They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! So, this was originally supposed to take place at the beginning of when I officially start Marineford, but since I went ahead and put the reveal between Ace and Sengoku in Ace's chapter, why not do a special chapter dedicated just to everyone's reactions! Also, with a lot of you wanting to see it, why not? So, I hope you enjoy! Reading your comments from the last chapter were amazing! I was laughing so hard reading a lot of them.
Y'all I'm cracking up: I NEVER noticed the freaking pun with Roger and Rayleigh. GOLD Roger (though its Gol D and not Gold, but still!) and SILVERS Rayleigh. Captain and First Mate. Best friends. Like holy shit, I'm stupidly happy about that. I never realized that before xD (feel free to make fun of me xD I'm freaking happy)
I'm highly thinking of doing "spin-offs" of Rouge's story, Shanks' story, and Ace's all set pre-Marineford. Outside of just moments I do in We Are (Family). Especially Ace's. Just because. Like honestly, I don't know where I'm going with this fic post-Marineford xD I have time before I have to fully decide xD
This chapter also tells you what Rouge is up to, which was technically gonna be revealed later, but eh, we good xD reactions are the best.
Additional Notes: The allied ships of Whitebeard such as Squard and them DID NOT see this! So, they are in the dark. Instead of just doing a quick version I had planned with the Marines, Mihawk, and Sabaody, I'm gonna be doing them all. The Whitebeard Pirates DO know that Rouge is Ace's grandmother, but only Whitebeard knows about Roger. None of them know who his parents are. Whitebeard only knows that Rouge had a child, but not who they are. Deuce and the Spades do know about Shanks, Roger (just Deuce on this one), and Rouge. They don't know about Mihawk. They, however, are on a different Moby from Whitebeard and the Commanders. WBP part is connected to "The Mystery of Portgas D. Ace and the Former Second Division Commander" from my side fic We Are (Family). You don't have to read it to understand this though. I pretty much state it.
Chapter Warnings: Talks about Discrimination, I do go into detail about some of the things that Omega Males/Alpha Females are subjected too.
Chapter Seven: Special Retrospective of Marineford: The Revelation of Ace's Incorrect Heritage
Chapter Summary: Sengoku has announced to the world that Ace's parents are Portgas D. Rouge and Gol D. Roger. It leads to an argument between the two much to the surprise of the world. The world, Law, Shanks, Luffy, Dragon, Mihawk, Garp, Rouge, Rayleigh, and the Whitebeard Pirates' reactions.
His foolish Grandson. He just had to go off and get himself captured. Now, Garp was forced to sit here and watch as a potential war broke out, and his grandson's execution. Garp was conflicted. He wanted to uphold his loyalty to the World Government and the Marines, but every part of him scream to go release his grandson. At the end of the day, Ace was still a criminal and Garp was a Marine.
There was nothing he could do.
If he tried to act while at Marineford, neither he nor Ace would make it far. They both would be struck down. So, instead he would sit there and wait. Garp knew in his gut that his grandson was not dying that day. Not with how many people are willing to risk their lives for him. Not with who his parents are. Ace was a Whitebeard Pirate. The pirate crew aside from the Red-Hair Pirates that even the Marines left alone. The world did not mess with a Whitebeard Pirate and leave to tell the tale. He had no doubt that Shanks would eventually make an appearance, despite currently being in a dispute with Kaido since the day before. Mihawk was already present, standing with the Warlords. Garp was sure that Mihawk at some point would act. Mihawk was smart. Incredibly so. Calculated in how he attacked. He wouldn't blindly go in without a plan or knowing full well he could get out of the situation. Then there was the possibility of Luffy and the Strawhats. Luffy had already broken into Impel Down hunting down Ace into his cell. The one Garp feared would show up was Dragon. Dragon had an entire army at his disposal and Garp knew that Dragon wouldn't be afraid to strike. Not for his family. The last time he had seen Dragon had been when he left Dawn Island at seventeen, but from what Rouge told him, he had seen his nephews more than once.
The Marines wouldn't know what hit them.
Not if Garp's criminal family had a say.
Not one of them feared the idea of death. None of them feared the World Government. They just did whatever the hell they wanted no matter the repercussions of their actions.
Seriously, why couldn't at least one of his family become strong Marines?
Ace had already been taken to the scaffold. Where he would remain until his execution. Chained to the top that overlooked the plaza of Marineford.
Garp walked with Sengoku towards the scaffold. He had been under clear instructions not to get involved until Sengoku told him he was allowed. Clear instructions that he didn't have to fight unless they needed him. He was to sit there and do nothing. Garp would rather be a reassuring force for Ace as the events played out.
Garp had no doubt that Whitebeard would make a move. Eddie was just that kind of man. Eddie was a very family-oriented man despite having no biological family. All their conversations were always filled with how much Eddie cared for his sons. His nakama. His pack. Just Whitebeard alone was enough to scare the Marines currently in the plaza.
For the time being, Garp decided to stand with Tsuru. He was directly under where Ace was sitting. He picked up no signs of distress coming from his grandson. The second he did, he would be there. "This isn't your fault, Garp." Tsuru assured him.
Of course, it wasn't. Ace made his own decisions. Shanks had planned accordingly when raising his pups. He kept them out of sight of Marines, so if they chose a life away from piracy, they could do so freely without the fear of being connected to pirates. Garp could only bellow out a laugh as he looked out to the sea. Waiting for the moment he knew he would see Eddie. He had a bag of rice crackers in his pocket that he was going to share with Ace through this. This whole thing was going to be entertaining. At least to him.
He let his eyes go back up towards the scaffold. Sengoku planned on revealing Ace's parents. Sengoku had been keeping the information he had close to him. Sengoku had told him what he would be saying, and he could only sit there and try not to break his poker face. Sengoku seriously thought his daughter and Roger were Ace's parents. Sengoku did manage to find out that Roger had bought the house on Baterilla. Unsure of which one. Garp isn't even sure how he found it. The house was not in Roger's name at all. With information gathering, figured out a baby had been born there. That baby being Ace. Garp would give it to Sengoku, he saw right through Roger's careful planning. Sengoku didn't even know of the possibility that Rouge and Roger already had a child, and that child was definitely not Ace.
He wasn't even fully listening to Sengoku at least until he heard a shocked noise come from Ace. That's what caught his attention. Before he heard, "She." Garp choked for a second, before he started snickering. He actually did it. He could hear Ace's protests which only worked to fuel Garp more. Tsuru was casting him glances. The mention of his daughter's name just made it worse.
Sengoku wasn't listening to a word that Ace was saying. If he did listen and let Ace explain, it would only work to make it seem like the Marines were wrong. Which they were, but Garp wasn't going to admit to Sengoku that he was allowing it. He could have told his friend the truth, but that would only put Shanks into danger. Ace into more danger. Luffy too. Rouge would be.
