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)

40. Ace of Spades Chapter 39The Perpetuation

Hello everyone, here is the next chapter

This will have a bit of this and that, and we'll see how the Strawhats are, especially some of the crew

And I know this is really early out, but I feel so bad for being so late the other weeks, so this is posted this early as an apology

And I asked everyone last time on how you feel about smut scenes, and based on what you said and I feel, I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing. This being keeping them in and giving a warning at the start and how to skip. If someone can't handle this for some reason, no one is forcing you to read the story

Hope you enjoy

Read and relax

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Whitebeard went out on deck early in the morning, hoping he would see Ace and get to talk to him before Nathan came to speak to him again. When he got out on deck, he was glad to see Ace was out, sitting at the railing and speaking to Marco, who stood next to him. ¨Ace,¨ Started the captain, getting his attention. ¨I need to speak to you.¨ Ace gave a nod, jumping down from the railing, before walking up to him. Marco sent a worried look after them as they walked to the captain's room. When they got to his room, Ace sat down in a chair, the captain taking his one. When he sat down, he gave a sigh as he explained the situation to Ace. Telling how Nathan had come by yesterday evening and what he had said.

Ace listened and thought about it, before he gave a nod when he was finished, looking at him. ¨It will happen that some, maybe a lot, won't like the fact I'm an assassin. And there is not much to do about it. The best is to let him sort himself through. If he doesn't like me and continue to not like me, it's fine.¨

The captain blinked, looking at Ace. He was really calm about Nathan really not liking Ace because he was an assassin. He wasn't expecting Ace to take it as nonchalant. ¨You're fine with it? It's not okay for someone to dislike because of who people are.¨ Ace gave a small shrug. ¨The one thing I'm more concerned about is that he might tell who I am, but that's it. Not everyone likes everyone, and I'm used to not being liked. This is nothing new.¨ The captain felt a weird feeling in his chest, sad that Ace was this used to not being liked. He shouldn't be that, he shouldn't be okay with people not liking him, calling him names like that. Before he could voice his thoughts, Ace gave a sigh.

¨I know you probably don't like it, but I'm fine with it. What we should do is make sure the dislike don't turn into hatred.¨

The captain was silent for a second, before giving a nod. He agreed with the last part, just not with the other things. Ace shouldn't be okay with this, he shouldn't feel as if this was normal. He had a feeling he wouldn't get anywhere if he brought it up, Ace was just at peace with not being liked. He would try to approach and discuss this later, as he had other issues needing to do now. And he had a feeling it would be better if he gradually brought it up, maybe that being better for Ace too, easier for him to understand it wasn't okay. He had a lot of issues, and the captain knew it would take time for him to help Ace through them. He should have for self-worth than this, not just accepting things like this.

The captain looked at Ace. ¨What do you think we should do?¨ There had to be something they should do, and maybe Ace had an idea. Ace gave a half nod. ¨Maybe ask why he doesn't like me. I might have done something he doesn't like, and take it from there. You mentioned he would come by later in the morning. And he most likely won't come before after breakfast, if he even will come by at all. Anyway, I need to leave in half an hour, and I won't be back before the end of the day.¨ The captain gave a nod. ¨I'll speak to Nathan, and I will tell you if I get anywhere, or if I don't.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨That sounds good. And if it just doesn't like me, it's fine. Don't try to force him to not dislike me, that's not a good approach.¨ The captain gave a sigh, before giving a nod. He knew Ace was right, but he didn't like how calm Ace was about all this. he would try to see if he got anywhere with Nathan, hoping he would.

Ace stayed for a few more minutes, just speaking about some things on how things had been, before he left, most likely going to change. And Ace had been right, Nathan never showed, and when the clock moved past morning, he had Marco go and fetch him, not telling Marco why. He had a feeling Marco had a thought it had something to do with that he had spoken to Ace before, but he wouldn't tell, at least not yet. Maybe later.

When Nathan did come by, not looking glad by being forced to speak to him, the captain tried to find out why he didn't like that Ace was an assassin. If there was any reason behind it, or if it was because of what others and the newspaper said. Nathan didn't speak much about it, even throwing some names out again, which didn't make him glad. He did get Nathan to promise not to tell, but that was it. Everything else was a lost cause, Whitebeard ending it when Nathan called Ace a demon again. He really had hoped it would have gone by better. And he hoped even more that others wouldn't feel the same when they found out. he didn't like that his children didn't like each other like this, not seeing reason and trying to fix it. Keeping the dislike there and refusing anything.

