Hello everyone, here's chapter 26
This chapter is a bit of fill time as they move around. Small build up for the future.
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Ace gave a sigh as he leaned his head backwards and closed his eyes. The last days had been hard. Ace had truly enjoyed the days on Sabaody Archipelago, it was a perfect break. But the thing with the Blue blooded patricians was starting to get to Ace. He could handle a lot, he could handle dealing with them now and then, but this? The last 4 days he had at least one assignment with them, one each day, sometimes multiple assignments a day. Seeing that many suffering people, that many innocent people being in hell, often, way too often, already dead when Ace arrived. Ace had not heard anything from Daisuke yet and hoped he would figure something out. Ace gave another sigh as he leaned forward again and finished the folder he was doing, before handing it to Dust, who disappeared a second later.
Ace stood up and stretched. For now, Ace should try not to think too much about it, not until he had more information. He trusted Daisuke to manage to find out why, he had a lot more people out at different places and could gather a lot of information better than he could when it was about things like this. Ace could do it himself, but that would mean for him to use all his time for it, and he had other assignments to do, as well as being a commander. But he was sure Daisuke would find out whatever it was, and would do that just as fast as he could have done himself, if not faster.
Ace grabbed his cape, which he had not taken on yet, and headed out as he took it on. The boat had just started the descent and it would take about a day to get to Fishman Island and they would spend a day at the island. It had actually been a while since he had been at the island, not for at least 4 years, maybe 5. Ace had not had any reason to go there and had never seen a reason to on his own. Ace knew they had a really good weaponsmith, which Ace would check out, but that was it. It would be nice to see the island again, there were nice people living there.
Ace fiddled with his cape's buttons, making sure it was fastened right. It was a bit weird to have buttons instead of a buckle, but it was okay, he managed to get used to it with time. It did give a more refined finish than a buckle, but it was more easily pulled off, which was both good and bad. It was still an amazing made cape, Ace really liked it, Izou was a skilled tailor. Ace rolled his shoulder to get the cape in the right position as he walked out onto deck. When he got out, he saw many that was enjoying the underwater view, many staring in amazement at the different sea creatures they could see swimming by. Ace still remembers his first trip here and he did the same, also remembering both Daisuke and Azuruko laughing at his amazed look as he asked about everything he could see.
Ace walked towards the main part of the deck, where most usually were. Many would probably be at the front of the ship now, seeing as it was a sight to see the boat traveling downwards and through reefs and fish colonies. They were lucky to travel mostly during the night, so they could see the creatures, reef and plants that could illuminate themselves and looked amazing in the dark waters. As Ace turned a corner, he could see there were some people out, but much less than normal. The captain was out, as well as a few commanders and some people from different divisions. When he was noticed, he was given some smiles and a few greetings. Ace gave his own as he jumped to sit on a crate not to far away from the captain's chair, so he could face the view and sit comfortably.
When Ace was comfortably seated, the captain got his attention. ¨We're having a meeting in the afternoon, around 4. To plan ahead for the New World.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I have something I need to leave for and will be away until 4 or so. I think I might be able to finish early, but it all depends on certain factors.¨ The captain gave a nod, ¨That is fine, son. We'll start and you'll come when you are finished. When are you leaving?¨ Ace gave a smile, ¨Around 9 in the morning I believe.¨ The captain gave a nod and a smile. Ace was glad he was able to continue his work like this, that the pirates understood it. He was sure they would try to make him stop by now, they still might later, but Ace was starting to stop thinking that. It was weird to have someone accept that he was an assassin this good.
Ace had a smile as he looked back at the view and everyone looking at it. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves, to see everyone smiling and laughing. It was a few minutes later that Marco came up and leaned against the wall next to Ace. ¨Have you been to Fishman island before, yoi?¨ Asked the first commander. Ace gave a nod, ¨I have been there before, quite a few times actually. But I haven't been there for 4, almost 5 years.¨ Marco nodded, ¨Why did you stop going there, yoi? If you used to go often before.¨ Ace looked at a seaking that swam in the distance, a small smile on his face. ¨I haven't had a reason to visit on my own.¨ Ace saw Marco give him a quick look, before nodding.
After that they sat and stood in silence, watching the view. It was an hour later Ace got a request from Dust. After he had read it over, Ace took out a pen and quickly wrote a decline on it, before handing it back to Dust who flew off. It was from a captain that had already proven he couldn't be trusted and had used all his chances. He said he had changed and regretted it, but unless Ace saw more proof than words on a paper, he would always decline the request for a meeting he got now and then. He could see the captain and Marco frowning, before they seemed to understand that was how he declined requests. Nothing happened after that, everyone just enjoying the view until Ace had to leave for his assignment.
-x-
Whitebeard sat and watched his children enjoy the underwater view. Many of them hadn't seen it many times, much less at night time and when it was as active as it was now. There were many school of fish, sea creatures and coral that illuminated the darkness in beautiful colors. Many were staring at it in amazement at the colors and shapes they could see. It made the captain glad to see everyone enjoying themselves. Ace had just left half an hour ago. When he had gotten a parchment, most likely a requests, from Dust. He thought Ace might need to leave right away, but when he had only written something on it and handed it back to Dust, he had wondered why, he had never done that before. But he had realized it was a request that got declined. It was the first time he had seen the assassin do that, not just putting it away as usual.
