"And that's the report." Marek finished as Sengoku sat in his office, looking at the Den-Den of Marek's appearance on it. Garp was sitting in the office as well, having just swiped another pack of Sengoku's rice crackers.

Sengoku's eyes narrowed slightly, "The East has been a mess since you left it huh." Sengoku took off his glasses and cleaned them. "Good job, but what about Loguetown?"

"I haven't been there yet sir, but I'm sure Smoker is still there, taking care of the pirates that seek to enter the Grand Line. His record has been spot on, last I heard."

Sengoku nodded, "Indeed. You alright still being solo? I can send your ship down with your crewmates."

"Just send Seras down sir. I'm sure she'd like to see her brother and niece; it's been awhile after all." Marek replied.

Sengoku nodded, "I'll see you in the Grand Line soon then Vice Admiral."

"Actually sir….." Marek started, "I'll be taking my own time coming back. My little brother set sail and I want to see how he does." Garp smiled softly at the thought of his two grandsons being marines before it quickly shattered. "He's got a nice crew; seems he's taken to acting like Shanks and Newgate's form of a pirate crew."

Garp had a depression cloud over his head as he muttered, "One out of three is still good, but why couldn't it have been three for three.." Sengoku had a smirk on his face, seeing Garp's despair, before turning serious. "How much of a threat would you consider your brother's crew?"

Marek hummed softly, "Terms of power or against us?" "Power." "From what I gather, he took down Buggy the Clown, Kuro of a thousand plans, as well as Don Krieg. Roronoa Zoro, our infamous East Blue bounty hunter, joined him and managed to gain Mihawk's respect, surviving his fight. The others have helped but haven't taken anyone significant down yet."

"If bounties were to be issued, I'd say Luffy's would be at least 30 million, with Zoro's being at the very least half of that." Marek finished.

Sengoku hummed softly before nodding. "I'll get it out to Commodore Brannew immediately. It's a shame that you couldn't at least get them to be bounty hunters, but I know how stubborn your family is."

Marek nodded his head, ending the call.

Later

The whole village was having a party, the Straw Hat crew enjoying themselves except for one particular member. Nami was watching it all going down with a small smile on her face, before noticing someone was missing. "Hey Nojiko, where's Marek?"

"At mother's grave, he didn't say why though." Nojiko replied, causing Nami to frown. She went up to Bellemere's grave and saw Marek sitting there, a small cup placed on Bellemere's gravesite and another in Marek's hands.

"I wish I could've changed things, I could've been here to stop them, to make sure you could see these two fine girls grow up." He said sadly, out loud.

"If I could've only helped you, like you did me." He sniffled slightly, looking up into the sky. "That's two I could've saved now. First it was another of my brothers, Sabo, and now you."

(Insert Leaves from the Vine, I know it's another sad intro)

He started to speak up, "Leaves from the vine, falling so slow, like fragile tiny shells, drifting in the foam…. Little soldier boy," He coughed slightly, starting to cry. "Come marching home, brave soldier boy, comes marching home…."

(End of song)

He felt a hand on his shoulder, looking back at Nami who was crying as well. He stood up, towering over her, before hugging her. Later, she left him as he sat there with tears still trailing down his face. His haki reacted to his emotions, as well as the grave before he found himself there in a purgatory like room.

"Oy, brat." A familiar voice rang out. He turned and looked back, thinking it was Genzo before gritting his teeth. A small, sad smile crossed the woman's face. "Thank you, for saving the town, for saving my daughters." She said softly.

"Bellemere." He said softly. "If I only had known, I would've come down here… to save you like I couldn't save Sabo." Bellemere walked over and hugged him softly. "I know kid, but you can't save everyone. You just have to do what you can, make the best out of the worst."

She proceeded to show him what happened, how the Arlong pirates had invaded their small village, forcing them to pay a tribute of 50,000 beri for children's lives and 100,000 for adult lives. Arlong was about to slam Genzo's head into the ground when Bellemere herself had shot Arlong.

Arlong was angry and had her beaten down before pulling a gun on her. "100,00 beri, and I'll forget this little insurrection from you." He stated in a more calm, cocky tone. Nami and Nojiko had come out at that moment, causing the fishman to sneer. "Ohhh, two little girls too? That'll be 200,00 then." Bellemere's eyes widened in horror, only have the 100,00. She looked to the girls who were tearing up before looking at Arlong.

"I have the 100,00 for the girls. It'd be best, since I did rebel against you." Arlong smirked and loaded the flintlock. Bellemere looked at the girls with a tearful smile before looking at Arlong defiantly.

