Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
Things are still calm in this as things settle and decisions are made
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Almost all the commanders, the captain, and most of the crew were out on deck, an empty spot in the middle, in front of the captain. The only commanders that were missing were Curiel and Jozu, who were getting Nathan from the prison. They would handle him now, tired of hearing what he was yelling from his cell. The captain was sure how it would end, but he would give one last chance, not to keep him on the ship, but a chance for them to leave him alive at an island. The chance of him staying in their family, even on their boat, was gone the moment he pulled the trigger. Everyone knew something would happen and most thought he would die now. They were also some sending looks at Ace, who sat on the railing, Trevor beside him, not seeming to react much to all this.
After a few seconds, most of the people's attention was taken to a door when it was opened and closed. They saw Curiel and Jozu having Nathan between them, holding him by a pair of seastone chains.
When they got to the middle of everyone, in front of the captain, Jozu and Curiel tied the chains to metal holes in the ground, made for this exact thing. It was rarely used, but it happened. When the chains were secured, Jozu and Curiel went to the side, and Whitebeard gave a glare to Nathan, who fought in the chains. ¨What do you have to say for yourself?¨ Nathan gave a sneer to him. ¨I've done nothing wrong! We can't have an assassin on our ship!¨ Whitebeard tightened his hand on his bisento, sending a powerful look and glare at Nathan. ¨You have betrayed us, who once were your family, but no longer.¨
Nathan gave a sneer and sarcastic laugh. ¨You must be joking. You choose him, the assassin, over me?!¨ Whitebeard frowned, seeing many doing the same, not liking Nathan saying these kinds of words. ¨I'm not just choosing Ace, our family member. You clearly can't see past something so trivial as this, meaning you have no place here.¨ Nathan shook his head, sneer still present. ¨How can you accept that! Accept someone who is that evil and a monster. A dem-,¨
Nathan didn't get to finish the word as Whitebeard tightened his hand on his bisento and swung it, separating Nathan's head from his body, decapitating him in one swing. No one was to speak ill of his family like that.
As the head was off, falling beside the body that fell to the ground, falling with a thump and blood starting to pool around it, the captain looked at everyone. ¨We are a family, meaning we are there for each other. Betrayal will not be tolerated here, as well as hatred. Nathan made this choice.¨ Whitebeard saw everyone nodding, some swallowing as they did, others looking to be agreeing on his words. After a few seconds, to be sure everyone knew this was a serious matter, the captain told everyone could go back to their duties and do what they like. They decided to just thrown the two body parts in the ocean, as food to the animals there, before cleaning up the mess on the deck.
Whitebeard hoped he wouldn't need to handle this again, but if someone had the same thoughts as Nathan, about anyone in their family, it would go the same way. Whitebeard didn't regret it. Nathan got just what he deserved for betraying his family.
-x-
Ace gave a small breath as he walked into his room, glad to get a moment to relax. He was still feeling tired from time to time, but he was finally off the pain medication for good now, which was good as the pills he had gotten the last two days didn't do as good as the ones he had used, but they messed with him a bit too much. But, he still would like them if needed; they worked.
When Ace got into his room, he gave a sigh as he looked at his desk. He should clean it, it having gotten a bit messy after everything. As he was cleaning it, he saw the folder that had still not yet been decoded, no one still knowing what code it was, and was thinking of sending them to Daisuke, to be archived there for now. But, as he was about to lift it, a small note on top had him pause.
He looked at it closer, 'You are welcome' It said, signed Robin. Ace gave a small hum as he opened the folder, shocked to find the entire thing decoded. How had she managed that?
Ace looked it more over and still couldn't see the logic in it. With a sigh, he called for Dust. When the bird went there, Ace wrote some notes: one to Hanzo and Daisuke, telling to give the coded folder to Dust; and one to Robin, asking her to decode them too, and also writing down how, so they knew. The woman was apparently smarter than he had first thought. He was glad she was on Luffy and Sabo's crew. They needed someone like that in case. He also said in the note to not send the information back, as he would drop by in a week or two to speak with Dragon about letting Sabo train there. Ace still didn't like the idea, but it did seem like the man had said fine. Ace still needed to speak to Sabo about it too; same with Luffy.
As he sent Dust off, he finished cleaning his desk before giving a stretch. As he was thinking of heading to bed, there was a knock at his door. He gave a come in, and was met with Marco, who gave a smile. ¨Hi, yoi. How are you doing?¨ Ace gave a smile back. ¨I'm fine. Just finished cleaning my desk.¨ Marco gave a nod, and moved to sit in a chair, giving a small breath, making Ace believe he wanted to speak about something. Ace leaned himself on the desk as he waited for Marco to speak. After a minute, the blond looked at him. ¨I had almost forgotten about it because of everything happening, yoi. But, Pops did say he had spoken to you already about it, but wouldn't tell me.¨ Ace gave a nod, motioning for him to continue.
