy desperately.

To Luffy's surprise, Nami was able to pull his head down and kiss the man squarely for a moment. It stunned Luffy to silence as he could only continue to watch and listen further.

When they separated, she told him softly but confidently, "Keep going, don't give up. Ever…"

Tears were now falling from Luffy's eyes despite still being dumbfounded.

"Tell everyone I'm sorry too, and…"

"Mama!"

Hearing her daughter's cry, Nami's smile became a bit warmer, and the tears began to entirely fall. She told Luffy, "Tell Mika she's grounded, but…"

"I will always love her. No matter…what..."

Mika arrived to see her mother too late. Nami's hand fell from Luffy's face. It landed listlessly on the ground. The last of her tears seeped through her eyes as they closed. Luffy could feel the warmth fade away from his wife and navigator's body. She no longer moved with even the slightest discomfort. And Mika, she saw the light vanish and her mother's voice gone. It was like she was no longer there, but the little girl could see her mother as clear as day. But all that was left of her warmth was the smile still on her face.

Monkey D. Nami is dead.