Chapter 37:

Law's Revenge

Summary:

Shanks informs Izuku they will be passing Dressrosa in a couple of hours. Izuku and Law decide what they want to do.

The sway of the ship mimics the gentle beat of a lullaby, the sound of the small waves tap at the sides of the ship. The sound of gulls in the distance, and the pleasant warmth of the morning sun; all gently arouse Izuku from an unlikely comfortable sleep. Izuku looks around still in his wolf form. The first thing he notices is all the non-packmates sleeping next to him and around him. He spots Marco perched on the boom he made his yesterday. He spots Whitebeard and Thatch waking by the railing. Law and Bepo have shifted close to the heat of the wolf sometime during the night. His pack is still sleeping soundly. He spreads his observation Haki out to check on the rest of the people they acquired yesterday. He can feel Shanks and Rayleigh approaching him, Shota in tow. He huffs and nudges Katsuki's stomach as he always does. Katsuki shifts and swats at him, so Izuku lets a rumbling growl loose and gently nips the other teen's shoulder.

If a wolf could smirk that is exactly what Izuku would be doing at Katsuki's stifled yelp, predictably followed by a glare that soon softens when he realizes who dared to wake him up. "Good morning Nerd."

Izuku huffs and nuzzles into Katsuki's stomach, a small pouting whimper to convey he needs to get up.

Katsuki nods and shimmies out of the nerds hold. He gently wakes the random people sleeping curled up next to the wolf. Once everyone is awake Izuku shifts back into his human form.

Shanks, Rayleigh, and Shota take that moment to approach "Izuku, we will be in Dressrosa's water in a couple of hours."

There is a familiar protective glint shining in Izuku's eye, "would you allow me to kill Doflamingo?" he directs this question towards Shanks and Aizawa.

Aizawa contemplates this on one hand what he learned about Law's past with Doflamingo justifies the action. On the other hand, he is training Izuku to be a hero, not a vigilante. However, this world doesn't have a proper justice system, and turning Doflamingo into the marines would not help their cause. He nods begrudgingly "Do what you need to do."

Izuku's face hardens "Yes Sensei. If there is another way to remove him from power I will try and find it."

"That is all I can hope for." Aizawa sighs "What is your plan to take down Doflamingo."

Izuku strikes a thinking pose "It might take too long for all of us to go. Ace and Shoto are not ready to fight yet. I am not sure if Denki and Ashido want to come though they can use the experience, I'll have Law, Luffy, Kirishima, and Kacchan with me. I plan to go there take out Doflamingo and his crew and leave again. I can fly there while you guys keep going then when it is done, I will catch up to you."

Marco speaks up "I would like to go as well."

This piques Izuku's interest "Why?"

Marco sighs "before I was captured, I was investigating man-made devil fruits. These fruits are supposed to mimic devil fruit powers, but they are unstable. Doflamingo under the alias of Joker sells them to Kaido the captain of the beast pirates. I want to take out this factory before these unstable fruits reach the public."

Izuku nods he can work with this, "Ok, I'll leave that to you."

Thatch clears his throat "I would like to go as well."

"Are you sure?" Izuku states worriedly, "you are still injured."

Thatch nods steeling his gaze "I'm sure. Before I make my decision to help Pops and Marco, I want to see for myself who I'll be fighting with."

Izuku nods "I understand." He approaches Law "Law, we will be passing Dressrosa soon. Did you want to come with me?"

Law's eyes widen "you really meant that you would take him out?"

"Of course." Izuku states determined "I will bring him down Law. With or without you. It's your choice."

"He is my enemy. I should be there to help." Law's eyes harden as he makes his choice.

"Very well. We will be leaving soon." Izuku states.

Katsuki approaches Izuku "So what is your plan?"

"I want to take him down as fast as possible. Reduce the risk of innocent people dying." Izuku ponders. "Shanks do you have a map of this area?"

Shanks comes up with the map "Here".

"Thank you" Izuku smiles as he unfurls the map, he spots a small island "There, I will drop you guys off there. Then I'll lure him away from Dressrosa. We take him and anyone dumb enough to follow down. Law I'm going to use you as bait."

"What?" Law asks confused.

"Doflamingo would have no reason to follow me. I want you to ride on my back and Taunt him. I will protect you while you are on my back. Kacchan will also be with us. The reason you use a submarine is to keep Doflamingo from finding you right?" Izuku explains. Law nods, Izuku continues "Luffy, Kirishima, Denki, and Ashido I will drop you guys off at green bit. Luffy, get ready to get into Gear forth. Kirishima, use unbreakable when you see me. Denki, wait for my signal then unleash all the lightning you can. Don't worry about hitting us I'll protect everyone. Ashido set up Acid traps and the hide in a tree. I want you to work on sniping with your acid. Marco, I will fly you to Green Bit so you can save your energy to take out the factory. Thatch, are you with us, or are you going with Marco?"

Thatch and Marco share a look "I think Marco can handle the factory on his own. I'll join you on Green Bit."

Izuku nods "you just recovered from a fatal stabbing. If this wasn't for me to prove I'm trustworthy; I wouldn't have you come. What type of fighting style do you use, I know you don't have a devil fruit?"

"I'm a swordsman." Thatch states.

Izuku smiles, "I don't know all of their abilities, so I want you to stay back until everything else is set up."

"Got it" Thatch agrees, he really is only going to get a demonstration of this groups fighting style, he wants to see these quirks in action. He has heard the stories from his crewmates, and he won't lie these powers intrigue him.

Izuku spends the next hour going over every possible plan and counter plan. Chances are Doflamingo won't expect them to come to him, this works. They also need to remember that Doflamingo is a warlord for a reason. He is in the same bracket as Mihawk. Izuku and Katsuki need to take care of Doflamingo. Izuku knew Doflamingo was trying to use his strings to turn him and Katsuki into puppets. The ability would be problematic if he was to take over any of the others. Izuku wouldn't be able to hurt them to defeat Doflamingo. He also doesn't know anything about Doflamingo's crew or their powers; but luckily, he has someone that would know.

Katsuki watched as a strange glint takes over Izuku's face, and damn doesn't that look send shivers down his spine. This is the look of a determined nerd. A look that screams his promise to fight and defend. A look that shows just how far Izuku is willing to go for his pack. For all intents and purposes, Law is pack now.

Izuku flashes a predatory look at Law "What can you tell me of Doflamingo's crew? Who besides Doflamingo is the strongest? What are their powers? Weaknesses?"

Law ponders this information "The Bird Brain has 4 Elite Officers: Trebol he holds the Club seat; he can shoot the mucus his devil fruit gives him through his fingers at an impressive speed and deadly accuracy. He is fast and can leap over long distances. Do not let his build fool you he is incredibly strong, able to lift and throw a giant ship great distances."

Izuku ponders this fingers twitching as he wants to write this all down, but there isn't time. "His devil Fruit is it like Ace's where he turns into Mucus or is it like Luffy's."

Law thinks back "He wears it like a coat around him, he has a physical body. His speed and Observation Haki make it seem like he is a Logia. His mucus is extremely adhesive. It is also Flammable; it will explode if in contact with fire."

"Kacchan will take care of him, I'll hold off Doflamingo until that's taken care of." Izuku states. "Who's next?"