Marco gave a nod. ¨Your fruit, is it a Legendarie, yoi?¨
Ace gave a small hum as he nodded, remembering the captain had said Marco was the one to have the book. Marco gave a nod. ¨It sounds amazing, I hope you can tell about it one day, yoi.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle at that. He was glad Marco seemed to know he wouldn't just tell about his powers like that as that was something he wasn't fond of. He could tell the man a little, around the same things he had told the captain, maybe a bit more after everything had happened, but they could take that later.
Ace looked at Marco. ¨I was thinking of heading to bed to relax. Want to join?¨ Marco gave a small chuckle, before he nodded and stood up. ¨I do.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle himself, and they soon got into bed, Ace giving a breath as it felt good to relax for a bit. When he felt a hand come to lay on his back, Ace moved a bit to the side, moving his hand to be on Marco's. He still needed to have small control like that, but it was getting better.
He and Marco spoke a bit, just about some random things, before Ace fell asleep. Maybe he was more tired than what he had thought.
When he woke up after a couple of hours, he saw that Marco was asleep. With a small chuckle, Ace carefully moved out of bed, before putting his shoes and cape on and such. He moved to give a quick kiss to Marco's cheek, before he went out on deck. It was still daytime, closing in on dinner actually. There was still an hour left until then. As he was sitting out on deck and reading a book, Dust came by and gave him an envelope. Ace knew it wasn't from Robin, seeing as that would have come hours earlier and that he had said to not send anything now. As he opened it and read it over, he was glad to see it was a note from a weapon handler that a weapon he had ordered was finished and he could come check it out. It was a weapon meant for him as a pirate, thinking he could get himself a special signature weapon. He hoped it was what he had designed and ordered.
He told the captain he would leave for that tomorrow, the captain saying it was fine. As the captain had said it was fine, Izou had asked if he could join, Ace remembering telling the crossdresser he could join one time in a gun shop, and this was close to that. After thinking about it for a few seconds, he said it was fine, also telling he could take a few others too if they wanted to, but not too many.
The captain also seemed interested in that. After half an hour, it was decided that, Marco, who came out a small while ago, would join. Same with the captain, Izou, Jozu, Thatch, Fossa and Haruta. They would all leave tomorrow, the captain telling that the other commanders were in charge for then, seeing as it would only take a couple of hours, 3 at most. They also did make sure no one was close to them as they left.
-x-
Whitebeard gave a small frown as they headed into a bookstore that was in an alley. Weren't they supposed to go to a weapon shop? He looked down at Ace, who didn't seem to think anything of it. ¨Ace,¨ He started, getting said man's attention. ¨Is this right?¨ Ace gave a small chuckle as they walked into the bookstore, heading to the left and to a big book shelf. ¨Yes, this is right.¨ Before he could ask why they were in a bookstore, Ace grabbed the large bookshelf that was even bigger than Whitebeard, and moved it to the side, revealing a pathway downwards. ¨Did you think it would be in the open?¨ Said Ace as he walked in and waited for them to follow so Ace could close the door. ¨No. Or I don't know, son. I didn't think about that.¨ Said the captain. He should have thought about that. Ace gave a small chuckle as they walked down the stairs.
When they got to the bottom, which was a long way down, the captain was surprised it looked like a big warehouse as it had a lot of shelves with weapons of all kinds.
When everyone was down, a voice to their left had them look over, seeing a young woman there. ¨Ace, the weapon you requested is done. If you want to try it, please follow me.¨ Ace gave a nod and went to go after her, sending a look at them. ¨Look around and take what you want. There is a counter at the end where you decide what you want or not. I'll meet you there. And, if anyone should ask who you are, just say you're here with me.¨ The captain gave a nod and Ace was gone, heading behind some shelves. He was curious as to what the weapon Ace had requested was. But, they would see later.
When he was gone, they looked around the room. It was big, clearly made for giants too, which was something Whitebeard didn't see often. It was nice.
They started to walk and look at some weapons, Thatch and Izou looking to really like it here, finding different weapons they might want. They had a large variety, and Whitebeard a bit shocked to see they had weapons that would fit his size, some even bigger. He had been told he was lucky to have found the bisento he had, being told such big weapons were rare. But here, it didn't seem as so. Although, he didn't find anything to his liking, not like he wanted something like he had, liking to have a bisento, or at least something close. But, he would be sure to remember to tell the other commanders who didn't come today that they might want to take a trip; they had everything here.
After half an hour, the Whitebeards headed to the end where Ace had said the counter was, almost everyone having a weapon or two. The ones who didn't were Marco, Jozu, and him. When they got to the counter, a man around his forties stood there, looking calm. When they got closer, the man didn't seem to react much. ¨Hello. Who are you? I don't recognize you from before.¨ Asked the man. The captain looked at him, remembering Ace had said to say they were here with him. ¨We're here with Ace.¨ The man gave a hum. ¨Of course, The Whitebeards. My name is Malik.¨ The man motioned to the empty counter, ¨Please place what you found here, and we'll take everything once Ace is finished.¨ The pirates nodded and did that. Malik was surprisingly nice. But then again, he worked with assassins on a daily basis.
