*Disclaimer! I don't own anything One Piece related that belongs to Oda*


Nami slams her empty glass on the bar top while Zoro warily glances at her, drinking. Luffy is on Zoro's other side, eating.

"Man, I'm SO pissed off," Nami growls.

Law blinked at the apparently pissed-off navigator. It seems like she is more aggressive than usual.

"Ok, new setting change," Marco said, focusing on the now frozen image of Nami, "It looks like they're in a bar of some sort. Probably not on a Sky Island then."

"Good observation Marco," Whitebeard grinned at his son before he raised a brow at the screen, "Although young Nami seems quite upset."

Marco, smiling at the praise, suddenly turned toward the frozen screen in worry.

"Hopefully nothing too upsetting," Rayleigh frowns.

"It looks like the boys are fine," Roger pointed out, "Nothing to worry about." he paused, "Probably."

Rayleigh rolled his eyes but nodded along with his captain anyways. Marco also looked reassured by the Pirate King's words and relaxed on his shared couch.

The bartender chuckles as he grabs her cup, "I'm sorry to hear about that. Mock Town has become a place for pirates to unload their riches."

"Mock Town?" Shanks voices aloud his head tilted to the side in thought.

"You know the place, Shanks?" Rayleigh questioned. All heads faced the redhead as the man lightly chuckled.

"Yes actually," Red Hair smiled, he looked lost in memories before he shook his head and faced the Dark King, "I don't know if it's fate or not, but I also stopped at Mock Town before I went to a Sky Island." Rayleigh raised his eyebrows in slight surprise, smiling.

"Wow, what a coincidence!" Marco exclaimed. Roger hummed in thought, smiling. Law stared at the man, curious about what he was thinking.

"Shabby pirates need not enter, eh?" Nami huffs.

The bartender refills Nami's cup, smiling, "Looks like nothing I say will console you." He places her cup in front of her, "Here. This one's on the house." Nami glances at it as the bartender continues, "Because so many rich folks gather in this town, brawls and murder have become an everyday occurrence. They usually don't kill the townsfolk, though."

How considerate of them. Law was glad he didn't stop by this island on his journey through paradise. Not that his crew couldn't handle the townsfolk, it just seemed like an unnecessary source of conflict.

The bartender places two cherry pies in front of Luffy and an unknown man, "Here ya go."

"Well, I still don't like this town." Nami insists.

The bartender laughs, "I guess I understand how you feel. Sorry to tell you this, but you won't find any ordinary people in this town. Well, your Log should set in about four days. It'd be best to leave without causing any trouble, right?"

Nami looks at her Log Pose, "Four days, huh? Then we can't stay any longer than two days. Hey, old man-"

"HEY, OLD MAN!"

"HEY, OLD GUY!"

Law winced at the loud voices.

"Hey wait…" Marco started, squinting at the screen, "That guy looks..."

Law looked up at the frozen screen and blinked at the man sitting beside Straw Hat.

Blackbeard.

He didn't know Straw Hat had met Blackbeard before Marineford. It's curious the teen has encountered Blackbeard and from the looks of it, entirely by coincidence. Although, it does feel a little too convenient to be a coincidence, more like what Red Hair said earlier about fate. Whatever it is, it's unnerving.

The Past Pirates also stared at the screen in recognition. "There is something about him that is familiar" Whitebeard commented.

"Ah," Shanks spoke up, frowning, "Teech."

The mood soured immediately at the name.

"Teech." Whitebeard stated lowly. Marco was glaring at the screen. Law could see Roger and Rayleigh both having displeased looks.

"Wait!" Marco shouted suddenly gaining the attention of everyone in the room.

"Noisy brat," Law barely heard from the Beast Pirate.

"What is it Little Phoenix?" Roger asked with a raised brow.

Marco briefly looked miffed at the nickname before shaking his head, focusing on the problem, "Isn't Ace going after Teech? Why is he around Luffy?"

"Good point, it is a little concerning that Teech is near Luffy at all," Roger commented.

Law looked over and saw Red Hair staring at the screen, the man looked lost in thought. He wasn't sure what the man was thinking, but he had a pretty good idea.

"It's curious that Teech crossed paths with Luffy before Ace did…" Red Hair spoke in a daze. There was a tense silence as some of the occupants in the room stared at the man. The Emperor blinked in surprise like he didn't mean to speak out loud. The Past Pirates glanced at the man, not sure what to say.

Rayleigh raised a brow, "What do you mean by that Shanks?"

Red Hair looked at his former crewmate, not responding. Law could feel the tension rise ever so slightly.

"Are you saying Ace finally caught Teech?" Rayleigh prompted.

"Fufufufu," Doflamingo laughed, the man smirking from where he was lounging in his chair. Law glared at the blonde. It wasn't his place to tell them what happened to Ace. The Warlord is getting a little too bold for his taste. Ever since they've shown up in this room, Doflamingo has all but given little snide comments, trying to get under people's skin. "Go on Red Hair, tell them what happened to Fire Fist Ace."

Red Hair frowned at his words as the others glanced between the two, confused.

"What your mouth Joker," Law stated firmly. Doflamingo turned his head toward him, and he could tell the man was amused more than anything by Law's interjection. Law couldn't see from where he was looking, but he could tell almost everyone's eyes were on him and Doflamingo if the intense pressure was anything to go by.

"And who are you to tell me what I can or can't do, Law?" Doflamingo drawled out, smirking. Law furrowed his brow at the obvious ploy to get him to lash out in anger. The room was deathly silent that even Big Mom momentarily stopped her snacking to watch the exchange.

"It isn't your place to divulge others' life when you have no connection to them," Law said. Doflamingo's smile slightly tightened at his words, which Law internally smirked at.