"Next is Diamante he holds the Diamond Seat. His devil fruit allows him and any nonliving thing he touches to use the properties of the fabric. So if he touches a sword it becomes flat, flexible, and foldable but will still retain its sharp edge. His weakness is his forehead, he covers it with a hat." Law reports.

"Luffy will take care of him" Izuku shoots a look at Luffy "With your rubber, you will match his flexibility, your speed should be plenty fast enough to handle him."

Law nods not needing anymore prompting he continues "Pica holds the Spade seat. His Devil Fruit allows him to assimilate his body into any stone he touches. He can travel underground and move the environment at will. He can morph the stone around himself into a giant stone golem. He is a formidable swordsman. He can use Observation and Armament Haki. He is sensitive about his high pitch voice."

"If we can get him in the air, he won't be able to merge with the stone. I would be the best person to handle that. If my paralysis feathers work on him that would benefit us greatly. I have never tried them on stone." He ponders then his eyes brighten as an idea pops in his head. He turns to Kirishima with a deadly smile "Kiri, does unbreakable. I'm going to paralyze you."

Kirishima sighs and obeys, his unbreakable form make him look just shy of Demonic. Izuku covers his feathers in Armament Haki and releases them. One of the feathers hits Kirishima in the back of the neck. The spectators watch as nothing happens for a bit. Then all of a sudden when Kirishima moves to take a step his legs give out and he crumples on himself. Izuku smirks satisfied and uses the antidote on him "Thank you Kirishima. I made these feathers with a man of Shanks' size in mind. If I were to use this against Whitebeard, he would feel sluggish. I would have to use multiple shots against someone that big."

"He is about the size of Whitebeard," Law informs.

Izuku nods he can work with that; he just wishes that Whitebeard wasn't so sick so he can test how many feathers he would need to take out a man of his size. He pushes this thought away with a shake of his head "Ok continue"

"The last executive is Vergo the holder of the Heart seat. He doesn't have a devil fruit. But he is the strongest executive in the crew. He is a master at Rokushiki martial arts. He is proficient in Armament Haki, he can harden his entire body like iron. His weapon is a bamboo stick. His Armament Haki makes his skin hard enough that I couldn't cut through it with my devil fruit power in the past. My devil fruit is supposed to cut through everything." Law's voice is heavily laced in resentment "He used to beat me as a kid, under the pretense of training." Law looks down clearly reliving a past trauma "He is the reason Corazon is dead" said in barely a whisper.

"What do you want to do Law?" Izuku asks softly. Law looks at him confused. Izuku smiles "Do you want to take him out?" he flashes Law a feral grin "Or do you want me to?"

"I-I can't … I-I can't ask that of you." Law looks so close to breaking. "Not after everything else you are doing for me. I have to be the one to end him."

"I don't mind Law" Izuku softens his face "I'm doing all of this for you."

"Can't say I agree with your reason why." Law deadpanned.

"Because the essence of a true hero is giving help that is not asked for. Even though I know it is selfish of me, I can't stand to see you suffering. There is nothing physical I can heal, but I can kick Doflamingo's ass for you." Izuku smiles his conviction.

Katsuki looks over at Law and sees awe and confusion he sighs "It's no use."

"What do you mean?" Law whispers.

"Once the nerd has decided someone needs saving, nothing short of death will stop him." Katsuki states "So we are going to do this because if we left the nerd to do this on his own, he would die trying to save you."

Laws eyes widen he honestly didn't think these teens would go so far for him. He saw that they were able to hold their own in the War but still, he grew up knowing what these pirates are capable of. He has learned the hard way what happens when you underestimate them. He can't help the overwhelming fear that takes over him. He clutches his heart as he tries to get the fear to subside.

Izuku can smell the fear rolling off Law in waves. A whimper escapes his throat as he approaches Law. He wants to hug the man and give him comfort, but he is not sure how that will be received. Katsuki comes up behind Izuku and places his warm hand on the Nerds back. Izuku releases a shaky breath and steels his resolve "I will destroy him" Izuku's voice is a growling promise. He decides no matter what happens Law will be free from his past.

Shanks lets them know they are in Dressrosa's waters, he lets them know if they want to take down Doflamingo they will need to leave now. Izuku shifts silently and bows his head for everyone to get on. Katsuki helps Thatch and the others. Izuku feels the small pops on his neck and takes off. He flies following Laws directions until a small piece of uninhabited land grows on the horizon.

Approaching what Izuku believes is Green Bit, he hovers just long enough for everyone except Kacchan and Law to land safely on the ground. Marco takes off to the factory. Izuku gives a huff as he departs again. He remembers the mad feel of Doflamingo from the war and focuses on it. He flies over Dressrosa toward the palace. He growls loud and menacing calling for Doflamingo to face him. He flares his Conqueror's in challenge and rage knowing the other man could feel it. He can pick up the sounds of a madman laughing. He growls louder and bares his Haki on the palace. Doflamingo finally comes out.

"What a lovely surprise" Doflamingo cackles manically, his gaze flows over the wolf and the two counterparts riding him "Is that you Law? Long time, no see."

Izuku snarls something ugly and foreboding. Katsuki glares murder, holding his hand menacingly while popping explosions from his hands. A possessive sound rumbles in his throat. Izuku can talk in this form, though it has always been easier to communicate in growls and whimpers. A wolf's throat isn't built the same way as a human so he focuses with all his might "shut up!" comes out more like a snarl than words.

Doflamingo laughs ignoring the wolf "Hey Law, is that how you greet a longtime friend." He smirks "I think Vergo needs to give you another lesson in respect. Humm Law?"

Law starts shaking, Izuku growls and lashes out with his tail. Doflamingo laughs as he dodges, he reaches out with his strings hoping to take Law off the wolf. The strings get batted away by Izuku's feathers. Izuku hovers in the air, clearly taunting the String man. Katsuki explodes a black blur coming toward them. Law gasps as the smoke clear and there is a man with a pork chop stuck to his cheek "Vergo"

The man sneers at Law "That's Vergo-san to you."

Izuku growls and activates Full Cowling, with a blast of his wings he creates some distance between them and Doflamingo and Vergo. Law creates a room and uses Takt to launch debris toward Vergo and Doflamingo. Izuku starts to lure them toward Green Bit. Izuku's ears pick up Doflamingo giving an order to the rest of his crew. Izuku smirks, this is good he flaps his wings harder toward Green Bit. He circles waiting for Doflamingo to catch up. Using his Observation Haki to keep track of the incoming pirates he can feel about 10 signatures coming from Dressrosa. He drops down in front of his pack. He shifts back into his Human form "We have ten people incoming. Everyone has their targets, Ashido and Denki be prepared to neutralize any extra targets. Luffy and Kirishima when you are finished with your targets help Ash and Denki. Thatch attack where you see fit, keep in mind your injuries. If any of you need healing to lure your targets to me, I'll do what I can."

Izuku didn't need to wait long before Doflamingo and his crew arrived. Izuku launched his feathers toward the incoming pirates. Doflamingo evades all of the incoming projectiles with a manic grin on his face. Doflamingo stops, hovering just above their group, and puts his hand up. "Now, let's put an end to everything." He points to the sky and releases a stream of strings. He chuckles maniacally.

