HOLY SHIT! It's been waaaaay too long since I updated this,and for that I'm sorry,but life comes in the way for a long list of reasons,I'm not even gonna start naming here. I hope this lives up to the standard I've made for this story. Don't forget to Read and Review!

Chapter 5:Training,Timeskip and Traveling

It has been a year since Sabo came to live Garp and stated his training under Garp and the Red-hair Pirates. The three boys quickly became close, with both Ace and Sabo acting as older brothers for the younger hyperactive boy that was Luffy. It was already midnight when Luffy and Sabo got woken up by Ace, who quickly shushed them and gestured for them to follow him. They followed him outside, and halfway between their home and the forest he turned to them and fished something out of his belt.

Sabo rubbed the sleep out of his eyes when he saw what Ace held up. "Did you know,when people share Sake,they became brothers?" Ace asked. Sabo's eyes widened at the implication. "Really?" asked Luffy,excited to gain both Ace and Sabo as brothers. Sure,he and Ace was already as close as brothers,but to him,this made it official. Ace nodded. "Yep,so I nicked this out of Jii-san's cabinet. Let's make this official guys. I know at least me and Luffy are planning to be captains of our own ships and crews,but you are unknown so far. So,to ensure that we'll always keep in touch,let's become brothers!" Ace said,his own excitement mirroring Luffys,and soon after,Sabo joined in.

The next day: "Owww!my head!" exclaimed Ace as he woke up. "Sake always does that to first-timers, but maybe that should help remind you to stay out of my booze" an elderly voice said,and when Ace opened his eyes,he saw that it was Garp,the old man sitting in front of him sipping on a cup of coffee. Ace gingerly sat up,before noticing that both Sabo's and Luffy's beds were empty.

Garp saw his look and said: "Luffy and Sabo are already outside training, Luffy's training with Benn today,Sabo's with Shanks and once you've eaten,you're with Lucky. I might come around to help you guys during the day,but for the first part,you're by yourself, I have to meet a friend of mine first. So,you're in charge of your brothers for the beginning of the day,understood?" Garp asked sternly. Ace blinked once before nodding. Garp smiled and gestured to the bedside table. "Eat. And drink that may taste revolting to begin with,but it should help you sober up" he said before getting up and leaving the room. Ace blinked again,before smiling and helping himself to the food that had been brought up to him.

Meanwhile,with Luffy:

Luffy was currently walking with the Vice-captain of the Red-hair Pirates, to find a place where he could best teach the boy the basics of navigation. Eventually,they found a nice quiet spot between the foot of the mountain and with a nice view of the sea. Then Benn sat down and gestured for Luffy to sit down next to him, which the young boy eagerly did. "Now Luffy,you want to become a pirate,right?" Benn asked rhetorically,as he already knew this,but Luffy eagerly nodded anyway. "Yup! I can't wait to set sail and find my Nakama!" the boy said before grinning widely. Benn smirked gently as he lit up a cigarette. "Well then,I can't let you set sail unprepared,then can I? Your gramps would kill me if I let that happen,so I am here to teach you how to avoid being stuck at sea. There are many ways of finding your direction even when stuck out on the open sea..."

Meanwhile with Sabo:

Sabo was sitting on the terrace of Garps house with Shanks. The red-haired man looked at Sabo and said: "I guess you're wondering what I'm going to teach you,huh?" causing a slightly shaky nod from the yellow-haired boy. Shanks sat back on one of the two sofa's standing on the terrace. "I am going to teach you something that everyone could know,but only a few ever masters. Tell me,have you ever heard of Haki?" causing the blonde to shake his head and the red-haired pirate started to explain.

With Ace:

After Ace had finished eating, he took the tray with the now-empty plate of food and the cup who he now knew had been filled with coffee down to the kitchen. When he got there,he saw Lucky already rummaging the cupboards. "Do you need anything?" Ace said as he started washing the dishes.

The chubby man turned around to see Ace and grinned. "Ah,Ace! Yes,I was planning the first thing to teach you,and if you are like me,you learn better from doing rather than reading,am I right?" he asked,getting an affirmative nod from the raven-haired teen. Then Lucky turned back to the cupboards. "I was just wondering where your gramps had hidden his spices, they are essential when it comes to cooking, no matter what it is"he said. Ace smiled before he went to the counter next to the oven and opened a drawer, revealing several rows of spices.