"Bwahaha!" Garp laughed, "You have some spunk kid!"

Law briefly glanced at the man, not really caring what the Marine had to say, and focused his attention on Doflamingo. He didn't like the look on the other Warlord's face. It's the face when Doflamingo knows something he doesn't, a face that pisses him off. His fears were right when the taller man spoke, "So you wouldn't mind me divulging about your life then? Law?" He gritted his teeth in anger at the notion. Doflamingo smirked when he had the desired reaction from him.

"There's no need for that," Red Hair intervened, the man warily glancing between the two Warlords. Law had to admit that he was glad for the interruption, not that he would say so out loud.

Red Hair smiled lightly at Law, "Thanks for that Trafalgar, I appreciate it."

Law nodded at Red Hair but decided to keep quiet. It wasn't his place to tell Ace's story. He also didn't want any attention on him when The Past Pirates find out the truth. Better to watch how things play out. At least he didn't have to sit and wonder when Red Hair would tell the truth about Ace anymore. He was getting anxious just thinking about it.

"But Doflamingo is right." Red Hair continued before pausing, "Well, partially at least."

Law decided not to look at Doflamingo as the best option, and keep his eyes on the left side of the room. Red Hair turned to The Past Pirates with a forlorn look. "I think it's time to come clean about Ace."

Roger and Whitebeard both raised a brow simultaneously, while Rayleigh furrowed his brow. Marco looked from Red Hair to the others in concern, not liking the atmosphere.

"What do you mean Shanks?" Roger asked with a head tilt. Law took a deep breath, not sure if he was ready for this. Although he should be grateful, he could be in Red Hair's shoes.

"Captain," Red Hair started calmly. The Pirate King looks at his cabin boy intently, waiting for him to continue. "What I am about to tell will be hard to process, but it must be said. I don't want you to find out from these viewings, but rather from someone you know personally. It probably won't improve the situation, but I can't keep hiding it from you."

Roger looked increasingly more alarmed by Red Hair's words, as did the other Past Pirates, although Rayleigh and Whitebeard less openly.

Red Hair took a deep breath and continued, "Teech captures Ace at their confrontation, and turns him into the Marines," Rogers's face was immediately devoid of all emotion as he listens. Marco's eyes widen in shock, his mouth open in a silent gasp. "He was sent to be publicly executed at Marineford."

The aura in the room was increasingly becoming darker. An unseen force was pressing against Law. A passing thought had him worried that he could do nothing to stop the pressure from crushing him. He heard a grunt from his right and noticed that Eustass was having a similar problem. They both briefly made eye contact before turning their attention to Red Hair's next words. "At Marineford, Ace…" the man paused, before taking a deep breath. "He, unfortunately… departed this life."

Roger lowered his head, his eyes shadowed. Rayleigh had a grim look as he took in his former cabin boy's words. Whitebeard's brows furrowed in anger and sadness. The man looked like he didn't know which emotion he should express from the way his face kept contorting. Marco had tears streaming down his face, the teen seemed utterly distraught. Law sighed, he knew this was bound to happen sooner or later, but it was still an uncomfortable subject either way. Red Hair also looked upset seeing his former crewmates and rivals emotional.

"I'm sorry for keeping this from you, but I knew that I couldn't keep it from you any longer," Red Hair sighed. It sounded a little shaky to Law. "I'm sorry for not saving your son, Captain." Red Hair bowed his head in apology toward Roger. Law wanted to look away, he felt like he was intruding on something personal, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene.

A loud silence filled the room. Law was a little surprised that the other side of the room remained quiet. Either in respect or amusement, he didn't care. At least they weren't adding fuel to the fire by making remarks.

Roger reached his hand out and placed it gently on Red Hair's head. The man looked down at his cabin boy, he had a sad smile, but eyes full of tenderness, "I appreciate you telling me Shanks. It must have been a heavy burden you've been carrying with you." Law could see Red Hair shaking slightly and Roger ruffled his hair in forgiveness.

Roger spoke calmly, voice-controlled soothingly, "I think you did everything you could to help Ace, and that's all I could ask for. There's no need for an apology." Roger removed his hand when Red Hair raised his head to his captain. From his position, Law couldn't see Red Hair's face, but he could guess what face he was making if the sniffling was anything to go by.

"Thank you, Captain," Red Hair managed to say evenly. His voice screamed relief, not that Law could blame him. He was expecting a lot worse reaction from the Pirate King, but the man kept surprising him. Rayleigh softly patted Red Hair's back in reassurance, silently conveying that he also isn't upset about the Emporer keeping secrets.

Roger's smile soon disappeared when he focused his attention on Whitebeard, and Law's body tensed at the sight.

"Newgate," Roger stated firmly. Whitebeard halfheartedly glanced at Roger, his thoughts seemed to swirl in his head. Roger furrowed his brows when he noticed he didn't have the taller man's full attention. "Newgate!" Roger's voice echoed off the walls, and Law instinctively moved toward the middle of his couch, away from the threat.

Whitebeard snapped out of his thoughts at his rival's voice and glared down at him. "What is it Roger," The man demanded more than asked.

Roger glared furiously at Whitebeard, his voice firm but never reaching the point of yelling, "You broke our promise. And that is something that I cannot forgive."

Whitebeard scowled at the Pirate King, "As I said before Roger, I don't need your forgiveness."

There was a small sound of a sniffle, and Law's eyes trained on Marco, the poor teen in a pool of his tears. The boy looked severely distressed, and Whitebeard's attention was divided from Roger to his son. Roger dismissively looked away from his rival, a displeased look on his face.

