They Don't Know About Us
Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome to They Don't Know About Us! Finally, Marineford time! Yikes, this took longer than I meant to. Of course, Marineford isn't going to be cannon the beginning pretty much starts just the same as what happens in canon… then a shit show. A giant shit show of chaos. So here we go!
Additional Notes: Soooo my oldest daughter lost my notebook that had my notes in it for Marineford… so yeah, going in blind on this guys xD there is freaking so much that happens at Marineford that this might take a hot minute to do xD Marineford is going to jump centric between the pirates and Ace.
The first scene originally wasn't going to happen than I decided, eh, why not?! I need some sassy Ace thrown in here.
This is just a random side note: I seriously love how both Ace and Whitebeard have the exact same tattoo on their backs. The absolute meaning to that in cannon pulls at my heart strings.
Chapter Warnings: Canon Violence, plus more.
Chapter Thirteen: Deadly Game (by Theory of a Deadman)
Chapter Summary: As Sengoku and Ace argue on the platform, Ace starts to poke holes into Sengoku's story. With Ace's execution only three hours away, the Whitebeard Pirates and their allies show up at Marineford to bring Ace home. Meanwhile, Mihawk attacks Whitebeard. Little Oars Jr makes an appearance as Ace's pleas fall to deaf ears. Later, the battlefield is shaken as a Marine Battleship falls from the sky.
"Two years ago, you took your mother's maiden name as your own—" Sengoku started.
"Once again, I did not! My mother is not Portgas D. Rouge!" Ace snapped, snarling as Sengoku glared down at them. He could only imagine how it looked right now. Seeing the Fleet Admiral and his prisoner arguing over as something as simple as a name. He could theoretically tell Sengoku his birth name, but that would only confirm his relation to Roger. He had to keep that fact hidden despite everyone now believing he was his son.
At least, he hoped everyone saw through Sengoku's clear bullshit and actually had a brain.
He could also snap and say his Alpha father is Mihawk. That would end everything right there. He could say Shanks' name. If he said either of those, it still meant certain death. He would drag Mihawk down with him. No matter how mad he was to see Mihawk standing with the Warlords, he couldn't do that.
"Why can't you see that everything you say right now is absolute bullshit! My mother is not Portgas D. Rouge and my father is not Gold Roger! Roger died over a year before I was born. I wasn't even conceived yet when he was executed!" Ace screamed, watching the mask fall off of Sengoku just for a moment.
He could hear the muttering of the Marines below, even they sounded unsure of Sengoku now. Sengoku was burying himself alive with this. "Then, tell me, how did you get your name?" Sengoku finally humored him.
"My name came from Portgas D. Shay!" He snapped. Technically, it wasn't a lie. Portgas had been Shay's maiden name and the sole purpose of why Portgas had been carried on. Rouge had decided to use it for her adventure on the sea to keep Monkey off of her. Shanks had also gone by the name. So, in reality, Sengoku wasn't wrong about him taking his mother's name. Though, Shanks' true maiden name was Monkey not Portgas. Portgas had been a choice even by Shanks. "I do have Portgas blood running through my veins, but Hibiscus Rouge is not my mother."
Murmurs broke out underneath him. Garp was still bellowing a laugh as the other Vice Admirals kept asking him what was so funny about the situation. From what Ace could tell, even Mihawk was still trying to contain himself again.
Sengoku was just bound determined to prove him wrong. "If Rouge and Roger aren't your parents, who are?"
Ace growled. "Why does it truly matter? I'm going to die anyway. You want me to tell you, so you can try and spread your blatant lies about them too? You are just using Roger's name to try and make it a good reason for my execution. Roger has nothing to do with anything I've ever done. So, why try and kill me for someone else's sins? Do you even know anything about me?!"
Sengoku smirked. "With your excellent speed and strength, you quickly gained notoriety as the unrelenting Captain of the Spade Pirates and that's when we put the pieces together."
"What about anything before then?" Ace retorted.
"You were raised on Dawn Island." Ace smirked at that statement.
"You're wrong." The Omega pirate stated.
"Huh?"
"I wasn't raised on Dawn Island. If you truly knew anything about my whereabouts before I became the Captain of the Spade Pirates, you would know I was raised on the Grand Line." Sengoku looked shocked for a moment before he masked it. Ace still smirking as he finally had the upper hand. "At just six weeks old, my mother took me from Baterilla to sail the seas. No island has ever truly been my home. My home is the sea."
Sengoku for a moment didn't look like he knew what to do as Ace leveled a look on him. If he was going to die that day, he might as well take down the World Government with him.
"You just want someone to be Roger's scapegoat. To cover your asses for what happened on Baterilla two years before I was born. The Marines and World Government were so scared of Roger's bloodline continuing that the order to kill any mother or child was delivered. Searching for a baby that never existed. So many innocent lives taken because of your fear." Ace spat. To this day, Shanks held guilt over what happened at Baterilla. Over something that wasn't in his control. He only knew because of Mihawk. Mihawk had told him that Shanks had made to have a memorial made for the mothers and children who were slaughtered by the World Government. The least he could do for them. "You're not wrong about me being born on Baterilla, just everything else you've stated is absolute bullshit."
Sengoku smirked this time. "If you are so certain, why don't you tell us the name of your mother and father."
Ace returned the smirk. "My father is Whitebeard, and my mother… you'll find out soon enough." Ace stated. "You made a big mistake. I figured you out."
"Figured out what exactly?" Sengoku questioned.
"You know Whitebeard would never allow one of his nakama to be killed. I'm your bait. You're starting a war that is going to be so far out of your reach that the Marines won't ever recover. Even if I die today, today will have a lasting impression on the world." Ace replied. During their moment of silence as he was looking out to sea before, he had gone through all the possibilities in his head on why his execution was so important. It wasn't just that they thought he was Roger's son, Whitebeard was notorious for not allowing his crewmen to die. That included Ace. If it was Rouge on this platform, he was positive he would do the same for her. Whitebeard only ever wanted a family, and he got it. He would protect them until the day he finally passed on from this world. Ace was done with the confusion. Sengoku didn't know shit about what he was talking about. It was like he had made up an entire story just before he was brought out to try and justify the World Government's actions. Why this war had to happen. Why Baterilla happened. It was all out of fear. Even replaying Garp's words in his head, the Marines didn't know what was about to happen. Even if he deserved this, he had no doubt what would come next. All he could do was hopefully apologize for what was about to come. "You have no idea what you have just started. It was better off if you left me locked away in Impel Down."
