Hello everyone, here is the next chapter
This is a bit of this and that
Hope you enjoy
Read and relax
Whitebeard sat out on deck, they had just docked at another island, one that was neutral. They seemed to get along and there was one who had been asking a lot about how things were on the ship, seeing how they were so many, and they had told about how it was and how they had commanders to help out alongside the captain. When the man wanted to meet the commanders, he got to meet all of them, aside from Ace, who was working with Mika and Trevor. And when the man asked how often that was, they said it was something they were used to, Ace had another job besides being a commander. It had the man frown, but didn't say anything on it. The next hours then went by fine, and after 5 more hours, Ace returned with Mika and Trevor, and before they could react to him being the back, the man from before spoke up. "So, you're the commander that is always away." Ace rolled his eyes. "I am not always away, just now and then." Ace didn't seem to be in the best mood. The man crossed his hands. "You know, you aren't really a good commander if you're gone a lot." Ace frowned a bit. "And I don't care what you think. Stop bothering me." The man lifted an eyebrow. "Or what? You're just a kid, what can you do?" Ace made a small sound. "Continue, and you'll find out."
The man didn't seem to take the threat seriously, giving a small laugh. "Oh no, the kid's gonna injure me. I can eat you for breakfast." Ace moved a hand to his nose. "Okay, I am already in a bad mood, and you're not making it better. Please just leave." Whitebeard had a feeling this would be the last warning the man would get. But the man still didn't seem to care. "I can go wherever I want to go. Pretty bo-" Ace moved to punch the man so he fell down, and as the man moved to get up, moving to his hands and knees, spitting some blood out, before Ace kicked him in the side, making him fall down from his knees and hands. And as the captain thought Ace was done, Ace moved his leg up and stomped on the man's head, splitting it open. It had a few of them yell out shocked. Ace just killed someone since he was in a bad mood. Ace let out a swear, seeming to really be in a bad mood, before he looked at the rest of the people out. "Anyone else wanna get on my nerves?!" Everyone held their hands up, backing up. Ace then moved towards the boat, and he then pointed at Trevor. "Don't say anything!" Trevor held his hands up. "Wasn't going to." Ace frowned. "But you were thinking about it!" Trevor still had his hands up, nodding. "I won't think about it again."
Ace then moved towards his room, and when he was gone, Trevor moved his hands down. "Ace reacts differently to the no no names. Sometimes he gets bothered by it, sometimes he gets mad. Now, he got mad. Just let him be for a bit, he'll calm down. Oh, and by the way, Ace is annoyed today." Everyone nodded, and Izou moved his hand to motion to the body that was being dragged away. "He just killed someone, and you're taking this way too calmly. Won't the island be mad at us!" Trevor shook his head. "No, they won't be. That man was in the rebels here. Ace knew it. He won't be missed by the island, just the rebels." Izou nodded. "How does Ace know this?" Trevor chuckled. "I am sure Ace knows everything. He's smart and keeps his ears open. I am sure he knows who everyone in the world is. Ace is just amazing." Whitebeard could believe that. Ace really was amazing and knew a lot. Izou nodded to it and didn't say anything else, same with everyone else, most seeming shocked, which he got. Ace could be terrifying. Trevor gave a small sound. "Ace will soon have a reputation to not mess with him, which is good. One should not mess with Ace, not get on his bad side or just annoy him. It is bad to do so." Whitebeard nodded, same with everyone else. Ace wasn't someone you annoyed.
It was calm after that, no one from the island came on their boat, seeming to be wary, which he got. But they didn't seem mad at them, which was good. And those who ventured off the boat were still welcomed. He did notice Marco heading away, most likely to check on Ace. Marco was probably allowed to be close to Ace when he was annoyed. They were probably too, but he believed Marco was the one most allowed.
-x-
Marco moved to Ace's room, giving a quick knock before he walked into the room, seeing Ace sitting at his desk doing something. "Hey, how are you?" Ace sighed. "Okay. I am okay and calming down. He was just really annoying." Marco nodded. "He was. He was way out of line, yoi. Especially when he almost called you that name." Ace nodded. "I know. I know it was vicious to kill him, but he really deserved it." Marco nodded. "Agreed. The others are just a bit shocked, but they get it too. You'll soon have a reputation to not mess with you." Ace nodded. "I look forward to that. I would like that a lot." Marco got that. Ace didn't like annoying people, and when he got the reputation to not be messed with, he was sure people would let Ace be. "What are you doing, yoi?" Ace hummed. "Paperwork, assassin." Marco nodded. "Want me to help?" Ace hummed again. "No, this is a bit worse than the other times. Maybe later." Marco nodded. "Okay. Are you sure you're fine, yoi?" Ace nodded. "I am. Just a bit annoyed with people. Been a long day thus far." Marco nodded, sitting down on Ace's bed. "Want to talk about it? Maybe it can help, yoi." Ace sighed, before he nodded. "Okay." Ace then put his pen down, before he turned to him. "We started by helping the Green Horns, and I really don't tolerate them. I don't know why, but they really get on my nerves. Then the things they wanted help with was just a mockery of my time, so I was pissed at them. Helped a bit yelling at them, but still annoyed. Then we were with Shanks, and he is still himself, and his job was just another waste of time. Before we met with this man I don't like, but we need to help now and then. Then that man showed up when I got here." Marco nodded. "I get it. We've had a few run-ins with the Green Horns, and they seem… uncaring." Ace nodded. "It is since they are so many, they don't really care for each other. And they think they can waste my time too. I'm done with them for a while, and if they show up here, oh, they'll get another piece of me." Marco chuckled. "I would have loved to see that, yoi. I still haven't seen you in action." Ace chuckled too. "I know, and maybe one day you can see it. I don't want to take the fight away from you." Marco was sure Ace could take on many by himself, Ace was strong and a great tactician.
He sat and spoke with Ace a bit more, before he left him to do his paperwork in peace. As he was out on deck, he went to overlook those out on deck duty, having the time to do so. It wasn't his duty today, but he saw no harm in doing it, and he was the best at it, everyone listened to him. When Ace came out an hour later, Marco went over to the other, leaving Curiel to watch over those on deck duty again, Marco just being with Ace, speaking about this and that, Ace seeming in a better mood. Everyone was still a bit wary of Ace, but it wasn't bad, people just being a bit careful. It would pass, as it had the other times Ace had shocked them by either hurting someone or being annoyed.
Things were calm after that and they were heading to familiar waters, so things would probably be calm for a bit.
