"Anyway, Hiccup, since you're my grandson, I won't capture you and turn you over to the Government," Wrinkly informed him. "I tell them that I'm sure they'll understand. Can't put work before family, right?"

"That's not an excuse, sir," said his aide. "Let's just say they got away."

"I mostly came here is a favour for Gustav and Sven; you boys take your time and chat up as much as you want," Wrinkly continued. "I'm heading back to my ship for now."

"Then goodbye," said Hiccup.

"Is that all you going to say?" Wrinkly roared. "At least pretend like you care! I'm your grandfather you haven't seen in ages!"

"Yeah, and the last time I saw you do beat me up?" Hiccup reminded him.

"I was training you and still want my grandson to love me!"

"Then you have a funny way of going about it."

The Dragon Riders just stared at the two of them from the window.

"It would seem as if stubbornness runs in the family, not to mention pride," Astrid noted.

With all the drama over, the Dragon Riders finally had a chance to talk about what just happened over a cup of tea.

"Hiccup told me about his grandfather, and I thought he was exaggerating," said Ragnar as he poured them a cup of tea.

"I admit the part about Valka certainly surprised me. I thought my family history was odd," said Heather.

"Where's Hiccup?" Chopper asked.

"He's out front with Gustav and that other gun," said Toothless.

"You don't want to see them too?" Ragnar surprised. "Your old friends, right?"

"Well, this does bring back memories," Toothless admitted. "But Hiccup was the one that saved Gustav, not me."

"Huh?" said Chopper. "I wonder where Astrid, Fishlegs and the twins ran off to? Astrid mentioned something about getting info from the Navy, but I guess she changed her mind. "

"She said that both she and Fishlegs were going to the pool with Coco and Chimney, and the twins follow them," Heather explained.

"The pool?" Chopper blinked.

"Galley Law has a pool in the back of its employees to us."

"Not a bad idea; I might join them after I clean the dishes," said Ragnar.

Hiccup, Gustav and Sven were outside sitting upon some rubble that Galley Law had moved.

"So, did you come from Reverse Mountain to get to the Grand Line?" Hiccup asked.

"No, we went a different way," said Gustav.

"But I through one who came from to the Grand Line to go over that mountain?" Hiccup frowned.

"Yeah, actually a lie."

"Gustav, tell him that it's supposed to be a secret," Sven hissed.

"But it's just Hiccup; it'll be fine," Gustav assured him.

"What you mean it's just Hiccup? He's a pirate, isn't he?"

"What harm could it do?"

"Are you going to tell me or not?" Hiccup asked.

"Well, it's top secret. There is another way, for the Navy at least, that is to say, we ships at headquarters that can sail through the Calm Belt."

"What?" Hiccup stared.

"Of course, the method hundred per cent guaranteed."

"Okay, but what's the trick? Is anyone supposed to get through the Calm Belt? There's no wind, and it's filled sea kings as big as battleships. My father ship has a paddle steamer so we can pass through easily, and with his strength, he can handle any number of sea kings, but how does the Navy do it?"

"The catch is the hull of the Navy ships that sailed through a bunch of Sea Prison Stones strapped to them."

"How does that work?"

"Well, you see, as you know the Sea Prison Stone's pass off the same energy as the sea itself though when the fish see the bottoms of the ship—"

Gustav and Sven were unaware that Astrid and Fishlegs were listening, is into their conversation. Astrid had placed a transponder snail next to them, allowing them to listen in to their conversation.

"—the same energy as the sea," Fishlegs concluded as he jotted down notes. "That's it. How they get through a nest of Sea Kings without getting attacked. Because the monsters won't notice a thing. So even if they didn't take the entrance at Reverse Mountain can still slip into the Grand Line without any trouble

"So beautifully simple," said Astrid.

"Yeah, those Navy scientists are really something else," said Fishlegs. "Just keep them talking, Hiccup; this is getting good."

"Hey, pirate lady!" Chimney yelled from the pool. "Are you going to swim or not?"

"I'll join you in a minute, but can you keep it down," said Astrid. "Information like this doesn't come around every so often."