How had he been so blind before? All he could think about was his impending execution and the pain it would cause. He never once thought of what Garp had said to him. Telling him what to expect. He practically told Ace that Whitebeard was coming for him and no doubt that Shanks would be following close behind.
He was done pitying himself for his capture. He would die with his consequences.
He could only hope that his family would be okay after all this was done.
He was going to watch the world burn.
Sengoku seemed to not have the words to say to him as he turned back to face the ocean. Ace sighed, the dark thoughts returning only momentarily. He could only wait for the inevitable.
Rather that was to live or die.
He didn't deserve Whitebeard coming for him. He had defied his Captain's orders and went out on his own. This is what it got him. Captured and scheduled for execution. He didn't want his nakama to die for him. He didn't want his family to risk their lives to try and save him. As much as he wanted to be with them, he couldn't bear the thought of watching his nakama die. Watching his family.
He got himself into this situation. They should know what Sengoku had planned from the start. He could only hope that they didn't take the bait.
"Just the denial coming from you proves that I'm right about your parents." Sengoku finally said after the moment of silence. "There was no doubt when we saw you that Roger's blood had been passed on, but Whitebeard came to the same realization and got to you before we did."
"How could he if I'm not Roger's son?" Ace questioned, rolling his eyes as Sengoku continued to try and cover up his own falter.
"In order to secure your mantle as the next King of the Pirates—"
Ace cut Sengoku off, the disbelief coming to his face. "Alright, you can spread whatever you want about me, but sorry… that is an absolute lie! I do not want to be King of the Pirates! I have absolutely no interest! All I wanted was to live my life with no regrets. Freer than anyone! The one who will be King is…" Ace's voice trailed off for a moment as he looked up with a large smirk on his face as he looked out towards the Marines below. "STRAW HAT LUFFY!" Stunned silence followed as the Marines gaped at him. All with unsure looks on their faces.
"So, you say. Why do you think it took so long for us to finally catch you?" Sengoku questioned, before adding, "You were under Whitebeard's protection!"
Ace paused. Whitebeard did know Rouge personally and it wasn't until he was about to become the Second Division Commander that he told Whitebeard about Roger. That could be true. Whitebeard had been using his own name to protect Ace's lineage. It was dangerous for him with the Marines. Shanks warned them all the time not to ever speak of Roger as a family member, despite the pain he could see in Shanks' eyes at that statement. Could Whitebeard had foreseen this?
Before Sengoku could speak again or Ace, another Marine called up, "We have a situation! Fleet Admiral, the Gate of Justice! It's opening without any order from us, sir! We can't make contact with the control room!"
Ace's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. Sengoku was radiating anger at the Marine's words. It could possibly be? Did Whitebeard actually come for him?!
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Sengoku exclaimed.
Silence fell over the plaza. The wind wasn't even blowing anymore as Ace stared out at the sea. Unsure of what was actually going on. Did they really come for him? He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve for them to come for him.
Fog started to come up over the horizon and not even a second later a loud, "THEY'RE HERE!" Came over the speakers, sirens ringing as the Marines started to panic. "READY BATTLE STATIONS, NOW!"
"They appeared out of nowhere! How did they get in here?!" Sengoku stated, the shock laced in his voice.
Ace's eyes were wide as he stared at the ships that were coming over the horizon. Looking at the jolly rogers, they were the allies of the Whitebeard Pirates. All of them.
They were coming for him.
"IT'S AN ENTIRE FLEET OF PIRATE SHIPS!" A marine exclaimed.
"Keep an eye out for Whitebeard! He must be there!" Another ordered.
They started to name off Captains of the ships they were seeing as Ace stared in disbelief. From what he could tell, every ally they ever had was among them. "It's worse than we expected! They have just about every big time Captain from the New World with them!"
All of this… for him? Whitebeard shouldn't be doing this. It was clear it was a set up. Ace deserved his punishment for defying orders and going off on his own. Yet, here were their allies. All coming to Marineford to face off in a war for his life.
A war that wouldn't be happening if he had just listened in the first place.
This was all his fault.
Ace felt the prickle in his eye as they stung. He blinked back the tears as he continued to stare on. Filled with complete disbelief that they were here for him.
"We've counted forty-seven in total! There had been no sight of Whitebeard or the Commanders, but every single one of them is a sworn ally of Whitebeard!"
"They actually came?" Ace finally allowed himself to question out loud. The shock running through him as the ships started to get closer.
He wasn't expecting them to come for him. He hoped they wouldn't.
Waves of emotions came rolling off of him, the distress leaving him.
This couldn't be happening. He couldn't watch his loved ones die for him. This wasn't right. They couldn't do this for him.
"Should we attack?" Another asked as the panic ran through the Marines below.
"Not yet, Whitebeard's gotta be around here somewhere. He's planning something big, so keep your eyes on the sea!"
Ace's attention was taken away from the allied ships as the water in the middle of the bay started to bubble before finally a flood of water came up and popped. Like something was trying to surface. His mouth dropped open with his surprise.
There was a reason they hadn't seen Whitebeard yet. He had been there the entire time. He was just… underwater.
"It's him…" Sengoku whispered.
Ace felt the bubbling happiness of knowing that his nakama had came for him. At the same time, he felt nothing but dread at the mere thought of what was about to happen. A war was about to break out and he would have to sit here helplessly to watch it all.
The water started to rise as someone announced a shadow within the bay. "Just as I feared, why didn't we plan for this?! They got their ships coated to ambush us from underwater!" Sengoku exclaimed.
Ace felt numb as he watched the water finally break. The Moby Dick coming out of the water and settling on top of the water. "It's Whitebeard's ship! The Moby Dick!" The water spraying out towards the Marines, droplets even hitting Ace from where he was chained to the scaffold. The coating on the Moby Dick popping as soon as the ship completely settled.
The tears started to pool in his eyes as the water continued to bubble and sure enough the other three Mobys were breaking the surface. Placing themselves like they were watching each other's backs.
"THEY'VE INFILTRATED THE BAY!"
Ace choked on the air in his throat as his eyes fell on Marco. The Alpha standing there with an indifferent look on his face and his hands on his hips. "Holy crap… it's First Division Commander Marco!" One Marine shouted to the others. His heart skipped a beat as Marco's eyes turned to him. A silent reassurance shining in his eyes. Even if they were so far away from each other, it was like Marco was standing right in front of him. Ace jerked his hands upon reflex, wanting to reach up to the necklace around his neck. The promise he had made to Marco. A promise he ultimately broke when he departed from the Moby Dick all those months ago.
He hadn't seen Marco in almost two months, and here he was, ready to fight for him.