"Here you are" Ace said before going back to the smiled as he picked up a box before frowning. "What's this? 'Garp Special'?" Lucky said as he opened up the lid,stuck his pinky in and tasted a sample before turning to Ace. "Do you know what's in this?"he asked the shook his head. "Only Gramps knows,all I know is that all the spices he makes are with things native to the island"

Lucky frowned a little before speaking. "Well,at least we have spices. Now we need something to use it on" he said. "We do have a stock of bear,tiger and crocodile meat if you want to try that out" Ace said as he pointed to a door. Lucky opened the door and saw it was a hidden room. From the ceiling hung rows upon rows of all kinds of meat he had never tasted. True enough,there was tiger,bear and crocodile along with rows of fish that Lucky guessed was native to the waters around Dawn Island.

He rubbed his hands together and asked Ace to come help him.

Meanwhile with Garp:

Garp was walking around the capital of Dawn Island,his destination unknown until he felt a familiar Aura. " a shock. Should've known he would seek out the local bars" he said to himself as he walked into a bar. He walked up to the bar counter and ordered a Whisky before asking the bartender: "Excuse me,you haven't seen a man with glasses,a bit taller than me and with a beard in three stripes?". The bartender thought for a second.

"Ah,yes,Rayleigh-san! He ordered a room upstairs and said he was waiting for a friend. I take it you are Garp-san?" he answered in a hushed tone. Garp nodded. "Room 431 is the one you are searching for" the bartender said in a normal tone. Garp thanked the man and walked upstairs. Once there,he knocked twice before entering. Once inside he found the man himself sitting in front of a table with a curious gleam in his eyes.

"Did you get them?" Garp asked. Rayleigh nodded. "I did,but was curious when you asked if I could get you three of them. I hope you have an explanation you can give me to make this worth it" Garp nodded. "I do,but not here,you never know when you're being overheard by the wrong people. Let me invite you to my home, the boys have a few friends over that you'll be happy to meet,and I'm sure that dinner will be ready by the time we get back" he said,causing Rayleigh to frown before looking into the expecting eyes of Garp.

"Thank you for the invitation,I'm happy to accept. Let me just get my stuff and I have to make up my tab in the bar and we can take my boat over,if that is okay?" Garp nodded. "It is,better than walking through the damned forest anyway" he said,causing Rayleigh to raise an eyebrow but didn't ask any questions. The two men walked downstairs,where Rayleigh was somehow greeted by all the patrons and the bartender was shaking his hands before the two left the bar.

It wasn't until they had set sail from the port that Rayleigh spoke up. "So,what's with all the secrecy? I already know about Roger's son and your grandson, so why did you ask me to smuggle three devil fruits out to the East Blue?" Garp sighed. "About a year or so ago, we rescued a kid from the Tiger Lord. Kid's name is Sabo,or rather, Outlook Sabo,the son of the nobles. He hates his family,so he ran away from home,but got trapped under a fallen tree before Luffy and Ace found him. He's been living with us ever since. Whatever you say,don't mention his last name. He has thrown away his family ties and wishes to someday set sail as a free man,so me and a few others has been training him,Ace and Luffy so they will be prepared for the Grand Line. I was also planning on making Luffy's journey a bit of a challenge, considering the relatively low-level pirates that is sailing around this sea. With the exception of one,who I want to set straight myself" Garp finished.

Rayleigh raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who has earned the ire of Garp the Fist?anyone I know?" he asked jokingly until he saw the serious look in Garp's eyes. "Garp?" said man just growled out one word. "Buggy." This gained Rayleigh's attention. "Buggy? That red-nosed brat is here in the East Blue?" Garp nodded. "As you know,my Observation has been perfected, to the point where I can find any soul strong enough. A couple of weeks ago,I felt the brat's aura enter the East Blue. Been keeping track of him ever since,in case he comes near this island. Doubtful,seeing as this island has nobles on it,but you never know. Knowing him,he never kept up with his Haki training,so most likely he'll piss his pants knowing that both of us are here." Garp said with a grin. Rayleigh smiled. "Well,in that case,I hope you've kept up with your fighting skills. Can't have the young beat the old,now can we?" he asked,causing both of them to laugh.

A little while after,they had reached the private pier Garp had built on his property.

After fastening the boat they headed towards the house,where Shanks and his men were still training the boys. "Hey boys. How is training going?" Garp said,causing Shanks to look up and immediately grinned. "RAYLEIGH!" he shouted as he ran of to greet the man. "Hahaha,so this is who you meant by friends I'd be happy to meet. Good to see you again red-hair, how's life as a Yonko?"