That was until he said that Rouge was dead. Technically, Hibiscus Rouge was dead. She left behind her life as a pirate to live on Dawn Island, but Portgas D. Rouge was very much alive. Garp made sure that the Marines never had a clue what happened to her. Her Wanted Poster stayed in rotation with some, but without a sign of her. She was believed to have died twenty years ago. It also fit the timeline of Ace's birth, but it was so far fetched what they were saying.
Garp bit his lip as he tried to conceal his own laughter. Ace stammering and trying to get Sengoku to listen to him. His voice picking up on the snail, and carrying out over the battlefield. Garp couldn't hold it in anymore as he heard Ace call Sengoku a dumbass. Only his family would have the balls to do such a thing. Sengoku blatantly ignoring him as he announced that Gold Roger was Ace's father. That's when it happened.
Ace and Sengoku were now in mid-argument over Ace's parents.
The other Vice Admirals were staring at him as he doubled over in his laughter, unable to hold it in anymore.
Sengoku just dug a grave for the Marines and didn't even realize it.
X
Mihawk knew the Marines played dirty, but even this was implausible. He tried to get the tension out of his shoulders as he tried to keep his nerves down. Everything in him was screaming to get to Ace. Get him off of the scaffold and to safety.
He couldn't. Not yet.
Instead he chose to sooth his son, at least until reinforcements arrived. Just seeing his son's face, he was furious. Mihawk didn't blame him. Despite the anger on Ace's face, his eyes were glowing gold as they made eye contact. Nonetheless, he saw the way that Ace's body relaxed. He just needed to stay calm. At least for now.
It did appear as if he took the Marines' side of this battle. If only those idiots knew.
Sengoku stood next to Ace, snail in hand as he stated he had information to pass along. Mihawk stood between Doflamingo and Hancock. Hancock eyeing him from where she was to his left.
Mihawk kept his arms crossed over his chest. He could not let anyone see him lose his composure. He already slipped up, by facing Ace as it was. His extremely advanced control over his instincts falling momentarily as he stared at his injured son.
These people were going to pay for what they had done.
Mihawk tensed completely as Sengoku asked Ace to reveal the name of his father. He only snorted as Ace's voice picked up asking which one. He could hear Hancock questioning it, but he chose to ignore her. He snorted as Ace announced that it was Whitebeard. Which true, Whitebeard was Ace's Oyaji but Mihawk would always be his biological father. No matter how bitter Ace was to him. Mihawk would continue his work the way he had been in making sure Ace and Luffy were safe.
The tension returned as Sengoku told Ace he came from Baterilla. Do they know? Mihawk's nails dug into his jacket. He was sure if he wasn't wearing it, he would have punctured his skin.
That's when it went downhill.
She? Shanks is very much a man.
"I'm so confused." Ace's voice rang over the battlefield.
"He does look like he had no idea what Sengoku is talking about." Hancock stated. Mihawk turned his head again to look at Ace, and sure enough his face was covered in complete confusion while Sengoku started sputtering nonsense. Ace questioning if they had the right person.
"Your mother's name…" Mihawk braced himself for the announcement of Shanks' name. What came next put him into a stupor. "Portgas D. Rouge."
Mihawk bit his cheek as his shoulders started to shake as his face started splitting into a grin. They seriously think that?
"Hawkeyes?" Hancock questioned.
Mihawk couldn't answer her as the laughter bubbled in his chest as he heard Ace protest Sengoku. The Fleet Admiral going on to say that it was after his father's death. Ace proceeding to call Sengoku a dumbass, saying his father is alive. Mihawk snorted, the laugh escaping him as he turned back to face the ocean.
Well, this just became entertaining.
The rest of the Warlords were looking at him as Mihawk tried his best to keep his composure. Normally, he was excellent at keeping an emotionless mask. Only smirking when he was fully impressed. Now, hearing Ace try to reason with Sengoku over the nonsense leaving the Fleet Admiral's mouth was enough to warrant an audible laugh.
It was almost insulting that they dared to think that Mihawk and Shanks weren't Ace's parents. Though, he was related to Rouge through Shanks. They technically weren't wrong.
"Your true father is Gold Roger! The King of the Pirates!"
Okay, Mihawk couldn't contain it anymore. "Those fools." He stated as he managed to get a grip on himself as the argument between Ace and Sengoku started. The two's argument picking up on the snail, leaving even the Marines stomped.
"Hawkeyes, what's so funny?" Hancock questioned.
Mihawk decided to indulge her, looking over with a smirk on his face. "The Marines are wrong. That boy is not the son of Gold Roger or Hibiscus Rouge." He stated. The shocked look on Hancock's face following close behind.
"They would lie about that?"
Mihawk shrugged. "They are on a power trip. Seems like their intel is far off."
"Say, Hawkeyes, how would you know?" Doflamingo asked.
Doflamingo's voice was enough to put the poker face back on as he cast a glare to his fellow Warlord. "I just do."
Mihawk ignored them from that point on. Instead basking in the argument between his son and the Fleet Admiral.
X
Watching the broadcast, Dragon was perplexed. The Marines would actually stoop low enough to lie about Ace's parentage? He had sat pretty much in silence as they all watched the broadcast. His eyes lingering on his nephew's battered form. Ace had gone through hell, and Dragon was going to make them pay.
Eyes turned to him when Dragon couldn't contain his own laughter when Sengoku stated that Ace's mother was Rouge. Sabo, sitting next to him, wasn't fairing much better. Chuckling behind a gloved hand as the rest of them stared at them.
The two were bubbling with laughter as Ace called Sengoku a dumbass. Unable to contain anything anymore, Dragon practically fell out of his chair as he threw his head back. Sabo wasn't even hiding his own reaction anymore.
Dragon released out another laugh as Sengoku announced Gold Roger as Ace's father, promptly starting an argument between the Fleet Admiral and his prisoner.
Upon questioning, Dragon filled in his men about what was truly going on. Sabo, however, was still bent over laughing.
X
Law was lounging against Bepo as he watched the broadcast. Less interested with what Sengoku had to say but watched Ace's reaction to it. From what he found out at the auction house; this man was Strawhat's brother. Strawhat had seemed to know Silvers Rayleigh on a more friendly, even familial, level. Even calling Rayleigh his uncle. All before going so far as to talk about his mother and brother while speaking to the Legendary pirate. It made Strawhat that much more intriguing than he already was. Just how well connected was the Alpha?
Law's eyes narrowed on the monitor as Sengoku named off Ace's mother, much to the Omega prisoner's confusion. With Strawhat Luffy's words, Luffy stated his mother was alive and well. Traveling in the New World. Not dead. Law had heard of Hibiscus Rouge before. She was a Commander with the Whitebeard Pirates before she disappeared completely off of the map over twenty years ago. Corazon used to speak about her when he was young. Stating she was one of the world's best thieves and swordsman. Being able to take down pirate crews completely on her own even at the age of seventeen. Sengoku didn't even speak about Rouge's own pirate career, and how dangerous she had been. Just saying, she gave her life for Ace.