When Ace came back in the evening, he told he didn't get anywhere, but made him promise to not tell others about it. And Ace just accepted it like that, not seeming at all bothered by it. The captain felt his heart not liking that Ace was this used to not being liked, just going with it like this, like it was a normal occurrence.

The captain felt himself feeling some pain in his heart as this was a normal occurrence for Ace. He was more used to not being liked than being liked.

-x-

Sanji stood out on deck, making a small and quick snack for everyone when they returned from doing their things on the island they were docked at. Seeing as it was a beautiful day and he was only making some easy sandwiches, he decided to do this out on deck, having a small fold up table he could use. And the others were on the island or on the dock close by. The ones on the dock was the barbarian of a swordsman, cowardly Usopp, and the airheaded captain. The others were shopping, and he hoped Nami would return soon, as he was almost finished with her special sandwich. Nami had actually gone with Sabo, the blond saying he had been here before and knew his way around. Sanji could see Sabo as a captain, but not Luffy. That kid was oblivious to everything and acted like he had no clue of anything. But it was his ticket to the Grand Line and New World, hopefully to find All Blue. He would prove everyone wrong, that it existed.

But as he was almost finished with the sandwiches, he saw a person on the dock. And this was no regular person, but someone on the kill list.

Sanji kept his eyes on him for a second, thinking if he should go after. He rarely did much of his family business, not wanting to be an assassin or informant. But it still happened that he did things like this, taking people from the kill list out or delivering information. He could do this easy when he was a chef. He overheard a lot, and could easily poison. But he couldn't do that now. He couldn't just leave, kill him, and return like nothing. He might get figured out. maybe he should call his family and tell who was here, seeing as he had a small secure Den Den so he could do that.

He always wanted to help if he could, and he knew those on the kill list was people that did deserve to be killed. He had no issue doing that. Just kill now and then, or some information gathering was nothing like what his siblings or father did. He kept his fair distance from them, but the rules did apparently still go for him too, seeing as he did small things. Meaning to not do certain things and get certain information, but he was outdated on that, only having his mind on the kill list when it came to this. he didn't want to feel like he was an assassin or informant, but a chef.

As he was trying to decide what to do, he was startled by a voice next to him. ¨You can go do it.¨

Sanji turned to look at Luffy, using a knife as a threat when he tried to take some food. ¨Do what?¨ Asked Sanji back, not sure what the brat was speaking off. Maybe he wanted him to serve the food earlier, before Nami-swan was back. Which he would never do. The kid tilted his head.

¨Go and kill that guy. He's on the list, right?¨

Sanji lost the grip on his knife, making it fall with a small sound to the cutting board. How? He turned to Luffy. How could he possibly know? ¨How do you know that?¨ Maybe Sanji had been talking to himself and Luffy had overheard. The kid gave a small shrug. ¨You had the look in your eye.¨ Sanji blinked. ¨Look?¨ Luffy nodded. ¨Yeah. The look you get when you see someone to kill.¨ Sanji tried to keep his mind calm, to figure out how this brat of a kid knew. ¨How do you know that?¨ The kid tilted his head the other way. ¨I've seen the look before.¨ Before Sanji could speak again, Luffy did. ¨You should go now, before the others come back. Oh, and get some meat!¨ Sanji blinked. He was about to ask how he knew and who he knew who also had the look, but Luffy was already jumping away, managing to snatch a piece of bread. Sanji realized Luffy had given him a cover to go. To go get meat. He would do that.

And later, when he managed to get the brat alone, he would be sure to ask more about this. For now, he had something to do.

Sanji cleaned his hands, before going after the man, saying he would buy meat, making Luffy yell a ¨YES!¨ he did quick work of the man, just kicking him into a wall really hard and giving a finishing blow. He would send a note that he was dead to his father later during the night, when he was alone.

During the next days, he never managed to get the brat alone, meaning he never managed to speak about how he knew.

But maybe he just had seen it before. Sanji wasn't someone who did this often and had been told by Zeff he also knew when there was someone on the list in the restaurant. Maybe he was just getting rusty.

