Author's note: Okay! This one got pretty long. Had to add some things to it that I forgot upon initially writing. Only one more chapter left guys. No tears - as if any could be spared by this point...

But still, as always,

Read, Review, & Enjoy!

News Read Around the World

Straw Hat Luffy Sets the Stage

It had been a month since the battle when another event was making headlines centered around Marineford. The event occurred during the reconstruction. It told of a lone Marine battleship arriving but did not dock in the bay initially. Unusual for Marine protocol, information reached reporters that it had been commandeered. Attempts were made by the Marines to sink it, but their cannon fire was destroyed before it could hit the vessel. Thus, it continued sailing around Marineford.

Every reporter wanted to know what was going on and followed it as far as they could. They soon spotted the culprit upon gaining a better vantage point.

"It's Monkey D. Luffy!" shouted a reporter in shock

Another reporter asked, "What is he doing?"

"It looks like a funeral at sea…" spoke a Marine sailor nearby.

A full circle later, the ship entered the bay. Every Marine soldier was on guard as it made port. The reporters were at a safe distance and jotting down every detail they could. Soon, Luffy and four other men left the ship and landed before the crowd. Every soldier was shocked seeing them.

"I can't believe it! It's the 'Dark King' Silvers Rayleigh!"

"The traitor Jinbe is with them!"

"I-It can't be?! That's the Revolutionary Sabo!"

"And that's…" the man could not figure who the identity of the last person, "Um…."

"It's Bon Clay, you jerks!" shouted the enraged Okama.

All five invaders then began causing a ruckus. None of the Marine soldiers could stop the small force as they made their way further in. While most of them kept the rift-raft at bay, Luffy made a beeline for an unusual destination: a bell. It was near the reporters who immediately gave way to the rubber man. They kept watching him as he quickly approached the altar-like stand. With the name "Ox Llyod" on display, Luffy took hold of the string and rung it.

No one stopped the man, and he rang the bell sixteen times. Luffy then turned to the crowd. He pulled out a bouquet he kept protected in his shirt and tossed it into the plaza. It fell to the ground; no one dared catch it in fear of retaliation from the man. Luffy then his fist and place it solemnly on his chest. His straw hat was curiously nowhere on his person. No reporter missed the opportunity and took dozens of pictures of the scene. It did not last long, and Luffy and his group then left without doing anything more. They took their battleship and left.

But not without a new addition.

More focused on heading inside, Luffy did not notice that something approaching from the sky. When he heard an excited caw, he turned just in time for whatever to crash right into him. Everyone on deck nearly attacked whatever it was but stopped when they fully saw it.

"Ahahaha!" Luffy laughed in ticklish joy before shouting, "Biri!"

Indeed, Biri let a rapturous caw as he continued to nuzzle and hug his human friend. The bird had a few bandages covering his wing and legs but appeared physically fine. He even let out a bit of electricity; he was so happy.

Of course, it had no effect on Luffy. The two then separated, and Luffy noticed something about his friend. There was something tied to his pet's leg; it looked like a note. He took it off and opened it to find something written.

Dear Luffy,

It's me, Coby! I hope you are doing alright. I know it doesn't mean much from someone who is essentially your sworn enemy…

Luffy noticed something on the page; there were wet marks.

But I am so sorry for your loss. Nami was a wonderful woman, perfect for someone who will be the King of the Pirates. I hope you and Mika are…I don't know what to say. I just hope you both are doing okay.

I found this bird – I nicknamed him "Big Bird," but he didn't seem to like it – after the battle. I remember him being a part of your group and, since he doesn't have a bounty yet, I took care of him. It was a little challenging – I don't think he likes me much – but this was something I had to do for you! We may be enemies now, but we were friends first!

Stay well, both you and Mika.

A smile grew on Luffy's face as he finished reading. He then proceeded to eat the letter, much to Jinbe and Bon Clay's shock. When they asked him why he did such an odd thing, Luffy turned to them with a grin.

"Shishishi! It's a secret," he told them.

While it confused Jinbe and Bon Clay, Rayleigh and Sabo only laughed goodhumoredly. Now, with everyone back, the group sailed onward unabated. Once they were far enough out at sea, where no one could possibly see them, the group was met by Hancock and the Kuja Pirates on their own ship, the Perfume Yuda. The company disembarked the Marine vessel and sunk it. Everyone was greeted warmly by the all-female crew, every member curious about the men. All of them kept poking, pinching, and pulling the group as they observed them intently. Jinbe and Bon Clay endured it while Luffy and Rayleigh did not mind. For Luffy, he had his mind elsewhere.

