They Don't Know About Us Chapter 10, an one piece fanfic

They Don't Know About Us

Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to They Don't Know About Us! I went freaking overboard with Luffy, mostly because there was so much to summarize with his own journeys that I wanted to still include them. From here on out, it goes into non-canon territory since Sabaody is where I majorly say fuck you to canon and do my own thing. I do hope you are enjoying! This chapter will cover Sabaody all the way to Marineford for the Strawhats, so that's why it wasn't included in the last chapter cause of how much I had planned for Sabaody/Impel Down. Sabaody's Beginning Plays out pretty much the same as Canon until the auction house, so most of the beginning will be summarized. Just like Sabaody, Amazon Lily is the same way. It will be almost like it's just Luffy for a hot minute, but the Strawhats ARE on Amazon Lily. We are gonna pretend for a hot minute that the Marines are dumbasses… cause yeah, plot reasons.

I have literally been binge writing the backstories just so I can get to Marineford so we can start the chaos. My fingers hurt xD guys, like seriously. I've slept maybe five hours tops within in the last forty eight hours between working on this and taking care of my kids xD I have no self-control xD Dude to the length of this chapter and my desire to get to Marineford already: Impel Down until certain moments have been summarized with the addition of the Strawhats. Since technically it's all still canon events except the Strawhats are there to help. Mostly, imagine them kicking ass. I might do a complete chapter later of just Impel Down. I thought about it being the next one, but I REALLY want to get to Marineford.

Additional Notes: I do want to note that Sanji is somewhat OOC since he's not as girl crazy (mostly since I haven't shown it), also cause he has a fat ass fuck crush on Zoro but he still shows his chivalry to women and calls them beautiful, etc. I'll try to keep him as much as in character as possible. Dude, imagine canon Sanji on Amazon Lily. God, he would die xD. Just a forewarning that since Sanji will be on Amazon Lily, it leads into what I have planned for Zoro/Sanji so he's gonna be acting differently. I did realize I made a goof and put it in the announcement that Ace was in Impel Down when it wasn't in the announcement… so yeah xD we changing xD

Random Fact for the Fic: Fishmen/Mermaids/Minks, etc, are all secondary genderless.

Chapter Warnings: Canon Divergence (Which this entire fic is)

Chapter Ten: Share The World (One Piece Opening 11)

Chapter Summary: Luffy and the Strawhats have made it Sabaody Archipelago where they run into more trouble. Luffy meets Trafalgar Law for the first time. The Strawhats run into Rayleigh, who tells them about Roger, learning that Luffy knows Rayleigh. Running into Kuma again, the Strawhats are sent to Amazon Lily to protect them from Admiral Kizaru. On Amazon Lily, Luffy wins the heart of Warlord Boa Hancock, and discovers Ace has been captured and is scheduled for execution. He heads to Impel Down only to learn while there that Ace has already been transferred to Marineford. Now, Luffy and co head to Marineford in order to save Ace.

Just a few days after leaving the Florian Triangle, they continued to follow the Log Pose until they were at the end of Paradise. Luffy knew they needed to head to Sabaody since there were only two ways of entering the New World. Either by getting their ship coated and going to Fishman Island or getting granted permission to go through Mariejois. The second was an absolute nope.

Luffy couldn't place it, but he had a gut feeling of heading to this location compared to heading straight for Sabaody. Like something was going to happen.

Sure enough. After defeating a Sea King, it spit out a mermaid and a starfish. The mermaid, he learned, was named Camie and the starfish was Pappag. Calling their friend, Hatchan, she found out that he had been captured by the Macro Pirates, intending on selling Camie's friend into slavery.

When asked for his help, Luffy obliqued.

Getting to the base of the Macro Pirates, they quickly learned that Camie's friend was the same Hachi that they had faced back in Arlong Park. Despite that, they saved him to help Camie.

The boss of the Flying Fish Riders had been an Alpha man named Duval, who turned out to look exactly like Sanji's drawn wanted poster. Now having a vendetta against Sanji because bounty hunters and marines alike had been after Duval for looking like the poster. In the end, Sanji had to be saved by Camie after he had been thrown into the water. Managing to defeat and get away from the Macro Pirates, they headed off to Sabaody.

On their way back, they were once again they were found by Duval. The Alpha now having a handsome face, expressing gratitude for the change. Duval provided his den den mushi number, telling them if they ever need him to call. Having renamed the Flying Fish Riders to Rosy Life Riders. He departed the ship after that.

Not long after that, they arrived at Sabaody. The archipelago just as beautiful and fun as Luffy had remembered it. His mind had ventured to all the times that Shanks took him and Ace to the Sabaody Park when they were growing up. An amusement park with bubble-based attractions. Which Luffy immediately insisted they go to before they went to find Rayleigh who would coat their ship.

Before they departed the Sunny, Luffy warned everyone to be cautious as World Nobles and Celestial Dragons frequented the island. Further explaining that Admirals would be called if you so much as wounded one of them. His words getting backed up by Hatchan and Pappag.

In search of Rayleigh, Luffy lead them to Shakky's Bar in Grove Thirteen. Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by Shakky beating up on some people before promptly tossing them out. "Hey, Shakky!" Luffy exclaimed, already heading straight for the fridge. The Beta woman just laughed at him from his usual actions.

"Luffy!" Nami screeched, but Luffy just ignored her as he filled his stomach.

Shakky assured Nami that it was alright, before explaining that Rayleigh wasn't there and hadn't been back in almost six months. Bar hopping and going to different casinos all over Sabaody. Luffy frowned. It just made it that much harder to find Rayleigh. Rayleigh was not an easy man to find.

Shakky formally introduced herself to the rest of the Strawhats, Luffy only practically listening as he stuffed his face.

Upon leaving, Shakky explained that Luffy and Zoro were a part of the group called the Supernovas. All rookie pirates with bounties over a hundred million that have reached the Red Line. Going on to further explain who the others were in the forms of: Capone "Gang" Bege, "Big Eater" Jewelry Bonney, "The Magician" Basil Hawkins, Eustass "Captain" Kid, "Roar of the Sea" Scratchmen Apoo, "The Mad Monk" Urouge, "Massacre Soldier" Killer, "Red Flag" X Drake, and "Surgeon of Death" Trafalgar Law. Even telling them their bounties as she spoke about them. Stating that Eustass Kid was the only one with a higher bounty than Luffy because he would cause damage to civilians.

With her warning as they left, she notified them that Marines were all over the island and despite the eleven Supernovas being on Sabaody, they wouldn't have to worry to much since the Marines were busy with another matter entirely.

Knowing that Rayleigh was fine, and they had plenty of time to find them, Luffy took them to Sabaody Park to enjoy the rides that were there. Fulfilling one of Camie's dreams of riding the Ferris Wheel that was there.

Not soon after being at the Park, Camie was kidnapped right from underneath them. Leading to Luffy searching Sabaody for her kidnappers and whereabouts.

Usopp had gotten the initial of a mermaid being sold at the Auction House on Grove One, sending everyone towards that location.

Luffy and Zoro had arrived at the Auction House with a bang. Literally. His eyes settled on Camie immediately, who was on the stage in a large looking fishbowl. "CAMIE!" He screamed as he started down the steps without a second thought.

Hachi held onto his shoulders, trying to stop him, yelling about the explosive collar around Camie's neck. He would worry about that in a minute, he just had to get Camie out of there first. He felt Hachi's other hands grab at his torso as he started to slow down. The Fishman begging Luffy to stop. Hachi's hands left him as Luffy continued to run, ignoring those around him as his focus was on Camie, and Camie alone. He had to save her.

He stopped completely in his place as he heard a gunshot ring out. The hair on the back of his neck standing as he turned his head just in time to see Hachi falling to the ground covered in his own blood. His eyes widened as he felt the familiar rising of his pulse. His ears ringing, barely catching the culprit exclaiming happily that he shot a fishman.

The culprit being a Celestial Dragon, prancing around happily.

Luffy felt his anger starting to spike. His nails starting to extend and canines starting to poke out even more as he started to get lost in his rage. Growling as his eyes settled on the Celestial Dragon. Gaze cold as he started to march back up the steps towards the man who just shot his friend. He was sure if he saw himself, he would see that his irises were no longer the stormy color they usually were, but a red glow. The burning in his eyes telling him that they were indeed changing colors. He only paused as a hand grabbed his forearm.