Yeah, that was a logical explanation.

-x-

Marco looked at Ace when he gave a hum, standing up straight from the railing. It was in the middle of the day, around 14, and he was enjoying some time with Ace, but that might come to an end now, seeing as he got a request. And based on the hum and that he stood up, he was probably going to leave. It was in the middle of the day, closing in on evening, and Ace did rarely leave at this time, so he hoped he wouldn't leave just yet. Ace usually left around midnight. He looked at Ace. ¨You need to leave now, yoi?¨ Ace looked at him, giving a half nod. ¨I need to change. This is for Ann. And I'll leave after changing, it takes half an hour to get ready.¨

Marco nodded. ¨Are you going to be long?¨ Ace shook his head. ¨No. Maybe half an hour to an hour. It's just a folder I need to get. Some information. But it's on Sabaody Archipelago, there is a lot of people there, so it might take some time.¨ Marco nodded. Ace hadn't had an assignment like that before. Not that it could be called an assignment, more like information run. But that gave him an idea. Ace would be going to Sabaody Archipelago for a small information run, and he was off duty for the day and night, Pops saying he should rest. And this could maybe be a small way to also show Ace they could help. He looked at Ace.

¨Can I join, yoi? You can do your work, and after, we can go eat dinner or something. We never get a chance to go out here.¨

When Ace looked at him, Marco already felt as if it might be a stupid idea. He should have thought it more over and said it in a different way. That sounded real cheesy, like he was asking Ace out on a date. Well yes, he was. But he could have phrased himself different. Ace gave him a look. ¨I'm going as Ann for the information, and I won't change while we're there.¨ Marco was a bit shocked. Ace was worried about him not liking that? As long as it was Ace, he was happy. Marco shook his head. ¨I didn't expect you too. And that's fine, I don't mind you going as Ann if we go eat, yoi.¨ Ace gave a smile, ¨I wouldn't mind it if you get to leave.¨ Marco gave a small chuckle. ¨I am sure Pops won't mind.¨ He knew Pops wouldn't mind. He had told him to relax. If he went with Ace like this, he could really enjoy himself and relax while they were out dining. Ace smiled, ¨I'll go and start changing, and you can go notify Whitebeard. Just to be sure it's fine.¨ Marco nodded, and went to do that.

And not to his surprise, Pops let him go for the day and night without thinking too much about it. Even letting him off half of the next day too. Also mentioning he did deserve that break. He and Ace alike. Ace had been doing a lot the last days, so this would be good. And they hadn't been able to spend much time together, so this was just perfect. After changing some words with Pops, the man glad Marco would go and relax, and telling they would manage to keep everything under control, and if something urgent happened and they needed him and Ace back, he had a feather he could burn. When he left, there had almost gone half an hour, and went to Aces room, knocking on the door and telling it was him. When Ace opened, he couldn't help but look amazed at Ace, or Ann rather.

She had an amazing red dress on. Hair neatly tied in a half ponytail, some hanging beside her face. A perfect amount of makeup that made her red eyes be extra beautiful against the pale and flawless skin. She had a small bag, more like purse, over her shoulders. Marco gave a smile. ¨You look amazing.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle, letting him inside, before going towards the closet. ¨I just need to put on some shoes, and we can leave.¨ Marco nodded, and watched as Ace put on some black heels, before turning to him and holding her hand out.

Marco took the hand with a smile, and a second later, they were gone.

-x-

Marco woke up, giving a breath and small stretch as he sat up to look around himself. He didn't feel anyone else in the bed, so Ace had already woken up, but he couldn't be far way. After taking a look around the room, thinking Ace might be in the shower, he saw a shape sitting on the window sill to a big half-moon window. From where they bed was located and the sill was and how Ace sat, Marco could only see Aces legs and an arm relaxing on his bent knees, which had a robe of some kind on. With a breath and smile, Marco got out of bed and headed towards the window Ace sat.

Marco had really enjoyed himself yesterday, him and Ace having fun on Sabaody Archipelago. Enjoying a show, dinner and a trip to the casino. It had been amazing, and when they left the casino, everything else being closed, they headed to the brothel here and to the roof like last time, before going to the vip room. It had been an amazing day and night, and he was real glad he had asked to come along. It was also the perfect opportunity to relax and be around Ace. Even Ace seemed to relax. The dress was still on the floor, next to his shoes and stockings, where he had taken it off of Ace. The hair clips neatly laying on a table. He wondered what Ace was wearing, looking like to maybe be a bathrobe, and wondered if he had been up for long.

