Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

More things will come to light in this as stuff moves on

And I just wanted to thank everyone for the lovely reviews, and to a question from a guest. Yes, Haruta is a girl in this. I know she is a male in canon, but she is not here

This is also posted early, since it was finished, meaning it might be a bit longer until the next chapter is up

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

Ace gave a sigh, opening her closet, needing to find something to wear. It was that time of the year again, and she needed something nice to wear, knowing it would be worse if she didn't. That man could be so annoying about that, even though it was a bit nice in a way, but still. Ace didn't like the way he wanted her to go.

She had stayed in her room the whole night, not wanting to venture out after the incident at the island, and needing to think after the talk with the captain. Ace was confused, not understanding how he could say anything like he had. How could he not care she was the child to Roger? No one likes that. Aside from a certain annoying man.

Ace gave a sigh, knowing he would show up soon. Ace should just get it over with.

After going through her closet, she found a shirt that would hopefully be good enough for the man. Ace didn't like the shirt much, especially since the shirt was slightly form-fitting, even worse since her binds laid on the bed.

Ace just wanted to get this over with. And maybe, the man could help her figure a few things out. He did, rarely, have something good and helpful to say.

-x-

Whitebeard gave a frown as Shanks boarded the ship, looking happy and his usual idiotic self, not here for business, carrying something on his arm. Shanks usually told before he came on board. "Brat, why are you here?" Asked Whitebeard, looking at Shanks, who wasn't even heading towards him. Shanks gave a smile. "It's the annual day out!" Whitebeard blinked. Annual day out? What was that? Shanks had never been here this day before. Before the captain could ask, everyone went silent as Ace came from around the corner.

And Ace didn't have the binds on, even having a nice form-fitting red shirt with a bow on, complementing her body; black pants, and hat still on her head. She looked beautiful. Why didn't she go as this usually, and why did she go like that now?

Shanks gave a laugh. "Acey! Ready?" Shanks was here for Ace? Ace gave a sigh, but nodded, moving a hand to take her hat off, placing it on a barrel, before moving her hand to the back of her head, taking some large pin or something away.

And, her hair fell down her back, Ace shaking her head and moving her other hand in it. It reached all the way down to her waist. How did she manage to hide that much hair? And why? It was magnificent and fit her perfectly.

Shanks then took what he had on his arm, which was a jacket, a black one, and helped Ace put it on, Ace moving her hands to make her long hair be out of the jacket, and Shanks gave a laugh, moving a hand up in the air. "Let the annual day out begin!" Ace gave a sigh at that, shaking her head, but had a small smile. Shanks looked at him. "You'll have her back in a few, or many, hours. She's back before the sun sets!"

Then, the two headed off, Shanks looking overly happy, and Ace more on the not-too-comfortable side, most likely since she was in those clothes, without her binds, and all that hair out. One could clearly see she was a female, and they knew as much that she didn't like she was a female, which was bad. Ace should be comfortable with herself. They didn't know how bad she didn't like herself, but it was clear she didn't like her female self, trying to avoid that.

Then, how did Shanks manage this? They needed to ask him when they could later, when they came back. There was so much about this kid they didn't know.

-x-

Ace gave a sigh, sitting down at a table with Shanks, feeling uncomfortable in the clothes, feeling naked in a way as she didn't have her binds on, the hair often being in the way.

Shanks gave a smile to her as he sat down, handing her a milkshake, and had a beer for himself. "So, Acey, how are you? You didn't tell me you joined the Whitebeards." Ace gave a small shrug. "I haven't… I just don't know what to do…" Shanks tilted his head a bit. "What do you mean? They haven't been doing anything to you? That doesn't sound like them." Ace shook her head. They've been… nice. I just don't know." Ace sent a small look around herself, seeing no one close, and looked at Shanks again. "Whitebeard said he didn't… care, that my father was Roger… And, they have been nice, even helping me from some thugs yesterday. I just don't get why."

