Ace of Spades

by himmelblu

Ace of Spades, the most feared name across the ocean, he was the most feared and notorious assassin and informant there ever was. No one knew who or what he was, some say he is the spawn of the devil. And now, the Whitebeards needed his help. And maybe they even get a new son in the process. (Up to chap 52 'The Plight' is main story, the rest are just loose ends and ideas)

3. Ace of Spades Chapter 2 The Meeting

This chapter is a continuation from the last one. The POV is still from the Whitebeard pirates' view, and this will be the first time the Whitebeards see Ace, it will be the meeting. The length is a bit longer, and will be what I'll go for in the future. The next chapter will be the start of Ace's POV and will give more information about him

And yes, the Whitebeards are OOC in this chapter, this will change. They just need to get to know Ace before acting like themselves

And also, please do read the AN at the end, it has some content that will explain what will happen further on

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They were ready, or as ready as they could get. The shock and happiness by not only getting an answer, but getting their request accepted, was shocking for most of them. They had heard rumors he only accepted if there was a reason behind the request, he often showed up and looked through the file, handed it back, and left. Not only this, but they had never had any contact with the Ace of Spades. Up until 6 months ago, they still believed he was just a myth, a story people told to scare each other. But, what they had seen that day, had been anything other than just a myth.

~6 months ago ~

The Moby Dick had docked at one of the more hidden islands in the New World– it wasn't a well populated island, but it had many strong inhabitants. After they had docked, Thatch had taken a few of his division to check the island out, to talk to some of the inhabitants to see if it was a place where they could restock and take a break from their duties. Go to a bar, have a party and just have fun. When they got back to the ship, they had news, good and bad. They could restock, the few they had talked to had been nice. But, they talked about a man who always terrorized them and made their lives miserable.

The man went by the name Samuel. An admiral who had been forced to retire by the Marines, he was apparently way too violent and vicious even for their standards, going as far as to kill, sell, and rape children, doing experiments on babies and pregnant woman, experiments that went beyond inhuman. He was injecting bleach into the womb of pregnant women to see how much it would take for the fetus to die. And everything he did, he kept on a record, a detailed record. When he was found out, he was forced to retire, and had apparently fled here.

When Thatch had told his father what he had found out, Whitebeard instantly ordered a meeting. He had heard about Samuel, and he had wanted to stop him from doing anything more– Samuel was less than human in his eyes. And it was decided that Marco and Izou would take 20 of their best men from their divisions, try to get inside his mansion, and bring him to their ship. If not, they should try and threaten him to leave the villagers alone, telling him that the island was now officially under Whitebeard's protection.

Four hours later, they returned no Samuel in tow, looking a bit worse for wear. The news they brought made Whitebeard indignant. Even with Marco and his 10 best fighters and tacticians, and Izou and his 10 best lock pickers and thieves, they had seen no way inside without starting a fight. They could not afford a fight right now. Whitebeard knew his sons, if the best of the thieves and tacticians had seen no way inside, it was practicality impenetrable. He needed to come up with a plan, and he needed to do it fast. If they didn't leave this island by the next 2 days, they would never reach their destination in time.

After having talked with his sons, Whitebeard had come up with a plan for the time being. Izou, Thatch, Marco, Vista and Jozu would each take 10-12 men and observe the mansion for a way inside, or if Samuel went out, so they could take action. There was no way Whitebeard would leave this island without taking Samuel off his high chair; he was a detestable being, not even human. Everyone who had heard about Samuel and his sick experiments wanted nothing to do with him. But, so many were utterly terrified of him and did not dare to do anything. That had to change.

Everyone was in place, the commanders having their own platoon that they had divided around the mansion and island. Each commander also had a Den Den Mushi to keep in contact with each other and their captain. They had asked around the island and had acquired a detailed map of the area. With the map, it was easier to manage and arrange posts to each platoon and individual.