"Don't do this." Hachi wheezed. Luffy turned his head to look at Hachi, the pleading on his face in trying to keep Luffy from making the mistake. Luffy knew how bad it was to actually hit a Celestial Dragon. In that moment, he didn't care. He was going to avenge Hachi. He had enough of these Celestial Dragons getting away with the shit they pulled.

Celestial Dragons were the reason his sworn brother was dead.

Now one had gone and shot his friend.

He couldn't allow for it anymore.

He still had a vow to keep.

"You know you can't defy a Celestial Dragon, even if they kill someone!" Of course, Luffy knew. He just had no care what the World Government or these hyped up nobles thought. "Or do those horrible things. I just wanted to make amends with Nami, however I could…" They did not mess with Luffy's nakama or friends and get away with it. Not if he had a say about it. Admirals be damned. This Celestial Dragon would pay. He couldn't do a damn thing when Sabo was killed. He could at least do this for Hachi.

Hachi words and pleading had done nothing to sooth Luffy from his rage. He was sure not a person in this place could stop him. Even if they tried. Luffy's mind was already made up.

Despite his rage, Luffy turned, grabbing Hachi's hand and placing it back on the fishman's chest. "I wanted to do something right for once…"

"That's enough! Stop that annoying babbling, fish! Before I shut you up for good!" The Celestial Dragon yelled, pointing his gun back at Hachi.

Luffy placed himself between Hachi and the Celestial Dragon. Eyes glaring at the noble. All the anger had returned. The Alpha Captain pushed himself off of the ground, his footsteps echoing as he continued to stare down the Celestial Dragon. His rage bubbling inside of him, screaming to be set free.

The Celestial Dragon shot at him twice. Luffy's observation haki notifying him of where the shots would go. The Alpha easily dodging them. Pulling his arm back and with a roar, he coated his arm with armament haki, landing the hit directly to the Celestial Dragon's cheek. The noble flying across the room and into the nearby wall.

Luffy growled as he placed his hat back on his head, the familiar straw soothing the rage he felt. Punching someone never felt better in that moment as he cracked his knuckles. "You beat me too it, before I could cut him down." Zoro stated, sheathing his sword back into its spot.

"Hachi!" Nami exclaimed, rushing down the steps to the fallen fishman.

He could hear the surprised shouts around him from the people within the auction house about his actions. He didn't have a care in the world. He had done exactly what he wanted to do. Hachi was avenged. A part of him felt soothed over hitting someone of the same race that killed Sabo. The thought had crossed his mind if it was the same one who so carelessly shot down Sabo's boat all those years ago.

When another Celestial Dragon started to shoot at Luffy, the rest of the Strawhats got involved. Going after the Celestial Dragons and their guards. He had heard the other Celestial Dragon yell for someone to call for a warship and an Admiral. Luffy honestly didn't care. He would get Camie out of here and then they would leave Sabaody. They were joined by Robin, Brook, and Usopp not long after.

"I hate to tell you this, but the navy is already here, Strawhat." The voice cut through Luffy's thoughts. The Alpha pausing as he turned to face the man who had just spoken to him. He paused as his eyes settled on a tall and lean form. The man's eyes shielded by the hat he wore. Two other men and a bear sitting around him. The man's arms were thrown over the back of the seats and his legs crossed as he watched the chaos around him.

Luffy paused. His nose twitched as he caught the pheromones radiating from him signaling that this man was an Omega. His scent reaching Luffy despite the distance between them. Passion fruit and rose. Luffy was sure if he hadn't been focused on Camie and the fight at hand, he would have been lost in that scent.

The Omega looked up, a smirk settled on his lips as Luffy got a good look at his face. His eyes were a soft golden color with slight dark marks underneath them surrounding his eyes. Underneath his hat, he could see the wisps of black hair poking out. The little bit of facial hair that graced his face. His skin tanned and tattoos littering the skin that Luffy could see. The Omega was strikingly handsome. Beautiful even. Luffy felt the twist in his gut as their gazes connected for that split second.

The Omega had also paused, his eyes widening for a split second before a neutral mask was back on and the smirk returned to his lips. "Who the hell are you?" Luffy questioned.

"They have a base on the archipelago." The Omega replied instead. Luffy knew that. Shanks had told him exactly where the base was at. "I'm guessing they are after someone. I don't know who exactly they're trying to catch here."

"You're Trafalgar Law." Robin stated. That name… he had been one that Shakky had mentioned back at the bar. One of the Supernovas just like him and Zoro. "Luffy, they are pirates just like us."

Luffy smiled, looking away from Robin back to where Law and his crewmates were sitting. His eyes settling on the bar behind Law. "Even the bear?! That's so cool!" His face lit up as the bear looked right back at him. Luffy laughed, letting his eyes move back to Law. "Who knew that this Surgeon of Death guy would be so cute!"

Law's mouth dropped open, eyes widening as his cheeks dusted pink. Moving one of his hands to hide his face as he looked away from Luffy. Law's crewmates gaped at him for a moment, but Luffy's attention was taken away as he heard the click of a gun.

His gaze settled on another Celestial Dragon that had leveled a gun on Camie. Camie cowering within the bowl to try and hide. Luffy went to move, but before he could, he felt the wave of haki that followed. He stopped completely, he knew that haki. A grin came to his face. He had only ever seen it once in action and it had been years since then.

Rayleigh.

Sure enough, coming through a freshly made hole in the wall was Rayleigh. "I know a ruckus when I hear one. Looks like the auction is over. I got the money I came here for. If it worked out, I was gonna rob whoever bought me blind, but I guess it wasn't meant to be." Rayleigh laughed immediately after, taking a drink from the flask he had pulled out. Hachi exclaimed Rayleigh's name as Chopper and Usopp panicked at this man being the coating mechanic they were looking for.

Not even a moment went by before Rayleigh had once again used his Conqueror's Haki, knocking out everyone but the pirates. "Could it be?" He heard Eustass mutter.

"No way." Law followed.

Rayleigh's gaze turned to Luffy. "That Strawhat you wear suits a fearless man like yourself, Monkey D. Luffy."

Luffy laughed, placing his hands behind his head. "Hey, Uncle Rayleigh. How've you been?"

Rayleigh smiled at him. "UNCLE?!" The Strawhats screeched.

Luffy looked behind him and grinned before turning his attention back to Rayleigh. "Just passing some time." Rayleigh stated. "I saw your brother not long ago."

Luffy chuckled. "You saw Ace?!"

"Ace? As in Fire Fist Ace?" He heard Law mutter.

Rayleigh nodded. "Yeah, he made me swear not to tell your mother what he was up too. Though, your mother has been pretty busy in the New World anyway. Doubt I would have been able too." The legendary pirate stated. "He didn't say why he was passing through other than the fact that he had a pirate to go take care of."

"Oh, that would be Blackbeard!" Luffy said. "Apparently Blackbeard was a part of the old man's crew and attacked a fellow nakama before jumping ship."

Rayleigh paused, his eyes widening for a second. "Blackbeard?" Luffy nodded. Rayleigh sighed. "That's not good. At all."

"Huh?"

"Luffy, Blackbeard is Teach." Luffy's eyes widened. Shanks had made it clear to them as children that if they ever encountered Teach, to just walk away. Shanks had told him Teach was a Whitebeard Pirate, which caused concern for Luffy when he found out, but was only comforted by Shanks because his Omega father assured him that Ace would be fine with Whitebeard.

"Why… why would he go after Blackbeard knowing he's Teach?!"

"Who's Teach?" Chopper questioned.

Luffy looked over to him, his eyes still wide. "Teach was the man who attacked my mother. Mom used to warn us about him." He replied.

"I reckon he didn't say anything because he knew what your parents and you would say to him." Rayleigh replied. "Ace is more like his mother than he even knows. Much like your father as well. He is a perfect blend that makes him undeniably stubborn." Rayleigh smirked. "Though I think your mother already knows since your mother broke through a marine barricade to get to Whitebeard."

Luffy smiled. "Seriously?!" Rayleigh nodded.

Rayleigh didn't reply, instead turning to face Camie. Using the platform the Celestial Dragon had been on to reach Camie.

"Do you seriously know this man, Luffy?" Nami questioned.

Luffy nodded. "Yeah, he taught my mother when my mom was just an apprentice. I used to come see him when we came through Sabaody heading back to Foosha." Luffy replied, watching Rayleigh.

Rayleigh smiled at Camie. "I'm going to remove your collar now, okay."