When he got to the window, he saw it was still early morning, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. Ace sat on the sill, back leaned against the wall, holding a cup of something on his hands. He had a bathrobe on, something that probably laid in the bathroom. Marco sat down on the other side of the sill. It was a big window, meaning it had a big sill, maybe even made to sit on like this. When he sat down, Ace looked at him, sending a smile. ¨Good morning.¨ Marco gave a smile himself. ¨Morning, yoi. Been up long?¨ They hadn't gone to sleep long ago, maybe 4 or 5 hours, Ace falling asleep first this time. Ace shook his head. ¨Not too long, maybe an hour or so.¨

Marco nodded. He had a feeling Ace might have been awake for longer, but didn't comment on it. He noticed the makeup Ace had on was still there, maybe a bit smudged at on eye, but it was barely noticeable. He guessed it was makeup that sat on good. Ace took a sip of the cup he held, before looking at him, holding the cup a bit up. ¨Want some? It's cocoa.¨ Marco gave Ace a look, taking the cup. ¨Where did you get it?¨ He asked before taking a small taste, taking another when it tasted really good. Ace gave a small chuckle. ¨Stole it from a trolley in the hall.¨ Marco gave a nod. ¨It's good, yoi.¨ Ace gave a nod, taking the cup back. ¨It is. That's why I stole it. I think the trolley is still there. You can go take if you'd like.¨

Marco thought about it, before thinking 'why not'. He went out in the hallway, finding the trolley, and taking a cup, before going back to the room, sitting down on the sill again. He looked at Ace. ¨I feel like a thief.¨ Ace gave a laugh, ¨Says the pirate.¨ Marco gave a small chuckle, ¨True. But this is different from normal piracy though.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle at that. Marco looked at the kid, he looked to be enjoying this, looking calm and having a relaxed look. ¨Want to stay here, or head out? I don't mind either one.¨ Ace gave a small hum, taking a small sip from the cup. ¨How about staying here for a bit? Just relax. Then we can go back to the boat.¨ Marco nodded, it sounded like a good plan. And he didn't mind this. It was a perfect view from the window, although it was better from the roof, but it was still perfect.

It was a few hour later that they left, going back to the boat. Ace took the bathrobe off, putting the dress on again, just to have some cover, even though they still appeared directly in Aces room. Ace went for a shower, to rid of the makeup and such, and Marco headed out to deck, to see who were up and out. when he got out on deck, he saw most were up, which was no surprise. The clock was nearing noon after all. Pops was out, and asked how things had been, and he said it had been good. He did feel relaxed, which was a good feeling.

As he was about to look around, something hit him in the back of the head. He turned around to see Izou there, holding a newspaper, the thing having hit him on the head. Izou lifted an eyebrow, handing him the newspaper. ¨Page 14.¨ Marco hid a small frown as he opened it, wondering what this was about. As he got to the page, he blinked as he took the image and headline in.

It was a picture of him and Ace, or him and Ann. It was taken on the restaurant yesterday. And it had the headline 'Marco the phoenix seen with a mysterious woman.'

It mentioned how he had been seen with the woman, and they knew she had done a lot of small shady things. The funny part was how the article mentioned the woman might be his girlfriend, and that they should look out after her, since she could be a danger. They didn't know who the woman was, not even knowing it was Jackson Ann. Marco gave a small chuckle, shaking his head as he handed the paper back to Izou. He heard Pops give a laugh, and turned to the man. He gave an amused look. ¨We had a good laugh at the marines. Everyone thought it to be really funny. Maybe we should send them a better picture.¨ It was ended with a laugh, and Marco let out a small snort. He knew Pops had told the others he went to help Ace, not telling it was really a date of a kind, as the marines thought. Even though he was sure the ones that knew of him and Ace, knew what it was.

He could imagine the marines freaking out, thinking this was someone they would recruit or something. And that she was doing some things as people often disappeared around Ann, many also being afraid of her. And they always stuck their nose in their business, thinking everything they did and everyone they were around where an evil scheme.