Izou was in charge of the snipers and outlooks, him having more experience with long distance combat and tactics. He was also joined by Vista, who stood by for backup if something should go wrong. Marco and Thatch were placed in front of the mansion, the mansion only having one exit: the front. They had hidden themselves in between the trees, waiting for orders from Izou or Jozu, who had been placed a bit off to the side of the mansion. They watched for any kinds of passageway. Though both the map and villagers had said there were none, the wall surrounding the mansion being impenetrable, they had to be certain.

No one was going to get in or out without being seen. Or so they thought.

They had held their position for 3 hours when Marco's Den Den rang, he looked over to Thatch, who looked right back at him, both having the same thought; maybe it was time to move. He answered, "Marco." It was Izou, and as he was just about to ask what he wanted, Izou cut him off. "There are villagers coming towards you, they don't look armed, but be on alert." Marco looked at Thatch, "Do you know what they want Izou?" Asked Thatch, why would the villagers come now? "No, but I can't be sure whether they are headed to you or the mansion, keep your guard up." Izou then hung up.

Marco and Thatch looked at each other, Marco signalling for the others to stand ready, not to attack, but to be wary. Thatch unsheathed his swords. He didn't hold them in a battle stance, but he held them at his sides, at the ready if danger was sighted. Marco made his way towards the clearing, intending to be the first one they met, seeing as Marco is the one without any weapons on him; his Devil fruit let him battle without it. He hoped that meeting a weaponless person was better than someone with a weapon, less threatening.

Then, the villagers came into sight. Izou had been right, none of them had any weapons, they just walked calmly. When they reached Marco, they didn't look at him, they just walked a bit past him and stopped, never taking their eyes of the mansion. Marco looked back at Thatch, who only shrugged his shoulders, clearly having no idea as to why they were here. Marco looked back at them, opening his mouth to ask what they were doing here. "Wha–" He was cut off by a villager. "Thank you."

Marco stared at them perplexed. Why had they said thank you? Where they thanking them? What di-. A thud from behind him had him turning around, back towards Thatch who had lost one of his swords, which was clearly the source of the thud, his eyes open in shock staring at the mansion. Marco looked behind Thatch, to see many of the others also having a look of utter shock and astonishment, everyone looking towards the mansion. Marco turned his head towards the mansion, what could get all of them so sho-. Marco froze, eyes widening as all air left his lungs.

He was there.

On the wall of the mansion, on top of one of the gargoyles, he sat crouched, eyes piercing and seemingly glowing as he looked down at them. His cape-like jacket was blowed in the soft wind, it being obsidian black with deep red markings. The end of it had been torn, possibly from fighting and being used for a long time, making it looked like black fire in the wind. The top of the cape was like a scarf, it was hanging around his neck, secured by two buckles, and it moved over his shoulder as a hood. He had a mask on, which covered half of his face. It went from his neck to his nose, and it was obsidian black with a deep red line at the top. The blackness matched his hair, deep black and blowing in the wind. On his arms, there were gauntlets. They started at his elbow and went all the way to his hands, the design reminding people of dragon scales. The 'scales' were big, consistent of scale-like forms, possibly connected to the glove they could see at the end of the gauntlet, where his finger poked through. The scales formed something akin to a blade where his left hand was bent.

Underneath the cape, there was a form-fitting, deep red bodysuit. At his knees his boots started, they were obsidian black, and had two holsters at each leg, each holding a dagger. The buckles that went up the boots was deep red, like the suit. Around his waist there was a belt of some sort. It held holster to a gun and a dagger at its sides, and it also had a few pouches. In the middle of his belt was his buckle, which was his mark; the mark to the Ace of Spades.

The sight was truly magnificent and terrifying at the same time.

He's real, was the only thought going through Marco's head. The Ace of Spades existed. It wasn't just a myth or legend, it-, he was real. And Marco felt, for the first time in a long time, he felt fear. All the legends and myths of the most feared and notorious assassin of all time were real. And he was standing right in front of him. The shock and fear of finding out the rumors- the rumors they had thought to be just that- were true, paralysed Marco for a few seconds. And before he could utter a single word, move a single muscle, a strong gust of wind blew through the forest, making Marco shield his eyes. When he opened them, he was gone.