"I'm counting fifteen Commanders! They're all here!" Ace finally tore his gaze away from Marco to look at the others. Sure enough, all of his fellow Commanders were there. Lined up and ready to fight. All of them with a look of determination on their faces. Thatch was standing there, looking ready to fight. Almost a mask of guilt written on his face as the Fourth Division Commander looked directly at him.
They came.
For him.
He didn't deserve this.
Not after what he had done.
The loud clank of Bisento hitting the deck of the Moby Dick had the tears streaming down Ace's face through his shock of seeing all of his nakama here. Whitebeard slowly walking up the steps until he stopped in the middle of the mast of the Moby. Ace felt his entire body relax as Whitebeard's eyes landed on him, the large grin on his face. The wave of protectiveness that came over him. Despite their distance, it was like he could smell his soothing, comforting scent from where he was kneeling.
Whitebeard chuckled. "It's been quite some time hasn't it, Sengoku?"
"Whitebeard." Sengoku growled.
"We have plenty to talk about. Like you not killing my son." Whitebeard stated. The Alpha Captain laughing as the fear ran through the Marines.
"I can't believe we let them get this close." Sengoku said.
Ace choked on the air in his throat. Never once did Whitebeard's gaze leave him. "Sit tight for a second, Ace." Despite Whitebeard talking normally, it was like Ace could hear him like he was standing right in front of him.
The wave of emotions that crashed through him as he touched his forehead to the scaffold. They came for him, despite everything. Whitebeard just standing there with his normal smile as if Ace had done nothing wrong. Ready to fight the entire world for him. Ace let out a small cry as he lifted his head with a scream of, "FATHER!" His entire body shaking.
Whitebeard stabbed Bisento into the mast of the Moby, punching the air on either side of him as the visible cracks appeared on the air. The seaquake quickly following. "A SEAQUAKE! HE'S TURNING THE OCEAN WATERS AGAINST US!" Sengoku shouted.
Large pillars of water showing on both sides of Marineford. The Commanders standing there just watching as Whitebeard used his Gura Gura no Mi. Ace didn't listen anymore as the Marines started exclaiming about Whitebeard's power.
This was it.
This was the start of the war.
The war that would either end with Ace's life being spared or him dead.
He couldn't let them do this.
Whitebeard was already sickly, living on borrowed time. His sons needed him. Not for him to fight here risking his life. He made his decision when he left the Moby to defend Whitebeard's honor and avenge Thatch's attempted murder. He had lost and that was on him. He couldn't let them risk their lives for his mistakes. For him not listening to Whitebeard's advice of staying on the ship and not pursuing Teach. Not listening to Shanks or Mihawk with their own warnings. He had done this to himself.
They couldn't die here for him. Not when he blatantly ignored them all.
Whitebeard. Marco. Deuce. The former Spade Pirates. The Second Division. Izou. Haruta. Jozu. All of them had tried to talk him out of it and he still left.
Left and went on his own. Leading to his capture. He wasn't their problem anymore.
Despite everything, he wanted to go home. Go home to the Moby Dick and be with his nakama. Be with Marco and actually create a bond with him. Be with his friends and family. See Shanks and Luffy again.
He didn't want to die.
He wanted to go home and continue living a life on the sea.
The water and ground around them settled as Ace's mind drifted. Why was Whitebeard coming for him after everything? Even if he did tell Sengoku that he had made the mistake of using Ace as bait. Whitebeard was smart enough to know it was a trap. They wanted him here.
He couldn't bare the thought of having to sit back and watch his nakama die.
Watch the war unfold before his very eyes.
For his life.
It wasn't worth it.
Ace finally looked back up, addressing those who came for him. "Oyaji, everyone else too… I ignored your advice and took off on my own. Why the hell didn't you just give up on me?! EVERY BIT OF THIS IS MY OWN DAMN FAULT!" He screamed.
"No." Whitebeard started. Shocked filled Ace as his eyes widened. "It was I who drove you to this… my son."
Ace balled his fists, pulling on his shackles as he yelled back, "THAT'S A LIE! YOU KNOW THE DAMN TRUTH! YOU TOLD ME NOT TO GO AFTER HIM AND I WOULDN'T LISTEN!"
"I'm your Captain and I told you to go." Whitebeard retorted. Ace chuckled down a sob, biting his lip as Whitebeard continued, "Ace was only following my orders. Isn't that right, Marco?"
Now, that wasn't fair. Whitebeard was already taking the blame and now he was using Marco against him.
Marco stepped forward, a fond smile on his face as he looked back towards Ace. "Yup, I heard it myself. Then you left. Sorry for all the trouble." Marco stated, walking forward until he was standing next to Whitebeard on the mast. "Really. Teach broke the rules of our ship and you had to seek justice. Everyone in the world knows what happens when you mess with one of our crewmates. If you do, you're going to pay the price."
The rest of the Commanders had joined Whitebeard where he stood. "THAT MEANS IF ANYONE LAYS A FINGER ON YOU, ACE, THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH US!" Thatch screamed. "DON'T WORRY, ACE! WE'LL GET YOU OUTTA HERE!"
Ace couldn't stop the tears that fell down his face now as the rest of the Whitebeard Pirates yelled out in agreement. "Get ready to make hell your new home, you Navy bastards!" Izou called out. The cheering continued as Ace sniffled, wiping his face on his shoulders.
X
Mihawk stood with the rest of the Warlords, his arms crossed over his chest as he stared directly at Whitebeard. Watching as they declared that they were going to save Ace. Even with all their allies plus the entire original crew, they were severely lacking in manpower.
He could feel the emotion and distress coming from Ace. The uncertainty he held. Was Ace really ready to die? His son had so much to live for. Rather Ace wanted to live or die, Mihawk wasn't giving him a choice but to leave Marineford alive. He just had to bid his time for a while longer. The pirate forces were still nowhere close to where they needed to be. Mihawk would just be a pig for slaughter if he struck now.
He heeded Garp's suggestion. He would give one attack towards the Whitebeard Pirates, then he would turn against them and fight for his son. Just how was it going to happen? Whitebeard had yet to actually move towards them. Like he was waiting for something.
"Looks like you are going to watch from the sidelines. I know, you're just here to kill time." Doflamingo stated, almost mocking Mihawk's resistance to take part in aiding the Marines. If he could chop Doflamingo's head off right now, he would be fine with that. "More for me then."
The water had captured Mihawk's attention, the water starting to recede in the bay. Slowly drifting away from them. Mihawk's eyes narrowed. This is why Whitebeard had yet to make a move. He was waiting. This was the result of his seaquake from before.