When everyone had placed their things, Malik gave a small hum, looking at them, specifically those who hadn't found anything. ¨And what about you three. Did you find anything to your liking?¨ Jozu went with a no as he mentioned that he used his devil fruit all the time, Marco doing the same and mentioning he was happy with the dagger he had for now. When Malik looked at him, the captain decided to at least ask if they had a bisento or something like it. ¨Do you have something akin to a bisento?¨ Malik gave a hum, before stepping from behind the counter and going to the wall, looking at him. ¨Let's see. You are around that big, so these should fit you.¨ He said as he grabbed a handle and pulled out a shelf, filled with weapons his size, all in close proximity to a bisento.
Whitebeard had to blink, before he took a step closer to them to look at them. As he did, Malik gave a hum as he pointed to three different ones. ¨These is a no go as they are made of complete seastone.¨ He then pointed to three others, ¨But, these only have a seastone blade, so they are okay.¨ The captain gave a had a feeling Malik knew weapons, even seeming to know what he liked as these looked good. ¨What would you recommend?¨ Malik gave a hum again, looking at him. ¨Based on the coat, I'm guessing you are the captain, Edward Newgate, meaning you are a captain of a big crew, a Yonko, and known as the world's strongest man. You should have something that both fits battle, looks intimidating, and is easy to handle.¨
Malik went over to another handle and pulled at it, dragging out some weapons in different sizes. ¨From what I've heard, your bisento has a big blade, and you should keep with that as you're used to that. But, seeing your positions, I would recommend a War Scythe, specifically this one.¨ He said as he motioned towards one war scythe there. It had a large blade that pointed upwards, which was a special feat with war scythes compared to other ones. But, it looked similar to another one, making him wonder why Malik said that one. ¨Why that one?¨ Malik gave a motion towards it. ¨If you'd like.¨ Whitebeard got the hint and lifted it, surprised to feel that it was as light as it was.
When he held it, Malik went over to him. ¨Normal War Scythes have a blade pointed upwards, like how it is now. What's so special about this is that it have a special feature.¨ Malik pointed to the handle, around the middle. ¨If you grasp hard here, you will feel as if you're pressing a cord inside it.¨ Whitebeard did and was surprised to feel that it did feel like that. Before he could ask, Malik spoke again. ¨Now, while pressing there, do a flick down.¨
The captain did, and as he did, the blade went from pointing upwards to pointing outwards, as a normal scythe. That was amazing; he had never seen that before.
Malik gave a nod. ¨This will only work when you hold the cord down, as it loosens the blade. To get it back into a pointing up direction, hold the cord again, and flick it upwards.¨ The captain gave a nod and did so, still a bit amazed to see it doing that. He still wasn't sure about it. Before he could speak again, Malik spoke. ¨If you'd like, we can make personal changes to it, like decorations, place marks, or other things you might want.¨ The captain nodded. That sounded like something that he might do if he took it. It was plain, having nothing on it, aside from a few markings at the blade and handle. He would most likely want some red thread and such, like his bisento had.
He looked at Malik. ¨Is it possible to see how it would look?¨ Malik gave a nod, ¨Of course. Since I only have one of them, I can place it on hold and draw a sketch you can look at. I'm guessing you want it similar to you old one?¨ Whitebeard nodded. Malik gave a nod and closed the dragged-out shelves. When he was done, he pointed to another counter. ¨Just place it there and I'll have Andrea handle it.¨ The captain did and then left to stand with the others, going to think of if he wanted it or not. He hadn't had another weapon aside from his bisento.
When Malik was behind the counter again, Izou asked a few questions about guns, the man answering in a good manner and showing some different features from the ones Izou chose. Whitebeard could see why Ace went here. They had a lot of different things. After that, it was around 10 minutes later that Ace showed up, coming from a door a bit to the side, holding something that looked like a big red gun. Malik looked over at Ace as he was finished with explaining to Izou about a gun. ¨I guess it fits what you wanted?¨ Ace gave a nod and placed it on the counter. ¨How much?¨
Malik gave a smile, ¨For you, 6 billion.¨ The pirates blinked. That was a lot for a gun. Ace shook his head. ¨I'll give 4.¨ Malik gave a hum. ¨How about meeting in the middle. 5?¨ Ace nodded, making Malik smile. ¨Good. I'll get you the bullets too.¨ Ace gave a nod to that. ¨I also need these things.¨ He said as he handed a note over, Malik giving a hum. ¨Andrea.¨ The woman from before appeared, Malik handing her the note. ¨Please go get these things.¨ Andrea gave a nod and went to fetch the items.