What Marco had told him the other night was also worrisome. Whitebeard knew being an assassin was a risk filled occupation and accident happened. He wasn't surprised Ace had a lot of scars as Marco had said, being an assassin for as long as Ace had been was something that would give that. It did happen they were captured or injured. But he never imagined someone had managed to capture Ace and brand him, and based on what Marco had said, it was more than one. That was bad, terrible actually, to know Ace had been in a situation that made that happen. It hinted at how much risk Ace went through, to be captured and branded, something they only gave to slaves and prisoners that had been captured for a while, making him worried what Ace had gone through in his young life. It couldn't be anything good.
But to know one of the brands was from Thatch's biological family, was something he had not expected, something he hoped Marco had seen wrong.
But that Ace had confirmed it, proved it was the right one, that Ace had had a run in with the nobles and gotten captured and branded. If Thatch saw that, he would be heartbroken. The captain knew about what the nobles did, what that family did. It had taken Thatch a long time to tell him, to tell what he had seen at his young age, the thing pushing him to run away. Every time they got in the newspaper, even for small attacks and such, Thatch felt awful, he always thought he was at fault to, since he had been born to them. It wasn't his fault, no matter what they did, it didn't have anything to do with the chef, but the scars ran deep. If Thatch found out they had branded Ace, who Thatch liked, the chef would feel awful.
If Ace decided to tell Thatch, which the captain thought he should, but wouldn't force him to do, it was important that Thatch knew Ace didn't blame him. Thatch had nothing to do with it. It was something they needed to be careful when telling him, so the chef couldn't manage to blame himself, which Whitebeard knew he would do. Whitebeard hated that Thatch old family, after abandoning them almost 20 years ago, still managed to cause him so much pain. It made his heart ache when he saw how much it haunted Thatch.
The captain tried, every time he could, he tried to tell Thatch he was different. He might have been born to them, but he was different. He was no longer a part of that family, he was his son, he was in a new family, a family that didn't judge him. That they didn't think of him as a noble, that he didn't need to blame himself for those people doings. Thatch had never been a part of what those people did, he never agreed on it, not even when he was young, before he ran away. Whitebeard would keep his word, he wouldn't tell Thatch about it, not unless Ace was okay with that. He might ask Ace about it. If Thatch found out by accident, as Marco had, it would be worse than if they told him.
Whitebeard would try not to think too much about, it would do him no good. He was already worried about Ace, he had not seen how he looked himself, he had only heard from Marco. And he knew Marco wouldn't overreact, he cared and was worried, but he wouldn't overact. For now he would enjoy the day they would have at Fishman island. They were going to meet Jimbei, who he hasn't spoken to in a long time. The captain hoped his children would also enjoy it. He knew some of them was a bit unsure of merepeople, they didn't dislike them, only a bit nervous around them. There were many stories on how evil and other untrue things about them. How anyone could hate an entire group of people for others mistake and what people said, was something he would never understand. He knew Namur would enjoy himself there, he always liked to visit places where merepeople were resided.
The captain also hoped Ace would enjoy himself there. When Ace had said he had not been there for a long time, almost 5 years, not having a reason to go there by himself, he thought that he hadn't been there since his mentor was alive and had been there with him. He would understand it if Ace would feel a bit weird going on an island he hadn't been at since his mentor was with him and therefore stay on the boat. From what he had seen and heard, the man meant a lot to Ace. He hoped Ace didn't think he was trying to replace the man, he never would do that. Whitebeard had had some of his children feel unsure at first, especially the ones who had lost their parents, they sometimes thought he was trying to replace them and make them not think about them.
Whitebeard might bring that up with Ace, since Ace was used to be on his own, not relying on anyone, not since Azuruko was alive. And for him to say he was there, that Ace could rely on him and not be afraid to come to him, could make Ace feel like he was trying to replace the man. Whitebeard never would, or could, replace him. He had a feeling Ace didn't think or feel that, but he still would make sure he didn't think that. Whitebeard did often join Ace in the night and was there for him. Ace had mentioned Azuruko telling him about the night and calm, making him believe Ace often stayed up at night with the man. Sleeping issues was probably something common with assassins, they saw a lot of horrible things and needed to be available, as well as they mostly worked during the night.
Whitebeard sat out on deck in his chair until the clock was closing in on 4 and he headed to the meeting room. He was soon joined by the other commanders, aside from Ace. When the clock reached 4 and Ace still had not returned, Whitebeard decided to start the meeting. He did get a question from Namur on where Ace was, which he answered and said he had an assignment and would come when it was finished, which was soon. Everyone had nodded and they had started, not talking about anything important at the start, saving that for when Ace came.
-x-
Ace stood in front off a mirror in his room, tweezers in hand. He knew the clock was 4 and the meeting had probably started, the assignment had taken the full time, which he had hoped it didn't, as well as managing to get shot by a hidden gunman. It wasn't anything serious, he managed to dodge the direct hit to his chest, but got shot in the shoulder. Ace worked the tweezers in the bullet wound on his shoulder, trying to not move his body as it hurt to some extent as he tried to drag the bullet out. It was thankfully and surprisingly not a seastone bullet. Ace gave a small sound as he dragged the bullet out off his body.