"I hope they'll get the message…." Luffy said aloud hopefully.

Rayleigh responded lightly, "Well, that one guy might take a while, but I think your crew will get it in the end."

The event in question would make the headline news, without a doubt. The world over was soon reading it a short time after. Many people were concerned, but none more so than those who sat at the highest positions in the world. For in the holy land of Mary Geoise that sits on the Red Line, which separates the globe from north to south, the group known as the Five Elders sat within their room. They were to discuss the oncoming change caused by the battle at Marineford. They held the highest position known in the World Government and among the Celestial Dragons. The recent news had been concerning.

"It seems that Straw Hat Luffy is always in the news…" spoke one elder, a man with a scar by his left eye and his greying hair in dreadlocks. "Considering his relation to Garp, it's no surprise…."

"His child was nowhere to be seen during the incident," spoke the second man, a tall gentleman with a thin beard, irritated. "Is he aware of how significant his child's ability is?

The third old man, short with a birthmark on his forehead, sneered as he spoke, "Blackbeard was already cautious. Catching his child would be even more difficult…."

"Let the Marines handle it," spoke the fourth elder who wore a gi and was bald. "We need to focus on filling the now three vacant seats of the Seven Warlords."

"Too much is already happening in the New World," said the youngest appearing of the group. "Let's watch how things develop and who will have the most influence before making a decision.

"It better be soon," said the first elder. "Blackbeard is already acquiring all of Whitebeard's old territory and bring chaos wherever he goes."

The second elder spoke, "Unfortunately, it would probably take one of the Four Emperors to take down someone as unprecedented as a man with two Devil Fruit abilities."

"And then there's Roger's son," said the third elder. "If it weren't for that Red-Hair, that bloodline would have finally been extinguished."

"Both Whitebeard's message and that knowledge have brought forth another wave of chaos, just as Roger did," said the fifth elder annoyedly.

The fourth elder then spoke, "All of this is being caused by those with the name D. It's been getting far too well known nowadays…."

While the Five Elders conversed, another important meeting was taking place. Fleet Admiral Sengoku spoke with the man who held a position even higher than his own, Kong, the World Government Military Commander-in-Chief. Even larger than Sengoku sitting across from him, the large man sat behind a desk with many documents laid out before him. Kong appeared disappointed as he and Sengoku discussed their own situation.

"First Garp and now you too, eh, Sengoku," spoke Kong resignedly.

Sengoku was solemn. "It's time these old warhorses retired. Times change, and every generation must serve justice in its own way."

"Very well." Kong then stipulated, "But like Garp, I'm only resigning you from your position. The Marines need your names to be an inspiration to those future generations."

"Sounds fine to me," Sengoku said contently.

"If I may," Sengoku added to Kong's surprise. "I would like to recommend Aokiji as the next Fleet Admiral."

Kong nodded. "You may just get your way. Akainu has too much bad publicity, and Kizaru doesn't have much to himself. 'The Man that Wounded the Dark King' is already a hit among the civilians. Maybe becoming a Fleet Admiral will straighten out his laziness."

Sengoku let out a chuckle before commenting, "We can only hope, sir…."

Speaking of, Marine Admiral "Aokiji" Kuzan was in a meeting of his own down in Marineford. His office had suffered slightly from the destruction caused by the war. An entire wall was missing, but it did not stop him from accepting an application from a man he considered respectable. In his office, all while construction continued unhindered, was Marine Commodore "White Chaser" Smoker. The man appeared to be behaving himself despite his otherwise gruff nature. They, too, were interested in the news, but there was a more important matter for Smoker to discuss.

"Has my transfer gone through yet?" asked Smoker.

Aokiji replied, "I talk with Sengoku about it when he returns, but I'm a little surprised. Most people want to transfer out of G5. It's a Marine base full of problems, but it also means you'll be stationed in the New World."

Smoker told the high-ranking officer, "I like to keep my enemies close…."

A second went by before a chuckle escaped Aokiji. "My apologies. You're the second officer to state that to me. She was a determined young lady, 'Nailing' Isuka…."

