Naia tugged at the thick bandages that wrapped around her hand. It was a good thing she wasn't left-handed but the amount of damage the admiral did was enough to set her back more than she wanted. The small exposure to the iron plate had caused plenty of damage but when Naia had pulled her hand away forcibly it had essentially flayed the top of her hand. It would take months to properly heal and would most likely scar. Naia looked out the window toward the harbor. She had decided that staying in the room would be the best way to avoid the stares and rumors that were now circulating about what transpired between the two marines. From a lover's spat to a fight between rivals, Marineford was crawling with all kinds of theories of why her hand had been injured that night. Sengoku had yet to take a stance on the situation and something told Naia he would never make an official statement. Thankfully, she would be leaving today and hopefully not see this place for a while.

"Are you ready?" Garp asked, her luggage in his hands.

"More than anything." Naia stuck close to Garp as they made their way back to the East Blue. It was a pleasant ride so unlike her trip with the Admiral.

"I will ensure that Akainu stays out of the East but keep the mini den-den on you so I can warn you at a moment's notice." Naia shook her head.

"A den-den would be too noticeable." Naia pushed a small pearl on a silver chain into his hands, holding up her hand which held a similar pearl set in a ring. "Grasp this and think about what you want to convey to me. It won't do words but it will glow and warm with feelings."

"How will I know what it means?"

"Memorize this and then burn it." Naia held out an envelope to him.

"I will." Garp gave her a quick hug as they pulled into the port of Fuusha Village. "Stay safe and watch out for yourself."

"The children will be fine," Naia smiled warmly at the man. "I already have backup plans to the backup plans."

"Good luck!" Naia waved as the ship made its way out of the port.

"Welcome back, Naia," Woop Slap said as he slowly made his way to her.

"It is good to be back." Naia balanced her two suitcases, keeping from using her left hand.

"What on earth happened to your hand?" Woop slap exclaimed.

"Nothing of importance." Naia slowly made her way back to the cabin. She could feel the mayor's eyes on her but didn't have it in her to explain what had happened.

"Those pirates of yours left some time ago but they should be back soon." Naia hummed as Woop Slap caught her up on the happenings of the village. "They got into a nasty tiff with Makino and raced out of there. Told me to tell the boys they would be back. Speaking of which, where are the boys?"

"They are safe with a trusted friend."

"I'm surprised you didn't leave them with Makino."

"Their safety is up to me to decide," Naia said, sharply, "Now, if you would excuse me, I need to get ready to pick the boys up." Naia stalked to the cabin, making sure to fix the boys' room back to the way it was before. Taking out the toys and extra pillows she had hidden, putting the beds back together. It was well into the early morning by the time the cabin was ready for the trio to come back and Naia collapsed onto the couch letting exhaustion take her.

Naia's eyes fluttered open as the midday sun beat down on her through the windows. Naia scrubbed her face as she sat up, allowing the silence to soothe her head as it throbbed with an oncoming migraine. It was time to go and pick up the kids. A smile graced her face as she made her way through the jungle toward Dadan's base. She honestly couldn't wait to see the kids! They always managed to bring life to everything they touched.

"Naia! You're back!" A rubbery body collided with her own as Luffy's signature laugh filled her ears. Naia hugged him tightly as she took in the scent of the little boy that filled her nose. She froze; however when he flinched at her grasp. Pulling away, Naia was greeted with the sight of Luffy covered in bandages.

"Luffy, what on earth? Are you okay? Are your brothers okay?" Naia fretted as she checked his bandages. Her head snapped up as the sound of two more pairs of feet reached her ears. The two older boys stood a little ways away both had their fair share of dressings and were looking everywhere but her. They radiated guilt and uncertainty.

"Are you boys okay?" Naia asked as she slowly made her way toward them. She kept her hands out in front of her, stopping occasionally when they flinched. Kneeling before them, Naia swept a critical eye over their bodies. They avoided looking at her and she could see Ace was biting his lip to hold himself back.

"Yeah," Sabo whispered.

"Luffy got the brunt of it," Ace said softly. Naia gazed down at them sadly before pulling them into a tight hug.

"I'm glad you are both okay. Luffy is strong and I have no doubt you did everything in your power to help him," she whispered into their ears.

"But we didn't!" Ace pushed away from her and Naia's eyes widened at his shouting… and his tears. "We left him to die! It's our fault he's all banged up. If he didn't know us he would've been safe!"

"Ace," Naia said softly. The boy openly had tears falling as he continued to rant about how he should never have been born and this was all his fault. Sabo thankfully grabbed onto Luffy, holding him in a tight hug as Ace lost control of his emotions.

"You weren't here and I couldn't protect him! I don't deserve your concern or to even be here! I let him get hurt." His voice cracked as his rant ended. His body shook as he tried to put on a strong front.