Luffy knew he didn't have to worry about Camie. If anyone could get her out of there, it was Rayleigh. He could hear Usopp questioning why they were letting this happen since Franky had taken off to go get the key.

"That power earlier… it was that haki that Ace was talking about, wasn't it, Luffy?" Zoro questioned. Luffy nodded. "I do know this isn't no ordinary man."

"But that makes it okay to risk Camie's life?!" Sanji questioned.

Luffy didn't take his eyes off of Camie or Rayleigh but said, "Sanji, it's alright. Rayleigh's got this."

They all heard the ticking of the collar, followed by a dust cloud. As the dust settled, it left Camie and Rayleigh just as they were before. Rayleigh smiling down at her. "It's… off." Nami whispered.

"Camie! Thank goodness!" Pappag whimpered, rushing forward and jumping into Camie's arms.

"See, I told you Rayleigh had this!" Luffy grinned.

Just then Franky had returned with the keys, questioning who Rayleigh was as he threw his arm back with an explosion following. "Whoever this guy is… he's powerful. He said something about Luffy's hat." Usopp stated.

"He seemed to know Ace and their mother too." Nami added.

"You called him uncle, Luffy. How do you know this guy?" Zoro questioned.

"Like I said, he taught my mother. He's not biologically my uncle, more honorary than anything. My uncle no matter what though." Luffy replied as Rayleigh walked off of the stage and towards Hachi.

"Dark Knight Silvers Rayleigh." Eustass said, catching the attention of the rest of the Strawhats.

Rayleigh surveyed Hachi, stating they needed to get out of there. Luffy could feel the marines outside, encircling the entire place. "Come on, we are just innocent bystanders. Why are the marines treating us like accomplices?" Law questioned. Luffy could practically hear the smirk on the Omega's face.

"On the upside, I got to see Strawhat Luffy do something crazy. So not complaints there. Still, I would rather avoid fighting an admiral." Eustass added, a large smile on his face as he looked over to where Luffy and Rayleigh were.

"If you are expecting my help, I've used my powers enough for today. You're just going to have to handle it on your own." Rayleigh stated, looking over to Eustass, as he hoisted Hachi onto his back. "It would be bad if the navy discovered who I am."

"I don't need a senior citizen fighting for me. The longer we wait, the worse it will get. I'm out of here." Eustass added, turning and walking away, "If you babies can't handle a few marines then sit here and let me show you how a real man takes care of things." Eustass stated as he started to head outside.

Luffy didn't need to think twice as he rushed after the other Captain, going to fight the Marines head on so they could get out of there. "I'm going to do it!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Didn't you hear me?! Just go back inside!" Eustass fought back as they walked outside. Law having joined them as they were heading out there. They now stood lined up with Law, Eustass, and Luffy prepared to fight.

"Alright, go back inside, guys!" Luffy stated as he popped his knuckles again.

"Yeah, you two can keep bickering." Law added.

Luffy grinned as they started to fight against the Marines. Half way fighting with each other while also doing their own thing. He couldn't help but watch their devil fruit abilities. Eustass being able to bring objects toward him. It looked like anything metal possibly. Law would get surrounded by a blue sphere and was able to cut people up with his sword without touching them. Smiling as he bounced a live Marine's head in his hand.

The three of them together decimated the Marines outside. Since Luffy had used his Third Gear, he had left him small. Their crewmates had finally came out.

Soon more Marines started coming after them. "You see, they have broken rank and are totally disorganized." Eustass said, watching the Marines. "But next time, I won't show you any mercy, understand." He added directed at Luffy.

Luffy grinned. "Fair enough, but I'm the one who is going to find the One Piece!"

The Marines had started to attack, their crew coming in to assist them.

"On our journey up to this point, we've been ridiculed whenever we mention the One Piece. Let's meet again, in the New World." Eustass said, the large smirk on his face.

A Marine went after Law, but the Omega just stood there with a hand in his pocket as he just said, "Bepo." Luffy could only watch in amazement as the same bear from before flipped over Law and kicked the Marine in the face.

The crews split off in their own directions, the Strawhats helping Luffy shake off the Marines. With the help of the Rosy Life Flyers they made their escape and went back to Shakky's bar.

In Shakky's bar, Rayleigh formerly introduced himself as the Vice Captain of Gold Roger's ship. Going into detail on how Roger actually turned himself in rather than captured like the world believed. The shock that had came to his nakama's face as Rayleigh told them the truth. Explaining Roger's terminal illness. Luffy once again was eating straight out of Shakky's fridge as Rayleigh continued to tell them about Roger's crew and what had truly happened to the crew. Luffy kept his gaze on the food in front of him, tilting his head so they wouldn't see the look that had came to his face. He had seen Shanks' reaction to talking about Roger's illness, explaining that Rouge had a gut feeling about allowing Shanks to stay on the Oro Jackson growing up. Years that he got with his father before his untimely death.

Rayleigh going on to speak more about what Roger was really like on the ship, and Roger's own reaction to being dubbed the King of the Pirates. Going as far as to tell them that Shanks and Buggy had been apprentices on the ship. "Luffy, isn't Shanks the one who gave you your hat?" Nami questioned.

Luffy grinned. "Yeah, he was."

"So, you taught Luffy's mother?" Brook added.

Rayleigh nodded. "I sure did. You could say, Luffy's mother is special to me. Even Luffy and Ace call me their uncle because of their mother." He replied with a fond smile.

The conversation quickly moved onto the poneglyphs as Rayleigh urged Robin to seek the answers herself instead of just knowing what the Roger Pirates had figured out. Luffy only got angry when Usopp asked what the One Piece.

Absolutely not.

He stood up, screaming that he would quit being a pirate if the answer was given that his adventure wouldn't be the same if he knew.

It was quickly dropped after that.

Rayleigh had offered to coat their ship for free, giving them each of piece of his vivre card so they could find him once he was finished in three days. That he would be moving the Thousand Sunny to a safer location to hide the ship.

As they were leaving, everything changed.

Luffy knew an Admiral was on his way. He hadn't expected the man to actually find him so quickly. They were quickly attacked by what Luffy learned was a Pacifista created from the Warlord Kuma. Luffy screamed for his crew to separate and run. They could not win this fight. Even with Luffy's haki, they were at a huge disadvantage. He was still no match for an Admiral and now these robotic type monsters created by the World Government.

His nakama needed to get to safety.

As Admiral Kizaru appeared, Zoro had taken the brunt of the attack. Falling helplessly on the ground as Usopp and Brook scrambled to get to him. Luffy barely caught Sanji's terrified cries from somewhere close by. Kizaru moved in to finish Zoro with another attack but was stopped as Rayleigh intervened.

With Kizaru preoccupied with Rayleigh, Luffy took his chance. Screaming once more for them to run away. A pacifista was now looming over Zoro, ready to attack him. That's when the real Kuma showed up.

He felt a sickening twist in his stomach as Kuma asked Zoro where he wanted to go, before swiping his hand. Zoro vanished right before their eyes. Sanji's devastated screams that followed, crying out Zoro's name. Usopp frozen in front of him, from where he had dropped his packmate. Also screaming out Zoro's name. The rest of them questioning what had just happened as Kuma loomed over them.

"A girl on Thriller Bark was erased like that and never came back…" Nami said, the fear clear in her voice as she spoke. Her eyes glued to where Zoro had just been.

Franky, despite his own fears, urged Nami to move.

Kuma started to move again. Brook placing himself between Kuma and Usopp and Sanji. Brook protecting his nakama from the Warlord as he started in their direction. "Look out, you two!" The Skeleton exclaimed, holding his arms out to shield the two. Usopp helping a beaten Sanji off of the ground. The screech of Brook's name came from Usopp as Kuma once again did the same thing he had done to Zoro. "I will protect you! Even if it costs me my life!" With that, he was gone.

Usopp managed to get Sanji out of the way just before Kuma had struck him. Despite, Usopp's attacks in attempts to stop him.

Luffy begging Sanji to run as Sanji called out his name. Disappearing right before their eyes.

Luffy had gone into second gear, but still wasn't fast enough as Kuma appeared before Franky and Nami. Franky fought back until Kuma swiped his hand once more and the Beta disappeared from sight.

Luffy could hear Nami's horrified screams. The fear on her face with the Warlord slowly starting to descend on her. Nami looked at Luffy, begging him to help her. Luffy tried to get to her before it was too late. Except it was. Nami vanishing right before the Alpha's eyes. Tears in his eyes as he pleaded for this to stop.