The pack plus Law and Thatch harden their gazes even as Law looks at the stream of strings flowing to the sky with wide eyes shaky with trauma. "It's Started." Law gasps. "The Bird Cage!" Izuku studies Law, he can smell the fear and panic flowing from him in waves. The Pack looks at Law curiously, he is shaking subtly as he watches the strings.

It takes a while before the strings reach their target and start to branch out. Izuku and Katsuki can see how the faint strings look like they are trapped in a birdcage. They look at Law for an explanation for this Birdcage. "What do you mean, Traffy" Katsuki asks.

Law doesn't take his eyes off the birdcage he sighs "When Corazon found the operation Fruit for me, he betrayed Doflamingo to get it. Doflamingo showed up on the island we were on and trapped the Island in this move. For now, no one can escape, but in a little while, the strings will start to move to the center. I have seen the strings cut through buildings, trees, and people. We will need to knock him out before the strings kill us all."

Izuku takes this information, "Is this Island uninhabited? Are we sure?" he unleashes his Observation Haki. He feels a massive presence under the island. It is unclear if the island itself is the presence of an underground civilization. He wonders if he can get their attention somehow, he flares his presence hoping it would be enough to at least warn them.

The earth shifts at their feet as a large mound of dirt and rock starts to take shape. Trees uproot as the mound becomes bigger, starting to look like a large carving of a man. The statue's eyes open as the man inside manipulates the massive form. Izuku recalls the information Law gave them this morning and deduces that this is Pica. Izuku glares and plucks two long feathers out of his wings. He has never claimed to be the greatest swordsman, but his feathers were capable of stopping Yoru which is rumored to be the strongest sword in this world.

He coats his feathers in Haki and powers up OFA through his arms to amplify his feather's strength. It's easy to predict Pica's movements as big as he is. The statue has one palm raised as if he is going to slap Izuku and the rest into the ground. Izuku springs into the Air and slashes the Statue in half horizontally. Pica lets out a squeak unbecoming of a man of his size. Izuku stifles a laugh even as he can pick up the giggles his pack is making.

Izuku takes a moment to study where the man is now. He needs to make sure the man stays in the air until Izuku can get him out of the stone statue. Pica lets out a high pitch squeak "Danm you!" as the statues top half gains a semblance of life. Izuku blurs as he makes another cut through the stone statue this time vertically. His eyes flit between the two halves, the left sides fingers twitch and he severs the arm before Pica can move to the other side. He powers up OFA into his fist and unleashes a 100% Detroit smash, shattering the arm into rubble. With pieces too small to hold Pica's form he materializes out of the slab. "You think you have already won?" Pica's high pitch voice sounds out. "I won't get hurt when I'm clad in Haki!"

Izuku smirks "Only if yours is stronger than mine." His smirk turns feral as he coats his fist in Haki "Shall we dance then?"

Pica lets out a squeal of rage as he aims a too slow but no less powerful punch at Izuku. Izuku sidesteps the swiping punch he cocks his fist back and lands a devastating blow to the man's stomach. Pica coughs as his Haki flickers, Izuku uses a paralyzing feather and jams it into the man's neck. The man goes down without twitching and barely conscious Izuku uses another paralyzing feather to make sure the man stays down.

When Izuku takes the chance to observe his pack, he can not be more thankful that Doflamingo is still hovering and not making a move against his pack. Izuku watches as Denki and Ashido fight side by side, the three opponents can't get close to them as Denki has a constant flow of lightning bursting out of him. Ashido uses her acid to push the adversaries toward the electric currents. Ashido manages to push the girl toward Denki, the girl keeps all her focus on Ashido and her Acid. She doesn't expect to get electrocuted as she jumps away from the stream of acid. Izuku smiles now Denki and Ashido need to deal with a quick blond that is entirely fond of kicking and a man that can explode parts of his body.

Izuku's gaze tears away from Denki and Ashido, he spots Luffy fighting a man who moves like paper. Izuku smiles as Luffy's gear second is enough to match this man's speed. Luffy augments his punches and kicks with Haki chipping away at the man's endurance. It doesn't take long for Luffy to knock out his opponent, Izuku floats down to use his paralyzing feathers to make sure the man stays down.

It is not surprising to see Katsuki has already downed his slimy opponent. As soon as Katsuki got surrounded by Trebol's mucus he created a large explosion, setting the slimy man on fire. Izuku catches Katsuki's feral grin as he launches himself toward the enemy that creates explosions. No doubt wanting to test his explosions against the others; Izuku smiles fondly at this thought and shakes his head.

He takes a moment to observe Laws fight, he frowns and wants to help. He can sense the unease and fear coming from Law. But there is a fiery determination burning in Law that tells Izuku Law wants this man dead, and he will do it himself.

Doflamingo growls as a vein throbs in his forehead, with a sinister smirk he activates the Bird Cage with a clenched fist. Izuku growls in a challenge and with 100% OFA Full Cowling he launches into the air; he uses his wings to enhance his speed. He cocks his fist back and unleashes his punch to the center of the birdcage. He watches unsurprised as all that happens is a large ripple flowing through the strings, but the birdcage is still there. He will have to incapacitate Doflamingo to stop the birdcage. Izuku folds in his wings and gains speed colliding with his opponent. Izuku and Doflamingo crash into the other side of the island.

Katsuki watches as Izuku and Doflamingo shoot off to the other side of the island. He growls 'what the hell is the Nerd thinking we were supposed to take him together.' He smirks ferally at his bomb opponent "The faster I kill you, the quicker I can get to my Idiot."

"You sound pretty confident in your abilities." The man sneers back. "My power is superior to yours."

Katsuki clicks his tongue "We'll see." He calculates how much sweat he has accumulated. He frowns in disappointment; he hasn't built enough sweat in his last battle to use his stronger explosions. Katsuki watches his opponent's helmet expand as the man calls out "Helmet Pop" and explodes. Katsuki uses his Haki to dodge the incoming shrapnel. The area is covered in smoke and dust. Katsuki closes the distance between him and his explosive enemy. He launches himself into the air aiming a dropkick from above.

The man dodges and engages Katsuki in hand to hand combat. The man explodes his wrist and arms forcing Katsuki to be on the defensive. He uses his Observation and Armament Haki to dodge and block the explosions waiting for an opening. Katsuki notices that while his opponent's explosions are strong, he lacks normal hand to hand combat technique. He relies too much on his Devil fruit. After a few moments of being on the defensive, Katsuki sets up his stun grenade. He jumps back to get some distance he circles the palm of one hand and launches a stream of AP Shot towards his opponent. While his opponent is blinded and disorientated, he prepares his Howitzer Impact.

While in midair, the smoke clears revealing his opponent expanded his body similar to Luffy's balloon move. Katsuki deduces that his opponent turned himself into a massive bomb, he coats himself in armament Haki. He collides with his opponent in a massive explosion.

The island shakes in the wake of an explosion. Everyone stops fighting to look at the devastation caused by the two explosive combatants. As the smoke clears Izuku's enhanced sight spots the enemy on the ground clearly defeated. When the visibility improves, he can see Katsuki sway on his feet looking like he has gone around with a blender. Izuku kicks Doflamingo out of his way and launches toward Katsuki. Izuku dodges the incoming strings. The strings he can't dodge, he intercepts with his feathers. He reaches Katsuki and has to move himself and his precious cargo out of the way. "Kacchan?" He whispers "you Ok?" Now that he has the opportunity to study the other teen, he notices that most of the damage is superficial wounds. He heals what he can.