Maybe, thought Marco, Maybe I only imagined it. But, when he looked over the others, he knew it was real. Everyone was still in a state of shock and fear. There was no way he could have imagined it. Thatch then moved his head to look at Marco, eyes still wide. He opened his mouth to say something, to ask if he saw him too. Not one syllable had made it out of his mouth when everything went crazy. A scream tore them back to the mansion, people running out of it, running away. Marco saw Jozu coming towards them. Marco signaled for him to stay there, while he and Thatch went inside the mansion.

As Thatch and Marco went inside the mansion, there was only chaos. People were running and screaming, trying to get out of the mansion. In the gigantic room, a ballroom maybe, there was something in the middle of the room, underneath the gallery; a body. Not just any body, but the body of Samuel. His body was badly mutilated. Each of his finger joints had a nail through it, his left eye missing completely and replaced by a marine medal. His mouth had been cut open in an eternal smile, his tongue completely gone. But, what stood out the most was his chest. There, in the middle of his chest, was the mark. It was branded into his skin, black smoke oozing from it, just as the myth had said.

"He was suddenly here." Marco and Thatch turned their focus to a man sitting on the floor, seemingly petrified. ̈ ̈There were people everywhere and suddenly a girl screamed. Then he suddenly laid there, gurgling, before he suddenly stopped. No one saw anything- how could no one see anything?" Marco and Thatch looked at each other. The Ace of Spades had broken into an impenetrable mansion, killed the owner after mutilating his body, and no one had seen or heard anything until he was gone? He had truly earned the name of the greatest assassin of all time.

When they arrived back on the Moby, Whitebeard was worried. He had heard the screams from the mansion and he almost went there, but he was stopped by a call from Izou, telling him that they were fine, and that they were heading back soon. When they told Whitebeard what had happened, he could not believe his own ears. The myths where true. And not only that, his sons had seen his work. He had managed to sneak into the mansion, without anyone- not even the people in the mansion or Izou's platoon- noticing anything. And then he had gotten out, showing himself to the villagers and his sons, Izou having nearly fainted when he saw him, he was told. Then, he left before anyone noticed that he had dumped the mutilated body in the middle of the ballroom?

He truly was the best. And that, that terrified them.

~ Back to present time ~

There were even fewer on the deck than the day before. Whitebeard had decided that only commanders would be allowed to be on the deck. He didn't think that The Ace of Spades would attack any of his children. He had heard from many that he was an honorable man, no matter what the rumors may say. He would never attack without a reason or warning if he showed up for a meeting. But, if they were to do anything disrespectful or anything to make him mad, they would lose their one chance of contact with him. And, in the worst case scenario, he would attack.

They could not afford that either. Yes, he trusted all of his children. But right now, he could not afford one of them to make an accident. Many were not used to someone as powerful as him. Even just the name sent shivers down many of their spines.

One of the ones up aside from Whitebeard was Marco, who was standing next to his father's chair, looking bored. But, his shoulders were a bit tense, just like his father's were, showing their nervousness. Jozu was leaning on the railing and trying to look like he wasn't anxious about the meeting. Haruta sat on the railing next to Jozu dangling her feet, her face clearly showing nervousness. Namur and Rakuyo sat a bit to the side, close to the railing, playing a game of cards, trying to look as little nervous they could.

Thatch, who stood on the opposite side of Marco by his father's chair, held a folder in his hand, looking at it. The others were either doing something to occupy themselves or were on a mission, like Teach and Vista. One of their islands needed help, and they had been the best choice. Whitebeard had said not long ago, that if they wanted to either come up to the deck or go under it, it would have to be now. He didn't want any of his sons moving around the deck and accidentally making a wrong move that may cause a misunderstanding between them and the assassin.

The folder Thatch held was the same folder that was meant for The Ace of Spades. It consisted of 3 pages. The front held a summary of the work they wanted to be done, the second page was a detailed description of the request, and the third held the reward he would get. They had clearly remembered what Shanks had said, the reward needed to be right. But, they didn't know what was right. So the moment they had gotten the acceptance for the meeting, they had held a meeting and counted their funds, seeing how much they could afford.