Chopper was in his beast transformation, preparing to strike Kuma. Kuma's attack landed first. All Luffy could do was scream their names. Chopper disappearing in a swirl of wind. Luffy begged for Kuma to stop. The Warlord not answering him as he went for his next victim.

Robin.

Luffy screamed out her name as she called for him. Hand reached out. Only for him to be too late.

She was also gone.

This couldn't be.

He had been too slow for any of them. Watching helplessly as his pack vanished right before his very eyes. His own vow breaking and cracking with every swipe that came from Kuma. His nakama's terrified screams.

Luffy cried as he collapsed to the ground. Nails digging into the dirt as he pleaded with Kuma to know what happened to his nakama. His pack. His family. They were just… gone.

"Don't worry, Strawhat. You will be with them soon." Kuma stated. "This is the last time you and I will ever meet." The Warlord stated as he raised his hand, lowering it and swiping at Luffy. The Alpha unable to move as the Warlord's attack connected.

Luffy was the last Strawhat who vanished from Sabaody.

Luffy wasn't even sure how long he had been flying through the air. Only concluding that if this was happening to him, the same must be happening to his nakama. Giving him a slight sense of relief that most likely they were alive. It didn't feel like they were gone, despite watching them vanish. As his stomach growled, he chose to close his eyes for the moment. Ignoring the world for a moment.

When he woke up he was in a crater in the ground shaped like a paw. Looking around him at unfamiliar territory. He sniffed the air, hoping to pick up on his pack, but couldn't so much as catch a whiff of them. He sighed as his stomach growled. For now, he needed a full stomach. As his stomach growled, he turned to see a boar there. With a smirk, he killed the boar and roasted over a freshly made campfire. Out of the corner of his eye, the Alpha noticed a mushroom that he vaguely remembered was a Laughing 'Shroom which he happily scarfed down before going onto different ones around the area. All having a different effect on him before the world suddenly went dark around him.

Luffy didn't remember much of what happened after that, vaguely recalling being set on fire. He had woke up in a jail cell completely naked with a large group of women standing on the other side. He smiled as he noticed his hat on one of the women, stretching his arm out to grab it and ignoring what the women around him were saying as he placed it back on his head. He told them all his name as well as answering their question to what was between his legs. He was given a new set of clothes cause apparently his were destroyed.

He panicked, noticing how girly they looked, when suddenly the women did a one eighty and were pointing arrows at him. He felt the sweat drop on his forehead as he felt the haki starting to radiate from them. Their arrows being covered in it. Yeah, if that hit him he was done for.

As the women spoke to each other, he caught that the island known as Amazon Lily apparently had a ban on it with men. That Luffy would die either way. He pleaded with them to let him go, but instead they shot at him. He broke out of the cell through the top, rushing off as the array of arrows came at him.

He continued running through the village, stopping for a moment as he realized that Rayleigh's vivre card had been in his pocket instead of the safety of his hat like the others. He peered over his shoulder, noticing the blonde from before and grabbed ahold of her. She had been the one who gave him the new clothes, so she had to know what happened to Rayleigh's vivre card. It was his only way of reuniting with his pack now.

He jumped over the mountain with the blonde woman in his arms. With her up close, he caught her pheromones signifying her as an Omega. Her scent was a soft one of oranges and whipped cream. He smiled at her as they hit the ground. Her body protected as he used his balloon technique to break her fall. The woman getting mad at him over his reckless move. Asking her name, he found out her name was Margaret and the others who had saved him were Sweat Pea and Aphelandra.

Margaret did have Rayleigh's vivre card thankfully, handing it over to him as he explained his situation and why he needed to leave. He pulled his hat off of his head, pulling the rest of the vivre cards out of the band. Pausing as he noticed that Ace's was still burning. It was actually smaller than it was when he saw it last. His heart skipped a beat.

It had never burned this long before. He had seen it happen before when Ace had come into contact with sea stone before, but never this long. Biting his lip, he put all the vivre cards together and put them back into his band.

His thoughts moving from his nakama to Ace just for the time being. He still needed to get off of this island and back to Sabaody just so he could have his ship. There was nothing he could do without it.

For the moment, Margaret told him more about Amazon Lily and its Empress Boa Hancock. That name was familiar. He knew it somehow. Mihawk, maybe? That name almost sounded like one that belonged to one of the Warlords.

Margaret had also, thankfully, removed the frills from the clothes so they did look closer to what he had before.

It wasn't long before the other Amazons had found them, sending another array of arrows at him. He started to run, barely catching one of them say, "He's not the only one! I've counted another eight on the island. They are everywhere!"

His heart skipped a beat. They had to be talking about his pack. There was no other people he could think of. He was already to far away to do anything now.

By the time he had lost them, he had planned on searching for the head of the island. If anyone knew about the mysterious eight people and a way to get off of the island, it would be their leader. He cursed as he fell through the roof before he was suddenly completely covered in water. After flailing for a moment, he realized he was able to stand in the water and it didn't take his strength.

Standing up, his eyes landed on a woman standing naked a few feet away from him. Her hair curly from the water. The heat of the water made her pheromones richer. The smell of Alpha reaching his nose. He picked up the scent of Athena. A mixture of jasmine and tuberose in a mixture of floral scents.

Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, his eyes on back, noticing a large mark – almost brand – against her skin. "What's on your back?" He questioned without a second thought.

"A man!" She let out a small noise before she was hiding within the water and steam. "You saw it?!" They were quickly joined by two more women. He frowned, he felt like he had seen that mark before.

"Who is that? A man?!" The green haired woman questioned.

"Then, he'll have to die!" The orange haired one stated.

"Huh?! How come?! I only saw her back!" Luffy stated. He truly hadn't seen anything else. He had been too focused in on the mark. Not like it mattered to him. He didn't find this woman attractive to him. She was very beautiful from what he could tell, but not his type. Though, he wasn't even sure what his type was.

The woman was now dressed in a robe, concealing her body from his eyes. "My secret is out. He's seen the mark on my back." The woman stated to the two women who had came in. The shock coming to their faces.

"I could have sworn I've seen that mark before." Luffy replied.

"That mark you've seen on my back is something we don't want revealed even if we die!" The woman exclaimed. Before he could say anything else, her hands were in front of her as she exclaimed, "Mero Mero Mellow!" He shielded himself, but as the beam came in contact with him, nothing happened. She tried again, noticing nothing happened. Again, the same result. "Why don't you turn into stone?!"

"Your naked body is at a level that could never fail to capture anybody! Regardless of their age, gender, or secondary gender!" The ginger haired one exclaimed.

Luffy took his chance to run, "But, I need to get out of here! I just want to find someone important, is all!" He shouted as he broke through the nearby window. After running through the town once more, he was once again captured.

This time he wasn't taken to a cell, rather an arena where his apparent execution would take place. The woman from before, he figured out was Boa Hancock, questioned him. Luffy gave his answers, but Hancock immediately thought he was lying.

That's when Margaret stepped forward, telling them that she was the one who brought Luffy back to the village. The other two had also stepped forward. Luffy watched in shock and anger as Hancock turned the three into stone, saying it was their punishment despite them helping him.

Hancock called a creature called Bacura forward, sending the feline after him. Which he had defeated in one hit. Next he was put up against Sandersonia and Marigold, the two from before when he first met Hancock. He had quickly noticed how the Amazons thought that the sisters were cursed rather than Devil Fruit users, which he would note to ask Hancock about later. Something was up with that. He just wasn't sure what it was.

The fight had quickly started, the sisters even grabbing Margaret's stone statue, threatening to break it. As he was caught up in the tail of Marigold, he screamed out and suddenly it felt like the world stopped for a second. With Margaret now back into safety after keeping the snake sisters from attacking her stone statue, he continued on. Going into Second Gear, the fight started to turn more into his favor. Despite the sisters' attacks, he managed to keep the upper hand, deciding not to use his haki against them. They were protecting a secret. He wasn't sure what it was, but from what Ace explained, his haki could neutralize their devil fruit in the area he hit. He didn't want to risk that. He would do this without his haki, at least until he knew what was up with them.

Marigold's next one up was to light herself on fire, as they tried to use their special move on him, he was able to counteract it with his Jet Gatling. Tying their tails together, the two were stuck together. Sandersonia's clothes catching on fire after she hit her flaming sister. He threw a sign of victory but paused as he remembered what Hancock had said in the bathing room. They all had a mark on their back that they would rather die than show the world. Even in death, they didn't want it seen.