-x-
Whitebeard stood out on deck. They were closing in on familiar waters, but as they were a bit more to the west than they used too, they met heavy fog, but they headed on, and when it passed, they saw an island they had never seen or knew about. But as they saw the island, Whitebeard saw that a boat that was seeming to head towards them. It had been docked at the island, but now heading towards them. "What boat is that?" Vista hummed, thinking before he answered, having grabbed the newspaper, before he looked at the wall with wanted posters to enemies. "It's someone called Gennady Garno. They're wanted. I recognize the mark from a newspaper." That had the captain frown. That sounded familiar, but he didn't know from where. It might be since he was on their wall or in the newspaper, but that didn't seem right. "Are they trying to fight us?" Vista nodded. "It seems so, they are at the island, we should try and take them on, they might have valuable loot." That was true, and they hadn't had a fight in a while, so it sounded fun. It seemed like many of them were on the island, being a large mansion there, maybe belonging to this Gennady. They then started a fight, taking on the boat easily, but the hard fight would be on the island. They managed to get a small part on the island that they set camp at, bringing weapons and cannons and cannonballs, readying. But as they were about to charge, Whitebeard felt his powers leave him, and it had him shocked. They must have a seastone tower on the island somewhere. But they had a part on the island and tried to fight, still killing the ones they met with ease. They were the strongest crew in the world. But, as they neared the enemy's house, the enemy started to send horsemen at them, which managed to injure a few of his children. But the enemy formed a line of shooters, being two lines at the start, and many more disposable behind them. They had one that seemed to be in charge counting down and shooting, before he readied themselves again, being around 5 seconds between each time. But they were so far away, so they had no chance of getting close without being shot. It was a tactic that worked. They tried to aim shots at them, and a few hit the line, but the ones who died were quickly replaced. They couldn't do much, but they needed to try. They couldn't lose now. And they wouldn't leave a battle when it had started. They needed to figure out a way to win this, Whitebeard just needed time to think, and think fast.
-x-
Ace appeared on the ship, frowning when he saw the pirates fighting someone on an island. When Ace headed closer with Mika and Trevor, he soon felt his powers disappear. So, they had a seatone tower. Smart. But they would still lose. But, as he saw the mark of the enemy, his eyes frowned. He knew that mark. He could also see the pirates were having issues, as the enemy had a shooting line. They had probably never been up against that before. Ace walked towards the enemy line, seeing Claus heading towards him, a hand out to stop him, probably to have him go to the captain. "Commander Ac-" The man didn't get to finish as Ace just moved his hand away, heading on, seeing a horse being held by a couple pirates, most likely a horse from the enemy as it seemed to be acting wildly, rearing and neighing. Ace moved up to it, a hand moving to its nose to calm it, knowing that helped, before he jumped on its back and onto the saddle, before heading for the enemy.
-x-
Whitebeard noticed Claus coming running up to him. "Pops! Ace just arrived! He's charging alone at the enemy!" Whitebeard blinked. "What?!" He was quickly handed a telescope and he looked towards the battle, seeing Ace sitting on a horse, heading straight for the enemy, who was preparing to shoot. But as the man said ready, preparing everyone to shoot, Ace turned the horse to run sideways, Ace hiding on the side on the horse, away from the enemy, who shot, hitting the horse who fell down dead. As the horse was down, the enemy quickly prepared to shoot again, Ace running to a rock and barely managing to hide behind it as the enemy shot again, Ace not being hit. As the enemy prepared to shoot again, Ace charged at the line of shooters, jumping over them and starting to take people down, using an axe it looked like, smashing and slicing at the enemies, even using their own weapons against them. When the enemy prepared to shoot again, Ace used one of the enemies to hide behind, the man being shot multiple times before Ace let him fall down dead. The fact the enemies all shot at once, which had been their advantage before, was now their downfall.
"Don't worry," Started a voice beside him, Whitebeard turning to see Trevor and Mika there, the man speaking. "Ace is a one man army. He's heading straight for the target." Whitebeard looked at Ace again, who was fighting the enemies alone, some of his children moving to help, but still way behind. "Target?" Trevor nodded. "Yeah. Their leader, he's on our list." That had Whitebeard blink, before he remembered that. Ace had mentioned the man's name before, when he spoke about the list. As he looked at Ace again, he had just sliced down an enemy and a small explosion from a cannonball made a new man come into view, someone on a horse. And how Ace looked at him, made him sure this was the target. But Ace didn't charge directly at the target, but ran a bit to the side, before he jumped on a rock and jumped off it, pulling a bow and arrow out, aiming it quickly and shooting the target in the chest, making so he fell down from the horse. By now, many of his children were close to the enemy, taking a fight on. It made so Ace could calmly walk up to the target, making a motion at his chest, moving his jacket a bit to the side, before he lifted his axe and brought it down on the enemy's neck, killing him instantly. Ace was truly an amazing fighter and a one man army as Trevor said. He had never seen Ace in action, but now that he had, he felt admiritation on how amazing Ace was, but also felt unnerved and abashed, glad Ace was on their team. He really was an amazing fighter. He was in the midst of the enemy line, surrounded by enemies, and he didn't seem to break a sweat as he sliced at them, handling everyone who charged at him, being ready with a body when the enemy shot at him. Ace was amazing. (Scene taken from the Assassin's creed III cinematic)
They then wrapped the fight up, winning easily with the help of Ace. To know he was this good was amazing, taking on all of those alone and killing them so easy, not even seeming to have broken a sweat as it was over. To know he not only had Ace, but also Mika and Trevor too, meant they would be unstoppable against most if this was how good they were. He had now seen Ace in action, and he wanted to see Mika and Trevor too, but also not. To see them in action would mean they believed they would lose the battle, they would only step in if the target was on their list or if they were fighting a losing battle. He still hoped he would see them in action, but not in a bad way. He had half seen them in action, with the whole ordeal with Haruta, but that was just some fighters. He would ask them to join them along fighting now and then, they probably wanted a fight now and then too. They then raided the mansion, finding many usable things, including food, funds, and other things they took because they could, like a few paintings and other things they could sell. The ones who got injured were helped to the infirmary, and it was quite a few, but none was fatally injured or badly injured, just minor ones. Whitebeard did still visit his children in the infirmary when evening came, to tell they had done a good job. After that, things were calm, and they headed through the thick fog on their way out, heading back to familiar waters.
It was a week later, they had just docked at an island they controlled, and when they had, they were told the island had some issues with some rebels. It wasn't anything bad, but they were causing a bit of havoc. So Whitebeard sent Marco to check, and when he came back, he said he had met someone who knew their leader and he would come to speak with them, to see if they could settle their differences, and it sounded like a good idea. It was also some hours away, so they could use the time to think of what to say.
