Hello everyone, here is the next chapter!

I really hope you are enjoying this story this far and hope to see you in later chapters as well!

Read and relax

Whitebeard sat in the galley and was eating dinner, some kind of spicy food from somewhere he didn't quite remember. But it was good, although a bit spicy. But Luffy, before he took a bite, he took on more spice, which had Sabo look at his younger brother. "Lu, it is already spicy." Luffy shook his head. "No, it needs more!" Sabo sighed. "You haven't even tasted it yet." Luffy shook his head as he continued to take on more spice. "It needs more." Sabo shook his head. "Fine. Be like that."

When Luffy was done taking on more spice, he then took a bite, a large one, before Luffy blinked and moved a hand to wave at his open mouth. "It is spicy!" Thatch nodded "Of course it is! You took on extra spice! On something spicy!" Luffy nodded, before he started to drink apple juice. Thatch did try and say he needed to drink milk if he wanted the spiciness away, but Luffy wasn't having any of it, and continued to drink apple juice, drinking a lot, and he drank it fast. Sabo just shook his head and ate on, before he moved to take a drink of the juice, and when he did, he gave a sound as he spit it out, before he looked at the glass. "This is rancid!" Thatch blinked. "It is?" Sabo nodded and handed the glass to him, which the chef smelled, before he blinked. "Oh God, it is."

Thatch then looked at Luffy. "How did you not notice!" Luffy shrugged, and Sabo gave a hum. "I think he fried his taste buds with the spicy food. Is it dangerous to drink it bad? Lu drank a lot." Thatch shook his head, before he stopped and blinked. "Oh no. It's not dangerous, but it can… ferment into alcohol." Sabo blinked, before he looked at Luffy, and he did the same, and his eyes were kinda glazed over. Sabo blinked. "So, he will get drunk?" Thatch nodded slowly. "He might get…" Sabo blinked. "Wow, this will be fun once Ace shows up." Whitebeard blinked. That could mean bad. How would Ace react if Luffy got drunk? Ace was due to show up in some hours. If Luffy got drunk, he would be drunk when Ace showed up.

A bit later, him keeping a close eye on Luffy, Luffy almost vibrated as he stood still for a moment, but was running around currently, and Sabo looked a bit confused. "Where did all the energy come from?" Thatch made a small sound. "Old apple juice also has a lot of sugar in it. Sugar high and drunk." Sabo blinked. "Oh, how fun this will be." This would at least be interesting.

An hour later, Ace showed up, and Ace blinked as he saw Luffy running around, almost running into a wall, before Ace looked at Sabo. "Is he drunk? Should I be mad?" Sabo shook his head. "No, it was an accident with rancid apple juice. He drank like a gallon." Ace blinked. "So, he is high on sugar and drunk?" Sabo nodded. "Basically yes." Ace sighed, before he looked at Luffy running around. "He's gonna feel so bad tomorrow." Sabo nodded. "Most likely yes." Ace nodded, before he let out a breath. "I'll cancel my plans." Sabo blinked. "You don't need to. I can handle this. Can you even cancel your plans?" Ace looked at his brother. "I know you can, I have full faith in you, but I also want to be here for a bit. And yes, it is just some meetings." Sabo nodded. "I get that, you're allowed to stay as long as you can." Ace chuckled. "Even if you said no, I would have stayed." Sabo nodded as he chuckled. "I know."

Luffy then continued to run around, when he did notice Ace having come, he did say something, but God knows what he said as it was so slurred. Luffy really was drunk, and on such a sugar high, so he spoke so fast as well. It was a bit amusing to watch, but he also felt bad for Luffy as he would feel so awful tomorrow.

After a few hours, Luffy just… collapsed. He was in mid run, when he just fell down and came to a sliding halt, and seemed to either be asleep or unconscious, or maybe a mix. It made Ace head over and lift his youngest brother, before he looked at his other brother. "I think it is bed time now." Sabo blinked. "It isn't even 8pm." Ace looked at Sabo. "I can tell time, Sabo. I know, but Luffy is out, and I am not going to leave him alone." Sabo nodded. "Well, yeah, I agree." Ace nodded. "So, come on. We can fit all of us in his bed." Sabo nodded and headed after. As they were gone, Thatch shook his head a bit. "I feel bad for him." Whitebeard nodded, he did the same. He really hoped Luffy wouldn't feel too awful. They didn't see the three brothers the rest of that day.