"The Navy has the greatest inventor world working for them," Gustav explained. "His name is Doctor Vegapunk. He's the one who came up with this plan."

"And that only the tip of the iceberg for him," said Sven. "You know those Devil Fruit you ate, is the one who identified its power. He also out how transferred their abilities, he even developed a way to feed Devil Fruits to inanimate objects, that was his biggest project last year."

"Doctor Vegapunk," Fishlegs pondered.

"I better go and join Chimney before she blows our cover," said Astrid as she made her way to the pool. "Keep gathering that information. It could be useful."

"Will do," said Fishlegs.

"That certainly answers a few questions," said Hiccup.

"World is full of amazing people," said Gustav. "You know, if I never met you, I would probably still be living in a narrowed a little world. I wouldn't know a thing about the Grand Line. It seems like forever since you burst out of that barrel on the ship. Knows how long I'd be swabbing decks for Alvida if you hadn't shown up."

Hiccup laughed. "I forgot that you were on her ship and the reason you are even there was hilarious."

"I haven't heard this one," said Sven lifting his shades. "You've got to tell me the story too."

"Oh… uh, really, it's nothing," said Gustav looking rather embarrassed.

"He was going to go on a fishing trip but ended up on a pirate ship by accident," Hiccup explained.

Sven laughed. "Who does that? What a dumbass."

Gustav struck the back of his head awkwardly. "I didn't have the courage to do anything back then; I wasn't even brave enough to run away. But if I hadn't been on that ship, I never would have met Hiccup. So, when I look back on it, I think of it as fate. So even if it was kinda embarrassing since I made a friend that day, I should have any regrets, right?"

"Uh, so that's how it is," said Sven.

"Well, something like that."

"It hasn't been long, but it seems like you've grown up," Hiccup noted.

"Actually, people tell me that all the time."

"Well, we owe it to your grandfather," said Sven. "That guy puts us through the ring every single day."

"Yeah, I know what that's like."

"Sure, but I think the Vice-Admiral is an amazing guy," said Gustav. "W-we had nowhere else to go, but he took us in and made us stronger. I'll always be grateful for that. Learning from at Marine headquarters is an incredible opportunity; who knows what might have happened otherwise. I mean, the training is pretty tough, but…" He then stopped briefly to rub his cheek as if remembering an old wound. "…really tough, but still I'm glad that the Vice-Admiral is looking out for us. It's why we have to try our best no matter what we do. It's our way of paying back."

"Oh, I'd like to pay him back from all those punches in the head," said Sven.

"Good luck with that one."

"Maybe not today, but give it some time!"

Hiccup couldn't help but laugh.

Fishlegs was still jotting down notes though he suspected he probably wouldn't get anything more useful.

Astrid, meanwhile, was swimming in the pool and was now swimming beneath the water. She then turned on her back and nearly drowned as she saw Coco swimming above her in her mermaid form.

She quickly shot out of the water. "I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing her like that, not that I wouldn't really want to, I guess."

"Hey, pirate lady!" Chimney yelled. "Let's play volleyball!"

After their conversation, they made their way back to the Galley Law building, where Gustav and Sven began to say their farewells.

"So you're going back already?" said Hiccup. "You could at least stick around for a bite to eat."

"At the end of the day, we are still enemies," Gustav reminded him. "We can't be too friendly with each other. By the way, I was wondering if you have ever heard what the use of the name of the second half of the Grand Line."

"Dad, never really took me that far. We always stuck to this half," Hiccup informed him. "I guess you want to keep me safe from the rest of his enemies."

"Well, on the other side of the Red Line, at the far reaches of the ocean, is a place where a few pirates or Marines have ever seen. They call it the New World."

"New World?" Hiccup smiled.

"There is a new era coming, and the people who can guide it are gathering on those seas. They say the one that can master those waters will become King of the Pirates. And I believe one of these days, you and I will meet on those waters. When that time comes, I'll be even stronger, strong enough to capture you because I promised myself that I will keep trying until I become a marine admiral!"

Everyone remained silent, and it took a few moments to realise what he had just said and immediately fell over.