Rayleigh whispered into Red Hair's ear, the redhead nodded at his words, and they both got up and switched seats. Rayleigh now in the middle of the couch chose to sit next to his Captain in silent support. The Pirate King's shoulders relaxed ever so slightly but the look in his eyes didn't fade. Whitebeard tried to comfort his son, but the man's emotions were also a mess causing Whitebeard to have a hard time doing so.

"I'm so sorry!" Marco shouted out suddenly. Law slightly winced at the sound but focused his attention on the boy trying to control his tears.

"Roger!" Marco exclaimed to The Pirate King. The man in question had a perplexed look as he turned to look at the phoenix. "As Ace's future brother, it was my responsibility to take care of him, but clearly I could not, and for that I am sorry!" Roger looked on in shock as did the rest of the Past Pirates and Red Hair. They didn't expect this from the teen, neither was Law for that matter. "If you're going to blame anyone! Blame me!" Marco couldn't hold in his tears any longer, and the teen dissolved into a sobbing mess. Whitebeard looked sadly down at his son.

Roger was still shocked and seemed to fumble over his words, unsure how to respond. When Marco continued to cry, Roger took a deep breath before addressing the teen, "Marco." The phoenix sniffed and looked up at the Pirate King, tears still streaming down his face. Roger smiled softly at the boy, "There's no reason for you to apologize either Marco. As I said to Shanks, I'm sure you did everything you could to help Ace. Just being there as his friend and brother makes me happy that he had people that cared for him while I wasn't able to."

Marco looked hopefully up at Roger, the older man took a mocking stern look, "Wipe those tears Little Phoenix, I don't think Ace would want you to cry over him!"

Marco nodded so fast, Law was worried that the teen's head would fall off. Marco sniffed violently and rubbed his eyes. Whitebeard gently patted his son in comfort. The man had an exhausted look on his face, a face that Law's sure almost everyone is feeling. Law doesn't even know if he wants to continue.

"Well, that was a shitshow," Eustass grumbled to his right. Law glanced at his fellow Supernova with a raised brow that translates to, 'You think?'.

Eustass rolled his eyes before shoving him, "Move back to your side Trafalgar, I'm not gonna hold your hand the next time you get scared." Law decided not responding was the best option and moved to his side.

It took a few minutes for Marco to calm down. The room mostly fell into understood silence, with some tension left over, although not as much as before.

"Shanks," Roger turned to his right to look over Rayleigh. The man had a severe expression and Red Hair focused on his captain's words. "If these viewings don't show what happens to Ace, I want you to tell me everything."

"Yes sir," Red Hair nodded in reply.

Roger nodded back and smiled at his cabin boy before facing forward. Everyone looked ready to continue and shuffled into a comfortable position, the viewing started to play.

The bartender turns to Luffy and the unknown man, "Huh? What is it?" Nami and Zoro raise a brow at the two.

"The cherry pie is so TASTY I could die!"

"The cherry pie is so NASTY I could die!"

Blackbeard and Luffy glare at each other. They both gulp their drinks.

"This drink is especially DISGUSTING!"

"This drink is especially DELICIOUS!"

If the atmosphere wasn't tense, he was sure he would have found this exchange amusing if not a little annoying, but he doesn't want to express anything in case of triggering someone in the room. He isn't sure he could handle another confrontation like before. He might become too exhausted to pay attention to the viewings otherwise.

Blackbeard and Luffy pause, glaring at each other.

"Jerk, you got something wrong with your tongue?" Blackbeard grunts.

"You got something wrong with your head?" Luffy furrows his brows in annoyance.

All he knows about Blackbeard is what's posted in the News Coo which is most of it is fascism, so basically, little to none about the man. He knows much as the next random civilian in the Grand Line. So, it's quite a surprise seeing such an infamous pirate acting like a child, to someone much more childish at that.

He was unimpressed from all the talk about Blackbeard, but he wouldn't write him off just yet. After all, he did manage to kill Whitebeard and steal his devil fruit. Law would like to say he wasn't intrigued, but he would be lying.

"Well, I'm not the cook here," The bartender says, "So, I don't really care what you say."

Luffy pushes his pie aside and addresses the bartender, "Hey, Old Guy! I want 50 pieces of meat to go."

"Old Man, I want 51 of those cherry pies to go." Blackbeard one-ups.

Luffy huffs, "Actually I want 52 pieces!"

"Wait, I wanted 53 pies." Blackbeard counters.

"No, 54 cuts of meat!" Luffy holds up four fingers in emphasis.

"55 pies."

"What a bunch of idiots," Eustass rolled his eyes at the scene. Law would do the same, but he didn't want to stoop to that level of undeveloped intelligence.

"60 cuts of meat!"

Nami and Zoro stare at the two, baffled by the exchange.

"70 pies!"

"80!"

"100!"

Luffy slams his leg on the tabletop and reals back a first, Blackbeard doing the same, only staying seated. They both shout at each other, "WHAT, YOU WANNA FIGHT!?"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU EVEN FIGHTING OVER!?" Zoro interjects.

"That's what'd I like to know," Kaido grumbled, "Seems like a pointless argument."

That is something he could agree on with the Beast Pirate.

"Luffy, you promised me, didn't you!?" Nami insists, "Besides, we don't have that kind of money anyway! We're not shopping!"

Blackbeard smirks, "You a pirate?"

"Yeah, that's right." Luffy glares at the older man.

"What's your bounty?" Blackbeard demands more than asks. The gruff man is now standing, a little taller than Luffy who is standing on his seat.

"30 million!" Luffy states.

Blackbeard pauses, looking surprised, "30 million? You?" Blackbeard furrows his brows in disbelief, "How the hell could that be!? LIAR!"

"I AIN'T LYING, IT'S THE TRUTH!" Luffy yells.