Shanks grinned. "Pretty good. We're only staying here for another year before we have to go back to the New World. Can't have a rookie ruin my territory,after all" the red-haired captain said with a grin. Rayleigh laughed and slapped Shanks on the back. "HAHAHA! You're doing just fine,boy. But where's your crew? I'd imagine they'd be land-sick by now" he asked as they walked up to the house. "They're sailing around the blues, I made Rockstar temporary captain until it's time for us to go" Shanks replied as they walked up to the terrace where Sabo was still sitting,practising.

"Sabo, I have someone I want you to meet" Garp said as they sat down on the couches. Garp then gestured to Rayleigh. "This is-" " -'The Dark king' Silvers Rayleigh,first mate of the Roger pirates. It's a pleasure to meet you Sir." Sabo stated as politely as he could,despite his nervousness. Garp grinned as he looked to Rayleigh. "See?I told you the kid was smart. Where's your brothers?" he said. "Luffy's with Benn somewhere between the mountain and ocean, while Ace is in the kitchen with Lucky" Sabo said after closing his eyes for a moment. Garp raised an eyebrow at Shanks.

"You're teaching him haki? I thought we would teach them all at the same time next month?" he asked,getting an embarrassed look from Shanks. "I know,but it's easier teaching one-on-one than at the same time,especially with the two hot-heads you call grandsons" the red-head said as he stuck his tongue out at Garp, who sat there with a very un-impressed look on his face. "for that-" Garp said as he got up of the couch - "- You get to teach the others next month, alone !" he finished as he walked into the kitchen. "Sabo,get Luffy,I'll get Ace!" he yelled,causing the boy to jump up and ran to where he had felt Luffy's presence.

Rayleigh sat back and asked the red-head: "How long have you trained him in haki?" Shanks sat back as well and looked up. "I've trained him in secret for a month, considering I felt he'd need the advantage to accomplish his goal" he said as he fished a bottle of sake from his belt and took a swig. "Oh? And what goal is that?" came Garp's voice, followed by the man himself and Ace. He then gestured to Ace.

"Rayleigh,I'd like to introduce you to a very special person. This is Portgas D. Ace, son of Portgas D. Rouge and Gol D. Roger. Ace,this-" here Garp gestured to Rayleigh. "-is Silvers Rayleigh, known as the "Dark king" and vice-captain of the Roger Pirates" he finished. Ace stood there with wide eyes at the man in front of him. Rayleigh stood up and walked over to Ace. "It is a pleasure to meet you Ace" he said as he stretched out a hand. Ace cleared his throat nervously before shaking Rayleigh's hand. "N-Nice to meet you too,Sir" at Ace's mannerisms, Rayleigh laughed.

"HAHAHA! What's this? A D with manners? Where have you gotten those from,son? Can't be "pig-mouth" Garp here,that's for sure" he finished as he pointed his thumb at Garp,who turned red in embarrassment and shame before exclaiming: "Well,what's so wrong about that? Good manners doesn't hurt,pirate or not!" he then turned to Shanks.

"Where's Sabo and Luffy?" he asked the red-head, who pointed to a point along the beach. "Here they come now" he said and everyone turned to where he pointed. Sure enough, they saw Benn and Sabo and a small boy who were bouncing all over the place. "Luffy! Get over here!" Ace called, and no sooner had he said that, the little boy seemed to be instantly in front of them. Ace just laughed and patted Luffy's head before Garp grabbed the younger boy's attention.

"Luffy, I want you to meet a good friend of mine. This is Rayleigh, my old vice-captain" he said as he clasped one hand on Luffy's shoulder and gestured the other to Rayleigh. "WOW! You're even bigger than Jii-san!" the youngest raven-haired boy exclaimed, causing all the adults,except Rayleigh to facepalm, and Ace to laugh.

"HAHAHA! I can definitely see that you're Garp's grandson,you have the mannerisms of your father!" Rayleigh said as he crouched down to Luffy's level. "Your grandfather was no better than you are when he was older than Ace, so don't worry about it" he said with a smile and a wink before standing up and ruffling Luffy's hair.

Garp was suddenly reminded of something. "By the way Shanks? Where's Yassopp? Is he on the ship with your crew?" he asked the youngest adult. Shanks smiled as he looked to Luffy. "No. Yassopp wanted to see his family over on Gecko Island,so I let him have a boat to sail over with a couple of guys from the crew. He has a son about Luffy's age,I believe,so I wouldn't put it past him to bring them here. He should be back in time for dinner. By the way,Ace" he looked to the young teen.