"No, I'm sorry I got carried away!" he said quickly. "This is so embarrassing; I just want to dig a hole and bury my head in it. That was really arrogant of me; I just got really worked up seeing you again, and I just…"

"Gustav, you said you're going to fight me, right?" said Hiccup. "Then you will become that strong; you'll have to."

Gustav calmed down and looked up at him. "Yeah, but a marine admiral?"

"The next time I see you, we're going to be stronger too," Hiccup warned him. "A whole lot stronger."

Gustav just stared at him as tears formed in his eyes. 'I don't get it? I just blurted out some ridiculous dream, something I don't even have a right to follow, but he didn't laugh? He believed in the.'

"Look at that; it turns out you're still a crybaby after all, huh, Gustav?" said Toothless noticing his tears.

Gustav quickly wiped away his tears and lowered his head. "I am truly grateful that I was able to see you again today." He then found himself crying once again, but he smiled. 'Keeping up with them is going to be a real challenge. I can't kid myself about this.'

He then wiped his tears again and then stood up strong. "Just you wait! We're going to get tougher and tougher! You'll see next time when we meet in the New World! Farewell!"

He then immediately ran off.

"Hey, wait!" said Sven and then quickly drew his knives. "You two had better prepare yourselves because Gustav and I are going to blow you away, you hear me?" He then began chasing after Gustav. "Gustav, slow down!"

"I can't slow down; I'm going to run away all the way to the New World!"

"What? You've lost your mind!"

"Well, Hiccup, you've done it again," said Toothless, smiling. "You've found another powerful rival for our crew to fight."

"If Gustav says he can do it, then I believe him," Hiccup smiled.

Gustav and Sven had made it back to the Navy battleship, and now they were sailing away from Water 7.

"I'm glad those two are okay, but now after what happened at Enies Lobby, I wonder how the world will react," said Gustav. "It might get messy."

"As far as I'm concerned, the island has gone, and that's the end of that," said Sven. "Though I've got to admit I was pretty surprised when I found out they decimated CP9 too."

"We will be seen that part in the news since CP9 was a secret organisation to start with," said Gustav. "It just doesn't seem right that the Navy burned down their own island with the Buster Call, and now they're blaming the Dragon Riders. Hiccup would never do something like that."

Gustav knew the reason; it was because of the bundling of Spandam that the island got burnt to a cinder. There was no way that the World Government would admit this or the reason why the Dragon Riders attacked them. If it ever got out that they planned on using the ancient weapons, it would damage the integrity of the World Government and the Navy.

"Even if it was to uphold justice, nothing good could ever come up this," said Gustav.

Sven sat up. "If I were you, I would be happy that those guys made it out alive at all."

Gustav smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"But seriously, what were those idiots thinking? Starting a war with the whole World Government just to save one crewmember. Now, what will they do?"

Gustav smirked. "I knew it! You were worried about them too! You can't fool me."

Sven immediately hid behind his shades and turned his face so that Gustav wouldn't see it turning red. "No! That's not what I was trying to say at all. What do I care they get themselves killed?"

Wrinkly then suddenly stormed in. "What are you yapping about? I didn't give you numbskulls permission to slack off! I do you one little favour, and you get all for yourselves! Training resumes right now! Get out there and give me 500 push-ups!"

"Yes, sir!" they yelled frantically, running outside.

By this point, the Dragon Riders had gathered around the pool having fun, blowing away the tons of stress they had accumulated over the past few days.

"Astrid, the barbecue is ready!" Ragnar yelled.

"Okay!" said Astrid was playing volleyball with Chimney.

Coco then shot out of the water and landed perfectly on the edge of the pool.

"Granny, that was awesome!" said Chimney excitedly.

Coco laughed. "That makes sure smells nice."

"Help yourself," said Ragnar.

"This stuff is yummy!" said Snotlout, who was wearing his mask.

"Master Wrestler? Where did you come from?" Toothless asked.

"You never fail to disappoint," said Heather as she bit into water meat.

"I serve only the best," Ragnar smiled.