Malik looked at the pirates. ¨Now, to you. Which ones of the weapons would you like?¨
The ones who had found a weapon quickly decided which one they would take. It was settled with some daggers, sword and guns. When they were finished, Andrea returned with what Ace had asked for. As Malik counted what everything would cost, Ace looked at the man. ¨How much for theirs?¨ Malik gave a hum and looked over what they were keeping. ¨Around half a billion.¨ Whitebeard was shocked by that, not expecting it to be that much, even more so as the one thing he had found wasn't even in that. Ace gave a nod, not seeming at all surprised. ¨And mine?¨ Malik gave a hum, ¨Six and a half billion.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I can take all then, it won't be much of a difference.¨ Whitebeard blinked. ¨Are you sure?¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨Half a billion is not much, it's barely anything really. Especially since I am already paying six and a half.¨ The captain gave a nod. It made sense, but still.
When Ace paid, Thatch asked what money he used, knowing they didn't have that much on the boat. Ace gave a small hum at that. ¨Since Luffy and Sabo are training for two years, they don't need a lot of money, so I took it for now.¨ Thatch gave a nod. ¨And how much is that?¨ Ace gave another hum. ¨Around thirteen billion. I still have some at the Red Cloud in case.¨ The pirates nodded. Ace had a lot of money, but he needed to to buy things like this. After having paid, they left with what they got. As they walked to the exit, the captain still was a bit shocked Ace chose a weapon like he had. It looked to be a big gun. It might have good power, but still. But Ace might want to make sure people didn't know he was an assassin, and a gun like that was as far away as one could get. It did give some sense.
When they got back to the ship, things were calm and Ace said he could take the ones who wanted to back to the store later.
-x-
The pirates, Ace, Mika and Trevor sat in the meeting room, going over some unusual things. Trevor could join as it wasn't anything important or special they would speak off. After half an hour, Dust flew in a window and landed next to Ace, handing him a thick envelope, which he opened.
When Ace opened it and read over the first page, he gave something akin to a relieved breath, looking at Trevor. ¨Jace managed it; both bounties stayed for us, but both rose.¨ Trevor gave a nod, giving a small breath himself. ¨That's good. How much did they rise?¨ The pirates looked at Ace in curiosity, wondering if it was a big difference. They hoped not, at least not on Ace's pirate bounty. Ace gave a hum as he looked to the other pages.
¨Ace of Spades, bounty 30 billion,¨ Ace gave a sigh, before he continued. ¨Portgas D Ace, bounty 15 billion.¨
Trevor gave a sigh, ¨That's bad.¨ Ace gave a nod, the pirates still shocked. That was a big difference. Ace gave another hum as he looked at the other pages, handing two to Trevor. ¨Cage Trevor, bounty 8 billion. Zidane, bounty 15 billion.¨ Trevor gave a sigh, looking at the two posters he was handed. Ace handed two over to Mika. ¨Mileena Mika, bounty 4 billion. Lilith, bounty 11 billion.¨ Mika gave a small sigh herself, taking the two posters. The pirates got that this was bad. That was a big raise for all of them, so this could turn out bad.
Ace gave a small hum as he looked over some other posters, before lying them on the table. ¨About a billion raise on all the other commanders, 2 billion on Whitebeard.¨
Whitebeard blinked, taking his poster from the table and looking at it. He had maybe expected a small raise in their bounties, but a billion and two billion? He had never expected that much, not even close. This could turn out real bad. Mika gave a hum. ¨This can be bad. Just those of us in this room are worth way over a hundred billion combined, almost two.¨ Ace gave a nod, looking some other papers over. ¨It might be bad. People might show up now, trying to claim it.¨ Trevor gave a small laugh and grin, ¨That might be good. Fights are always good, so let them come.¨ Ace gave a small sigh, ¨You're taking this too lightly, Trevor.¨ Trevor shook his head. ¨Might as well try to see the good things in this.¨
Trevor sent an amused look at Ace. ¨Think of all those who are going to show up and try to fight you, thinking it will be easy to defeat a 20 year old kid.¨ Ace gave a sigh. ¨I hope not. That would just be annoying.¨ Mika gave a small chuckle. ¨And everyone knows how much 'fun' an annoyed Ace is. Right Trevor?¨ Trevor gave a small laugh. ¨I might have spoken too soon.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle himself, still reading over some papers. The pirates weren't sure if it was all joke or not. They had seen Ace annoyed, but never really annoyed, or so they thought. The captain wasn't sure. Hopefully stuff wouldn't be too bad now.
After a minute, Ace gave a hum. ¨Daisuke wants us to show up at 10 tomorrow.¨ Trevor gave a nod and a sigh. ¨That won't be a good meeting.¨ Ace gave a nod to that. ¨It's only us at the start, since the rest show up at 12.¨ Trevor gave a nod. ¨That gives us two hours to figure out what to do.¨ Ace gave a nod, before handing the papers to Trevor for him to look over.