Katsuki groans in bliss at the comforting warming heat coming from his Nerd's healing. His limbs feel heavy similar to the way Izuku paralysis works. "I feel heavy." He groans out. "I think he hit me with something like a paralysis."

"Shit, without knowing what he hit you with I don't know what I can do." Izuku states. "Typically if a person uses a poison then they have the antidote on them, in case they hit their allies." Izuku sets Katsuki down near Luffy and Kirishima. He takes a moment to assess their damages he smiles relieved that his packmates are relatively unharmed. "Where's Denki and Ashido?"

Luffy looks around "Last I saw of them they were delivering the final blow to their opponent."

Izuku soaks up this information "Who's left?"

"Doflamingo, and Laws opponent," Kirishima informs.

"Luffy, Distract Doflamingo for a bit, I need to find the antidote for Kacchan." Izuku orders getting a nod in return. "Kirishima, find Thatch, Ashido and Denki then go help Law with Vergo. I'll send Luffy there in a moment."

Izuku watches as Luffy collides with Doflamingo, intercepting the man's trajectory to Law. He takes off to the spot where Katsuki took out his opponent. He lands and Hits the man with a paralysis feather before he starts going through the man's pockets. He finds a vial he assumes is the antidote. He slaps the man to consciousness. The man's eyes flutter as he groans. Izuku growls releasing a bit of conqueror's "Is this the antidote for the poison you used?"

The man's eyes focus and he sneers "Why should I tell you?"

"If you value your life you will tell me" He growls ferally, squeezing the man's throat threateningly. Izuku watches gleefully as refusal slowly shifts to defeat and smirks "Well?"

The man breathes out in defeat "yes"

"Thank you, that wasn't so hard now, was it?" Izuku smiles innocently. "Now tell me how to administer it."

"Just inject him with the contents of the vial." The man informs.

Izuku squeezes the mans throat and growls out "Your lying"

The man gasps for breath and croaks out "fine, fine. You win." Izuku releases the grip on the man's throat but doesn't completely remove the threat. "He needs to drink the entire contents of the vial."

"How long will it take?" Izuku asks "Do not attempt to lie to me again."

"About a minute or so."

Izuku sighs out relieved, "thank you." He powers up an Armament Haki punch and knocks him out. He launches himself back to Katsuki. He lands with a huff and tilts Katsuki's chin up "you need to drink this".

Katsuki glares at the vial, but he trusts his nerd he opens his mouth in approval. Izuku tilts the vial and empties the contents into Katsuki's throat. "You should be able to move in a minute or so." His attention gets pulled away by a sickening crunch. Izuku looks over to Doflamingo and Luffy's fight. He watches as Luffy in gear forth connects a devastating punch that sends Doflamingo flying. He notices Luffy is at his limit of Gear forth and is about to unable to use his Haki for a while. He turns back to Katsuki "I'm gonna help Luffy, when you can move, we'll finish this."

Katsuki nods and Izuku takes off. Izuku lands next to Luffy. Luffy is bouncing up and down while looking at the sky "it's not enough" he points out to Izuku. "I'm out of time" Luffy informs.

Izuku smiles "I know. You did fine. Go back to Thatch and Kacchan."

Luffy springs to Katsuki's location and crashes into the ground completely spent for now. Izuku turns his gaze to Doflamingo. The man is in a crater in the ground sporting a frown on his face. His hand is on his chest, Izuku can feel the strings repairing the man's organs. Izuku can't help but think that is a pretty ingenious use of his Devil Fruit. He hardens his stance as he watches Doflamingo crawl out of the crater. Doflamingo chuckles maniacally, he ignores Izuku hovering a few yards away. He makes a string clone and engages Izuku, while he targets Law.

Vergo kicks Law into the air just before Doflamingo gets there. Law hardens his expression and goes to draw his sword to cut through Doflamingo. Doflamingo proves to be faster and catches Law by the arms in midair. Law glares in hatred at Doflamingo as the madman cackles "you know you're sort of responsible for Corazon's death. I'm sure you remember." Law continues to glare not wanting to rise to the bait. Doflamingo chuckles. He lifts his leg and places it on Law's right arm, there is a barely visible string connected to his heal. "Everything Corazon did risk his life was in vain after all."

"It's all up to me now!" Law shouts. "Whatever I do before I die is all attributable to Cora-san's legacy!"

"Oh yeah?" Doflamingo's face morphs into amusement "What a tear-jerking sentiment." He starts his descent from the sky. Gaining speed and spinning through the air. "That's right! No matter the tragedy or blunder only the things that happen are written in stone." He pauses "The fact that you ate the operation fruit and ran… or the fact that after all this time you are here now, baring your teeth like you stand a chance at defeating me." They crash to the ground with Law screaming in agony, there are too much dust and debris for the spectators to see what happened.

As the dust settles Kirishima gasps in shock as Laws arm is completely torn off. Vergo sneers "So you finally completed the string saw." He watches as Law screams and thrashes on the ground "I love the sound of his screams."

Kirishima stands in Unbreakable in front of Law. Law's screaming has died down as his medical instincts kick in. Law tears a piece of cloth off his shirt and makes a tourniquet to stop the bleeding until Izuku can help. He stands on shaky legs just in time to dodge Kirishima's hardened body. Distracted watching Kirishima being pushed back He doesn't react in time to dodge Vergo's kick. He crashes into a tree and slides down. Doflamingo stalks to him "your friends aren't going to make it in time. Two are incapacitated, the only threat is fighting my String clone, and the rest are still fighting their enemies. Their naïve to think they could have easily taken us down. I'll admit it was smart to bring us to this island. We wouldn't want innocent people dying after all." Doflamingo Laughs "How does it feel Law? To know your friends are going to die here for your revenge."

"Fools" Vergo cuts in.

Doflamingo points a gun at Law "Die in vain like a dog!" he cocks the flintlock and sneers "But if you're gonna die anyway, wouldn't you rather get something out of it?" he touches the flintlock to Laws' chest. "In exchange, I'll grant your wish, whatever it is."

Law smirks "In that case bring Cora-san back to life for me, right now! Then when you finished, go lick everyone's asses." Law watches the vain in Doflamingo's forehead throb "You can stop them, you watched them right during the war. Even if you kill me you won't win…"

Doflamingo cuts him off by shooting him in the chest "Who are you aiming the satire at?!" Another gunshot: he rages as he catches the words 'Corazon' on the back of Law's jacket "You don't even sit on the Heart seat?! What are you doing wearing that?!" he empties the clip into Laws back "No one else will succeed you stupid obsession…" He cackles maniacally.

"DOFLAMINGO!" Is an enraged shout as something Black and Green crashes between Law and Doflamingo. Izuku lands in a crouch growling ferally. "Law!" he approaches the man's side making a scene of trying to wake the man.

"He's dead… It's obvious!" Doflamingo sneers.

"You're lying!" Izuku rages.