When it was out, Ace used a cloth to stop the bleeding as he looked the bullet over. He now understood why it wasn't a seastone bullet. It was a hollow-point bullet. But a terribly made one, it had barely expanded at the top. What they should have done, was fill it seastone, that kind of bullet was deadly and a pain to deal with. Ace gave a sigh as he placed the bullet on a cloth that laid on the desk and tweezers in its rightful place in a drawer. When his hand was now free, he held it over the bullet and used his powers to dissolve it. When it was gone, Ace grabbed some clothes and headed for a shower, needing to clean the wound and wash a lot of blood away. Since the meeting had started, he was sure he wouldn't meet anyone, which made it easier to wash and clean the wound.
When he was finished, Ace headed back to his room and bandaged the wound and taking a shirt on and made sure it wasn't visible. It would be healed in a day or so, no reason to show the pirates, they would only tell him to go to the infirmary, which Ace would like to avoid. He could patch himself up. A bullet wound was no big deal. As the cape was on, Ace headed out towards the meeting room. When Ace got to the door, he gave a quick knock before going inside, not waiting for the come in, knowing they were expecting him. When Ace got inside and closed the door, Ace quickly made his way over to an empty seat. When he sat down, they captain looked at him. ¨How did everything go, son?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨It went fine.¨ The captain nodded.
¨We have talked a bit about what we might need to restock on when we reach Sabaody Archipelago, does your division need anything?¨ Said the captain, looking at Ace. Ace gave a nod as he thought for a second, no one had said they needed anything, but somethings they could restock on, seeing as they might not be able to for a while. ¨We don't need anything special right now and no one had told me off anything. But some of the gunmen are in need of ammunition soon, as well as some cleaning supplies.¨ The captain nodded, as well as Marco, who had on some glasses as he was writing it down on a parchment. The captain then asked the rest of who he hadn't asked, and no one really needed anything, aside from Thatch, who needed and wanted to stock up on food.
After that, they talked about where to sail to first and if there was places they should head to. Ace reminded silent for most of it, knowing that the map that was on the table, had only a third of the island that excited, maybe half of them. Many of them was hidden and one needed to know where to head to get there, and unless they managed to find them on their own, Ace wouldn't mention them. When they had decided where they should go and when they should be there, the captain looked at Ace again, getting his attention. ¨Didn't you say Stefan was from an island here, son?¨ Ace gave a nod, he had almost forgotten he had told them about that. ¨Yes. It is an island called Palmido, it is located in the south.¨
Everyone nodded and looked at the map, trying to see if they could locate the island. Ace gave a small sigh, knowing they didn't have the island on the map. It was way south, not many thinking anything might be there. ¨It's not on the map.¨ Everyone looked back at him, many frowning. Before they could ask, Ace continued. ¨There are a lot of island in the New World that aren't known to most, Palmido is one of those.¨ The captain nodded. ¨Could you show us where Palmido is? And do you know of every island in the New World?¨ Ace gave a sigh. ¨I know of most, there might be a few I have missed. I won't tell or show where they are, but I can say where Palmido is.¨
Everyone gave an understanding nod. Ace had said he wouldn't give away the information he knew as an assassin, and he knew about most island from his work. If they headed towards a dangerous one or an island they shouldn't visit for some reason, Ace would say that they should head an another way. Some island were under certain protection, some by people who didn't take kindly to strangers. Ace told Blenheim, who sat closest to where the island was, to put a small mark where he instructed. When they all saw where the island was, they decided they would head there in a month or so. It was a bit away and they should head to an another one on the way. After that, they went over the usual, to see if anyone had anything to mention or bring up. No one had anything big or out of the usual, so the meeting quickly came to an end.
When the meeting ended, most headed out to continue their day. Some staying behind with the captain to speak and relax, before heading out themselves.
-x-
Whitebeard made his way out on deck. After the meeting, he had relaxed and spoken with his children for a bit, before heading to his room to relax. They were going to reach Fishman island in some hours, around 5 or 6 hours if he remembered correctly. There were some people out on deck, looking out at the sight of the underwater. Many was inside and would most likely come out when they were nearer the island. It was nighttime, so many was asleep or relaxing. When he got out on deck, he saw Vista, who had watch. When Vista saw him, he went up and gave a greeting. ¨Ace got an assignment and need to leave in a couple of hours, he said he would be back around noon.¨ The captain nodded. That would mean Ace wouldn't be there when they docked. Before he could speak, Vista shook his head as he spoke again.
¨I don't think I have ever seen anyone look so normal standing alone. He looks so used to it and comfortable by himself, so much it's almost unsettling.¨
Whitebeard gave a small nod. He had seen that himself when he saw the kid out at night. His back looked used, way to used, to being alone, especially seeing his age. But assassins was used to being alone, to work on their own. ¨I know, son. But Ace have been on his own for years, his work is also not an easy one.¨ Vista gave a nod. ¨I know. It's just that no one, especially someone that young, should look that used to be alone.¨ Whitebeard nodded. ¨You are right. Ace is a reserved person, he isn't used to being around this many. Is he still out?¨
Vista gave a nod. ¨It's sad to know he isn't used to being around others, no one should be that used to being alone. But we will always be here. And I think he is still out, he was at the back of the ship a few minutes ago.¨ Whitebeard gave a smile. ¨We will do everything we can for him. We aren't a family for nothing. Have a good shift, son.¨ Vista gave a smile at that. ¨We are a family and we always include everyone. Have a good evening Pops, and don't let Marco catch you out.¨ Whitebeard gave a laugh as he headed for the back of the ship. ¨I won't, son.¨ Vista gave his own laugh as he headed towards the front. Most of those out was probably at the front of the ship, looking out and trying to see their destination, the reason Ace most likely was at the back, there was most likely no one there right now.
As Whitebeard rounded a corner, he saw the familiar cape and shape leaning on the railing, leaning on his arms. Whitebeard himself had also never seen anyone look as comfortable and used to standing alone. Humans was usually drawn to each other and craved to be around others. Ace didn't seem to mind being around them, but his back looked more used to standing alone, than standing next to others. Like a lone wolf, who had abandoned his pack off his own free will.
Whitebeard walked up to stand beside the kid. ¨I heard you got an assignment.¨ Ace, who had his eyes closed, nodded. ¨I did, so I won't be here when we dock.¨ The captain nodded and looked at Ace. He seemed peaceful as he stood with his eyes closed, looking like he was enjoying himself. There weren't many around, making it possible to talk about some of the things he had been thinking about. ¨What did you do last time you visited Fishman island? Just a stop before heading to your next destination?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨They have a skilled weaponsmith there, who makes quality weapons. Azuruko and I needed to stock up on a few things.¨ Whitebeard nodded, also frowning a bit. ¨I have never heard about a skilled weaponsmith at Fishman island.¨
Ace gave a small laugh. ¨He is hidden away. He usually only makes weapons for assassins, you don't want to do that openly.¨ Whitebeard nodded, that gave a lot of sense. Only helping pirates could get people into trouble, helping assassin was probably worse. Whitebeard set a look at Ace again, he still had his eyes closed. Ace usually only closed his eyes when it was windy, and there was no wind here. They were in a bubble underwater. That was when he realized why. There was no sounds, it was absolute silence. Not even the sounds of waves, birds or anything. Just complete and utter silence. Ace was fond of the silence at night, it was the few times everyone was regular people and no one expected anything.
That realization also made him think Ace might want to be alone, not speak or listen to anyone, making the silence greater. Before he could think about leaving or ask Ace about it, the assassin shook his head. ¨I don't mind you staying.¨ Whitebeard felt himself smile. Ace seemed to usually know what others thought. The captain leaned on the railing with his hands, relaxing. ¨Did you use to enjoy silence like this with Azuruko?¨ Ace nodded. Whitebeard nodded to himself, looking at the distance. ¨How do you feel about this? I know you used to spend a lot of times like this with him, as well as other things. I don't want you to think I'm trying to replace him.¨ Whitebeard heard Ace give a small laugh and looked at him. Ace had opened his eyes and was looking at the distance. ¨I know you aren't. And even if you tried, you couldn't replace him, no one can.¨
Whitebeard smiled at that. He had a feeling Ace didn't think that, but he had heard from others they sometimes felt he was trying to replace those who used to be there for them. And Whitebeard agreed on Ace's words, he couldn't replace the man. Whitebeard could be a captain and a father for Ace, but Azuruko had been his mentor. He couldn't be that for Ace, he couldn't be there the same way. Whitebeard and Ace stood in silence after that, Ace closing his eyes again. Whitebeard would have liked to bring up the brand, to see how Ace felt about telling Thatch, but that should be done where they were sure no one accidentally overheard.
It was a bit later, that Dust came and landed next to Ace, giving a caw at the assassin, also ruffling his feathers. The captain heard Ace give a sigh as he straightened himself and opened his eyes, looking at him. ¨I need to leave now instead, something came up.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. ¨That's fine, son. I'll see you later. Stay safe.¨ Ace gave a smile as he nodded and started to head to his room. Whitebeard hoped it wasn't anything bad that happened and that was the reason he had to leave early. It probably wasn't anything good, but hopefully it wasn't something too awful or severe. As long as Ace returned it would be fine. The captain hoped he never had to use the number Ace had given him.
-x-
When the ship docked, the clock was almost 4 in the morning. Many had woken up early, to be out on deck when they docked. Since it was really early, there weren't many out to greet them when they docked, but there was a few. And Jimbei was a part of those. When the ship had fully docked, some people went to go to the island as Jimbei boarded. It had been a long while since they had spoken with the fishman and many was looking forward to it, Jimbei was a good ally and they often helped each other if they could. When the man boarded, he gave a greeting to everyone as he walked up to the captain, who was in his chair.
The captain felt glad at seeing Jimbei again and hoped he could stay for a while, it had been a long time since they were in company off each other. And the captain thought Jimbei was good company and liked to meet up with the man. As they greeted each other, Jimbei sat down on the deck with a smile and asked how they have been and if they had any news. Whitebeard updated the man on how things were and what they had off news. When he was finished, Jimbei gave a nod. ¨I've heard you got a new son, who quickly became a commander. I can't see any new faces among the commanders.¨ Whitebeard gave a laugh as he smiled. ¨He is away on some private business, but he will come back around noon.¨
Jimbei nodded, ¨I would love to meet him, he sounds like a talented person, especially seeing his age. But I need to be at a meeting then, but I think I can come by after the meeting.¨ The captain nodded. ¨Are there any news from the New World?¨ Jimbei shook his head. ¨Not since you've last been here. Nothing much have changed, only some new rookies and battles, but that's it.¨ The captain nodded, that was good. Before he could say or ask anything else, Jimbei continued. ¨But, there is a man who suddenly showed up here at Fishman island last week, he hasn't done anything dangerous or damaging that I know off. But I have a feeling he is doing something.¨
The captain frowned. There were people who sometimes caused havoc when they passed by, but for someone to stay was rare. ¨Why do you think that? And what does he look like, so we can see if we can help.¨ The fishman nodded. ¨The way he walks and acts, it's like he is doing or planning to do something. And some things have changed and rumors of fights and such have gone around about him, he might be a danger in the long run. And I believe he is a Human-Fishman Hybrid. He looks like a normal person, but I swore I saw a fin one time. He wears a top hat and dark clothing and one glove gauntlet. You will know who it is when you see him, he really stands out, there is something about him.¨
Whitebeard nodded, having a small frown. Human-Fishman Hybrids were rare, really rare. And it did seem this person did stand out, especially for Jimbei to think that. ¨We'll keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.¨ Jimbei nodded and started up another conversation. The man stayed for hours and left around 10, heading to his meeting. When the man left, Whitebeard gave a quick note to his children, especially the commanders, to look out for the man Jimbei mentioned. They weren't going to confront or do anything, unless he did something first. Some of the commanders headed to the island, but many stayed, wanting to head out later, maybe after lunch or dinner, when there was more life.
The captain had gone to the meeting room with his commanders that was still on the boat. Since they were at an island, the captain usually stayed inside instead off out on deck, to keep people from staring at the boat or be intimidated by him or try an attack. Some people from divisions came and told that they headed to the island or to talk for a few minutes, before leaving. When it was almost 11:30, a knock was at the door. When the captain gave the usual come in, the door opened to reveal Zen, who was on watch. When the door was fully open, he looked at Whitebeard. ¨There is a man here that want to speak to you, Pops.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. Based on how calm Zen looked, the person had not been threatening or anything. ¨I will hear what he wants.¨
Zen nodded and looked at the side, giving a motion. A second later, a man came into view and walked into the room, Zen closing the door behind him. The man gave a small bow, ¨I apologize for intruding, Newgate. My name is Shinsa Hideki. If it would be possible, I would like a word with your second commander, Portgas D Ace.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod. He had heard about this man before, a real wealthy man that had a lot of influence. He did act respectful and asked in a good manner. ¨He is not here right now unfortunately.¨ Answered the captain. He didn't know if this man would want to speak to Ace or to the assassin, the latter might be more plausible.
Shinsa gave a nod. ¨I understand. Do you know if it is long until he comes back? If it's not, I would like to ask to stay until he arrives, but I will leave if that is not okay.¨ Whitebeard thought for a second. Ace was due to return soon, really soon. And Shinsa seemed to be a respectful man. The captain gave a nod as he looked directly at the man. ¨He is due to return soon. You can be allowed to stay, but only as long as you act courteous.¨ Shinsa gave a nod and a small bow, ¨I thank you for that, and I will be courteous and leave if you tell me.¨ Whitebeard nodded, he was acting good, at least for now. He was offered a seat and joined in a conversation.
They didn't ask what he wanted with Ace, seeing as they had a feeling he wouldn't tell, and they had a feeling Ace would handle this when he arrived. The last time someone had showed up, Ace hadn't been pleased, but that man had also not acted as nicely. Whitebeard was a bit unsure how he would handle people who suddenly came and wanted to speak to the assassin. He wasn't sure if this man wanted that or he wanted to speak with Ace, the kid. For all Whitebeard knew, they might have some relations as friends or something.
It wasn't long until the door opened and Ace came inside, in his usual regular clothing. When he came inside, he closed the door and looked at Shinsa, who stood up. ¨Shinsa, what brings you here?¨ He asked in a normal polite voice. That was at least something good, Ace didn't seem annoyed or mad the man was here. Shinsa gave a small nod, ¨I need to ask you to do something, would you like to talk about it more privately?¨ Ace gave a small shake off his head. ¨It is fine, they know.¨ Shinsa sent a small look off surprise at him at that. ¨That is a bit surprising, but good to hear.¨ That did mean he was here for the assassin, but he did know who Ace was. They seemed friendly and had maybe known each other for some time.