As the rest of the world read the same news, many well-known figures took interest. On Sandy Island, where the kingdom of Alabasta lies, there was a significant concern among its civilians. Some of it was directed towards the recent pirate attacks, thanks to the influence of Marineford. Thankfully, the people had a king who truly cared for their safety and had men that would always protect them. But, no, it was the condition of the country's princess that was worrying them more. Since the news of the war's outcome, Princess Vivi had not left her room nor the palace in weeks. A dark cloud hovered over the royal family and all those close to them, and it was noticeable. But when the News Coo delivered the paper with the recent event, there was a change.

"Luffy…" Vivi gazed sadly and confused upon the article that featured her dear friend and, in particular, the picture of the man.

Princess Vivi had been wracked with confusion, sadness, and depression when she read the newspaper featuring the Marineford War. There was so much to take in for her; Luffy and Nami had become close, they had a child, and that their crew was nowhere around. Worst of all, they and she had lost Nami to this battle. It was too much for her to handle, and it lasted weeks until the recent report. Now, the young princess was wondering what was going on with Luffy.

"What is going on with you?" Vivi said aloud as Karoo was looking at the newspaper as well.

But there was also something, in particular, Vivi noticed about Luffy, the markings on his arm. "And what's with those? Are you trying to say something?"

And, not everyone was happy to see Luffy in the news again. Back in the East Blue, that was the case for those in Cocoyashi Village. Signs were posted around the port and even into the coastline. All of them had a similar message: no Straw Hat Pirates allowed. It was a stark change in attitude, considering they had been saved by said group. But being that this was Nami's home, the new stance was not an unexpected one.

"WHERE IS THAT BRAT?!"

A shout echoed through the village, now solemn and dull. It was coming from none other than the leader and law enforcement officer of this town, Genzo. The man was speaking through a Transponder Snail and was furious. His rage would not be quelled until he could talk with someone of his demand.

"I Don't Care Who I Have To Talk To! An Admiral! The Fleet Admiral! Or Even The World Government Itself! I Want Straw Hat Brought Here For His Crime!"

Outside his office, a few onlookers were standing by solemnly. They were doctor Nako, young village boy Chabo, and the local bounty hunters and part-time fishers Johnny and Yosaku. All of them were listening to Genzo's shouts with concern, worry, and heartbreak. But more so, as they looked out towards the cliff, the group held even more upset for the one person most troubled by the news.

Separated from the rest of Cocoyashi Village, there was a mikan plantation and a single home. As deary and down as the town was behaving, it was a rainstorm compared to the tropical depression surrounding the area. And at its center, a single person sat in the house darkened by her mood and the covered windows. Nojiko, Nami's adopted older sister, looked as if she had not slept in days. She was at the table and sitting with a glass in hand with her arm stretched near an unmarked bottle. Her other hand was on her forehead and covering her eyes, hair draped as she was leaning slightly. In front of the light blue-haired woman, a lightly crinkled newspaper was open on a page with a large headline: "Deaths." There was also another separate sheet with a section that read, "Straw Hat's Child?!"

"Dammit, Nami..." spoke Nojiko emotionally.

Poor Nojiko did not know how to take everything she read. It was simply too much.

Elsewhere in the East Blue, a Marine ship with a dog figurehead was docking at a small village in the Goa Kingdom on Dawn Island. It belonged to none other than Monkey D. Garp, and the man looked surprisingly disgruntled. He was walking a bit limply; his injury from Shiki was still potent. Even before coming ashore, the man wore a solemn expression. The town, Windmill Village, came out to see the marine and give him many questions. Mayor Woop Slap reigned in his rambunctious townsfolk before he greeting the vice admiral. But, the two men were soon interrupted by a large and gruff woman carrying a club.

"Garp!" the woman shouted, "You Bastard!"

Garp recognized the woman, "Dadan..." Before he could say anything further, the woman struck the man with her club. He landed on his back and remained there as the woman continued to beat him.

"Vice Admiral!" shouted the Marine soldier.

Surprisingly, between thwacks, Garp gave a single towards his men to do nothing. All of the men were shocked but obeyed begrudgingly. Dadan continued to wail on the old Marine soldier.

"How Could You Do That To Your Own Grandsons?!" shouted the woman viciously.

"You Almost Killed Ace!" Garp remained silent and accepted the woman's wrath further.

"And Luffy...!" Dadan stopped hitting Garp momentarily as she became emotional.

"Did You Know?! Did You Know That Boy Had A Kid?! And That She Was There In That Mess, You Marines Caused! Her Mother Died Because Of Your Group's Nonsense! You Call Yourselves 'Heroes of Justice!'"