The rest of the day went calm, Ace telling the new bounties wouldn't be made publicly until tomorrow, which was something good. When the next day came and the assassins needed to leave, they said they didn't know how long it would take, but it would at least take half a day, maybe longer. If they were gone for more than 2 days and they hadn't heard anything, something was wrong.
-x-
Ace sat next to Daisuke and Trevor, the rest of the main ones around the table. Everyone had just gotten here and they only had a couple of hours until the rest of the assassins and Red Cloud were here. They needed to have a plan then.
Ace looked at the others around the table. ¨What should we do now? Our identities were leaked, and while not everyone in the world believes it, I am sure all the assassins will know it is the truth. We need a cause of action.¨ The others nodded, Moira speaking up next. ¨While we were lucky enough to keep both wanted posters on everyone, people will still know as Ace says. Those who are known will most likely be targeted, and that can be bad, which is why we might need to take a step back for now.¨ Daisuke gave a nod, ¨That does sound like a plan for now. How much of a step back should we take?¨ Corvo looked at Daisuke. ¨After everything, the marines are calm, same with the nobles and Blue Blooded Patricians after Nero.¨
Ace gave a nod to himself; that was true. Things had been calmer generally, and it might be more calmer now. Ace got an idea and looked at the others. ¨What if we use this to our advantage?¨ The others looked at him. ¨What do you mean, 'to our advantage'?¨ Asked Trevor. Ace gave a nod, ¨Things are calm, and will be for a while, more so now as they will hide, scared, either because they know we exist, or because they have seen or heard what we can do. We can take a step back for now, and take a bigger action in a month or so.¨ The assassins nodded. ¨That does sound like an idea. What is this bigger action?¨ Asked Daisuke. Ace gave a nod and started to explain.
Two hours later, they stood in front of everyone from the Red Cloud and other assassins that worked with them.
After calming everyone down, Daisuke began speaking. ¨We know a lot has been happening the last few days, and I know all of you know that the man, Adam, declared war on the world. This has been handled, but at the price of our privacy.¨ Everyone in the room nodded, giving looks to many of them. They might now know who they were, but they still had their assassins outfit on, many going with their spare ones as their regular ones were ruined in the fight. Ace was still mad about that, yet glad his cape had mostly come out fine, but he couldn't use it.
After a second, Daisuke continued. ¨I know this thankfully does not concern many of you here now, but we have thought of a plan, and we ask for your help in this. You are not required to help, and if you chose not to, you can leave now, but you will never have a place among the Red Cloud.¨ Daisuke halted for a minute, letting that sink in and people to choose what they wanted to do. Ace could see two leaving, and they were two who had recently joined, so it wasn't a big loss. There were still around 35 in the room, many to go by.
When no one moved after that, Daisuke continued. ¨For now, we take a step back. We only do the most serious of assignments, which is to be approved by myself, Blue Angel, White Demon, Black Demon or Jace, as we will be staying here. And, if you go on an assignment, leave no mark, no sign of who we are. Make it look like an accident or a normal fight gone wrong.¨ Daisuke stopped for a second as some spoke up, silencing them with a look, before continuing. ¨I know this might sound wrong to many, as we work to show who we are and show fear or give hope, but for now, none of that. This is not a solution we will stick to for long. We do have a plan, but we will go into more detail about that later, in about a month or two.¨
Daisuke gave a pause, being sure everyone heard it, before continuing. ¨We will still continue normally here at Amegakure. We will still train, work, and act like we used to here, but not outside of this island. We, therefore, ask you to either stay here, or go back to your normal lives for a small while. If you have any questions, we are here to answer for tonight.¨ With that, it was ended.
When Daisuke said everyone could go back to what they should be doing, Ace did notice some leaving, but many still stayed. He knew there would be a lot of questions, and they had spoken about what to tell everyone. Ace had decided to stay behind and help with everything, at least for a day or two.
Thankfully, most questions were taken in the first day and was finished before midnight. After that, Ace stayed and helped schedule everything and make some plans, being sure everything would go as they had thought out. Ace had stayed on Amegakure for two days to help with everything. Things seemed to go well, the others accepting this well, at least for now. They could only hope this plan would work.
-x-
After Ace had been gone for a day, they got the news Jinbei was coming towards them, heading to speak with them. The captain wasn't sure why, but thought it to be fine. It might have something to do with everything that had happened lately.
When the fishman boarded their ship a few hours later, the Warlord asked to speak with Ace, and the captain was now sure it was connected to everything that had happened. The captain looked at the Warlord and said Ace would be gone for a small bit, maybe until tomorrow. Jinbei nodded to that, and asked to stay, which Whitebeard allowed. He was sure Jinbei wouldn't do anything dangerous, as he hadn't seemed to mind when he found out Ace was an assassin in the first place. Granted, he now knew which assassin Ace was, but the fishman didn't look mad.