For them, this request was a big one, and therefore required a generous amount. They had come up with 20, 000, 000. They had 5, 000 000 extra if it was needed. They only hoped it would suffice. If it didn't, they didn't know what to do.

It was almost noon now, only a few minutes left. Thatch still held the folder. But, the moment they saw a sign of the assassin, he would hand the folder back to Whitebeard or Marco. He did not want to be the one delivering the folder. He would not admit it out loud, but the rumors, myths, and what he himself had seen that day terrified him.

As they were looking out at the ocean, waiting for any signs of a boat of some kind, something to signal the arrival of the assassin, a sound startled everyone above deck. Every occupant of the deck instantly shot their gaze towards the side, at the main mast rope that was bound to the railing, to the cawing sound. And there, sitting on the rigging at the rail, was the raven. Was this the sign he was close by? Thatch was about to hand the file back, when another noise startled them, the noise of a pair of feet touching the deck. It sounded like someone just walked off a small ledge, right in front of the captain's chair.

And just like the last time, he was suddenly there.

There was no sign that he was close by, other than the raven. No boat had been seen, no sound could be heard, there was absolutely not anything that could have signaled he was close by until he was standing on the deck, only 10 feet from the captain. Black smoke was coming from his back, a Devil Fruit maybe?

He wore the same outfit as the last time they had seen him. The same cape hung around his neck and down his back along with the same form-fitting deep red suit, which they could now see wasn't a suit, but a shirt and pants, seeing as the pants where a shade darker. Some black markings could be seen moving about the pants and shirt, fitting perfectly with the rest of him.

On his back, they could see a sword sheath, its handle red, the sheath black. A gun was at his waist, and connected to the belt was a dagger, both deep red with black markings. His gauntlets made him look more intimidating, the scale-like design promising strength. His mask covered half of his face. And the belt buckle with his mark was completely black, with the outline of the design being a color between light red and silver.

But his eyes.

It was the first time they could see them clearly. They were completely obsidian black, just like his hair and most of his outfit. But, even though they were black, they could see that they held so much power, talent, and a tremendous amount of authority. He held himself with grace and dignity, head raised, shoulders pulled backwards, arms at his sides, back straight and feet a bit parted, standing tall and eyes looking straight at Whitebeard. He looked to be a bit young, but not too young. Maybe in his late twenties or early thirties. But he could be mistaken. The way he held himself, and the fact that they could only see a bit of his arm, fingers, and top of the head, could give off a wrongful age.

Everyone had frozen when they saw him. Whitebeard was a bit shocked at how he just stood there, calm and collected. Most people, when standing in front of him, usually either cowered out of nervousness and anxiousness, or showed as much of their power as they could either by Haki or standing at the ready to fight. But he, The Ace of Spades, did no such thing. He just stood there like he was meeting an acquaintance, standing without any form of resignation, fear, or intimidation, just like he was meeting with someone he considered equal. Even though they were nowhere near equal, the Ace of Spades clearly having the upper hand, even if only half of the rumors were to go by.

̈ ̈Edward Newgate, it's a pleasure to meet you," said Ace of Spades, as he gave a small bow, giving him his respect. His voice held no anger, no spite or hostile tone to be heard. He spoke them like Whitebeard himself spoke to his colleagues, like Jimbei; with respect. As Whitebeard watched The Ace of Spades, he realized something. The assassin had honor, giving them his respect. The realization put him more at ease, knowing he would not just attack them, threaten them, or treat them with disrespect.

He would treat them as equals.

As his back and arm fell back into place, the same stance he stood when arrived, he frowned a bit, seemingly displeased with something. A quick glance towards the right made Whitebeard nervous, was there something wrong? Whitebeard looked over himself, towards the stairs that led to the navigation room, not seeing or sensing anything out of place, only a few of his sons and daughters being inside the navigation room. He knew they could not hear them, the navigation room being almost soundproof. When his gaze returned to the man in front of him, his eyes where once again looking at him, the frown gone.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Ace of Spades," said Whitebeard, nodding his head a bit, paying his respect back. He was not going to be disrespectful, especially since the man spoke to him in a matter of equality and respect. Then, The Ace of Spades shifted his gaze towards Thatch and held out his arm, seeming like he was waiting for some-. Whitebeard's eyes widened as he looked down at his side. Thatch still held the folder.