Dadan was once the caretaker for Luffy, Ace, and Sabo back when they were kids. Though they had often annoyed her, she and her mountain bandit gang came to care for them greatly. Dadan would be able to standby after reading the events at Marineford. She would return to attacking Garp for his part in that terrible incident, but someone stepped in to stop her. It was the young bar maiden, Makino. The young woman looked hurt but stood firmly and courageously before the bigger woman.

"Please stop, Dadan!" Makino shouted desperately.

Though bloodied, Garp was able to look over and see the woman protecting him. "Makino..."

"Don't you think Garp isn't suffering as well! There's been enough fighting!"

Makino's words made the older woman cease her attack and calmed down. As Dadan sat down to rest, Garp did the same sitting up. Even Makino collapsed to the group, nearly exhausted. It was quite the sight for all the villagers. Finally, someone spoke.

"Unfortunately, there is not much I can do for my family now. Perhaps that's for the best. I've done enough. But, what I can do is protect this village. Pirates have been getting rowdier since Whitebeard's declaration. Everything is beginning to change. Violently so..."

Elsewhere, somewhere on the Grand Line, jovial laughter echoed over a serene blue sea. On a ship, the "Flying Pirate" Shiki, the Golden Lion, was sitting on deck with the day's newspaper in hand. The man appeared to be in a cheerful mood.

"So, Straw Hat didn't die after all. The boy's got some gall to harass the Marines this way. I love it!"

Across from Shiki, another man – Buggy the Clown – was looking at the same newspaper but was not as happy to read. He grumbled, "Damn that flashy brat! He's trying to upstage me!"

"Don't get so bent out of shape, kid," Shiki said cheerily. "The day may go to Straw Hat, but tomorrow will be ours, right?"

Buggy crumbled up the paper and threw it off the deck before answering. "You're damn right!" he said righteously.

Shiki grinned. "Good! Then, my proposal…."

Now grinning himself, sinisterly, Buggy answered, "Yeah. I like your flashy idea, Shiki. Let's join hands in this business venture…."

The two men then shook hands. A cheer erupted around them in celebration. It came from Buggy's original crew plus Alvida and is now joined by Galdino and the many Impel Down escapees. Shiki was not alone on his side as he had his old partners with him, Doctor Indigo and Scarlet the Ape. Both were still in prison uniform, but they were just as excited.

Everyone was currently sailing on Buggy's ship, the Big Top. No one paid any attention to the billowing smoke behind them. It was coming from an island where a Marine base now laid in ruin.

Not everyone, though, received the news of Straw Hat Luffy's escapade so immediately. On an island somewhere in the region of the Grand Line called "New World," there was one man who had not heard much of anything for the last few weeks. It was Portgas D. Ace, and the man looked as if he had seen some terrible winters.

Close to his homeland, Sphinx, the Whitebeard Pirates laid their captain's grave on an island nearby. It was decorated ornately as the tombstone displayed Whitebeard's weapon that held both the man's tattered jacket and his jolly roger proudly. Swords of fallen comrades were placed around that symbolized the dead's bond with their father figure. In front of this monument of such a legendary figure, we find Ace, sitting before it with lifeless eyes and his hat removed. Stubble was already beginning to show on his face; how long he had been like this was unknown. He appeared deep in thought as he did not notice someone's approach from behind.

"Hey, Ace," spoke Marco casually. In his hand, he held a newspaper.

When Ace did not respond, Marco continued speaking. "Your brothers have shown up in the news today..."

Now, the young freckled man began to move. He turned to his crewmate with an expression full of surprise and concern. Marco felt it best to just hand his crewmate the newspaper so that he could see for himself. Ace was quick to read through the article and stopped on the picture of his youngest brother. A smile formed from Ace, making Marco relieved that his friend was finally snapping out of his funk.

"He's recovered..." Ace said, hopeful.

Marco replied, "It appears so, but I wonder what he's doing with this stunt with Rayleigh and Jinbe helping him too."

Ace let out a chuckle. "Probably something selfish..."

The man found the answer amusing. "Sounds familiar..."

It became quiet between the two men as Ace grew more solemn. He soon asked after a moment, "Do you think they'll ever forgive me?"

"No one among our crew and allies blames you, Ace." Marco then deduced the true meaning of Ace's question, "But you weren't talking about us..."