So 3 hours later, Whitebeard frowned, looking at the clock. The man from the island should be here now. They had arranged a meeting so they could speak about their differences. And Whitebeard was looking forward to trying to speak to him, to see why they were so against them. As he was about to ask someone to go check, Ace came on the boat, he had been at the island and knew about the man supposed to be coming, so the captain looked at Ace. "Have you heard from the person from the rebels?" Ace hummed. "Oh him? He came down with a sudden case of a broken neck." Whitebeard blinked. What? How did Ace know that? As he was about to speak, Ace just walked away, seeming to head for his room, and Trevor broke down laughing. Mika however, seemed to be calm as she spoke. "He probably ran into Ace and knowing he's with the rebels, wasn't nice, and Ace probably got miffed and dealt with it the way Ace does at times. He broke his neck." Trevor wheezed. "Case of a broken neck! I love it!" Mika waved at the man. "Ignore him. There is probably another person who can come. Unless they saw Ace doing it. Then they might be scared." Whitebeard nodded, he did want to speak with someone from the rebellion, to hear their point of view. "We'll send someone to check if someone else can come. The rebels aren't so bad here, but I would like to hear why they are so against us." Mika shrugged. "Probably since you're pirates. Many are against pirates." That was true. It might be just that. He would wait a bit and maybe send someone to check if anyone else could speak with them. He did notice Marco heading after Ace, so it needed to be someone else. So he sent Curiel. It was half an hour Curiel returned with a group in tow, and he had a feeling this was the rebels.
When they were close, Whitebeard asked if they were the rebels, which had a man frown. "Oh no, we quit. We quit being rebels." Whitebeard blinked. "Why?" The man took a breath. "Well, if just saying we don't like pirates resolves in a broken neck, we quit. We don't want that fate." Whitebeard blinked. That was why Ace had broken his neck? The man just said that? Trevor chuckled. "He probably had an attitude. Ace don't tolerate attitudes." The man blinked. "Well, Frans could have an attitude. But we still quit. You're not that bad, we think." That was good, that they would quit being annoying on the island and making some small trouble. But, he also believed they did this since they were scared of Ace. Which was an understandable fear, some should fear Ace. He knew some of his children feared Ace, or most did on different levels. Ace could be terrifying, and they had recently seen Ace in action. Whitebeard believed that if Ace turned on them, he could take on all of them. Ace was terrifyingly strong.
-x-
Marco knocked on Ace's door, Ace giving a come in and he opened the door, seeing Ace on his bed, pillow over his face. "How are you, yoi?" Ace sighed. "Guess." Marco moved to sit down on the bed, patting the space beside him. "Come sit." Ace gave a breath, but did move to sit up, legs off the bed like him. Marco then moved a hand to Ace's leg. "How are you, really, yoi?" Ace sighed. "I'm okay. Been a long, long, long, day." Marco nodded. "I guessed. Want to talk about it?" Ace took a breath, but nodded. "Well, let's start with Shanks. Benn was away, and when he is away, Shanks is even more annoying, and I had a black eye then, so he became fussy as he does, and just annoying." Marco nodded. "Sounds like Shanks, yoi. He can be annoying and I can imagine him being worse without Benn. Why did you have a black eye?" Ace chuckled. "I met a fist. It healed quickly as it was just a minor one, but still made Shanks fussy." Marco nodded. He understood it. Ace then sighed. "And then, guess who calls? The Green Horns." Marco frowned. "I thought you were done with them?" Ace nodded, hand moving to his face. "But they actually had a fucking legit reason, so I needed to deal with them. And they still annoy me." Marco nodded. "Makes sense, what was it they needed help with, if you can tell." Ace took a breath. "They lost a couple people they actually like to some noble, and wanted me to deal with him, telling where he was and he really was one of those who needs to die, so I said yes." Marco nodded, he got it. Ace knew which people needed to die. "And then the rebels showed up?" Ace nodded. "They did, and their leader was like 'Pirates are a waste of space', and I was already annoyed, so I dealt with him." Marco nodded. "I get it, yoi. You sound like you have had a long day. And it's just noon." Ace groaned. "Don't say that!" Marco gave a supporting look. "I'm sorry, but it is." Ace let out a sound as he moved to lie down on bed, bringing the pillow back over his face. Marco moved his hand on Ace's leg. "How about you come join us for a game of cards? Maybe you can teach them your game?" Ace nodded, sitting back up. "Maybe that will make the day pass." Marco nodded. "It might. Come on, let's go try. If it fails, we can head to the island and look around some more, yoi?" Ace nodded. "Yeah, let's try." Marco nodded and they headed out to the ones on the deck, asking if someone wanted to play a game, which a few did and they headed to the galley to do that. Ace seemed to enjoy himself, which was good. A few did give looks to Ace, since he had killed a man, but no one asked about it, which was good. Ace could use a break for the rest of the day. And it seemed Ace got it, no assignments coming in and he seemed to enjoy himself while they played cards, before they headed to the island to just see around, and Ace seemed to have fun.
When they headed back as evening came, Ace headed to his room to check a few things, while Marco headed to the galley. It was supper now, and Ace would come in a few minutes. But as he sat down, they were speaking of who to send to be the one watching those who went to the brothels and such, to keep everyone in line, usually a commander, and Thatch had said he could do it, which had Izou speak up. "Wait, didn't you have sex with one of the workers?" Thatch blinked. "Years ago, yes." Izou frowned at that. "Then I don't want you there." Thatch frowned too. "Why not? I'm not going to do it this time." Izou shook his head. "What if you see her and choose to do it? I know you like women." Thatch blinked. "But I love you more, Iz."
Izou didn't seem to care as he shook his head. "No, I don't want you to go there." "Wait," Started Trevor. "You don't want Thatch close to that place since he had sex with someone there?" Izou nodded. "Well, yeah! How would you like to be around someone Mika had sex with?!" Trevor shrugged. "I wouldn't care, as I am around those at times." Izou blinked. "What?!" Trevor shrugged, moving a hand out to Marco. "And by your logic, Marco shouldn't be around me then, but here we are." Izou blinked, and it took him a second, before he got it. "Wait! You and Ace-! You had sex!?" Trevor blinked. "Wow, way to yell it out. And yes. And yes, Marco knows. And he's cool with it." Izou looked over at Marco, who shrugged. "Why should it bother me, yoi?" Izou blinked, looking flabbergasted. "How-! How can you be so cool with it!" Marco shrugged. "As long as they don't do it while I am with Ace, I don't care. It was long ago. And, I trust Ace." Mika nodded. "And, I still remember Hanzo was here, and he's done both Ace and I." Izou blinked, same with all of them. "What!?" Yelled Izou. "How?! I can't imagine Ace having sex with anyone! Let alone Marco! Or Trevor! Or Hanzo! Or Marco! Oh God, I'm imagining Ace and Marco having sex! Why did you do this?!" Trevor shrugged, and before Trevor could speak, another voice did, them turning to see Ace coming inside. "Why are you talking about my sex life?" Trevor laughed, hand out to Izou. "Because Izou means if you had sex with someone, you can't be around them. And yet, here we are. Marco and I! And when Hanzo was here!" Ace shook his head. "That's just stupid. You need to trust the one you're with. If you can't do that, you're not meant to be in a relationship. And, if he breaks the trust, he's a bigger moron." Izou blinked. "Maybe you're right." Ace nodded. "And Thatch would never do that, he loves you, not some worker." Thatch nodded. "I do, Iz. Why would I care about a lone worker? It's their job, not romance. And, I only want to be the one to watch over everyone. We always send someone to hold everyone in lane." Izou sighed. "I get it. I should trust you." Thatch seemed happy with that, and Ace nodded. "You should. And, if he should cheat, he will deal with all of us. You don't cheat on someone, that's wrong." Izou nodded. "That's true." Izou then sighed. "Fine, you can go." Thatch smiled, moving to kiss Izou on his cheek. "Thank you." Thatch then went to tell everyone he would go with them to keep them in line, and everyone seemed okay with it. Thatch was stern when he needed to, so it would go fine.