The next day, most of the commanders, the captain, and Jinbei were in the meeting room, having some privacy to speak of some things. They had told the ones out that if Ace came back, tell him to come to the meeting room. Jinbei hadn't said why he wanted to speak to Ace, and the captain had let it slide for now, thinking it might was something he wanted to take with Ace.
After a couple of hours, both Ace and Trevor came into the meeting room.
When they came in and sat down, the captain asked how it had gone, just out of habit, and Ace had said it went fine, but they would need to leave later if things happened. Jinbei seemed a bit shocked by the fact Trevor, who was an assassin too, was also there, but gave a smile to that too. After that, the captain said Jinbei wanted to speak to him, and Ace looked at the fishman. ¨Jinbei. To what do I owe this?¨ Jinbei gave a nod. ¨I would like to thank you.¨ The captain gave a small frown, not sure why he would say thank you to Ace. Ace gave a small hum. ¨Not that I don't appreciate a thank you. But may I ask why? I haven't done anything, as I recall, for you.¨
Jinbei gave a nod, taking deep breath before he started.
¨I was born into slavery. Deprived of any right, any faith. I was sold, traded for labor. Forced to watch the suffering, treated like a beast of burden. I was sure there was no future ahead for me; none of us there did. But then, one day, a man shoved up, killing everyone and setting us free. Didn't speak much, told us to do what we'd like, then left. I remember a guard calling him an assassin, a demon, before being killed. I remember running away, screaming in everything, others doing the same, as we were free, the assassin watching from a distance to make sure we were safe.¨
Jinbei sent a look at Ace. ¨I know it was not Ace; this was many years ago. But, I know the assassin saving us was high up, one of the best, fighting to free others in need, asking nothing in return. Just like Ace. What he chose to do had saved so many, helped many. I never looked back, never wanted to. But then, I saw the same thing happening, and I knew what I should do. I was one of them they have helped, who made me pursue to help others, to hear the same yell of finally being released.¨
Ace gave a nod to the side. ¨Freedom cry. Best sound we can hear. Have you heard it?¨ Jinbei gave a nod. ¨I have. It feels good.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨It does, and you know they still have will, still have fight. If met with silence, they have already given up.¨ Jinbei gave a nod, looking to have maybe heard that too.
The pirates were still shocked. They didn't know Jinbei had been a slave. They knew he fought to help others and people from slaves, but they never knew that his reasons were because he had been a slave himself. Ace looked at Jinbei. ¨Based on your age and when you first rose, were you held at Trinidad?¨ Jinbei sent a look at Ace, thinking for a second. ¨Yes.¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨Do you remember a man called Adéwalé?¨ The fishman looked shocked at that, before nodding. ¨Yes. He always fought against the guards, he had it hard. He was even hated by some of the other slaves for being a hybrid. He had a tough spirit, and I always wonder where he went.¨
Ace gave a nod, ¨He's one of us now.¨
The captain thought for a second. A hybrid that was an assassin? Could he mean the man they had met at Fishman Island, the man even Jimbei had said to watch out for? Jinbei blinked. ¨He is?¨ Ace gave a nod, giving a smile to the man. ¨Remember when we were at Fishman island last time, when we arrived in the New World? You mentioned a man that you found 'sketchy', sure he was doing something. Who maybe was a hybrid.¨ Jinbei gave a nod, before his eyes widened. ¨That was him?¨ Ace nodded. ¨Yes. He goes by Fry Jacob now. He is a part of the assassins, but still works a lot on his own.¨
Jinbei gave a nod, ¨He fits being an assassin. Even back then, he fought, he had spirit.¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨He did, still does. He even went back to Trinidad a year later, getting the rest out.¨ Jinbei looked shocked. ¨There were more?¨ Ace gave a nod. ¨We didn't know back then, hidden on the other side of the island. Few knew, maybe only Jacob.¨ Jinbei gave a nod. ¨Why did he go back alone?¨ Ace gave a hum. ¨To get his sister out, who is also one of us. She's just a like her brother.¨ Trevor gave a chuckle at that. ¨Just as annoying too.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle at that himself. ¨True. She is smarter though, and more serious often.¨ Trevor gave a nod to that. Ace looked at Jinbei, having a smile. ¨I can get him here, if you want to see him.¨ Jinbei gave a nod. ¨I would appreciate if you could do that. Maybe his sister too?¨ Ace gave a nod, ¨I can do that.¨
Ace then gave a small whistle and Dust landed on his shoulder, Ace giving it a note. ¨Go get Jacob and Evie.¨ The raven gave a caw, before it disappeared.