When Ace got out, Marco showed him the newspaper, the kid giving a laugh as he read it. When Marco asked if it could be bad, seeing as some people, like Thatch, knew it was Miss Jackson and could tell, Ace gave another laugh, looking at him. ¨No one would dare to rat Miss Jackson out. If you do, you die.¨ Thatch came up to them, giving a laugh as he heard that. ¨So they will maybe freak even more out? Since no one knows anything?¨ Ace gave a small half nod. ¨Maybe. Who knows. The marines aren't especially bright.¨ Thatch gave a loud laugh. ¨Not bright? They thought Miss Jackson was Featherbrains girlfriend!¨ Everyone around them laughed at that. Marco couldn't help but send a look at Ace, thinking how the others, like Thatch, would react when he found out it was true.

Who knows, maybe the man would have a freak out. And if he did, Marco hoped he could watch.

-x-

Sanji looked around on the island they were at. Alabasta if he remembered correctly. There seemed to be some issues here, and they were going to look more into it. Not that he really wanted too, but the airhead of a captain said they needed to check, Sabo joining in on it. Weren't they pirates? Why did they need to bother with everyone else's issues? He was going to see if he found a food shop or something, seeing as it never hurt to have some food that could survive long. Especially with those captains that ate a lot, especially Luffy. If they didn't get to stock up every week or so, they would starve.

But as he was about to turn a corner, following instructions from a man, he halted as he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But quickly punched himself for going over as he recognized her.

It was Jackson Ann. Miss Jackson was here on the island.

Sanji had never seen her in real life before. Only hearing descriptions and a half bad taken picture. But it was no doubt her, seeing those red eyes, perfect body in the black dress and fair skin. Hair in the recognizable ponytail, and the calm and controlled look. It was no doubt her, she fit what he had heard. And he had to really use his will and knowledge to not float over there and do something. She was the most beautiful woman she had seen, rivaling Nami. But Miss Jackson was made to get attention, to look like the most beautiful one would see. How she always managed to disappear was a mystery to him. how people could not know where a woman like that was in between where she was seen. He was fighting a losing battle, when he noticed the woman stopping, turning and saying something to someone behind her, probably a new victim.

But a second later, Luffy walked out from behind a building and up to Miss Jackson, following her with a smile to another building, walking inside.

Sanji could only stare, no idea if that happened or not. Why would Miss Jackson go after Luffy? He didn't seem like a person she would be interested in, as the ones she went after were the worst of the worst. And why Luffy would even go with her. He had no attraction to any kind of person they had met. Not even Nami-swan, which was a disgrace to her beauty. But she seemed to specifically go with Luffy, even calling after him it seemed like.

Sanji had a feeling this was the last time anyone would see the airheaded captain. No one did escape from Miss Jackson after she got her eyes on you. And she apparently had her eyes on Luffy.

He didn't know the brat well, so he might have been in some shady things. But he would never had understood any of it, the brat not knowing anything. But… he did know about his work. Maybe he knew too much and Miss Jackson thought him to be a danger. He did blurt things out after all. And he couldn't go after. No one messed with Miss Jackson, Sanji wasn't stupid, he knew the woman was more than a beautiful woman. She had to be an assassin, at least an informant. She didn't seem to work with anyone, being a lone person that did her own things, not even leaving or having a mark. Even his family knew she was on the sideline, but she was high up, meaning no one interfered with her, knowing they would lose. Either she killed, or she lured them to have someone else kill. The ones that went with her always disappeared, either ever being found, or found dead not long after.

And Luffy would become one of those soon. The brat was as good as dead. No one got away from that woman, no matter what.

With an almost pitying thought, feeling bad for the person he had almost viewed as a captain, Sanji continued his path to find food, not needed as much anymore. He still bought a lot, just in case they needed it and he found a lot that could last long. When he returned to the boat, Sabo seemed to be a bit worried, and looked at him. ¨Have you seen Luffy? He ran off. Maybe you saw him in town.¨ Sanji tried to think. How could he tell Sabo that Luffy, his brother, was gone? He wouldn't come back. he felt bad for the blond, he seemed to like his brother a lot, and Sanji didn't want to be bearer of bad news, or to give false hope.