Izou kept looking at Trevor in shock, and the man shrugged. "Again, I don't see why this is so weird." Izou blinked. "I can't imagine either Ace or Marco having sex, no one fits to be the bottom." Trevor chuckled. "I have the answer to that. But I won't tell, Ace would murder me." Ace nodded. "Yes, yes I would. Some things are personal." It was, and Marco was glad Trevor agreed on that. He could be loose-mouthed on things connected to Ace. But, this was much more personal than the other things. Trevor did care for Ace, in his own way, and Ace seemed to be fine with it. The two really had their own thing. But Marco was glad Ace had Trevor. And he really wasn't scared the two would have sex, he really did trust Ace. He also didn't know about Hanzo, and wanted to ask who else it was, but wouldn't do that now, maybe when they were alone later, if he remembered it.
-x-
Whitebeard saw Haruta blinking as she read the newspaper. "Ace, there's an input about you." Ace frowned. "What is it?" Haruta shook her head a bit. "They're calling you a mercenary. Not Ace of Spades, but Portgas D 'Death' Ace." Ace blinked, before he held a hand out towards Haruta. "Let me see that." Haruta nodded and handed the paper over, Ace humming as he read it. "They've caught on that I help people on islands, so they think I'm a traveling mercenary." Trevor shrugged. "They're not wrong. What does it specifically say?" Ace hummed. "'Portgas D 'Death' Ace has been seen and heard going around on islands and helping those in need, taking different amounts of payment for it, like a mercenary. He is still a dangerous person and should not be approached. He is still traveling with the Whitebeard pirates, suggesting he is a traveling mercenary. Why the Whitebards would take in a mercenary is still a question.'" Trevor shrugged. "Are you a mercenary?" Ace hummed. "I don't know, maybe I am. I don't mind being a mercenary too." Trevor chuckled. "So you're a pirate, assassin, and mercenary. You got a lot to do." Ace nodded, giving a chuckle. "But mercenary is just for fun." Whitebeard frowned a bit. "Have you helped people, son?" Ace hummed. "Yes. Just the odd person, I didn't think people would think any of it." Whitebeard nodded. He hadn't seen that, but Ace sometimes left to do small things on the islands, so this might be that. He would try and see if he saw any of it, of Ace helping others. Haruta frowned. "What is the difference between mercenary and assassin?" Ace hummed. "A mercenary travels and helps where he or she is, while an assassin waits for assignments and heads to help others other places." Haruta nodded, and it did make sense.
It was two weeks later, Whitebeard sat in the meeting room, having their usual meeting now. As they were in familiar waters, they had docked on an island they hadn't been on in a while, and it was an island which Vista's sister resided, and he hadn't seen her in a long while, so he was excited to see her again. So as they had docked, they were going to have this quick meeting in the meeting room, the assassins missing as they were busy with something, but it was just a quick meeting. But as they were closing in on finished, the door opened and Vista's sister, Kira, came though. "Kira! How nice to see you, I didn't know you would come so soon." Said Vista as he moved to hug his sister, who had a smile. "I know, but I have something I need to tell, so I wanted to drop by early." It had the captain frown, knowing Kira was a woman who didn't venture off the island much, seeing as she didn't really want to be a pirate, and had stayed in the island, protecting it. Maybe something had happened? He could see Vista getting worried too, asking what it was, making Kira sigh. "You should sit down, Vista." That was never a good answer, but the man sat down nonetheless, Whitebeard not sure what to expect, seeing as she had come when she would have been told they had a meeting, meaning she wanted to speak to all of them. Vista gave a worried look to his sister. "What is it, Kira? Has something happened?" Kira shook her head. "No, it hasn't. Nothing bad has happened, nothing is wrong, I just need to say something I should have long ago." That was at least something. They hadn't been able to visit this island for a while, and small things could happen.
Before Kira could continue, the door opened and Ace came inside, Ace giving a look to the woman, and as Whitebeard was about to say who it was, Ace spoke. "Well, this explains why the temperature dropped 10 degrees; the Devil is here." It had all of them blink, Kira getting a sort of amused look as she looked at Ace. "Sorry hun, I don't have the energy to pretend I care about you." Ace just gave a chuckle as he sat down, Whitebeard not sure how to react. No one dared to speak anything close to that to Ace, and the sentence Ace had said was just as confusing. Before they could even think of responding, the door opened and Trevor and Mika came in, the man speaking first with a raised eyebrow at Kira. "Well, this explains why the birds are flying away in terror; the she devil is here!" Mika chuckled, looking at the woman as she sat down. "So, queen of darkness, to what do we owe this unpleasant surprise?" Kira lifted an eyebrow at the pair. "I'm not here for you, but here for people that actually matter." Mika looked amused as she looked at Kira. "My, she bites today."
All of them blinked, Vista speaking first, looking shocked. "Okay! Why are you talking to my sister that way?! And Kira! Why are you responding?!" Trevor blinked, looking at the 5th commander with an amused look. "Oh my God! You don't know?!" Vista looked just more confused by that. "Know what?!" Kira sighed, having a hand on her face. "I hoped I could manage to tell before they arrived. And to answer you, mister Silver shit, I decided to not tell them, so they wouldn't worry." Kira called Trevor what? How did she dare that? And Trevor didn't seem to care about the nickname as he snorted. "That never works, just makes it worse." Kira lifted an eyebrow at Trevor. "Well, I must say it seems like you are the one making it worse." Trevor just shook his head. "Whatever you say, she devil!" Vista moved his hands up. "Okay! What the hell is happening!? Why are you acting like this, Kira!?" Mika snorted. "You mean kinder than usual?" Vista blinked, looking shocked and worked up, which he got. This wasn't like the woman. "What's going on! Kira! What are they talking abou!?" Kira gave an annoyed sigh, looking at Trevor. "15 years! 15 years! I have managed to keep this a secret for 15 years! Then you show up and fuck it all up! Major Fuckface!" Trevor snorted. "Not my fault you suck, satan! You need to up your game! Miss Prissy Bitch!" Vista moved to stand a bit up with his hand on the table, looking at his sister."Kira! What is going on?!" Kira sighed, looking at Trevor. "Can I explain without you butting your fucking nose in?" Trevor gave a chuckle, moving to grab a newspaper from the table. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy this. Go on."