Shinsa took a folder from a bag he had, ¨Here, it is not something that will take a long time. And if it would be possible, to make it easier for both you and I, I would like to ask if I can stay here if you decide to do it.¨ Ace gave a nod as he took the folder. Whitebeard did notice how he was much more straight in his posture and kept his head high. Like the assassin usually did. Ace sent a look at Shinsa, before sending a gesture to the captain. ¨That is not my decision to make, that goes to Newgate, seeing as he is the captain.¨ The captain noticed Ace calling him his name, not the usual Whitebeard, but that was probably since this was a meeting of some kind, and formalities were important.
Ace sent a serious look at Shinsa, ¨But if he is to agree, the rules on Boreumdo goes here.¨ That was a bit of a shock to the captain. That showed Shinsa was a decent man and that Ace had let him stay at Boreumdo before. Shinsa nodded, when Ace went to look the file over, Shinsa looked at him. ¨Would it be alright with you, Newgate?¨ Ace did seem to trust that he wouldn't do anything, also the fact he had been allowed on Boreumdo showed Ace trusted him to some extent. The captain gave a nod. ¨As long as you act respectably, you can.¨ Whitebeard felt some of his commanders, who had been silent until now, send a few looks to him, seeing him agreeing to letting him stay. If Ace trusted that he wouldn't do anything, the captain trusted that judgment. Ace gave a frown as he looked at a page, lifting it.¨Is this information correct, or is it like last time?¨
The captain frowned, had the man given incorrect information before? Shinsa gave a sigh, ¨I cannot say completely yes, but it is more reliable than last time. And I only require the information on them if you can find them. If you say yes and it is like last time, you will get one fourth of the agreed payment.¨ That made the captain realize it was an information run on someone, and maybe the whereabouts had been wrong last time. Ace gave a nod. ¨What is the payment?¨ Shinsa shook his head, ¨I am not too sure what to ask for this, seeing as I have never had anyone try to gather information on them and since last time was a misled. What would be reasonable?¨ Whitebeard had a feeling this wasn't normal people he wanted information on. When he had asked for help, Ace had only taken fifty thousand, and that involved breaking into a marine base. This would maybe be a more expensive one, seeing as it was on someone who might be special. But getting information on people could be easy.
Ace gave a nod. ¨Si-, no. Seven hundred million for target one. And eight hundred and fifty million for target two.¨
All the pirates sat in shock for a few seconds. Who were these two? They had to be someone special, seeing as Ace asked for that much. When Ace had helped them, he said taking someone out costed a hundred thousand. This was only an information run on two people, and he asked for one and a half billion? Shinsa gave a nod. ¨That sounds acceptable, would you do it?¨ The pirates could only look at them in shock again. How could that sound acceptable for information? That was way more than they had ever guessed. Ace nodded. ¨I will do it. And you are right, it will take a short time, a couple of hours at most.¨ Shinsa gave a nod. ¨Thank you, Portgas. I will await your return.¨ Ace nodded and closed the folder. ¨That is fine. And remember, you are a guest and Newgate is in charge. The usual rules go.¨ Shinsa nodded.
Ace gave a nod and looked at the captain. ¨It will take a couple of hours at most. Do not be afraid to tell Shinsa to leave if you think he should. He knows the rules and how he should act.¨ Whitebeard nodded. Ace nodded and looked back at Shinsa, who gave a nod. Then Ace left, disappearing in black smoke. As Ace had left, Shinsa sat back down again and Marco started a conversation with him. They didn't ask about what he asked Ace to do, it didn't have anything to do with them and Ace would tell later if he felt he should and could. Shinsa seemed to be a good man, no one did know how he were as a person, only that he had a lot of wealth and influence on certain people here and there. Whitebeard had a feeling they might meet a lot of people in the future.
-x-
Ace walked through a dense forest and made sure to be as silent as he could. The one he was searching for was a dangerous one and Ace didn't want to get noticed. Ace had managed to find one of the targets and had Dust keeping an eye on him as Ace tried to localize the second one. He had a plan what to do to make this easier and faster for himself. Shinsa had sent him after these two before, but only when they were at different locations. Ace had not managed to find them at that time, either because the information was false and wrong, or because he was too late. The first one was the more plausible one.
It was two dangerous people, both of which was their own special kind of person. Both were murders and did their own hunting. Only reason they still was active was because they only took out those who had done bad things. Not nearly as bad as the ones Ace took out, but people who did smaller things. Shinsa wanted to know more about them, too see how much of a danger they were. They were fast and from what Ace had heard, they were great at stealth and not being seen. One thing Ace knew, was that both had a terrible past, the reason they were like they were.
One was bullied and watched as his brother was killed by said bullies, driving him to insanity and taking out the ones who went too far in bullying, more than just words and started to be physical. The other had lost his entire family to some homicidal maniacs and managed to take out them before they did anything. Both of them were rumored to be demons or something, everyone being terrified of them and believing they might only be rumors or legends, no truth in them. Ace had seen them before, after taking out someone that they also wanted. They had not done anything to him, but they had always taken the body. For what, Ace didn't really care about.