"Weren't you supposed to be with Lucky?" he asked as Ace paled and ran back into the kitchen. Luffy tilted his head. "What's wrong with Ace? He never runs to the kitchen unless he's late for dinner". "Well, dinner might be best to get over with first, cause after we have a surprise for you boys" Garp said, gaining looks of confusion from both Luffy and Shanks until the latter's eyes widened in shock as he understood what the two seniors in front of him had in mind. Just then, he felt Yassopp's signature close in, and noticed something wrong. He ran out to the beach where he could see the small dinghy come closer.

Not even 10 minutes later, the dinghy once again disappeared, leaving without two of its former occupants; one was Yassopp, the other was a young boy around Luffy's age. Both looked like all hope had left them. Shanks kneeled down to where Yassopp was sitting looking out to the ocean.

"What happened?" he asked, gaining a slight gasp before the long-haired sniper answered. "She's dead. Banchina. Apparently she had been suffering from a nameless disease for a couple of years before she passed away" tears rolled down Yassopp's cheeks and he strangled a sob before continuing.

"Ussopp,gods bless him, had been trying to cheer her up,by saying that he had seen our flag and that I was coming to take them with me. I know,I know,there's nothing I could've done about, the Grand Line would be far to dangerous for a woman and a child,even on one of the safer islands" here Yassopp drew a long breath and exhaled deeply before looking his captain in the eye.

"I had to bring him with me, Shanks. I couldn't bear the thought of Ussopp staying put on that island without any one to care for him" he said before standing up. Shanks did the same before clasping a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"For what it's worth,I'm sorry. The least we can do now is introduce your son to the others and train him alongside the others. Knowing your boy,he has the same lust for adventures you do" the red-haired captain said with a knowing grin, which Yassopp returned. "Heh. Adventure's in the blood, there's no denying that" he said before he walked up to his son to talk to him about the plans for the future. Shanks in the meanwhile, walked up to the others and briefed them on the situation. "Apparently Yassopp's wife died a couple of years ago from a nameless disease and he brought his son here because he didn't want to leave him uncared for. I hope it's okay for you?" he asked of Garp,who had a mild expression on his face.

"I'll make a bed for him with the others. I know what Yassopp goes through" the old man said wearily as he trudged towards the forest. Shanks looked at Luffy,who had gotten a little sad at the topic. "Grandma passed away while she and Gramps were moving here from the South Blue. The doctors all said that it was a nameless illness" the young boy explained to Shanks, who had gotten somber. He then looked at Luffy. "Hey Luffy" he said,gaining the boy's attention. "Can you do me a favor? Introduce yourself to Ussopp and try to befriend him? Unlike you,he doesn't have any one else. Can you do me that favor,Luffy?" he asked, getting a nod and a grin from Luffy,who ran off to where Yassopp and Ussopp were standing,talking to each other.

When Yassopp saw Luffy coming down to them, he grinned and gestured for his son. Luffy said: "Hi! I'm Monkey D. Luffy! Nice to meet'cha" followed by an ear-splitting grin. Ussopp grinned and said: "I'm the brave warrior of the seas, they call me Captain Ussopp!" Luffy tilted his head in a questioning manner and said: "Captain? Don't you need to have a ship and crew to call yourself that?" he asked innocently. Yassopp laughed. "Hahaha! Good question, Luffy!", causing Ussopp's face to go red and yelled: "Shut up! What do you know about being a pirate captain, anyway?" as his fists clenched and unclenched.

Luffy stood in a thinking pose before saying: "Maybe not that much,but I've heard a lot of what I need from gramps and Shanks. After all, I would be a poor pirate captain if I didn't know what I need of supplies or crewmembers! Then again,I'm not setting sail until I'm seventeen, neither is Ace or Sabo,though they'll be leaving in about 6 years. I have to wait 9 years to set sail" the raven-haired boy said with a slight pout. Ussopp looked at him in wonder. "Are you really setting sail when you're 17? Do you have any crewmembers? What are you setting sail for?" he asked in rapid succession. "Shishishishi!Yep,nope,and I haven't really set up a goal,although.." Luffy's eyes widened along with his grin and he yelled out: "GRAMPS! I KNOW WHY I WANT TO SET SAIL!" Garp walked out and yelled back: "Oh? And what is your reason,boy?" Luffy grinned widely as he yelled out two words: "ONE PIECE!"

Damn! Longest chapter so far! I'll try to keep the length somewhat the same for the rest of the future chapters,but no guarantees! Anyway, Lemme think what you guys think! No flamers though,they'll be ignored. Anyway,time to try to update my other stories! Sayonara!