Shanks gave a chuckle. "Sounds just like them, especially for the old man to not care about you being the child to Roger. As he says, 'everyone is a child of the sea.'" Shanks gave him a smile. "And they care, believe me. They wouldn't have taken you in like they did if they didn't. They are good people." Ace gave a nod. It was a bit comforting the man said that, to know they were good people, Ace just not sure. She had a feeling in her stomach at times, feeling heavy, not sure where to place it.

Ace looked at Shanks when he moved a hand to hers, having a serious look. "Are you unhappy there? Or them keeping you against your will? It doesn't sound like them, but if yes, I can take you with me right now."

Ace shook her head, having a small smile, glad the man cared. "It's fine. I'm not being kept against my will, or unhappy. Just unsure. But, thank you." Shanks gave a chuckle. "I just want you to be happy, Ace." Ace nodded, glad the man did. It was good to have him around at times, when he wasn't too annoying. Shanks took a chug of his beer, before looking at her with a smile. "How have things been? What have you been doing while on Newgate's ship?" Ace gave a nod, taking a sip of her milkshake, noticing it was just how she liked it, glad Shanks remembered, before starting to tell how she had been and what she had been doing.

She did tell about what they had done, how they had found out about her being a she, the man giving a frown when she said she had bound her binds too tight, and they hadn't brought it up much or seemed to mind much, only the one conversation with Marco, but that was it. She also told him about her insecurities a bit, about what she was unsure about when it came to them, to how they had acted and the conversation she had had with Whitebeard, also telling about the thing with the doctor, and what had happened yesterday.

When she was done, Shanks gave a nod, taking a drink of his beer. "They are trying to make you comfortable, that's why they asked about changing room. They didn't mean anything bad, only for you to maybe get a more private room and bathroom, which is often the best, no matter where you are. Especially since you like your privacy and such." Ace gave a small nod, not having thought about it that way. Maybe she should ask Marco about it, and see what room he wanted to maybe give her. She had thought it was to place her far away from everyone in a small room. Ace should maybe give them a chance. Shank then said that they wouldn't care she was a girl; that was nothing to worry about, they weren't people who minded that. Shanks also said that the thing with the doctor was an obvious mistake, which was not intended. They wouldn't do anything harming to her, especially seeing her past. Shanks did tell her that she should maybe talk to the doctor or someone about it, which she didn't want to. She didn't want to speak to anyone about it.

Shanks had also said that the thing that had happened yesterday, with the assholes, was something he would have expected from them. "They care for their family. They would always have your back, always make sure you are safe. And I hope those assholes are dead. No one messes with you, or anyone for that matter, like that. Are you better now?" Ace gave a nod. She was better now. Way shaken up yesterday, but better now. "Yeah. I just got… scared." She didn't like to admit that. Shanks gave a nod. "Want to speak about it?" Ace shook her head, she didn't want that, no matter how often people said speaking about things helped. Ace wanted to forget.

Before the other could speak, most likely say she should, a gust of wind came, blowing her hair in her face, again, which had her give an annoying sigh. This was why she didn't like the long hair, but Luffy was so fond of it, same with a few others she cared about.

Shanks seemed to be thinking of something, before he stood up and grabbed her arm. "Come on. I know what we can do, and it will be amazing!"

Ace had a feeling she wouldn't think it was as amazing.

-x-

Whitebeard sat out on deck, waiting for Ace and Shanks to return, it closing in on sunset; they should be back soon. If they didn't return within an hour, the captain would send someone to search for them. Whitebeard didn't like the fact Ace was with Shanks, but the kid had gone willingly and had a small content look. But still. After half an hour, the captain turned to look at the boarding plank, hearing Thatch muttering "Holy crap," and when the captain saw what had him say that, he had to blink.

It was Ace and Shanks, and Ace had an amazing red dress with a bow on, flowing a bit in the wind, hair braided amazingly with one big one in the middle, and two smaller ones on each side of the head, using the reminding hair, but still some hair that was unbraided underneath the braids, making a perfect finish.