When the next day came, and the three brothers came out, Luffy seemed… well, fine. He did say he had a sort of headache, but that was it. But he might have been worse before he came out. That was good, that he was fine, at least now. He didn't want Luffy to feel awful. The morning then went by fine, and as they were eating lunch, Ace still present, Ace hummed and looked at him. "Also, I have heard about the famous Whitebeard parties, what happened to that? You've barely had a huge party, and to be honest, it didn't live up to the name." Whitebeard didn't know how to respond, when Sabo did. "You do realize that it is because of you?" Ace blinked. "I am barely here, Sabo." Sabo nodded. "Yes, but they know if they fuck up with us, they meet your wrath. That keeps everyone on their toes." Ace rolled his eyes. "Oh for heaven's sake. Why is everyone so damn scared of me!" Sabo gave a look. "Oh, I wonder why, mister 'let me kill everyone who looks at us funny'." Ace rolled his eyes again. "Oh come on! It was like only 2 times!" Sabo shook his head. "More like 200, but yeah."

Ace shook his head and looked at him. "You can have parties. I don't care." Whitebeard still felt unsure. Sabo hummed. "Okay, let us put that to the test: they party, they get drunk, something insignificant happens, to us. I don't know. A bruise. How would you react?" Ace hummed. "If it was an accident, it was an accident. I wouldn't be mad." Sabo hummed. "I won't believe it until I see it." Ace sighed. "You are labeling me as the bad guy here!" Sabo shook his head. "No, you are. You are so overprotective! Calm down!" Ace blinked. "I am calm!" Sabo shook his head. "No, you're not." Sabo then looked at him. "Also, don't hold back. I can handle Ace." Ace sighed. "I am still not that bad." Sabo hummed. "You are." Ace just shook his head. Whitebeard nodded to himself. He would try and have a party, they couldn't hold back forever. And it would be better if it got gradually bigger, and not suddenly just have a super huge one. He would speak with his commanders.

So, when they had their next meeting, he brought it up, and everyone agreed they should try and get back to normal, as they did enjoy partying, and that most likely, nothing would happen, so they would take it a bit slow at the start. So, the next day, they prepared to party, and it didn't take long for people to get really drunk, before some drunk activities were started, which included football.

And as they were kicking the ball around, it got to Thatch, who was obviously way drunk, and he kicked it hard. And Whitebeard was sure he was aiming for the goal, but no, it went straight towards Sabo, and hit him in the face, making him fall down with a loud sound. As he was hit, it was clear it sobered up Thatch, probably because of two reasons. Reason one, he hurt someone. Reason two, it was Sabo, Ace's brother. Sabo then got up, and it was clear the football had hit his left side of the face as his left eye was already growing blue. Sabo moved a hand to it. "Okay. Ouch. That hurt." Thatch sputtered. "I-I-I'm sorry!" Sabo shook his head. "Nah, no issue. I'll be fine. Although it did hurt." Thatch still looked guilty and a bit scared.

Sabo then gave a laugh. "Also, I can't believe it! First real party and this happens? Ace will be so pissed. Oh, how I am looking forward to telling him he said he wouldn't be mad, so he can't be mad." Whitebeard blinked, that was true. Ace had said that. This would be interesting. He looked at Sabo. "You should probably head to Bay a trip." Sabo sighed. "I should. So I can say to Ace I have been there." Sounded smart, and Sabo headed there, and returned after a bit, and when he asked how it had gone, Sabo hummed. "Just fine. Nothing broken. At least nothing serious. Might have a hairline fracture, but don't tell that to Ace." He would try not to.

The day then went on, and he could see some of his children being tense, knowing Ace would show soon, and that would be interesting. Hopefully, it was as Sabo said, Ace wouldn't be mad because of what he had said.