So, he jumped, landing directly on the flaming part of her back, letting out a loud cry about the heat for a split second as he smoldered the flames, wrapping his arms around her to keep her back concealed. "You want to mock me?!" Sandersonia cried.

"Don't move." Luffy stated. "You guys want to kill me, but that doesn't mean I want to kill you."

"Mari! This is your chance to finish him off!" Sandersonia told her sister. Luffy didn't move. She hadn't noticed what he was doing. That was fine, at least her mark was hidden, and her secret was concealed. "Don't just stand there!"

"That man… is protecting us." Marigold replied, the astonishment in her voice.

Sandersonia's head turned, noticing where Luffy was on her back. "You would rather die, than let people see this thing on your back right? Like I said, don't move."

"Combat is over! Everyone leave the arena at once before you are exposed to the Gorgon's eye!" Hancock commanded. Quickly, the arena was emptied, but Luffy stayed put. Keeping guard over the mark. Even if they did want to kill him, he would at least protect them.

"I was just trying to kill you a moment ago… why are you protecting me?" Sandersonia questioned.

"What you don't want to be seen… has nothing do to with our fight." Luffy replied.

With the area all clear, he jumped back. The two snake women changing back to their human forms. Luffy issued a challenge to Hancock, which she turned down. Following, he asked if Margaret could be turned back. Hancock, in exchange, gave him two choices. Change the girls back or be able to go back to Sabaody.

It was a no brainer.

He chose the three girls.

They had saved his life. He needed to return the favor.

Following the three being changed back, he was taken into the castle where Hancock showed him the mark on her back once more. Realizing it wasn't the same, he told them what he thought of. Granny Nyon explained what happened on Sabaody. Hancock asking if it was true, which she had started to cry upon his answer.

Hancock had explained what the girls had gone through. Being made into slaves by the Celestial Dragons. The pain and suffering they had gone through. What the Sun Pirates tattoo and brand meant. Explaining further about Fisher Tiger and how he had saved them.

Hancock had went on to say that her ship was at his command. The excitement going through him. He could get back to his friends. "Man, thank you so much! I can get back to my crew! We all got sent away with that strange power."

Hancock's interest seemed to be peeked. "Your crew? Tell me about them."

Luffy smiled as he went into detail about his crewmates as he watched Nyon's face suddenly change. "Those people!" Luffy looked over to her. "Eight others had been found in the woods and captured. Two women, an Omega man, a reindeer, a skeleton, two Betas, and a severely wounded Alpha."

Luffy's face lit up. "That's them! That's my crew!" He paused, only two of his nakama were women. They execute men for even stepping foot on their land. "Please tell me you didn't execute my nakama! They are my pack! Where are they?!"

Nyon raised her hand. "They are fine. I will send for them."

"Zoro! The Alpha! He was hurt. Like really bad! Is he okay?!" Luffy questioned.

Nyon paused at the door. "That Omega… the blonde one, begged for our doctors to save him. He is resting in the infirmary. Despite the laws, we would not execute someone who can't properly fight. We are warriors after all."

Luffy let out a sigh of relief. Tears forming in his eyes. His nakama were here. They had been the eight those women were talking about before he ran into Hancock. They were safe.

As promised, his crew was brought to him. Luffy felt the tears fall down his face as they were brought into the room. "LUFFY!" His nakama screamed. His eyes scanned them over, they were all unharmed. Zoro was completely wrapped in bandages, but a grin on his face as Sanji supported him.

"You guys!" He screamed, running over and stretching his arms out until they were wrapped up in his arms. "Thank the seas you're okay!"

As he let them go, he brought them all individually into a hug. His nose burying into their scent glands. Rubbing his nose against it. None of them had a dry eye as they reunited with their Captain.

"I was so afraid…" Luffy muttered. "I just watched as all of you disappeared… I was helpless." He bowed to the ground, his forehead touching the floor. "I couldn't protect you back there. I'm sorry!"

"Luffy, it's okay. We're alive. You gave us orders to run, but we… were too weak for the power that Kuma showed… and Kizaru." Robin stated, reassuring her Captain. "We are alive and that's what matters."

They all sat down with the Boa sisters, Luffy telling his pack about what had transpired for him while he was there. His crew also telling him what they had been up to on Amazon Lily. Sanji, being the one who found Zoro, begging the Amazons to spare him and to help him. How they had confused his secondary and primary genders but decided to help anyway. Though, Luffy was sure there were some nose bleeds in there that he wasn't telling him about. Robin and Nami were taken with some of the women and reunited there. Since Chopper was a doctor, he had been taken to where Zoro was. Brook… well Brook… he pissed off a lot of the Amazons. Though in the end, he calmed them with music somehow. Franky had offered to help repair things that Luffy had broken without realizing it had been Luffy who had done it. Usopp had lied… a lot but amazed the girls that he was just kept in a cell where Brook was. It was odd after hearing their stories. With how the women reacted to men, he was surprised to hear not one of his nakama had been harmed.

It didn't matter. His pack was safe and back with him. Now, all he needed to do was ask Hancock to get him back to the Sunny and they could be on their way.

At the banquet that night, Luffy and the other men of his crew were instantly bombarded by the women wanting to know more about them. Wanting to touch them. Luffy just wanted some damn food. Was that too much to ask?

In the Strawhats escape with Nami and Robin in tow, they ran into Margaret who had taken them to Nyon's hideout. Margaret explaining the situation and the woman allowing for them to stay.

They moved out throughout the room. Luffy did not miss the way that Sanji leaned into Zoro where they were leaning against the rails. Nami was sitting to his right, Usopp to his left. The others were sitting around other parts of the floor. Nyon explained that Hancock was indeed a Warlord, confirming his suspicion from earlier. Going into detail about what Hancock had been summoned to do.

"WHAT?! The Marines and the Warlords are teaming up against the Whitebeard Pirates?!" He exclaimed, eyes wide.

Nyon nodded.

The Strawhats shared looks but keeping quiet as Nyon continued. "That is only conjecture at this point. I don't have any proof. The World Government has laid out their bait," She added. "Captain Whitebeard would never allow his nakama to be killed. Even with that knowledge… they have announced the public execution of Portgas D. Ace. A powerful and high ranking Commander within his crew."

Luffy felt like his entire world shattered. Around him the rest of the Strawhats were sitting with straight backs and wide eyes. Jaws dropped as they looked over to Luffy.

"What's wrong?" Margaret questioned. Luffy couldn't find the words to say to her. He could hear his nakama trying to speak to them through their own shock, but his ears rang the entire time. His heart racing.

Ace's vivre card… was burning… because he was going to be killed. He had been watching it burn for days now. Ever since Thriller Bark. That's when he first noticed. Ace's life force was draining.

Ace was going to die.

Did he hear that right?

"Who…" Luffy whispered.

"Ace also known as Fire Fist Ace. The Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates." Nyon stated, still looking at the paper in her hand.

"They're… gonna… execute…" Luffy muttered, his entire body shaking as the information finally set in.

"Luffy…" Came a mixture from his nakama, catching the attention of Nyon.

Ace's face flashed in his mind. His smile. His laugh.

"According to this, a pirate named Blackbeard defeated Ace and gave him up to the World Government. In return, they invited him to be a Warlord." Nyon further explained, oblivious to Luffy's predicament.

The panic was bubbling through him. Ace was going to die. He had to do something. He had found the man he was looking for and lost. Being captured and turned over to the Marines.

His brother was going to be executed… and he was sitting here.

He had a gut feeling this entire time. Ever since he had seen Ace in Arabasta. Now he knew. Ace had went on a suicide mission after Blackbeard. Now, he was at the mercy of the World Government.

The anger coursed through Luffy as he placed his cup on the table, ignoring his nakama as they tried to speak to him. Tried to comfort him. He had a chance to go find Ace but didn't. Maybe, he could have prevented this. If Blackbeard defeated Ace… how in the world was he supposed to if Ace was stronger than him and still lost.

"Blackbeard, huh?"

Nyon continued on, speaking, despite Luffy trying to stop her.

"GRANNY!" He shouted, finally cutting through to her. The fear was on his face, he was sure of it as he grabbed Nyon by the shoulders. "Ace is my brother! Portgas D. Ace! The Fire Fist! Is my brother! You are talking about my brother!

Nyon's eyes widened as Margaret gasped. "What?! I never knew."

"All this time… I didn't either. Ace is going to be killed… he can still escape right?!" Luffy exclaimed.