But before he could speak, a voice behind him had him freeze. ¨I'm back!¨ Sanji turned around, not believing his ears. But couldn't deny his eyes.

Luffy was fine. Looking to not even have a scratch or anything.

As the brat came and said he wanted food, going to the galley. Sanji couldn't do much other than stare. How? He was sure that woman was Miss Jackson, no one looked even close to what she looked like. Without saying anything, no idea what to say, Sanji went and started to make a small snacks, Nami mentioning she also wanted some light food.

But as he was looking out the window from the galley, he saw Miss Jackson walking on the street not far from the dock.

It was her. There was no doubt in his mind. But how had Luffy gotten away? She didn't seem injured, mad or anything. Just the usual composed herself. None of this gave any meaning. Not only had the brat known about his work, but he had gotten away from Miss Jackson.

Just who was this brat?

-x-

They were screwed. That was the only thought in Sanjis mind as he looked at the marine captain and crew in front of him.

There was no way to escape. They could have maybe managed to take on some of them, maybe if it was only the captain against all of them. But not an entire marine crew. Sanji could use his skills, but even he was unsure if he could manage this. he was better at sneaking and killing that way, not in a fight fight like this. He couldn't take on so many without issues, he hadn't kept his techniques up to par the last years and was a bit rusty on that part. If they got out of this alive, he would be sure to train himself so he could handle fights like this. He saw the marine captain, Smoker, readying his baton and smoke already beginning to rise from him. They were so dead.

But as the smoke got more noticeable, Nami, Vivi and Usopp cowering in fear behind them, a large wall of black smoke came between then and the marines, and then, nothing.

When Sanji opened his eyes again, he found himself on the deck of Merry, everyone laying around on the deck unconscious, save for Luffy and Sabo. The brat sitting on Merrys head, while Sabo sat on a chair, reading. Sanji sat up, feeling somewhat groggy. Now noticing the boat was sailing, no marines or anything in sight. He looked at Sabo. ¨What happened?¨ The blond looked at him over his book, before returning to it as he answered. ¨You passed out.¨ Sanji blinked. What? ¨How did we get away?¨ Sabo gave a shrug. ¨Got some help to make an escape route after you fell.¨ Sanji brought a hand to his head, trying to take the grogginess away. Why had they passed out and not the two brothers? And how did they manage to escape. And what was that black smoke? Wasn't Smokers smoke white?

Sanji Shook his head, standing up. ¨Why didn't you and Airhead pass out?¨ Sanji heard Luffy laugh. ¨I held my breath! So I didn't breath the smoke!¨ Sanji blinked. That actually made sense. Smoke wasn't good when breathed in, maybe the black thing was something the marine captain could use. Either that, or the hot temperature of the desert messed with the smoke, that was a possibility too. For now, he was just thankful he was safe. When he was up and got a look around himself, he saw the boat was still close to the island. ¨Where are we going?¨ Sabo gave a hum. ¨Just to a different place on the island. Less marines.¨ Sanji nodded, that sounded like an idea. Vivi had mentioned some place they should head, maybe they were headed that way.

As Sanji headed to prepare food, he couldn't help but think he might have made a wrong decision to join this crew. There was just so much happening that he couldn't completely explain, and he hated that.

-x-

Ace was on his way to leave, now finished with everything he needed to do on Alabasta for now. It had been a bit good to meet up with Luffy, seeing him in the crowd and took him to an inn, just to hear how things were. He had gotten a sizable crew now, even getting a doctor, which he felt was good. And as Luffy called him, a cute reindeer doctor. His name was Tony Tony chopper, and according to Luffy, he was good and kind. Everyone had also gotten a bounty, and Ace kept Luffy and Sabos on his room on the ship, proud of his brothers, they were going to do great.

But as he was about to leave, he saw a commotion had started in the street near the docks. When he turned to look at what was happening, he kept a sigh inside as he saw it was of course his brothers and his crew, managing to anger marine Captain Smoker.

He knew they were strong, but he wasn't sure if they could manage to take on the Marine captain and his crew, they were strong. And if Ace had to be honest, Smoker was good enough to get promoted, but was being kept back. With another small sigh, he did a quick look at how things looked. They had a lot of the attention of everyone out, and I was around a hundred or so around them. He could handle that.