"He lost his wife and crewmate because of me," Ace stated as he started to become emotional. "Mika lost her mother because of me..."

"They could never..."

Suddenly, Marco placed his hand on Ace's shoulder. "Don't make assumptions so soon. You will only know when you meet with them again," the man stated wisely.

Ace replied with a hint of fear, "I don't know if I can..."

"Well, it's not like you know where they are at the moment." Marco removed his hand and began walking away. He stopped, however, as he had one last thing to say.

"Pops told us to live our own lives, but for many of us, we can't quite move on just yet..."

Moving slightly, Ace looked at Marco, curious about his meaning. He was surprised to see the ordinarily laidback man now appearing serious and determined. It was rare to see Marco in such a mood.

Marco then stated, "It'll be some time before we do it, but we're going to take down that bastard Blackbeard for all he's down..."

Ace stood up immediately. His earlier doldrum was now replaced with a fury that was raging like his element, fire. "You can count me in on that, Marco!" he declared readily.

But, more importantly, the one thing that Luffy wanted his action to do was reach his friends, and it certainly did. At every separate location that the Straw Hat Pirates were at, they received the newspaper with Luffy's message. With Zoro needing a bit of help, each of them understood what their captain was telling them, and each went about it accordingly.

"Thanks for letting me stay a little longer, everyone," Chopper said to the inhabitants of the Birdie Kingdom.

Chopper returned to the island when he saw the message, and he was soon acquainted with the people's most impressive resource. "I can't believe you guys had such a large library for medicinal herbs. I can definitely learn a lot here…."

As the little reindeer began his study, he thought back to his time before and with Luffy, the crew, and the newcomers. He has thought he would always be alone for his blue nose and eating a Devil Fruit that made him human. However, he met Doctor Hiriluk and then Luffy, who encouraged and supported him to achieve his desire. Luffy and all the crew had done so much for him. He was determined to live up to it, especially for Mika. Especially now with one of them no longer with them.

"Luffy…! Mika…!" Chopper said resolutely. "I'm going to get stronger…for sure!"

In the Kamabakka Kingdom, Sanji figured out the same message. He had calmed down and had become more gracious to his host. Ivankov even invited him to dine with him, despite being slightly suspicious of the man. When Sanji ate the food prepared for them, he was amazed at the newfound energy.

Ivankov explained energetically when asked, "This is Attack Cooking! Food is part of your environment, you know! It affects your physique, personality, your whole body. This food goes all out!"

It intrigued Sanji for one reason or another (a perverted one). When asked if he could be taught this style of cooking, he was denied. Ivankov explained that Attack Cooking was a secret training for the people of this island who learn the Newkama Kenpo fighting style. One also needed to have the heart of a maiden. That was out of the question for a man dedicated to ladies. However, his determination moved the queen of the Newkama, and he proposed a challenge.

"There are 99 masters of Newkama Kenpo on the island. I'll give each one a recipe. If you're really a pirate, steal those recipes from them! However! All those masters will try to put you in adorable outfits day and night! If you win this battle, I'll even give you a ship too! But if you lose, well, I doubt you'll be the same man any longer. Mmmhmm!"

Accepting it was no question for Sanji. He had to get stronger, for Luffy, Mika, and all the crew – even Zoro begrudgingly. Luffy had believed in his dream from the start, and his daughter never questioned it and supported him just the same. They both were dear to him but even more to Nami, whom he admired, respected, and loved. He would not let her family fall apart, even if he had to endure this personal hell.

"I accept your challenge!"

On Sword Mountain Island, where the Longarm Tribe and Kingdom reside, Brook had found himself as a spectacle for the Longarm people. A living skeleton was a fantastic draw, but Brook had been stationary and unmoving for a short time, causing the crowd to throw a fit. He had received the same message as the others and thinking about what he could do in his current situation. As Brook wondered, the skeleton thought back to when he first met Luffy, who accepted him without hesitation and was willing to help him in a tough situation. He had spent fifty years doing nothing but hope but meeting Luffy made it worthwhile. Meeting Mika had doubled it. Now, Brook had to do something to help his captain and the crew.

Thus, Brook finally stood up, surprising the crowd. He then went over to the closest bar and leaned his entire body forward against the pole. He announced jovial, "40 degree—" But the skeleton slipped and few onto his face.