Law winced at the loud voices. He rubbed his ears slightly, and the ringing slightly faded.

"I mean, I understand that Luffy doesn't look that strong," Marco started off. His voice is lower pitched than usual. Law guesses he is still upset over the news of Ace. Not that he blames him. "But 30 mil isn't that large of a bounty, especially in the Grand Line." Marco shrugged.

Well, he isn't wrong. 30 million isn't a large sum even in the Grand Line. Why would Blackbeard be so up and arms about a low bounty in the first place?

"It is a little strange," Rayleigh commented with a raised brow.

"Stop it!" Zoro exclaims, exasperated with the two. The bartender sets down a packaged, carefully wrapped, one on the bar top.

"Come on now! I'll thank you not to fight in this pub!" the bartender huffed, while Blackbeard and Luffy glared at each other, "Just take these and leave! 50 cherry pies."

"There's no way he made those pies that fast," Eusatass voiced disbelievingly, pointing at the screen.

"Could've been pre-made," Law offered with a shrug.

Eustass glances his way, scoffing, "Even if that were the case, how did he bag 50 pies in less than 5 seconds?" Eustass raised a brow, daring Law to challenge him. Law didn't have an answer and shrugged in response. Eustass rolled his eyes at his less-than-satisfying answer.

Blackbeard grumbles as he grabs his cherries and walks out of the bar. Blackbeard walks down the front steps and a blond man with a blue captain coat passes him, entering the bar. Blackbeard stops, looks over his should at the man, then continues on his way.

Inside the bar, the blond man shouts to the customers, "Is there a pirate wearing a straw hat in here?"

Law raised a brow. What did Straw Hat do to piss this guy off?

"Luffy? What does he want with him?" Roger raised a brow at the blond man on the screen. The other Past Pirates looked confused at the sudden appearance of the man.

"Hopefully it's nothing too troubling," Shanks said warily. Rayleigh nodded at his side. If Law didn't know Straw Hat's reputation he would be inclined to agree. Unfortunately, he has witnessed firsthand that this is not the case. Also, the fact that this room only shows them scenes that are deemed worthy to watch, made Law think that this isn't going to go as smoothly as Red Hair hopes. He has a bad feeling.

Luffy looks over his shoulder and makes a noise of confusion. The customers have fearful expressions as one of them exclaims, "I-It's Bellamy!"

"Bellamy," Roger parroted, narrowing his eyes at the screen.

Bellamy smirked, "You the one with a B30,000,000 bounty- Straw Hat Luffy?"

Bellamy starts to walk toward Luffy, while the one in question leans against the bar top staring at the blond man in confusion, Zoro next to him, and Nami next to the swordsman with a similar look.

"What?" Luffy questions.

"Looks like he's calling you out, Luffy," Zoro observes warily.

The room sits in silence, everyone paying attention as tension rises through the screen. Law sits up in his seat, focusing on the interaction. He's interested to see what this Bellamy wants and how Straw Hat will handle it.

"Hey, isn't Bellamy the name of the guy who rented out that hotel?" Nami voices.

"This Bellamy might be the one 'in charge' of this town," Whitebeard spoke, scratching his chin thinking, "Certainly has the money for it." The Past Pirates only nodded in agreement, keeping their eyes on the screen.

While Bellamy approaches Luffy the customers in the bar voice their thoughts in hushed whispers, "Did you hear what he said? That shrimp's worth 30 million!"

The guy next to him whispers back, voice full of disbelief, starting at Luffy, "That guy? You serious?"

Law hears a scoff to his right.

Bellamy finally reaches Luffy, and Luffy has to look up from where he sits.

"I'm meeting a lot of huge guys today," Luffy says bluntly.

Red Hair huffs in amusement before shaking his head.

"I'll have the most expensive liquor you've got." Bellamy addresses the bartender, "And give the shrimp here something he likes."

"Sure," the bartender readily agrees.

"Huh? It looks like the place is full," A man's voice says.

Nami turns around and notices a group of people enter the bar.

Law isn't sure if Bellamy is a pirate or not. If he is this group is safe to say his pirate crew.

"What's with this place? It's filthy!" A woman's voice complains.

"And they're all drinking cheap rum." Another man in the group grunts.

"Look, it's those guys from before," Nami whispers to Zoro.

"Looks like they have encountered them before," Rayleigh observes.

One of the men sits down with his feet resting on a man as a footrest, a pirate mark tattooed on his chest, "You could at least clear out some seats for us. What inhospitable folk."

Law's eyes zeroed in on the pirate mark. He could feel his fingers twitch at the sudden rage, rage that filled his vision red. He could recognize that mark anywhere. It's practically ingrained into his brain. That pirate mark is something he would always watch for since that day. Law would look over his shoulder at every turn, wondering if he was ever followed or discovered. It was a symbol he soon became accustomed to hate.

Law whipped his head at the other Warlord, the sudden movement attracting the attention of his couch partner.

"Woah, what's up with you?" Eustass grunted in annoyance. Law ignored the redhead's words, his eyes too focused on red-tinted glasses. Doflamingo grinned at him and Law gritted his teeth.

Law knows Doflamingo's following grew over the years, he keeps up with the News Coos. Especially since his partnership with Emporer Kaido, that following has doubled. Law underestimated just how widespread that following actually goes. He didn't expect to see anything about Doflamingo in these viewings. The only way they would was maybe during the War of the Best, but since they are focusing on Straw Hat, that doesn't seem too likely.

His vision was suddenly filled with red. A vibrant shade of red. Not the usual rage-filled red. Law narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"Trafalgar!"