"His best chance would be if Whitebeard takes the bait and wins." Nyon replied.

Luffy was still shaking. The rest of the Strawhats now on their feet and standing with him. Their pheromones mixing in an attempt to sooth him. It wasn't working in the slightest. Not at a time like this. "Tell me… does it say where they are going to execute him?"

"In the town square of Marineford. The Navy headquarters. It says the execution will take place in one week. That is six days from today." The old lady replied, looking up from the newspaper.

"That's too soon! How long will it take to get from here to Sabaody?!" He needed to get back to the Sunny. He had to get to Ace before it was too late.

Nyon sighed. "Even at top speed… it would take more an a week."

"That will take too long! How long to where Ace is being held?!" Luffy questioned next.

Nyon hummed. "Says here that he's currently in Impel Down. That will take about a week by pirate ship. Four days maybe by Marine ship." She explained. She went on to explain how Marine ships get between Impel Down, Marineford, and Enies Lobby as quickly as they do since the Tarai Current is ran by the World Government. Speeding up their ships.

His mind ventured to Shanks and Mihawk. Mihawk was a Warlord, he had to know about this if the Warlords were being called to fight against the Whitebeard Pirates. Shanks was probably like him and found out about it or Mihawk had told him.

Next, he thought of Ace. What was happening to his brother right now? All he knew was, he had to save him.

"Luffy, we will rescue your brother. I promise you that." Zoro stated, placing a bandaged hand on his shoulder.

Luffy nodded. A newfound goal.

"Change of plans, guys."

Luffy had made the decision that he was going for Impel Down. Getting Ace back before he could be taken to Marineford. He was filled in on the plans of the Marines and what would be facing them. It would be easier to get through Impel Down compared to the forces that were going to be at Marineford.

Luffy knew in his gut, Whitebeard was going to show his face at Marineford. From everything he ever heard about the old man, there was no possible way he wouldn't. His cared about his nakama too much. Holding some sort of bond with all of them. Whitebeard was not a man to allow his men to be killed. No matter what.

All he had to do was talk Hancock into accepting the Marine's order. With that, him and his nakama arrived at Hancock's room to find her sick in bed. "Love Sickness" was what it was called. To the amazement of the others, Hancock had sat up when he called her name.

After talking with the Alpha woman, she agreed to accept the Marine's offer and her ship was set up to sail the next morning. She warned the Strawhats that she could get Luffy in, but the others were on the own since she wouldn't be able to conceal them from the Marines or the guards of Impel Down.

With an understanding, they got the last bit of sleep they could leading to Ace's execution.

They had set out the next morning, waiting anxiously on what was about to come next. Each and every single one of them were about to break into Impel Down. None of them had a regret as they thought of Ace. Luffy's mind was only clouded with the thought of saving his brother. Bringing him home.

As they arrived at the Marine ship with Momonga, Luffy hid underneath Hancock's layers of clothes. Luffy hoped with everything that his nakama would be fine.

Next stop was Impel Down. Luffy's determination flaring through him. He would save Ace even if it killed him.

Four days. Four days and they had reached Impel Down. Getting into the prison was shockingly easier than Luffy thought it would be. Hancock had petrified the guard with her to give Luffy just enough time to get out and thank her. With a smile, he took off. For a moment he thought of his nakama. He didn't know what happened to them after he got into Hancock's clothes, other than the fact she said they were fine. She did tell him that they were here with him. Now, he just hoped they didn't get caught. It was bad enough he was here.

With that in mind, he pushed his mind back to the task at hand. Getting Ace back.

His nakama weren't far from him when he had gotten to Crimson Hell, Level One of the prison. Meeting up with them almost immediately after getting to the first floor. He noticed quickly that they were all dressed as guards.

"It was Usopp's idea." Nami stated. Usopp giving a proud grin.

The only one not dressed up was Chopper, who was hiding with Franky. Only coming out when they had gotten to Luffy. "What floor do you think Ace is on?" Robin questioned.

Luffy hummed, looking around. Mihawk had told them about Impel Down when they were younger. Now, he just had to remember as much as possible from what he was told. All the floors were different forms of torture and hell. It all depended on your bounty and how much of a risk you were to the World Government. Ace would be at the top of that with his position with the Whitebeard Pirates and his extremely high bounty. He thought about Level Five for a moment. The lowest floor. He was missing something.

He groaned as he thought back. There was something he wasn't remembering.

"Not many people know this, but there is actually six levels to Impel Down. The Warlords are constantly threatened with being imprisoned on that floor if they don't comply. Eternal hell they call it. They wipe your name from history and hide you. Death row inmates are kept there. That's why they put the Warlords there. They can't spill the secrets they have been told." Mihawk's voice rang through his head.

His eyes widened. "Level six. He'll be on Level six." He stated.

"Luffy, there are only five levels in Impel Down." Nami replied.

He shook his head. "No, there is six. I know that for a fact. Ace is on death row. He will be there." He stated, not giving any room for argument as he took off through Level One.

No one else had any objections as they followed after him. Running into a familiar face in the form of Buggy almost immediately. The prisoners around them shocked to know that they had broken into the prison.

Luffy did crazy things. He didn't care.

Finding the entrance to Level Two, they jumped into the hole without a second thought. Luffy relaying all the information that Mihawk had ever told him about the place. He thanked his younger self for actually listening for once with this. Who knew that he would one day need that information?

Beast Hell is what Level Two was known as. They had ran into Mr. 3 not long after getting off of the floor. The former Baroque Works member offering his services to them in exchange for his freedom. Luffy happy obliged. The more people to help him get to Ace, the better.

Luffy had taken on the basilisk as the others worked on getting the prisoners out of their cells. If they were breaking into a prison, why not make a distraction for themselves to make it easier?

They all worked together, knocking down the beasts of the floor until they had gotten to the Sphinx at the end of the floor. Mr. 3 creating the distraction for them as they worked on getting to the next level.

Everything had to go with a bang with Luffy around as the Sphinx broke the floor and sent them all down to the next level.

Starvation Hell. Level three of the prison. Working their way through the floor, Mr. 3 had found Bon Clay within one of the cells. The Strawhats and Luffy had ran ahead of them in search of the entrance to the next floor.

They encountered the Sphinx again. The creature pining Luffy to the floor. Zoro's voice rang out, though the Alpha hadn't actually spoken. Another Zoro appeared, revealing Bon Clay standing there.

Bon Clay joined in with them in defeating the guards and Sphinx once more as they pushed their way towards Level five. Bon Clay stating he wanted to meet someone who was on that floor. As they finished off the guards, Luffy brought Bon Clay into a hug. Happy to see the Omega who had helped them back at Arabasta.

While looking for the next entrance, they encountered a Minotaurus which Buggy, Bon Clay, and Luffy had taken care of while the rest of the Strawhats were working on getting them to the next floor.

Luffy should have known using doors by now was useless, as they once again went through the floor to Level Four.

Blazing hell. Level four. Having been saved from falling into the cauldron by the debris they fell on, they pushed forward. Fighting their way through the guards that came to stop them. His nakama had their hands full as Luffy and Bon Clay came in contact with Magellan. The Warden.

Luffy growled. This was the last thing he needed.

Luffy prepared to fight, despite Bon Clay's warnings.

Fighting against Magellan, despite using his haki to land hits, he was coated in various poisons that had him doubling over. Still he pushed on. He had to get to Ace. This was just a small inconvenience.

He was alone in this. The others were still busy. Their hands completely full with taking down guards.

Luffy was hit were a full blast of Magellan's hydra. Drenching his entire body in poison. As his body gave out, he whispered, "Ace…" just as the world went dark around him.

Level Five: Freezing Hell. All that Luffy felt was unimaginable pain. He couldn't hear anyone. He couldn't see through the fog over his eyes. He wasn't even sure what happened to his nakama. Where they were. All he remembered was getting defeated at the hands of Magellan.

Even with the poison in his system, he tried to move. He just needed to get to Ace. His brother was on Level Six. Waiting for him. Just one more floor. He could do it.

He felt like his body was being dragged. The only one who had been near him was Bon Clay. Barely conscious, he felt the bite on him. With a scream, he yelled for them to get off as suddenly all the wolves fainted around them. Just seconds later, Luffy's world was dark again.

Absolute agony. That's what Luffy was in. He didn't know anything else in that moment but pain and the desire to save Ace. The pain shooting through his body. He was sure if he could feel his limbs that they were jerking around, but he couldn't move.