"Make it count you bastard, because once my nephew finds out about this, he'll make you pay." Her defiant glare caused Arlong to laugh. "Then he will die, just like you." He shot her straight through the chest.

"You knew I would come, to put him down." Marek stated, watching the scene play. "I didn't think it would take ten years, but I did. I told my then lieutenant Nezumi to inform high command and to send you down to take care of him. I knew you were a commodore back then, but I didn't count on Nezumi being paid off."

Marek growled softly. "Another one lost due to corruption then." His grandmother's blood started to boil inside him, telling him to go on a rampage before he calmed himself down. "I don't know how long my Haki will keep us like this. Ever since I last talked to Roger, my Haki has developed strangely to the point that even my uncle and grandfather don't understand what's happening. Is there anything I want to say to Nami or Nojiko, as a last message from you?"

She shook her head with a smile. "Nothing that Genzo wouldn't say. I know of your grandmother, don't let her blood drive your actions. Change the system, keep being the hero of the people Marek."

Marek nodded tearfully, giving her one last hug before the room faded and he was sitting at her grave. He stood up and went to sleep.

Marek tossed and turned in his sleep. He had Haki as well as his own water devil fruit powers active, holding back Akainu's magma fist. Akainu scowled, "You were a vice admiral Marek, I trained you. You know how strong I am! Why are you protecting these two?!"

"Because Sakazuki, they're my family, and family always trumps duty!" He roared back pushing back against Akainu's magma fist and fighting him off. After a few minutes he was launched off to the side, bouncing off the ground.

Vice Admiral Onigumo was the one who had kicked Marek to the side. "Now Admiral Akainu!" Akainu jumped towards Luffy with a magma fist. Luffy was reaching for Ace's vivre card before he looked up and saw the magma fist coming at him. Ace got up quickly and dove into the way of the magma fist. Shock and disbelief on Luffy's face as Marek pulled himself up off the ground to see the scene.

Shock and horror appeared on Marek's face, seeing Akainu's fist burned through Ace's back, into his chest. Ace's bead necklace that was a gift from Marek and Dadan broke apart, one of the beads rolled over to him and another to Whitebeard. The horror and fear rose up from Marek as he shouted out, "Ace…. NOOOOO!"

Marek bolted straight up from his bed, panting heavily. He looked around the room, seeing no one awake. He rubbed his head as he got up, walking out of the room.

He sat at a cliffside with his den-den mushi by his side. "Uncle, I've had another one." The mushi as he talked into it changed to an appearance with a scarf over its mouth. It didn't say anything as Marek continued. "There's something that's going to happen in the coming months."

Katakuri sat there, Smoothie beside him as she covered her mouth at the distraught tone of her son. His eyes were closed. "Marek…. I don't know what to tell you. I've trained you as well as I can, you've managed to beat me the last few times that we've sparred."

"It isn't enough!" Marek slammed his fist on the ground, causing the sea to rise a little bit. "I need help, I'm not strong enough. I can't do this on my own, my friends aren't strong enough. Can't you ask grandmother to help me? It's one of the few times that I'm all for letting her know of my existence."

"Marek you know how dangerous that is! You know how mother is when something like this escapes her control." Smoothie spoke up. Katakuri frowned softly behind his scarf. "I can try, but I don't think she will. Your mother speaks the truth. Big Mom is unlikely to help, Marek, despite the fact that you're her grandson."

Marek bit his lip, growling softly as he bit back tears. "Then keep an eye out on the papers in the coming months. Know that if Portgas D. Ace is imprisoned, Whitebeard is going to war, as am I."

Katakuri's eyes widened slightly as Smoothie gasped, the Den-Den turning off.

Marek met the straw hat crew at the shoreline later that day. "Seems like they're finally done partying over Cocoyashi's freedom." He said with a small smile, arms crossed.

Genzo stood beside him with a nod. "Indeed." Marek smirked softly. "Are you still worried about Nami going with him? He may be a pirate but he's still my little brother."

Genzo smiled faintly, "Even if she isn't mine, a father can always worry about his daughter can't he?" Marek nodded his head. "Believe me, I know it all too well. Damn mother hen that I know always frets over me."

They both shared a laugh as Nami ran past them onto the ship, apparently taking everyone's wallets. Marek laughed softly, "Seems some things never change. What money I get from Arlong's bounty, as well as from turning in Nezumi for his corruption, I'll send it down here to you guys to help in the repairs."

Genzo nodded in gratitude before looking at him in worry. "How are you feeling with your brother getting a bounty on his head?" "I'm used to it; I still have that little snot Ace that has an even bigger one on his head."