Brook recovered; seeing that his joke would not work, he moved on to his music. Luckily, he was given a guitar by his captors as they knew of proficiency from their encounter. He picked it up, tuned it to his likely, and addressed the crowd as if he were on a stage.

"I'm sure you're all getting a little bored." Brook then announced loudly, "How About You Listen To My New Single! Bone To Be Wild!"

Returning to the future land Baldino, despite an impressively large explosion, most of the island remained. The Marines had sent more of their soldiers to look into the incident, but no one could give them a clear answer on who. Meanwhile, Franky had not only survived the event he caused but found a hidden laboratory. He was not left unscathed; most of his skin was burned off, leaving him only to his cyborg skeleton. He, like his crew members, had seen the message Luffy gave them and understood it. The lab he was in, once belonging to Vegapunk, was going to be his to use for his work.

After all, Luffy believed in his ship, the Thousand Sunny. And in him, the shipwright who dared never to craft again. It was time to make something new again.

"Brr! It's super cold in here," said the practically naked cyborg.

Franky first tried to warm up by wearing a tiger rug over his exposed wires and metal parts. It helped, but the man was still feeling the chill. He made a fire, but one of the logs accidentally rolled out of the fireplace. It caught Franky's fur coat on fire which sent him into a panic. The flaming man ran out of his hideout as the flames covered his cover. At the same time, the Marine soldiers were out looking for the culprit in the snow. None expected to see a giant burning beast come howling from down from the mountain. It was entirely terrifying.

And that incident, similar to the previous one, would be remembered in the Grand Line as "the Legend of Baldimore's Sacred Burning Beast."

Back in the Boin Archipelago, Usopp, too, had read and understood the message. Escape was the plan, but he knew he had to improve himself first. He would need to lose all the pounds he gained and become stronger. Nothing would stop him. After all, Usopp had seen Luffy accomplish much and celebrate with him afterward. He thought he was lucky to have met the man and join his crew. But he was mistaken.

"I've always thought…Luffy would become Pirate King on his own. But that's not true. There are enemies out there even he can't possibly defeat! Even Luffy can lose! He's always pushing himself really hard! Even harder now for Mika, I bet. That's why…."

Usopp shouted determinedly, "He needs me to help him!"

The man helping Usopp, Hercules, was moved. He accepted Usopp as his pupil; he would teach and train the young man in this carnivorous and deceitful forest. He could show the sniper much, like a particular plant that grows dangerously and fast, Pop Greens. Usopp would accept it all. He was determined to become a real sniper and warrior of the sea.

In the former Muggy Kingdom, a single loud echo livened the dismal atmosphere of Gloom Island.

"PLEASE! Teach Me What You Know!"

Within the castle, a sight never before seen had transpired. The prideful and stubborn swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, Roronoa Zoro, was bowing before his rival, the greatest swordsman in the world, Dracule Mihawk. It took a moment, but Zoro had finally realized what his crewmates had. He acted accordingly to that realization. Mihawk thought the sight strange until he questioned the man's sense.

"You would kowtow to a mortal foe and beg him to instruct you? Why?!"

Zoro lifted his head. His expression showed he was suffering some humiliation to this act, but his resolve far outweighed it. Determination was still evident as when he gave his answer for the man, "To surpass you!"

For the first time in a long time, Mihawk let out a laugh. It was not mocking or cruel; merely finding humor in the situation. He understood Zoro's character well as it was something he had seen before. A man willing to abandon his pride, especially of Zoro's caliber, always did so for the sake of another. It was something the Warlord of the Sea could respect.

"Ghost Girl!" Mihawk ordered, "Tend to the man's injuries!"

The ghost girl, Perona, shouted indignantly, "Don't order me around!"

Mihawk then spoke to Zoro, "When your wounds are healed, I will instruct you, Roronoa Zoro!"

In the East Blue on the giant bridge, Robin left the dreadful centuries-long construction project with the Revolutionaries. They had climbed down one of the pillars supporting the overpass and onto a moored ship belonging to the group. All the members of the Revolutionary group were tense but polite around Robin, as they did not want her to feel trapped or forced. Unfortunately, Robin had long since been untrusting of most people, knowing they were after her knowledge. She would not ease her guard around even these people despite their intentions.

There was only ever one place Robin would feel safe. Luffy had given her that feeling. A place she truly belonged with friends she could truly count on. She even had a little admirer in her captain's daughter, whom she cherished dearly. Of course, she had also lost one of her closest friends. It was never in her nature to want to do something for anyone, but that had all changed joining the Straw Hat Pirates. And now, it meant even more now than ever.