His throat was hoarse from the loud screams that escaped him. Throwing his head back as more waves of pain erupted through him.

It was like something suddenly clicked. The pain was gone and all that was left was the rumble of hunger in his stomach. "FOOD!" He screamed without a second thought.

Food had been brought to him. Finding out he was in a place called Newkama Land which was Level Five point Five of the prison. Just between Level Five and Level Six. Ivankov was the leader here, the one that Bon Clay wanted to meet.

As Luffy ate his fill, the Strawhats were also with him. Tears of joy as they realized their Captain was okay. "We thought… we thought…" Nami, Usopp, and Chopper all were saying it at the same time. Unable to finish their sentences.

Luffy instead asked what happened after he passed out. Zoro, Sanji, and Robin filling him in on how they had broken through Level Four to get to Level Five where Magellan had ordered for him to die after twenty four hours of poison hell. The Strawhats had barely managed to escape him as Zoro had cut through the floor to get them to safety. He did notice that they were no longer in guard uniforms, but back in their normal clothes.

They eventually had ran into Bon Clay who had Luffy and wolves knocked out around them. They continued to tell him about their fights on Level four while Luffy ate his fill.

With his stomach full, the food went to his muscles and he was now fully healed. Ivankov explained the treatment he had done. The shock that came from hearing that he lost ten years of his life. Ten years of his life was worth Ace's life. Bon Clay had collapsed in his happiness, completely exhausted after cheering on for the last twenty hours.

He had lost twenty hours of sweet precious time in getting to Ace. That left just hours until Ace was due to be executed. He pulled out Ace's vivre card, seeing that it was pointing downwards, which meant that Ace was still within the confines of Impel Down. He still had a chance.

Placing Ace's vivre card back into the safety of his hat, he turned to Ivankov, asking him if he planned on escaping as well. Ivankov just laughed, explaining that he was waiting on Dragon, that if he would to leave now he would only get recaptured.

"Ah, you're talking about my Uncle." Luffy stated.

Ivankov had continued to talk for a moment before suddenly he stopped. Blinking as he looked down at Luffy. Luffy's nakama behind him giving Luffy knowing looks.

"Un…uncle?" Ivankov muttered, before he comically flew backwards into the wall. "Where are you from?!"

Luffy smiled. "I was born in the East Blue, but I was raised on the Grand Line. Though, my grandmother… Dragon's sister still lives on Dawn Island now."

Ivankov blinked again, as if he was having a revelation.

"Trust me, we had the same reaction." Zoro stated as the others around them began to freak out from Luffy's words.

"Inazuma! Find out when Ace-boy is being moved!" With that, Inazuma had taken off to get the information as Ivankov told Luffy more about his relationship with Dragon. As Ivankov prepared his okama to help bust out Ace, Luffy felt the world spin around him before he collapsed.

Moments later, he was back on his feet. Ivankov explaining that he needed to rest.

No, he absolutely refused too.

He needed to get to Ace. He had so little time now that he had been out of twenty hours.

Nothing would stop him now.

With the decision made, Ivankov and Inazuma had joined them in their endeavor to save Ace. Rushing through Newkama Land and starting for Level Six without a care. The group breaking through the wolves to get to the next floor. Charging down the steps towards Level Six, only one thing was on his mind.

Ace.

They had made it to Eternal Hell. Level Six. The same floor that Ace was on. Luffy screamed out his brother's name as he rushed through the halls. Reaching his cell with the help of a guard that Ivankov had changed into an okama,

Luffy felt the horror fill him as they got to Ace's cell. Only for Ace not to be there. "He's not here!" Luffy screamed, looking back at the person who had guided all of them here.

"Are you sure that this is the right cell?!" Ivankov questioned.

"You better not be screwing around with us! We're running out of time!" Sanji screamed.

"Yes, I am! I'm not lying…" The guard pleaded.

"We're a bit too late." Inazuma stated.

"Luffy…" Nami whispered.

Luffy ignored them for now. Trying to think of anything that could help him in that moment. Just moments ago, Ace's vivre card was still pointing this way. How did this miss him?

Luffy paused, looking over to see a large fishman chained to the wall. He had barely noticed him before. To focused on his brother to care. "You're Straw Hat Luffy, aren't you?" The man questioned.

"Yeah." He replied.

"They took him just a few minutes ago! Go! They've taken Ace-san to the elevator!" The fishman exclaimed. "Go! You can still catch them!"

"Who're you, old man?" Luffy questioned.

"Why are we asking questions!? We need to go!" Zoro yelled, the rest of Luffy's nakama already heading towards the elevator.

"He's a big deal!" Ivankov muttered.

Looking the man in the eye for just a moment, seeing the sincerity shining in them. Luffy nodded, following after his pack as he called back, "Thank you! Whoever you are!"

Arriving at the elevator, Ivankov tried the controls as Luffy plotted what they could do. Suggesting to climb it, but just as he went to try. A platform of spikes came down, jumping back just in time to keep from getting impaled by it.

"That was close, Luffy." Zoro said.

"What do we do now?!" Brook exclaimed.

Ivankov deducted their actions were being watched on the den den mushis. "Lets go back to the Level five entrance." Luffy wasn't even sure who had said it, other than his feet were now carrying him there. Only to find that it had been blocked by a gate. Trapping them within Level Six of the prison.

Panic sat in as the room started to quickly fill with gas as Chopper, Brook, Usopp, and Nami all fell over fast asleep. Luffy followed behind. Sleeping for a few minutes before being awake again. Amazed by Inazuma's devil fruit ability. Despite blocking off their other path out, it was the only way to stop the gas from knocking them all out.

Once everyone was awake again. Luffy told them his decision to go to Marineford. Looking at Ace's vivre card to see that it was traveling away.

He wouldn't give up on his brother.

Not when they are this close.

He could never give up on him.

"If I give up now… I'm going to regret it!"

Debating on how they would get off the floor, they were cut off by laughter next to them. Luffy's eyes narrowing on the person behind the cell. His eyes widening as he realized who it was.

Crocodile.

"If you want to get out of here, set me free!" The former Warlord stated. "I can create a hole in the ceiling. What do you think?" His mind momentarily flashed back to Arabasta and the pain that Crocodile had caused to Vivi.

"You're being held here Crocodile?!"

"It's been a while, Straw Hat!" Crocodile smirked as he looked at Luffy. The others growling behind him. He could hear Zoro's sword starting to come out of its sheath.

"You! You monster!" Nami cried.

"I thought that there was no reason to get back on the street, but Whitebeard and the Navy are gonna start a war? It's my chance to finally bring down that old man!" Crocodile stated, a large grin plastered on his face. "This was has piqued my interest. And with my power, you and I could get out of here. It's not bad, huh? We both get what we want."

"Don't listen to him, Luffy. He's just trying to trick you." Sanji growled.

Crocodile's eyes moved from Luffy to the rest of the Straw Hats. Momentarily falling onto Robin. "Ah, Ms. All Sunday. I see you found a pack of your own."

Robin made a noise but didn't say anything back to him as Crocodile looked back at Luffy.

"Screw you! You're the man who messed up Vivi's country!" Luffy shouted, the anger flooding out of him.

"That was a long time ago." Crocodile replied. "I lost interest in that country."

Footsteps came up from behind Luffy, by scent he knew it was Ivankov. His words shocked him. "Let's release him, Straw-boy. His power will aid us greatly."

"What?! Ivan-chan! If you knew what he's done…" The Strawhats, aside from Robin, agreed with him immediately. Robin staying quiet the entire time.

"You wanna keep going, right?!" Ivankov fought back. "If you want to make it to Marineford, you need him."

"Ivankov." Crocodile growled.

"Long time no see, Croco-boy."

"You know him?" Luffy questioned.

"Just a passing acquaintance. I met him when he was just a rookie. Don't worry. I can bring him under control in case he tries to betray us." Ivankov assured him. Luffy still wasn't fully sold, but this man worked alongside Dragon. If Dragon trusted him, he was sure he could too. Ivankov had also saved his life, even giving him the chance to be here. "I can't trust him at all. But, I know one of his weaknesses!"

The shocked sounds followed from the Strawhats at Ivankov's revelation with Crocodile. Their eyes wide as they looked between the Okama Queen and the former Warlord.

Crocodile let out a loud growl. "If you so much as say it—"

"Oh? You wanna take that tone? If you like I can just reveal your past here." Crocodile growled, not verbally answering. "But, if you just shut up and help us, I keep the secret for you."