Thatch had completely frozen on the spot when the gaze was on him. His breath left him when the arm was held out. He could not move. He was terrified. He could feel the worrying gaze of both his father and brothers on him. He had to move, to do something, anything. He used all of his power to raise his arm a bit, to hold the folder out. Now he only needed his feet to move, why would they not move? And then, the folder was gone from his grasp. A sound of shock left his mouth as he realized what had happened, the raven having flown and taking the folder out of his hand. The raven landed on his master's shoulder, handing him the file, getting a pet on the neck before he flew back to his spot.

"I apologize if my raven scared you, that was not my intent." His voice still held no anger, no malice, same with his gaze which still was on Thatch. A slight nod of his head showed his apologies to the Fourth commander. He had not changed his demeanor. And for that, Whitebeard gave a relieved breath. Thatch still could not speak, but he did nod his head back. He looked up at his father and he looked back with a smile of relief and comfort, he knew Thatch feared this man. Thatch looked at the Ace of Spades, who had averted his gaze towards the now open folder. Thatch swallowed and took a step towards his father.

Ace of Spades looked at the folder, scanning the first side, before lifting it and assessing the next one. His eyes frowned a bit, and without looking up from the folder he was holding, he began to talk. "You want me to get information from the Marines. To find out where they are keeping," his eyes scanning the page, "12 of your crewmembers, who have been abducted last month? His gaze lifted so he could look at Whitebeard in the eyes, waiting for a confirmation. Whitebeard nodded his head. 12 of his sons had been abducted from their last mission. They could find no leads on them, and they were growing desperate.

Ace of Spades nodded his head a bit, as he looked through the page one more time. "And," he continued, "you only want the information? You do not want anyone taken out, or for me to set them free for you?" His gaze was once again back to Whitebeard. Whitebeard held his gaze the best he could. Did he want that? He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking. "No," He opened his eyes again, gaze locking onto the Ace of Spades. "I thank you for the offer, but I neither want anyone dead, or for you to free them. I want the honor of that myself." His gaze hardened at the assassin. "However, if you do find out that they have been either tortured or killed, you are allowed to take them out."

The assassin held his gaze, a type of understanding shining in his eyes as he nodded his head, before he looked down at the folder again. When he raised his hand to get to the last page, Whitebeard understood. The deal is not yet made, he could just leave if he was unsatisfied. He closed his eyes for a moment, a tiny bit of fear growing in his stomach. If he declined, they may never find their sons and brothers. He opened them and looked at the assassin as he scanned the last page. The assassin's eyes hardened as a frown presented itself on his face, eyes going straight to Whitebeard's, his voice hard. "Is this some kind of joke."

Whitebeard's stomach dropped at the words. The reward wasn't big enough, went through his head. He wanted to close his eyes, but decided not to, and he was just about to open his mouth, to ask what was wrong, even though he knew. But, the assassin beat him to it. "You want me to get information from the marines," His voice was hard, not angry or spiteful, just a bit more forceful. "You do not want me to set them free, or take anyone out, as long as they have not touched them," His gaze hardened. "And you are offering me 20, 000, 000?" Whitebeard could not form any words, he did not know how to respond. "I should," He continued, voice still hard, "just give the file back and leave, seeing as it is disrespectful to my honor." Whitebeard closed his eyes, it was over.

"But,"

Whitebeard opened his eyes in shock, the assassin still had his piercing gaze at him. His voice was now back to the normal level, as it was at the beginning. "Someone I care about is quite fond of you." Whitebeard sat there shocked, someone he cared about? The assassin continued. "This assignment," He moved back to the second page, "Will be at a price of fifty." He paused for a bit, thinking. Whitebeard closed his eyes, they had nowhere near that amount. "Sixty thousand." Whitebeard opened his eyes again, completely in shock. "If something goes wrong, add an extra hundred for each I may need to take out."