After that, it was calm, the pirates glad the fishman decided to stop by. It seemed to have done good, and he would even get to meet someone from his past. It was good to hear Jinbei didn't mind Ace being an assassin, even looking up to them. After an hour, they had moved out on deck and Ace gave a hum, looking over at Jinbei. ¨Ready to meet Jacob and Evie?¨ Jinbei gave a nod. Ace gave a nod himself. ¨Just as a small warning, he's not the same stoic and tough person you might think he is. He's more calm and laid back than most.¨ Trevor gave a snort. ¨Understatement.¨ Ace gave a small chuckle and Jinbei nodded. ¨That's fine.¨ Ace gave a nod, and a second later, a cloud of black smoke appeared on the deck, Dust flying from it to Ace's shoulder.
When the smoke disappeared, two people stood there. One was the person they knew as Jacob, having the same clothes and hat as last time. Next to him stood a woman, who had a leather jacket above a white shirt, with a small craning at the neck, a hood on its back. She had the same gloves as Jacob and a belt with a gun and knife, high boots as most assassins seemed to have. A calm look and hair braided.
When the smoke went away and before anyone could speak, the woman, Evie, spoke up, looking around. ¨This boat is magnificent. Made by the Shipwright Tom.¨ The pirates blinked, not many knew that. Jacob made a small gasp. ¨No, made by the Tom, really? It can't be.¨ Evie gave him an unamused look. ¨You have no idea who that is, do you?¨ Jacob gave a small chuckle at that. ¨Not a clue.¨ The pirates were shocked for a second, not expecting them to be like that. Evie looked over at Ace, ¨Ace.¨ Ace gave a nod to her. ¨Evie.¨ Jacob looked at Evie, ¨You've met before?!¨ Evie lifted an eyebrow, looking amused. ¨Oh. I didn't mention it?¨ Then, she calmly went over to Ace and Trevor speaking about some things.
Jacob gave a small chuckle, before looking over to Jinbei. ¨There's a face I haven't seen in a long time.¨ Jinbei gave a smile. ¨I can say the same. You don't look like you used to look.¨ Jacob waved his hand at him. ¨Well now, it was 25 years ago.¨ Jinbei gave a nod to that. Jacob moved closer to Jinbei and gave a smile. ¨Now, what are you doing? Aside from being a Warlord and everything.¨ Jinbei gave a smile back. ¨Not much. Going around the world and doing normal things. Also doing my best to help others, as they once did for us.¨ Jacob clapped his hands at that. ¨Perfect! How would you feel about joining me and starting a gang, and we'll save many. We'll call ourselves The Rooks.¨
Jinbei blinked, same as the pirates, not at all expecting that. Evie gave a sigh. ¨No. You will not start a gang called the Rooks. We've spoken about this.¨ Jacob looked at Evie. ¨But Evie. It will be awesome.¨ Evie gave a sigh, shaking her head. ¨No.¨ Trevor looked at Jacob. ¨Why would you want a gang? You're an assassin, we don't stay the same place for long.¨ Jacob was on his way to speak, when Evie spoke. ¨No. You will not start a Pirate crew called The Rooks either. We're assassins, not pirates.¨ Jacob motioned at Ace. ¨But look at him! He's a pirate!¨ Ace gave a hum. ¨I may be on a pirate crew, but I am not the leader of a pirate crew.¨ Ace sent a look at Jacob. ¨I also travel faster than you.¨ Jacob gave a sigh. ¨One day I will get my Rooks.¨ Jacob then clapped Jinbei on the back. ¨I tried Buddy.¨
Jinbei looked confused, but still gave a laugh. The pirates gave one themselves. They didn't expect the two to act like this, so calm and laidback like this, as assassins didn't seem like that. Thatch spoke next. ¨Well, dinner's ready, why don't we continue this in the galley?¨ Jacob looked at the chef. ¨Where's the galley?¨ Thatch pointed to it and Jacob looked at Evie. ¨Race you there?¨ Evie gave an amused look, standing ready like Jacob now did, ¨Of course.¨ Then they ran off, leaving the pirates even more confused.
Trevor gave a laugh at their looks, ¨They are like this. They were stoic in the beginning, but now they are just like that outside of work; they are more serious when working. Well, mostly.¨ The pirates nodded. Jinbei gave a laugh. ¨I like it. It's good to see he can have his fun.¨ That was true, it was good to see that.
They soon headed to the galley where Jacob and Jinbei spoke more, Evie speaking to Ace and Trevor, sometimes speaking to the other pirates too. They stayed until nighttime, when Ace sent them back to where they were, Jinbei leaving soon after that, thanking Ace for speaking to him and letting him meet Jacob and Evie. Ace just waved it off and said it was nothing.
-x-
The pirates stood and watched a gigantic lizard thing, looking like to be a mix of a lizard, crocodile and rhino. It was big, bigger than Whitebeard even, and they would need to do their best to defeat this thing. They had visited an island to look around, it seeming to be uninhabited, just to have some fun and look around. This might be the reason why no one lived here, it was huge.