"You bastard." Crocodile growled.

"Luffy, you can't seriously think this is a good idea?!" Nami questioned, the shock on her face.

As uproar started around them from the other prisoners, Ivankov quieted them with his Death Wink. Though what grabbed Luffy's attention was the call of, "Have mercy on me!" It was the same fishman from before. The one who told them about Ace's transfer. "Take me with you! I can help you for sure! I have known Ace-san ever since he joined the Whitebeards! He always told me about his brother! I was arrested because I objected against this war! I wanna save Ace-san! So please! Let me die for him!"

Not even a second later, the same fierce determination shining in the Fishman's eyes, Luffy stated, "Alright."

"Are you sure? We don't know about him and how dangerous he is!" Inazuma stated.

"It's okay. Let him out."

The fishman nodded at him. "Thank you!"

With that, Inazuma released both the Fishman and Crocodile. The two joining the large group. The Strawhats still keeping their distance from Crocodile, sending the Alpha glares but going with Luffy's decision and Ivankov's words. "A warlord and a former warlord on our team." Inazuma said.

"Two of them? Who is the other one?" Luffy questioned.

"I appreciate this! Now I can be of some help!" The Fishman stated.

"Maybe you can stop the war between the Whitebeards and the Navy." Crocodile drawled. "But, it's a waste of time. Because I'm going to get that old man anyway."

"I won't let you even touch good old Whitebeard, Crocodile!" The Fishman argued back.

"Then, do you wanna just fight me here?"

Ivankov snickered. "Croco-boy… your secret past?" Crocodile growled and looked away. Complying to Ivankov. "Alright, we don't have much time! We're going to just break out by force!"

With the help of Crocodile and Jinbei – Luffy finding out his name along the way – they started up the levels. Fighting through and using the powers of their new accomplices. Ivankov and Inazuma had instructed the members of Newkama to start a riot within the prison to help assist them into getting out of the prison by distracting the guards. Crocodile had released Mr. One on Level Four, bringing him along with them. Bon Clay was back on his feet – more spinning cause of hormones given to him by Ivankov – and was with them again.

As they were moving along, fighting against the Vice Warden, black smoke appeared capturing the guards that had surrounded them. Luffy's eyes widened as he recognized from Mock Town followed. "Cut it out! All this arguing about right and wrong! Search the ends of the Earth and you will find no answers." Hannyabal was kicked in the face by the man. "So, cut the crap!"

"I met him at Jaya!" Luffy said within his shock.

"Wait, it's that guy from Mock Town." Nami whispered, just as Luffy had spoken.

"Yeah, the one who gave that speech." Zoro added, also confirming that he remembered this guy.

"Wow! It's interesting to see all these faces at once. Looks like you were in the middle of something." The man stated, the guards now on the ground behind him as they were cast out of the black smoke.

"Teach! Why the hell are you here?!" Jinbei screamed. "Or, should I call you Blackbeard now?!"

Luffy felt his heart stop for a moment, his eyes widening. "Teach…" He whispered, his eyes glued to the man now known as Teach. So, this was the man who Shanks had always warned them about. "Blackbeard." This was the same man that Ace was hunting down. The same man that he had lost too. He tightened his fists as he heard the same muttering coming from his nakama.

This was the man who caused all of this. Why Ace was with the Marines and facing execution. Why Luffy and his crew were in Impel Down. This man caused it all. For his selfish actions over a Devil Fruit.

"Jinbei! Hey, that's not nice! Why don't you loosen your fist?!" Blackbeard stated. "Oh, yeah! You're close to Ace, aren't you? But, you're barking up the wrong tree."

"Blackbeard…" Luffy growled. Ace's voice echoing in his head, telling him that he was hunting down Blackbeard. Blackbeard's words from Jaya coming to the forefront of his mind. He had met the same man that Ace was after, and didn't even know it. "So, you're… you're Blackbeard?!" Luffy screamed.

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I never gave you my name." Blackbeard told him, that stupid smirk still on his face. "Long time no see, Straw Hat. I was surprised, too, when I heard that you were the brother of my commander! Are you sure you want to be here? You're gonna miss it! Your brother's public execution!" Blackbeard pointed up at Crocodile. "I found out later that the former Warlord was defeated by you, Straw Hat Luffy. At that time, I was trying to take his place as a Warlord, so… killing you was the most effective way to show my ability to the Government! But fate has saved you instead!"

"Luffy, he's egging you on! Don't listen to him!" Zoro called out, but it fell to deaf ears.

"Ace, who has been chasing after me for the crime on Whitebeard's ship… happens to be your brother?! When he faced us… we, who were going to kill his brother, he had to have his retreat cut off. Do you get it? If he let us get away, not only would it disgrace Whitebeard's name, but he'd allow his brother's death!"

Luffy felt the anger starting to rise. His nails digging into his skin that blood was dripping onto the floor below. His eyes stinging. The rage starting to flood through him.

"Your brother fought bravely!"

"Pay your respects at his grave. If it weren't for him, you'd be the one who… would've been killed, Straw Hat!" Blackbeard stated.

The air in Luffy's throat hitched.

Ace was in this situation… because of him? He didn't run because he knew Luffy would have been the target.

Luffy couldn't contain it anymore. He activated his Second Gear, placing armament haki within his arm as he glared up at Blackbeard. "Why don't you try to kill me now?!" He sreamed despite the protests coming from his nakama. Telling him not to engage.

The punch he hit to Blackbeard never felt better.

They had done it. They had escaped from Impel Down successfully. With the help of Bon Clay staying behind to open the Gates of Justice for them so they could leave. They all quietly mourned for their fallen friend as the Marine ship they were on hit the Tarai current. The current that would take them to Ace.

Luffy focused ahead, Ace's vivre card in hand as his crew tried to speak with him after the revelation from Blackbeard. He wouldn't talk about it. Not yet. He had to speak to Ace first. Only then would he say anything regarding what he felt.

Blackbeard was wrong.

Ace wasn't dying today.

He wouldn't have to pay respects at a grave.

Ace was going to come home, even if it killed Luffy in the process.

On the Marine ship, Jinbei formally introduced himself to Luffy. They continued on their path, heading straight for Marineford. They had all watched the beginning of the execution process. Ace being brought to the scaffold. The injuries that littered his body. The revelation that Luffy had dropped on all of them of Luffy and Ace being Shanks and Mihawk's children as well as the grandchildren of Hibiscus Rouge and Gold Roger.

The den den mushi went off, revealing a Vice Admiral stating that Luffy and Buggy were the minds behind the Impel Down Breakout. Revealing to everyone around them of Buggy's sworn brotherhood to Shanks and being an apprentice on Gol D. Roger's ship. Shocking those around them.

They were told they would never survive the current, in which Luffy told them he was going to save Ace no matter what before promptly hanging up.

They had somehow miraculously gotten through the Gates of Justice, smooth sailing towards Marineford.

That was, until the wind had suddenly stopped and a chill went down Luffy's spine. He didn't like this. The ship had been blown backwards before it was suddenly being lifted up onto a tsunami. Jinbei yelling out for all of them to hang out, as they had to ride out the wave if they wished to stay on the ship.

Luffy held on as tight as he could before suddenly, everything stopped. Looking below them, they were on the top of the tsunami that was now frozen completely solid. Jumping down on the ice, he looked over the edge. "Hey, look down there." Sanji stated, pointing over the edge of the ice.

Sure enough, all out war was happening underneath. They were right above the bay of Marineford. They looked so small, but he could tell that there were people fighting down there. "We need to get down there now!" Luffy screamed.

A few ideas were tossed back and forth before they stopped. The den den mushi giving out the words that made Luffy's heart stop. Marine code went through the speaker, but the last thing it said had his eyes wide. "Will move onto the immediate execution of Portgas D. Ace." With those words being said; Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Crocodile, Jinbei, Ivankov, and Buggy all kicked or punched the ice – in Zoro's case, stabbed it – as their immediate reaction to get the ship off of the frozen wave.

Only to realize at the last second, they had hit the wrong side. "Well, fuck." Luffy said as the ice started to crack under their feet.

"IT WAS THE WRONG SIDE!" Followed from the prisoners behind him.

Sure enough, the ice cracked, and they were free falling to the ground below.

Author's Note: I summarized a lot, including Impel Down (which I wasn't going to do at first) but decided too cause I really want to get to Marineford and I still have Mihawk's chapter next. So we have Mihawk before we get to Marineford! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed!