A/N: Every scene where Ace shows up is always a good one :D

Thanks to all my reviewers and those who've faved and followed this fic so far, or this fic wouldn't have gotten so far :)

Period: During the Alabasta Arc where the Strawhats run away after meeting Smoker in Nanohana, the first port they arrive in. (Vol. 18, Chapter 159)

Chapter 16: Kinship

Zoro watched as Ace dipped his head and gave everyone a sweeping glance. Then he stopped at Luffy, an affectionate smile on his lips. "Having a dumb little brother makes an older brother worry."

At that Luffy seemed about to retort, but Ace continued. "He probably gives you guys lots of trouble, too," he said with a grin, looking at the Straw Hat crew. "Take care of him for me."

And just like that, the Commander of Whitebeard's Second corps jumped over the side of the bridge. Luffy bent over the railings, shouting after him. As Zoro watched this whole exchange he was inexplicably moved.

It didn't surprise the man that Luffy would have a brother—everybody has a family at one point, but what was unexpected was that Ace was nothing like Zoro, or any of his shipmates, could have imagined. Dopey with a little screw missing in the head somewhere…that was what Zoro had assumed since this was Luffy's brother they were talking about here, but the real Ace was a person to behold. The swordsman did not witness the devil-fruit user's full power, but like the flames he conjured, Zoro could hear and see the intensity of Ace's words and eyes. The man loved Luffy no doubt.

But who was this man exactly? Up until this point, Zoro hadn't questioned or thought about Luffy's history. So, this was a rare moment, seeing a person from Luffy's past. It made sense now. The captain's selfish attitude, brashness, and bottomless curiosity—it all seemed possible if he had been a spoiled child, a child that was backed by someone who knew how to handle him.

Zoro imagined the troubles Ace must have gone through, the frustration, the anger of knowing such a person called Luffy. It must not have been easy, everyone knew that and Zoro above all would know that. He had been with Luffy the longest amongst his crew and had to put up with his antics the longest. But Ace, Ace was a whole other man! Not only was he powerful, he was alive and speaking familiarly with Luffy. Despite all the difficulties the two must have gone through, and despite being on a mission, the older brother took his time to see their captain and entrust his safety to the crew.

Zoro wasn't too sure if he was glad someone out there could relate to their experience, or if he was just honoured to take on such a responsibility. Either way, the swordsman could not hold back his overwhelming emotions.

"No, no way…!" said Nami. "How could someone that sensible be Luffy's brother?"

"I was sure he would be as irresponsible as Luffy," Usopp added.

Even Zoro had to comment. "What a great guy," the swordsman managed through gritted teeth. He was so touched, that he couldn't even form a complete sentence, "cares about his brother..!"

"Brotherhood is a wonderful thing," Chopper summarized.

Without meaning to, Zoro kind of wished he had a brother too.

Ace! I didn't really like Ace the first time I saw him, but now he's my favourite second character after Zoro.

I wouldn't mind having a brother like him :)