Law blinked at the loud voice. His eyes focused on the blob of red in front of him. Eustass was frowning in annoyance, with a hint of confusion. The man had moved into Law's line of sight, efficiently blocking Doflaminog from his view. Law breathed deeply and answered, "What, Eustass?"

Eustass glanced at the screen, "It stopped."

Law looked at the frozen screen of the man wearing Doflamingo's symbol. Law bit the inside of his cheek, trying to calm down his racing heart. He glanced back to Eustass with a raised brow, "Very observant of you Eustass."

Eustass growled, glaring at him, "It stopped 'cause of you, shithead." He blinked at the younger man's words. That's when Law noticed how quiet it was. He quickly glanced around the room and almost immediately looked away from the number of eyes focused on him. Oh.

"If you're done daydreaming," Eustass started, shifting back to a comfortable position. Law could only keep his eyes on the redhead. He could feel the eyes on him, watching his every move, and his limbs were tense from the pressure. "Some of us would like to leave sooner rather than later."

Law could feel his cheeks start to warm. How embarrassing. He needed to keep his emotions in check, he couldn't have episodes in front of all these dangerous people. Law lowered in his seat, burying the lower half of his face into his jacket. The pressure slowly faded as eyes focused back on the screen. He sighed in relief and focused ahead.

Customers soon started to flee the scene as one of them fearfully announced, "Big Knife Sarquiss. Are they looking to start up a fight in here?"

"That's a boring name," Marco commented seemingly then no other reason than to fill the awkward tension in the room. Law appreciated it.

"Yeah, doesn't really strike fear into the hearts of enemies does it?" Roger added with a huff of amusement. Marco laughed lightly and shook his head in agreement. Rayleigh smiled at the exchange along with Whitebeard. At least they look better than before. Of course, it was at Law's expense that the tension from before was cut. He can take what he can get he supposes.

"You don't mean…"

Sarquiss smirked as he licked the blood off his knife.

"The entire crew's in here," A civilian commented warily, "They couldn't all be here just for a drink, could they?"

"Ignore it!" A man beside him reprimanded, "It doesn't have anything to do with us."

"Bellamy sure likes his fun." A woman from the crew smirks.

"You said it," Sarquiss agreed beside her.

The bartender placed two glasses in front of Luffy and Bellamy.

"Well, drink up," Bellamy urged.

"Hey, thanks," Luffy smiled, "What, you're a nice guy." Luffy started to chug down his drink, while the remaining customers nervously watched.

Law narrowed his eyes at the exchange. He didn't think Bellamy had any good intentions, especially of who he served under.

Bellamy makes a move toward Luffy and Nami's eyes widen in shock, gasping. Bellamy grips the top of Luffy's head and slams the teen's head onto the bartop, destroying the wood.

Law's eyes widen at the violent act. It was more of how sudden it happened than the fact it happened at all. He knew Bellamy was up to something, he just didn't expect it to be so quick.

"What the hell?!" Marco exclaimed. The teen's brows furrowed in anger as he sat at the end of his seat. "What was that for?! Luffy didn't even do anything!"

Whitebeard grumbled, extending a hand to pat his son's back in silent support. The Past Pirates had grim looks on their faces, clearly none too pleased with Bellamy.

"Straw Hat really needs to be more aware," Eustass grunted. Law had to agree. Straw Hat always seemed aloof wherever he went, unless he was fighting for someone. If these viewings went anything to go by.

Marco glared at the redhead opening his mouth ready to argue before seemingly thinking about it and closing it in resignation. "Well, that's true," Marco admitted reluctantly. Law huffed in amusement. "Still! Luffy didn't deserve to be slammed like that!"

"Sure kid," Eustass easily replied. Marco looked miffed at being dismissed so simply but soon remembered his honorary brother's situation and focused on the screen.

Everyone in the bar gasps in shock at the violent scene and Bellamy smirks.

"He did it!" A man comments. Sarquiss laughs out loud, "I wasn't sure what Bellamy was doing!"

Bellamy's face loses its smirk as he looks down, "And what are you doing, underling?" Bellamy smirks. Zoro firmly holds his sword at Bellamy's throat, glaring at the blond man.

"Impressive," Rayleigh smirked.

"That's some nice reaction time," Roger nodded at the swordsman.

Red Hair smiled at the display, "Looks like Luffy found some loyal crewmates."

"That's a question you should answer," Zoro replies, steadily.

Bellamy chuckles, while Nami nervously berates Zoro, "Zoro! Wait a minute! We still haven't gotten any information yet, and-!"

"Shut up!" Zoro demands, "This guy asked for a fight and I'm giving it to him!"

Luffy slowly gets up and places his straw hat on his head.

"So you can still stand, huh?" Bellamy mocks.

Luffy glares at the man, "Okay then. I hope you've prepared yourself."

Law shifted in his seat, interested to see how Straw Hat will handle Bellamy.

"Mamamama!" Big Mom laughed. Law is startled at the high pitch. He almost forgot of her presence from how quiet she has been. Her munching on sweets blended into background noise after a while. "The brat is serious now! They should watch out!" The Emporer sneered, clearly unimpressed with Straw Hat.

The Past Pirates had varying degrees of glares pointed at Big Mom. Eustass shifted in his spot, uncomfortable with his close proximity to the larger pirate.

"Of course, they should be wary, Linlin," Kaido spoke, his voice a little louder than normal, but having the same sneering tone as Big Mom. The female pirate glanced at Kaido with a raised brow, prompting him. "After all that brat took out a Warlord." Kaido lazily glanced down at Doflmaingo. "And we know how much of a feat that is, right Joker?"