Whitebeard stared at him shocked, the assassin's gaze never faltering. He was serious. "Why..." Whitebeard could not form the question, "Why only take 50, 000 when you offered 400 times as much?" Whitebeard nodded. "It is because I have honor." He closed the folder. "Taking the amount you offered would be like abandoning my honor as an assassin, accepting a reward clearly misgiving and as ridiculous as yours." His gaze hardened again. "I may be an assassin, but I still go by an honor and a code." Whitebeard understood. He was being disrespectful by offering an amount that clearly was too ridiculous, acting like he was bribing and mocking the assassin.

"I am sorry Ace of Spades. I did not think the amount would be disrespecting your honor." Whitebeard bowed his head, giving him his apologies. "I guess I was a bit too worried about my sons and had not thought it through. You have my deepest apologies for coming forward as disrespectful." Whitebeard lifted his head back up, looking at the assassin with soft eyes, hoping he would accept his apology. The assassin assessed him for a moment, then averted his gaze towards the commanders, and they had the same look as their father, regret and apology shining in their eyes. Everyone gave a slight bow to the assassin. Then the gaze was back at Whitebeard.

"I accept."

Whitebeard closed his eyes, a weight seemed to have lifted off his chest, a breath escaping him. ̈ ̈Thank you." He breathed out. The captain could feel the assassin still looking at him. "I will have the information delivered to you by tomorrow, in two days should anything go wrong." Whitebeard opened his eyes again, his gaze going to the assassin as he spoke. "I will either have the information delivered by my raven, or by someone I trust. The assignment will be in detail and the price will be at the bottom of the page." His gaze hardened again. ̈ ̈Even if I do send my raven, do not try to give a false amount of money. Believe me, he will know." Whitebeard did not doubt it for a second.

"I will now take my leave." He gave a bow and stood back up, ̈A pleasure doing business with you, Newgate.̈ Newgate gave him a nod back, noticing his sons do the same. He turned to leave, Newgate hearing his sons sigh, a sigh of relief no doubt. They would get their brothers back. The thought made him thankful and happy inside. Everything was going to be al-.

̈And one more thing, Newgate,"

The assassin started, a dark glare piercing over his shoulder, straight at Whitebeard. He felt dread building up inside him. ̈ ̈If you ever decide to call for me again, and that gunman of yours at the top of the stairs points his guns at me, ̈ His eyes frowned even more, ̈I will use his own guns to shoot a bullet into every one of his joints before I kill him."

Then he was gone, just as fast as he had showed up, disappearing in a cloud of black smoke.

Everyone's gaze instantly went to the stairs that went up to the navigation room, where Izou reluctantly stepped out into sight. A look of fear, regret and apology was in his eyes, knowing he had almost messed the meeting up and gotten the assassin angry. Whitebeard was shocked, not only that Izou had been hiding, pointing his guns at the assassin, but that he didn't feel him standing there. Whitebeard closed his eyes; he needed to talk to his sons. This was bad, and it was only a miracle that The Ace of Spades hadn't attacked them or Izou.

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Okay, so that's chapter two, hope you enjoyed

This came up pretty fast and close to the first chapter, but this will not be my normal schedule

I will try uploading once a week, if not, every other week

Yes, I will write about Ace doing the assignment/mission, but I had planned to write about his past first, about how he became The Ace of Spades

So, which chapter do you want me to write first? The assignment/mission, or Ace's past and training to become an assassin?

A few more things I would like to make clear

Yes, Ace will handle the Teach incident

His devil fruit is a secret for now, I will explain what it is later

Sabo is alive, and both Luffy and Ace know this

Luffy, Sabo, and Shanks know about Ace being an assassin

Yes, the Whitebeards are still known as the strongest crew in the world. This is because they are pirates, not an assassin like Ace

Why Ace is an assassin and not a pirate will most likely be in the next chapter, and if not, it will be in the one after that