He set out on his little ship, heading to Loguetown to provide the update to Smoker in person. "I have a feeling something interesting will happen in Loguetown." Marek said with a small smile.

Days later

Marek was snoring slightly before his ship hit one of the docks in Loguetown. He got up slowly, "Eh…. I'm already here." He cracked his back slightly as he got up and made his way ashore. He sidestepped a woman who dove at him before sighing. "Seras, you're a captain now, act like it."

The affirmed blonde woman pouted softly, her blue eyes hiding a red gleam in them. "Just because I am a captain doesn't mean I have to act like it." She said while sticking her tongue out.

Marek sighed and pinched his nose. "How's Tanner and the others?" "Doing fine sir. I'm a bit annoyed that I'm a captain and he's your direct subordinate as a rear admiral."

He poked her forehead with a smirk. "If you didn't act like such a child, you'd be a rear admiral with him." She scowled before it turned into a pout. "Did you see your brother and your niece yet?"

Seras shook her head. "Haven't yet, I just arrived about half an hour before you did." "Well go see him. I know he trained you, and your devil fruit increasing your sight and strength, but it's been a few years since he retired."

He smiled softly as she grumbled with her arms crossed. "Fine! I'll go see the big jerk!" He smirked softly at the twenty-one year old woman.

He pocketed his hands into his coat, walking into town with Seras following him. "Has Smoker been notified of my arrival?" "He has, Vice Admiral." She said cheekily before Marek frowned, that frown slowly turning into a smirk. "Don't get too cheeky Seras. I may have to tell a certain someone that his little sister has a bit of a crush on a certain commander.""

She blushed a deep crimson. "Oy, no need for that!" He smirked more before turning serious as he walked through town. "Then stop acting so snarky and childish when we're on business."

They soon heard a loud whoosh go by them before Marek started laughing. "Seems Luffy's arrived." Seras was nearly knocked over before she straightened up. "Luffy sir?" "My youngest brother. Let's get going before he causes too much trouble."

Meanwhile

"New bounties Captain Smoker!" A recruit said, bringing in two pieces of paper. The white-haired man with two cigars took a look at them. "Hmm… Roronoa Zoro… sixteen million." His eyes widened slightly. "Monkey D. Luffy, 30 million."

He grabbed his jute and started to walk out of the office. "Get the men ready. They're already here."

Marek at the time was watching the tearful reunion between Seras, her brother Daddy Masterson, and her niece Carol with a soft smile. He felt a presence behind him as he closed his eyes. "Smoker. You received my reports I assume? About corrupt marine captains Nezumi and Morgan?" Smoker nodded his head.

"I also received a bounty on your brother. I'm sorry Marek." Marek waved his hand. "Meh, he wanted to be a pirate. I'm the one who put the bounty in anyways. I've called Jinbe already and told him to be expecting Arlong to be arriving at Impel Down here in a few days."

Smoker nodded his head. "It's true then, he took down Buggy, members of Arlong's crew, and the Black Cat pirates." "Think there was an Iron Mace Alvidia in there somewhere too."

Seras nodded tearfully, saying her goodbyes. "Oy, sis." Daddy gestured to his side, a large rifle in the background. And by large, he meant large. "The only one to use it was our father, back when he was helping out Garp with the Roger Pirates. I want you to have it Seras."

Seras gasped in surprise before lifting up the giant rifle easily, a small grin on her face as tears trailed down her face. "I-I'll use it well big brother!" Marek had a smile on his face before noticing clouds starting to form. "Storm's approaching. Smoker, Seras, let's get going."

Seras hefted the rifle over her shoulder, nodding her head before giving a hug to her niece. She soon followed the captain and vice admiral as they headed towards the execution platform.

Marek's eyes widened as he saw Luffy in the gallows about to be executed by Buggy. "OY BIG NOSE, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Buggy's eyes widened in rage before he looked over the crowd, stopping what he was doing. "WHO SAID IT?!"

Marek grinned softly, jumping up to the platform. "I did. Hey there Uncle Buggy." Buggy smiled, "Oh you've grown a lot since I last SAW YOU?!" Buggy started off before his eyes widened. "HOLY SHIT YOU'RE TALL YOU LITTLE RUNT!"

Marek laughed heartily, "Zahaha! You shouldn't be surprised Buggy! I can't allow you to execute my little brother though." "B-BROTHER?!" The Buggy pirates exclaimed while Luffy laughed.

Marek slammed his fist down on the lock, breaking it and lifting the portcullis up. "Get going Luff, a storm is coming in." Luffy nodded his head before leaping off the execution platform.