She looked absolutely amazing. She looked really beautiful and gorgeous.

Shanks looked happy, laughing and seeming to have enjoyed himself. Ace had a more of an angry and annoyed look, but also looking a bit content. When they boarded, Ace took his hat and went off, muttering something along the lines of "Stupid dress. Stupid hair. Stupid red-haired captain," leaving before any of them managed to get out of their shock on how amazing she looked. When she was gone, Shanks gave a sigh. "Well, it did go well."

Whitebeard looked at Shanks. "Shanks. How do you know Ace, and how did you manage to get her to go like that?" Shanks gave a small sigh. "Known her since I met her brother years ago, and kind of promised that brat to help Ace like herself more. I'm surprised you know she is a she. Know it was an accident you know, but still." Whitebeard gave a nod. The brother was Luffy, Ace had mentioned him a few times.

Whitebeard had still hoped they knew Ace was a female from her telling. Just the fact she had long hair was a thing. "She has really long hair. How does she hide it?" Shanks gave a chuckle. "Fake bob. And the hat helps a lot. It's long since Luffy said he wanted her to have long hair." Whitebeard gave a nod. Luffy, which Ace was really protective of, seemed to be protective of Ace too, and Luffy might want Ace to like her female side, which was good. Whitebeard looked at Shanks. "She doesn't seem to like her female side, we've noticed that." Shanks gave a slow not, looking at him, as if assessing. "You care about her, right? As in, you want to help?" Whitebeard blinked. "Of course! What would make you think otherwise?" Shanks shook his head. "Just making sure." Shanks then gave a sigh.

"Ace doesn't just 'not like' her female side, she has a deep hatred to it. She hates her female self and everything about it."

Whitebeard blinked, before giving a nod, a frown on his face, not knowing it was as bad. But, they didn't know the kid well, and she rarely, basically never, spoke about her female side, never showing it. "Why?" Shanks gave a sigh, eyes holding something akin to sadness and anger.

"Because people have made her hate herself. Hate that she is a female, and is just useless as one. It's deep, and will take long to fix, but we're trying. But, I can only do so much in one day."

The last part was said with a look to him, and Whitebeard gave a nod, understanding what he hinted at. He wanted him, them, to try and help Ace, to get him to accept herself for a she, and they wanted that too. But, they had no idea it was as bad that she hated herself. They barely could talk to her without her being mad or thinking it was all a ploy. They would try, try all they could. Shanks seemed to get this, and gave a nod back. Before the captain could ask anything else, a voice had him turn his head. "I can't get the damn braids out!"

Shanks looked at him and gave a wink, which had him confused. When Ace came out into view from the corner, she had changed into her usual clothes and bind now on, but hair still down and braids in. When she was a few steps out on deck, Shanks gave a chuckle, a smile on his face, changing from the serious one he just had. Did he put it up for Ace? Most likely yes, to hide the fact he didn't like the dislike, or as Shanks said, hatred for herself. Whitebeard didn't like that himself.

Shanks moved and grabbed Ace's hat from her hand, and placed it on her head. "Keep it, at least for a day or three." Before Ace could start speaking, going to argue, Shanks continued. "You know Luffy would love a picture, and the Kameko Den Den they have here needs a day or so to get ready to take a pic, as this is unprepared."

Whitebeard blinked. That was untrue, but Ace nodded, not looking happy, but agreeing. Ace really wanted to please Luffy, to show this. That was why Shanks winked at him, to get him to join in on the lie. It wasn't good to lie, and the captain didn't like it. But, it would make Ace keep the beautiful braids a bit more, and show her long hair. That might do something good, he hoped. Whitebeard nodded. "Of course. Izou can make sure the Kameko Den Den is ready as fast as possible, hopefully in the next day, but possibly in two." Izou gave a shocked look to him, before the crossdresser nodded, going with the lie, understanding it.