As he walked, he heard some branches break as someone walked, and quickly hid behind a tree. When Ace leaned to see who it was, he saw a lady, maybe her late twenties. Ace hummed inside himself, he knew who that was. She was a woman who was spoiled and looked down on everyone, being awful and hurtful. It wouldn't surprise Ace if she had gotten herself in a big mess. A second later, his thoughts were confirmed as he saw a tall figure coming from behind her. As the man walked up to the woman, making no sound and managing to grab her, making her let out a terrified scream. Ace did nothing as the man, Victor Surge, literary tore the woman in half by ripping her with his hands. He was a tall, almost gigantic man, with a lot of strength, but still lean. Ace knew he would never do anything to someone who didn't deserve it.
Ace grabbed his hood on his cape, taking it on, as he reached down and took a small stone from the ground. Ace aimed and threw it directly at Victor, hitting him in the head.
Victor gave a growl as he crushed the remains of a torso in his hands as he turned to Ace. Before he could see Ace, he turned and ran, making sure to make noise, so Victor would follow. Ace was going to see how powerful and good they were. Ace could do it by fighting them himself, or he could do a different approach. Ace made sure he was being followed as he ran towards Dust the moment he saw the bird, he disappeared and landed next to the raven in a tree and watched Jeffery Woods, the second target, who had a blood trail from a knife he had. Jeffery had been depressed as he was bullied and told to always watch his back and keep smiling. After his brother's death, he had carved a Cheshire smile and burned off his eyelids, giving into their wishes. He usually did the same to his victims before he killed them, he had seen his work.
His plan came into action as he saw Jeffery turn around at a sound and came face to face with Victor, both stopping as they looked at each other. Ace knew they knew who the other were. They had always avoided each other, letting the other do their business. Both of them stared at each other, before both attacked. Jeffery was a regular sized person, in his late twenties or so, but he was strong, fast and amazing with the knife. Victor used his hands and a devil fruit power, a spider Zoan, giving him extra limbs. Dark spider like claws, appearing like tentacles as they came from his back. Ace knew two things, and that was that they didn't like each other, and that they wouldn't kill each other. Just fight or duel. They would injure and fight it like a real match, but they wouldn't kill the other. They knew the other's story. Only the small hatred for each other made this possible.
This made it so Ace didn't have to face them himself, but could let them fight it out themselves. Both of them liked to fight, being half insane. The only thing keeping them from completely going insane, was the killing. They both liked this, as they had gigantic grins on their faces.
Ace watched how they moved and assessed how strong they were as he watched them fight each other. The thing he could see, was that none of them was scared to run head first into battle, not caring about being injured themselves. Jeffery had managed to throw his knife into Victor's eye, and Victor had made a hole in Jeffery's abdomen with a spider limb, but both still was at it. Fighting insane people, even if only half insane like this, was risky. They were the most unpredictable ones you could meet. If a normal person went up against an insane one, the insane one was more likely to win. But insanity vs insanity made it more even. Both unpredictable and enjoying to tear people apart, enjoying to kill and torture people.
The reason Ace had asked as much for this, was for this reason. Both was a danger seeing their mental state and that they did take out horrible and bad people. Ace would try to keep from taking them out, unless absolutely necessary. They weren't protected, far from it, but it would cost a lot to get information, and no one would accept to kill them unless they completely turned or messed with the wrong people.
As the fight went on, it was Jeffery who went down first, being thrown and penetrated on a branch stuck. He wouldn't die, it didn't go through any important organs. As he could no longer move, Victor stopped and looked at Jeffery, before turning his head and looking directly towards where Ace was hidden. Ace took it as his cue to leave and disappeared. Ace landed on a vacated area, so he could write what he had seen down in peace and quiet. He made two different files. One he would give to Shinsa, and one he would give to Daisuke.
As he finished with one of folders, he gave it to Dust who instantly disappeared to give it to Daisuke, and finished the one he would give to Shinsa. When it was, Ace disappeared and appeared on the boat. He only had his assassin cape on, not needing the rest off the outfit for this. As he was back on the boat, he walked in a calm manner to the meeting room again, having a feeling Shinsa was still there. If he weren't, Ace would just make Dust find him. As he walked into the meeting room, Shinsa was still present and talking with the pirates. He knew Shinsa would behave, he had never done anything out of his way during the time he and Ace had worked together, which is close to 5 years now.
Shinsa stood up when he came inside and closed the door. Ace took the folder out and gave it to him, ¨It was all in order and the information was correct and everything went fine.¨ Shinsa gave a nod as he took the folder, putting it away. He didn't need to look at it to know Ace was saying the truth, Ace wouldn't tell something false. ¨Thank you, Portgas. Here's the payment as promised.¨ Shinsa took out an envelope and handed it to Ace, who nodded. Shinsa then turned to the captain. ¨Thank you for letting me stay, Newgate.¨ Whitebeard gave a nod.
Shinsa turned back to Ace, ¨And I was wondering if you could help me to Sabaody Archipelago, the ship I am supposed to go with aren't ready before midnight.¨ Ace nodded and made a motion with his head and Dust landed on Shinsa's shoulder. ¨Dust can take you. Until next time, Shinsa.¨ Shinsa nodded, ¨Until next time, Portgas.¨ Ace gave a nod to Dust, and they disappeared in black smoke. As they were gone, Ace took a seat and opened the envelope and took the money out. It was all in million bills. As the money was out, he heard some of the pirates, especially Thatch, make a sound of astonish. ¨I've never seen that much in one hand.¨ He heard the chef say, making Ace give a chuckle as he started to count.