"Mamamama!" Big Mom tilted her head back, laughing. Doflamingo looked up at Kaido, frowning. Law could see the blonde's fingers twitch, telling just how much he did not like that comment. Kaidio grunted at the lack of answer and turned away from the Warlord. Law, in a normal situation, would've basked at the glorious moment of someone degrading Doflamingo, but unfortunately, this is not a normal situation, and inwardly savored the moment.

The Past Pirates warily glanced at the opposite side of the room not knowing if they should defend Straw Hat or not. They all collectively turned their attention back to the screen. Probably for the best.

Bellamy smirks while his crew laughs at Luffy's words.

"Oh! Looks like that guy's gonna take on Bellamy!"

"Do it! Do it!"

Bellamy laughs, "This won't be a fight, it'll be a test! Come on! Show me what kind of power you've got!"

Law heard a grumble to his left.

Luffy slacks his fighting pose at Bellamy's words as Nami shouts, "Luffy, wait!" Nami turns to the bartender urgently, "Hey Old man, we came seeking information on Sky Island! Do you know anything about it?" The crowd quiets down at Nami's words and they all stare at her.

Law raised a brow at the strange reaction. Was talking about a Sky Island taboo on this island or something? Seemed the others in the room had similar questions as him.

Marco and Roger tilted their heads in confusion while Rayleigh and Whitebeard had raised brows. Red Hair frowned at the screen, clearly just as lost as the rest of them.

"What did… that woman just say?" One of the Bellamy pirates says.

"She's kidding, right?" A woman comments. It's quiet as everyone stares at the three. Luffy, Nami, and Zoro stare back, confused.

Nami disregards them and turns back to the bartender, "Because if you know the way to Sky Island…" Suddenly the whole bar erupts into laughter, and Nami, Luffy, and Zoro can only stare.

Law's not getting the joke. He doesn't even know if there is one. Who knows, these morons seem the type to laugh at absolutely nothing.

"Uhhhh," Marco raised a brow at the screen, "What's so funny?"

Roger shrugged just as confused, frowning, "I don't know, but it's a little annoying." Marco nodded in agreement.

"Sky Island!?" A man mocks.

"Give me a break!"

"What?" Nami questions, not like being laughed at, "But the Log Pose is pointing directly at the sky!" She shows them her Log Pose and the room turns quiet again. Then again, they all laugh at her.

"Ohh noo, the Log Pose is pointing at the skyyy~!" A man mocks.

"Do these idiots really believe that Sky Islands don't exist?" Eustass raised a brow, disbelievingly.

"It would seem so," Rayleigh sighed at the ignorant crew on the screen.

Nami bites her bottom lip and her face turns red in embarrassment.

Law frowned. He doesn't like seeing the navigator being humiliated. It made him feel angry for her. It was kinda unsettling.

"Log Poses go haywire all the time, you know!" A man patronizes.

Bellamy laughs as he sits on a stool, leaning against the bartop, "Oi, oi, come on now. You guys believe that old cock-and-bull story about there being an island in the sky?"

Law heard a huff to his right.

Bellamy laughs. "Man, what era are you living in? There are many unique ocean currents on the Grand Line. One of 'em's called the Knock Up Stream." Bellamy smirks at them. "I'm guessing you've never heard of it." Luffy, Zoro, and Nami listen while Bellamy continues, "Ships that fall victim to that current are blasted high into the sky, only to fall straight back down into the ocean. A bunch of ignorant sailors from long ago saw ships falling down from it, and imagined an island in the sky. 'There must be another world up in the sky!'" Bellamy laughs, "What a load! Even crazy stuff like that has a rational explanation!" Everyone in the bar laughs, "All dreams can be explained! What a shock. I was going to let you into my crew if you passed the test for the New Era, but you're a lost cause Listen up! The age where pirates dream is OVER! The City of Gold? The Emerald City? The great treasure, One Piece!? Fools with their eyes on dream treasure don't notice the REAL treasure all around them! In this era of the sea, the very men who are able to cross it all die chasing after illusions like those!" Bellamy smirks.

Law almost felt embarrassed for this guy. It was kind of hard to watch this moron preach about pirate dreams being over when the Pirate King is sitting a few paces from him. He understands that there is speculation about the One Piece even existing, but completely disregarding dreams of pirates was a little too far in Law's book. Everyone had dreams, no matter how bizarre they are.

This guy was pissing him off. Even more, he is a part of Doflamingo's crew. And why hasn't Straw Hat shut this guy up yet?

Luffy's eyes are shadowed by his hat. "And what do they say about those men? 'He always lived happily for the sake of his dream!'" Bellamy laughs, and Luffy relaxes his fist. "The words of a loser! Looking at dream-chasing idiots like you… really makes my stomach turn!"

Bellmay rushes Luffy, the teen relaxes as Bellmay punches him in the face. Luffy falls to the ground.

What the hell is happening?

"Why didn't Luffy defend himself?!" Marco exclaimed. At least Law wasn't completely alone in his confusion. Even if it was from the youngest member in the room.

"Don't worry Marco," Red Hair smiled reassuringly at the teen, "Luffy can handle himself."

Roger raised a brow at his former Cabin Boy before glancing at the frozen screen. The Pirate King's mouth formed a smile, slowly growing into a wide grin, "Shanks is right, Marco. Luffy knows what he is doing." The man laughs as Marco stares between them in confusion.

"Gurararara! That brat is just like you Roger! It's uncanny!" Whitebeard laughs toward the ceiling, gaining a bewildered look from Marco. Rayleigh huffs in amusement, Red Hair smiling brightly beside him.

Law felt very excluded from the conversation, not that he was a part of much of the conversations in the first place.

"Are you guys just gonna laugh about it or tell me what's so funny," Marco crossed his arms as glanced between the Past Pirates and Red Hair, frowning. Whitebeard smiled down at the teen and patted his head, "I'm sure you will soon find out, son." Marco narrowed his eyes but nodded in acceptance.