The tide started to rise again as the tension remained in the air. The area around them starting to shake. This was the pay off. Coming over the horizon was a tsunami. This was the power of Whitebeard. A tsunami that threatened to destroy all of Marineford.
No one was safe with that power. He had the power to be able to destroy the world coursing through his very body. The cheers came from the Whitebeard Pirates as the tsunami got closer.
The world was never going to be the same after this.
Aokiji was the first to move, jumping up with a yell of "ICE AGE!" Freezing the tsunami in its course. Aokiji moved in to attack Whitebeard. The Alpha Captain merely punching the air and breaking through Aokiji's attack as well as cracking the Ice Admiral as well.
Aokiji falling and crashing into the water of the bay. Freezing it over to keep himself from falling in. Effectively freezing over the entire bay. Trapping the Whitebeard ships within the frozen waters. Whitebeard cackled as the fear coursed through the Marines. Mihawk just standing there as he watched all of this happen.
Aokiji had indirectly opened a path for the pirates to be able to advance. Giving them footling on solid ice compared to just being on a ship in water.
Now, this would work for something.
Mihawk narrowed his eyes. This was when he could make that move. How could he do this that way he could place more fear within the likes of the Marines? The more fear they had, the more mistakes they would make.
The Marines shot cannon balls at the pirates as the pirates took their chance to advance. Jumping onto the ice and advancing towards their target.
Mihawk looked back to Whitebeard. He had never faced off against this man and wished he would be able to have a taste of the power that radiated from him. This might be his chance to not only scare the Marines, but also fulfill that itch he had over his curiosity to Whitebeard.
The Marines also started to advance, moving towards the pirates and the war quickly broke out. The fighting breaking out on the ice that Aokiji had created.
With this war, no place was safe. Not until it came to an end.
And it would end with the Whitebeard Pirates winning, and Ace returning to safety.
Mihawk jumped forward, placing himself in a ideal spot to be able to direct an attack. This was the one promised move, after that, the Marines were fair game to him. He eyed the people on the ice, calculating where he could hit the most Marines and wipe out some of the pirates' enemies. A smirk settled on his face as he found the course of where his strike would land. Take out as many Marines as possible, open up the field more for Whitebeard to advance while still making the World Government think he was working for them.
His movement caught the attention of those around him. "Oh wow, man, look." One Marine started.
"Is Dracule Mihawk going to make a move?"
"You're going to grace them with your sword for once?" Doflamingo questioned him.
"I'm just gaging the distance. How far do you think he is?" Mihawk narrowed his eyes against as they landed on Whitebeard. He could practically feel the man's power from here. His eyes widening as Whitebeard's very presence was overpowering. "Strange, it feels as if he is standing right in front of us."
Mihawk reached behind him, unsheathing Yoru. Coating his blade in haki as he moved the sword around his body.
Forgive me, Ace.
Mihawk slashed Yoru, the power slicing out in front of him. Illuminating in green as it surged forward. Taking out Marines as it went, striking down Marines that were going after the pirates. The course of his hit going straight for the Moby Dick were Whitebeard was currently standing. Either Whitebeard would block it or retaliate.
His attack never landed, being blocked by the Third Division Commander Diamond Jozu. The Commander practically throwing the power into the air. Mihawk had to admit he was impressed by that showing. How without hesitation the Commander took the hit for his Captain. His son had found a really good crew. Even if it had led him here. Mihawk sheathed Yoru once more as Jozu grinned at him.
They were here for him, and they were Mihawk's way to Ace. Now he just had to make sure that Whitebeard could get his message.
X
Ace was in absolute shock staring at Mihawk's back. His Alpha father's movement and the exclaims about him moving had pulled his attention from his nakama. Watching as Mihawk reached around him for Yoru.
Seconds after the shock wore off, he was flaring with anger. So, Mihawk was siding with the Marines. Whitebeard was acting more like his father in this moment than Mihawk was.
How could Mihawk do this?
Ace growled, ignoring as he caught Sengoku's attention. "YOU FUCKING BASTARD!" He screamed, silence falling in his voice's wake. Marines were starting to stare at him, jaws dropping. Sengoku was even looking at him with wide eyes from his outburst. Ace didn't care in that moment as the anger continued to flare through him. "HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?! ARE YOU ON A POWER TRIP?!"
His words seemed to reach Mihawk because his Alpha father turned to look at him. A smile settled on his face as their gazes connected. Ace paused. The glint reflecting in Mihawk's eyes told him a different story. One that he would see when he was training.
One that told Ace to remain calm and use his head. One that told him to remain patient.
His body forcibly relaxed as he snapped his mouth shut.
What was Mihawk doing?! Why was he attacking the man who was here to save him?
He froze, Mihawk's silent message reaching him. Despite attacking Whitebeard, bodies of Marines now laid prone on the ice where Mihawk had struck but not one pirate had been touched. The Marines were so focused on Jozu blocking the attack, they didn't even realize that Mihawk had taken out a bunch of their men.
Mihawk was aiming for Whitebeard, but he took out Marines too. Mihawk never miscalculated a target. Something he had taught Ace at a young age when using his power within his own Hotaru. Mihawk had purposely done that move. The pirates around the Moby Dick now had a clearing away from Marines. At least for the moment. The pirates taking their moment and moving forward.
Ace understood now.
Mihawk was silently allied with Whitebeard.
Even if Whitebeard didn't know that.
X
Light illuminated the battlefield above the Moby Dick, Kizaru appearing in the air. Sending an attack at Whitebeard. Before it could hit, Marco transformed his arms and started up into the air. Blocking the attack before it could land.
Marco grinned as his body regenerated in a burst of blue flames. "The King's off limits. If you want to reach him, you gotta go through me first." The Alpha stated with a smirk as he all but stood on his own flaming wing to remain in the air.
These sons of bitches were not keeping Marco from Ace. He could feel his Omega's distress from where he was. How scared he was. Everything. Nothing would stop him. Ace was leaving this place alive. He could see the way that Ace's body trembled. The bruises and injuries littering his body. The fear and shock within his stormy colored eyes. Marco had vowed when he had asked Ace to be with him that he would never let anything happen to him. He had failed within his own right to protect his soon to be mate. He could see the disbelief written on his face. Marco didn't have to ask him. Ace didn't believe they should have came for him. Couldn't Ace see? Marco loved him. Whitebeard loved him. Their nakama loved him. He was their nakama and packmate. They would do anything for him. Not just because the Whitebeard Pirates would make anyone pay for hurting their own. Because he was Ace. He was so special to them.