Kira sighed, looking at them. "Well then, a long overdue conversation. I'm not just another random person on this island, we have no export business, or import for that matter. I don't work at any of the made up businesses we told you." Vista blinked. "But, how do you get money? You said the business was going great?" Kira sighed. "I have my own business." Vista frowned. "What business?!" Trevor hummed. "Scamming. Here, the latest about your sister's work." Vista took the paper, reading it over, looking more horrified as he read. "You're the she devil?! The She Devil?!" Kira nodded. "Yeah. I work by scamming and extortion." Trevor snorted. "Don't forget intimidation, bullying, defrauding, blackmailing, double-dealing, and let's not forget; treachery and treason." Kira nodded. "That about covers it. I make a lot of money." Vista blinked. "You scam and blackmail the marines and nobles?! You can get injured, Kira!" Kira snorted. "Yeah, right. Like the marines or nobles would dare to do that. The few times I have gotten hurt wasn't by the fucking marines or nobles, but those assholes over there, right, mister fucking assassin?" Ace chuckled. "I told you to buzz off; I was working, you didn't. I warned you, and you chose." Kira gave a look to Ace. "Fine! But did you need to push me off the roof?!" Ace snorted. "Yeah, was I support to escort you out nicely? I told you to fuck off! You didn't. Not my fault you're a bitch." Kira gave an annoyed look. "It was 7 stories! 7 fucking stories! I almost broke every bone in my body! I needed 9 surgeries!" Ace snorted. "Well, you didn't die, did you?" Kira snorted. "Barely. Thankfully, I only met you once. Damn Flower over there has stabbed me more times than I can remember." Mika hummed. "31 times. You deserved every one of them." Kira shook her head. "You are so annoying at times, Missy." Mika made a movement, as if tipping her hat to Kira, who just gave an annoying breath.
Ace then chuckled. "I miss seeing you out in the field. I know when I see you, someone is getting hell." Kira frowned. "See me? I haven't seen you in long. And I've only seen you once." Ace chuckled again. "Well, I've seen you." The captain had a feeling Ace was speaking about Ann. It seemed both targeted marines and nobles. Ace then looked at Vista. "And you have no reason to be worried; your sister is amazing. She can pick a fight and win easily." Vista looked like he didn't know which leg to stand on, looking a mix of lost, worried, and mad. "Why didn't you ever tell me?! Why lie?!" Kira sighed. "Because of this. I knew you would react badly." Vista looked more livid at that. "Bad?! I'm mad! I need to know these things! You can't do this!" Mika moved a bit towards Vista. "Vista, just saying, your sister can take you on and win easy." Both the other assassins nodded, Ace speaking up. "Yeah. She once managed to stab Jackson Ann. And that takes a lot." Kira moved to flick her hair behind her shoulder. "What can I say; I am amazing." It had the captain and the others shocked. Ace was Ann, so in a way, Kira had managed to stab Ace. That must take a lot, Ace was an amazing fighter, and so was Ann.
Vista moved a hand to his face. "I can't believe this." Kira just shook her head, the assassins chucking. "Oh!" Started Trevor, looking at Kira. "Are you joining the gathering next week?" Kira lifted an eyebrow. "The Branch and Brouch gathering?" Trevor nodded. "Yeah! Your man is coming!" Kira moved a hand to her chest. "Oh my, Astley is coming? I still have his pants from when I extorted him. I still haven't dealt with him completely." Kira sighed. "But I can't. I'm busy; I'm heading to a gathering the day before, far away." Ace frowned. "Which? No one is having a gathering." Kira sent a wink at Ace. "Private one. Malsugi."
That had Ace looking somewhat shocked. "Oh. I'll make a deal with you; let Ann join, and I will get you for the Branch and Brouch. Okay?" Kira nodded, moving a hand out. "Deal." Ace shook her hand, both seeming satisfied, while the rest sat shocked, aside from the assassins. Thatch's family was having a gathering and Kira was invited? And now Ann was? It had Thatch looking shocked and horrified. "Woah woah! No! You can't mess with them!" Kira looked confused, before she gave out a sound. "Ah, that's right. You're blood family. And yes; I'm going. Do you know how rare they hold gatherings? Rare. I need to exploit this." Ace nodded. "We do too. Why Ann is going." Kira looked at Ace. "Who is she after?" Ace hummed. "You know, Treach. He's started with some contact with others." Kira shook her head. "Those names are so confusing. We got Treach, Trish, Tritch, Thalia, Thania, Thea, Theodor, Theo, and Thilla." Ace nodded, not saying anything. Kira shook her head. "Anyhow. Feel free to. I am after Thea." Ace nodded. "Good to hear. Knock her down from her high horse." Vista spoke up with a frown. "Who- who is this to Thatch, if he's okay with that." Kira gave a small chuckle, waiting for the nod from Thatch before she spoke. "Treach, Trish, and Tritch are older siblings, Thalia and Thania are younger siblings; twins. Thea is aunt. Theodore died some years ago, uncle. Then there's Theo and Thilla, parents. They are hosting, and since I speak with their family friend, I have a way in." Ace crossed his arms. "I know who this is, and I got no invite. Mean." Kira chuckled. "Didn't know you were after them, she didn't either." Ace sighed. "Still, an invite would have been nice." Kira shook her head. "That's life; unfair. So I will be looking forward to seeing Ann; I like her, compared to you." Ace gave a look to Kira. "Ouch, that hurts." Kira waved her hand at Ace. "To bad, Hun." That had Trevor perking up. "Wait, Hun is okay?" Kira nodded. "Hun has always been okay, the full name isn't." Trevor blinked. "How do you know that and I don't?" Ace shrugged. "Easy; you call me Bunny, not Hun." Trevor thought it over, before he nodded. "True."