None of it was true. Law was positive about that. Word would have spread among the pirates if she had. Corazon had acted like she was still alive whenever he talked about her last. Law, himself, was six years older than Ace. If she was dead, Corazon would have stated as much.
Law's eyes widened as Ace called Sengoku a dumbass. The Fleet Admiral completely ignoring him as he continued to talk. Law snorted, a smirk coming to his face. He was liking Fire Fist even more. Fire Fist had a reputation of being a hot-head and even Sengoku wasn't free of that attitude.
He heard the outpour of shock around him as Sengoku stated Ace's father was Gold Roger, but Law paid no mind to it. It wasn't true either. Just by the look on Fire Fist's face. An argument echoing over the speakers immediately following as they argued about Ace's name and parents.
Laughter filling his ears caught his attention as he looked over to the crowd of people. Standing at the back was nonother than Silvers Rayleigh. Next to him was a tall woman with curly pinkish-blonde hair. A hibiscus flower behind her ear. A Whitebeard tattoo clear on her chest. Law's eyes widened. He had seen her face before. When Corazon showed him, her wanted poster.
She was Portgas D. Rouge. The woman herself standing there laughing. He couldn't hear what she was saying, but the shock on the faces of the people around her was enough to know his own suspicions were correct.
He stood up, starting off in the direction of his ship. His crew following closely behind. The World Government was going to kill a man for something he wasn't. Law wasn't going to sit back and watch it. He wasn't even sure what was compelling him, but he was going to Marineford.
X
The minute that Rouge had gotten word that Teach had attacked Thatch and the events that followed it with Ace leaving the Moby Dick, she had instantly left Dawn Island. Getting in her small boat and heading directly for the Grand Line. With Ace's vivre card in hand, she followed it throughout Paradise. Checking in to make sure nothing had happened to him.
That was until it started to burn, and she knew that Ace had found Teach.
She always had a gut feeling about Teach. Suspecting something more sinister at play whenever she was near the Alpha man. He liked to play dumb, but Rouge knew that was just a ploy. He was absolutely smarter than he looked or presented himself. It had shown as such when she witnessed Teach attack her son. It had all happened too quickly. The dead set look in Teach's eye when he slashed Shanks' face. How he watched for the small opening that Shanks gave despite his guard being up. An opening that only lasted merely a second but Teach used to his advantage. Breaking through defenses he shouldn't have been able too. His almost hungry eyes whenever he would lay eyes on Shanks. She could only imagine what happened with Ace.
Both Shanks and Ace were both incredibly handsome. Shanks having passed on his good looks to his children. Mihawk was a looker too which showed in the sharpness of Ace's eyes and his hair color. Everything else was Shanks.
Both also having incredibly sweet, almost intoxicating, scents.
She could almost imagine what Teach would do with Ace at his mercy.
Shanks had called her to tell her that Ace had indeed lost but there were no signs of him. That's when her father called her to tell her Ace had been taken into custody and sentenced to execution. Locked in Level Six of Impel Down. Eternal hell. Nothing good ever came from that floor of Impel Down.
That's when she discovered he was due to be executed at Marineford. By Eddie's vivre card, it was clear he was also on his way. Just a week from when she had read it in the paper. Garp must not have known on their call or he might have told her.
Garp was a softie for his grandkids. His choked up voice whenever they spoke. That's when she told him that she was in Paradise, heading straight for Sabaody. She had someone she had to get first.
That's also around the time she found out that Luffy broke into Impel Down. Going straight for Ace. Rouge wasn't even surprised. Luffy was reckless. Always had been. Once his mind was made up, that was it. There was no stopping him. It didn't matter what it was. She had seen it first hand in the woods of Dawn Island when Luffy was attacked by a bear. When she found out that he was kidnapped by the Bluejam Pirates and how Ace and Sabo had to go save him. He refused to give any information about them.
Stubbornness just ran in the family.
At first, she thought of calling Eddie to come and get her so she could also be present at Marineford. She knew that if she did that, he wouldn't hesitate but that would only mean that he would have to take the time to get her.
She had to find her own way.
And, heavens, she was going too.
Ace was her grandbaby. Her sweet, young Ace.
The Marines absolutely were not going to kill him. Even if Ace did get himself into this mess. Even if he was a criminal.
If they knew about Roger, it only painted a bigger target onto his back.
She had made it to Sabaody the day before Ace's scheduled execution. Her ship getting wrecked as she got to the island. Marines were flocking the archipelago. Which wasn't surprising.
She thanked everything that Rayleigh had caught her haki signature and fished her out of the water before she got seen.
Now, she didn't have a clue how she was getting to Marineford, but that wasn't going to stop her. She was Hibiscus Rouge after all. She never gave up, even when things seemed impossible.
By the time that her exhausted body had enough strength to move, it was already time for Marineford to start. Noon. The broadcast started and she dug her nails into her palms as she stared at the screens ahead of her. The citizens of Sabaody, reporters, you name it, were surrounding the monitors set up on the island to broadcast Ace's execution.
Everyone feared a war would break out.
Rouge had no doubt that it would. Eddie never left a man behind. Never let one of his nakama get killed. It just wasn't Eddie. That wasn't something he would sit by and allow.
She was still figuring out how she would get there when it had started. Ace being chained to the scaffold before Sengoku showed up. Rouge just stood there. Her eyes on her grandson. Tears springing to her eyes at the shape in was in. Battered and bruised.
She could hear the people around her questioning Sengoku. Why he was taking time to announce information. Though it made Rouge's blood run cold as Sengoku asked Ace to say who his father was.
Murmurs rang out through the crowd around her as she crossed her arms, looking up at the screen. Keeping her eyes on Ace. Refusing to look away as she calculated her next move. She had to get to Marineford.
"His father? What does that have to do with anything?" One citizen questioned.
"He's the one getting executed. Does it really matter who is parents are?" Another asked.
She snorted as he replied Whitebeard. Eddie had that influence on people. It didn't surprise her in the slightest that Ace saw Eddie as a father figure. Even as another father. Ace loved his parents. There was no doubt about it. Ace, however, did show anger and resentment towards Mihawk. She had seen it each time they interacted. The way that Ace slowly started to drift away from his Alpha father. He didn't have to say it, but she knew the reason.
Ace missed Mihawk. Wanted him around, but he never was. It caused a rift between the two.
If only Ace knew why Mihawk was so determined with his role as a Warlord.
Ace and Mihawk had more in common than either of them realized.