He wanted to be able to tell Ace is was alright who is family was. That just because he was Gol D. Roger's grandson didn't mean jack shit to them. Though the rest of the world probably believed Sengoku's bold face lie about Roger being his father. He wanted to be able to hold the Omega in his arms again. Kiss his lips. Run his fingers through the strands of curly black hair.
He would rather die then allow Ace to die here.
For the moment, Marco placed his attention back on Kizaru. The same smirk on his face as his wounds healed in a burst of blue flames. Dancing across his skin in protection. Listening to the Marines panic below him.
"Scary. These Whitebeard Pirates play rough." Kizaru drawled, a smile playing on his face.
"What the?! He's on fire!"
"He took Admiral Kizaru's attack head on and he's just floating there!"
"I don't know what kind of Devil Fruit that is, but I don't like it!"
"Even more rare than Logia powers. Zoan type. Mythical creature." Kizaru mused.
Marco just smirked as he heard the Marines below him starting to panic at the sight of him. His injuries completely healed. "This can't be real. That didn't hurt him at all?"
"Oh, it did." Marco said.
"Don't lie to protect my pride." Kizaru replied.
Marco twirled in the air, completely transforming his body into his phoenix form. Flying after Kizaru. "Marco the Phoenix!"
"Look at that lovely bird! That must be quite rare." Kizaru said as he started his neck attack. The light just phasing through Marco was he flew towards Kizaru at top speed. Once he got up to the Admiral, he flipped his body, transforming back into his middle point as he landed a kick on the Admiral. "Well, that's quite the painful kick."
Marco growled. "Now you're lying!" He shouted as he put more force into the move, Kizaru disappearing in a flash of light and crashing into a wall. The Marines shouted for Kizaru as the Admiral moved back to his feet, standing below Marco. Marco eyed him carefully, watching for his next move. "Hmm, my fault. I really should have known better. If your boss was really that easy to kill, you wouldn't be here right now. Would you?" Marco chuckled as Kizaru instructed the Giant unit to keep an eye on the sky.
Jozu moving forward, punching the ice below and cracking it. Creaking a large circle of broken ice that he started to pull out, throwing the abnormally large chunk of ice at the Giant Unit. "Try blocking this one!" Jozu yelled out. The Marines panicking as the large glacier came their way.
Akainu made his move, punching the ice with a magma fist, effectively melting it before it could fit the Marines below. The entire thing evaporated before balls of magma started towards the pirates.
The pirates panicking and starting to move out of the way.
X
Ace started to shake as he watched his nakama run from Akainu's attack. The thing that he had feared. One of the Moby's getting struck by the magma. Before one could hit the Moby Dick, Whitebeard caught the magma ball on his Bisento, blowing out the magma. Leaving just the rock.
"I preferred if you did the lighting for my next birthday, you magma punk." Whitebeard grinned.
"I would rather light them for your funeral." Akainu replied.
Ace couldn't get the screams of his nakama out of his head as they ran for their lives away from Akainu's attack. From what he could see through the chaos, Jozu, Vista, Whitebeard, and Marco were all protecting the remaining ships. Two of the small Mobys and the Moby Dick.
Still, his nakama pushed on.
Ace couldn't bear to watch this.
Ace had curled in on himself, head against the scaffold. He gasped as the area around him started to shake again. "BROTHER ACE!" Looking back up as his eyes widened.
Little Oars Jr.
Oars destroying Marine ships as he walked forward. The Giant screaming out for him.
"Little Oars!" Ace called out, his voice shaking.
"Ace is a nice guy. He's my friend. I'm not going to let you hurt him!" Oars stated, his voice ringing out throughout the battlefield.
Little Oars Jr, the same gentle Giant that he had met after he joined Whitebeard's crew. A giant he had befriended and man a large straw hat for so he could enjoy the weather just like the rest of them. The hat had taken him a long time to craft, but it was well worth it. A hat that Oars had continued to treasure. Always talking happily about Ace. Smiling at him whenever they spoke to each other.
He was here too.
Here for Ace.
The Giant Unit had moved out, heading directly for Oars Jr. The Marine Battleships firing at him. Oars retaliating by grabbing the ship.
"I can't say we were expecting quite a beast." Sengoku muttered.
Ace had to get Oars out of there. All focus was now on him. "OARS! Don't do this! You're an easy target for them! Please turn around!" He pleaded, hoping that Oars would listen to him and get out of there.
"Hang on, Ace." Is what Oars said to him. "I'm coming for you!" He yelled, grabbing the ship and pulling it from the ice before throwing it at the Giant Unit that was coming for him. Also opening up a path for the allies to get into the bay.
No matter how much he pleaded. None of them would turn around. Continuing to fight onward.
"Out of my way! Ace is my friend and he needs my help! Don't try to stop me!" Oars exclaimed, eyes on the Giant Unit, ignoring everything that Ace was trying to say to him. Oars had engaged in a fight with the Giants, cutting one of them down who had indeed stood in his way.
"Getting yourself killed doesn't make you brave!" Whitebeard yelled towards Oars. Even Whitebeard agreed with Ace. How stubborn was Oars exactly?!
"Don't stop me, Oyaji! I don't wanna! Not till I'm done! Not till Ace is safe! Not till I've saved my bro! I want to do it now, so he doesn't hurt no more!" Oars retorted.
Ace watched Whitebeard for the moment. "I know the feeling… Alright, men! Help out the big guy!" Whitebeard ordered. "Go cover Oars!"
"I'm coming, Ace!" Oars stated again.
"NO, OARS!" Ace screamed, pleading. His body shaking as he fought the fear within his chest. Eyes wide as he stared up at the approaching Oars.
The Warlord Kuma started to attack as Oars approached. "I'm going to save you now, Ace." Oars said again.
"Stop…" Ace continued to plea. His pleas falling to deaf ears as Oars continued on his path towards him. Oars was just a big target. He would get himself killed before he ever reached the plaza. Reached Ace. Ace couldn't let him do this. Let him die. Oars is his friend. Someone he cared for.
"Don't interfere." Oars told the Warlords as Kuma made his move. Sending an attack at Oars. Kuma's hit landed on Oars' stomach.
Ace's eyes widening more as he watched in terror as Oars' stomach twisted and chaos blew around them. Blowing back Marines and pirates alike. The straw hat that he had made for Oars falling behind him. Oars shaking as he remained standing. Blood coming from his head, nose and mouth. "STOP!" He screamed, the terror in his voice causing shockwaves to ring over the battlefield. Everything stopping for a moment as all eyes were on Oars. "Oars! That's enough! They won't let you reach me!" Ace said, just as Oars started to fall to his knees.