So, when Ace showed up and looked at Sabo, Ace was on his way to talk as his eyes frowned, when Sabo spoke. "Accident. Remember what you said; accidents are allowed, you wouldn't be mad." Ace was on his way to talk, before he closed his mouth, before he tried again, and again, before he moved a hand to his face as he spoke. "I hate what I say." Sabo chuckled. "So, not mad Ace, how are you?" Ace took a breath. "Okay! Fine! Yes, maybe I am a bit mad! But have you looked in a mirror!" Sabo chucked. "You're so mad about the fact you can't be mad." Ace nodded. "Yes, yes I am. How did this happen!" Sabo hummed. "Football accident." Ace sighed. "Okay, so no one punched you?" Sabo gave a dumb look. "Why would anyone punch me?" Ace moved a hand. "I don't know. That's why I am asking."

Sabo hummed. "It legit was an accident with drunk football." Ace gave a breath. "Okay, fine, it happened. See, not mad." Sabo chuckled. "You're so mad." Ace chuckled. "Maybe. But it will probably heal well. You didn't break anything?" Sabo shook his head. "Just a bruise." Ace nodded. "Good. Also, really? First party, and you get injured? What are the odds of that?" Sabo chuckled. "Pretty high apparently. I am sure it won't happen again." Ace gave a small look to Sabo. "If this becomes regular, you are not staying here." Sabo shook his head. "I am sure it won't happen often. It was a legit accident." Ace sighed. "Fine. I am not mad." Sabo chuckled. "You're so mad on the inside." Ace just gave a look to his brother, before he shook his head with a sigh. "Maybe I am. But you've been with White Bay?" Sabo nodded. "Yes, I have, just a bruise." Ace sighed. "Okay, okay, fine. It is okay. I'm not mad." Sabo nodded. "Good."

Ace let out a breath. "Has anything else happened?" Sabo shook his head. "Nothing worth mentioning." Ace nodded. "Good." Sabo nodded. "It is. How long are you staying?" Ace hummed. "I can stay for a few days now. Nothing happening on my end either right now." Sabo nodded. "Good." It was always interesting to have Ace around. He was a special kind of person. The day then went on, Ace was sporadically gone now and then, probably because of different reasons. There was even one time when Marco was suddenly gone, but he showed quickly again. Sabo also had this knowing look, which he found confusing. But he was sure it was nothing.

The next day, they docked at an island, and it was one that was neutral, and they have been here before, but at this time, it seemed a bit more tense than last time. But as they were checking the island out, many people with him, which also included the three brothers, they met a man who was really causing some ruckus. So, they tried to intervene.

Whitebeard tried first with his words, but it didn't do much, and the man walked a bit up. "And, who's gonna stop me?" Ace hummed as he took a step forward. "Us." The man smirked. "How can you when you're dead?" He said as he took a sudden step forward and stabbed Ace in the gut, he heard a surprise breath being taken, before he watched as Ace stumbled a bit, before he fell down on his side, trying to breathe but was obviously unable to. It made Sabo's eyes widen. "Ace!" He yelled as he took a step forward, but was stopped by the man. "No no. You're not going this way. That way. Or you will end up like him." He said, and made them move out the room, leaving Ace to die, and he was dead as the chest was no longer moving and the struggling to breathe had stopped. Ace was dead. This was it, Ace died, just like that.

They were then forced to walk, and the man left them for a second, and Thatch looked horror stricken. "We're screwed." Seeing how he had managed to kill Ace just like that. Ace, who was so amazing and just knew everything, died just like that. This man had to be strong. Luffy shook his head. "No, because Ace will save us." Sabo moved a hand to his mouth. "Lu…" Luffy shook his head. "No, he is fine! I just know it!" Of course Luffy would have a hard time understanding this. His brother was dead.

The man then returned, and he could see a few on their way to try and fight, when the man laughed. "You can't stop me, none of you! I am-" The man cut off as a sword came through his chest, right through where his heart was. The man looked at it, before he turned around, but just in his spot, so he couldn't see who it was. "You…" Said the man, before he made a stumbling step. "How…?" Then he fell down, and he could only blink. Because there, stood Ace, looking just fine. How? Ace shook his head a bit. "Moron." Then Ace looked at his brothers. "You fine?" Luffy nodded and ran up and hugged Ace. "Yes! I knew you'd come!" Ace did wince a bit, but hugged back, and Sabo was soon in the same embrace.