Whitebeard was still shocked by all of this, seeing how Kira worked with the assassins often obviously, which was dangerous work. But based on what the others said, she was an amazing fighter, which they didn't know, but the captain believed what the others said, them having seen Kira in action. It was still shocking Kira had managed to hide it for so long, but it also proved how good she was. And he had heard about the She Demon, and to know it was Vista's sister, was a huge shock. He believed the She Demon was a mean, cynical, and selfish person. But none of that fit with Kira. She was a nice and generous person, at least the person they saw. She acted way different now than what she usually did, around the three assassins. "So," Started Trevor, looking at Kira, "How will you get Ann an invite?" Kira shrugged. "Easy, she can be my plus one. I was going alone, but this makes it easier as I'm not alone, and I still like Ann." Ace nodded. "She'll be okay with that. She can pick you up; I'm sending her so you can just appear there." Kira let out a breath. "That's good, great actually. Saves me a long and hasty travel. Thanks." Ace gave a chuckle. "See, I'm not all bad." Kira lifted an eyebrow. "Again, you pushed me off a roof. I'm just waiting for you to try and drown me." Ace shrugged. "Well, I won't. You're not in my way right now. Try and stay that way." Kira gave a look to Ace. "Oh my, threatening me?" Ace shrugged. "Consider it your warning to actually listen when I say move." Kira moved to wave a hand. "I think I learned my lesson last time. I didn't think you would push me off the roof; I thought you were joking." Vista moved his face to be on the table, hand over it. "I am not okay with any of this. Ace pushed my little sister off a roof!" Trevor chuckled. "But think on the bright side; she managed to stab Jackson Ann. Your sister is amazing." Vista moved to sit up again, having a frown as he looked at Kira. "Why are you going with Ann when you stabbed her?" Kira waved her hand in a 'no worries' manner. "We were heading for the same target, so we fought to get the target. I lost; she knocked me out. But I got a hit in." Ace nodded. "She did. Messed it up for Ann; she was mad for a week; you ruined one of her best dresses."
Ace then gave a chuckle. "Why haven't you been working lately?" Kira rolled her eyes, a hand motioning to Vista. "I need to be at my island when he is close, to keep the ploy up. But now, it is all in the open, so I don't need to anymore. Will save me so many hasty travels. I can work much more now." Vista moved a hand. "No! You will not!" Kira lifted an eyebrow. "Yes, yes I will. I need the money for the island, and I enjoy it a lot." Vista shook his head. "No! What if you get injured!? What then!" Kira rolled her eyes. "Again! The few times I have gotten injured, was by your family members! Not the marines or nobles! But those three assassins there! And a few more!" Mika hummed. "Again, you were in my way, I wanted you to leave, so I stabbed you." Vista frowned. "What about Trevor? Has he ever hurt you?" Kira rolled her eyes, motioning towards Trevor, who snorted. "I pushed her down a flight of stairs." Vista's mouth opened in shock. "Why?" Trevor shrugged. "Wanted to. The others had hurt her, and I wanted in. And to be fair, she pushed me down a flight too." Vista moved a hand to his nose. "This is horrible!" Kira rolled her eyes. "Stop being dramatic. It is not horrible. I am allowed to live my life." Vista moved a hand out. "But you could get injured!" Kira lifted an eyebrow. "Do I need to repeat myself for the third time?"
Vista shook his head. "No I heard you, but I can't accept it!" Kira rolled her eyes. "I don't care. I really don't. If you want, let's make it interesting. Fight me, and if I win, I get to continue." Vista nodded. "That's fine! I will be careful to not injure you." Kira lifted an eyebrow, and before she could speak, Ace did. "I bet 15 grand Kira wins." Trevor groaned. "I wanted to bet on her!" Ace shrugged "Tough luck." Trevor let out a sound. "But I don't want to bet on Vista!" Vista blinked. "Hey!" Trevor shook his head, a hand moving to wave at Vista. "Oh no, hun. You're screwed. You can't beat Kira. She's hella strong." Vista blinked. "She's my little sister!" Trevor rolled his eyes. "And? Ace is under half your age and he can kill you with one hand." Vista moved his hands up. "But that's Ace. He's amazing." Trevor lifted an eyebrow. "And as we're saying, Kira is amazing. You will lose." Trevor then looked at Ace. "Also, I am not in on this bet. I will lose." Mika nodded. "Same, unless I can also bet on Kira." Ace chuckled. "I got the bet. Anyone wanna bet on Vista here?" Everyone looked at each other, no one lifting a hand. It had Vista frown. "No one wants to bet on me?" Marco moved a hand to Ace. "I believe Ace. I do, yoi. I think you should too." Izou nodded. "That, and 15 grand is a lot! I can't bet so much." Everyone nodded with that, and the captain had to agree. 15 grand was a lot. And he was with Marco; he believed Ace. If Ace said Kira was strong, he believed that. That, and Kira had managed to stab Ann, aka Ace. He was sure Ann was an amazing fighter and had really fought Kira.
Kira lifted an eyebrow at her brother. "Want to settle this? I am ready." Vista nodded. "We can. Let's head out to the deck." Kira nodded, and they all headed out to the deck, creating a circle as Kira and Vista got ready. Ace then chuckled as he moved a bit into the ring. "Usual rules. No finishing moves, and fight until one is down." Both the fighters nodded, Kira having a grin, looking ready. Ace then counted down, and when he got to 1, he said ready, and Vista moved first. He moved his hand out to punch Kira, and Kira easily evaded it by jumping over his hand, before she landed beside Vista, moving down and leg out and tripped Vista, and when he was down, Kira moved a hand to his neck. "There! I win. Wanna go again?" Vista nodded as he stood up. "You got lucky. Best out of 3." Kira nodded. "Sure." Vista then got ready again, and this time, when Ace said ready, he tried a different approach and went for a punch with his left hand, and when Kira evaded it, the right one was already on its way ,and instead of evading it, Kira moved to grab Vista's arm, twisting it around until Vista's body moved after and he fell to the ground. Kira clapping her hands. "Best out of 5?" Vista stood up, having a frown. "When did you get this good?" Kira chuckled. "Years ago. Hey. I have trained a lot with assassins and informants alike. I even got some help from the leader of the Red Cloud." Ace nodded. "That's right. He trained you for a bit. I forgot about it." Kira nodded. "I have no chance against him, but it was fun and a great learning experience." She then looked at Vista. "So, best out of 5? Or are you done?" Vista gave a sigh. "I have a feeling I will lose." Ace nodded. "You will. Kira is strong. Not stronger than Whitebeard, but stronger than you. Marco might be stronger than her." Kira hummed. "I could beat Marco. Don't you think so?" Ace hummed, thinking for a second. "No, he will beat you. It would be a hard fight, but he would beat you. Not by much, but he would." Kira nodded. "Okay, you're usually right." Ace nodded. "I know." Vista then sighed. "Okay, you win." Kira smirked. "So, I get to continue?" Vista moved a hand to his face. "Can I stop you?" Kira hummed. "No, no you can't." Vista moved his other hand to his face too. "I hate this."