After a second, David, someone from the first division, spoke up, looking at the monster. ¨Commander Ace,¨ He started getting the assassin's attention. ¨Yes?¨ Said Ace when David didn't continue. David gave a nod. ¨You're an assassin, right?¨ Ace lifted an eyebrow in curiosity, ¨Yes.¨ Whitebeard gave a frown, ¨What do that have to do with anything, son?¨ David nodded, moving a hand to his belt, taking a pouch and throwing it at Ace, who caught it.
¨I hire you to kill the thing.¨ Then David turned around and ran away.
Whitebeard blinked. What? Ace gave a small chuckle, Trevor who stood beside him doing the same. Ace shook his head a bit as he put the pouch away. ¨Well, that's one way to do this.¨ Whitebeard gave a small frown. ¨What do you mean?¨ Ace gave a look to him, taking his gun from his back. ¨He did hire me to kill this basilisk.¨ Thatch looked shocked. ¨You can't be serious Ace! The thing is huge!¨ Ace gave a small chuckle, taking his weapon and holding it in one hand. ¨A perfect opportunity to test this out.¨ Whiteboard looked at the lizard monster, or basilisk as Ace called it. He was sure its skin was tough, not sure if a gun would do much. But before he could ask about that, Ace moved the big gun in a half moon motion. And as it was in front of Ace, pointing at the monster, Ace holding at the back, the gun unfolded.
The motion made a handle appear, making it look more like a sniper, Ace sending shot at the monster, making it growl. As the bullet hit, Ace moved the gun again and held it out. Making it once again unfold, a gigantic blade appearing. It wasn't just a gun; it was a scythe too.
The pirates was shocked. Before the could react, Ace held the scythe gun in his hand, moving it to point backwards, pulling the trigger and the recoil making Ace shot forward and taking on the monster by himself. As the pirates still stood shocked, Trevor gave a chuckle, making them look at him, Trevor looking at them with a raised eyebrow. ¨Did you think Bunny would choose a normal gun?¨ Whitebeard blinked. He had found it weird, not sure why Ace would choose a gun. ¨What is it?¨ Asked the captain. Trevor gave a chuckle again, looking at Ace, who was in front of the monster, having cut of a leg, one of the 6 he had.
¨It's a High-caliber Sniper-scythe. It's called The Crescent Rose.¨
As Trevor said that, Ace held the sniper-scythe point down and took a shot again, sending him up and Ace moved the scythe to have the blade hitting the thing's neck, pulling the trigger a few more times, making the recoil hard enough that the blade cut its skin and managed to decapitate the gigantic monster, Ace turning in the air and landing on his feet, holding the scythe behind him. The scythe was big, around one and a half the size of Ace. It was an amazing weapon. Trevor gave a chuckle again. ¨Bunny also designed it himself.¨ The pirates blinked. That was amazing. When they looked at Ace again, who had folded the blade on the scythe, them now seeing it had a blade in front of it, like a spear, using it to poke the body, before looking back at them. ¨Think we can eat it?¨
Trevor gave a hum, walking up to Ace and the, now dead, basilisk. ¨It does look like red meat. Based on the white spots and muscles, I'm guessing a mixture of crocodile and rhino meat. That's edible.¨ Trevor looked back at them, specifically at Thatch. ¨Chef, what do you think?¨ Thatch blinked, before going up and checking on the meat himself, Ace folding his weapon back to the big gun, before taking it over his shoulder. It was an amazing weapon, much more now as they knew Ace had designed it.
Half an hour later, they headed back to the boat, the basilisk dragged behind them, Thatch saying it was a mixture of rhino and crocodile as Trevor said, an edible meat, which was good as they could use more meat. With this, they had a lot of meat to go by now.
When they got back to the boat and the basilisk into the galley for the chefs to prepare, things calmed down again. The captain glad things was still calm. He still found it a bit weird that Ace hadn't been away on any assignments yet, he had been cleared to do what he like for a week now. But the captain guessed it was under control.
That's the chapter, hope you enjoyed. I know it wasn't the most interesting chapter, but I hope you liked it
And to Trevor and Mika's names, Trevor is based off of Johnny Cage from Mortal Kombat, and Mika is based off of Mileena from the same game, the reason for the names. Raiden is also from the game, going by the same name. Daisuke is Ezio from Assassin's Creed
I made up the stuff about Jinbei's past. just if some wonder, it's not canon that he was a slave, but I thought to make it like this. And, small thing. If you are able to figure out where the inspiration to most of the things around that, meaning the assassin and places, without searching it up, I will give a special shout out (Not that it's hard if you know where their from)
Ace's weapon is from RWBY, it's Ruby's weapon, the Crescent Rose. It's amazing; go search it up if you want to see how it looks
And I really enjoy feedback, so if have the time, I would greatly appreciate it
If you like this story, please go check out Ace of Spades One Shots, which contains one shots and other events from this story, like missing scenes and such