When they parted, Sabo looked at his older brother. "...how?" Ace smiled at his brother. "He was a moron. You don't die from a single stab to the gut. He didn't even twist the knife. So, I played possum. Didn't even check if I was dead. You always do that." Whitebeard blinked. Ace was really amazing at playing possum then. Because that had looked and sounded really believable. Luffy then looked at Sabo. "I said he would come!" Sabo nodded. "Yeah, you did."

They then left for the boat, and when they got to the boat, he looked at Ace, and his shirt was soaked with blood now. "You should see Bay, Ace." Ace hummed. "Nah, it's not that bad." Sabo sighed. "Your shirt is soaked in blood, Ace." Ace blinked. "And?" Sabo sighed. "Can you, for once in your life, go to the infirmary willingly?" Ace sighed. "Will it make you stop bothering me with this?" Sabo nodded. "Yes. Please, just a small trip. Ace sighed. "Fine, if it makes you happy." Sabo nodded. "It will." Ace then headed on to the infirmary, but after just some minutes, Whitebeard blinked when Ace came out. "Are you okay?" Ace nodded. "Got the all clear." Sabo gave a disbelieving look. "You did?" Ace nodded. "Go ask her if you don't believe me." Sabo sighed. "Fine, I believe you." Ace smiled. "Thank you." If he hadn't been clear, he wouldn't be out. Bay was stern like that. But still, Bay always made sure they had healed a bit before letting them out. And, he knew Ace being an assassin didn't scare her one bit for some reason. But, Bay wasn't here, heading after him, or sending a nurse, so he did believe Ace was fine. Ace then looked at his bloodied shirt. "Let me just change, back in a sec." Then he was gone in black smoke, and back a minute later with a new one, this one black.

As Ace was back, Whitebeard looked at Ace. "How are you fine? He stabbed you. You died." Ace hummed. "Nope. And, he stabbed me in the gut, the gut. Why would my breathing be labored with that? I played possum. Very good at that." That was clear. That was amazing. Ace chuckled. "Also, he sucked. He didn't even twist the knife, that is like stabbing 101, you twist the knife. Like really turning it around. Makes the wound worse. Unless you hit the heart, as I did. Stabbing 101." That did make sense. Sabo gave a breath, before he hugged Ace. "You scared me!" Ace hugged back. "Sorry. Needed to make him think I was dead." Sabo nodded as they let go. "Yes, I get that. But I really thought you were dead!" Ace nodded. "But I wasn't. I am fine." Sabo nodded. "I know, and I am so glad about that." Ace chuckled. "I know you are."

Ace then stayed for a bit, before he left, promising to return in about 3 weeks, as he had some business to do. So, they headed on, and after sailing in some new waters for a bit, they got to an island which was close to another island, and when they docked, the inhabitants seemed on edge, and when he asked why, he was told the island close by, had some real bad people on it, which were taking people and killing them, and they had heard about them helping, and asked Whitebeard for help, which he of course would give. Just before they got to the island, their powers, as in Devil Fruits, had stopped working, but they would be quick, so Ace wouldn't notice. It seemed to only be around these two islands, not a large area.

But before they could leave to help, they were told by the mayor that the most recent prisoner was his daughter, a girl called Hannah, and they used her as leverage to keep them at the bay, which worked. She had been taken 3 days ago, and they couldn't rush the place as they would kill Hannah on sight. And the man who was responsible, a man called Craig, constantly bullied them. They really needed to help.

So, they headed to the other island in a smaller boat. Sabo and Luffy had asked to join, but he had said no, in case, as he didn't know how this would turn out, and would try a small peaceful approach first, and then have many on the stand by. And if they heard nothing in half an hour, to come and help them. Which he felt was a good thing, as he did have a bad feeling.

When they got to the island in the small boat, they were quickly taken to a house far on the island, a large house, and were told to wait with Hannah, who was there and to wait for Craig. And as they were on the island and moved more into it, they saw horrendous things. They saw dead bodies, tossed away as trash. They needed to deal with this. He had hoped the mayor was exaggerating, but it was clear he wasn't.