Ace then chuckled. "You can hate this all you want, but Kira is an amazing person and extortionist. We need her in the field." Vista shook his head. "But, it's my little sister!" Kira lifted an eyebrow. "I am much more than just that! I can take care of myself!" Ace nodded. "She can. She knows many tricks." Vista sighed. "Even so. I can't believe you are The She Devil." Kira snorted. "Oh, I can be a Devil. Just ask your friends." Ace nodded. "She is. The marines are terrified of her, same with most nobles." Vista blinked. "Why just some nobles?" Kira shrugged. "I haven't met everyone yet. I've met most, and they hate me, but too scared to act on it. I enjoy it, I like making people afraid." Ace chuckled. "I agree. Making people afraid is fun." Kira chuckled at it, and Vista moved his hands on his face. "This is awful!" Kira chuckled. "Again, you're being dramatic. I can care for myself." Vista shook his head. "I am not accepting this!" Kira rolled her eyes. "And we don't care. I can live my life as I want to." Vista shook his head, before he gave a sigh. "I know, but I wish you wouldn't be doing this." Kira chuckled, moving a hand to clap Vista's back. "You'll be fine, you just need time to accept it." Vista sighed, and the captain wondered how they never had known Kira was The She Demon, but it proved how amazing she was to be able to keep it a secret for so long.
Things after that were calm, and Ace got a request a bit later, only a short one, and he left to do that. And when he was gone, Izou looked at Trevor "I have a question," Started Izou, looking at Trevor. "Why didn't you mention hone- the full name of hun was a no no word?" Trevor snorted. "Ace has no issues with the word Honey, but you can't call him it. That's the difference. And who in their right mind would call Ace the full Hun?" That was true, honey wasn't something one would call Ace. But he was glad to know it was a bad word to call Ace. Things were calm after that, a few leaving the meeting room while a few stayed, and after an hour and half, Whitebeard watched as the door opened, and Ann came inside. As she did, Kira lifted an eyebrow. "My, look who's here. You got time for this?" Ann just chuckled as she moved some hair away from her face. "I do. Haven't you heard? I am here a lot." Kira hummed. "That's true. Ace covering for you?" Ann moved a hand to her face, thinking, looking over at Trevor. "Should we tell her?" Trevor blinked, before he seemed to be thinking himself. "Maybe. Why are you thinking of telling?" Kira gave an annoyed look. "Tell me what? Include me please." Ann didn't mind her as she still looked at Trevor. "I still have place on my team." Trevor frowned. "You do? Isn't like 5 a part of it?" Ann shrugged. "There is a place for 6. Come on, we all like Kira; she's a good extortionist." "Wait," Started Kira. "You want me on your team?! Who is a part of it?!" Ann hummed. "Well, the leader is Ace, then Trevor and Mika are now a part of it as they are here, and then there are Quinn and Soul. Oh, and of course, me." Kira blinked. "Oh, I would love to be a part of that." Ann chuckled. "Consider yourself a member." Kira gave a clap. "Yes! So, what did you want to tell me? I am a team member now." Ann chuckled again. "Who I am." Kira blinked. "You are Ann, Jackson Ann." Ann shook her head. "No, Jackson Ann is a persona." Kira blinked, before she snapped her fingers. "I knew it! You're Ace! Damn it! I knew it!" Trevor gave a laugh as he looked somewhat shocked. "How did you know that?" Kira shrugged. "Well, she rose around the same time as Ace, she is never seen with Ace, and come on! You're a female Azuruko! No one loved that man more than you, you were his child basically." Ann chuckled. "That's true. Now, welcome to the team, you need help with anything, let me know." Kira nodded. "I will."
Vista moved a hand to his face. "I don't like this." Kira shrugged, crossing her arms. "Well, too bad. You don't get to choose." Vista sighed. "I don't have to like it." Ann chuckled. "You need to see Kira in action, real action, Vista. Your worries will leave you. She's an amazing fighter." Kira lifted an eyebrow. "Well yeah, and I still remember I managed to stab you. So I managed to stab the great Ace of Spades." Ann sighed. "You did. I have to admit, you got the better of me for a second, before I managed to get you knocked out." Vista shook his head. "I am not okay with any of this. But no one will listen to me." Kira chuckled. "We will listen, just not care." Vista looked lost with that, obviously worried for his sister. Kira then looked at Ann. "Good to know you can act nice." Ann winked at Kira. "I am my own personality. And some think I am mean. But you've never been in my way either. Which is good." Kira shrugged. "I always liked you in the field. Aside from that one time we fought." Ann chuckled. "I will say, I was contemplating whether to kill you or not, since you really pissed me off. But you are such an amazing extortionist, I decided to let you live." Vista clapped his hands. "Okay! That does not make this easier!" Ann chuckled. "Just saying the truth." Kira gave a huff. "I knew something like that was on your mind. I was sure you would kill me." Ann shook her head with a chuckle. "You are so good so I decided against it." Kira hummed. "Feels good to hear it. I am amazing." Trevor lifted an eyebrow. "You're also cocky." Kira hummed. "Well, I need to be cocky to survive." Ann nodded. "True. I am too when I work. No one is quite as stunning as me, so I am above everyone. Everyone." Kira nodded. "You are. And I like going with you, gets me more attention." Whitebeard frowned. "How does that work?" Kira hummed. "Everyone wants a piece of Miss Jackson, so if I am with her, people want a piece of me." That made sense in a way. Miss Jackson was a special woman.
Things were calm after that, Ann staying for a few hours, before she went to change, coming back as Ace half an hour later. As Ace was back, Kira spoke of times she had seen Ann and how she liked her, and was still a bit shocked Ace was Ann, but it made sense. It had Vista groan when they spoke about when Ann had knocked out Kira and when Mika had stabbed her, especially when Kira mentioned she could work much more now that she was on the team with Ace. But it had Ace look at Vista. "Think of it like this; do you want Kira to be all alone in the field, or with me on my team?" Vista sighed. "I want her with you, Ace. That sounds safer." Ace nodded. "It is. And she can take care of herself." Vista nodded. "Apparently." Ace chuckled. "Don't be so worried. Things will go fine. She's with us now." Vista nodded. He didn't seem to like what his sister did, but there wasn't much he could do. Kira seemed to be a strong woman, and she had beaten Vista in battle easily.
Vista seemed to let it go, but it was as Ace said, Kira was with them now, on his team, so she was protected. Kira stayed with them for a while, and even had a battle with Ace. Ace had beaten her easily. Using a move he had seen Ace done before when he had trained with them. He had hit Kira's shoulder, before he jumped over her, grabbing her hand and throwing her over himself before to the ground, Kira grunting. It was a move Ace did often, but they still had no way to counter it. They had tried many strategies, but none worked. No one had even come close to winning over Ace in battle. He had a feeling none of them would. Ace was strong. Kira then stayed with them for an hour more, before she left for her island, having a meeting she needed to get to, saying she would drop by after the gathering, Ace could take her back to say hi and see she was fine, which Vista liked. It was still shocking she was The She Devil, but it was clear she was strong. She would be fine.