"Oh, Ace." Naia held her arms out to the boy but didn't move from her spot. This was up to him. Ace stared at her for a moment with a look of wanting and confusion. Naia held her breath but kept her arms out. Ace bit his lip once more before launching himself into her arms. Naia embraced him with all her might as his body shook with his sobs. "Never think you are not worthy to live. The only one who can deem your life unworthy is you. No one else. I am so happy you are in my life, my little firecracker, as it would be so boring and dull without you to light it up."

"Firecracker?" Ace hiccuped, a light blush settling on his cheeks.

"You are as quick as a whip and as passionate as a ball of fire. My little firecracker," Naia hummed as she brushed her lips against his forehead. "Besides, I think your brothers would be upset should you up and disappear on them. Right boys?"

"Yeah!" Luffy and Sabo shouted, jumping into the hug as they dogpiled the freckled boy. Ace's sobs dissolved into pearls of laughter as they laid wrapped into each other.

"What's with all the racket, brats?" Dadan's voice boomed as her steps fell heavily above them. Naia tilted her head up to catch the matriarch of the bandit clan's eyes. "You're back. Good, now take them back!"

"Thank you, Dadan, for watching over them." Naia tilted her head in acknowledgment. Dadan grunted in response before heading back into the hut with mutterings about needing another drink. Naia hummed a small tune as she helped the boys gather their things to head back down to the village. Ace kept his hand in her right as they made their way down the mountain and Naia couldn't help but cheer in her head as well as coo at how adorable he was.

"Naia!" Luffy shouted, pulling her from her thoughts. Naia furrowed her brows as Luffy glared up at her, hands on his hips. If he had been his actual age, he might've looked intimidating but all he was making her want to do was pick him up and pinch his cheeks. "You were hurt!"

"I'm fine," Naia reassured him, her injured hand coming to her chest. "A little disagreement with an unpleasant man."

"He hurt you," Luffy growled, anger filling his eyes. Naia shivered as his haki rolled over her. Ace and Sabo looked a little worse for wear but Sabo's eyes filled with a gleam of recognition. Naia raised an eyebrow at this. Haki really was the answer to everything.

"Aye, but we will make him pay when the time is right."

"That we will." A vicious smile took over Luffy's face as his hair hid his eyes. "When is Shanks coming back?"

"Don't know." Naia shrugged. "Woop Slap said they should be back soon."

"Good, I want him to meet Sabo!" Luffy's face shifted into a more cheerful one as they continued their descent. "Did Makino apologize?"

"Makino made you leave?" Ace demanded, his brows furrowing.

"I was always going but she decided to make the decision of who I went with," Naia explained with a scowl, "Thankfully, your grandfather was there to back me up along with my squad."

"You really are a marine?" Sabo questioned.

"Yes, but don't worry. You can be pirates all you want." Naia winked at them. "I just ask that you keep that little fact between us. No need to scare our resident crew away."

"I can do that, but we can still be pirates? Isn't that a conflict of interest?"

"Shishishishi, she doesn't care. She is in love with one!"

"Luffy!" Naia gaped at him. Silence reigned between the small group before they dissolved into laughter. Naia clenched her stomach as her laughter cramped the muscles. "You are something else, Luffy."

"Of course I am!" Luffy puffed his chest out. "I am going to be the pirate king!"

"You tell her, little brother!" Ace and Sabo wrapped their arms around Luffy, grinning widely.

They fell asleep piled on top of each other, basking in the warmth each provided. Naia felt her soul relax and so at ease, it was almost like all the scars and wounds were being healed overnight.

The four of them fell into a routine of getting up early to begin training, spending the afternoon learning whatever lesson Naia had prepared, to ending the day with a competitive hunt for dinner. The three boys seemed to be thriving and thanks to the two older ones finally accepting Luffy, the younger's night terrors seemed to have all but vanished. Naia couldn't be prouder of her boys as she watched them grow. It was hard to believe that Ace used to try and kill Luffy at every opportunity. The days bled into weeks and Luffy was starting to complain about how the pirate crew still hadn't returned and if Naia was being honest with herself. She was worried too.

"Luffy get back here!" Naia panted as she raced after the sassy black-haired boy. Her bell sleeves whipped round her and she pumped her arms harder to catch the boy. Thank the sea, she decided to wear shorts today.

"Go Luffy Go!" His brothers cheered him on.

"Luffy! When I get my hands on you!" Naia growled, raising a hand to keep her wide-brimmed hat from flying away as dark blue curls bounced underneath it. "My hair is not for pranking!"

"But you look more like yourself this way!" Luffy laughed.

"I do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

"DO TOOOOOO!" Luffy stuck his tongue out at her but continued forward. The beach's sand scratched at her feet but the giggles from the older boys behind her had her gritting her teeth in determination.

"Get back here, you little brat!"

"Naia?"

"Huh?" Naia skidded to a stop, causing Ace and Sabo to collide with her legs sending her face-first into the sand.

"Woah! Are you okay?" Naia tilted her head up to catch the worried eyes of the pirate captain her boy had been missing so dearly.