When they got to the house, there was another person there, which had to be Hannah, but he couldn't be too sure as the person was sitting and tied to a chair, hands behind her, and hood over her head. She did seem a bit… taller than what he would have believed, for being a child. But who else could it be? They had said Hannah was in here.

Whitebeard looked at the girl. "Hannah, are you okay?" No answer still. He tried to talk to her a lot, but no answer, and when a bit of time had passed, the door opened and the man who must be Craig came in and gave a chuckle. "Ah, you've become friends? How good. And finally, Hannah, you have shut up." She must think more people were here to hurt her, that was probably why she was quiet now, since they were here. She didn't know if they were friendly or not. Criag then gave a chuckle and looked at them. "I like how you think you could just show up and save everyone. You can't do that! I am invincible! I am untouchable! No one can beat me." This was bad, they needed a plan. Craig chuckled again. "Now, let me show you how we have fun." Craig said as he moved over to Hannah, and they tried to make him stop, but to no avail.

Craig moved and took off the hood of Hannah, his shape being in front of hers, and he gave an evil chuckle, but it quickly died in his throat as the hood was off and he dropped it to the ground. "W-w-How?" Said Criag as he walked backwards, before he stumbled and fell down, and as he did, he had to blink. In the chair, wasn't Hannah, but Ace, who stood up and looked at Craig. "Hi, Craig." Craig seemed out of breath, before he stood up. "You can't be here! You-" Craig stopped speaking as Ace took a step forward and headbutted Craig, making him fall down unconscious.

Ace then shook his head with a chuckle. "Love to do that." Whitebeard blinked and had no response for a bit, so when Ace released them, he managed to find his voice. "How?" Ace hummed. "Oh. We got a person who called for someone to help with their issue. Not me, but then I saw you were close, and I am not putting my brothers in danger, so I took the mission, and lo and behold, you needed it." When they were all free, Ace put his hands together. "Now. Did you really think I wouldn't know that you would head to an obviously dangerous place? What if they were here? What if they followed you? What if they took them as well?" Whitebeard had no answer, no idea what to say, but then another voice spoke up as a person came through the door. "Oh my God! Stop with the 'what if's'!" Said Trevor as he came through. "You have been going on and on about that for 2 days now!" Whitebeard was still shocked.

Ace looked at Trevor. "But what if?" Trevor moved a hand to his face. "God damn it. You're so annoying. And yes, Hannah is back with her father. A bit shaken up, but she'll pull through." Ace nodded and looked at Trevor. "Did you take out everyone I didn't?" Trevor nodded. "I did. Not that many were left though." Ace hummed. "I know, they suck. They really are careless here." Whitebeard felt shocked. They were so on guard here. He looked at Ace. "How? There were so many guards." Ace hummed. "Not really. They were careless, they never really checked in with each other, they wandered about, they had fun. Very easy. I've infiltrated fortresses worse than this, even villages worse than this, even buildings worse than this. This was nothing." Well, Ace was amazing. This was just so amazing. "How did you even get into this place?" Asked Izou, and Ace hummed again. "I snuck into a boat with dead bodies and hid, and then just snuck in here when it docked. Very easy." That was amazing, that he managed that. But then again, Ace was amazing.

They then got back to the ship, him seeing all the bodies behind, but everyone here deserved it, Ace carrying Craig. When they got back to the town, Ace calmly handed Craig over to them, before he said they would leave them alone, and if anyone bothered them, to call a number he left behind. Which was good.

They then left, and Sabo and Luffy were glad to see his brother again, which was good. The three were really close, but then again, they had grown up together. He still wished Ace had joined them as well, but he got Ace didn't want to join. But maybe he will join later. But he could only hope.

And that's the chapter! Hope you enjoyed

I really do hope you are enjoying this version of this story

If you have any ideas, don't be afraid to share them!

I hope you enjoyed, and if you want to, I do love feedback, so don't be afraid to leave a review, or send a PM!

If you also want to, I have a Twitter, my name is Azuruko, and I have a discord, my tag/username is Azuruko#5250, as well as a server (Instant invite: discord . gg / 6hzMhbR) where everyone is welcomed! Updates is also posted there, both on discord and on twitter