Ace took of one of his, or Anns gloves, and held his hand out, concentrating some, before he snapped his fingers. And a wall of black smoke rose between the mad Marine and his brother and his crew. With some more concentration, he shattered the wall and managed to place everyone underneath his illusion, trapping them in a sleep like state. Everyone aside from Sabo and Luffy. When he was sure everyone was under his powers, feeling some strain, but not too much, he could keep this up a bit, but not too long. He walked up to Sabo and Luffy. Luffy noticed him, or her, first. ¨ANN!¨ And he quickly had the kid latched around him in a hug. Ace gave a small chuckle, patting his head. He looked at Luffy and Sabo when Luffy let go. ¨Why are you angering the marines?¨ He could see Sabo on his way to answer, but Luffy puffed his cheeks up, giving a small pout. ¨He started it.¨

Ace gave a small sigh, looking at Luffy. ¨Don't cause fights with the marines, not this one at least or any captain or higher. They are strong.¨ Both Sabo and Luffy nodded. Sabo sent him a look. ¨Thank you for doing that, Ann. It was getting out of hand for us.¨ Ace gave a nod. He had thought them to always say her or Ann when he was in disguise like this. ¨It was nothing.¨ He looked at Sabo. ¨Go and start sailing, head west, keep the island in sight. You'll still be on the island, since Vivi belongs here, going closer to villages and the kingdom here. Be careful in the desert, don't underestimate it. I'll bring the crew when you are a safe distance away.¨ Ace couldn't teleport them now, that would be too much strain. He couldn't keep all of the hundred and 4 people under his illusion and teleport, and keeping the ones he teleported under. His power had a limit there.

Luffy and Sabo nodded, before Sabo left to start sailing, Luffy staying with him. Sabo did take Dust with him, so he knew when it was safe. Luffy had some fun with running around and between the marines, never touching as he knew that was bad, but he still had fun with making faces. When Dust said it was safe, the boat on the sea and a small distance away, Ace snapped his finger again and everyone fell over, passing out, even the Strawhats. Luffy did send him a look of worry. Ace shook his head, walking over to he now passed out pirates and princess. ¨They are fine, just asleep.¨ Luffy nodded. ¨Asleep? Didn't know Nami just fell asleep like that.¨ Ace kept a sigh down. Luffy still didn't know the difference between his powers asleep and normal asleep. ¨Passed out. They will be fine.¨ Luffy gave an ¨Oh.¨ And now that they were passed out, and would be for a few minutes, it gave Ace the time he needed to transport them to the ship.

When they were on the ship, the passed-out crewmembers placed on the deck, he turned to Luffy and Sabo. ¨Don't pick fights with marines, try to avoid that. Especially when it comes to captains, vice admirals and the ones higher up. Not yet, maybe when you get more experience and learn more how to fight.¨ Luffy gave a whine. ¨But we can fight! That was why we stayed with Rayli!¨ Ace flicked Luffy on the forehead. ¨That was to teach you how to sail and to control your powers some. You still have a lot to learn.¨ Luffy puffed his cheeks up again, but nodded nonetheless. Sabo gave a small chuckle, looking at him. ¨We will try to not cause more stir here.¨ Ace nodded. ¨Now, be good. The others will wake up in some minutes.¨ Both nodded, Luffy giving him a hug before he left, Sabo giving a smile and keeping to a wave.

When he got back on the ship, he was glad things had gone by fine. He hoped Luffy and Sabo wouldn't run into other big problems like that. Hopefully managing to keep himself away from captains and such, but he could only hope. Knowing Luffy, he might get in trouble again. But he might be able to fix it himself. Ace wouldn't be around them, this time was just a coincidence as he had business on Alabasta.

-x-

Sanji had decided he had had enough. He needed to know more of his knew captains. They had just left Alabasta, leaving Vivi there as she needed to stay. But he would survive, he still had Nami-swan. But those two brothers were something for themselves, especially Luffy. He had managed to beat Crocodile, and he had managed it by himself. There needed to be a reason behind on how Luffy knew so much, but also was such an airhead and idiotic person. There needed to be a reason as to why and how he knew so much of his work, or how it looked rather. And all that stuff in Alabasta, with the marine captain the first time they ran into each other. Who would automatically held their breaths when smoke showed? It was sketchy.