Oars looked back to his hat for a moment. His giant body shaking as he tried to keep himself up. "Don't tell me he can still move?" Sengoku wondered.
Ace only watched in fear as Oars got back to his feet and continued towards the plaza. Tears starting to come back to his eyes as the Marines called for cannons to be fired. Hitting Oars over his face and torso.
Ace fought against his restraints as even the other Whitebeard Pirates begged Oars to turn around now. "I can still reach you…" Oars muttered. Even in a whisper, his voice carried over the battlefield. The giant starting to fall towards the ground. His hand reaching out for Ace. "If I can't save you, at least I can take out one of the Warlords!" He added as he managed to stay on his feet, a fist ready to go for Doflamingo. His punch breaking the wall that the Warlords were standing on.
For a split second, Ace's mind went to Mihawk hoping that he got out of the way.
Doflamingo was now over Oars, grinning like a mad mad. "Ow, my foot."
Ace watched in horror as Oars foot was cut off. Doflamingo landing behind him. "OARS!" He screamed. Oars tumbled, falling into his knees. Ace couldn't breathe properly as he yanked on his shackles, pleading eyes on his friend. The Omega trying with everything to get his message across. He was watching Oars give his life.
Oars braced his hand on the plaza. "He's infiltrated the plaza!"
Oars' free hand was reaching out for Ace, hanging over the many Marines below him. "Only gotta go a little bit more." Oars muttered. "Don't worry, Ace. I can make it for sure."
Oars was covered in wounds, clearly disoriented and he was still trying to sooth the shaking Omega on the scaffold. Oars' body was shaking as he continued to reach for Ace.
"Sparky shadow lizard!" Gecko Moria exclaimed.
Ace screamed out as he watched the attack go straight through Oars' chest. "NO!" Still Oars continued to try and reach him.
"I made it, Ace. I'm here to save you." Oars whispered. Oars' fingers were only inches away from the scaffold. Just a few feet from Ace. "ACE!"
Oars was completely frozen in the air. Silence falling over the battlefield as Ace stared at his friend in horror. Oars' crew calling out for him. "OARS, NO!"
After a moment, Oars started to move. His hand shaking as he continued to reach forward, breathing heavily. "I'm here… for you…" Oars struggled to say.
The Omega captive tugged a bit harder on his shackles, leaning forward slightly as he begged, "Please, stop…"
"Ace, I'm sorry…"
The tears that had been welled in the Omega's eyes started to fall. Sliding down his face as he continued to stare at his friend. Holding his breath to keep from crying out. Oars was looking directly at him, still pushing forward. "I'm here, Ace. My friend." Oars muttered. Just barely, his fingertip grazed Ace's forehead. The Omega choking on the air in his throat. The deathly silence following as each of them noticed.
"He… he touched Fire Fist!"
The wind moved around them as Oars began to fall, Ace crying out for him. Oars' body destroying the wall as he fell. The silence that followed in his wake as his body hit the ground completely.
"OARS!" The Omega screamed, his voice begging for his friend to still be alive.
Ace could feel Whitebeard's anger from where he was. The overpowering emotion flooding through the battlefield as the pirates stared at their fallen brother. One of the giants moved to attack Whitebeard, but he held them off with a punch to the air. Breaking the axe in the Marine's hand before grabbing him by the head and slamming him against the mast of the Moby. His power engulfing the man's head before he tossed him to the side.
"Everyone just leave Whitebeard only, I guess…" A marine stated.
Whitebeard's angered filled eyes landed on Oars. Ace could see the hurt and pain within his golden eyes. "My son…" Ace had gotten one of Whitebeard sons killed. All because he got himself into this mess. "Sons, now climb over Oar's body and charge!"
The pirates doing as they were instructed as they fought on. Ace continued to bit on his lip watching the carnage below. His nakama were dying and he couldn't do a damn thing to help them. They were only here because of him.
This was all his fault.
Oars was dead because of him.
His family was dying.
Because of him.
He wanted to look away, but he couldn't tear his eyes away. Just staring wide-eyed with tears running down his face. He could hear a collective call of his name. His nakama screaming out for him throughout the fighting. The clashing of blades. The gun fire. The cannon fire. Their voices ringing out towards him. It was all too much.
He actually began to wish that they would kill him just so this would be over.
"They've broken through the bay head at two different points, sir! There's nothing left to keep Whitebeard's allies from entirely flooding the area! I'm afraid we've got no way to hold them back, sir!" A Marine told Sengoku. "What should we do now?"
Ace could barely hear them as he kept his eyes locked on the battlefield. His heart racing. The Omega mentally begging for his nakama to leave.
"Don't worry. We're ready. Put the plan into action." Sengoku stated.
Ace could hear the ring of den den mushis throughout the chaos. What did they have up their sleeves?
Ace only managed to tear his gaze away as he heard footsteps coming up behind him before Garp was now sitting next to him. A bag of rice crackers in hand as he munched on them. "Gramps…"
"What are you doing up here? Not having second thoughts, are you?" Sengoku addressed Garp.
"Nah, they chose to be pirates. They brought this on themselves." Garp stated. Ace's eyes narrowed. Garp's shoulders were now tense despite the look on his face.
"I have no sympathy for criminals… but family is a different story." Garp turned his head, smiling at Ace. The Alpha releasing calming pheromones that did little to sooth Ace in that moment. "Rice cracker?" The Vice Admiral motioned towards the bag in his hand.
Ace gave him a dumbfounded look. "You're really offering me rice crackers while I'm watching my nakama die?! I'm this close to death… and you are offering me a damn rice cracker?!"
Garp shrugged. "Thought you would like a snack for the shit show that this war is about to turn into." The Alpha stated. Garp's answer had the Omega sputtered.
"If you are having any doubts, I just can't take pity on you, Garp." Sengoku growled.
Ace looked between the two Alphas. A silent battle of domination happening between the two. "Uh…" He muttered, a low growling sound making the heat rise on Ace's face. The smell of the rice crackers caused his stomach to grumble. Both of the Alphas turning to look at him. "Sorry." He mumbled, turning his head away from them.
The Omega paused as a rice cracker was held in front of him. "Eat, Ace. Might as well since you're stuck here." He eyed Garp before taking a bite from it. His great grandfather smiling at him. "I don't have doubts, or I would have done something already. Sengoku, you're the one who messed up. No matter what you do, it won't change the fact that Ace isn't dying today. I don't have to do a thing but sit here and keep him calm."