"Shanks!" Luffy launched himself at the pirate captain only to sail over the man when he ducked. Naia grunted when the boy landed on her back. Naia smirked. She twisted around grabbing Luffy by the waist and locking him underneath her.

"NO!" Luffy squealed as Naia set about tickling him into submission.

"This is your punishment!" Naia cackled. "Will you think twice about putting dye in my shampoo, now?"

"Yes, yes!" Luffy squirmed in her grasp, pearls of laughter bubbling from his lips. "I'm sorry I won't do it again!"

"I don't know. I don't think you're sorry." Naia paused her movements as made an overly contemplating face. "I think you find it too funny."

"I won't do it again!" Luffy panted, a large smile on his face. Naia slid her eyes over to the two older boys who were laughing at the treatment of their younger brother.

"You two were in on it too!" Naia snatched the two into her arms where she began to tickle their sides. The two squirmed relentlessly as they giggled without a breath.

"You look like you are doing well," Shanks said, a smile stretched across his handsome face. Naia flushed as she caught herself staring. "The blue looks good on you."

"Shut up," Naia muttered as she dusted herself off.

"Shanks! Shanks! Meet my older brother, Sabo." Luffy bounced forward, dragging The two boys with him. "Sabo this is Shanks! He's a pirate captain!"

"Well, hello Sabo! Luffy and Ace have told me so much about you," Shanks greeted.

"It's nice to meet you, pirate captain!" Sabo grinned up at the man. "Is it true that you're more of a child than a captain?"

Naia bit her lip trying to muffle her chuckles.

"I wouldn't say that-" Shanks said hastily.

"But Naia and Luffy both talk about how you tease Luffy much like a 6-year-old would!" Sabo protested.

"Sabo!" Naia outraged. "That is not how you greet someone."

"Is that so?" Shanks turned a mischievous grin at her and Naia felt a shiver run down her spine. "Thanks for the info, little man."

"That'll be 100 berries, please!" Sabo held his hand out to Shanks who looked confused.

"100 berries?"

"Information isn't free!" Ace shouted. "Now, pay up!"

Naia was almost rolling in the sand at the sight of the two boys attempting to stare down a seasoned pirate captain.

"Ace, Sabo," Naia said as she came to stand behind the brothers. "We don't charge friends for such things. Connections are everything."

"Yes, ma'am!" They saluted. Naia laughed as the boys continued to salute her with various statements of what she had been teaching them.

"'Connections are everything?'" Shanks echoed with a raised eyebrow.

"I work with merchants for a living. What do you expect?" Naia shrugged with a lazy grin. "Besides those connections could save their lives once they are out on the sea."

"They seem to be doing well," Shanks observed as the three boys ran off in the distance. "Luffy seems especially happy."

"He does well with large groups. I'm pretty sure he feeds off their energy," Naia chuckled, "He's been more hyper since Ace and Sabo have officially come to live with us."

"How have you been? Woop Slap says you haven't been back to the port or village since you left."

"I've been busy." Naia picked at the bandages left to protect the healing skin. "I've been working with a few merchants in High Town."

"Did one of them do that to you?" Shanks snatched her wrist with gentle hands as he inspected the white dressings. Naia flushed at his touch. "You only just got your other bandages taken off and already you have new ones."

"No, I got this at the Marine Ball," Naia said softly. Shanks tightened his grip, a scowl forming on his face.

"Who?" He growled.

"A man didn't take my rejection very well." Naia turned her attention from the pirate captain to the boys in the distance.
"It was who Makino said yes to, wasn't it?"

"She told you?" Naia felt her eyes widen in surprise.

"We might've pressed for an answer especially after one of my men saw you go off with a Marine Admiral! We feared for the worse." Shanks let her hand fall but kept her wrist within his grasp. "Apparently, we were somewhat right about it."

"Don't worry, Garp is aware of the situation and has personally decided to keep an eye on the matter."

"Do you trust him?"

"Him, yes. The marines to follow his orders should something happen? No, but for the sake of those boys I will hold out."

"You know we will back you up on anything as well."

"What on earth did I do to inspire such loyalty from a pirate?" Naia hummed, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"I wish I could explain it," Shanks said, his hand coming up to caress her cheek. "It feels like I've done this with you before and when we leave it's like a piece of me is missing."

Naia stared at him with wide eyes as her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"I didn't take you for such a sappy character," Naia said nervously. She twisted her head away from the man.

"Oi! Just shut up and kiss her already!" Luffy shouted. Naia blushed even harder as Shanks laughed while the brothers made various statements of agreement.

"Luffy!" Naia was mortified. She hid her face in her hands as she tried to reign in her blush.

"You heard the king," Shanks whispered, his hand returning to her cheek. It gently pushed her face toward his own as his eyes bored into her with such emotion that Naia felt captivated by the stare.

"Captain!" A shrill voice called out. Naia stilled as she recognized Makino running toward them. "And the boys! It must be my lucky day!"