As he now had some private time, being in the middle of the night, he had gone to the galley, knowing no one would be in here, and took his private small Den Den out, using it to call. It thankfully didn't take long before he got an answer. ¨Who's this?¨ Sanji sat down in a chair. ¨It's me.¨ He knew his father would recognize his voice, and he was one of the few who called on the private Den Den. ¨Sanji. Thank you for taking that man out. Good work.¨ Sanji gave a nod. ¨It was nothing.¨ The Den Den gave a nod. ¨Now, to what do I owe this call.¨

Sanji gave a small sigh. ¨I need a favor.¨

He didn't like to ask for favors, but it happened at times. It wouldn't be the first time. The Den Den gave a nod, seeming thoughtful. ¨What kind of favor.¨ Sanji looked at the Den Den. ¨I need information.¨ He could see the Den Den getting a small frown. ¨On who?¨ For some reason, he had a bad feeling about this. His father didn't usually act like this when he asked for information, never seeming this thoughtful. ¨I joined this pirate crew to find All Blue, and the captains are a bit… weird. I need information on a Monkey D Luffy, and Sa-,¨

¨No.¨ Suddenly said Judge, cutting him off.

Sanji was a bit taken aback. He had never had this happen before. His father had never denied outright like this. The most was asking why he wanted it. Before he could ask why, Judge spoke in a serious voice.

¨We never had this conversation. You are not going to ask for any information on them from anyone. Never going to get information on either one like this. You understand?¨

Sanji was shocked, but managed to nod. Based on the seriousness of his voice, he knew this was something he didn't mess around with. ¨I won't. But why?¨ There had be a reason as to why he wouldn't give any information, and clearly having him not getting any information on either one of the brothers. That had never happened that he had been outright denied like this, and he didn't like it.

The Den Den was quiet for a second, having a thoughtful look. ¨They are on the protective list.¨

Sanji felt his mind almost stop for a second. The protective list? Those two? Why they were there was a big question. And he knew he wouldn't get an answer to that from Judge, he probably didn't know why himself. That was why the protective list was there. But who they were protected by was another thing. That could maybe shed some light. The one to make the protection decided on how great it was to be held and how dangerous those two were. The most logical being he could think off, seeing as they were in the east blue, was that it was maybe a protection made by Jace or White Fang, those being the most common one in East Blue. And they weren't too bad. He looked at the Den Den. ¨Who made the protection, if you know.¨ The Den Den looked serious at him.

¨It is either the leader of the Red Cloud, or from Ace of Spades himself. He came and notified us off you joining them. You fuck this up, we might go to war.¨

Sanji froze, his smoke falling out of his mouth as it went slack. What? He had to had heard wrong. The leader of the Red Cloud, or Ace of Spades himself? There had to be a mistake. Those weren't just assassins and informants, they were the highest one up. The most feared ones in the entire world. If that protection was made from either one of them, Sanji was screwed. And he understood why his father thought it might be the leader of the Red Cloud or Ace of Spades that had placed the protection, as it wouldn't have been one of the big ones to show up if it was someone else who placed the protection, like White Fang or Jace. And he knew how at odds his family was with them. His father wasn't lying when said they might go to war. He took a breath. ¨I'm sorry. Could you repeat that. I don't think I heard right.¨ Sanji kept repeating a plea he had heard wrong in his head. The Den Den gave a sigh.

¨No, Sanji. You didn't hear wrong. The protection is from the Red Cloud or Ace of Spades.¨

Sanji felt the room start spinning, before he let out a small shriek as his mind went into overdrive, before he felt himself passing out from lack of air as he hyperventilated.

He was so screwed.

---

And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed

And Sanji's slowly freaking out and panicking. He knows that both the Red Cloud and Ace of Spades are really bad news for him. So for them to have the protection, is not good for him

And if you would like to see the date between Marco and Ace, you just need to tell and I will add it in the one shot series. I didn't include it here since I didn't want to go overboard with Marco/Ace, as they will get more time later

And if you haven't already. This amazing person, ScandinavianTrash, did a Fan art of Ace of Spades! The scene when Ace gets on the ship in chapter 3 with Sumiko hiding. It is posted on DeviantArt, the username being JadeTeufel. Please go check it out and support this amazing person by telling how amazing it is

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