"I'm not. It seemed like he trusted you so much, what a shame!" Doflamingo smiles "He said you could work miracles. Is that true?"

Izuku glares and lashes out with his tails and feathers. He distracts the two and subtly heals Law. He works fast it's sort of a patch job. Under his breath, he whispers, "I'm sorry Law." His flames push the bullets out while healing the damage. He checks out the severed arm, he releases a relieved breath as it seems to be a mostly clean cut. He controls one of his tails to retrieve the arm. He lays it against the stump and focuses his healing on connecting the nerves, muscles, bones, and arteries he does what he can to reattach the limb. He smirks as he picks up the sound of Katsuki's explosive speed. Katsuki intercepts Vergo's attack on Izuku's back with a feral smirk. "Touch him and Die" Katsuki warns.

"Kacchan!" Izuku cheers. He stands up Law will live there is not much more healing he can do "Let's finish this." He powers up OFA full cowling he launches of trees and debris to gain speed he covers his fist in Armament Haki and launches himself toward Doflamingo. He collides with the man's string web and gets pushed back. He drops next to Katsuki.

"Let's put an end to this game" Doflamingo laughs "In about a half-hour or so, you will all be dead." He spreads his arms up and tilts his head back and laughs "See the rules of the game have changed. You and everything! Sure some of your friends have died before I get the pleasure to watch them being sliced to pieces."

"Not if I kill you first, Mingo" Izuku smirks. He launches his feathers and Katsuki launches his Ap Shot forcing Doflamingo on the retreat. "NOW!"

Law switches places with one of Izuku's feathers he has green lightning bursting from his hand "This operation will destroy you from inside of your body!" He aims his attack on Doflamingo's chest and shouts, "Gamma Knife" He continues this attack with hardened eyes "For this moment and this attack!"

For once Doflamingo doesn't have a creepy smile on his face, he growls out "You'd better know what you've done!" as he tries to push Law off his body. Izuku Launches a punch to Doflamingo's stomach forcing the man to the ground. He powers up Full Cowling to finish the man off when Law grabs his shoulder "Wait!" Izuku looks over to Law and raises an eyebrow. Laws' eyes are hard and tears are forming in his eyes, there are fire and determination in Law that Izuku can bet are for Corazon.

Law slowly makes his way to the downed Doflamingo while replaying memories of Cora-san.

"…He's strong, maybe it is because of his blood."

"I know you were the one who was in pain! You poor thing!"

Cora-sans goofy smiling face as he holds the peace sign up and exclaims "I love you Law"

He reaches Doflamingo, his hat shadowing his eyes as he forms a room to cover himself and Doflamingo "Room!" ' Cora-san… I finally can attain your ambition!' He glares down at Doflamingo "When a doctor says so, there's no doubt!"

Vergo launches himself to intercept Law from Killing Doflamingo "You fool, what are you doing".

Katsuki slams his palm into the man's face tackling him to the ground with an explosion. "Move, and I'll blast you!" he threatens.

The sound of Doflamingo's laugh cuts through the air "I bet so, You're the same as me." He taunts Law.

"Towns, Houses, People… I wanna destroy them all!" a memory of 10-year-old Law flashes in Laws mind.

"Corazon was a drag and an eyesore to me." Doflamingo sneers. "He started to have a cheesy sense of justice and let out his worthless feelings."

Law has had enough of hearing Doflamingo talk and crouches while placing his open hand on Doflamingo's chest "Counter Shock" repeatedly using the move until he stumbles back and crashes to the ground completely spent.

Izuku runs to Law "Law! You ok?"

"More importantly… How's Doflamingo?" Law tries to redirect.

Izuku and Law stare in shock as the madman stands again with a laugh. "What is it going to take to make him stay down?" Izuku huffs.

"Inside my body now, strings are repairing my inner organs," Doflamingo informs. He launches his strings at Izuku and pushes him back. "I at least can stop your breathing Law!" he lifts his foot aiming to crush Law's head.

"Damn!" Law screams.

In a flash of green lightning Izuku's foot appears to stop Doflamingo in his tracks. Law's breathes out relieved and a little ashamed. Doflamingo lifts his leg again and makes eye contact with Izuku. Izuku's eyes are feral an eerie green glow coming from them. "How dare you stop me?!" Izuku looks up a protective growl rumbling out of his throat. "I was just looking to smash up Law's head!" Doflamingo sneers. His raised leg comes down again coated in Armament Haki. Izuku again stops Doflamingo.

The resulting collision of Haki causes shock waves of power to erupt from Izuku and Doflamingo. Green and black lightning crackle from Izuku, while purple lightning erupts from Doflamingo. The shockwaves push Law, Katsuki, and Vergo out of the way.

"Two kings colliding?" Vergo question stoically.

Izuku pushes more Conqueror's Into his attack, Doflamingo doesn't budge. Izuku powers more OFA into his leg forcing Doflamingo to be pushed back. Izuku jumps back with a devastating punch to Vergo who instead of dodging he hardens his entire body in Armament Haki. Izuku's punch connects with the guy sending him flying. Izuku lands next to Katsuki and holds out his hand "Let's finish this" as he cuts his finger open. Katsuki nods and cuts his palm as well. They join hands and another explosion of power erupts from the two teens. They engage with Doflamingo in hand to hand combat. More often than not they connect their attacks to Doflamingo.

Doflamingo in rage turns the very trees and ground into strings "There is another stage of Devil Fruits. It's called Awakening." He commands the trees and ground to Attack the two. Izuku and Katsuki dodge the blows. Doflamingo smirks when he thinks the two have nowhere left to dodge.

As the string close around the two Izuku and Katsuki does their finishing move. They cock their fists back using all the power they can. Katsuki has lava coming from his palm mixing with OFA. Izuku has his lightning, and green and black fire wrapping around his fist. The air around the two is spinning around them forcing their clothing and hair to whip around. Once they powered up their punches, they unleash it at the same time. Launching a stream of Lava, Lightning, and fire out of the strings in a massive unavoidable cone in front of them.

Izuku watches with sick satisfaction as Doflamingo is engulfed in their attack. As the smoke and power recede all that is left of Doflamingo are a few pink Feathers and the smell of burnt meat. Izuku forces the bile to stay down. The stench is overpowering his senses, "It's over" Izuku states as he watches the Birdcage slowly disappear.

Katsuki looks a little green no doubt unable to tune out the unpleasant smell of literally cooking their enemies. Izuku engulfs Katsuki into a hug, crashing the other boy's face into his chest. He feels Katsuki take deep breaths sighing and relaxing into his hold. "Thanks, Nerd."

Izuku nods "Let's get out of here." He pushes the button on the comms "Marco we are finished here"

For a few moments Izuku doesn't get a response "I'm done here too. I'll start heading your way."

"Got it," Izuku states back. He grabs Katsuki "Let's go get the others, Kacchan"

Katsuki nods "yea, I can feel them all over there behind us"

Izuku leads Katsuki to the area, He does a mental headcount. He looks over Ashido and Denki first since he hasn't seen much of them since the fights began "How are you both, any injuries?"

Ashido smiles covered in dirt "Nope the enemies couldn't get close enough to hurt us."

Izuku sags in relief "That's good, so you took my advice to work on long-range attacks. I'll ask for a report later." He studies Thatch next "Any injuries?"