Ace was a beautiful female, and she shouldn't hate herself for it. If they found anyone who had made her hate herself, or try to say mean things to her, they would pay.

Shanks gave a last pat to Ace's head, before the red-haired man left, giving a happy goodbye, heading off the boat. His boat was probably at another place at the island somewhere. Whitebeard was glad he now knew more about Ace, but not the fact that she had a hatred against herself, and he would make sure to try and fix it, help her realise she is a strong and beautiful woman, to love herself like she should. Whitebeard could see the ones who had heard what Shanks said thought along the same lines, especially the commanders she was close to, or closer to than most. She still didn't like to be around them much, but did at times. Especially Marco, Izou, Haruta, and at times, Thatch, when the chef left the fact she was a female alone. He has a tendency to bring that up or be his usual womanising self, which could go bad.

They would do their best to make Ace happy.

-x-

Marco gave a knock to Ace's door, almost completely sure she was there, it starting to become late and he thought the woman had turned in for the night.

It had been a surprise when the Red-Haired captain had come by for Ace earlier, the man seeming to know Ace, even more so when they saw how Ace looked, the hair being a bigger shock. She was a beautiful woman, at least that was what he thought. But, there were reasons for her to not think the same, which was something they would try and change, hoping she would join their family. They needed to gain her trust, and make her more comfortable, the reason he was here now, to fix something that was not right in his mind, which could turn bad and make things worse.

After a few seconds, the door opened, Ace standing there, hat on, but braids in still. "Marco?" Marco gave a nod. "Could I come in for a second, yoi?" Ace seemed to be thinking for a few seconds, before she nodded. "Okay." She sounded a bit unsure, but this would go fast.

When he got into Ace's room, he reached and took something from his pocket, taking a Kameko Den Den out, making Ace look confused. "For the picture to your brother, yoi." Ace gave a frown. "I thought it would take a couple of days or so?" Marco gave a nod. "I remember we had an extra one that was ready, yoi." Marco didn't agree with what Pops had done earlier, telling the lie about the Den Den, going with Shanks. He did get it, but it was wrong to lie like that. He didn't want to tell Ace it was a lie, as that could make things worse, and had decided to change it a bit, telling that they had an extra.

Ace blinked, before she nodded. "That sounds good." Marco gave a nod. "How would you like to take the picture, yoi?" Ace gave a nod. "How about from the side? But also get the back?" Marco gave a nod. That sounded like a good idea. That way, they would get how it looked, also getting Ace's face. When Marco had taken the picture, taking one for each side, he put the Den Den away. "It will take an hour or so get the picture, yoi. I can give you it tomorrow, or you can just come to me with the note you want to send to your brother. I send the mail anyway." Ace nodded. "Okay."

Marco looked at Ace's braids. "Would you like help to take the braids out, yoi? It sounded like they were hard to get out." Ace looked at him, before giving a slow nod. "Could you?" Marco gave a nod. "Of course. Here," He said as he carefully moved a hand to untie the hair-tie, before starting to untwine the braid, needing to use a dagger to cut the tie that held the braid, not able to do it by hand. He did it carefully, in case Ace changed her mind or he pulled to hard. He knew many who were sensitive to their hair getting pulled. She didn't seem to be in pain, letting him do it, which was good.

When he did start to untwine, he was surprised on how smooth and silky the hair felt. "It's really smooth, yoi." Ace gave a small nod, to not pull her hair. "That's why the braids are so tough to get out; They're tightened and fastened good so they don't slip and fall out." Marco gave a nod, that made sense. The hair was more smoother than what he would have thought. "It's beautiful." Ace gave a small nod, but didn't say anything.

It took almost 15 minutes to get all the braids out, seeing as it was as long. When they were out, Ace moved a hand through it and massaged her hair a bit. He guessed it was a bit good to get them out too. Ace sent a look at him, giving a smile. "Thank you; for the help." Marco gave a nod, glad to see Ace smile. "It's nothing, yoi. Have a good night." Ace gave a nod. "You too, Marco." Marco gave a last nod to Ace, before he left, handing the Kameko Den Den to someone who could get the picture out, and he would give it to Ace tomorrow so he could send it. That, or just keep it until Ace had written a note to his brother.