They stayed at the island for another day, before they left. They were close to another island, a neutral one they often docked at, and headed there, just a day away. And when they got to it, everyone being in good moods, Ace came out on deck, not having his usual clothes on, but a black outfit. It wasn't his assassin outfit either, and before he could ask about it, Ace hummed. "I'm going on an escort mission today. So if a man named Mike comes, tell him I'll be right back. I forgot something in my room." The captain nodded, and Ace headed towards his room again. He had just come from there, but he had obviously forgotten something. And it had to be a working outfit, but there was no mask, Ace was going as himself, just in back clothes. An escort mission was something he hadn't heard Ace do before, so this was a bit interesting and he was wondering why this Mike needed to be escorted by Ace. And it wasn't long after Ace left that an older man came on the ship, being close to his 70's it seemed like, but had a vibe. "I'm here for Ace." The man, most likely Mike, stated, making the captain nod. "He will soon be here, he forgot something in his room. I guess you're Mike." Mike nodded, not having a clear expression on his face, just a controlled calm one. "I am. And we're already late, so I hope he is quick." It had Whitebeard shocked on how the man just said that, seeing who Ace was, and Thatch spoke up with a frown. "How can you do that? You just came! You're late then!" Mike kept the same calm look as he looked at Thatch. "No. I said 3, I was punctual, he is late. We're heading to a dangerous territory." Thatch blinked at it, before he motioned to the man. "Why are you even heading to a dangerous territory? I mean, Ace is a good escort, but wouldn't it be too dangerous for you? No offence… not much at least. You're a bit old."
As Thatch started speaking, Ace appeared from the corner behind him, looking amused as he walked up with his arms crossed. "Thatch," Started Ace, making the chef turn around. "I'm not escorting Mike; he's escorting me. Mike is above me." That had Thatch frown, before he looked shocked and turned back to Mike, who raised an eyebrow. Thatch quickly held his hands up. "I- I'm sorry for assuming." So, Mike was the one who was above Ace. Mike just shook his head, and Ace gave a chuckle. "Mike is our best, so be careful." That made Mike sigh. "I am not a kid, compared to you, I have control." Thatch looked shocked at that, as most did. Ace had amazing control, but he didn't doubt this man; he seemed to be the epitome of control itself. Ace just waved his hand, not seeming to mind the comment. "Yeah yeah, we know. Let's head on; I already made us a couple minutes late." Mika nodded as he started to walk off the boat. "As usual." Ace sighed as they walked away. "Will you be like this all the way? I hope not." Mike chuckled. "I will try not to. Let's head on." Ace nodded and moved a hand to Mike's shoulder, and the two disappeared. He wondered where they were going, seeing as Ace needed an escort. It might be that they would head up north, where the phenomenon was that counteracted devil fruit abilities. He could understand, if they were going to head to dangerous territory there, that Ace wanted an escort. That Mike had to be a strong person to be above Ace, a man he had heard about from Ace a couple times. And it was as he had said, he was older than Ace, quite a bit. He hoped Ace would be fine and nothing bad would happen on the escort mission. It had to be really bad territory if Ace wanted, or needed, an escort. But he could only wait.
When an hour had passed, Mika and Trevor came out on deck, having been doing something, and the captain turned to them. "Do you know where Ace is heading with Mike?" Trevor hummed. "Up north, bad island, but they need to get something, and they requested Ace." That made sense, and he hoped they would be fine. "Why is the island so bad?" Trevor sighed. "They're at war. The island is a mess." Whitebeard nodded, he hoped Ace would be fine. So when evening came, 7 hours having passed, Ace returned, Mike with him. As they had appeared, Trevor spoke up. "How'd it go?!" Ace moved a hand up. "Perfectly. Just perfectly." Trevor blinked. "Really?" Ace nodded. "The war seems to have calmed down." Mike nodded. "It seemed like it. And I am sure you could have done without me." Ace chuckled. "Still nice to have you with me." Ace then held a hand out to Mike, looking at them "This is Ehrmantraut Mike, he is the father of everything; fighting, sneaking, shooting, escorting, planning, you name it." Mike gave a nod to them. "Good to meet you all." Ace then moved his hand a bit. "He also wants to join us for a bit, until the next island, if possible." Whitebeard nodded. "Good to meet you. Why can't Ace just take you?" Mike hummed. "I would like to see how it is here. Ace speaks highly of you." Whitebeard blinked. Ace did? Ace chuckled. "I do. It is nice here." Mike nodded. "And, I like to get affiliated with known crews if I can." Whitebeard nodded, that he got. It was always the best to be on friendly terms with crews around the world. Trevor then went over and hugged the man, Mika giving him a kiss on the cheek as she said hello. It was clear everyone liked Mike.
Things were calm after that, Mike chatting with a few of them about regular things, and as he was, Haruta asked if Mike could have a duel with Ace, which he agreed to if Ace said yes, which he did with a sigh. The two then got into a battle stance and started a duel. The first half hour, it was littered with hits and counters, no one getting a hit in. After another half hour, Whitebeard watched as Mike and Ace went in a circle, before Ace moved to try and hit Mike, a move he had seen Ace do before and it would be a quick one, him barely able to see it before it was over as Ace was incredibly fast, and would move to jump over Mike when he had hit him. Ace had done the move when he had tried with them, and they had no counter to it no matter how much they tried. But as Ace's hand almost touched Mike's shoulder, he had a hand out, defending himself against it by hitting it away, before Mike moved to grab Ace's other arm, turning around and moving to drag Ace over himself, before smashing him down to the deck, before he just clapped his hands. "Still to slow, Ace." Said the man calmly, not even out of breath as it had gone by so quick. All of them just stood and sat in silence. Ace just lost a battle. It was a friendly duel, but he lost.
Ace moved to stand up with a small groan. "I forgot how much that hurts." Mike helped him up with a smile. "Next time, be faster." Ace snorted. "I'm trying here." "Woah!" Started Thatch, moving his hands frantically "You just beat Ace! You can't beat Ace! He's unbeatable!" Mike lifted an eyebrow. "Who said that? He certainly is not." Thatch looked lost for words. "But… He's Ace of Spades… You can't just beat him." Mike let out a small puff. "I can, and just did. He's still just human." That had Thatch swallow, looking remorseful. He had probably forgotten Ace was just human. The way he fought and held himself was with power, and how he never seemed intimidated by anything or anyone. Whitebeard had to say he did sometimes forget himself Ace was just human. But he was, and this Mike was an extremely good fighter to be able to take Ace out, despite his age. Ace chuckled. "Everyone forgets I'm human, I'm used to it." Mike nodded. "I know the feeling. Most think the same about me at times." Whitebeard could understand that. Mike must be an amazing fighter and an amazing person to be able to take on Ace that easily. But it was as Ace had said, Mike was the father of everything, so he must be strong.
It would be interesting to have Mike with them for a few days.
And that's the chapter, hope you enjoyed
This was a bit of this and that and I hope the Kira part wasn't too long, we'll see her every now and then, rarely. And Mike needed a show as i have spoken about him before and people have wanted to see him
Come check out my one shot series of this story, containing missing scenes and different scenes from this story
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