"No Injuries, I mostly observed" Thatch informs.

Izuku nods, makes sense Thatch was still injured from his treatment, and being in a coma for a month. He looks over at Kirishima and Luffy. "Luffy is your Haki back?"

Luffy shakes his head "Not yet, I've got about 2 minutes left."

Izuku nods "What about you Kirishima, I was you get blasted into a tree."

Kirishima rubs the back of his neck "That guys kicks are like a freight train. Even in unbreakable I think he bruised my ribs. They don't feel broken." Kirishima lifts his shirt and shows Izuku a nasty blackish-purple bruise. Izuku lights his hand on fire and gently puts his hand on the teen's ribs. He feels Kirishima sag as the warmth soaks into the teen's skin and heals the bruised and Damaged ribs and lungs. He watches as the bruise fades and withdraws his flames from the other teen. "How does that feel?" Izuku asks.

Kirishima smiles "It feels great thank you Midobro"

Izuku smiles warmly back. Law's room drags his gaze away from Kirishima. "Law do you need more healing? Did I miss anything? It was a patch job since we were in the middle of battle."

Law looks up at Izuku and sighs "Everything is fine. I'm just doing a diagnostic on myself" His room fades "Everything looks fine, the bullets are out, and the damage is healed, my arm is reattached, and I have feeling in the limb. There is a bit of numbness but I'm not sure if that will fade as the brain reconnects those nerves."

Izuku nods "Let me know if I need to do more healing." He turns to Katsuki "Does Kacchan need healing?"

"I'm fine Nerd." Katsuki grumbles out.

Izuku pouts "You're not fine Kacchan. I can literally sense the tension in your frame. You are feeling the strain of OFA."

Katsuki clicks his tongue and looks away embarrassed. "I don't need to be healed right now. You need to save your energy for the trip back."

"But Kacchan…" Izuku starts.

Katsuki cuts him off with a sigh "If I am still in pain when we get back to the ship; you can heal me." Izuku opens his mouth to protest, he swallows the words with Katsuki's glare "If you run out of energy while flying there might not be anywhere to land. We would land in the ocean with drowning devil fruit users."

Izuku acknowledges the logic in Katsuki's statement and huffs out "you're right Kacchan. I didn't even think of that."

Katsuki smirks "Of course I'm right. I'm always right."

Izuku smiles "Of course Kacchan."

Izuku smiles as he spots Marco circling above them "It's time to go." He shifts into Fuji and lowers his neck for the others to climb aboard. He launches toward Marco and hovers. Katsuki holds out a hand "Get on." He orders.

Marco floats above Fuji and shifts into his human form landing next to Katsuki. He observes everyone's varied states of fatigue "that hard huh?"

"The bird-brained asshole would stay down," Katsuki growls out.

"Izuku and Kats got him in the end." Luffy states "He not getting up after that last hit."

Kirishima chuckles "If he didn't dress like a turkey, we wouldn't have mistaken him as one."

Marco looks to Katsuki for clarification, Katsuki huff "The turkey is dead. Like really dead." Marco nods and drops the conversation. Katsuki studies Marco "How did your mission go?"

"The building itself was harder than I thought to bring down, but the production line was easier. After I took out the production line, I was able to topple the building." Marco explains.

"That's good," Katsuki grumbles he lays back and closes his eyes feeling the exhaustion creeping upon him. "Who was the buyer?"

"Kaido, he is an emperor like Pops" Marco confirms. "With the Factory down and Doflamingo dead I'm not sure what he will do. It depends on whether or not Doflamingo's death is in the papers tomorrow and if anyone caught us here."

Katsuki cracks an eye open "it doesn't do us any good if we panic about it right now. Save the panicking for tomorrow."

Marco nods, "yeah" he looks at Thatch "Did you figure out what you needed to?"

Thatch nods "Yea, I'm in."

Marco smiles "Thank you, brother."

Thatch waves off Marco and decides to take a nap. Katsuki smirks, they got another whitebeard pirate for their army.

All chatter pretty much dies down as Fuji flies over the ocean to the ships. It takes a couple of hours before the ships are in view. Fuji is breathing heavily, Katsuki rubs the wolf's back whispering encouraging phrases. Izuku trills in response and pushes himself a bit harder to reach the ships. The landing is rough, as soon as Izuku touches the deck his hold on Fuji snaps and he transforms. Katsuki moves in front of Izuku and catches the worn-out teen before he can face plant the deck. Shanks and Aizawa approach assuming Izuku was injured. Getting closer and seeing no signs of injuries on any of the group Shanks clears his throat "how did it go?"

Katsuki gently maneuvers Izuku so he can sit on the deck and lays Izuku down on his lap. "Doflamingo is dead." Katsuki studies Aizawa's face. He looks down seeing the hint of disappointment "He wouldn't stay down, every time we thought he knocked him out he got right back up. He also had the entire island trapped in a bird cage-like move. The Nerd tried to overpower it but was unable to. If the Nerd and I didn't kill him, we would have died; there was no way to escape."

Aizawa frowns as he listens to Katsuki's report. "I don't like how you had to kill someone." He ignores Katsuki's glare "However if that was the only way you could all come back; then I suppose I can let this go." Katsuki loses the glare and stares at his teacher, Aizawa's expression softens "I'm glad you all are ok. There are no injuries, right?"

"Just exhaustion Sensei," Katsuki confirms.

Shanks steps in "I have cleared out a large room for you all to sleep in. Go rest for the night, we can talk more tomorrow." Katsuki hears the order in Shanks' voice and knows not to argue. Katsuki nods and gently wakes up Izuku "Common Nerd, let's go take a nap."

Izuku grumbles out a string of syllables that to everyone else is unintelligible, Katsuki looks fondly at the Nerd "then just get off me, I'll carry you." Izuku rolls off Katsuki with a groan. Katsuki stands up and picks the Nerd up off the deck. He looks to the rest of the group "Let's go."

Shanks leads the way to the room he has cleared out. There are a few beds in the room all pushed together. Katsuki claims one of the beds and gently drops the nerd onto it, he climbs in next to Izuku and cuddles into the other teen. He falls asleep quickly not paying any mind to where the others sleep. He feels comfortable enough to fully sleep knowing that Shanks and Aizawa won't let anything happen to them.

Marco and Thatch make their ways to Whitebeard. Whitebeard's eyes scan his two sons looking for any injuries, he relaxes as he doesn't spot any. "How did it go?"

"I took out the smile factory, Kaido is going to be pissed." Marco reports "We won't know for sure if he will get word of the factory being destroyed. Sooner or later he is going to wonder where Doflamingo's shipments are."

"Izuku and Katsuki killed Doflamingo." Thatch reports "There is a chance that once Kaido finds out he will figure out we were there."

Whitebeard hums "We won't know for sure until the papers come out."

Marco and Thatch nod in agreeance.

Whitebeard looks at Thatch "Did you come to a decision?"