When Ace reached one billion, he stopped and took the billion and put it in his pocket, the rest he put back in the envelope. When he had, he handed the envelope to Curiel, who was not too far away from him. Curiel gave a nod, ¨How much did you take out?¨ Ace gave a smile, ¨A billion, I need to buy some things. There should be five hundred and fifty million left.¨ Curiel nodded, placing the envelope in a pocket. Thatch gave a choked sound. ¨A billion?! What are you planning to buy?! The entire island!¨ Ace laughed at that and looked at the stunned chef. ¨I need some assassin equipment, it isn't peculiarly cheap. But it is top quality, so it's worth it.¨ The chef nodded, still looking shocked. ¨A billion!¨ Many laughed at that. It seemed the chef could not believe how expensive assassin's gear was.
Izou looked at Ace, ¨Is there a merchant like that here? And do they sell to regular ones, or just to assassins?¨ Ace gave somewhat nod. ¨There is a really good one here. They are usually hidden away, it's not smart to do it in the open. And they do sell to everyone, but I won't bring you there, that merchant is really careful and won't appreciate pirates. No offense. But I can take you to an another one, who has specializes in guns if you'd like.¨ Izou nodded. ¨I understand. Only making weapons for assassin is probably bad. And I would like to go to a shop that specialize in guns, that sounds interesting.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨But it is expensive as I've said. No gun is below the price off two million.¨ Izou gave a nod, ¨I will remember it.¨
The captain looked at Ace and got his attention. ¨When someone like that comes by, people who want to speak to the assassin, how should we act? I have a feeling everyone is not going to be as courteous as that.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨You are right, not everyone is as courteous, which is unfortunate. How you act is up to you, you are the captain. If they act nice, you make your own decision on how to behave. If they act out of their way, tell them to leave, if they don't, force them. No matter what happens or what you or them do, I would like to know, so I can act based on that. People are to behave and everyone knows that.¨ The captain nodded. It was good to know how they should be. It would hopefully never be anyone who doesn't behave, but it might happen.
Ace did a small stretch as he stood up. ¨I'll go and change to my other cape and head to the island. It may take some time, but Dust will be here if you need me for anything.¨ The pirates nodded and Ace headed out of the meeting room and towards his rooms so he could change the cape.
-x-OUTTAKE-x-
Trafalgar Law walked on Sabaody Archipelago. They had docked a few hours ago, and he had 'accidentally' run into the brat, Luffy, and managed to get up a meeting later during the day. Luffy had said he liked his hat and how he spoke, especially the 'ya' he used. And the little brat had decided to call him Trafaguy or Traffy, both which annoyed him greatly. As he and Luffy had spoken, the blond man with the top hat had come and dragged Luffy away, giving him a doubtful look. Probably knew who he was and was careful because off that. Luffy did seem oblivious to that. There was something about the kid that really intrigued Law, and every time the kid smiled, he couldn't describe the feeling he felt, not having felt it before. Even not managing to yell at the kid after calling him Traffy.
As he watched the blond man, Sabo, if he heard Luffy correctly, dragging the kid away, Corazon came up to Law and gave him a serious look. ¨I hope you didn't do anything stupid to them, Law.¨ Law lifted an eyebrow at him. He never cared about what he did, so why did he care about them? ¨I did nothing out of the ordinary. And they might be a threat, Luffy-ya is something special I believe. We are going to meet later again, he invited us to his boat.¨ Corazon actually looked shocked and almost terrified at that. ¨We shouldn't go, Law.¨ Law frowned, ¨Why the hell not? They are only brats. Brats who happen to travel with Rayleigh-ya.¨ Corazon looked at him dead seriously, almost making Law nervous. He never did that. ¨That blond boy, didn't you see the feather he had in his top hat?¨ Law nodded. ¨So what? It was only a feather.¨
¨No,¨ Started Corazon. ¨It was a feather to Ace of Spades. He only gives that to special people who he have been working with for years. Those brats, are close to him.¨
Law could only stand shocked and stare at Corazon. He thought the feather looked unusual, being really dark and big, sometimes almost looking like it was dusting off. ¨You sure?¨ He asked Corazon, hoping he wasn't. Corazon nodded. ¨I've seen it before. Azuruko had one, and he was Ace of Spade's partner. Only real close acquaintances gets a feather. You mess this up, you can forget about being Ace of Spade's acquaintance.¨ Law swallowed, now feeling the fear off the assassin's wrath if he did anything wrong. He had promised to come to the boat tomorrow, he couldn't bail out off that now.
What had he gotten himself into?
And that's chapter 26, hope you enjoyed
Again, this was more off a calm and relaxing chapter as a build up to later in the story.
And if you like this story, please check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and different events from this story.
If you have any requests, questions or if you're wondering about something in the story, feel free to ask. And if you liked the chapter, feel free to leave a review/comment