When he had given the Den Den away, he went to the deck and to Pops' chair, telling he had taken the picture and helped Ace remove her braids. Izou, who was close to them, gave a protest. "Why?! She was going to wear the braids for a few days!" Marco shook his head. "How would you have liked if we told you to wear a suit, yoi? Just so we could take a picture in 3 days?" Izou closed his mouth at that. Marco knew the man didn't like suits, feeling they were too tight. "Ace might not know we could have taken the picture now, but lying to force her to keep the braids to make her brother happy is not good, yoi. By principle."

Izou gave a nod. "I understand. I'm sorry, Marco. I didn't think about it like that. Did you tell her we lied?" Marco shook his head. "No. I told I remember we had another Kameko that was ready. Telling that it was a lie would have been bad, yoi. She doesn't trust us yet, and this could have become bad if she found out." Izou gave a nod, looking like he regretted it now. Marco looked over at Pops when the man spoke. "I get why you did it, son. I was a bit reluctant, seeing as it was a lie, but I still went with it, which I now realise was a mistake. You did the right thing." Marco gave a nod, glad Pops thought the same as him. It was wrong to lie, especially for their gain.

Marco shared a few more words with Pops, before he left for his duties, him having the first part of the night shift today. He hoped Ace would stay with them. She would be a good addition to the family.

-x-

Ace gave a sigh, taking her binds off for the night, going to try and sleep.

The last days had been confusing for her, not understanding everything, trying to comprehend everything. It was mind-boggling to see and hear they didn't care about her being the son to Roger. Even Shanks didn't seem surprised the captain didn't care about it. Did she want to stay here?

Ace wasn't completely sure yet, but maybe… She did feel comfortable here… at least most of the time. There were still a few stares and such, but still…

They protected her, made sure she ate, not caring much about her being a her, at least not bringing it up. Maybe they would if she joined? Maybe things would change then? Was she willing to take that chance? Ace thought she did. What should she do now? Should she wait before she told, or did anything? She knew everyone had a tattoo with the captain's mark. Did she want that? Would she mark her body for that forever? If she would be happy here, she would.

As Ace took her undershirt off, going to put on a sleeping one, she catched a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and got an idea. This would be a thing, a big change, it would change her future, and not erase her past, but hopefully be better.

She wanted to cover her past with something good.

Should she do it..? Would it maybe be too fast? Didn't Deuce think of the same? Only a different place? Ace looked out her window, it was late, dark, most was asleep. Ace made her mind to at least go and speak to the man, to ask about this. She put a shirt and sweater on, before moving out and to the room Deuce was in, wanting to speak to him, glad the man was there. He did look a bit worried, but looked more thoughtful after Ace had explained, in a half-unsure manner, before nodding, telling he understood her, and did think it was a good idea. He did also ask if she was completely sure, which she was a bit unsure on, but knew it would at least be better. They had been nicer to her than most, and she wanted to remember that, even if they wouldn't be later. She wanted to remember this.

That was enough for Deuce, and they headed off, going to do it together. Ace was nervous the entire time, really glad Deuce joined her, him going first. Ace was nervous when it was her turn, but Deuce helped, especially when she had to undress. It thankfully went fine- it helped that Deuce was there- and the guy was a nice and good one, not commenting on it.

When they were done, Ace looked at herself in the mirror, and had to say she liked it. It was something, something new, to not always be reminded of her past, but it was there.

Ace had decided.

Ace wanted to do this.

-x-

Whitebeard say in his room, relaxing during the night. He had slept a bit earlier, and was awake now, the clock closing in on 3 in the night. It was cold a cold night, meaning being out wouldn't be too comfortable right now.

