'thats fire fist's brother, isnt it,' i asked, taking shade in my fellow's large shadow.

'he is rero,' vito answered passing me the remains of a cookie that had barely escaped strawhat's grasp. it was sweet with a bitter finish. coffee.

i narrowed my eyes, they were whispering to each other. strawhat was quiet.

that was the first sign of-

'FATHER,' was the only thing i heard before strawhat leapt across the table, arm stretched back for a punch.

vito nudged me as he aimed his revolvers, joining the many clicks that echoed in the room. i was quick to draw my own, a spinning bullseye locking onto the attacker.

but before any of us could pull the trigger, father raised his hand, a clear sign to hold our fire.

just as father began talking, jimbei jumped in. his words calmed strawhat and he went back to his seat across the table.

father's voice was barely audible amongst the clicking of barrels. it was clear that what was about to happen was over.

i placed my revolver back in its holster and placed myself behind vito once more.

'what happened?'

'strawhat wanted to punch father for shooting that mink, pekoms.'

i nodded, that sure was a lot of commotion for a single mink. there was talk of war and strawhat only cared about his own agenda. his brother had been telling the truth. what a bother.

the wedding was soon and blackleg had just left. i was sure that the alliance meeting had gone on for hours, but vito assured me it hadn't taken much time.

'ace,' father called for me, 'make sure strawhat is ready. and dont let them tamper with the castle.'

'of course father.'

vito lead me down the winding halls, to the main area of the castle. where the sight of sleeping pirates greeted us.

'how much time til the wedding.'

vito held up three fingers.

thirty minutes. there wasn't much time left and here was their only chance passed out.

my attention turned to jimbei, the only one of the lot who seemed to be conscious. we shared a look and he went back to looking over his crew.

it is long after they leave big mom's territory and an eternity since the disastrous wedding. now he sits in the main of the castle, listening to the madams request.

'you want me to send.. a post card?'

'yes,' his madam confirms, the babe she carries coos at the attention she gives.

'to the strawhat's navigator?,' ace looked to vito to make sure he heard right. his companion confirmed his question with a nod. the room was quiet and there was faint music echoing through the castle, but even the smallest words could be missed.

'you have a brother, the user of the dial fruit. would he be able to deliver it?'

ace nodded, he was sure that his brother was able but he would have to contact the man. hopefully the heart pirates had not made it to wano yet.

'how quick do you need it delivered.'

'no longer than three weeks.'

ace stood from his seat and gave a small bow, 'i'll see to it right away, ma'am.'

he left the room, hand rummaging through his coat for his den den. he could not hear the sharp click of boots follow him, he knew that vito had stayed with the madam.

that was good. there was no need for his partner when it came to this call.