"Um, Ms. Nico," spoke one of the Revolutionary members courteously. "Is there anything we can do for you?"

Robin already had something in mind. "Could you please connect back to your base," she requested.

"Really?"

"I would like to inform my crewmate of my coming…."

On the island Baltigo, somewhere in the Grand Line, things had changed for one Akio. While he still wanted to leave and get as far away from his father as possible, he finally settled down now that someone was on his side. Koala had set Daisuke to the infirmary for a "minor injury" and kept to Akio as his caretaker until something could be arranged. It was an agreement Akio was more than happy to take, especially after seeing how caring the woman was to him. Now, he had to only figure out what his captain was doing.

"Akio!" Koala rushed into the room where the boy was staring at the newspaper on a bed. She had a Transponder Snail in her hand was looked excited.

"Yes, Ms. Koala?"

Koala handed Akio the dial and told him coyly, "You have a call from someone I think you'll know."

Curious now, Akio accepted the dial and answered, "Hello?"

"It's good to hear you're fine, Akio…." Akio's eyes opened wide as he recognized the voice.

"Ms. Nico!" he shouted happily.

The snail expressed Robin's warm laughter before she spoke again. "I know you've been trying to get back, but I'll be coming to where you are soon."

"You are?!" Akio became excited, "That's awesome!"

"Don't be too excited yet. It may still be a while before we can return back to our crew."

Akio's excitement disappeared, and he became bemused. "Why?"

"Have you seen the recent news of our captain?"

"Yes!" Akio then asked, "But what's he trying to say? I don't get what he wrote on his arm…."

"It's a message for us. We were supposed to meet back up in three days on Sabaody, remember…."

"Yeah…" Akio said thoughtfully. He then said, "So, if it's crossed out, what does the '2Y' mean?"

There was a moment of silence before Robin finally answered. "He's saying we'll meet back up in two years' time…."

Akio nearly dropped the dial. "Wh-What?"

"And I won't be going back until then…." Robin continued firmly, "I'm going to be using that time to become stronger, something I believe Luffy and everyone will be doing too…."

Finally, in the Calm Belt, there was an island northwest of Amazon Lily called Ruskaina. It has long since been uninhabited by people as far back as in ancient times. Only an untold amount of ferocious and vicious beasts call it home. Until now, Luffy and Rayleigh were on this island and beginning their own training. Luffy would learn the basics of Haki, at least the two primary forms. The third, the color of the Conqueror's Haki, he would have to strengthen on his own. Regardless, Luffy was eager to learn and train.

But, something was still nagging at the man's consciousness. From some time ago…

"Daddy," spoke Mika, back on Amazon Lily, anxiously and ashamedly. "What if I said I… didn't want to go with you on your adventure?"

Luffy, his hat upon his head, was stunned by the question. It was shocking to hear his daughter be so timid and cautious about such an adventure, but deep down, he did not fault her for asking such a thing. She may have even been right to do so now before he left aboard the Kuja Pirates' vessel for Marineford. Unfortunately, he was conflicted by the notion, which made him pause from moving onto the ship. He eventually settled on an idea that often gave him much encouragement.

Taking his straw hat off, Luffy placed it on his daughter's head. "Could you hang onto this until I get back, Mika?" he asked warmly.

Mika stared at her father, confused before tears began to fall. She was all too familiar with the gesture, having been the story more than enough. Nodding first, Mika then hugged her father tightly.

It made Luffy happy, and he hugged his daughter back. He then told her, "When I return, I'll ask you that question. Whatever answer you give me then, I'll accept it. No matter what. I will always love you, Mika…."

It worried Luffy even now, and Rayleigh had taken notice.

"All that energy worrying over an answer you haven't heard yet can be better used to focus on your training. If you don't want your daughter to leave your side, show her that you will be strong enough to beat back any foe that wishes harm on everything that she holds dear."

The words resonated with Luffy, and his mood improved. Luffy smiled and nodded. He continued with his training.

Together, most of the Straw Hat Pirates had begun their training and studying. They accomplished a lot in only two years beforehand. Another two dedicated to rigorous learning and practice in their own way would likely yield astounding results. Each member was determined to see each other again, and nothing would stop them this time.

But, what did the youngest and newest members feel about this? What will Mika, Akio, and Biri do?

TO BE

CONTINUED…