Sengoku growled, going to say something back.
They all paused as they suddenly heard a noise from above them. Ace's eyes moving up to the sky hearing the mixture of screams. Choking on the rice cracker for a second before he swallowed it down. His jaw dropping as he recognized one of them. He could hear Garp choke on the rice cracker that he had been eating as he also looked up to the sky.
"YOU JUST HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY TIME?!" A voice that Ace recognized as Buggy called out.
"THIS IS BECAUSE OF HIS DEATH WINK!" Wait was that Crocodile?
Ace felt the confusion going through him as he heard the mixture of voices.
"SO, IT'S SOMEHOW ALL MY FAULT?" He didn't recognize that voice.
"WHO CARES WHO'S FAULT IT IS! WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!" Ace's blood ran cold at that voice. "IT'S ALL FROZEN DOWN THERE!" Luffy. "OH YEAH! I'M MADE OF RUBBER! I'LL BE FINE!"
"WHAT ABOUT US, YOU SELFISH JERK!"
More voices followed and Ace could have sworn he recognized a few of Luffy's nakama mixing in. Ace was stunned as he stared at the falling ship. It was a Marine battleship to be precise.
"THIS IS NOT HOW I PICTURED MYSELF DYING! SOMEONE HELP ME!" Unknown voice that Ace didn't recognize again.
"I STILL CARE ABOUT WHO'S FAULT THIS IS AND IT'S ALL YOURS, STRAW HAT!" That was definitely Buggy. "DAMN YOU!"
"LUFFY, DO SOMETHING!" Nami's voice screamed out.
"WE NEED TO THINK OF SOMETHING QUICK OR WE'LL BE TURNED INTO PANCAKES!" Sanji yelled out next.
"I'M HERE, ACE!" Luffy screamed, clearly ignoring the predicament the others were in, in favor of speaking directly to Ace.
Garp was wearing the same expression as him as he stared up to the sky. He could see some of the figures now. Luffy was definitely there. Buggy, Crocodile, Jinbei, the entirety of the Strawhats that Ace knew of, plus many more people behind them dressed in prisoner outfits.
Ace wasn't even sure why he was surprised at this point.
Luffy was literally falling from the sky.
Oddly enough, not the craziest thing he had seen happen with Luffy.
Ace turned his head to look at Garp, just to make sure they were seeing the same thing. Garp's face confirmed it for him.
Yeah, that was indeed Luffy.
Now Luffy was going to be involved within the war. His heart practically stopped at the thought. He already watched Oars die. He couldn't let Luffy die here too. Die for a mistake that Ace did.
Somehow luck was on Luffy's side as the ship they were on landed directly in the large hole that was created by Jozu earlier. Ace just watching on completely stumped. Luffy disappeared from sight as Ace blinked.
What the fuck was happening?!
The entire battlefield went into a dead silence again. All eyes on the fallen Marine ship. All questioning why a ship just fell out of the sky. Ace looked up towards where he had seen the ship come from.
"Was he on top of the tsunami?" The Omega questioned out loud.
Ace really shouldn't be surprised anymore. At anything that can happen within the war. Anything to do with family.
They were D's after all.
Luffy just so happened to be the most trouble prone, chaotic pirate that was currently sailing the seas.
His eyes moved back to where the ship was, looking for any signs of his brother. Luffy would survive the fall, but if he landed in the water, he would be in trouble. The Omega mentally prayed that he would see his brother despite the fear coursing through his veins from Luffy showing up here.
Of course, he did. His crazy, little brother broke into Impel Down to try and get him. Why he was even shocked at the mere thought that Luffy would show up at Marineford was a flawed thought.
Now, he had to worry about his brother on top of everything.
X
Luffy blinked as he started to come too. The first thing he noticed was the sun. It took him a moment to remember why he was her. His eyes widening as he jumped up, tumbling slightly as he exclaimed, "Save Ace!" Running over the ship as he looked around the battlefield in search of his brother. Sniffling the air in hopes of catching his scent.
He ran into a different direction, stopping short of hitting the water as he climbed back up the broken wood and started down the broken sails. Dodging Marines as they came at him. He growled as they came up on him. "OUTTA MY WAY!" He exclaimed, punching at the Marines and sending them flying away from him with a haki covered fist.
He got to the edge of the Navy vessel, eyes landing on the building of Marineford. His eyes falling directly on where Ace was chained to the scaffold. Ace's eyes wide as they stared at each other. "He's alive…" He muttered.
Thank the seas.
He grinned as he sucked in a deep breath. "ACE! I'M HERE!" He screamed.
"LUFFY!" Ace screamed back, the terror in his brother's voice.
Luffy's voice seemed to notify the others of his location. "ACE!" He screamed once more, laughing as a grin came to his face. "Finally found you." He stated.
"Luffy, no!" Ace yelled.
"Ace, I'm coming! Hang on!" Luffy exclaimed.
The others walked up behind him. His nakama lining up next to him as the former prisoners of Impel Down crowded behind him. He was going to save his brother. No matter the cost.
"Is that who I think it is?! It's Crocodile!" A Marine screamed.
"Look who's with him! Just look at that line up!" Another added.
"Who's who on both sides?! All the big names are here!" Ivankov stated.
Buggy cackled, jumping up as he added, "The world can't handle this madness!"
"Hey, Ace! Sit tight, okay! Cause we're going to get you out of here!" Luffy said, eyes still locked on Ace.
"Hey, Garp! Your family is messing things up again!" Sengoku hollered.
Garp had both of his hands on either side of his in absolute shock. "LUFFY, NO!"
X
Mihawk only sighed as he heard Luffy's scream ringing out through the air. Luffy now standing on the edge of a Marine ship with his eyes locked on Ace. He figured that Luffy might end up showing up after the stunt he pulled at Impel Down. Now here he was. Mihawk looked at Roronoa just for a moment. Roronoa had seemed to find him within the crowd too, a look of shock on the younger swordsman's face for a split second before it was masked.
"Straw Hat and his crew have got some company!"
"It's Warlord Jinbei and the Revolutionary Army's Ivankov! Behind them are a bunch of infamous pirates behind them too. They must have all escaped from Impel Down somehow."
Mihawk sighed. "Luffy's causing trouble again. I'm not surprised." He stated.
"Luffy! I'm so relieved to see that you are alive!" Hancock gasped. Mihawk side eyed his fellow Warlord. Watching the blush on the Alpha woman's face. When had Luffy met Hancock? And how on Earth did he manage that? Hancock was a blushing mess. That was more surprising than anything he has seen so far today.