Which, in reality, was the best choice to make. Ace would paint a large target over Mihawk and Shanks. Mihawk was at Marineford. Rouge had seen him when they panned the camera over the people in attendance for the upcoming war. She had seen the tension in Mihawk's shoulders. It was stubble, but it was there. Mihawk was keeping himself from reacting. Which thank God he is, that would just end badly for him. Mihawk was grossly outnumbered. Even for being the World's Greatest Swordsman and a Warlord. He would have to get through all the Vice Admirals, the Admirals, Sengoku, plus the one hundred thousand men standing behind him to try and reach Ace. Mihawk was quick on his feet. Could move almost just as fast as Kizaru if he needed too, but it wouldn't be enough. Mihawk needed backup if he was going to act.
Rouge watched as Ace's face grew into confusion. Just like herself. What was Sengoku even talking about? Shanks had never misled the Navy. The only thing that Shanks had to hide was his relation to Roger and that had been easy at that point. The Navy had deemed that Roger never sired a child, and Shanks was far older than the age range they had been looking for. Sengoku continued on, even saying that Ace's mother was a she. Almost as if he forgot the possibility that Ace's mother could be an Omega male.
She sighed. There was still a stigma around Omega men and discrimination against them since their bodies worked like females. Externally they were male. Internally, their bodies were built like a woman. They were the only special case within secondary genders to hold this. Unlike an Alpha female who had both internally. Even able to be Alpha mothers with another woman. Yet, they barely held a stigma or discrimination just because they were Alphas. It didn't mean they didn't face it though. It was a sad reality in their world.
She never thought she would see the day that Sengoku of all people would do that. It was one of the forms of discrimination against Omega males to call them a she. She has known Sengoku a long time thanks to Garp. He was always a kind man. Wanting justice in the world, but also working on fixing discrimination people faced.
It was really odd to see Sengoku say that. It seemed like Rayleigh agreed with her cause of his muttering about it. Neither one of them had ever seen Sengoku ever use a degrading term about, well, anyone.
Baterilla had been announced as Ace's place of birth. Which only fueled Rouge into believing more that they knew about Shanks. They did have a yonko's son up for execution. It surprised her when Garp said they were only worried about the Whitebeard Pirates and not the Red-Hair Pirates showing up. Shanks would never sit by and allow the World Government to execute his son. Either of them. Everything about Sengoku's statements were driving her to the point of confusion. She could hear Ace speaking, the snail picking up his voice. Ace's confused statements ringing over the crowd.
"Even Fire Fist seems confused. What is this?" One bystander stated.
"He does look like he has no idea what Fleet Admiral Sengoku is talking about." Another added.
Well, at least that's what she thought until Sengoku announced Ace's mother's name. Unlike what she thought of him saying Shanks, he said, her name. Her face warped into shock. He really thought she was Ace's mother?
"Huh?" Rouge said, gaining some looks from the others around her. Most of them paused, taking a look at her appearance. A couple of them staring at her with wide eyes.
"What? No!" Ace's voice rang over the speakers. Rayleigh had started snickering at that point.
Sengoku continued on, going on to say the most absurd thing Rouge had ever heard. Apparently, she held Ace in her womb for twenty months before dying. Which, obviously, didn't happen considering Ace is not her son and she is very much alive. Even Ace tried to tell Sengoku that it wasn't the case. Sengoku ignoring his every word. They could hear every word from the monitors, causing a stir within them. How could anyone believe that? Would they just because it was Sengoku and he was the face of justice?
"Since when did I die?" Rouge paused as she realized she had said that out loud. Rayleigh bellowing out a laugh next to her.
"Rouge, you should have told me you had another kid! Must less died!" He snickered.
The bystanders were now looking at her. The ones who had been wide-eyed, their jaws dropped. "Wait a second, that flower!" One said.
"It's a hibiscus flower! And look at her tattoo!"
Displayed in full view on her chest was her mark of Whitebeard, proudly showing off the mark of her crew. She was back in her old gear, minus her trademark hat that she had given to Ace when he was ten.
"That's Portgas D. Rouge! I would recognize that face anywhere! She used to frequent this place!" One of the store owners stated.
"Didn't the Fleet Admiral just say she died twenty years ago?!" Another questioned. Confused noises moved out through the people of Sabaody.
Rouge ignored them for now. No wonder the Marines never came looking for her or questioning what happened. They believed she had died.
"And, thus, a year and three months after the death of his father—"
"My father is alive, you dumbass."
Rouge's mouth dropped open, an amused smile on her face as she let out her own laugh. Now that was something. One does not just call the Fleet Admiral a dumbass. Apparently, Ace was a special case cause Sengoku still ignored him.
"What is going on here? If Hibiscus Rouge is here, that means she isn't dead. Could the Marines really be lying?!" Someone exclaimed.
"Appears so. Even Fire Fist is trying to tell him something, but he won't listen."
The Marines were digging their own graves. Rouge listened in as the public favor started to change from listening to Sengoku, to questioning his motives and actions. Why he would be lying about Ace's parentage. Looking at Sengoku, he looked like he seriously believed it.
"Did Sengoku take something before this? Or am I hallucinating?" Rouge questioned.
Sengoku spoke about Ace's apparent bad blood before the announcement of, "Your true father is Gold Roger! The King of the Pirates!" Rouge started to laugh, all eyes moving from the monitors back to her.
"No, he isn't!" Followed immediately after from Ace.
"For all these years?! Gold Roger had a son?!" One person yelled, which made Rouge laugh harder.
Rayleigh was also laughing next to her as Rouge attempted to hide her laughter behind her hand. Failing with just how hard she was laughing. It only got worse as an argument between Sengoku and Ace soon filled the speakers. Ace denying Roger as his father, stating his parents were still very much alive and not Roger or Rouge. Sengoku telling him to quit lying that he was going to die with the bad blood in his veins.
"I can assure you that Gold Roger is not that boy's father." Rouge managed to say through his laughter. "And, he is not my son."
It dawned on the people there with Rouge's revelation. "Wait… the Fleet Admiral is lying?"
Rouge shrugged. "I think he might actually believe that Fire Fist is the son of Roger, but that is far from the truth." She stated. "Ace's parents are very much alive and traveling the seas." She watched the outrage soon follow. Many people on this island knew her from her travels, so it wasn't a surprise to see more people confirming she was indeed Rouge. Someone even holding up her wanted poster.
"Why should we believe you?" One person questioned.
"She's alive! That's enough reason to doubt!" Someone interjected.
The Marines tried to move in, but Rouge leveled a look on them. Daring them to step forward. In seconds, she could knock them out with her haki if she chooses to do so.
"They have to be lying! Hibiscus Rouge is standing right here!" One person said.
"Why would they do this?! They want to kill that poor boy for something he isn't!"
"He might be a criminal, but that is still low! They won't even let him talk! They don't want the truth getting out!"
Protesting followed. Angry shouts coming from the townspeople and reporters working to spread the news.
A woman approached Rouge, standing before her with a shy look. "If you aren't his mother, do you know who is?" She questioned, her voice low.
"You share the same family name as him! He even looks like you!" A person interjected.
Rouge smiled. The woman looked oddly like a shopkeeper she used to know. Thinking back, she vaguely looked like the man's daughter. "Just because we share the same name and look alike does not mean I am his mother. I do, for certain, know who his mother really is."
Curious eyes were now facing back in her direction as the argument between the prisoner and the Fleet Admiral ceased and quiet followed. "Do… do you mind telling us who they are then?"
Rouge sighed. "I would love too, but I have a war to go take part in. They are not killing Fire Fist Ace today." She stated as she turned to walk away. "I can assure you without a doubt that I am not his mother. Roger is not his father. I was the Commander of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates when Roger was active as a pirate and even before he became the King. He did not sire Ace."
"Before you go, why would they say that you and Gold Roger are his parents?!" The woman asked. "You saved my father's life years ago. I promise you, not a word of what you say will leave here." Others nodded in agreement. It seemed to her that the Marines were already losing favor. Some of the people starting to yell at the poor soldiers standing there about Sengoku's blatant lie.
Rouge hummed. Thinking back to any possibilities that would give them the idea. Sengoku had mentioned Baterilla where Ace was born. Roger had bought a place there, but the location was kept a secret. Rouge only knew about the place after Roger had bought it. From her understanding, the home was neither in her or Roger's name but rather Shanks'. Baterilla was a place of no questions asked. It was a peaceful place, at least until the Marines had stormed it when Shanks was fourteen looking for Roger's child. Around when Ace was born, they had been on the island for about four months at that point. Maybe more. Rouge would often go into the town to get supplies and even at one point bought baby supplies. That could be the only possibility other than the fact she had left piracy at that time. Leaving the Whitebeard pirates and returning home to Foosha.
"Well, I did live on Baterilla for a few months around when Ace was born, and I resigned from the Whitebeard Pirates back then." She stated. "Ace was born on Baterilla, true, but I am not his mother and Roger is not his father. Their so called intel is wrong. I will say by the time this is all over, the world will know who his parents are." Without another word, Rouge walked off, Rayleigh following after her.
X
"Oyaji! It's all set up!" Haruta announced, pulling away from where they had monitors set up to watch what was going on at Marineford currently. Whitebeard hummed softly as the monitors came to life. Showing Ace being chained to the scaffold.
"Oh god. Look at him. He looks terrible." Izou muttered.
Thatch growled from where he was standing. Fists clenched. "He wouldn't in this mess if it wasn't for what happened to me." He whispered.
"Don't blame yourself, son." Whitebeard reassured him. "Ace went because that is just who he is. He wanted to make that bastard pay for what he had done. If anyone is to blame. It's myself. I should have done more to stop him."
"We can't change what happened. All we can do is bring him home." Marco stated.
Everyone gave noises of agreement as they turned back to look at the monitors as Sengoku said he had something they needed to hear. Ace was asked who his father was, confusing most of the Commanders on why that was even a question. Ace quickly fought back with Whitebeard. Putting a sense of pride and affection into Whitebeard as he heard Ace's words. Sengoku was quick to call him a liar.
They all watched as the confusion came onto Ace's face as Sengoku started to talk about Ace's mother. He had absolutely no idea what Sengoku was talking about. Even trying to refute words the man was saying.
"I'm so confused." Ace said.
"Well, you look it, honey." Izou snorted.
"What are you even talking about? Are you sure you have the right person?"
That statement from Ace had the Commanders laughing for a moment before they calmed themselves down to continue to watch on. Any moment they would be close enough.
Next Sengoku spoke of the Baterilla incident. Siting that Ace was born on Baterilla. Ace confirmed it in a mumble. Which they all knew was the truth despite sailing out on his journey on Dawn Island. With the information from Shanks, they knew he lived on the Red Force for pretty much his entire life. Being the Omega Captain's apprentice along with his brother. Whitebeard was sure there was more to that story than Shanks was telling them. Shanks wasn't reckless. He wouldn't take such young children on board his ship without a good reason. Especially being raised on a ship himself and knowing full well what happens with children on pirate ships. Even Whitebeard knew how hard it was. He wouldn't know what it would be like with an infant since all of his sons were anywhere from four and up before coming onto his ship.
The next thing had the Whitebeard Pirates stunned as Sengoku stated their own former Second Division Commander's name as Ace's mother. "Isn't Commander Rouge his grandmother?" Vista stated, twisting his mustache.
"Yeah. They both stated as much. Commander Rouge wouldn't lie. Neither of them. Not to us." Thatch replied.
"What? No!"
When Sengoku stated that Rouge had died giving birth, they all knew it wasn't the truth. Having seen Rouge themselves just two years prior when Ace was promoted to Second Division Commander.
Anyway, who would believe a woman managed to stay pregnant for twenty months? That was impossible. The Marines in the plaza seemed to agree with their thoughts.
"Um, no, she didn't."
"Sengoku is just ignoring him! He keeps trying to tell him! Sengoku looks like a fool." Haruta stated.
"And, thus, a year and three months after the death of his father—"
"My father is alive, you dumbass."
Their jaws collectively dropped before Thatch broke the silence by choking on a laugh. Laughter followed at the clear sign of Ace's disrespect to the World Government. Whitebeard snorted, snuffling his own laugh as Ace on the monitor glared up at Sengoku.
Their laughter started to die down as Sengoku told the world that Ace was born with the blood of the most ominous villain in his veins. Now this caught their interest. They already knew Rouge being his mother was incorrect, but could they possibly have his father correct.
Truthfully, none of them knew who Ace's parents were. Whitebeard thought maybe the Spades would know, but Ace kept the information close to himself. He didn't even actually tell them about Rouge at first. Despite their questions about it. It had taken Rouge coming to the ship for them to get the answer. Most of them at first had thought Rouge was his mother, but their reaction had proved them wrong. All they knew was Rouge did have a son. Most likely that son was an Omega who mothered Ace and Luffy. They just didn't know who that was. They didn't even know who fathered Rouge's child. Most of them would guess the person was either Gold Roger or Silvers Rayleigh. Both of the Alphas being around their former Commander right before she had gotten pregnant. The only reason they even knew that was because Whitebeard had told them as much when Rouge departed the first time and had been gone for five years. Whitebeard had his own sneaking suspicions on who that child might be. Whitebeard knew that Ace's grandfather was Roger. Ace told him as much when he revealed his name as Gol D. Ace to him. Rouge never talked about Roger, but he was the only option. Whitebeard never told those talking about it as much because of Ace's desire to keep it a secret. He was terrified to even tell Whitebeard about it.
There was only one person who it could be. He just wasn't positive to actually explicitly say it. Shanks was the only possible option. At least in his mind. Shanks had shown up wearing Roger's straw hat almost immediately after Rouge returned to the ship. Shanks had a bond with Rouge, being glued to her side whenever the crews would meet up. Even calling him Papa Eddie as a child. Rouge's reaction to Teach attacking Shanks. Shanks coming to the Moby Dick to see her. More clues were settled within their actions than he realized. The more he thought about it, even their scents lined up. Cherry blossoms from Rouge and strawberries from Roger. How had he not seen it before?
If that was the case, Shanks was Ace's mother. Well, Omega father. It would also make more sense on to why Ace and Luffy were raised on the Red Force and his reasoning for proposing the alliance in the first place. Whitebeard knew Shanks had accidentally slipped up when speaking about Ace on the Moby Dick. He had never meant to say it. It was on his face that day. Shanks was hiding the fact he knew Ace at all. The timeline of Ace's birth also lined up to when Shanks had shown up on the Moby Dick twenty-one years ago in search of Rouge.
Now, that never stated who his father was.
Either way, Ace had a large target on his back. Whitebeard knew that. Ace did have the blood of Roger in him. The world despised Roger's very existence for becoming the Pirate King.
Whitebeard knew exactly where Sengoku was taking this. Who he was going to announce as his father.
And he hated it.
"Your true father is… Gold Roger! The King of the Pirates!"
"No, he isn't!"
They listened as an argument broke out between the two. Watching their heated faces as they pretty much screamed at each other. "Is he seriously arguing with the Fleet Admiral?" Jozu stated, blinking with his jaw dropped.
"Wait, what?!" Thatch exclaimed. "That's not possible. Sengoku is reaching with this bullshit!"
"That isn't possible. Ace told me himself that his parents are alive and in the New World." Marco stated.
Whitebeard sighed. "Truthfully, he isn't far off."
All eyes turned to him as he looked back up. "Rouge and Roger are not his parents." He confirmed. "We already know Rouge is his grandmother. Roger is his grandfather though."
Eyes widened as their jaws dropped, even Marco's.
"Ace wished to keep this a secret because of something like this. His birth name is in fact Gol D. Ace. He chose to go by Portgas because his mother and grandmother used that name." Whitebeard explained. "Rouge's birth name isn't even Portgas. She also decided to by another name because of who her father is."
"And that is?" Izou questioned.
"Garp." Whitebeard stated.
Their jaws dropped again with wide eyes. "You mean—"
Whitebeard nodded. "Rouge was born Monkey D. Rouge. Her brother is the Revolutionary Dragon. Her father is Garp."
Bombshell after bombshell began to fall. The stunned silence over the ship except for the arguing coming from the monitor.
"So, we know for a fact Ace is her grandson. We still don't know who his mother is. It's not like it matters in anyway, but that means that person also has a target on their back." Marco stated. "Even though the Marines are wrong about Ace's parents, he's still in danger of his heritage because his grandparents are Rouge and Roger."
"Who do you think his mother is?" Haruta question, looking over to Whitebeard.
Whitebeard sighed, looking back to the vast open water they were currently going through. "I could be wrong, but I think it's Red-Haired Shanks." He looked back over to his sons to see in fact they were in shock.
"Ace did seem really surprised when Sengoku called his mother a woman." Jozu finally said breaking the silence.
"Also, the fact that Shanks wanted to make an alliance and basically demanded Oyaji bring him home." Curiel added. "Shanks does not make alliances. That is known everywhere."
Izou hummed. "Well, that could be but if Shanks is Rouge's son with Roger. How the hell does he have red hair? Rouge is pretty much blonde, just with a pink tint to it and Roger has black hair. Genetically, that shouldn't happen." The Sixteenth Division Commander stated.
Whitebeard hummed. They seemed to take this theory well. It did puzzle Whitebeard on why Ace would hide his parents. Could it be because Shanks is a yonko? Thinking back to anything Rouge could have said to him that could point to it.
"My mother died when I was young. I think I was like five maybe. I do remember her wine-colored eyes and beautiful red hair. Which is funny, considering she used to wear a rose in her hair. She was a doctor, you know? They called her Doctor Red-Hair. Portgas D. Shay, my mother. Isn't that funny." Rouge's voice ran through his head. "If I ever have a child one day, I hope with everything I have that they have her bright red hair. That they would be just like her."
"Doctor Red-Hair. Portgas D. Shay." Whitebeard muttered.
"What?" Haruta said.
Whitebeard looked up. "Rouge's mother. Her name was Portgas D. Shay. Rouge told me she had hair like a red rose." Each of the Commanders shared a look, more understanding coming to their faces.
"Okay, if Shanks really is Ace's mother… who is his father?" Izou questioned.
They stood in silence for a moment. All unsure. Even Whitebeard was drawing blanks. He couldn't think of anyone who might be Ace's father. There was the possibility of a Red-Hair Pirate being his father. Such as Benn Beckman, who had been with Shanks pretty much since he went off on his own.
Marco hummed. "I know this might sound strange, but maybe his father is Hawkeyes."
Thatch snorted. "Ace hates the guy and all Shanks and Hawkeyes do is fight."
Shanks and Mihawk's duels were always known. Whenever they happened, their clashes were heard all the way across the Grand Line. It's how everyone knew when Shanks and Mihawk had met up. Though Whitebeard knew it wasn't just a fight. They dueled and held high respect for each other. He was definitely a possibility that Whitebeard never thought of.
"Well think about it… Shanks and Mihawk have been dueling each other since Shanks was an apprentice on Roger's ship. To cover Shanks' trademark red hair, he would have to have a child with someone with dark hair." Marco stopped for a moment. "Ace is apparently advanced in swordsmanship, but never draws his sword. Never uses it. The only time I have was when he dueled Mihawk. He did not seem at all happy to see him."
"To think about it, Ace fights a lot like I've seen with Mihawk. The way he tracks people with his eyes." Haruta added.
"Didn't Hawkeyes disappear off of the Grand Line around the time of Ace's birth?" Izou whispered.
"Now that you say it… yeah." Fossa replied.
Whitebeard sighed. "No matter who his parents are. Even if I'm completely wrong about Shanks, and we can't confirm either of him being his parents. That doesn't matter. The world and Marines now believe that Roger and Rouge are his parents. They will want him dead and stop at nothing until they do. This just made this that much harder. We will not stop until Ace is brought to safety." The Alpha Captain stated.
"Oyaji is right. We are standing here talking about Ace's parents, when we should be getting prepared for all out war." Marco added.
The agreement fell over them. Their conversation forgotten as they turned to face ahead. Whitebeard didn't miss the way that Marco looked back at the monitor with anger on his face before it was quickly masked.
Whitebeard took a deep breath. He never told his sons, but he didn't expect himself to make it out alive. They would take Ace home but leave without him. That was his plan.
In just a few moments, they would arrive. They were just about there. Their allies should already be through the Gate of Justice.
Hang in there, Ace. Your family is coming for you.
X
On the Tarai Current, the stolen Marine vessel was making its way towards Marineford. Jinbei behind the wheel, making sure they stay on course. Luffy stood next to him. Ace's still burning vivre card in hand. They had successfully broken out of Impel Down thanks to the help of Bon Clay. Without him, this wouldn't be possible.
With Ivankov's hormones, Luffy wasn't feeling the poison in his system anymore. He was pumped full of adrenaline despite the efforts of Iva and Chopper telling him he needed to rest until they got there. He couldn't. Not with his brother's life on the line. Ace was dying and was set to be killed in just three hours. They had no time to waste and he had no time to rest. He was going to do anything and everything to get Ace away from Marineford. Back to his home on the Moby Dick.
"Guys, look what I found. It appears like it's a monitor for the transponder snails." Robin stated, opening up the hatch and sure enough a large monitor was in it. Luffy eyed it for a second as it came to life. Ace's figure appearing on it. Already chained to the scaffold.
Luffy growled as he surveyed the injuries on his older brother. He had never seen Ace look so vulnerable. With his gaze stuck on Ace, he ignored whatever it was Sengoku was saying. Ace looked confused. He could hear the muttering behind him from the prisoners. Catching them asking why Ace's parents had to do with his execution.
Luffy preferred to look at Ace's vivre card. They were getting closer to him. Just a matter of time before they made it to Marineford. Luffy could feel it bubbling in him. Itching to fight to save his brother. Ace had always been the protector growing up. Now it was Luffy's turn. He was going to save his brother.
He paused as he heard Sengoku state that Ace's mother was Portgas D. Rouge. Luffy snorted, eyes turning from the monitor to him. He started to laugh at Ace's denials and Sengoku's ignorance.
"What's so funny, Luffy?" Nami questioned, irritation appearing on her forehead.
"It's funny cause that bird-hat guy is wrong! Ace's mother isn't our Gran." Luffy stated.
"Wait, what?! You mean to tell me that Hibiscus Rouge. The former Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates is your grandmother?!" Nami exclaimed.
"She sure is."
"If Rouge isn't your mother. Who is?" Chopper questioned.
Luffy grinned, placing his hands behind his head as he bounced on his feet. "Mine and Ace's mom is Red-Haired Shanks."
The amount of jaws dropping, wide eyes, and exclamations of, "SHANKS?!" Surprised Luffy.
"THAT RED-HAIRED BASTARD IS YOUR MOTHER?!" Buggy exclaimed, the look of pure horror on his face.
"What?" Luffy asked, puzzled. Before anyone could question him, Sengoku on the monitor went on to explain that Rouge was dead, having died giving birth after being pregnant for twenty months. Luffy snickered. "Oh God, can this get any worse!? Bird-hat is so wrong! Gran is alive! She lives in my home village. She's my dad's mother. Not Ace's."
"Dad?" Brook was the next to ask.
Luffy chuckled. "Oh yeah, I call Shanks, dad. He still is a guy after all. Ace likes to be a little shit and calls him mom. Though that's Papa's fault. Ace really calls dad, mom by habit now." He explained, turning his attention back to the monitor.
Sengoku was explaining Ace's father died a year and three months before his birth. To which Luffy said, "He's alive, dumbass."
Just as Ace said, "My father's alive, you dumbass."
"Did Ace… really just call Sengoku the Buddha… a dumbass?" Sanji blinked, muttering under his breath around the cigarette in his mouth.
Luffy started to laugh again, even harder as he clutched at his stomach that was twisting in pain from the loud sounds leaving him.
Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp were all casting him looks. They knew who Luffy's Papa was. They've known since the Baratie. Nami and the rest unfortunately didn't know and Luffy forgot to tell him.
"Your true father is Gold Roger! The King of the Pirates!"
Silence stunned the deck aside from Luffy completely falling over in laughter. Kicking his feet and holding his stomach. Even Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp choked out a laugh. Since all three knew the truth. Ace's voice carried through the speakers as him and Sengoku argued.
"Wait, Roger had a kid with that red-haired bastard?!" Buggy screeched. "No wonder he was always around him."
"Oh man, this is too funny! Gold Roger is not our father!" That statement seemed to shut Buggy up. Luffy choosing to ignore what he had said. "Gold Roger is our grandfather! He's my dad's dad!"
Now, Luffy was the only one laughing. Sitting up as he rubbed at his eyes with a grin still on his face.
"Gold Roger is your what?!" They all collectively screamed.
"Grandfather!" He replied back, grinning as he readjusted his hat on his head. "Our Alpha father is Mihawk."
"Hawkeyes is your father?!" The collective scream called out. Which Luffy nodded to confirm it.
"Wait, what the fuck?!" Buggy screeched. "Captain Roger is who's dad?"
"Shanks!" Luffy exclaimed. "You see, Hibiscus Rouge and Gold Roger are Shanks' parents. Mine and Ace's parents are Shanks and Mihawk!" He stood up, pulling his sword from its sheath from his back. Having moved the sword from his hip to his back when they were Impel Down. On the blade of Yoko was the engraving, which he showed to those around him.
Gol D. Luffy
"Anyway, it's not actually Gold. It's Gol D. My grandfather was a D too, but since his name looked like Gold, they just assumed that was it. My birth name is Gol D. Luffy. Not Monkey. Monkey is my Gramps' name." He further explained, before sheathing the sword after everyone got a look.
"What kind of family do you have?!" That question had Luffy laughing again.
"I will say, I am surprised." Jinbei stated from where he was at the wheel. "Ace never spoke about his family. Aside from you Strawhat. Now Hawkeyes' reaction at the meeting is clear to me now."
Luffy paused. "Oh yeah, that's all supposed to be a secret."
X
The Red Force was heading directly for Marineford. Shanks standing by the mast as he looked out at the water current they were currently on. Honestly, Shanks didn't remember a moment of his confrontation with Kaido. Just that it did happen, and it had started yesterday. The next thing he remembered was sailing into the current. His mind only on Ace. He had to get to his son and get him out of there.
Screw the World Government and secrets. Ace was his son and he wasn't going to sit by and let this happen.
"Alright, boss. The monitors are up and running." One of his nakama, Valentine, stated.
Shanks nodded, turning and walking from where he was standing to where his men were surrounding the monitors. The Omega bit his lip as Ace came onto the screen. Sengoku walking up behind him. The anger flaring at him at seeing in just how bad of shape Ace was. Ace's vivre card was still burning within his pocket, but at least he knew for a fact his son was alive.
Shanks watched on, his eyes glued to Ace, refusing to look away from his son. Sengoku spoke through the snail, stating he had information to pass along before asking Ace about his father. Shanks felt the sweat built up on his forehead. Did Sengoku know? His grandfather told him that Sengoku didn't know a thing.
Ace answered with Whitebeard. Which, thank the seas he did. With the panning screen, he had seen Mihawk. Mihawk's back was unguarded and so many Marines were in attendance. Mihawk could easily dispatch most if not all of the Marine soldiers if he wanted too. It was the Vice Admirals and Admirals he had to worry about. There was a reason those men and women had the positions they did.
When Sengoku announced that Ace's birthplace was Baterilla, Shanks felt his heart drop. Sengoku knew. That had to be it. The only thing keeping him grounded was Benn's hand on his shoulder. A silent but reassuring gesture.
Or so he thought until the nonsense out of Sengoku's mouth started. Ace growing visibly more confused. The only thing that Shanks could think of that Sengoku was talking about was the Baterilla incident. In their search for Roger's child.
That's when it hit him.
He knew exactly where this was going and he hated every second of it.
It stumped him when Sengoku announced Ace's mother.
Shanks' own mother. Ace's grandmother. Portgas D. Rouge.
"Did… did he just say my mom?" Shanks questioned, unsure of what to think.
This just took an odd turn. They weren't wrong about them being related. Just on how.
"They did." Benn confirmed.
Ace automatically denied it, with Sengoku ignoring him.
Shanks couldn't help the laugh that came from him when Sengoku began to explain how Rouge died giving birth to Ace. Ace interjecting halfway through to tell Sengoku he didn't know what the Alpha was talking about. The Omega Captain doubled over laughing as Ace told Sengoku that Rouge wasn't dead.
Well, ain't this something.
His entire crew started to laugh alongside him. Every one of them knowing full well that Rouge was indeed alive and not Ace's mother. It was almost comical just how much of this information that Sengoku was getting wrong.
The only thing he had gotten right was the fact Ace was born on Baterilla. Slightly with Rouge. Just not the right relation.
"And, thus, a year and three months after the death of his father—"
"My father is alive, you dumbass."
Shanks lost his footing, falling straight to his ass as he started to laugh harder. Choking on the air in his throat from Ace's words despite the sinking feeling he got from the statement Sengoku had said before. He managed to compose himself long enough to continue to listen. This was supposed to be completely serious, yet he couldn't control himself.
"Please, for the love of seas, tell me that man is not about to say what he think he is?" Shanks questioned to no one particular.
Shanks knew the time frame that Sengoku stated perfectly. It was the amount of time between his father's death and the birth of his son.
It didn't take much to know where Sengoku was going with this.
With the growing confusion on Ace's face and his clear attempts in trying to tell Sengoku he was wrong. Sure enough, Sengoku announced that Ace's father was Gold Roger. The look on Ace's face was picture perfect. A mixture of confusion and undeniable disbelief aimed at Sengoku.
Shanks cracked up again as Sengoku and Ace started an argument with each other right there on the scaffold. Ace trying everything he could to tell the truth without naming either Mihawk or Shanks.
Shanks couldn't believe how funny this entire thing was.
It was absolutely absurd in every way.
But the world might just be dumb enough to believe it.
Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky were all looking at him. The only three on his crew to know the full truth. Shanks took a few deep breaths to compose himself as he crossed his legs. Sitting on the deck to look at his crew. His nakama casting him glances of uncertainty. They knew who his mother is, he was sure they were questioning Shanks' father now.
"Before any of you ask, yes, my father is in fact Gol D. Roger." He stated simply. The stunned looks on his nakama's faces were enough for a lifetime. Shanks grinning at them. "Please understand why I didn't tell you. As you see right here, they are trying to kill my son under the speculation that he's my father's son. I am sorry if my secret makes you feel like I deceived you. I wouldn't fault any of you for wanting to leave."
"Captain…" Jules whispered. Shanks looked at him, the smile still on his face. "With all due respect but shut up." Shanks blinked at Jules. Jules was one of the first people who joined his crew. Jules was grinning at him. Just like the rest of his crew was. "There is nothing you have to apologize for. You were only doing what you thought was best for you and your pups. Having Gold Roger's blood in your veins makes you a target by default."
The rest of his nakama nodded their heads in agreement. "Besides, you are the best Captain I've ever known. One of the kindest, gentlest souls that can put up a hell of a fight." Nash, his cook, added.
"I've had the honor of being with you for over twenty years. Just because your father is Roger, doesn't mean I'm going to back out now." Aki also added.
More of his men agreed. Smiles on their faces. "Who knew. Our Captain! Pirate royalty!" Jules snickered, poking Shanks on the forehead.
"It amazes me more that we didn't realize it on our own." Valentine interjected. "You talked about Roger all the time. You grew up on his ship. If anything, we are at fault for your clear indication on your bloodline."
Shanks laughed. "Nah, I kept it a secret cause I needed too. My mother made me promise to never tell anyone unless I knew for certain nothing would ever happen." Shanks explained. "Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky all knew. After the incident with Royce, I just kind of made sure I didn't tell anyone after that. He so easily managed to steal something valuable cause I trusted him."
"It's fine, Captain! We understand!"
"We are the Red-Hair Pirates! Nothing will change that!"
"Now we have one of our own to save! So, let's go get him!"
Shanks grinned. He sure had a good crew.
A new sense of determination came to him as he stood back up. Turning to face the front of the ship. They were almost there. Just a little longer and he would get there.
"Jules, I want you to go ahead. Give them back up." Shanks ordered, noticing the change in the air around them. It was stubble, but they could feel the rumble underneath the ship.
Whitebeard was at Marineford.
Jules nodded. "Boss, you sure you don't want me to stay here to get the ship there faster."
"It's fine." The Omega stated. "See the change in the wind and that rumble?"
"It's Whitebeard-san, isn't it?" Valentine questioned.
Shanks nodded. "A tsunami is about to hit. He set off a seaquake. He's at Marineford already. So, Jules, I want you to go and give them back up. You can get there faster than this ship can. With your abilities, you will be more of an asset on the battlefield. The tsunami will work in our favor. Whitebeard will recognize you as one of my nakama." The Omega explained.
Jules nodded. Still looking hesitant just for a moment before activating his newfound Devil Fruit powers. Shanks knew he was cursed with Devil Fruits. He had this special power of accidentally causing people to eat Devil Fruits. First was Buggy. Second was Luffy. Third was Jules.
Stupid Devil Fruits.
Shanks hated them. At least in his presence. It never ended well for him if they were close by.
Jules had eaten the Kaze Kaze no Mi. A logia type Devil Fruit that basically turned him into the wind. Theoretically, it would be faster for Jules to use his Devil Fruit, but Shanks was saving his power for the battlefield. Making sure his nakama had the stamina he needed. If he flew over, he would be fine. It wasn't much farther to Marineford. My sky, Jules would get there pretty quickly. They were still close to the beginning of the current at this point. Shanks just hoped he makes it in time. The waters of the tsunami were already starting to form. The wind already starting to pick up and push the ship faster.
Hang on, Ace…