As he was relaxing, there was a knock at the door, making him wonder who it was, seeing as it was as late, or early. He gave a come in, and the door opened to reveal Ace.

The captain gave a smile, thinking Ace was here to speak more. The kid had probably been thinking a lot, maybe even talking a bit to Shanks. He would try and help all he could, hoping she would stay when they got to the next island in about a week's time. "Ace, how are you this night?" The kid gave a nod. "Okay. I just… I've been thinking." The captain gave a nod. He had thought as much. "What have you been thinking about?" Ace gave a nod, taking a breath.

"I'm still not… I'm not sure about everything yet. It's all confusing. But I've tried to figure it out, and I, with help, decided to do something with my life, to not forget, but look forward, to cover the bad with something better. I know it won't be visible, but it felt right, and I know I might rushed, or how others would react, but I.:." Ace took a breath, cutting off her rambling, before closing her eyes, seeming to decide on something, before she turned around. Ace then took her sweater off, the captain now seeing she hadn't her binds on, having a baggy shirt that hid her body.

When Ace reached to lift her shirt too, the captain thought Ace would show him the scars, to maybe tell about her past. That would be something good, to admit it and not hide it away. It was bad to have something one didn't like about one's body. Speaking about it could help dealing with it, and the captain would gladly help with all he could.

But when she had lifted the shirt halfway up her back, him seeing see-through bandages and what was there, he felt his heart do a small jump. Could it be? When the shirt was completely lifted, the captain could just stare in shock, happiness, and proudness.

Ace had his mark on her entire back. The entire original mark, not the one most took.

She had taken his mark and placed it over her back, where she had most of her bad past. This was what she meant about covering her past with something good.

Ace wanted to join them, to join their family.

Ace stood still with her back open for a few seconds, before she let her shirt down and sweater on, turning around. The captain couldn't be happier right now; he got a new family member. When Ace had turned around, she had her head somewhat downcast, looking to the side. The captain gave a smile, moving a finger to lift her head, making her look up at him. "Don't hang your head, I'm proud." Ace gave a small nod, looking a bit unsure. "It's just… it's on my back… I don't like to…" Ace trailed off, but he knew what she was hinting at. "Don't worry about that, Ace. Many of my children have their marks on places it won't be visible at all times, having it on their clothes too because of that. Just the fact you have it, especially a place meaningful to you, is the most important. I'm proud."

Ace gave a nod, seeming to get a bit less nervous about that. "I'm… not ready to tell… everyone." The captain shook his head. "It's fine. They don't expect it to happen yet, not until we dock next, in 7 days. You can just relax until that." Ace gave a nod, looking comforted by that. "T-thank you, Whitebeard." He gave a nod. He didn't mind she called him 'Whitebeard' for now, hoping she would change it later, when she got more used to all of this.

The captain gave a smile. "Now, how about you go and relax? I know getting a tattoo can be exhausting, and you've had a few tiring days." Ace gave a nod. "I will." Ace then headed for the door, hesitating when she was by it for a second, seeming to think for a second, before she turned to him. "Thank you, for accepting me." The captain shook his head. "That's nothing to thank me for." The kid seemed a bit shocked by that, before giving a nod, heading out, the captain seeing Deuce waiting out for Ace, giving a smile to Ace. The kid was lucky to have someone like Deuce, who seemed to really care.

The captain gave a small laugh. He was glad Ace had joined them, showing and telling him, even more happy when she had taken the mark on her back, covering her past, but not forgetting it, moving on. It was still a long way to go, but they would get there.

He was proud of Ace.

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

So, Ace is now a part of the Whitebeards, even taking the mark. The rest won't know for now, and more will come to light later and more will happen in the next chapter as a special person visit

If you have the time, I greatly appreciate feedback

Also, if you're interested and have it and maybe want to share something or anything with me, come join my Discord server. It's called Azuruko's Fiction. It have a small channel for all my stories, and one main one (Instant invite: discord . gg / AxFBxH) The link is also at my profile