"Look, it's them!" said Teeny as he and the rest of the Eret Family entered. "Hey, Dragon, you finally awake?"

"Look, it's the Eret Family," said Hiccup. "Get over here and join us!"

"Barbecue time, boys!" Teeny yelled.

They all immediately dashed towards the barbecue.

"We're going to need some more food," Astrid laughed.

She wasn't wrong as joining the party were David and Goliath.

"It's David and Goliath," Chopper beamed.

The giants had also joined them as well.

"Hey, save some for me," said Kadir.

"Me too," said Gabor.

"Guys, over here!" Snotlout waved.

"Dragon, feeling any better now?" Tilestone asked as he and the rest of Galley Law joined them.

"Galley Law is here too," said Hiccup.

"Who said that you could use the company pool anyway?" Palmer asked and screen when he saw Astrid in her bikini. "Ahhh! Put on some clothes!"

"You've never seen a woman in a swimsuit before?" Astrid frowned.

"Something smells delicious," said Iceberg as he arrived.

"Don't look, sir!" said Palmer, quickly covering Astrid with a blanket. "This harlot is going to crack your eyes with her filthy body!"

"Watch it," Astrid glared.

"We can't take a break once we start building that ship," said Kalena.

"That's why we're going to get all the partying done right now," said Eret. "I hope you guys have seats set aside for me."

"Because Big Bro is the star of the show," said Kaley.

"We're glad you could make it, bro!" Teeny yelled as the Eret Family cheered.

"All right, let's rock!" Snotlout yelled as he stood on top of some stacked tables. "How would you like to hear Master Wrestler's number one hits?"

"Looks like it's party time," Hiccup smiled.

In no time at all, that was a huge party brewing at the Galley Law company pool, and it went on throughout the afternoon. Heather leaned against the wall smiling at everyone enjoying themselves.

"Stay where you are and listen, Heather Owson," said a familiar voice.

Heather's eyes widened as she recognised the voice. 'It can't be. Asmund?'

Indeed, Asmund was leaning against the other side of the wall so no one could see him.

"Why did you try to escape like you usually do?" he asked curiously. "If you acted on your own, you could have gotten away from CP9."

"Even you should know by this time was different; I just couldn't abandon my crew," she said. "I couldn't leave them to die."

"You might not know this, but your friend Saul D Juguar that I was forced to kill on Draknar was my friend too."

Heather's eyes widened upon hearing this; she could scarcely believe it after he killed him in cold blood, and she meant that rather literally.

"Although I carried out my duty as a Marine that day, I also honoured his wishes by sparing you and helping you escape. After that, I still felt responsible for your life, but when 10 years had passed and you still hadn't found a home, I began to fear that Saul had made a mistake. In the end, even I had decided that you were too dangerous to live.

I was certain that Enies Lobby would end the story of Draknar once and for all. Of course, I never anticipated that Dragon's little gang would have defeated all of CP9. So, have you finally found the place where you belong?"

"Yes," she said.

"In the end, I don't know if Saul was right; I don't know what I've done is right or not either. So now I want you to show me the answer to that question."

"I intend to."

"Then live your life with courage and prove that Darknar is still alive," said Asmund walking away.

Heather then immediately dropped her glass and rushed towards the other side of the wall.

"Asmund!" she yelled but discovered that he was gone.

"You all right?" a voice asked.

Heather practically jumped relaxed the moment she saw Ragnar. "Yes, I'm fine."

"You know you can talk to me if something is wrong," Ragnar offered.

Heather smiled. "That's very kind, but it was nothing."

Ragnar obviously didn't believe her, but neither did he push the subject. "In that case, let's go and join the party."

"Sounds lovely."

Asmund was riding on his bike, watching as the people of Water 7 rushed towards the party. Apparently, word had gotten around fast.

"Look over there!"

"The pirates are having a party!"

"I hope that these are the friend you've been searching for," said Asmund.

Heather found herself enjoying the party with her friends, it had taken 10 years, but she finally found those friends that Saul mentioned.

'You were right, Saul,' she said, smiling, thinking back to his last words.