"Luffy!" Nami shouts, worried. Zoro blinks down at his captain.

"It's because of weaklings like you that the rest of us real pirates get a bad reputation," Bellamy says.

A glass shatters next to Luffy's face as he lies on the ground.

Law knows how strong Straw Hat is. It's frustrating that these afterthoughts think they're actually doing something. In a matter of seconds, Law is pretty sure Straw Hat could clear the room with barely a scratch.

"Get out, you little maggots!" A pirate laughs, "You're making my rum taste bad."

"It's exactly like Bellamy says!" Another pirate exclaims.

"Get out, moron!"

Pirates start throwing their glasses and bottles at Luffy.

Eustass grumbled next to him, clearly not pleased with how things are playing out, "How annoying." Law had to agree.

"Get out of this town!"

"Looks like the folks here want a show!" Sarquiss smirks as Bellamy.

"Well, now that's an easy request," Bellamy laughs.

Pirates continue to throw bottles and Nami turns to Luffy, "Luffy! Zoro! Forget about the promise! Beat the crap out of these guys already!"

Luffy sits up, "Zoro," Zoro looks down, and Luffy stares straight ahead with a defiant look in his eyes, "We aren't going to fight."

But why? Is what Law wanted to ask but got interrupted by multiple laughs layering over each other. Law startled at the sound and looked over at Roger and Whitebeard laughing. Red Hair was smiling at the frozen screen of Straw Hat, a hint of fondness seeping through his eyes.

"I think you're right Newgate," Rayleigh smiled, "Luffy has acquired some of Roger's unique traits."

The two laughed in response. Marco frowned but didn't make any notion to speak. Law assumed the teen thought it was fruitless to try to get a good response to his questions.

The pirates in the bar start throwing whatever they can at Luffy and Zoro, people outside hear the commotion and wonder what was happening.

"What the hell are you doing!? You can take these guys!" Nami yelled. Zoro and Luffy are bloody, standing in place, not moving. "Fight them! Beat them up! Just kick their asses! Anything!"

The navigator isn't wrong. Law has seen firsthand how strong both Straw Hat and Roronoa are. It was nothing to scoff at. He could sympathize with her feelings.

"It's no use, babe, " Saiquiss said, "They're too smart for that. They know when they're up against someone they can't beat." The pirate smirks, "They won't fight anyone stronger than themselves. It's pretty pathetic. Guess your Captain doesn't have even a scrap of dignity. The Marines are practically becoming a charity. Handing out 30 million beri for trash like him."

That certainly isn't the case. Straw Hat never backs down from a fight. This is something entirely different. Something he can't seem to understand, frustratingly enough.

Nami clenches Luffy's Straw Hat as she remembers what Luffy said, "Zoro! We aren't going to fight!"

"Why are you two doing this?" Nami says bewildered.

"Pacifism…" Bellamy starts, "That must sound nice to you." The pirate chugs his beverage, "On top of being weak, you have no pride. You won't accept any fight, and yet your heads are full of dreams!" Bellamy looks up and smirks, "Just like worms!"

"Got that right!" The pirates in the crowd shout in an uproar. Nami grits her teeth in anger while Luffy stares at nothing.

"Enough, enough," Bellamy speaks, grabbing the neck of a bottle, and walking toward Luffy, "The kid looked so weak, but he had that 30 million bounty on his head. I wondered what kind of man he was. And then he turned out to be a disappointment not worth my interest. I've never seen two bigger cowards."

Luffy stares, while Bellamy drinks his beverage before spitting it out onto the teen. Luffy coughs while the pirates watch on.

Law grits his teeth at the scene. He doesn't understand how Straw Hat can sit there and take it. He knows he couldn't. He wouldn't be in that situation in the first place actually.

"Oi, get these guys outta here." Bellamy smirks down at Luffy, "They're eyesores."

A pirate jumps to the tasks and swings his knee into Zoro's face sending the swordsman crashing into a table.

The pirates laugh at the display, "Look at that wimp!"

Another pirate garbs the back of Luffy's head- the teen still coughing- and slams into a window, blood dripping down the broken glass.

"What a waste of labor," Kaido grunted, taking a swig of his beverage.

"Luffy! Zoro!" Nami exclaims in distress, kneeling next to her captain.

"Hey, women." Sarquiss addresses Nami, "You won't survive the coming era staying with those two. I'll buy you off them. How much do you go for?"

What.

"What did this bastard just say?" Marco yelled furiously. The Past Pirates were glaring at the frozen screen in disgust and hatred. Marco sat up in his seat, tense from his anger, "Nami isn't an object! She's a member of Luffy's crew!"

Law honestly couldn't have said it better himself.

Nami glares at the mean in disgust as Luffy and Zoro lie on the ground.

"Now you've said it. Buy me?" Nami expresses in a barely controlled manner.

"Yeah!" Sarquiss says unbothered, opening his arms, "C'mon over here. It'll be fun."

The pirates snicker at the exchange.

Law gritted his teeth at the revolting worms who called themselves pirates.

"Unfortunately…" Nami starts, rage in her eyes, "I'm much too good for a team of pansies like you."

Law smirked. The navigator was starting to grow on him.

Sarquiss laughs, "She's pretty expensive!"

"They've got an entire crew of idiots there!" A pirate laughs. Nami frowns in defeat.
There's no hope for any of 'em!"

"Take those two and get out of my sight." Bellamy orders, "While you still have your lives. Weaklings!"

Nami grits her teeth before grabbing the back of Luffy and Zoro's shirts and stomping out of the door. The pirates laugh and throw bottles as they leave, "And don't come back!"