Thatch nods "I did, they are a trustworthy group. I didn't participate in much of the fighting I just stayed out of the way and observed. They didn't seem to talk much but they all knew what to do and where to go after their fights were finished. Izuku saved Law's life, Doflamingo severed the kid's Arm and shot him several times before Izuku could step in. Those kids have some power I've never seen anything like it. The finishing move was so destructive it basically vaporized Doflamingo. It was a cone of Lava, Lightning, and fire, there was nothing left of Doflamingo or Vergo." He pauses in his rant "If the Calamity is strong enough that they can't defeat it on their own, I can see why they are looking for more people. I'll join you pops, Marco in this fight."

Whitebeard smiles fondly at Thatch "Thank you, my Son."

Thatch blushes and rubs the back of his neck "well someone needs to makes sure you both live."

"And that would be you?" Marco jokes.

Thatch smiles "Of course."

Whitebeard watches his family milling about on deck, he honestly didn't think he would survive. He smiles peacefully completely content to watch his children mingle with Laws pirate crew and Shank's crew. If someone told him a few days ago that he would see his crew mingle friendly and unguarded with two pirate crews; well he would have blasted them back to paradise with a quake. He can't help but think this is another power of the other world brats. The ability to bring people together, that would otherwise be enemies. "Where're the brats?" he asks Marco.

"They were exhausted, I believe Shanks ordered them to take a nap." Marco's normal lazy face has morphed into a fond soft look.

Whitebeard hums "I have spoken with the commanders about the Calamities. For the most part, they agreed to come with us."

"It's not surprising, they all witnessed the group. They probably feel that they can pay them back for saving me." Marco's normal lazy look returns.

Whitebeard nods "That is the most common reason." He sighs "The other reason is for the chance of freedom, to explore a new world and not be hunted. I have to admit it is pretty tempting though. I hope the brat comes through and stays true to his word. Whether I live to see it or not, I want all my Sons and Daughters to be happy."

Marco nods in understanding, his pops are over 70 years old. Even with the man's giant gene's and higher life expectancy, Whitebeard is sick and could die before he sees the end of this great war. Marco doesn't want to put too much faith in Izuku's dream or vision, but the teen did mention Whitebeard was still around after the war. Maybe Law and Izuku can team up together to cure his pops illness.

Shanks approaches Whitebeard, Marco, and Thatch. "We are headed to Big Mom's territory."

"That woman is hosting her annual tea party soon." Whitebeard comments.

"Do you know who the guests are?" Shanks inquires.

Whitebeard pulls out the invitation "It's for the political wedding of Pudding and Sanji Vinsmoke."

"Vinsmoke? She's trying to ally with Germa66?" Shanks asks.

"Looks like it. This could prove a massive issue, if she were to get her hands on the technology advancements the Germa Kingdom is known for…" Marco cuts in.

"I thought the third son of Judge died at sea." Shanks comments.

"Apparently not he was saved by Red Leg Zeff and worked at the Baratie in the East Blue. I don't know how they found him, but he received the invitation. Apparently, Judge doesn't want any of his super sons to wed pudding, he is forcing Sanji's hand." Marco explains.

Shanks pulls out a notebook, Marco notices it is the same notebook Izuku gave to the man before they left to find Law. He flips to a page "Does the kid have bright blond hair and swirly eyebrows?"

"Yea, according to his bounty poster."

"He has a bounty? I thought he worked as a chef."

"His bounty is only alive." Marco points out.

"Well it looks like we have no choice, we will have to rescue Sanji from Big Mom. When is her tea party again?" Shanks asks.

"It is not for a while yet if we attack now Sanji might not be there. Coming from the east blue it would take him at least a couple of weeks to get through the first part of the Grandline, even if he is escorted with eternal Log pose. They would also need to get their ship coated and go through Fishman Island." Marco strategizes.

"Is Fishman Island still your territory?" Shanks asks.

"Yes," Whitebeard confirms.

"Jimbe should be there. We can call him to keep a lookout for Big Moms Lackies." Marco suggests.

"That will work." Shanks nods.

Marco pulls out his transponder snail and calls Jimbe a couple of minutes after the line connects. He hands the snail to Shanks.

"Yo Jimbe" Shanks greats.

"Akagami?" Jimbe questions

"Yes, I need to ask you a favor." Shanks starts "The old man is with me and this is very important."

"What is it?" Jimbe responds to the urgency in Shanks' voice.

"I have been told that Big Mom's Lackies are escorting someone I need. They should be crossing Fishman island within the next week or so. That would be the best place to intercept them. I need the blonde man with curly eyebrows to be rescued."

"Do you know what you are asking me to do? Do you realize what will happen what this guy doesn't show up to Big Mom's?" Jimbe questions.

"I am perfectly aware of what will happen Jimbe, make it look like their ship sank if you have to. Please Fishman Island is the only place we know where they will be."

"It's not like you to beg for something Akagami?" Jimbe starts "This has something to do with your disappearance and surprise arrival at Marineford right?"

"Yes, I promise, I will explain everything I can at a later date. Meet us at Sphinx when you have the kid."

There is a pause as Jimbe considers this, "Ok, I will keep a lookout for the kid. I will contact you when I have him."

Shanks sighs in relief "Thank you Jimbe."

"Don't forget you owe me an explanation when we meet up." Jimbe reminds and hangs up.

Shanks sighs and hands back the transponder snail. "I need to look over the other Bounties." He drags a hand over his face "We need to reach Raftel in 4 days. And we still have a bunch of people to look for."

"If we don't make any more stops, we will make it." Whitebeard states. "We will make camp there, Marco and Thatch will go with you to Japan."

Shanks nods "That would be better than the entire crew. Hopefully, All Might has purchased the island. Not many people in Japan know of the calamities yet. It wouldn't do us any favor to notify the Hero Association, it would just lead to mass hysteria. Marco and Thatch will pose as teachers on this Island, we will slowly bring the rest throughout the five years. We will use this island to train everyone. There is someone in Japan that will work on getting you all documentation."

"I was wondering how you would hide an Army" Whitebeard bellows.

"Due to recent events Villain activity in Japan has been on the rise, the future generation of Heroes; more specifically my boys have been attacked at different school events. Due to this U.A. has purchased an Island they are keeping from the public with the excuse that if the location is revealed the Villains will continue to attack." Shanks informs.

"And the public is ok with that?" Marco scrutinizes.

"They have to be, no doubt there will be discontent among the population. However, U.A. is firm on this stance. We believe there is a mole at the school or within the Hero association because a location that only a few people knew about was compromised. We have people placing false information to weed them out."

"So the plan is to keep us hidden until the mole is revealed?"

"Yes, but we will also need to keep appearances that some of the students are going on training trips to this hideout," Shanks adds.

"But what if the mole is a student?" Marco asks.

"Simple there are multiple islands we have in our possession. Only those who know of the calamity will go to the hideout. The other students will not, if the other islands are attacked then we know the mole is one of the students sent to that island." Shanks smirks.

"Seems like you have thought of everything." Marco concedes.

"It wasn't me who thought of it." Shanks begins "Izuku is a genius."

"Of course, I have only met him yesterday, but he is impressive." Marco agrees.

Over the next few days, the Pack mingles with the different crews. Law gets closer to the pack draw in by their positive energy. He participates in a couple of the famous Puppy Piles, though he tried to make it seem like he wanted nothing to do with cuddling. He would sometimes bring Bepo to cuddle near the puppy pile, but far enough away that he can pretend he is not part of their dynamic. Katsuki has loudly and violently whipped the cooks into shape. With the excuse, he doesn't want to cook every night for these Extras, though he still helps out in the kitchen and does most of the prep work.