Marek walked past but stopped as he placed a hand on Buggy's shoulder. "We were both here that day, are you sure this was the best idea?" Buggy looked to the side, fighting back tears.

Marek leaned in and whispered in his ear. "There will be a time when it all matters, and that's when you have to show the world what the great Captain Buggy is capable of. Roger has a son." Buggy's eyes widened but nodded his head slowly.

"Luffy's journey, he just wants to be free. Isn't that what Roger taught you? Live life at its fullest and have as much fun along the way?" Buggy frowned softly. "It's been a long time brat. I'll think about it." Marek smiled before slugging Buggy in the stomach, knocking him out.

"Seras! Secure the Buggy pirates!" Marek ordered, throwing Buggy down to the ground, all tied up in seastone wire. Seras responded with a quick "aye!" and gathered the surrounding marines in gathering up the Buggy pirates. Marek jumped down, narrowing his eyes as he didn't spot Luffy or Smoker. He ran off towards the docks.

He ran down a street and helped Tashigi up. "Ran into Zoro huh?" Tashigi nodded with a fiery glare. "I'll defeat him and claim that sword! A sword like that doesn't deserve to be in the hands of a pirate!"

Marek flicked her forehead softly. "Oy, that's enough of that. Zoro's doing good work with it; he hasn't spilled any innocent blood with that sword. May I remind you that both Whitebeard and Mihawk have two of those legendary blades?"

Tashigi paled as Marek stood up. "It's a noble goal but ensure that the user of those blades are doing it for unselfish reasons, like Zoro. Now I've gotta go and stop Smoker from letting my little brother from leaving."

Tashigi nodded as Marek ran off before realizing something. "Wait! What do you mean preventing your brother from leaving?!"

Marek jumped up and launched himself. Scanning the streets for Luffy and Smoker, he found them as his father had stopped an attack from Smoker against Luffy. He drove his fist into Smoker's cheek, blasting him away.

"Well, this is one hell of a reunion, huh dad?" Marek said with a chuckle. Luffy perked up. "Dad?" Marek smiled softly. "Luffy, meet our father: Monkey D. Dragon."

Dragon smirked under his hood. Marek pat Luffy's shoulder, "Once you make it into the second half of the Grand Line, I'll take you to meet our mother."

Luffy gasped softly before nodding his head in determination. Dragon's smirk turned into a small smile. "This may be the only time I can say this to the both of you, but I'm proud of you two, my sons."

Marek smirked softly. "Aww don't go talking like it's the end of the world dad. We've still gone a long while to go."

Marek then tossed Luffy back before blocking Smoker's jitte with his arms turning silver. "Get on your way Luffy, don't need you dying on me too early." Marek said with a grin as Smoker growled.

"You becoming a traitor Marek?" Smoker demanded an answer, to which Marek responded with a wider smirk. "I'm just seeing my baby brother off, that's all."

"He's a pirate!" "So is my mother." Smoker's cigars about dropped out of his mouth. "Indeed. My mother is a pirate, my father is the Revolutionary Leader, and my grandparents are marine vice admirals."

Marek laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "Just forget that part I said about my mom being a pirate, it's of no consequence." Smoker stood there a gasp before pinching his nose. 'He's definitely Garp's grandson.'

"So yeah, you won't be chasing after him." "Like hell I won't!" Smoker yelled with a comical deadpan. "Alright then." Marek said with a shrug before sticking his hands in his pocket as Smoker's eyebrow twitched. "We're not done talking Marek!"

"Yeah we are. I can't stop you, and you can't stop them. I've got to head back into the Grand Line." Marek started walking away as Smoker scowled, rain starting to fall overhead.

Seras blinked softly. "I'm sorry sir, could you repeat that?" Marek smiled. "Of course, I want you and Tanner to be on standby. I have a feeling our sense of justice is going to be perverted in some manner in the coming months and I want the entire crew to be ready for anything."

She nodded her head. "That's what I thought you said. As for my rebuttal, WHY THE HELL DO YOU WANT US STATIONED AT IMPEL DOWN?!"

He smiled. "I want you and the crew to escort Arlong as well as the others that Smoker is going to round up there. I'm not worried much for Buggy and that Black Mace moreso that there may be some fishmen that are sympathetic to Arlong's cause that may try to break him out."

Seras cupped her chin. "Wait, that's actually pretty smart. Alright then." Marek walked onto the ship. "You wound me Seras, I do have good ideas here and there."

"I need you to drop me off at Alabasta on your way. I've got some things I need to check up." Seras nodded her head. "Of course Vice Admiral."