Mihawk tightened his grip on Yoru, starting towards the Navy ship. He had been held up with the pirates swarming him that he hadn't had a chance to get to Whitebeard yet. It didn't faze him knowing that Whitebeard's crew would keep him from getting to their Captain. He already attacked the Alpha once. They just had no clue that Mihawk was indeed on their side.
"I guess that's the famous kid brother that Ace was always telling us about." Marco's voice caught Mihawk's attention.
Ace had talked about his family with his crew. Seems like it was only Luffy. He paused, taking a look at the pirates that had been attacking him. None of them were the Commanders. All of them staying away from him.
Mihawk was going to take his chance. Everyone else was distracted with Luffy's sudden appearance. This was a good opening.
X
Ace couldn't find the will to even breathe anymore as he kept his gaze on Luffy. Jinbei was with his Alpha brother. The Warlord standing behind the Alpha Captain and his crew. All the people that was with his brother. So many of them were standing there. Ace was sure a lot of them were only there just because Luffy helped free them from their imprisonment. Not because he was on death row. They were only here because Luffy dragged them here in order to save Ace.
"Of all things… you have to go and ally yourself with Straw Hat?! After all we've done for you! You repay us like this?!" Sengoku screamed at Jinbei.
Jinbei's face was contorted in anger as Ace watched him. His words bringing more shock to Ace. "That's right! I choose to resign from the Seven Warlords!" Jinbei was actually giving up his title of Warlord, all because of this war. Ace could barely believe it.
"All these different groups all coming together. A Revolutionary Army Commander, all those prisoners, Crocodile. I highly doubt they all hold a common goal in this fight." Garp stated.
Ace let his gaze move over the newcomers to the fight. The Omega biting his lip as he looked at them all. The prisoners, obviously, were only freed because of Luffy's motives at Impel Down. Jinbei had been in his cell. Luffy had arrived just minutes after he was taken away. Jinbei was keeping his promise. If only he could thank him for taking care of his brother for him. The Strawhats were lined up by Luffy. Three of them he didn't recognize. Another woman, a tall man with blue hair as some large forearms, and a… skeleton. First a reindeer and now a skeleton?! What kind of crew was Luffy creating?
Behind Luffy was Crocodile and Buggy. The Omega shivered as Crocodile's eyes landed on him. Crocodile did always have an intense glance to him. Ace looked away from them all and back to his brother.
Luffy better make it out of this alive.
X
Luffy's gaze was only taken away from Ace as Ivankov noticed Crocodile had slipped away from them and Buggy pointing out where he was. Luffy's observation haki notifying him that he was heading straight for Whitebeard.
He was not going to let that happen.
He quickly activated his Second Gear, adding haki into his legs as he launched himself from the Navy ship to where Crocodile and Whitebeard were. He absolutely was not letting Crocodile hurt the man that was out to save Ace. The man that Ace respected so much. The man that Rouge loved dearly. Rouge's packmate. Despite never meeting the man, he already held Luffy's respect.
Crocodile was not going to lay a hand on him.
Before Crocodile could hit Whitebeard, Luffy kicked him away. Fists ready to punch the former Warlord. "You know there is only one reason I'm here. If you want to save your brother so bad, stay out of my way." Crocodile stated. "I'm killing Whitebeard and you can't stop me."
So, this Alpha was Whitebeard. Crocodile only confirming his suspicion.
"So, that old man is Whitebeard. I thought so. Just stay away from him!" Luffy demanded. "He's Ace friend and my grandmother's packmate! So, I'm not going to let him get hurt!"
"Well, would you look at that. It runs in the family." Marco stated.
Two swords were brought to Crocodile's throat. Keeping him from crossing. Luffy kept his eyes on him. Making sure the former Warlord wouldn't make a move.
"Hey, squirt. That straw hat that you are wearing… it looks exactly like the one that Red-Haired Shanks used to have on him."
Luffy turned his head, looking over to Whitebeard. "Yeah, you're right. It was his hat. He left to me." Luffy confirmed. From a quick deduction, Whitebeard didn't know that Shanks was Ace and Luffy's Omega father. He could take the risk of saying it to him, but there were Marines and others within earshot. He already told a bunch of prisoners by accident once. He had to be careful. Especially with the Marines below.
"You came here to rescue your big brother?" Whitebeard questioned him.
Luffy's eyes narrowed. He could feel the anger radiating off of Whitebeard. "That's right."
"Do you have the slightest who your forces are up against?!" Whitebeard questioned, slamming his weapon into the mast below their feet. "A squirt like you is going to get slaughtered real easy."
Luffy growled, balling his fists. How dare this man act like he knew anything about him?! He had never met Whitebeard before today. "SHUT UP! You don't know! You don't even know me!" Stunned silence followed. Luffy's eyes narrowed on him. "I know what you're up too! You want to be the King, huh?! First you gotta go through me! GOT IT!" Marines and pirates alike were stunned at Luffy's words to Whitebeard. His nerve to yell at the man. He didn't care who Whitebeard was. He was going to be King of the Pirates and he was going to save Ace.
The two growled at each other. Glaring daggers to one another as Whitebeard raised his arm, spinning his weapon in his hand before slamming it back down. A few of the men below falling over from the force. After a second, a smile broke out on Whitebeard's face. "What a cheeky little brat. Just like your brother. Don't come crying for my help if you get a few little boo boos. You spoiled little brat."
"Yeah, right! I'm not all old like you!" Luffy retorted, slamming his foot to the ground as he turned back towards the battlefield. "I'm the one who is going to rescue Ace!"
"I don't think that was the smartest idea, Captain." Zoro stated as he made it over to where Luffy was. The rest of the Strawhats following close behind him.
"You are really challenging a yonko?! Are you insane?!" Nami exclaimed.
"He's Luffy. What else do you expect?" Sanji said, lighting a cigarette as he turned to face the Marines.
"Ah, Whitebeard… why does that name sound familiar?" Brook questioned. "Sounds like the name the rookie Newgate used to get called."
Luffy growled as he looked out at the battlefield. His eyes moving back to Ace. He could see the way the Omega was shaking. The fear written on his face. Ace looked vulnerable. Luffy absolutely hated it. Ace had always been the stronger of the two of them. Now it was his turn to be the one to protect his brother.
"You just sit tight, Ace. I'm coming for you! You are not going to die today!"
Author's Note: Before anyone says anything, Yes, I know Little Oars Jr didn't touch Ace's forehead, but it would have been so cute and so heartbreaking… so I did it. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I will see you next time!