Outside the bar, Nami frowns in anger as she carries the slumped forms of her crewmates.

"Sky Island does exist," A familiar voice says. Nami stops and sees Blackbeard sitting criss-cross, eating his cherry pies. Blackbeard laughs, "This cherry pie really is the best!" Nami lets go of their shirts and the boys fall to the ground.

The tension in the room rises at the sight of Blackbeard. He didn't think they were going to see the man again, especially in the same viewing. How peculiar.

"You're the man from before," Nami points out.

"Why the long face, sister? Those two won that fight." Blackbeard says. Nami makes a noise of confusion as Luffy lies on the ground remembering something important to him.

'They won?' How did they win? It seemed like a total one-sided beatdown to Law.

"Oh," Shanks smiles, with his Straw Hat on his head, "So you're gonna be better than us?"

"Shanks," Roger smiled at the screen.

Red Hair blinked at the screen, the man clearly not expecting to see himself on the screen. The redhead smiled at the screen, reaching to his head only to grasp air. Law raised a brow at the gesture before glancing at the frozen screen of Red Hair with a Straw Hat in understanding.

"The next time we meet," Ace smirks, "will be at the Pirate's Summit."

The mood dropped at the sight of Ace. Now that everyone in the room knows of Ace's fate, every time he shows up on the screen, Law has a feeling it isn't going to be a happy occasion. Like right now.

Law sighed. He really hoped they aren't going to show Ace's death. He doesn't think he could handle it, much less the left side of the room.

Blackbeard smiles and points at the trio, impressed, "And the tongue lashing you gave them was pretty impressive too. You've got some guts, woman!" Blackbeard laughs as Zoro and Luffy stand up.

"Zoro!" Nami says in surprise, "Luffy!"

Zoro dusts himself off while Luffy adjusts his hat to stare at Blackbeard.

"This 'New Era' they talk about is shit." Blackbeard smiles, "The age where pirates dream is over!? Eh!?" The man mocks as he lifts his arms to the sky and laughs.

Law narrows his eyes at the man's words. Words that Law didn't disagree with. He didn't know what to expect from Blackbeard, maybe a bit more evil laughter. Not an inspiring outlook on life.

"What the hell?" An NPC voices aloud.

Luffy stares, and Blackbeard slams his drink on the ground, "PEOPLE'S DREAMS… NEVER END!" Luffy continues to stare. "AM I RIGHT?"

Law felt shivers run up his arms. The room buzzed in a tense atmosphere.

"Oi, oi" A bystander laughs, "Hey nutcase, what the hell are ya screamin' about?"

"What was that about people's dreams?"

"It ain't easy to surpass a person!" Blackbeard laughs, while the surrounding people laugh at him.

"This guy's lost it!"

In the bar, the pirates notice the noise.

"What now?" Sarquiss drawls, "It's getting noisy outside."

"Forget it." Bellamy grunts, "Those losers are probably taking their frustration out on the townsfolk."

"Yeah!" A woman pirate giggles.

"Let them laugh," Blackbeard comments, smiling, while Luffy stares, "If you seek the Summit, you'll find fights your fists alone could never take you to! Follow it!" Blackbeard laughs.

Blackbeard wasn't really what Law pictured. If he didn't know about the horrible things the man has done, he would've thought him to be a pretty nice guy. It felt weird the man was encouraging Straw Hat to follow his dreams when Blackbeard is the catalyst to Fire Fists' downfall.

"Let's go," Zoro says, and starts to walk away.

"Okay…" Nami says wearily before following Zoro, turning back when noticing that Luffy isn't coming, "Luffy."

Luffy and Blackbeard hold eye contact.

That felt important for some reason. Law was getting weird vibes from this whole interaction, and he wasn't sure how to feel about it.

"Luffy!" Nami speaks up.

"Oh, looks like I've held you up." Blackbeard stands up, "I see you're in a hurry. I hope you make it there. To Sky Island!" The man walks away, laughing.

Luffy turns around and walks away, Nami soon following him.

"Hey, he might have known something about Sky Island," Nami points out, "Who was that guy?"

"Dunno," Luffy says, "And it wasn't 'that guy'."

"What?" Marco voiced, confused just as much as Law.

"Huh?" Nami furrows her brows, "Wasn't 'that guy'? Then… what?"

"It was 'those guys'," Zoro answers, "Probably."

"What?" Marco repeated, sounding even more confused. Yeah, Law had no idea what that whole interaction was about. It sounded too vague but informative at the same time.

"I am not sure…" Rayleigh trailed off, narrowing his eyes.

"What do you mean?" Nami exclaims, "You mean that guy had nakama with him? Where were they? Hey, tell me!"

The lights slowly brightened as the screen faded to black. Law blinked as his eyes adjusted.

"Well that was certainly interesting," Roger said, his smile not reaching his eyes.

"Yeah especially the end part," Marco shrugged, "What did Luffy and-" Marco cut himself off furrowing his brows, "Wait, I actually don't know the swordsman's name."

"Roronoa Zoro," Shanks supplied with an easy smile.

"What did Luffy and Zoro mean when they said 'those guys'?" Marco questioned.

"I don't know." Roger shrugged unhelpfully. Law sighed as stretched his limbs from where he sat.

"It probably doesn't even matter," Eustass scoffed "If it worries you so much you might find out if you keep watching." Well, he isn't wrong, but he didn't have to say it so rudely.

Marco blinked at the redhead, the teen clearly not knowing how to respond.

"Kid is right," Red Hair said, smiling lightly, "Let's continue. After all, we need to leave this room at some point." Eustass rolled his eyes but otherwise didn't make a remark, much to Law's gratitude.

There were sounds of shuffling and the lights slowly dimmed again.