Ace has mostly recovered from his injuries and can be seen sparing with the commanders of Whitebeards crew. Rayleigh has taken to sparing with the Pack while also telling Ace and Luffy about the pirate king. At first, Ace raged as he always does, but a few well placed Haki infused hits to the head got him to settle down. After the first couple of storytimes, Ace didn't need the painful reminder to shut up and listen, he would sit there willingly and learn about his father. Even long after the other fell asleep Ace could be seen sitting there with Rayleigh asking questions about his dad and just absorbing the information. Ace remembers the first conversation he had with Rayleigh.

*** Flash Back***

Ace grumbles as Shoto informed him that Izuku and the others are fighting Doflamingo and left them behind since Ace was injured and needed a babysitter. Well, Shoto didn't necessarily say it like that but the meaning was clear. Ace wasn't going to participate in a fight because he is still recovering, and Shoto stayed behind to keep Ace company.

Ace and Shoto spend most of the morning on Deck, lazing around in the sun when Rayleigh sits across from the two teens. Ace cracks open an eye at the old man and wonders why he is being studied. He tenses, feeling those eyes study him with such wisdom and a touch of nostalgia.

After a while, the old man sighs "You look more like your mother than Roger."

Ace glares at the man, but he continues "Besides your hair and eye color, everything else is your mother."

"You knew my mother?" Ace whispers.

Rayleigh smiles "Yes, as your fathers' first mate I met her. She was quite the woman."

"Can you tell me about her?"

Rayleigh laughs "She was a strong, fierce woman. Capable of bringing Roger to his knees on multiple occasions. She found out shortly before Roger's death that she was pregnant. Roger was so happy, they laughed and cried and picked out names for you. Your father chose Ace for a boy, Ann for a girl. Roger became sick, he turned himself in with a promise the Garp would keep you and your mother safe from the purge. Your mother cried when she learned of Roger Death, but she trusted Garp to keep you safe. With nothing but determination and will she carried you for 22 months so you could live a life without being hunted."

"Garp betrayed her" Ace states with venom.

"I know, I'm truly sorry for what you and Luffy had to go through." Rayleigh placates "I wanted to find you, I wanted to keep you safe. In fact most of the people who really knew your father wanted to raise you. Me, Whitebeard, Shanks just to name a few."

"But I don't understand, everyone always thought I shouldn't have been born" Ace shouts.

"They didn't truly know your father. Roger always defended his crew; he never turned his back on an enemy and he never ran away from a fight. I wanted to raise you because I wanted you to know the truth about your father, how he lived, how he died, why he died." Rayleigh comments.

"Why? Why do you care?" Ace rages.

"The truth is, I always viewed your father as a brother more than my captain. Did you know if you share a drink, you can become brothers?"

Ace's eyes widen as he is thrown into memories of claiming the same thing with two other boys, forever cementing their bond as brothers. "Luffy, Sabo? Did you know? If you share a drink, you can become brothers. We might not be on the same ship when we become pirates, but this will bind us together as brothers! No matter where we are or what we do, nothing can break this bond!" The memory fade with the clink of three cups toasted together. There are tears in Ace's eyes at the thought of this memory. "So that means you and Roger became brothers?"

"Yes, we did, a bond that can not be broken because of death, or distance, or lack of blood. But this also makes me your uncle."

"Wha-What" Ace stutters. He never considered that Rayleigh would honor the traditional brotherhood roles when it came to kids.

Rayleigh smiles "Yes because Roger was my brother, you are my Nephew."

"You don't have to" Ace argues weakly.

"But I want to" Rayleigh argues back "I want to get to know you, I want to hear your stories. If you would let me, I want to be part of your life."

"For Roger, right?" Ace tries to conceal the venom, but he is pretty sure he fails, even if Rayleigh doesn't comment on it.

"Maybe a first, I wanted to find you to keep you safe because your father was my friend, my brother, my captain." Rayleigh confirms, before Ace can rage and shout Rayleigh continues "mostly because I wanted to spare you a hard life. I know your life must have been unbearable. I wanted you to grow up without the target the marines put on your head. I wanted to do this all for you. All I ask is to give me a chance."

Ace glares at nothing in particular, he has always reacted harshly to anyone associated with his father. Even Shanks was viewed with suspicion and studied for intent. After a while, Ace opened up to Shanks and Luffy but it took a lot of time and shouting on his part to finally accept Shanks as a father figure. He leans against Shoto, a silent pillar of strength to support him, and he sighs. He is so tired of running from his past, if Rayleigh wants to take some of his burden away then fine, "Fine you win." Ace agrees "But I should warn you may have convinced me but if you want to be my Uncle you need to be prepared to be an uncle for the rest of us."

"What do you mean?" Rayleigh asks curiously.

Ace sighs "Luffy and I exchanged Sake with another boy Sabo when we were 5. Before the incident we became brothers. When Shanks saved me and Luffy we met Izuku and Katsuki. They accepted us into their family. Izuku's mother took us in, clothed us, fed us, sent us to school. She cared for us like a mother." Ace pauses "So it is not just me anymore, you have to be prepared for them to claim you as their uncle as well."

Shoto chuckles at the old man's face "It's true, Izuku and Katsuki have already Claimed Shanks as their dad."

"Really?" Rayleigh sounds shocked.

"He's not the only one." Ace smirks "Izuku has a habit of claiming people. He has probably already claimed Marco, Law, and possibly the old man."

Rayleigh appears to be in thought, the kid sounds a lot like Roger. His former captain had that same habit of making people his. "I should be used to it; Roger did the same thing. If a touch less animalistic."

"Izuku's not the only one who claims people." Shoto blurts out "I don't know if Katsuki is aware of it yet, but he is more possessive than he used to be. Maybe it is because of Fenrir."

"That is possible I have noticed that as well, he has always shown animalistic traits; I always thought it was because of his closeness to Izuku" Ace contemplates.

Rayleigh soaks in this information "So Ace" he calls breaking the teen out of his thoughts. The teen looks at him curiously, Rayleigh smirks as he has the teens attention "Shanks tells me, you have a Soul Mate?"

Ace's blush is answer enough, the stuttering response is the icing on the cake. Shoto looks down with a tint of blush and a small flame licking his cheeks. Rayleigh laughs heartily "This must be the one huh Ace?" Ace can do nothing but nod, he is not embarrassed about his feelings for the other teen. He wills his blush away and levels a stern look at Rayleigh.

Rayleigh continues to smile "I'm not going to judge what the universe decides is a good match. I said I wanted to know you, that means everything you care about. I want to get to know the people you care about as well."

Ace relaxes his frame as the tension leaves his body. He admits he is a bit glad Rayleigh appears to be ok with Shoto. If it came down to it Ace would no doubt chose Shoto over Rayleigh. He is glad he doesn't need to make that choice, some part of him wants a connection with the man. Maybe because the man knew his mother, it's because he gives Ace the same feeling of belonging Shanks gave him, or maybe it is because this man doesn't hate him for being the Son of Roger. Who knows, all Ace knows is he is excited to find out.